Focus on: the waist wrap.

Photos by: Song Of Style, Lovely By Lucy, Tsangtastic, Sincerely Jules

If you have grown up in the 90's like I have, then you are probably very familiar with the idea of tied up shirts and jackets. (And you are now probably torn between the "I've witnessed and done the trend first time around" and "Damn, I'm old" feeling.) Back then, the waist wrap was typically a bulky part of an entirely casual outfit and not something we would consider wearing again at this age. But the fact that trends always come back with a slight reinvention is kind of comforting, as well as the fact that this particular one is now far more stylish.

First, it is not all about plaid shirt and sweatshirts, but just about any top with long sleeves. Anything from plaid to denim, to even leather jackets and bombers, can help you get that negligent effortless casual look. Second, although wrapping the shirt around your jeans is the most classical and common way, the recent trends allow us to pull of this look even with a skirt or a dress. But since it won't work on all types of skirt and dresses, opt for a tight skirt, bodycon or a t-shirt dress when you feel like wearing these and looking casual chic at the same time. Third, any type of shoes: sneakers, flats, boots and, especially high heels will work perfectly. Last but not least, use the wrapped shirt as an accessory and try pairing it just as you pair any other accessory - you can let it blend it or use it as pop of color or statement piece to a simple and monochrome outfit.

My looks. See the full post here, here and here.

If you have been following my blog then you could have seen I've been wearing a lot of waist wraps in my recent outfits too, mixing everything from plaid shirt (my favorite look here) to denim shirt and sweater. And I hope you liked it because this is the trend I will be sticking to in the following months and looking forward to wearing with shorts, skirts and dresses too.

Have you been trying out this trend yourself? I would love to read your thoughts in the comments below!

Hope you have a good start of the week!

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Spring it on: skincare routine.

 Photos by me.

Season transitions aren't just about wardrobe cleanings and makeovers, but about reassessing the beauty regime too. After months of exposure to both cold weather and indoor heat our skin started to look a little dull, and the arrival of spring brings its own set of challenges for skin to adjust to. But, as spring is a time of rejuvenating and growth, it is also the perfect occasion for me to pamper my skin with some new additions to the beauty basket.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water: I'm sure many of you are familiar with the concept of micellar waters as the all natural and soap-free solutions that provide perfect make up removal, cleansing and soothing hydration thanks to molecules called micelles. I'm also sure you know almost every brand has come up with their micellar solution, with Bioderma being the most popular and hyped one. I have tried using Bioderma Sensibio once but could have not agree with all the good reviews it was getting since it gave me major breakouts without even being able to take all my make up off. On the other hand, L'Oreal Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Solution was very good at removing make up, but over time became too drying for the parts of my face that were already dealing with too much dryness. Luckily, Garnier launched their micellar solution just in time I was revamping my skincare and has proven to be the best one so far. Easily and succesfully dealing with the problems I was having with previous solutions, Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water became a staple in my skincare routine and the product I would happily put on my recommendation list.

Nuxe Cleansing Melting Gel: Despite the fact that Garnier does an excellent job at removing make up and impurities off my face, I somehow feel that skin is perfectly clean with an use of a water and cleansing gel afterwards. I am absolutely loving my most recent buy from Nuxe; its light texture and lovely smell of rose petals, and also the soft and hydrating sensation it leaves on my skin.

Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub: Increasing the exfoliation of your skin is definitely one of the most recommended steps in the spring skincare routine. Why? Because of the dry air during winter, skin may have built up some dead skin cell residue. And with the increased oil flow that skin starts to produce in spring, that oil gets trapped under the previously mentioned residue, resulting in clogged pores and breakouts. To help get rid of the dead skin cells, stimulate the natural cell renewal process and to achieve a healthy radiant glow of the skin, it is necessary to find a mild scrub to use twice or even three times a week.  My choice was sensitive-skin friendly scrub from Avene, that has a mild gel texture and pleasant exfoliating micro-beads.

Garnier 24h Moisture Match Nourishing Rich Cream: Switching to light moisturizer is also one of the necessitated spring changes. Although this cream is meant for dry and very dry skin, it is much lighter than all these recovery creams and treatments I have been using during winter months. I wasn't looking for anything revolutionary from this cream besides a good hydration and make up base and that is exactly what this cream provides.

Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm: The biggest problem I was having this winter were my constantly dry and chopped lips that none of the lip treatments managed to solve. So I decided to step up my game with more frequent lip scrubs and probably the most efficient lip balm out there. I use it overnight and already starting to see the difference thanks to the this rich texture of honey, plant oil and shea butter.

Have you been using any of these products? What does your spring routine consists of?

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I heart.

Photo by me.

1. Glasses: The new cat eye shape has finally changed my perception of glasses from the dreaded need to a desirable and stylish accessory.

2. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Perfume: Spring in the bottle. Light fruitty floral perfection. My signature scent.

3. Clutch: I never underestimate the power of a good old black bag, so this Retro Embossing Zippered Clutch (here) is just the one I needed. Its subtle croco print makes it both elegant and modern at the same time and its size can fit all my everyday goodies. I got it thanks to Persunmall.com along with this V-Neck Pure Color Slim Fit Shirt (here), as two classic pieces I will definitely get a lot of wear of.

4. Tulips: Truth to be told, hydrangeas are my favorite flowers. But as I will still have to wait for couple of months for them to bloom in my garden, I am rediscovering my love for tulips in the meantime. From my outfit on my way back from the flower shop, the favorite corner of my room to my photos - they instantly make everything look so pretty.

What are you loving lately?

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New in: chic sweatshirts.

Photos by me.

Never before have I thought I'd put the words "sweatshirts" and "chic" in the same sentence. Somehow all these runway looks, street style photos and clothes racks in the stores have succeeded in convincing me that sweatshirts can be as chic as they are comfortable. But I'm not talking here about the classic boring gym kind ones. Oh no. These new sweatshirts are completely reinvented with prints, embellishments, color blocking; and enriched in fabrics like lace, leather and sheer. And some of them have already made their way into my closet.

My first choice was the heather gray one with geometric print from Stradivarius which would go well with the statement necklace (as pictured above) and a skater skirt. The second from Springfield with the heart shaped floral print is more girly one which I look forward to wearing it with my favorite pair of jeans and flats. And a large bouquet of flowers in my hand, of course.

Another spring staple is crossed off my spring wishlist. Are sweatshirts on yours too?

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Instalove.

Whether by sharing my own photos from my profile here or by being on a continuous search for creative and stylish accounts, I have probably made it quite clear how addicted I am to Instagram. So without further ado, here is another set of my newsfeed favorites. And if you have not been following them already, I am sure all these gorgeous table sets, inspiring travel photos and outfits snapshots will make you press the "follow" button immediately.

@lightpoem - Marina's account is one of the first I've started following when I joined Instagram and is the one 

that has been brightening up my mornings with the loveliest coffee and flower sets as well as the adorable 

snapshots of her two cats ever since.

@thepinkdiary - what else to say about the account that has been featured on Lauren Conrad's website 

as one of her favorites as well, except than agreeing that it is the one with the most gorgeous outfits vignettes 

and lifestyle shots.

@polabur - the account of this beautiful girl currently based in Amsterdam perfectly captures her love for 

photography, travelling around the Europe and discovering pretty places along the way.

@billieroseblog - there is plenty photos to love on the account of this lovely dutch blogger, but my favorite are 

the make up and beauty flatlays she always sets so flawlessly and chic.

@flatlays - the largest selection of perfectly styled clothes, accessories, make up, flowers and many other bits 

and bobs. Since I love making these types of photos myself, this account is definitely the one I always go to for 

a little inspiration.

As always, I would love to hear what your favorite Instagram accounts are so please share them in the comments below!

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Weekend wishlist: placid blue.

Photos by: BeSugarAndSpice, Collage Vintage, Viva Luxury, Tumblr.

Whether referred to as the "placid blue" in Pantone's Spring 2014 Fashion Color Report, "baby blue" or "icy blue", there's no doubt this gorgeous hue of blue is one of the trendiest colors out there. I have to admit that previous seasons it would not have been my first choice of pastels, not even the second or the third. But this year I am very much drawn to its resemblance of the spring sky and the certain sense of peacefulness and calmness that it invokes.

Another bonus in my book is how versatile it actually is! It pairs beautifully with classic blue shades such as chambray and indigo, as well as other soft pastels like peach, mint or lavender. But it can also be used as a neutral and worn with other neutrals, looking particularly pretty with black, gray and white.

Having all that in mind, no wonder placid blue is all over the street style photos and my favorite stores right now. When I say my favorite stores I mean Zara. It was its faux leather jacket that first caught my eye, but these gorgeous skirt and tops are something I would definitely love to see in my closet this spring as well.

Pastel Coloured Faux Leather Zip Jacket / Faux Leather Skirt With Zip /
Printed Peplum Top / Faux Leather Tube Skirt

Have you been wearing placid blue already? I would love to read your thought about this trendy color
in the comments below! Have a nice weekend!

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Moodboard.

Photos: BillieRose, Tumblr.

Spring. Pastels. Blossom. I'm sure we are thinking the same.

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Outfit. Denim on denim.

Denim on denim: the trend I was loving to see on the street style photos but avoiding to take on myself for such a long time. So what made me change my mind? I guess putting on my favorite pair of jeans and flats, finding an old denim shirt, adding a little pattern mix along the way and going out on one of the first days that looked and felt like spring.

Wearing: shirt H&M; jeans New Yorker; sweater and flats Stradivarius; bag Six; bracelet New Look.

Cat person.

Photos by me.

As a cat person and an owner of one year old British Shorthair, I had to have at least one clothing item that honors my fluffy friend. 

Ring or bag with cat ears design? Maybe cat eye sunglasses? How about a t-shirt with an adorable print of cat wearing glasses? Perfect!

While I was having some troubles persuading my cat to pose for a photo in the same manner, I had no problem coming up with a fun spring outfit involving this cute shirt from Vero Moda. I went for my favorite leather look trousers from New Yorker (similar here and here) and ankle boots from Bershka, and complete the outfit with a jacket and leopard print scarf from H&M. And yes, with a risk of sounding like a crazy cat lady, I think my cat would be approving my choice.

Also wearing: Pull & Bear bracelet, few drops of Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream.

Hope you are having a nice weekend! 

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I heart.

Photo by me.

1. Rosal Tinted Lip Balm: Since Rosal lip care products have always been a must-have in my handbag, I knew I would need one from their tinted lip balm series too. The light pink shade of Morning Rose looks just as pretty as its name sounds.

2. Essie Nail Polish: While I'm still about to update my nail polish collection with some pretty pastel shades, for now I'm sticking to my long time favorites from Essie. Yes, Blanc may still be my favorite one, but this dusty rose nude shade of Eternal Optimist is seriously claiming that title. It has that little hint of pastel but, at the same time, it is very neutral and goes perfectly with any outfit or any occasion.

 

3. NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural: The one I was recently mentioning in my NYX post (here) as my favorite to-go blush, with wet/cream formula and natural pink color making it such an easy-applying and easy-wearing product. 

Which products are you loving recently?

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Outfit. New in, New Look.

Season switch is now on, my winter clothing is slowly taken out of my closet and my spring wishlist is growing day by day. This 

floral bomber jacket was the first thing on that list because of:  a) my obsessions with bomber jackets; b) the subtle floral print; 

and c) the color mix that makes it go well with darker colors like these today as well as the lighter and pastel ones.

One thing crossed out of my spring list. Hundreds more to go.

Wearing: jacket, pants and bag New Look; shirt and shoes New Yorker; ring Rings & Tings.

Monday wishlist: Chanel Boy lookalike.

 Photos: Pinterest.

The quilted detailing, massive chain strap and metal front clasp made this Chanel piece the most coveted bag out there.
I have been seeing a lot of this Boy lately and was intrigued by its elegant yet edgier style, and its versatility.

If you have been, like me, looking for a very similar and budget - friendly version of this gorgeous accessory, you would love to check out the one at Persunmall.com. This Classical Diamond Check Chain Handbag (here) comes in variety of colors and I have to admit I would be pretty indecisive about picking the perfect one between the black, nude, white or red. The outfit options would be endless!

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Instacoffee.

  Photos by me.

Given enough coffee, I could rule the word. Especially coffee from my favorite mug, in my favorite corner of the 

house, while getting ready with my favorite make up goodies. For my coffee rituals and more, check out my
Instagram profile here. Have a nice weekend!

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