Swimsuit Inspiration

Like I promised you guys a couple of weeks back, here is part two of the swimsuit inspiration series, I couldn't leave these ones out! Apart from the beautiful colors on some of the bikinis or the inspiring landscapes, this time my inspiration came a lot from one-piece bathing suits. One-piece suits can be tricky, as they are not all flattering for different body types and they are also difficult what tan lines are concerned, but some of them are just too beautiful to resist! I'm already imagining myself sitting poolside in one of these gorgeous pieces with a summery cocktail in hand! Countdown started: 10 more days until Barcelona! 

 

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2016 Valentino

I've always waited on the Valentino show as impatiently as I would wait for the Chanel one or the Dior collection, while Mr. Galliano was still in charge. There's always something magical about the garments and the story that the designer duo envisions, always keeping the same lines and shapes the House is known for, yet still constantly innovating, either through a new color, a new embroidery, a new pattern or a different degree of opacity. This collection  represented a return to the roots for the the designers, as they decided to show this collection in Rome. The symbolism of the collection is best expressed through their own words: "We wanted to show people Rome through our eyes. The layers and layers of history which can exist even in one place, where ancient temples lie beneath buildings which have been used for centuries,even till today." Taking this into consideration, the choice of the venue fit like a glove: the sixteenth-century Palazzo Mignanelli is both an example of Roman historym but also the place where the designers and seamstresses work every day.

The collection is a work of art, an enormous inspiration of fragile, full-length lace dresses, paired with occasional embroidered capes. The spectators were drawn into the atmosphere, as different centuries in Roman history seemed to pass in front of their eyes. If one let one's imagination flow, one could easily recognize women throughout the ages from pagan handmaidens and Renaissance princesses up to women in modern-day nobility or symbols such as the robes of priests and cardinals in the Vatican City or gladiator armors. The collection was a stunning moment full of poetry, with an erotic and sinister undertone, addressing also the darkness of the city.

I could barely choose what garments not to include here, so picking favorites this time will be impossible. I haven't been moved by a collection so much in a long time! A few favorites however would be the dress in the opening photo and the black dress with stars embroidery paired with a matching cape. Have a look for yourselves and tell me if you managed to pick a favorite!

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2016 Chanel

Tuesday's highlight of the couture shows was the Chanel show - always bigger, better, more innovative. This time the designer recreated an Art Deco-inspired casino inside the Grand Palais with card and roulette tables in the middle of the venue, where front row guests were playing during the show and slot machines framing the perimeter. Among the star-studded tables one could recognize muses of the House - Julianne Moore, Kristen Steward, Lara Stone, Lily-Rose Depp, Vanessa Paradis or Baptiste Giabiconi among others. Some of them even took roulette or cards lessons prior to the event!

 

Entitled Cercle Privé, the collection keeps the classic lines of the House, the tweed jackets and suits, contrasting collars and gowns. To keep it simple, all the models wore the same hairstyle - a very strict and extremely short bob - and the same shoes - black mules with cutout in the front and curved heels. Adding to the designer's ever changing vision of the bride, this year's couture bride is wearing a  double-breasted white pantsuit accessorized with a long veil floating behind her. Who better to portray her than the fashion world's newest inspiration - Kendall Jenner?

 

It's difficult to pick favorites, I'd say I really liked the white suit adorned with a black ribbon and bejeweled neckline, the dark blue boxy oversize jacket, the classic look in the opening photo or the dark blue dress with a falling waistline and long collar. Pick your own favorites:

 

 

 

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2016 Christian Dior

The second day of the Haute Couture shows brought us the wonderfully poised collection of Raf Simmons for Christian Dior. Clean shapes, flattering A-line skirts, tube dresses and gorgeous coats in mixed fabrics were the main attractions. In an attempt not to forget the warm temperatures in fall, beautifully crafted, nude wedge sandals completed the looks. The clothes spoke for themselves, accessorizing was minimal, only a few gold chains around the neck for the simplest outfits, as were the hair and makeup. A beautiful, classic Dior collection!

 

Among my favorite looks was the beautiful ensemble in the opening photo, the neckline is gorgeous and balances out the full skirt. Other gorgeous looks were of course the fuchsia dress paired with a generous coat, the short white dresses, the mid-calf length dresses with flared skirt,the long dresses with plunging necklines or the gorgeous khaki and coat with a large black collar. Have a look at the most interesting garments on the runway:

 

 

 

 

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2016:Atelier Versace

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is always a highlight of early July, just in time to catch all the shows before people start going around on vacation. This year's shows started on Monday with Donatella Verasce's couture collection for Atelier Versace. Showcasing muted tones, sexy, flowy dresses and delicate embroideries, the show was a very good opener for the week to follow.

 

Among my favorite looks were the pale skin-colored dress above, the knee-length pink dress, the fuchsia gown, Joan Small's outfit and of course the gorgeous gowns towards the end of the show, especially those worn by Doutzer Kroes and Karlie Kloss. Have a look at the most interesting looks on the runway and pick your favorites!

 

 

 

 

Summer's Hottest Swimsuits

Vacation plans are ringing in my ears, as my summer holiday slowly approaches, so naturally I started looking up swimsuits online, you know, just to keep from going insane while waiting! It's standard pre-vacation procedure haha! Unfortunately most of Europe is still denied the joy of its own Victoria's Secret stores, nevertheless I still usually end up browsing through their gorgeous photos. Who could resist them? There are so many different shapes, colors and straps, sometimes I'm glad that we don't have a store nearby because I wouldn't know what to choose... and then I think again! I thought that maybe some of you might be on the lookout for a new addition to your summer wardrobe and I rounded up my 10 favorite pieces from their website. Enjoy!

 

I thought I should also add that this is not a sponsored post, I simply really, really, really like their swimsuits and I couldn't not share my favorites with you! I hope you enjoyed the post as much as I did while browsing for the perfect top 10 pieces :) 

 

 

 

 

Summer Drinks Inspiration

Once the summer temperatures hit the high end of the thermometer we are definitely starting to spend most of our evenings outdoors, be it in our cozy backyard, on a terrace or in fashionable outdoor cafés. What can get you better in a vacation mood than sipping a colorful refreshing drink that has summer written all over it? Lacking ideas? Here are a few recipes to try this summer!

 

 

 

 

Watermelon Mojito

 

In a tall glass combine mint, one tablespoon of sugar and the half of a lime. Crush the mint and lime with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Add the juice of two watermelon chunks, stir the mix and then add 1/4 cup (or two ounces) of white rum. Stir again to combine the mix, add some more mint sprigs for garnish and top with ice cubes. For a fancy touch, you can add a small wedge of watermelon or lime on the side of the glass. Serve immediately!