Style Imitating Art…
Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. Salazar was this week’s curator with this amazing painting. I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.
How it works…
Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. Salazar chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why she chose it here. Please send your photo to Salazar by Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, here, and here.
The artist…
On May 31, 1867, Sir Walter Westley Russell was born on May 31, 1867 in Forest Gate, Essex. He studied under Frederick Brown at Westminster School of Art and worked for a time in the early 1890s as a printmaker and illustrator. While there, he exhibited five works at the Royal Academy between 1891 and 1904. These works included The Pierrots, Tea Time, and a portrait. He also began exhibiting at the New English Art Club in 1893.
A little more…
Russell also taught and was then an Assistant Professor at the Slade School of Fine Art from 1895 through 1927. He worked primarily in Yorkshire, Norfolk, and Sussex. Known primarily as a landscape painter, he also painted portraits and genre pictures. Russell was one of 150 artists chosen to represent Britain at the 1912 Venice Biennale Exhibition. The 1928 Summer Olympics had an art competition in which Russell’s work was entered for the painting event! Who knew?
Still more…
Russell was a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers and served three years during World War I. He had something to do with camouflage, but I’m not sure what. On April 22, 1920, Russell was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Academy and became a full Academician on February 23, 1926. On January 1, 1943, he became a Senior Academician. He was the Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools from October 1927 until his retirement in 1942. He was appointed at the General Assembly on June 28, 1927. He lead the Academy through a time when they were transitioning to permanent staff instead of the Visitor System.
Even more…
Upon his retirement, Russell became an Honorary Keeper from Michaelmas Day until the end of the year. He was appointed a trustee of the National Gallery in 1927. In 1930, Russell became a member of the Society of Painters in Water Colours. In 1934, he was appointed a trustee of the Tate Gallery. In 1931, Russell was also appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and was knighted in 1935.
Finally…
In 1900, Russell married Lydia Burton. The couple had no children. He died at his home in Kensington, London on April 14,1949. He was memorialized with a show at the Beaux Arts Gallery in 1950.
The artwork…
I have to say I absolutely love this painting. I feel like I could walk into it and take the woman’s place. Everything about it fits my vibe…the floral carpet on the floor, the needlepoint footstool, the grandiose loveseat…all me! I searched high and low for information about Tying Her Shoes. I found very little, but I will share what I have. This painting is oil on canvas and was painted circa 1910. It measures 36.61 x 28.94 in (93 x 73.5 cm). From all I could tell it is owned by the Gallery Oldham in Oldham, England and was purchased from the artist in 1912. I tried to discern whether or not it was on display, but I couldn’t find any information on it.
My interpretation…
As soon as I saw this painting, I had an inkling of an idea about what I would wear. I do own a dress which just happens to have blue stripes, but they’re navy. It’s also a shirt dress. So, that was out. I kept focusing on the mood of the dress and the way the skirt spreads out. Hoop skirts weren’t a thing then. I just think this was a very full skirt. Then, I remembered this dress. It’s about a decade old. Wonder how I know that? Well, I wore it when we were received as members at our current church which was about ten years ago. It’s a “hostess” dress from April Cornell, and I bought it at the store in Asheville. It doesn’t really have stripes, but the trim around the neckline has lines of stitching.
The Lewk!
I was really struggling with the footwear part of this challenge! I needed to tie a pair of shoes…that much was certain! And, I really didn’t own any that worked with this beautiful dress. Then, inspiration hit! Why not just tie a pair of shoes while sitting down? Brilliant, right? The sandals I’m wearing are my faithful Jambu sandals. I don’t know what I’m going to do when they are worn out. Jambu just doesn’t make them like this anymore. The other shoes are the L’Artiste Siren. Would you believe these earrings are close to 50 years old? I can hardly believe it myself as I am still grappling with the idea that my 68th (shh…don’t tell anyone) birthday is right around the corner. I bought these when I was working at Lincoln Life right after Nigel and I got married. They are by…wait for it…Avon! The pretty necklace is from the IMA giftshop. And, of course, we have to get eBay in here. That’s where the beautiful blue topaz bracelet came from. I was actually looking for a David Yurman Confetti bracelet when I found this one for a fraction of the cost (IYKYK).
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I had to chuckle as I was researching this artist. He seems the stereotypical buttoned-up Brit we see so often on television (or should I say telly to make it more British). I kinda find it sad because I’m sure he was passionate about his work since he created such a beautiful painting. So, can we talk? Do you find it interesting this artist was also an engineer? I mean…talk about left brain meeting right brain? How do you feel about the painting itself? Does it create any kind of emotion for you? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Don’t forget…
If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send Salazar your photo by 10:00 pm EST, Tuesday, September 23rd. Photos of everyone participating will appear on her blog on Wednesday, September 24th! If you’re interested in joining us, consider all of your options…the colors, the textures, the feelings they evoke! Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Nailed! Great interpretation, plus the lovely dress and footwear suit you.
Your first pose with the books was spot on!
Oh Marsha, this dress is so pretty and it really does fit the vibe of the painting…much better than a shirt dress. My blue and white striped dresses were also shirt dresses so I didn’t even try them. I ended up not wearing a dress at all! I knew immediately that your dress was from April Cornell. Her designs have such a distinctive style and always the prettiest prints! Wonderful interpretation of this beautiful painting!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! It seems like I always fall back on the vibe of the painting or art. The shirt dress would have been an absolute failure as there is nothing feminine about it. April actually did several of these dress designs for a few years. She hasn’t done any lately. But, I don’t need any more of them! Of course, that doesn’t necessarily stop me!
What a pretty dress! You did a great job using the painting as inspiration.
Thanks, Joanne! I think this was one of my better interpretations!
You nailed it once again! The painting definitely fits your vibe. Even though your dress has no stripes it really feels like the painting. Your boots are perfect as well!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I was going for the vibe rather than a close interpretation. I really like this painting, and I knew I had to tie some shoes!
That’s a lovely dress, very romantic. You captured the mood of the painting very well!
I watched a documentary about the Olympic art competetions once, but had completely forgotten about that although it was really fascinating. They did them for so long, it’s surprising we haven’t heard more about them.
Thank you, Cat! I liked this painting so much I think that helped! I honestly had never heard of the Olympic art competitions. I will have to look for some videos!
I’m with you Marsha! I love this painting too! The colors and the subject are exactly what I’d want if I ever had a dressing room! Haha! I think your gorgeous wrap dress works really well!
Thank you, Laura! I am going to try to find a print, I think because I really do like it. I had a dressing room…at least, that’s what it was called on the blueprint. But, it was such a strange little room with three doors leading into it. I tried different pieces of furniture in there over the years. What always happened was that it became the catchall for everything!
That dress is super feminine and I LOVE it, Marsha! It’s simply perfect for this challenge, and I love how you decided to take another pair of shoes to tie while sitting down lol! Genius lol!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! I am so glad it fits again. It is even more lovely in person! I do have to be careful because it’s a weird kind of wrap dress. It doesn’t really unwrap, but that top layer will open all the way. Luckily, the under layer goes all the way to the other side! I really needed to have a pair of shoes to tie, right?
I love this painting! Your dress is beautiful and perfect for this interpretation! You had the right idea of using both pairs of shoes!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I think this may be the first painting we’ve done that I am seriously considering trying to find a print. It’s just magical. I was so glad the dress worked out because a shirt dress was not going to cut it! I’m glad you liked the two pairs of shoes!
The print, colors, and shape of this dress are so right for the artwork! A simple and lovely outfit.
Thanks, Sally! I thought the shape was about as close as I was going to get! I did think, for a hot minute, about sitting on a tuffet (not that I have one)! I am so glad I can wear this dress again. I think it’s the perfect dress for doing tours in the European galleries at the museum!
Okay, I understand your rationale for showcasing the boots that way, but I think they would have looked great with the dress. Granted, she had dark hair to bookmark the outfit, but you could have thrown on a scarf or hat to do the same thing.
OXOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I did try them on with the dress, but it really drew attention away from the dress. I thought this was a pretty good compromise, and it gave me something to do with my hands!
The dress is so pretty and is a definite nod to the painting . It was a rather clever idea to us another pair of boots and tie them .I agree they would have been too heavy for the dress. So true about the engineer and left brain/right brain , its quite the contrast.
Thank you, Jill! I did try them, but they drew the focus away from the dress which I thought was the star of the interpretation. I do keep reminding Mike he’s an engineer, but he’s a little stuck in his emotions sometimes. It is funny how much I can see that left brain/right brain in other people.
This dress is so beautiful and I do think it looks best with the sandals, although your boots are very cool!
❤️carmen
Thank you so much, Carmen! I love the boots, but I thought they were just a little too dark for the dress.
This is the perfect dress for this piece of art! I love the lovely print and the tie at the waist which is so flattering. Beautiful Look Marsha!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I immediately thought of it when I looked at the art. I’m so glad it fits again.
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What a beautiful dress choice for the challenge! The color palette is just perfect. I always drool at your L’artiste boots and one day, I will pick up a pair!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks, Mireille! I knew it was the perfect dress as soon as I saw the art. I do have a nice collection, I’ll admit that!