breathing #11 [here comes the rain]

My dear dreamers,


Rain by `yuumei on deviantART
I don't know about you, but here, winter came for good. Yes, winter. So I might get used to the cold and rainy days that awaits me. Apart from the headaches, I don't mind this weather. I used to, but what harm a little water can do?

Here are some warming outfits by Alix, the girl behind The Cherry Blossom Girl to inspire you up until the sun makes his appearance. I'm ashamed to say this, but I only found her today! (I'm going to look inside her closet now, see you later!)

♥ What's your outfit for today?

eco design #5 [food for beauty]

My dear dreamers,

Sorry! This post is one day late, but it's here. And I'm warning this will be a passionate, all-embracing post with some strong opinions. Stop here if you don't want to be challenged.

Yesterday I just met buses and trains to safely arrive at my hometown. Viana do Castelo is known by its beauty, landscapes and hospitality. Its motto is: Who likes it comes, who loves it stays.

But why am I talking about this? Because our hometown is always in our hearts, that's where we mold our first memories, it's there that we lay our first moments of happiness. Did you know that happiness is sustainable?

You should know by now that money doesn't bring happiness or either it helps so (as many claims). Currency just makes you want more and more You're always unsatisfied with what you have. You always want what others own. Is that healthy? Is that good for you? I don't think so.

I'm not a materialistic girl for sure. Yes I have my collection of cosmetics + accessories, but I barely use them. I don't need them to feel pretty. When they say that cosmetics doesn't make you beautiful they're telling the true, they just enhance the features you already have. Do you know what really makes you beautiful? What makes you feel in peace/good with yourself? Is not only self-esteem. It's food. Yes, food!

When you read the labels of this or that cream, or in a lipstick, shadow or blush what do you look for? Vitamins, right? And you can see that most of the DIY tutorials are made with them (> food). We're so obsessed by this, but then we forget to eat correctly. Doesn't it seem non-sense to you? (And that thing of having a natural look with make-up, are you talking seriously?)

One thing I learned with my new diet is that an healthy meal makes wonders to your body. Your skin will look brighter, you'll don't have that much acne (at least the most part of the month), your hair will be shinier...

I'm sure you know we must eat vegetables and fruit, drink a lot of water, etc. But I'll show you what is the effect on your body of each nutrient. Follow me: 

♣ Beauty foods: what to eat to look great

♣ Simple ways to look beautiful

♣ How to choose foods that helps maintain your beauty  

♣ Good food for healthy skin - what to eat to look beautiful

♣ Top 10 foods to make you look and feel beautiful  

♣ Healthy recipes

However you don't want to eat that kind of food full of pesticides and other venoms that damage your skin.  And your body. You'll want sustainable food, that was born by passionated, caring and patient hands. More about this in the next eco post.

Are your meals green and yet colourful?

featuring #4 [a little extra]

Chantel is 20 years-old and is from Australia. She designs accessories. The ones any girl craves for as it makes you feel you're entering a fairy tale. Judge for yourself:

Archangel Melody by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Sterling Silver Deep Ocean Cuff 2 by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Steampunk Time Travelers Key by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Lung Dragon Pendant by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Sterling Silver Hippocampus Pendant by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Sterling Silver Arcane Labradorite Pendant by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Unicorn Pendant by *Shellvia-Blackthorn on deviantART

Feel the urge to buy? Check her etsy shop!

be my guest #1 [all the possibilities]

Have you ever given up on your favourite dress or music because you felt like it was too young for you or off season for you or just doesn't fit in with the place etc.? Sometimes, we forget how much we take into consideration our age, season, region, gender etc. while making decisions about what to wear or what kind of music to listen to. Sometimes, I wonder how much rules like these can lower the creative potential of a person and narrow down the possibilities of new ways of thinking. Recently I came across an article on WWD on Estee Lauder Group President John Demsey that highlighted his ability to translate his knowledge of pop culture into sales, which according to industry sources is estimated to have a global wholesale volume of more than $1.5 billion. While many might see tuning into the world of pop culture as a teenager's domain and don't want to be associated with it, Demsey takes it as a compliment and uses it along with his number crunching side of the brain to drive the business of one of the most well known brands in the world. He is an inspiration to all the people who question if something is too young or odd for us. Let's look at some of the rules or views that I have come across that I think can limit our creative possibilities.

Men in Color: I am sure you have seen many bloggers compare Prabal Gurung's black leather fair isle jacket from Junya Watanabe that he wore to Lady Gaga's Workshop at Barneys New York to a similar one that Justin Beiber wore in red. The former came off as cool and edgy wearing the beautiful varsity jacket in black while the latter was deemed uncool for his overly festive look. While I agree that Prabal Gurung looked cooler and edgier, I think Justin's look has potential and could be turned into something cooler and edgier with some creative changes to his ensemble. May be a cooler and edgier pant or an interesting hairstyle would have worked? I have seen men I know complain about the limited color selection when it comes to men's fashion so why not praise Justin for adopting a bolder color and suggest something to turn his look into something edgier or cooler? Do you agree? Also, take a look at the picture below of Loreza Martone in a touch of purple at Lady Gaga's Workshop event. What do you think of his outfit?

Flowers, dresses and colors for cooler weather: People usually associate flowers, dresses and colors with summer or spring than fall or winter but why not break that rule and be different. In the below picture you see Pamela Love wear a beautiful flower dress in yellow to lady Gaga's Workshop at Barneys New York and she looks wonderful. When layered, dresses can be easily worn in almost any weather. Micheal Kors's recent tips for winter dressing included using color as an alternative to brighten up a gray winter day. Would you wear a colorful floral dress in winter?

30 Plus Fashion: Another rule is what and what not a 30+ year old should wear. Just take a look at the first article below. The article makes it look like varsity jackets or anything athletic pieces with lots of cool geometry is meant for women under 30s and that 30 plus year olds should stick to mostly clean classics. Do you agree with this? Below is also a collage of pictures with older actresses and models in shorter dresses which people usually associate with the below 30 crowd. Do you think these dresses are appropriate for someone over 30?

Harper’s Bazaar UK Cover Shot. December 2011

I think too many rules can block creativity and dull out the creative child inside of us, which we all need to motivate, challenge and uncover the limitless creative possibilities of our right brain. I think it's always good to keep an open mind and look out for fresh possibilities if we want to stay creative and lively. The only rule that I would like to keep in mind when it comes to fashion, music or art is the beautiful quote by Chanel: A girl should be two things - classy and fabulous. I think we should take a look at things through rose colored glasses and open up to possibilities. Do you agree? Do you let age, gender, region or season dull out your creativity when it comes to fashion or music? Would love to hear your thoughtful and creative views.

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.

~ Coco Chanel

xx

Heel in Mint

Credits:

BEAUTYINC, The Business of Beauty, an issue of  Women's Wear Daily

Blueandcream.com

Tumblr.com

Cindy.com

Holymoly.com

OsoYou.com

Style Caster

Style Bistro

your new dress

Your boyfriend's shirts are more useful than you think. Go buy him some more. ;)

This video was made by Ira Zvidrina (the designer and model) and Kati Turkina (the director) for Colour Heels Diary, a blog about fashion and colour. I'm a follower and you should know why. Oh! Go and subscribe too! ♥

if you wish it

You know girls are always looking for the best tips on fashion. That's how I bumped in Wendy's YouTube videos, and later in her amazing blog.

She's such a fresh  breeze in this stylish world: creative, bold, sweet, funny and with all those tricks we all want to know. If you don't believe me, see for yourself:











And now some of her outfits:

via Wendy's Lookbook 

via Wendy's Lookbook 

via Wendy's Lookbook 

via Wendy's Lookbook 

via Wendy's Lookbook 

What are your favourite fashion gurus?

Note: The title is a reference from Peter Pan's film. Why, you ask? That's where Wendy's name come from.

100 years of fashion in London

I don't know who made this, but if you do tell me so I can credit. I just know it was an ad for a shopping center in London. I wish this to become viral and see people all over the world do an animation like this about their own countries. How awesome would that be?

Dressing Up

Not like this. via we heart it.

Do you know those days when you don't know what to wear and your bedroom is a mess because of all the clothes you dressed? I've a solution for you. :)

I received in my e-mail account a newsletter from Photojojo with a cool planner and I bet you don't know what I'm talking about here. You'll love it, I promise. I know I did.

via photojojo

Check out their store too, they have amazing stuff. And no, this is not an advertising post. ;)

1st!

via we heart it

First of April came with a lot of sunshine, so I have much to celebrate today (plus is my dad's b-day and me&my bf are celebrating 84 months! Yay!).

Today I want to share with you some of the best posts I came across with along this week. Let's make a list, because I love'em.

- Meditation for College Students: Why You Should Do It & 3 Tips on How to Start, by College Fashion

- Dreamy Landscape, by Rose Flash Blog

- Tall Painting, by RavelikeDave

- Olive Manna Craft Supplies, by Design Mom

- Laura Ashley for People Tree SS11, by Blah Blah Becky

- Maison Hermès, by Tokujin Yoshioka

- Bershka Spring 2011, by The Daily Passion

- 9 Different Silk Scarf Ideas, by Michelle Phan & Chriselle

- Weight Loss Sun Salutations, by Sadie Nardini

- My (temporarily) tattooed hand

Hope you've liked it!

The F word

Chic 06 by ~leo723 on deviantART

Today is all about fashion!

But before I got started I would like to ask you if you know any good site with free blogger templates because I'm not finding this template very functional and I don't seem to find one that fits my needs... 

Now: fashion! For me fashion is an art where many professionals from different areas have to combine their creativity, know-how and good taste between each other (make-up, hair, clothes, shoes, photography, etc.).

Today I'll talk about the fashion photography, because a good photographer could give a twist to the most simple outfits, like the image above (that's really a twist!). However, no matter how good is the photographer or the machine he uses if there's no empathy, no spark between him and the model.

via flickr

Furthermore, the model doesn't need to be pretty, or thin or have any other characteristic that fits our concept of beauty. The most important is the personality.

Look to the nex image. She's beautiful, has a great body, but no soul. The photo is boring and cliché, it isn't even sexy and doesn't show us or gives nothing more than a pretty girl.

via flickr

But this one... is stunning! Simple and strong.

via flickr

Some more good examples:

via flickr

via we heart it

via flickr

And sorry, but I couldn't find any real good male model (the one I could say: that's it!). Maybe I just didn't look hard enough, so if you know of any good photos drop a comment.

Art Duo01 Centa and Nate by ~aegipan on deviantART

I'll share a secret with you. I'm not lesbian and never felt attracted to a girl (well, maybe a little haha), but I just find women's body so much sexier! 

Two - 04 by ~Sphinx- on deviantART

Want to share something? What's your opinion?

Show Time!

Lately I've been occupied sending CV's so I can get a job in this great field that is design, so I didn't have much time to do research for this week post. It'll be very light, but enjoyable (I hope).

I'm a big fan of series, they are my favourite TV shows (although most of times I watch them on my laptop). They make me think and laugh, give me hope, courage and inspiration (in fashion and work, mostly; but also, and this may sound strange, in my relationships).

Right now I'm watching a big range of series and I love every single one of them. I'll start with Californication: it has a sexy dark mood full of drama. The characters are very peculiar and interesting. The Moody family is my favourite, of course: she's gorgeous, he's hot and their daughter is so cute!

Next sexy TV serie? Secret Diary of a Call Girl. This one is based in a real-story and the best of all is that Billie Piper (from Dr. Who, remember?) is the protagonist. I love how Hannah and Belle (they're the same person) dresses, including hairstyles.






Here are some of my favourite outfits of her:

Next ones are Modern Family, Being Erica and Drop Dead Diva. Oh and Hell's Kitchen!

What are your favourite shows?

Let's be nanos!

Nanos, via seesaw

Do you believe in destiny? Sometimes I do. Wonder why?

In the weekend I was thinking what to post today. I wanted to share something I treasure and some good photography of children seemed a good idea. I love children as much as they love me. Maybe because I'm like them.

Yesterday, I was reading my favourite blogs when I saw this lovely post by seesaw. It was exactly what I wanted to show you!

Nanos is a spanish shop for kids. Their website is simple, the clothes are stylish, the kids lovely, the brand name clever and creative and the photography is so clean! I'll know where to shop when I have a baby.

Nanos, via seesaw

What is your favourite kids shop?

Jewelry is a girl's best friend

Like every girl in the world, I love jewelry. And I'm very picky in what concerns that. Yeah.

But Catherinette Rings has the most absolutely gorgeous steampunk rings, necklaces, watches, you get it...

I didn't even know what steampunk was until I met his work (yes, it's a guy) .

Dive with me:

Steampunk bracelet Blue by *CatherinetteRings on deviantART


Steampunk Jewelry Clear by *CatherinetteRings on deviantART


Reptile eye cuff links wheat by *CatherinetteRings on deviantART


Victorian Antique Button Cuff by *CatherinetteRings on deviantART


Steampunk Watch Silver by *CatherinetteRings on deviantART


He sells his stuff on ETSY, it's not very expensive regarding the work and the beautiful pieces he create. Go check it and buy one for me too. ;)