Dreaming of Tiffany…

Images via Smartologie

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?

Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?

Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long, you’re just sad that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

Paul Varjak: Sure.

Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany’s. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then – then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

Everybody needs a little Tiffany’s in their lives, right?

Happy Friday!

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Beauty: Fall wish list

It’s that time of year again. The time of changing seasons, when I feel like I have absolutely nothing to wear (doesn’t that happen way too often?), when I’m bored with pretty much everything in my closet and on my beauty shelf. It must be the influence of the ongoing New York Fashion Week, which, by the way, is utterly inspiring.

One thing that really needs sprucing up right now, is my beauty routine. It feels like I’ve been using the same old products and colors for ages. I tend to play it safe when it comes to my makeup: a touch of grey eyeshadow here, a pink blush there, a swipe of gloss to complete the look. Gosh, only thinking of it makes me instantly bored 🙂 I feel like autumn is the perfect moment to experiment a little bit and get out of my beauty rut, especially because the Fall 2013 collections are really stunning. Whether it’s Dior with its mystic metallics, Chanel with shimmery greys and subtle khakis, or Guerlain with its purplish Madame Violette collection, I’m mesmerized by all the options available.

Below you can find my current favorites and all the things I’m dying to add to my beauty bag. I would also love to know: do you switch up your beauty routines with changing seasons? Do you have a set of favorite seasonal colors and products that you use over and over again? What is your approach when it comes to fall makeup?

1. Dior 5 Couleurs eyeshadow in Constellation

2. Lancôme L’Absolu Désír Rouge in Rouge Désir

3. Essie nail polish in Cashmere bathrobe

4. Lancôme Blush rose désir

5. Guerlain blush in Madame Rougit

6. Guerlain Rouge G in Madame Batifole

7. Laura Mercier nail lacquer in Forbidden 

8. Lancôme L’Absolu Désir Vernis in love in Purple Fiction

9. Dior Vernis in Galaxie

10. Estée Lauder Instant intense eyeshadow in Sterling plums 

11. Guerlain Rouge G in Madame Reve

12. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Esprit

13. Chanel Le Vernis in Alchimie

14. Guerlain Écrin 2 couleurs in Two Parisian

15. MAC nail polish in Magnificent feast

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From boardroom to bar

1) M&Co. Poppy print tea dress // 2) Wallis blazer // 3) Asos Leather bowler bag // 4) Bauble Bar gold bow ring // 5) Michael Kors Bradshaw watch // 6) Jason Wu for Lancôme Rouge in Love in Sequence of Love // 7) Whistles French 75 Croc Court shoes

I was recently approached by M&Co. to guest post on their blog, and it got me thinking about the business attire and its transition from work to play. Although I don’t evolve in the traditional corporate world anymore, I have quite some experience in the domain, from my time studying international relations and working at the European Commission in Brussels. This is what I did to transition seamlessly from boardroom to happy hour:

Working at the European Commission, I loved getting all dressed up for work each morning. A beautiful dress paired with a sharp blazer and a pair of patent leather court shoes was my daily uniform. And since after work drinks were a regular part of my schedule, I always made sure to have a fabulous sparkly clutch, a contrast skinny belt and a show-stopping statement necklace in my handbag. All I had to do before leaving work was to lose my blazer and adorn myself with those few playful accessories.

I’ve always described my style as feminine and classic, that’s why I have quite a collection of dresses in my wardrobe. When it comes to professional attire, cut and fit are the attributes that matter most to me. My ideal business dress offers fit and flare: it doesn’t show too much cleavage or thigh, but it still accentuates my hourglass figure. It pairs well with a classic blazer or fitted cardigan and it presents the perfect canvas for what I call happy hour accessorizing: swapping my elegant shoes for something more eye-catching, adding a pair of gem earrings and a cocktail ring or two. Stylish and versatile, that’s the definition of a perfect dress for work and play.

You can check out my full post here, and I would love to know: what is your philosophy when it comes to transitioning from work to happy hour?

1) M&Co Poppy print tea dress // 2) Lancôme L’Absolu Désir Rouge in Rose Désir // 3) Diptyque Do Son EdP // 4) Bauble Bar Baroque pendant // 5) New look Selena clutch // 6) Asos Piper court heels // 7) Bauble Bar mini iced bangle // 8) Bauble Bar gold mixed oval bracelet // 9) Bauble Bar gold loop ring // 10) Chanel Les Beiges powder

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Beauty: Lavender on my fingertips

Image via my Instagram

I’m a well-known nail polish maniac. I own more than 100 bottles, for what I was officially proclaimed crazy by one of my best friends. I switch nail colors almost every day (it’s my way to unwind after a long day: a great magazine, a fresh mani, and if possible, a glass of rouge). I know all my colors by heart, and there’s no risk of buying a second bottle in the same hue by mistake. Crazy, I told you!

And although my collection contains pretty much every single color of the spectrum, I always feel like it’s not enough. Like there are more brands to try and more color to experiment with. And I get inspired at the most surprising moments. Case in point? My parents’ lavender patch. While I was harvesting the stems to dry and experiment with (mostly in the kitchen), I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and perfection of the lavender flowers. And it sent me on the hunt for the perfect lavender nail polish. This one is already a favorite, but I have my eyes set on this one and this one. It’s the perfect last nod to the summer, before my craving for fall shades like emerald and burgundy officially kicks in.

1. Essie Bond with whomever

2. Mavala Frozen berry

3. Lancôme Lilac love

4. Ciaté Sugar Plum

5. China Glaze Tart-y for the party

6. OPI Lucky lavender

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Inspired by: Leopard & camel

Image via Style

Judging by this post from last week, I seem to have developed quite an infatuation with Burberry Prorsum autumn / winter collection. All those hearts, rich jewel tones and leopard are right up my alley, and they make me really excited for fall weather. Usually, the idea of pulling out my chunky sweaters, lightweight coats and other boots makes me a tiny bit nostalgic for summer, but this year I’m ready to fully embrace the change of seasons.

The above outfit kept popping out at me from the glossy pages of September issues, and since I’m nowhere near spending $5000+ on a single outfit, I went on my usual bargain hunt. Finding a great leopard skirt that doesn’t look cheap or tacky is no small feat, but this Mochino number landed straight on top of my fall wish list: it’s just perfect! I’m also really partial to Eric Bompard cashmere sweaters (I purchased two of them on my last trip to Paris): they are excellent quality, and their price won’t send your accountant into a tantrum. And of course, I couldn’t resist adding a quirky detail (or two) in form of adorable jewelry: bow-shaped rings and the perfect heart bracelet add just the right touch of fun, without being overpowering. And now I wish I could purchase this entire ensemble!

It’s quite funny, because I don’t consider camel to be “my” color: I don’t actually own any piece in this earthy hue. But I’m willing to step out of my sartorial box, and give it a try. Who knows? I may be pleasantly surprised!

Eric Bompard cashmere sweater // Moschino Cheap & Chic skirt // Antonio Melani skirt

Asos double heart bangle // Aldo tote // River Island watch 

Asos rings // Wallis flats

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