In love with Verushka

Someone told me, slightly waspishly, in a private conversation that as a blogger I tend to parade my Russian identity. Mea culpa, but that's who I am. I can't suppress it (neither do I want). I love the ethnic elements in fashion design, and was thrilled to see that White Stuff has just released a new Russia-inspired collection called Verushka. It's not often that the Russian style in fashion gets a complimentary following. The Russian fashions are dismissed as too dire and drab, or lacking in taste and glittering like a Christmas tree (reference to the nouveau riche or the new Russians).

Designers of Verushka took the folk elements of the national Russian costumes and transformed them into a modern, stylish and inspired collection.
I spent this morning looking at the clothes from Verushka range in our local White Stuff shop (they didn't have the whole collection) and trying a few outfits.

Girly Ada cardi, available in 5 colours

Biana skirt

Biana skirt is simply beautiful. It is a knee-length skirt with a fab embroidered design of Matreshka (Russian doll). I was very tempted to buy it, as I can easily wear it with a lot of tops I have.

Detail of Biana skirt

Girly Ada cardi

Girly Ada Cardi is very comfy and soft. The hem detail is a reference to the outifts worn by the Cossack women.

Multi-patterned Teapot skirt is a homage to the Southern Russian costumes, with an amusing modern twist. And that Hunter Cardi coat looks splendid too. Sadly they didn't have it in the shop to try on. I would imagine it will look great with any casual outfit.

Busy Lizzie tee

Another colourful patterned top that I loved is a Busy Lizzie tee. It looks so festive and pretty.

Tula tunic

Tula tunic is a printed top, with the paisley design, very popular in Russia in the 19C and later. It has three-quarter sleeves and a cinched waist, trimmed at the hem. Love the front pleated detail. This tunic reminds me of the vintage peasant's smock.

Tula tunic, available in aubergine and Russian red

I liked all the outfits I tried, and could happily wear half of the new Verushka collection. And that's what I bought, Tula tunic with leggins. What do you think? Is it "me"?