Happy New Year!

Isn’t it amazing how we fall asleep one night to wake up in a completely new year, full of unknown, unwritten, unexpected…

All I want to wish you (and myself, to be honest) is that whatever “uns” are out there waiting for us, they are the sparkling, surprising, exciting and joyous moments, full of smiles and not tears, positive vibes and not heartaches, zest and not pain, hopes and never – disappointments.

Happy New Year, my dearest darlings!

Photo source: Kate Moss styled by Carine Roitfeld and photographed by Craig McDean for the December 2005 issue of Vogue Paris

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Dressing up for New Years night (and the year of Horse)

 

I have acquired a habit of reading horoscopes at school when I first discovered a copy of a detailed Zodiac calendar copied on a typewriter (!) by my mum. It sounded like a fairy tale based on true stories and seemed to be quite a good source of information, particularly when it came to love life that was, until then, mainly  based on “loves-me-loves-me-not” daisy petal pulling act of magic (and a few other tricks shared between little Russian girls – pretty innocent, I assure you!).

 

I believe in horoscopes only when I want to, otherwise I happily skip through months without developing any need to read about my future. Then, as another year comes to a close, I begin to wonder if I should have a peak, mainly for the good and bad news as well as fashion-related styling ideas.

 

 

2014 is, as you may already know, the year of Horse, which some sources refer to the “Blue wooden horse” and while others favour the emerald green animal – either should be welcomed in a company of good friends and a festive menu that, apart from all the tasty delights you’ve prepared, includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and champagne.

 

For an outfit, wear something blue, green, dark purple or any hues associated with a horse such as chocolate brown, caramel, black or cream. Definitely avoid bright colours, especially orange, pink, red and yellow. Your dress should be made of natural fabric, look fluid, soft, light, almost ethereal and feel as comfortable as a beautiful evening dress could possibly be.

 

 

Your accessories can include anything made from leather or suede, wood, or precious stones – pearls or aquamarine. The adventurous and most stylish girls among us shouldn’t ignore the super-sensual harness-inspired belts or adorn their hands with less-provoking and more delicate, but equally chic jewellery.

 

 

Earrings | Bag | Sandals | Dress

 

Keep the make-up and manicure classic, elegant and natural – the Horse, being a peaceful creature of nature, doesn’t like anything too bright, sharp or over the top.

 

Valentino Couture Fall 2013

Chloe Fall 2009

Sleek ponytail will make a perfect hair-do, though you can also try braids (decorated with some delicate ribbons and/or flowers if you like) or curls as long as they resemble a beautiful glossy mane rather than beehive.

 

Herve Leger by Max Azria Spring 2012

Marchesa Spring 2012

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014

Versace Spring 2012

Photo source: Vogue China December 2005 (photography: Solve Sundsbo), Vogue US September 2004 (photography: Steven Meisel; styling: Grace Coddington), stylebistro.com

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Helena Christensen in Vogue UK 1994

One of the most stunning models of all times, Helena Christensen celebrated her birthday on 25 December and though slightly overdue, I wanted to celebrate the occasion with an editorial photographed by Mikael Jansson for the March 1994 issue of British Vogue. Secretly (until I told you) it was also the way Helena worn the white suit outfit that made me choose this story – couldn’t help it for I do have a soft spot for men’s wear and beautiful tailoring.

Photo source: Vogue UK March 1994 (photography: Mikael Jansson; styling: Kate Phelan)

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Designer look for less: Louis Vuitton Fall 2013

Reliving the the decadent boudoir romance of the Louis Vuitton Fall 2013 collection through my own interpretation of one of the signature looks presented during the show. I know some people disliked the clothes, though I feel it was more due to the fact of excising within some strict boundaries that obviously didn’t allow a hint of lace to sneak through… I thought it was beautiful, indulgent and somewhat magical, something a woman would wear if she could…

If it was something that made you dream, create your own (almost) Louis Vuitton moment without breaking the bank. Enjoy!

Coat (£20) | Silk dress (£125), Faux fur clutch bag (£35) | Platform sandals (£59)

To create gorgeous berry-stained lips, use Le Métier de Beauté lipstick in 'Maraschino' or Kevyn Aucoin's merlot-tinted Blood roses shade.

Photo source: vogue.com, stylebistro.com

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Chloe for Christmas

And here they are, my beautiful Chloe’s, a wish list item, lucky super sale find and most wonderful Christmas gift. I wanted them for a while, since autumn 2011, to be precise. First, they were too expensive and then simply disappeared from the face of the Earth.

I survived the (tiny) heartbreak, filed the image at the back of my memory and let it go…

Then, out of the blue, just before Christmas, the pair in my size appeared before my eyes. I stared at them for what felt like a second, though must have been longer because it made my husband look up and ask if I was alright. "Yes," I replied sheepishly. "What have you found?" - he continued the questioning. "Shoooozzzees…" I sighed "But that's ok, I don't need more shoes" (Lie, an absolute white lie mixed with a generous helping of hope for what girl could say "No" to shoes, especially Chloe!). "Oh, let me get them for you," he said and two days later the box was delivered, wrapped up in a shiny paper and placed under the tree. 

The rest is history in the making…

Photo source: personal

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Merry Christmas!

All I wanted for Christmas this year was the company of my men and a little bit of snow. And since Santa couldn’t deliver the white magic, he nicely compensated it by presenting me with a box containing a pair of the loveliest shoes (which I will show you tomorrow).

Yes, it’s Christmas and I am blogging (a little bit) because for me the activity has become a part of my daily routine, just as important as, say, having a piece of chocolate with breakfast.

If you are stopping by Fashioned by Love today I want to wish you a wonderful and most beautiful Christmas filled with love, good company, presents and delicious treats. Thank you for being with me – this journey wouldn’t be the same without you!

Photo source: personal

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Stylish quote

“Fashion is about changing yourself into the person you dream of being.. and then feeling better about yourself and with the others.”

Carine Roitfeld

 

Photo source: Marie Claire Netherlands December 2013 (photography: Hans Van Brakel; styling: Simone Dernee)

 

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Karen Mulder in Vogue UK 1992

It is really the first shot that I like the most – it doesn’t just look wintry, windy and cold, it feels like that. And then, of course, the shelter of a tightly wrapped coat – exactly how started wearing mine after moving countries, cocooning myself in an extra layer of luxurious wool.

Photo source: Karen Mulder in Vogue UK October 1992 (photography: Mikael Jansson; styling: Jayne Pickering)

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Christmas gift guide: every shade of WHITE

Once upon a time, still a teenager, I learnt from a magazine that white is not, in fact, my colour at all. Period. For a developing mind it was a tragedy and in my attempt to remedy the pain I proceeded to wear white despite all rules and limitations. As the years went by it became clear that the person who wrote the no-white nonsense article might have forgotten a very simple, but obvious fact – white, just like any other colour, doesn’t come in a single tint, but in a dozen of nature-inspired hues, so everyone, absolutely everyone, will have a beautiful, sparkling, delicious shade of white that suits them.

Where to buy: 1. Safety pink clutch bag, Versus (£178), 2. Stacking rings, Astley Clarke (from £75), 3. Mineral eye shadow in Sparkling White, Clarins (£17), 4. White fitted dress, Stella McCartney (£855), 5. Rose earrings, Oscar de la Renta (£175), 6. Flagrant Délice  EDP, Terry De Gunzburg (£68), 7. Champagne / Penthouse Candle, LAFCO New York (£46), 8. Diva Dog Bichon with Red & Green Collar Ornament, Joy to the World (£29), 9. White camelia flower brooch, AZ Collection (£125), 10. Merino wool V-neck sweater, Zadig et Voltaire (£100), 11. Black trip PJs, Poplin (£150) & similar, JCrew (£95), 12. White chocolate liqueur, Mozart (£17), 13. Rue the Cat dinky watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs (£136), 14. Living luminizer, RMS Beauty (£30), 15. Gold Layla headphones, Friends (£130), 16. White leather bag, Alaia, 17. White Linen perfumed body powder, Estee Lauder (£35), 18. Love Me shoes, Christian Louboutin (£565).

 

Photo source: Marie Claire Netherlands January 2014 (photography: Klaas Jan Kliphuis; styling: Simone Dernee)

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A little inspiration from Armani

I’ve always loved Armani. The clothes he designed have been an epitome of style and even the way the name slipped off the tongue felt elegant. That elegance, however, was often very substantial, grown-up to the point of being mature, something that a woman of a certain age would reach for whenever in need of looking her very best and most beautiful, say, the Oscars.

Thus, loving Armani felt intimidating until now. Then I saw the Pre-Fall 2014. It made me smile.

Still elegant, sharp and smart, the collection had an element of youthfulness about it. Strangely, the clothes didn’t change and still felt very Armani, but the feeling they gave was different.

I may not be able (or want) to wear a pink jacket just yet, but I will definitely be borrowing the shapes and ideas from this collection and the three outfits in particular. Absolutely adore them!

Photo source: wwd.com

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Stylish quote

“There are women in fashion that want to be like all the other ones, but fashion can show your differences and that is beautiful because we are each unique.”

Jean Paul Gaultier

 

Photo source: “Glamour parade", Madame Figaro France February 2010  (photography: Esther Haase)

 

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A special treat

I was most likely the last person in England to discover Urban Apothecary candles. The brand has been around for ages, but became a part of my life by accident – I saw their Candy candles and thought one would make a perfect gift for a friend of mine. To begin with, it was all about the packaging… Each heavenly scented candle came in a gorgeous vintage-looking glass container resting in a beautiful box in powdery colours complimenting the collection and fragrances inspired by traditional British desserts and sweets. Each scent was so delightful, velvety and dreamy that I really had to take my time to choose the one and only...

At the end, I left with the precious Chocolate Orange treasure, a blend of chocolate, vanilla and orange zest – it smelled so authentic and comforting and the peach tinted box and silk ribbon looked most feminine, delicate and classy. In fact, the colour of the box was very similar to the signature Chloe hue used for their perfume and the book. I was very tempted to keep it (naughty, I know!), but then reminded myself that the best gifts are the ones you really fall in love with, and so I wrapped the candle in a pretty paper and gave away. The joy of seeing my friend’s face when she opened her present was absolutely worth it!

Just in case you aren’t big on desserts, I suggest trying the floral & fruity collection (think Peony Rose, Fig or Vanilla Flower)  or the sweetest Teacup candles in a delightful blend of white tea, Earl Grey or Chai. I know I am candle-mad, but these truly are… heavenly! Even if I say so myself.

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