Pastel, come and get me!

So, my post on spring and the Berlin Fashion Week (see here) was the beginning of a new found love for pastels. The more I check the newest in style stakes and fashion, lots of pastel is popping up everywhere. It must be the glimpse of sun every now and then which is tickling our fancy for brighter colours and not just black, grey and sludgy brown. Marie Claire has put together a whole selection (see here) and Ralph Lauren is really hitting it with his spring colours (see here). At the Critics' Choice Awards Diane Kruger and Elizabeth Olsen opted for pastel and just glowed in it (see here).

I have always had a thing for pastels, either teamed with really bold colours or just virginal white. So I have compiled three outfits, quite randomly this time, to get you in the mood for spring (flowers, love, birds tweeting and a break from all the dull faces as the sun comes out).

Look 1: Green and yellow pastures
The following look is proven to put me in a good mood almost immediately. I think colours really do give you a sunnier attitude and the looks I get normally back that up. The look is definately a casual, weekend one although I have worn it to work also. Instead of the flowery top a white blouse would give it a touch more finesse if you consider the colourful combo for work. The pastel yellow trousers together with the pastel turquoise jacket would not normally be my choice but teamed with the flowery top they just work. And because I know with such a bold mix I shouldn't overdo it any further, the necklace is simple and the shoes are flat.
Hair and Make-Up: open, flowy, beach-babe natural wavy hair, a dab of yellow on the eyelid, peach rouge and a dash of orangy lip gloss.
UPDATE: even Michelle Obama has got the mint going on (see here) and also Michelle Williams in a beautiful flowered dress (see here).

Trousers, Cardigan and Flowery Vest: H and M
Necklace and Sunglasses: vintage, Shoes: Deichmann

Look 2: All go with a green light!

The next look is a lot smarter and something for casual coffee or lunch, lounging, shopping with friends or also for work. I really like white. I even wear it in the winter when everyone looks at me as if I am mad. I don't care if it gets dirty in the sodding weather, I'll wash it; but again, it is a lovely contrast to all the dark colours out there. The white trousers I have had for ages now and with their sqin, slim-fit shape they are suitable in boots with thick socks in the winter and with strappy sandals and cute nail polish in the spring and summer. I also really enjoy green. So the green top, teamed with the green plateau sandals set off the white trousers perfectly and just to get a bit of a base in there (as I have brown hair) I like to wear a broad belt on my hips and a beige blazer to dress the whole outfit up a bit (the blazer was a gift from my mother-in-law and it is of fantastic quality with pink checkered lining). The shoes are amazing: green flowered satin, also very worn out by now. But the look also works with a dandy, brown leather shoe with laces.

Hair and Make-Up: a cute chignon at the back of the head (loose bun, larger than those of ballerinas), green eyeshadow with a dark forest green eyeliner on the top lid, bronze rouge and a moccha beige lipstick, no gloss.

Trousers, Top and Necklace: H and M,
Blazer: Susanne von Dörnberg (gift from Mother-in-Law),
Shoes: Italian, forgotten brand

Look 3: the girly mime, voilá!

The last look is a nice city look but also sweet for a romantic evening date over pasta and white wine. The recently acquired pastel pink trousers are not usually my thing (I'm not a pink, princess kind of girl) but I wanted them and so bought them! They work really well with white but here I've decided to team them with black and white stripes. This really tones down the princessy feel and especially with the denim jacket it has a bit more Madonna feel to it. With this outfit the accessories are important as the look is quite bland and can make me look pale and worn-out. So I have teamed it with an angel wings necklace and a rose quartz necklace to elongate the neck area. The handkerchief in the pocket gives it a bold contrast in an acrid pink and the squeaky green frog really sets that off. A casual Chanel watch on the arm brings a little sophistication into it along with the ridiculously high (10cm) but very comfortable strappy brown leather sandals.

Hair and Make-Up: hair in a high bun on top of head, thick black liner on top lid, pinky rouge and glittery pink lipstick.

Trousers and Top: H and M, Jacket: Jack and Jones,
Necklaces and Brooch: vintage and nanna
Handkerchief: from mother-in-law
Watch: Chanel

So, those are a few pastel looks for now. I am waiting on a pair of light blue trousers at the moment. Will give you an update with those. Look forward to my next piece on tights for spring. And let's hope collectively that spring comes soon!

Hell Bent on Leather

The newest fashion shows drift my way throughout the day and what I have to say I feel is missing is leather. I believe it's still gonna come. Cos let's be honest: spring is not only gonna bring pastels, it's gonna bring leather combined with pastel and the wonderful harmony of rough rock with light and girly...

In order to bring this closer to home (in my home to be exact), I have composed the following clothes collages to serve as some inspiration to everyone (including the designers: not sounding at all cocky now, ey?). I've put together an assortment of stuff from casual to chic to office to rock. Enjoy!

A word about the leather trousers:
I bought three of the same sort in different colours: camel beige, dark brown and black. Slightly high-waisted (makes for a great figure and stops any potential muffin-top falling out!), slim leg, with no pockets (Lagerfeld himself believes in sewing them up for a better fit) and with a stretchy band of material so that you can move easily and they don't bulge too much (classic leather difficulty). Quite good value for money ('nough said: fashion has its price).

LIGHT CAMEL: Office/Date/Family-Do

The following is a whole mix of wonderful colours and textures. 

- camel beige leather trousers feel warn against the 

- beige kimono with wonderful fuchsia, peach, jade and red splashes of colour, setting off the

- jade and red necklace and perfect with a peachy nail varnish to avoid any clashes and

- a simple peach or here it looks more fuchsia ribbed strappy top underneath.

- casual during the day with cowboy boots and 

- dressy in the evening with a strappy, leather, plateau, wooden-optic sandal that doesn't overpower.

- with it I love a plait that goes once round my head and a peach coloured flower with minimal make-up.

Kimono: HM, Shoes: BLU, Boots: Buffalo,
Top: Zara, Varnish: Manhattan

BLACK: Party/Friends
This is one of my faves. I'm not really a Rock kinda girl but every now and then I love to smudge intense kohl eyeliner over acrid green eyeshadow and tease my fringe into an elvis quiff. Additionally, I love contrast and bold with a cheeky wink of the eye. So, here we go:

- starting with the leather trousers that suggest rock, cool and hard I just adore the contrast of the

- screaming green sleeveless frog vest with "Just Kiss Me" emblazoned across it. Did I mention I also have a passion for frogs? Well, there you go. Covered with

- a vest, left open to allow for the print to be seen I like to wear

- matching green, squeaky wellie half-boots or, if I am hitting town and rocking hard then

- plateau booties which are incredibly comfortable and match the trousers perfectly. To top it off, my

- vintage necklaces (Ok, they belonged to my gran so not that vintage-y) but the heart and apple are further symbols that I love to combine with my outfits.

Top and Vest: CA, Wellies: Rossmann, Booties: HM
Necklace: Nanna's

DARK BROWN: Office/Date/Family-Do/Party
For this last pair I was indecisive which look to show you so I decided to do both. The dark brown is elegant, rocky and smart at the same time so they are suitable in many ways for all occasions.

The first look is complemented with my own design. Here goes:
- the T-Shirt is my own brand and design. I drew the character myself (he comes in many shapes and sizes, see here: MOOPY or directly on Facebook. I love it (not cos I drew it) but because it is so easily combined with blue jeans, white jeans, blazers, denim jackets and it always looks smart and raises eyebrows and makes people smile. Anyhows, combined with a
- denim shirt to add a little blue to the rather sombre tones and smartened up with a
- blazer that buttons in the waist. I like to keep my style preppy so I normally tie my hair in a low, sloppy side bun and cover fringe and all with a brown hunter-style hat (which we also used in the photo shoot) and my favorite
- black, pure, simple, leather heels and no accessories (the print speaks for itself).
- simple black, relatively thick eyeliner on top lid, mascara and a sheer, pinky gloss. Done.

T-Shirt: MissLisa, Denim Shirt: HM, Blazer: Zara
Hat: Zara, Shoes: Stradivarius

The second outfit is lighter, floaty and ideal for a romantic date in candelight or a summery day out with friends or family. Elegant, chic but still stylish. 

- the floaty, shoulder-free, slightly transparent but still child-friendly, elbow length top looks fabulous teamed with

- gold accessories in this case with a vintage flower pattern on pearl and pink stone twined in gold and a gold, bracelet watch with a 

- pair of suede, dark blue, grid, platform shoes (extremely comfortable and my

- hair in beach-babe curls and small, delicate bud earrings with a pastel blue and pink eyeshadow and sheer, fuchsia-coloured gloss. (I promise to do smthg on make-up sometime soon also!)

Top: HM, Accessories: Bonprix and Nanna, Shoes: Deichmann

There you go. That was hell bent on leather. Let me know if you have suggestions for the next blog entry: colour, material, style etc. and I will try and make it happen for you.

UPDATE: Yves Saint Laurent is getting into leather with the men this year. Also a great idea!! See article here: Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2012.

Fashion, Fashion, Berlin and Fashion

So the Berlin Fashion Week has begun. Again, I sit at my laptop all day watching the newest collections, the new trends, the trendy people and the extravagant parties. I'm not sure whether secretly I wish that I was there too because I love being homely, cosy and slugging out in my jogging bottoms with no make-up on but when I see all those flowy fabrics and colours I do get a twitch in me that ends up in me racing to the cupboard and pulling out clothes to combine in erratic harmony.

And so it came that, as I'm also unwell at the moment, I grabbed "The Devil Wears Prada" off the shelf, cuddled onto the couch with mandarine panna cotta yoghurt and indulged in a little visual retail therapy. I have to say I LOVE the movie. Apart from the fact that it has so many great outfits I just swoon over Meryl Streep. She's fantastic. But that's beside the point.

There was a great fashion designer at the Berlin Fashion Week called Alexandra Kiesel who inspired me today. See the Link here. It immediately made me think of fifties, spring, flowers, fresh and budapester shoes. And seeing I had just bought some new chunk heeled budapester shoes in camel beige (that I just fell in love with) I thought it would be a perfect look for the spring.

So, here's to the Fashion Week inspiring us even further and here's my first look for the spring:

Knit: Zara, Blouse: H&M
Skirt: Vintage, Shoes: Deichmann
Tights: Mango, Gloves: Vintage

using Photo Collage on the iPhone

UPDATE: The collection Blame won the Premium New Designers Award. Check out the colours and how similar the are to my ensemble -> here.

Sex Amnesia and being Sexy...

Let's talk about Sex, Baby

It's no secret that some people like more sex, others like less sex, some feel bothered by the thought of sex and some even use sex to get what they want (whether they enjoy it or not). What we mustn't forget: there are differences between sex in a relationship and single sex. Today I would like to address the former as I am in a monogamous relationship and have been for over three years now.

Making it happen

Lately I have got thinking about what makes a relationship successful and without a shadow of a doubt (in 99% of all cases) sex plays an important role. We are attracted to each other in the first place and appearance is the first point on our checklist that our gut feeling can cross off. This gut feeling (or the butterflies) decreases the longer a relationship goes as we get into a routine and daily life takes its toll. In a good relationship you are as much sex partner as friend and helper and hence when we come home in the evening we talk instead of passionately throwing ourselves at each other like in the hot first stage of the relationship. Hormones ofcourse also play a huge role in this: but that I will leave to the doctors to discuss and explain: Loss of Libido.

Love one another and you will be happy.
It's as simple and as difficult as that.
Michael Leunig

How I see it
There is no secret to having fun or being "good" in bed. At the end of the day, most men want to be "de man" in bed and women want to be the "damsel" that gets her fair share and not an in-out-shake-it-all-about-thanks-love-can you make me a cuppa tea kinda deal. Men like women that like men. And women like men that like women. Sounds kind of weird but at the end of the day, having a good time in bed relies mainly on both parties enjoying it, each other, being fair and being thankful for what they have.

Body issues
Leading on from how I see it I am aware that most women wish they had a bit more there and a little less here and some men think they're perfect (and secretly wish their tummy was a little more like that of the guy on the front of GQ magazine). But again, if you love yourself the way you are and just aim to keep healthy and fit then your partner will like you the way you are too (and if they don't: get rid of them!). It is incredible what a difference it makes if a woman is near to naked and thinking "I'm gonna blow his mind with some sexy, even though not perfect, salsa hip shake moves," to if she is near to naked and trying to hide her thighs thinking "Oh God, please don't look at my thighs as I try to wiggle a little salsa shake out". Work on what you like and temporarily ignore what you don't like. Men will instantly be drawn to whatever you decide to draw them to. Use it. They see boobs and their IQ drops a little (and some drool slightly). If you have a great bum, wrap it in something amazing and shake it to something. Even if you're not the greatest in Shakira moves, laugh and enjoy it. Trust me: it's incredibly sexy to laugh while you're wiggling... I know, we're not Baby and Johnny but you're a gift: present yourself that way.

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing

Our face...

... reveals everything. If you try having sex infront of the mirror you quickly realise that what is actually going through your head is painted onto your face in the throes of passion. Although porn films really don't represent what we look like in real it is sometimes interesting to mimic some of their expressions and see how they look on us. Try it: if nothing else it'll make you laugh!

The Bottom Line

I don't want to go on about what makes a relationship great as it is different for every person. But the bottom line is, we should not try to be the people that tell others how humor, friendship etc. is so important to us because let's face it: sex is reproduction and is still the best way to bring us closer to each other. And so, even when you don't "feel like it", if your partner is making clear signs that he/she "wants" you, get over yourself, remember that you DO in fact like sex dating back to your first stage in the relationship and all those crazy hormones needless to say that it is a primal instinct, and let all your thoughts go, concentrate on only what is going on between the both of you and relax: it's not a chore and you WILL feel better after it.

Facebook Timeline Dilemma

So, I know this is kind of out-of-context for me and my blog but today I have decided to talk about the whole Facebook Timeline story that is all the rage on our widespread social media platform at the moment. Sooner or later, everyone will have it so it is worth thinking about already for when that transition arrives. I have asked myself a few questions regarding the Timeline:

1. What do I want it to say?
2. Do I want it to say something about me as a person or my ideals? (although I guess they go hand-in-hand)
3. Should it be a fancy OMG-that's-so-clever composition or just a "sweet" pic & profile photo?
4. Do I want to out myself in my profile pic? (as until now I have never shown my entire face)
5. Would it be a good idea to build it up professionally as in showcasing my talents or do I want it personal so that my friends can relate?

Question upon question and only one thing is clear for me at the moment: I kind of want it to stick out from the rest that is out there. I have seen different timeline ideas in the last week, especially on Mashable and ofcourse there have been a few where I thought, "wow, that is pretty awesome!". And that is what I want for mine. I just haven't figured out how yet.

I tried one thing, but failed miserably... It was a collection of items important/relevant to my person all laid out on the floor, which reminded me a little of the following comic:

... but I would have needed a) better lighting b) a product photo light table or c) just better equipment. So my version didn't turn out nearly as good and definately not usable as you can see yourself:

Top: @DavidWeir: great
Bottom: @MissLisa: rubbish

So now I'm still waiting on the world-shaking idea that I am capable of implementing (physically and digitally) and above all, the answers to all my own questions.
Until I find something, I'm gonna continue looking at other peoples timelines and laugh myself silly to Ben Champion's AutoCorrect song... gets me every time...

Christmas is nigh... (5)

Following on from Christmas is nigh... (4), the final bit:

“Have you got a… partner?” 

“You said you were going to explain. So please explain.” 

“Ok. Well then I’ll just explain, and be honest. I… Brian, I… damn I just know I’m going to cry. I erm… I spent a long time wondering whether to actually do this. I know maybe I should have called or told you or I don’t know… but then you know me, a bit crazy and that just turning up and standing in front of your door at Christmas…” 

He looked up from his potatoes. His eyes were wide and she couldn’t tell whether he was angry or not. 

“What do you want to say Marie?” 

“Ok. I missed you. I thought about you almost every day and when I wasn’t thinking of you I imagined you thinking about me. I kept your photo close by me all the time and I prayed you’d answer my messages. I told myself over and over how stupid I’d been and hoped one day you’d forgive me. I thought I’d never see you again or hear your voice and in the end I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to see you. So here I am. And I guess that’s it. I guess that’s what I want to say. I don’t know whether it’s an apology or explanation but I love you Brian. I loved you the first moment I saw you. I loved you all those years hoping it would happen and then it was all so complicated and in the end I messed it all up. I know I messed it up and I wish it hadn’t been so. I have that regret and I wish so much I hadn’t been so stupid. I’m so sorry. I am so so sorry and if you have found someone that’s fine. I wish you well. I wish that you get everything you deserve. I know you were with someone and if you still are then please say because I’ll leave. I’ll do as I say. I don’t want to do wrong again. I care about you too much…” Marie felt the tears begin to tumble down her burning cheeks. “I’m so sorry.” She yearned for him to take her in his strong warm arms but he stood frozen to the spot. 

“I know. I’m sorry too. It wasn’t easy.” He spoke; matter-of-factly. 

The tears raced and she felt sick. It had been a long time since she’d felt so vulnerable and so weak. 

“What do you want me to do Brian? Tell me and I’ll do it. No wait… Let me give you your presents first. I want it to be a good moment.” 

Before he could answer she’d sped to the tree and retrieved the two treasured presents she had hoarded in her home so long. She passed them to him after he’d wiped his hands and moved back to the door frame beside the fridge to allow him space. He carefully unwrapped the first present and smiled. 

“You had this a very long time. I thought I wouldn’t see it again.” 

“It’s yours. It has your name in it.” 

After unwrapping the second one his smile was lighter still. 

“I’ve been practising…” 

She looked him in the eyes. Those sweet, loving eyes she’d missed so much. If anything; this moment was worth her visit. Just looking into his eyes meant everything to Marie. 

“So now tell me Brian. What shall I do? I… I don’t know what to do.” 

Brian put the present down and moved towards her. Marie’s heart thumped beneath her rib cage. He stood before her; so close again she could smell him. She wanted to wrap her arms around his waist and hold him tight. She craved to reach beneath his shirt and feel his warm skin beneath her fingers. Her hands quivered as she watched his thoughts shift to words. 

“What do you want me to do? Shall I go? I…” 

“Shh…” He pressed his fingers to her lips. She swallowed her words and relished the moment more than he would ever know. 

“I’ll tell you what I want.” 

She looked deeply into his eyes in anticipation. 

“I want you to stay. Stay and play a game of scrabble with me. Stay here. Stay here with me. Say you’ll stay, forever.” 

Marie swallowed again and breathed in. She closed her eyes as she felt the tears begin again; heavily and with such relief. 

“I want that. I want that so much. I’ll stay. I’ll stay forever.” 

They stood for a moment before finally, after such a long time, they held each other so tight that it was clear; they had loved each other from the very first moment and throughout all that had happened; it had never gone away. 

“What did you wish for this Christmas Marie?” 

Marie smiled, a tear budding in her eye: “It just came true.”

Christmas is nigh... (4)

Following on from Christmas is nigh... (3):

“Let me get you a cup of coffee… Or do you want to have a shower? I’ll make you a cup of coffee while you shower if you like? Here; I’ll help you up the stairs but then you’ll have to do the rest. I’ll grab you a towel too.” 

Before Marie could protest Brian had pulled her arm over his shoulder and helped her to her feet. He was unaware of the bewildered look on her face and as Marie realised this she wrapped her other arm around his neck. Her body breathed in his scent and she felt warm with love. 

Standing under the shower she let the hot water run over her face as her thoughts bounced around her mind. Surely he wouldn’t have let me stay the evening in his house if he didn’t want me here. Then again he wouldn’t have sent me home. He looks so incredible. She felt even the thought of suddenly being so close to him, after such a long time of wanting to be, make her stomach jump. The shower felt so refreshing and she felt herself humming ‘silent night’ to herself as she heard him outside the door. 

“Marie? I’ve put a t-shirt and some training bottoms here for you and a jumper.” 

“Thank you,” she mumbled back, clutching her arms to her bare chest in protection; from what she did not know. 

As she pulled on the t-shirt and bottoms she smelt him all over her. It was too familiar to be true and she choked down a few tears in the fear it would all be over soon. That she had got this far was already incredible. 

Brian was busy in the kitchen as she padded down the steps. There was a brightly decorated Christmas tree in the corner of the living room and there were presents underneath; both of hers too. 

“It looks lovely. Erm… I probably should explain why I’m here.” 

“You probably should.” He replied, without looking up, as she watched him sternly chopping potatoes. She felt a cold chill down her back. 

“I… I’ve moved to Germany.” 

“I know.” 

“I’ve been really busy and that… I’ve… No. I’m sorry. I’m doing it already. I’m talking around what I actually want to say.” 

“So what do you actually want to say?” 

Marie looked around the kitchen as the cool of his voice spread over the warm memories the room had for her. She looked towards the door where she had watched him wash mud off her shoes after the walk along the canal. She smiled at how they had stood by the counter and kissed. Then she breathed in and remembered that was not where she was now. So much had changed since then; so much had happened. Valentine’s Day had been unique that year and it hadn’t been the same since. 

“I… Can I be honest?” 

“I expect that.” 

Her stomach dropped. This was it. She had known to expect this. The final tear at the wound. The final moment that was going to end everything. He had found his way and she had lost her part in his life. She was the past and he was still her future. She would have to learn to leave him behind.