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I'm singing in the rain....and I'm happy again

2010-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

I promised myself that constant rain and bad weather won’t affect me any more this time! I am in a very happy mood and nothing will change that. I bought new rain boots, very cute with flowers and rainbow as a statement that my mood doesn’t fit the weather any more – yeah! Warm boots will boost my mood :-) Wishing you all dry and sunny days.

"I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feelin'

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds

So dark up above

The sun's in my heart

And I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

Just singin',

Singin' in the rain"

Happy Birthday to ME ME ME!

2010-01-19T11:46:00.001-08:00

Joyeux anniversaire a MOI MOI!

My thought for the day:

"Village of a million spirits"

2010-01-18T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm currently reading a novel written by Ian MacMillan about Treblinka's staggering inhumanity of the death camps. Sometimes the book's graphic description can be deeply disturbing but the story itself shows the desperate fight for hope and survival. Despite the fact that MacMillans remarkable novel is fiction, the story in many ways resembles what really happened in concentration camps. I visited a few camps in Poland and have to admit that what I witnessed was extremely sad and traumatizing. The memory of the mass murder of innocent people, horror they witnessed and experience should never been forgotten.

“We are to sort the bodies as follows: fat women in one pile, thin women and children in one pile, men in one pile.” He continues speaking, but his voice is drowned out by the engine as the toothed box slams down into the pit once again. The worker waits while the box grinds shut. The closing sides sever torsos, scissor limbs off, divides the corpses of a child, and drops other body parts back into the pit as the box rises up and swings toward them. The worker waits until the box swings away once more, and goes on to explain that the fat women burn best and are used to kindle thin women and children, who in turn ignite the men. The carriers must have them sorted just so, because they will be piled on the roast with the fat women on the bottom. Body parts will be sorted in the same manner - fat leg goes with the bodies of the fat women and so on...”

Some resolutions require new shoes!

2010-01-13T08:35:00.000-08:00

Designers continue their bold experiments with the new shapes and constructions for stylish and fashionable shoes of today. Fashion shoe trends this season won't differ much from winter/fall 09 collections. Big platforms are still IN. Lets hope that new spring designer collections will be much more practical and comfortable than the last year ones.

If you have trouble finding shoes you can ask Kim Kardashian and her stylists for recommendation. In 2009 Kim launched new website called Shoe Dazzle. SD has a membership fee of $39/mo which covers the first pair and shipping is free, and you don't pay until you've chosen your first pair of shoes. If you would like to purchase additional pairs than it would be another $39.

http://www.shoedazzle.com/

Barneys has an amazing on-line sale on designers shoes like Miu Miu, Manolo or Christian Laboutin. I think it's still great bargain taking in consideration that original price for Christian's signature red hill shoe reaches $1000.

http://www.barneys.com/Shoes/SHOES10,default,sc.html

Make-up your mind!

2010-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

Makeup enhances beauty, defines your features in new and exciting ways. It brightens your facial structure and turns your face into a work of art! I am very much into dressing up and makeup. I wear makeup every day. I like natural look though, just little bit of mascara, foundation and bronzing compact powder. I enjoy it but I don't depend on it.

Irvin Penn

Simon Emment

Is an English portrait photographer based in London, mostly known for his celebrity portrait photographs on the cover of GQ Magazine.

Francois Nars

Francois Nars, an amazing French makeup artist and photographer collaborated with top designers, including" D&G, Versace, Anna Sui, Marc Jacobs... His makeup line NARS is recognizable around the globe.

"I think makeup today is about having possibility of doing a million different looks"

Simon Emment

Chenman

Apparently Chenman is not a man. She's a Beijing-born twenty-something woman who has become one of the most well-known fashion photographers in China. Chenman works in all aspects of photography - from beauty and fashion, to commercial, portrait and personal artworks. She constantly shoots for Chinese make up artist Tony Li.

I love this image...

"Beautiful Blogger Award"

2010-01-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been awarded the "Beautiful Blogger Award" from http://kindofthatgirl.blogspot.com/. She's "kind of that girl", which is good to know and follow! She has a very beautiful and inspirational blog. You don't need to have a book to read, her blog is a "page turner"! Alexandra's poem called: "To You My Love, Forgive Me" is my favorite, check it out!

For those I given an award, here are the rules:

1) Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2) Copy the award & place it on your blog.
3) Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4) Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
5) Nominate 7 bloggers.
6) Post links to the 7 blogs I nominate.

Here are 7 things about me, decide for yourself if it's interesting or not:

I love sad and gloomy songs. You have to listen to them every time you pass by my blog. I have 39 sad and gloomy songs on my playlist, I hope it won't scare you off??

I am my husband's wife, who makes me sooo happy, who's my soul mate and whom I love ENORMOUSLY!

I love to travel. I've been around Europe and I think there is no better place to be then Switzerland were I lived for 10 years (OK, France and Italy too)!

I can't stand sad and gloomy summers in San Francisco;

I love to eat but I hate to cook. (Lucky for me my husband's cooking is amazing, it actually relaxes him);

I love everything what's French: frog's legs, french cooking, Chanel, Louis de Funès, Edith Piaf (no, I don't have her on my playlist), houte couture, wine testing, joi de vivre. Oh, I can't forget about: cheese, pastries, bread, charcutrie...And of course language, which I hope not to forget.

I am not a big fun of surprises. I get disappointed very easily and I don't know how to hide it. I don't have big expectations, I just don't know how to act like I am surprised!

And award goes to:

(no particular order)

http://threehundredsixtyfiveloves.blogspot.com/
I love this blog and Kate's concept of writing for 365 days about things she loves. You can really get to know someone that way very well. She has great book recommendations.

http://wearethehendricks.blogspot.com/ I learned from this amazing blogger how to make home vanilla extract! (you need to check her Friday, 1 January 2010 post). Her day to day posts are so exiting!

http://deva84world.blogspot.com/2009/12/hello-from-poland.html I love this blog. I always wait for the new post with impatience. She is sweet and adorable. What I love about her is that she is not afraid to dream.

http://bechindblueeyes.blogspot.com/ She has great sense of taste for everything. Her sweet little post are so inspiring. And I adore her cats!

http://barefootchicdesign.blogspot.com/ I totally recommend this blog. She is an amazing designer, she loves photography, music AND her family. She sells her own work, mostly acrylic painting on canvas, wall hanging decor on wooded plate/board for kids room etc. I admire her talent.

http://mrsmfc.blogspot.com/ She is a young, lovely lady with big heart and enthusiasm. Her blog is very positive and fun to read.

http://apetitediva.blogspot.com/ Great fashion blog. Make up recommendations are best!

http://thisischerish.blogspot.com/ Another fashion blog... If you love pink you will love her blog. Cherish is fun and her blog is so refreshing!

Positive thought for the day!

2010-01-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

Paper plane, paper dress?

2010-01-03T18:14:00.001-08:00

This photo series, a combined effort from Russian advertising agency Doberman and artists Alexandra Zaharova and Ilya Plotnikov, was shot for the 2009 issue of L’Officiel. What's amazing about those dresses is that they are made of paper. Despite the fact that they are not wearable (I wouldn't recommend to wear it in a rainy day), the silhouettes are surprisingly flattering, and certainly innovative and beautiful.

Zaharova specializes in illustration and print, however I much prefer her creative commercial side.

What is your 2010 resolution?

2009-12-31T18:34:00.001-08:00

After Xmas sale...

2009-12-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this scarf. Bloomingdales offers a special price - 30% off the original value. It comes in two colors: dark grey and fuchsia. I adore the hot, pink shades which are so refreshing for our dull, fall wardrobe.

Pure silk
Dry clean
35" x 35"
Imported from Italy
Web ID: 440154

Vive les soldes!

2009-12-29T10:22:00.001-08:00

This is the season to be jolly and all the stores are full of crazy shoppers looking for the best bargains. But this is the time of the season when I hate going shopping. There are far too many rude people who just barge and push as if you don't exist. The stores are always too hot, sales persons are always too aggressive and by the end of the day my toes are in agony!What I enjoy most is shopping on-line! It is so convenient and practical. You don't have to leave the house, go from one shop to another and make price comparisons or deal with (other) crazy bargain hunters. You can spend the day in front of your computer wearing your pajama and drinking coffee. Now, how good is that! All you need to do is to lift one finger (or two) and wait for the goods to be sent. Bloomingdales for example is having amazing discounts that grabbed my attention immediately. They offer 40-50% reduction on already marked down prices. You can find amazing deals on designer brands like D&G, Michael Kors, DKNY, Juicy Couture and many more. Victoria Secret proposes free shipping on purchases more then $100. I recommend make-up by Christian Siriano which is reduced to 50%. I love his lip gloss and eye shadow.

KAREN MILLEN

BLOOMINGDALES

VICTORIA SECRET

ON-LINE SHOPPING

Despite the many pluses of on-line shopping, there are a few negatives. Not everything is displayed on the websites. DSW for example, the best shoe store in San Francisco (in my opinion), has many deals on Emporio Armani shoes, Prada or Ralf Lauren which you can’t find on their website. You also have to be lucky to find the size you need or color. Sometimes what you see on the screen is not as pretty as in real life. And you have to be aware of on-line fraud!

My wallet didn’t thank me today but my self-esteem began to recover. Ouch..

2009-12-23T19:43:00.001-08:00

All I want for Christmas is....

2009-12-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

When it comes to buying presents, we all have problems choosing the right gifts. Getting it right and knowing how delighted your loved ones are with the gifts you've chosen is a fabulous feeling. Think about things your partner buys for themselves, as well as their personal style, hobbies and interests; and what their passions are. People are always unconsciously rambling about stuff they want: all you have to do is listen. Choosing gifts just because you like them is a no-no. Your own taste is irrelevant.

Generally, men are happy with gifts that fill a "need" - something that they no longer have to purchase for themselves (perhaps this is the reason for the "guys like power tools for gifts" stereotype). Note of all of the things he gets excited about in the store or during commercials. When I was dating my husband, the most romantic gift I would receive from him was some electric accessories, while my gifts for him were kitchen equipment. We learned by paying attention to each others needs and desires!

"500 cocktails" book, $16.95
Wine cooler, $79.95
Bar tool set, $50
Cuisinart Sixteen-bottle wine cellar, $199
Speakers for the iPone, $129
Gold charcoal grill, $140
BBQ stainless tool set, $24
A good bottle of wine
Philips Norelco shaver, $190

When buying for a woman, be sure to get her something that is going to send the message "I spent some time thinking about this”. You want to focus on getting something that she would not normally be able to buy for herself - an extravagance! Extravagance does not have to mean ridiculously expensive. You don't have to get the biggest, just aim for the best.

"Joy of cooking", $35
Kitchen aid, $349
8 piece chocolate fondue set, $16.95
Swarovski necklace, $90 / pen, $24
Tiffany bracelet, $125
Victoria Secret make up set, $10 (on sale)
Spa, beauty salon gift certificates
Nice cashmere sweater or scarf is always a yes-yes

To Bee or not to Bee

2009-12-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

I would like to share with you with the book I am currently reading. It's written by John Penberthy and it's called “To Bee or not to Bee”. The book peppered with humor teaches that life is too important to be taken so seriously. No matter what you believe in, I think this book will leave a smile on your face and glow in your heart!

“You mean even unhappiness is perfect?”

“Yep, because it causes us to look deeper. Any time I’m unhappy or angry or whatever, I try to see it as feedback that my consciousness is out of sync with The Way. To me, that’s hell”

“I want to bee just happy and...”

“Never sad,” Bert interrupted.

“Well, yes. What’s wrong with that?”

“I suppose you also want up without down, soft without hard, cold without hot, and good without bad? Don’t you see Buzz? Everything is relative, the instant you define one condition, you’ve created its opposite. How can you have cold unless you know what hot is? How can you have up without down?

How can you bee happy without knowing what sad is?”

The power of Photoshop

2009-12-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

Erik Johansson is a 23-year-old computer engineering student from Sweden. He creates remarkable images by digitally modifying photographs that he takes himself. His photo manipulations are very interesting and give a realistic view of an unreal picture.

Alexander McQueen and end of civilisation??

2009-11-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

My recent project at school required research about architecture's influence on the fashion industry. For those who know nothing about fashion history, deconstruction probably means nothing to you. However, I found out that the ideas of deconstruction which are also related to fashion, have transformed philosophy, literature, film theory and production, and related design areas of architecture, graphic design and new media. The word "deconstruction" comes from the French philosopher Jacques Derrida and generally attempts to demonstrate that "something" is not a discrete whole but contains several meanings; that "something" therefore has more than one interpretation; that "something" itself links these interpretations inseparably. Whatever its original meaning, deconstruction has come to mean "tear down" or "destroy". Rei Kawakubo, Hussein Chalayan, then Karl Lagerfield, Martin Margiela and Alexander McQueen are the first designers to apply the philosophy of deconstructionism to fashion.

Alexander McQueen, 2010 collection

Alexander McQueen, 2010 spring collection

Alexander McQueen, 2010 spring collection

Alexander McQueen, 2010 spring collection

What separates fashion and architecture?
Fashions generally changes from season to season, while architecture is, more often built to last.

Marchessa, 2008 collection

Marchessa, 2008 collection

Marchessa, 2008 collection

Alexander McQueen & Sydney Opera House
Emilio Pucci & Finca Güell in Barcelona

Balenciaga & Guggenheim-Museum Bilbao

To what extent can they be interchanged?
In fashion, architecture has helped introduce the use of thin, flexible metals and plastics, and lightweight glass, while architects have integrated pleating, draping, and tailoring techniques into their built form.

1. Bubble dress, Hussein Chalayan/ 2. P-wall, Andre Kudless

Hussein Chalayan, have even made the leap to hybrid fashion/ architecture forms that serve a double purpose as clothing and furniture.

My Hats off to you!!

2009-11-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Since I was 2-years-old, hats have been parts of my wardrobe. I grew up in a small town in Poland where winter lasted almost 8 months. Despite the long and cold Polish weather, I still love wearing hats and have them in almost every color and shape. Cloche, fedora, berets, you name it I have it. And let’s not forget that hats not only provide a stunning addition to our outfit, but also keep us warm.
And…..you can still look good while having bad hair days!

Isaac Mizrahi

Cloche Hat

A cloche hat is a bell shaped fitted hat that was made popular by Coco Chanel in the 1920's. Cloche hats are a great way to add sophistication to your fall and winter outfits. Elle magazine called the cloche hat the "haute accessory of the moment". Azzaro

Chanel

Fedora Hat

A fedora is a brimmed felt hat that is creased lengthwise at the crown. Bright colors are very popular this fall therefore pairing a brightly colored fedora with an outfit would be the trendiest way to wear this piece.

Berets
Berets are usually associated with France although it is also the traditional headgear of Northern Spain. I guess berets will always be in fashion. They can become narrower or wider but they are invariably popular among women all over the world.

Armani Prive

Military Hat

This hat, also called the Castro, resembles the hat worn by the Cuban leader. JCPenney and Target have all kind of hats for less than $20.

Kohl's cloche hat, $15(sale price)
Cate Spade, $175
Catherine's, red bucket hat, $26
Forever 21, $12.80

Patrizio di Renzo and "Pure Poison"

2009-11-03T14:55:00.001-08:00

I would like to get your attention to another great fashion and people photographer – Patrizio di Renzo. Patrizio is an Italian-Swiss photographer who, after spending time in fashion capitals from Los Angeles to New York via Paris and Istanbul, not forgetting Milan where he lived for six years, decided to move back to his home land of Switzerland. Over a year ago he set up his own studio near Baar (Zurich). This talented and well-know to fashion industry artist is mostly recognized by his shots of Naomi Campbell and Ornella Muti. He has also been the principal photographer for such prestigious clients as Louisa Cerano, Mexx, Swarovsky, Cacharel. His latest shots were taken for Majo Fruithol's Swiss jewelery collection which he calls "Pure poison".

From his collection: COMMEDIA DELL ARTE

Shine like a star.

2009-11-02T10:28:00.001-08:00

There are 59 days to New Year, however, many are acting like the count down has already started. Everyone is wearing sequin! Right now they are hotter then ever.... we wear them during the night or even the day! Sequin is no longer consider as a tacky prom dress or ice skating uniform. We can be certain they will dominate 2010 New Year's celebration.

To stand out in the crowd and dance the night away on New Year's Eve be sure to wear something glitzy: gold and silver sequin, crystals or something creating a sparkle effect is perfect for this occasion. Make sure to find a sequin dress which won't blind you with its price.

To glam yourself with the best cocktail dress this season check out the selection below:

1. Bebe, one shoulder dress $119 2. Aqua, $178.00 3. BCBGMaxAzaria, tunic $238

New Look, sequin dress
£28.00

Nordstroom, sequin purse $88.00

Stafani Nelly, sequin purse $39.95

Maxazaria, crossbody metal bag $61.60 (sale price)

Karen Millen, suede ankle sandals $299.00

Don't mess with Hermes.

2009-10-29T16:54:00.001-07:00

The idea behind French designer Jean Paul Gaultier this fall/winter Hermes 09 collection is women in uniform. We already talked about military influence in the fashion industry this season, however this time I would like to talk about his line filled with leather, fur-collared bombers jackets and leg-hugging long boots.

Our suggestions:

Top Shop leather tight boots $250
Coach boots
Steve Madden $188.97
Top Shop suede boots $99.95

Ah...Hermes scarf - how women can resist it's attraction... A silk scarf is a perfect woman's fashion accessory and simple outfit can change into classy-sassy gown.

Fabulous scarf for more affordable pocket:
Accessorize £15

And have I mentioned that Gaultier is designing for Target? That's right. It's been confirmed that his collection will be released on March 7, 2010 to April 11, 2010 in more than 250 stores nationwide and on-line: target.com. French chic - cheap, is that possible??

Ruven Afanador and 1,000 kisses

2009-10-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

My two favorite colors - white and black - well presented in photography of Colombian-born artist Ruven Afanador. Ruven Afanador is one of today’s most respected and in-demand editorial and fashion photographers.
He is a longtime contributor to Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Elle, as well as The New York Times.

The resent work he's done for Nordstrom’s designer ad campaign is a play between romance and tragedy...

This one gives me butterflies...

His latest book, tribute to the women of flamenco entitled "Mil Besos" — 1,000 kisses, in Spanish — is perhaps his most powerful work which presets unique vision of the flamenco woman in Spain.

I spied with my little eye...

2009-10-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Inspired by all the publicity which H&M has recently received because of the new Jimmy Choo line, I have decided to check out their new fall collection. To my surprise I wasn't disappointed with my new discovery. Within a second after entering the shop I spied with my little eye something that begins with the letter L...
Yes, I am talking about the Leggings. It's my hot spot number 1 and definitely a piece which will drew attention to all the eyes on the dance floor.So if you want to shine more then a disco ball I assure you will succeed by wearing them!

Let's not ignore beautiful pearls for $17.95, even fake pearls are woman's best friends, right?

To look extra chic at a party, check out the sequin sweater $34.95 (comes in black and gray) paired with skinny jeans -- will put you right on the podium!

Jimmy Choo for H&M, November 14!!! 9AM

2009-10-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Oui, oui, c'est vrai!! Jimmy Choo is designing for H&M! What a fabulous news. His amazing collection will be available in stores on November 14 at 9AM. Expect big competition and prepare yourself for a shoe fight. Check out our favorites below:

Jimmy Choo suede one sholder dress, £149.99
Jimmy Choo croco embosse clutch, £69.99
Sequin waist belt, Jimmy Choo for H&M

2009-10-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Choo, embroidered t-shirt, £59.99
Jimmy Choo, zebra print bag, £69.99
Jimmy Choo, cheetah print and patent heels, £79.99

ChooMania!

2009-10-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this chance.
Listen to your feet, they want to BE sexy!

The war is not over!

2009-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

As to complete "army look", please check the picture above:

Woman's drawstring-hem cargo green pants from Old Navy: $34.50

My personal favorite Tommy Hilfiger boots, $169.00 (sale price,check Dress for Less);

Iron-on Army patches, easy to apply for extra effect.

To get an even more dramatic look, you can purchase Women US Army vintage shirt:
http://www.galaxyarmynavy.com/item-1065.asp

The war is not over!

2009-10-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

As we are moving closer to the winter, the pallet of colors is changing together with our moods. So lets talk green this time, and more precisely Military Green! We notice that Military jackets, pants and hats are all over the magazines and Internet fashion websites. I am especially in love with Balmain spring 2010 collection. Unfortunately, his pieces are too expansive for my wallet so in need to stay on top with fashion I found great replacements.

My top 3 Military jackets!!!

Forever 21 - A-Ten-Hut Military Jacket for only $24.80, comes in black and green;

Dorothy Perkins DP Collection Military Jacket $200;

BB Dakota Battalion Jacket in Black $79 in black