Inspired by: Reese Witherspoon

(Photos and quotes via vogue.com)

What Reese Witherspoon has to say…

…on her celebrity life:

“You know, it can be a crazy life. Sometimes you feel like you are on a speeding train and you just don’t know where it’s going. You can start to lose your identity and what it is that you are really working for. I don’t wake up to make movies. I wake up to have a wonderful family and to cultivate the best life for all of us, and it’s great to now have a partner in that. We have a lot of family meetings. ´Mom’s going to be away and coming home on the weekends. How does everybody feel about that?´ It’s always military operations around here. Lots of different moving parts. I have my moments when I feel like I’m just going to collapse and I can’t do it anymore and I’m failing at everything. Like, you’re kind of good at a bunch of stuff but not really good at anything.”

…on turning 35:

“I am really going through that right now. I’ve had some really kind of sad moments lately. You don’t go backward! And I think 35 for a woman is a big thing. I remember when I was a little girl looking up at my mother at 35 doing her hair in the mirror, and I thought, my mother has never been more beautiful. She had years of wisdom you can’t erase. And now I feel the same way when I look in the mirror. You can’t pretend you are an ingenue. You can’t pretend you are wide-eyed and innocent. It’s on your face! It’s in your body. It’s in your voice. It’s in your reactions to things when people say ´I just did the most morally corrupt thing I’ve done in my life´ and you literally don’t blink. You’ve either done it yourself or you know someone who has.”

…on her children:

“I know it’s corny, but being a parent to me is such a great privilege; that I get to chaperon these beautiful little souls through life. They astound me with their knowledge and their humor. Parenthood is not at all what I expected it to be. I thought you make little people in your image. But they are just nothing like me or their father. They are their own individuals.”

…on the worst thing about being Reese Witherspoon:

“I mean, I feel like an ingrate for even thinking anything isn’t good. I’m very very very lucky. But… umm … probably that I parted with my privacy a long time ago. We went different ways. And sometimes I mourn it. Sometimes I will sit in the car and cry. Because I can’t get out. That’s the only thing: I mourn the loss of my privacy.”

“Usually, I´m a little bit of a squirrel. I have a squirrelly energy. Like, you don’t know where your next nut is gonna come from.”

Friday’s Fancies #11: Bright day

1. Asos dress / 2. Rag & Bone blazer / 3. Christian Louboutin booties / 4. Kate Spade bag / 5. KC Designs hoops / 6. Majolie ring / 7. Orly Terracotta nail polish

Even if I was musing recently about the fall jewel-toned collections, I ‘m not quite over summer colors yet. For this week’s Friday’s Fancies I’ve decided to put together a cheerful and colorful ensemble, toned down with a little bit of black.

1. I’ve never had a yellow dress in my closet, but this one makes me want to reconsider my fashion choices a little bit. I know that bright yellow isn’t exactly an easy shade to pull off, but then again, there’s no better time to try it than in summer, when you’re all tanned and toned.

2. Black blazer is a staple in any closet, and it’s probably the most versatile piece of clothing ever. This one  has just the perfect cut and a light masculine feel that would look amazing with that bright dress.

3. More Louboutins, please! Black lace and red soles? I’m in love!

4. I know that this type of bags has been all over the blogosphere for quite some time now, but for once, I just don’t care! I love the sharp lines, the long strap, a little bit of hardware and that color! Have you seen that color? I need it now!

5. and 6. I’ve always loved the yellow and gold combo, and a few diamonds never go a miss, right?

7. A perfect finishing touch: a bright orange nail polish that’ll make your hands pop.

Inspired by: Jewel tones for fall

(Photos via Harper´s Bazaar US)

Summer isn’t quite over yet and I’m already musing over fall fashion. Between the black-on-black trend, colorful leather and fur vests, I’m quite sure that the designers were thinking of me while preparing the fall 2011 collections 🙂 But the trend that always makes my fashion heart go racing is the one including jewel tones. What could be better for fall / winter season than these rich and vibrant shades of emerald, amethyst, ruby and gold? Just looking at these photos makes me want to go shopping immediately!

Real talk: Knowing what you want

(Image via)

If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to know when you get there?

Knowing what you want to do with your life is crucial when you want to move forward. It’s hard to motivate yourself when you don’t have a clear idea of your likes, dislikes and ambitions. Knowing yourself means channeling your energy and willpower toward something that is really important to you and makes you happy. 

I think you already know that it’s much easier to be excellent in something that’s close to your heart than in something you’re doing just because you have to. Don’t listen to those who tell you that it’s impossible! You have the power to make things happen, but you must learn to work with it.

I’ve been working on this for quite some time. It’s not always easy, because there are many people around me who are the champions of “it is impossible” philosophy (sadly, my father makes part of them, so sometimes it’s a day-to-day struggle). But there is this little exercise that, I feel, can really help:

Take a week to put together a list of things you love to do. Think about it when you have a few minutes for yourself, write it down, than think some more. Let your thoughts settle down and be organized. And after a week, go through your list and search for a pattern. Is there something that links together all the items on your list? Bingo! This is the activity that makes you happy, and you should spend as much time doing it as possible!

I know it may seem easy. But if you gave a serious thought to this post, you already know that introspection can be pretty difficult and sometimes even painful. But if it makes you move forward, it’s always worth it! And if you feel like sharing your own experience, feel free to drop me an e-mail. Every opinion matters!

Friday’s Fancies #10: Back to work

Originally, this week’s Friday’s Fancies theme was “Back to school”. But as far as I’m concerned, the school’s been over for quite some time (thank God!), I thought that a “Back to work” ensemble would be much more appropriate. Plus, if your name is Blair Waldorf or Serena van der Woodsen, this could easily be your school attire, if you prefer 🙂

1. What’s not to love about this crisp, amazingly cut dress? It so reminds me of Victoria Beckham’s designs, and no need to explain, I’m obsessed.

2. The same goes for this Burberry trench: it’s a perfect and timeless investment piece that you can pair with virtually anything.

3. These Jimmy Choo sandals add a serious wow factor. All that leather and studs are toned down a little bit by a neutral color, but they still scream “sexy”.

4. Meet one of my favorite Marc Jacobs bags. I love its versatile design and unusual color. It could be a perfect transitional piece from day to night.

5. To up the glam factor, nothing’s better that a little bit of sparkle. Call me magpie, but I just can’t resist a fabulous piece of costume jewelry!

Inspired by: Diane Kruger

(Photos via Madame Figaro)

{Diane and Atelier Versace}

While browsing photos of Diane Kruger modeling haute couture I was wondering: what can be more inspirational that a beautiful woman in beautiful clothes? I know that haute couture is virtually inaccessible for us, but it’s still an amazing source of inspiration in terms of colors, textures and details. So meet a fashion loving girl’s best friends: Chanel, Dior, Valentino…

{…and Givenchy Haute Couture}

{…and Dior Haute Couture}

{…and Valentino Haute Couture}

{…and Gaultier Paris}

{…and Mabille Couture}

{…and Gaultier Paris}

{…and Chanel}

{…and Chanel again}

Inspired by: Pretty pastels

(Photos via Style at Home)

Pastels definitely belong to my favorite color palette. They are the perfect choice for your home decor: soft, elegant and chic, and they can be easily combined not only together, but with some bright and vivid hues (like magenta, bright blue or Kelly green) as well. Here are a few examples of the decorative power of pastels.

Stylish office supplies, a vintage phone and a beautiful table lamp add a glamorous touch to your working space. And soft pink and dove gray colors look so amazing together!

I love just about everything about this space: vintage chest of drawers used as a TV stool, white Billy bookcases lined with patterned wallpaper, original bookcase styling, as well as a piece of art that prevents the TV from being the focal point of the space.

This space has “feminine” written all over itself: an ornate silver mirror for a touch of luxe, vintage lamp with a blush pink shade for a girly factor, matching cups and trays to hold the beauty essentials. 

White Stockholm sofa from Ikea is accessorized with cheerful throw pillows and the glass table is modern and airy (perfect for small space).

A perfect masculine space: black mirror, patterned tray and a vintage briefcase and globe read as classy and chic.

The chest of drawers transformed into focal piece for entertaining: a tray with drinks and glasses allows the guests to move around and have fun.

My style: Magenta & Black + Some thoughts on blogging

(Orsay top and sunnies, Dorothy Perkins skirt, platform shoes and chevron clutch, Koton necklace, Bizuteria snov cuff, Bijou Brigitte hair clip, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails polish in Ruby Stilettos, Dior Addict gloss in 686 Outrageous Fuchsia)

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments on my previous post! It’s so rewarding to know that not only my photos, but my writing as well can strike a chord with you!

And this morning when I read Vanessa’s post about blogging (be sure to go an check it on her fabulous blog Decadence for Divas), it’s got me thinking. What’s so special about blogging? Why are we willing to sacrifice our free time just to share our thoughts and pictures with so many unknown people in the blogosphere?

For me, the answer is quite simple: it’s discovering. Discovering new things, getting to know new people, getting outside of my comfort zone. If it weren’t for my blog, I’d never get to know so many wonderful women out there (like Vanessa, like Jenna, like Jessie). I’d never have thought of myself as a model. And here I am, making fool of myself in front of the camera. The best part? I LOVE it! 🙂

When I started my blog several months ago, I was unemployed and didn’t know what to do with so much free time I suddenly had on my hands. I’ve always loved fashion, beauty and reading books and magazines, and this blog seemed as a perfect way to channel my interests. It has made me pay much more attention to the things I love, to the things that make me happy.

In what way blogging has changed me? I’m a little bit more adventurous. Inspiration drawn from the blogosphere enriches my life in so many ways: my style has evolved, I’ve read and enjoyed so many new books recommended by my fellow bloggers, I experiment not only with my beauty routines but with my cooking and baking skills as well. To sum it up, blogging has made me much more conscious about the beautiful things and beautiful people around me. And now, each day I want to make my life more beautiful and more fulfilled. 

What, at the beginning, started as a “simple” lifestyle blog, is now a sort of personal diary recounting my journey to a stylish and happy life. Now that’s something to be grateful for!

Real talk: Knowing who you are

(Photo via)

The path towards the self-confidence can be pretty tricky (and I should know that, as I’m still on my way there :). Obviously, the first question would be: where to begin? And, maybe not so obviously, the answer would be: by knowing yourself.

I know this may sound like a no-brainer, but, honestly, have you ever asked yourself that simple question “Who am I?” ? Because, if you want to move forward, you have to know your past first.

Ready to take an in-depth excursion into your “self”? 🙂 If so, steal a few moments from your busy schedule, grab a cup of coffee and write down a few items on your “Me, myself & I” list:

Know your strengths. These are the things you admire about yourself or things in which you have been recognized by the others. No need to be too shy or too humble. Just be honest with yourself. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself, for nobody else!

Know your weaknesses. The aspects of your personality you’re not so proud of. Again, being honest is the best way to go. If you know which ropes are holding you back from achieving your dreams, then it’ll be easier to get rid of them.

Know your talents. Everyone has them. Yes, you too! Can you bake the best cupcakes in the neighborhood? Can you make everyone laugh? Are you always there when your friends need you? Go ahead, write it down!

Know your successes. All those things you’ve achieved all by yourself and are so proud of. Getting your driving license, breaking up with that toxic guy, losing those 10 pounds…everything counts!

Know your fears (I already wrote about fear here): These are the things that really hold you back and prevent you from stepping out of your comfort zone. Acknowledge them. Think about them. Getting to know your fears is the first step towards getting rid of them.

See? Getting to know you is not as easy as it may seem. But you’re in no hurry. Take your time. Rack your brain. Knowing yourself is not a stage. It’s a process. So keep your list close: you may want to add or cross a few items off as you go on.

Next week I’ll write about getting to know what you want. Stay tuned!

Little things

Two new vintage hair clips, perfect for braided hair.

After seriously disastrous last weekend, I’ve decided to dedicate much more time to enjoying beautiful little things in my life. Being happy sometimes requires too much energy, but I promise you, it’s worth it!

After a very very long time I got to spend an entire day with my best friend. We were sipping martinis and catching up on our lives, and it felt wonderful! On Thursday I hit the mall for some end-of-sales shopping, and I was more than pleasantly surprised: I scored some amazing bargains and went home with a bunch of lovely tops and a few new additions to my costume jewelry collection. And I can’t remember a week when I was reading this much: I started to read Hunger Games on Tuesday (I was on a train and I almost missed my stop!) and couldn’t put my Nook down ever since. It’s such an amazing, gripping story! Sometimes terrifying, sometimes full of hope…I’m sure I’ll have finished the third book by tonight!

Here are a few more things that made my week more beautiful:

Everything’s perfect about these shoes: the color, the heel, the chain, the braided details…I’m in love!

I’ve been sipping this mint-and-lemon infused water to get some extra energy, and guess what. It works! And it’s really delicious!

A stack of colorful bangles that liven up the rainy-day outfits.

Candy full of vitamin C? Even if it’s just a clever marketing trick, count me in!