Apple Picking

I feel that I'm on top of my fall activities because last weekend we went apple picking with my family. Apple picking is no cherry picking - you get your bucket full in no time. And I must admit that I might have picked just one apple, if any, because I was the photographer for the day. You see, I received my first early birthday gift - Nikon DSLR - and I can't let it go from my hands now! I'm still learning a lot but for now this camera is everything that I've been dreaming about! 

Before the start of each season I try to decide what kind of things I want to do, how I can best enjoy the season. Here's my list for fall:

- apple picking (check!)

- enjoy fall colors on a hike

- catch fall in the city with my new camera

- explore new parts of NYC

- see Waiting for Godot with Patrick Steward on Broadway

- dress up for high tea

- attend Metropolitan Opera's The Nose and Tosca

- make spicy butternut squash soup

- see Shakespeare's Sister at La Mama theater

- go for lots of morning runs and walks

How are you planning to enjoy fall?

Pictures by me and my sister Oksana

Trans-Cultural Music Experience: Dakha Brakha from Ukraine

Last week, I had an incredible opportunity to attend the US premiere of DakhaBrakha - the Ukrainian "ethnic chaos" quartet from Kyiv. The performance took place at CUNY Graduate Center in NYC as part of their Live@365 World Music Series. In all honesty, this was one of the most fantastic concerts I've ever attended, and I'll tell you why!

"DakhaBrakha" means "give/take" in the old Ukrainian language, and this truly unique project, which was started by avant-garde theater director Vladyslav Troiskyi, includes four very talented instrumentalists, three of whom are folklorists, and two are actors. With those credentials, it's no wonder that they create such dazzlingly original content, which is based in traditional Ukrainian music but incorporates trans-cultural elements, modern musical influences, and theatrical effects.

Part of DakhaBrakha's interesting stage presence is definetely the incorporation of very theatrical costumes. Women are dressed in white wedding dresses paired with Cossack hats, and they stand in contrast to the only male member of the group, who is dressed in black embroidered suit. I thought that this choice of clothes for women was also a strong fashion statement, especially because a mix of menswear with feminine pieces is very much "in" right now. DakhaBrakha women have a unique twist on this trend and their outfits make an attractive combination on stage.

DakhaBrakha definitely captivated me and the rest of the audience during their first US concert. It was so incredible to watch them create different sounds using multiple instruments and their voices. Their music just penetrates your body, energizes your senses, and leaves you with a bright outlook on this world. I would call this a genius. But find out for yourselves! Below I'm sharing two Youtube videos, and it was really hard to chose which songs to share. The first song uses a special instrument called 'drymba' from the Karpaty mountains (Carpathian), and the authentic song is mixed with modern hip-hop to create "Karpaty rap". The song is about a girl who is very picky with boys. In addition the video is very cool!

 

The second song is called "From under the oak tree" - one of my favorites! I love the sounds of the male singer, the cello theme and also the singing that is done in 'bilyj holos' (white voice), which is a special kind of authentic Ukrainian singing. This song just makes me want to dance :)

If you can't view the embedded videos - view them here and here. And if you'd like to hear more I suggest this and this. Enjoy!

P.S. DakhaBrakha might be back in NYC this January! 

Photo credit: luminatofestival.com

Recap: Summer Favorites

The fall is here and we can't deny it anymore. Today is pretty chilly in NYC, and I'm looking forward to those warm days of Indian summer before the cold weather sets in. It seems absurd to talk about summer at this point but I just want to do a quick recap of my favorite looks this summer.

I attended several weddings, and this outfit was definitely my favorite. This dress with it's retro silhouette and beautiful green floral print made a perfect combination with these bright coral satin pumps. And if I had to choose one dress to define myself - this would be it! (and thanks to Murka for photo bombing this picture)

Outfit details: Dress Asos, Shoes J.Crew Every Satin Pumps, Vintage clutch, J.Crew bracelet

For casual summer days these were my top favorite looks: a breezy top + light skirt, and a maxi dress. I definitely adhered to my own recommendations from this post in the beginning of summer :)  I must add that blue+green combo was my favorite this season. 

Shirt+skirt outfit: Shirt via TjMaxx, Skirt J.Crew, Shoes Sam Edelman via Nordstrom, Necklace Anthropologie, Bag from Nordstrom

Dress outfit: Dress Anthropologie, shoes Steve Madden via TjMaxx

And the last outfit I want to share is from my recent trip to Puerto Rico. This is the only time this skirt made the appearance this summer but it was perfect for wandering around the colorful streets of old San Juan!
Outfit details: T-shirt J.Crew Vintage cotton tee, Skirt Anthropologie, Shoes Sam Edelman, Hat J.Crew, Necklace Kate Spade via TjMaxx, Clutch J.Crew

Pictures by Joe Villarin

Happy Independence, Ukraine!

This past Saturday (August 24th) was Ukraine's Independence Day, which is a great opportunity to showcase my heritage and tell you more about Ukrainian community/events in NYC + share some exciting things on Ukrainian fashion!

See Ukrainian: Are you interested to learn a bit about Ukrainian culture, history and see amazing exhibits? Ukrainian Museum in the East Village is the place for you. The current exhibits are on Contemporary and Decorative Applied Art and Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs). In addition they have a variety of interesting (and cheap!) workshops, like tapestry, embroidery, traditional jewelery (I want to take one!), and, of course, special event. And WHAT special events!!!! On September 29th the museum is hosting a fashion show with two amazing designers from Ukraine and one jewelery designer based in NYC! I WILL be there. And while we're talking about Ukrainian fashion - here's a great article on the development of Ukrainian fashion in recent years.

Eat Ukrainian: Craving borsch and varennyky? No worries! Manhattan has several places that offer delicious Ukrainian food: Veselka (24/7 cafe with a big and good selection, big portions, tasty desserts), Ukrainian National Home Restaurant (great for groups, delicious food), Korchma Taras Bulba (amazing decor that feels like a museum, traditionally dressed staff, delicious food and nice cocktails). 

Experience Ukrainian: In addition I recommend checking out Ukrainian Film Club at Columbia University. Movie selection includes classics and contemporary films, often premiers in the US, with free and open admission to the public. What about small art exhibits and unique concerts? Head to the Ukrainian Institute (more here). And to experience spirituality in a beautiful Ukrainian church check out St. George's Catholic church and St. Volodymyr's Orthodox church.

Image credits: map, wheat, pysanka, embroidery, embroidery book, ukrainian embroidery book, my embroidered shirt from Ternopil region, ceramic tile