The Artful Utilitarian

Most people who know me understand my love of art history, architecture, and all things fashion of course! However, they would also tell you that I have an adoration for Impressionism, portraits, and above all Bauhaus art. Even at a young age from initial sketching to learning techniques from my seasoned professors I knew that it would be one my favourite eras to study.

Engineers and architects run in my family, so it wasn’t too far off the structured ladder when I gravitated toward fine art with fashion thrown into the mix, which in time would also be the blueprint of my occupation.

I remember sitting in design class … most times my inspirations were not as direct or literal as the average pupil, it wasn’t a rebellious act nor was it intentional. It was just my interpretation. Occasionally abstract, sometimes acutely defined within the brushstrokes, and often with an underlining significance for everyone to relate to.

The Inspiration:

This outfit: a men’s army shirt that I clumsily spilled loads of paint on one day, which is one that I wear quite often during my crafty studio sessions and sewing projects. With its pockets and roomy silhouette it’s very useful for studio creations, as there aren’t any constrictions or fit related seam issues.

The paint spill resulted in making a heart somewhere in the doodling process. It also reminded me of a building-block game, the artwork of Alma Buscher (1924). Buscher created popular children’s toys that were balanced in proportion and easily defined for a child to comprehend. What can I say, even in paint smears I see more than colours embedded in my seams!

Fashion Tales

Photos: Top image: artwork by Ladyofashion, Alma Buscher image: Layofashion’s art book collection from Taschen’s 25th Anniversary special edition-Bauhaus

The goods: Men’s shirt-Smith’s, Tunic-Roxy, Messenger bag-Delia’s NY, Shoes-BDG/Urban Outfitters


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75 comments

  • plumbing supplies says:

    If you're a professional with lots of papers, pens, gadgets, and small personal items, look for a bag with many pockets inside the main compartment. Bags that have small pouches on the outside tend to spill out when you set them down.

    Reply
  • Kimberlee VDW says:

    Love the inspiration 🙂 The outfit turned out great!

    Reply
  • Miranda says:

    I love this look! That dress looks really comfortable and I love the striped print paired with the jacket, great colors!

    Reply
  • the Citizen Rosebud says:

    I LOVE how you've taken something inspirational and made it immensely wearable. Nice! 

    Reply
  • Marcela says:

    Beautiful photos and post!!! thank you for your comment!
    Would you like to follow each other?
    Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

    Reply
  • SewPetiteGal says:

    I love this look!  The badge on the sleeve is the perfect touch!

    Reply
  • creativefashionglee says:

    I´d call it a "hot" military street look. so fab!

    Reply
  • creativefashionglee says:

    I´d call it a "hot" military street look. so fab!

    Reply
  • Jamillah says:

    i love this outfit, i'm digging everywhere to find the perfect army inspired oversized shirt. love it with the dress and totally see the relation to the toys. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you! xo

    Reply
  • Wynne Prasetyo says:
    Reply
  • Mimi Writes says:

    i love this outfit! it looks comfy and super stylish! 😀

    <3, Mimihttp://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/Mile End Bakery Giveaway: Win a dozen cookies of your choice!Open internationally: Win a set of temporary tattoos!

    Reply
  • Emily says:

    Such a pretty look! I love the colors and how you styled it.

    creamyclothes.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Josie Franske says:

    What great interpretation of your inspiration!
    xo Josie
    http://www.winksmilestyle.com

    Reply
  • Absolutely Mrs. K says:

    love the simpleness of the dress, the shape is pretty simple but it looks amazing, fabulous idea with the shirt 

    Reply
  • Count To Four says:

    love your dress and jacket! 

    we finally got gfc, now following you! would really appreciate it if you followed back 🙂

    http://www.counttofour.com

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you so much Kizzy! Have a great weekend. xx 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Hello Armato! Great! If you cannot find it still, you should be able to click on the icon on my sidebar. Perhaps, just copy and paste it! Hope that helps!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You're very welcome! And thank you so much, ditto! -xx Happy weekend Daniella! 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Aww, I really appreciate that wonderful comment Francesa. Glad that you are inspired with my posts. Have a lovely weekend. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks for your comment! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

     Thank you dear! Yes, love this movement .. very inspiring to me. Wishing you a beautiful weekend. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    LOL, you're the best! I can almost see you saying this! Thanks Elle! xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    🙂 Thank you Alexis!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thansk Alessia! Have a great w/e. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

     haha! aww, thank you! I really appreciate it! Do give it a try! xo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks ladies! xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks for the lovely compliment Pip! Glad to have you as a reader!  Happy weekend!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    How wonderful! Yes, having engineers and architects (or historians) in the family definitely brings forth inspiration! Enjoy your weekend!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you so much!  Happy Friday! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You&#39re very welcome! And thank you so much, ditto! -xx Happy weekend Daniella! 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    LOL, you&#39re the best! I can almost see you saying this! Thanks Elle! xx

    Reply
  • Pip says:

    Thanks so much for stopping by earlier and for your nice comment!  I am loving your blog dear and see that you have a lots of talent!  Love this dress and that awesome jacket over top!  You have a new follower now!  Keep in touch!  xx  Pip

    http://easyoutfitsbypip.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    How wonderful! Yes, having engineers and architects (or historians) in the family definitely brings forth inspiration! Enjoy your weekend!

    Reply
  • kim bim says:

    you look really cute, love ur combo!
    hugs+kisses
    http://rock4less.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  • Thechicsisterscloset says:

    You look great, I like how you styled the outfit!
    http://www.fifthnsixthcloset.com

    Reply
  • Sarah With A Bow says:

    Okay, so this is inspiring me to try a version of this with my closet–I have my mom's old Air Force jacket and a striped dress that needs to play with it. (I suspect your version looks a bit better than mine will, though!)

    Reply
  • Alessia Milanese says:

    What a beautiful striped dress !!! LOve this outfit

    Alessia

    Alessia

    THE CHILI COOL

    FACEBOOK

    Reply
  • Dawn {The Alternative Wife} says:

    Love it all, including the paint spill. It just takes it to the next level 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  • clara turbay says:

    Always
    inspiring with tasteful and subtle details.

    Reply
  • AlexisGrace says:

    This look is so my style- I absolutely love it!  Especially the vintage shirt…. gives it such easy personality!

    Reply
  • Elle Sees says:

    and then it was like, BAM! Check out this dress. loveeeeee it

    Reply
  • Cafe Fashionista says:

    That army shirt is so awesome! I have an obsession with camo/military colors, so you are totally speaking my language with this look!!  🙂

    Reply
  • Armato Valentina says:

    Hi, I have a question for you: I'd love to join storets.com fashion blogger program but I'm not able to find their banners..where did you get your banner? Thank you!

    http://itsnotjustanotherfashionblog.blogspot.it/ 

    Reply
  • H&K Style Journey says:

    Cool post! Love the idea of getting inspiration from art.  Home decor is a great place to get fashion inspiration too 🙂

    Reply
  • Elle Sees says:

    and then it was like, BAM! Check out this dress. loveeeeee it

    Reply
  • Armato Valentina says:

    Hi, I have a question for you: I&#39d love to join storets.com fashion blogger program but I&#39m not able to find their banners..where did you get your banner? Thank you!

    http://itsnotjustanotherfashionblog.blogspot.it/&#160;

    Reply
  • A Brit Greek says:

    Love this outfit purely because I love stripes, so easy so stylish. You must Le Corbusier… I had a brilliant book on modernism and the Bauhaus movement. Love the artwork!
    x.o.x.o

    Reply
  • The Dainty Dolls House says:

    Beautiful, love the interpretation! I think you got it spot on and the dress is gorgeous. Love Art History (well, one should if they have a degree in it, shouldn't they!?! haha) Love this post :)) Hope you have a great day doll xx

    Reply
  • Anna A Hodge says:

    oh my goodness, you look so fabulous. Obsessed. If you get a sec, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit post and interview with the stylist of Pretty Little Liars. xo

    http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • barefoot duchess blog says:

    wow! what an amazing jacket!!

    Reply
  • Lucia says:

    loving your jacket!

    xo www.aroundlucia.comwww.aroundlucia.com

    Reply
  • LGreaves says:

    I love how inspiration can come from anything! Love the jacket over that cute tank dress 🙂

    Trendy Teal

    Reply
  • LGreaves says:

    I love how inspiration can come from anything! Love the jacket over that cute tank dress 🙂

    Trendy Teal

    Reply
  • Sam Frills and Thrills says:

    Hi dear, your lovely outfit perfectly plays out the striped inspiration, the dress is adorable.

    Reply
  • francesca r says:

    Do you know what I like about your posts? That there is always a great story behind them….I like this dress a lot!
    Don't Call
    Me Fashion Blogger

    Bloglovin'

    Facebook

    Reply
  • Nicoleta_buru says:

    This look is suuuuuper cool. I love your military parka 🙂

    Gladly follow you, dear. I would be really very happy if u could follow me too.

    XoxoNicoletawww.nicoleta.me

    Reply
  • Shybiker says:

    What a cute look.  The tunic is pretty.  And it's great when we draw inspiration from fields faraway.

    Reply
  • Veshoevius says:

    Engineers and architects run through my family too (and art historians through Mr V's!)
    Cute dress! And the shirt makes a very sexy coverall!

    Reply
  • Couture Carrie says:

    Amazing inspiration and look!  I am an art lover too 🙂

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    Hi sweetie, Thank you for all your lovely comments on my blog, I am always so grateful. I love this look, the mens army shirt is a really cool piece and I really love how it looks over that striped dress, the colours really compliment well. Cool inspiration to, I always enjoy reading your posts! 🙂

    Take care, Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Always Maylee says:

    You look amazing. I LOVE your jacket and the dress is awesome.

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee 

    Reply
  • Seekingstyleblog says:

    Love the top!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Very nice art work at the top, and your Roxy tunic looks very similar to it. Loving the arm jacket as well–paint spill and all.

    Reply
  • Adeola Naomi Aderemi says:

    Love love the dress!
    Great look!

    Reply
  • GlamKitten88 says:

    Mmmmkay — Totally obsessed with your jacket.  It is too perfect for Fall!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/

    Twitter:
    @GlamKitten88

    Reply
  • Anonymous says:

    Beautiful dress! Love how you connect fashion with architecture!

    Reply
  • Lola Finn says:

    Hi 🙂 Thank you so much for visiting me 🙂
    xoxo

    http://lola-finn.blogspot.de

    Reply
  • Always Maylee says:

    You look amazing. I LOVE your jacket and the dress is awesome.

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee 

    Reply
  • Seekingstyleblog says:

    Love the top!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Very nice art work at the top, and your Roxy tunic looks very similar to it. Loving the arm jacket as well–paint spill and all.

    Reply
  • Adeola Naomi Aderemi says:

    Love love the dress!
    Great look!

    Reply
  • GlamKitten88 says:

    Mmmmkay — Totally obsessed with your jacket.  It is too perfect for Fall!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/

    Twitter:
    @GlamKitten88

    Reply
  • Anonymous says:

    Beautiful dress! Love how you connect fashion with architecture!

    Reply
  • Lola Finn says:

    Hi 🙂 Thank you so much for visiting me 🙂
    xoxo

    http://lola-finn.blogspot.de

    Reply

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