Summer faves | Beauty, fashion and random

This post is long overdue. I had started a draft for about a month or two, but somehow forgot to finish it! Okay, here we go, my absolute favourites for summer 2013 — the crème de la crème of beauty, fashion and some random bits:



BEAUTY

Base  | Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium
Lipstick  |  Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in 43 La Favorite
Nail varnish  |  Bourjois So Laque Ultra Shine in Bleu Model
Perfume  |  Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne Eau de Parfum, which is getting really close to its last spritz




FASHION

Shoes  |  Zara Spiked Ballerina (These are from last season. Alternatives here and here.)
Bag  |  Miss Sixty (Alternative from Guess, here.)
Sunglasses  |  Diesel wayferer style
Clothing  |  Ted Baker Playsuit With Bow Detail



RANDOM

Food  |  Besides watermelon or the occasional Calippo, spinach and mushroom quiche, with a wholemeal crust
Drink  |  Chilled green tea with lemon
TV show  |  True Blood, of course
Books  |  George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, on my tablet

Activities  |  Going to music festivals!

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Top picks | Net-A-Porter summer sale

Take a look at my favourites from the Net-A-Porter sale. Bare in mind that your size might not be available — a common misfortune during sale periods — and a particular item could be sold out by the time you click on the link. Sorry 'bout that! Nothing new if you have purchased anything discounted in the past.
Some garments are not reminiscent of summer, exactly, but I always like to think ahead and start adding to my autumn/winter wardrobe. Okay, let's scroll down to find my top picks:



DRESSES

Markus Lupfer sequined merino wool dress £75  |  Catherine Malandrino feather-trimmed stretch-satin jersey and chiffon dress £190  |  Isabel Marant Dreamy studded stretch-leather mini dress £762  |  Christopher Kane cracked leather dress £598.50

Between wool, sequins, feathers, leather and studs, I think there's something for everyone's taste. Red leather might not be your cup of tea, but don't worry, there are plenty of options to choose from. Funnily enough, the length remains identical.

JACKETS

Theory Yaisa leather-sleeved ponte blazer £318.50  |  R13 moto leather gilet £390  |  Proenza Schouler basketweave tweed jacket £655  |  Etro satin-trimmed cotton-blend tweed jacket £250.50

A chic khaki blazer with leather sleeves looks great paired with a loose shirt, leather trousers and a statement necklace. Plus, two combination jackets that really make a simple outfit more interesting, and a leather gilet thrown in the mix. Why not?



PANTS  |  SHORTS 

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Day Liquid slub-twill tapered pants £80  |  Joseph matt stretch-leather skinny pants £556.50  |  Isabel Marant Devin embellished stretch-leather shorts £276  |  T by Alexander Wang leather shorts £278.60

At the moment, I'm really into these relaxed-fit trousers for summer. Honestly, skinny leather pants are my thing, so had to include those. Since there weren't many offerings in the pants department, I decided to included a couple of shorts as well: neutral colours, studs and leather, of course.



SKIRTS 

Balmain striped stretch-denim mini skirt £634  |  Alexander McQueen fluted crepe mini skirt £232  |  DAY Birger et Mikkelsen leather and suede mini skirt £60  |  Rag & bone Renard woven-striped leather skirt £370

Black and white stripes and zips as part of the same garment? Had to include it, obviously. In addition, you'll find a nude skirt with some movement on the bottom — a crown pleaser, I'm sure — as well as a combination skirt and a pleated leather one.

TOPS 

Missoni waffle-knit top £232.50  |  Oscar de la Renta sequin-embellished cotton-lace blouse £447  |  Derek Lam jacquard-trimmed bouclé top £257.40  |  T by Alexander Wang knitted stretch cotton-blend sweater £84.30

Four choices, each one with a particular texture and visual effect. Usually not a Missoni fan, but I really liked the print on this top. The second offering is a more interesting version of a blouse I already own — collar and all — and the other two are just my usual go to pieces, really.

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Gifts | Father's Day

With Father's Day fast approaching, it is time to do your research, make a decision and hope the parcel arrives on time. Or maybe it'll be wiser to go directly to the store, at this point.
If the panic is making your mind go blank, consult the suggestions below:

GROOMING
To me, this is the obvious choice. It's just easier, there's no sizing and there's no doubts on colour preferences. This category is kind of a recommendation. This perfume suits you better. Your skin looks dry, this will help.
There's always an excuse to walk by a Space.NK. A gift set is the way to go, in my opinion, because even though a dud might be found in the mix, there's also a chance of finding some really good keepers. I have my eyes set on the Kiehl's Father's Day Set (exclusive to Space.NK), which comes in a handy washbag. It contains: Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men 75ml, Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash 250ml, ‘Ultimate Man’ Body Scrub Soap and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 30ml.
Another great option would be Acqua di Parma's Colonia Father's Day Gift Set. I absolutely love the black packaging of this set, it has a very sophisticated look. Inside the black box, you'll find a Colonia Essenza Eau de Cologne 100ml, a 50ml tube of Colonia Essenza shampoo and shower gel and a collectable 5ml Colonia Essenza miniature.

CLOTHING
If you know the sizing, or if you're able to take a sneaky peek at Dad's wardrobe, take the opportunity to give him something special, with a detail. Something that he wouldn't pick for himself — if he's not too adventurous when it comes to fashion. Nowadays, there are great options for men, pretty much everywhere. Topshop, Mr Porter and Zara come to mind. In the latter, I've found a Double Collar Blazer and a Shirt With Grosgrain Ribbon. Simple graphic details are very modern looking, ideal for dads.

ACCESSORIES
I find men's accessories so cool. They're usually more clean and sleek, in sophisticated colours.
Lately, I've been loving the Mr Porter website, for gifts. The service is impeccable and the packaging is truly beautiful.
My selection includes a gorgeous Rubberised-Python Billfold Wallet and a very special pair of Metal Cufflinks from Lanvin, a classic Leather Handle Umbrella from Burberry, a Prince of Wales Check Wool and Silk-Blend Tie from Gucci, and, of course, an Alexander McQueen Skull-Patterned Cotton-Blend Pocket Square.

"TECHIE" BITS
If Dad is anything like Stephen Fry, start stalking every blog and publication within the category, in order to find the latest big thing before he does — it'll make him very, very happy — or upgrade a gadget he already owns. The Bowers & Wilkins A5 Airplay Music System would make anyone happy, I'm sure.
Otherwise, it's an easy job to find something he actually needs. A set of speakers, a DVD player, a Textured-Leather iPad Sleeve (Marc by Marc Jacobs). Or a Kindle Paperwhite 3G — it's the best.

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Styling | Alice + Olivia Shannon Maxi skirt

Whilst going through my current fashion wishlist and trying to justify the need to purchase one item in particular — I'd let you know that my talents include professional list maker and unnecessary purchase "justify-er" — I thought about the different ways I could style the aforementioned item.

Maxi skirts: so elegant, yet so comfortable. I'm currently swooning over this little number by Alice + Olivia. The Shannon pleated chiffon maxi skirt is partially lined and has the perfect cut to allow some movement while you walk. It sits in the waist and creates a figure flattering A-line shape. The weightless feel and the bright coral shade make the ideal statement piece for summer.
I'll make the effort to try to find a more budget friendly option. Meanwhile, here are the various combinations it allows would allow.

DAYTIME OUTFIT
Combined with a casual top that has an embroidered neckline (Diane von Furstenberg Acedia embellished crepe top), neutral and/or metallic flat sandals (Saint Laurent leather and metal sandals), a nude "everyday" bag (Zara shopper with braided handles) and a pop of colour on the lips (Rouge Dior lipstick).

IN THE EVENING
For a dressy dinner or a special event, stylize the waist with a clean, neutral belt (Jil Sander wide leather waist belt), a flattering crop top (Zara Studio cropped sleeveless top), a special pair of heels (Jimmy Choo Viper patent-leather pumps) and a statement clutch (Alexander McQueen Long Knuckle patent-leather box clutch). With a matte lipstick, of course — Guerlain Rouge G L'Extrait is fab.

FUN PARTY ATTIRE
An edgy leather top with a clean and structured cut (Jason Wu leather and lace peplum top), that balances the feminine quality of the skirt, paired with metallic features in the jewelry (Lanvin Dedale silver-tone crystal necklace), bag (Christian Louboutin Marquise spiked leather clutch) and shoes (Alexander McQueen woven leather and chain sandals). Complete with a long lasting lip colour, like Hourglass Opaque Rouge liquid lipstick.

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TV | Four reasons to love "The Carrie Diaries"

Today's post is a bit more random, but hear (read?) me out. Since The Carrie Diaries is a prequel to Sex and the City, of course it has to do with fashion — the show's costume designer is Eric Daman. Need I say more? So, here we go:

Generation
Being born in the late 1980s, means I haven't really experienced living in that decade, so I always wondered what it would be like — and if it is anything like the show, I want to transport myself through time, right now!
I know a lot of people aren't fans of the '80s and it's aesthetic, but I actually adore it all. So this is like candy to my eyes.

Styling
This point is obvious. The bold graphic prints, colourful mixes, the use of velvet... I mean, it's just fearless, really. You couldn't pull off Larissa's outfits now-a-days — at least not without a sideways glance, but who cares, really? The good thing is you see a lot of pieces that you can get in high street shops, like Topshop.
It seems like every item is special, with a nice detail or a cute print. Even the jewellery — it's all about statement pieces! And everything feels so authentic and not stereotypical at all.
The same bold colours and textures are used in their make-up looks, with strong eyes and strong lips. Blue shadow and pink lips never looked so good together. Not to mention, the graphic eyeliner, my personal fave.
Of course, with those brows, AnnaSophia Robb could pull off any look. They're just perfect.
Oh, and I need to state this: the Carrie bag is awesome.

Music
Remember that Gossip Girl episode, when Lily ran off to find her older sister, back in the '80s? That episode was awesome. And the MUSIC! I love 1980s music, so I get excited and can't stop myself from dancing everytime I watch a preview... This show has the absolute best OST ever.

Opportunities
Today it seems almost impossible to find an awesome job in a magazine — especially when you're still in high school. And especially when we're talking about Interview magazine. In Manhattan.
This is pretty much what I imagined my life would be like, when I was younger and full of hope. A cool job in the fashion industry (in Manhattan) and, later on, a closet full of Manolos. A girl can dream...
Not to mention that on the first day of school, the new Kydd (see what I did there?...) who is the cutest guy ever, in the history of high schools, likes you.
Of course, there are a lot of downsides to Carrie's life, but unfortunately, those are more realistic.

So go on and start watching the show, if you haven't already. It will replace the GG-shaped hole in your TV heart. Not convinced yet? It's about a blonde girl who's the center of the attention, with a cute brunette friend that looks like Blair. Only they switched heights. And the sense of responsibility.

THE CARRIE DIARIES  |  Pictured: AnnaSophia Robb as Carrie Bradshaw  |  Photo Credit: Nino Munoz/The CW  |  © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

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Wishlist #2 | Stripes

Today I'm posting another wishlist. This time, it's fashion related and focuses on a single trend – stripes.
As you can probably guess, I am a fan of stripes.

The first two, are a Striped Jacked and a Striped Skirt from Zara. You can get them in stores or online here and here, respectively.

Next, from ASOS, I have my eyes on this Vest in Stripe Print and these "Elgin" Skinny Jeans. You can get them online here and here.

Last, but not least, while browsing in Topshop, I found the "Raglan" navy and white Stripe Top by Wal G and the Geo Stripe Sweat Dress. Find them in stores or online here and here.

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