THE CARRIE COMMANDMENTS: WHAT WE LEARNT FROM SATC QUOTES

 

Happy Monday folks! I hope your weekend was beautiful! Did you make the most of it or did you enjoy chilling out after a hectic week?

Sometimes I like to revisit a box-set of Sex & The City, I just love love loved the show, from the girls, the wardrobe to the script. I can't quite get over how the first ever episode aired 15 years ago in 1998! For realz! Man I miss this show, the glamour, the great lines from each of the gals... Wish there was something right now which showcases style as this show once did. Anyhoos, here's a little recap of a few things we've learnt from the show & Carrie Bradshaw.

Not everyone can wear white

Sometimes the dry-cleaning bills just aren't worth it:  "I will never be the woman with the perfect hair, who can wear white and not spill on it."

Dress by your own rules

When it comes to fashion, you should always stick to your guns: "I have a style and jewelled panties aren't it."

Your wardrobe is your ultimate investment 
To always choose shoes over stocks and shares: "I like my money where I can see it - hanging in my closet."
…But never to forget about paying your rent: "I’ve spent $40,000 on shoes and I have no place to live? I will literally be the old women who lived in her shoes!"

Contemplate: If you're having a contemplative moment there's no better way to start your train of thought than with: "I couldn't help but wonder…"

Always remember your girlfriends

There's always time for a cheesy but true line about your girlfriends: "'They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style."

Every girl has the right to fabulous shoes

Manolos are the holy grail of shoes: "Oh my God! Do you know what these are? Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes! I thought these were an urban shoe myth!" ... And you're totally worth it: "The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun."

With great expectations comes great love
There's nothing wrong with high expectations: "I am someone who is looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love."


Single is sexy
Love can wait: "Being single used to mean that nobody wanted you. Now it means you’re pretty sexy and you’re taking your time deciding how you want your life to be and who you want to spend it with."

Images all via Pinterest.com & quotes via Instyle.com

Wishing you all a spectacular week!

♥Kali evdomada♥

x.o.x.o

BECAUSE IT'S MONDAY... TREATING YOUR FEET, CARE & HOT HEELS!

image via womenshealthmag.com

Summer is just around the corner - or so I keep telling myself! We've had a few spells of constant glorious sunshine, which means gals breaking out their open toe sandals... however with feet being kept well hibernated for the past 8 months (- yes that long!) I have seen more than a fair few 'eewwww' situations... as in crusty heels or funky feet that ruin a beautiful pair of shoes kinda moment.

If you haven't been looking after your precious feet & digits, now is the time to get them back into the program with a DIY Pedicure to get them looking amazeballs and perhaps take a good look at your feet to see if they could use a little more care. What do I mean?
I've seen some women with scary looking bunions (and clearly not done anything about it but carry on wearing sky scraper heels) to nail infections but most commonly I've noticed women with flat feet (without them realising) due to wearing ballet flats with thin soles or from constantly living in UGG boots over the years.
Flats that are easy to bend in half are a dead giveaway for zero support, imagine pounding the pavement in those all the time, there's no shock absorption, so your body/nerves get a bashing every time your heels strike hard ground.

image via here

Flat feet cause all sorts of problems later on, starting with poor posture and knee pain, so maybe invest in some orthotic insoles - there are some great ones via ebay like this pair or Scholl's Orthoheel Sports via amazon here.

Making your tootsies dazzle! Home DIY pedicures may not be as extravagant as having one at the spa or salon, but if you invest some lovely slightly pricier nail polish, it could make all the difference! All you really need are some toenail clippers, a nail file, nail scissors, cuticle stick, bowl, pumice stone or foot file, your own scrub mix, a rich moisturiser, cuticle oil and nail polish.
Here's the low-down to a perfect at-home pedicure via Cosmopolitan magazine here.

Because it's Monday... I'm lusting after these hot heels! Can you guess which pair is not by Zara? Scroll down!

1. Multi coloured lace up sandal £69.99 by Zara 

2. Faux suede ankle strap sandals £17.92  on ebay via here 

3. Ankle strap heels £49.99 by Zara 

4. Strappy leather high heel sandals by Zara £49.99

I've had such a lovely start to the week, with an old friend taking time off work to give me some pamper time before I pop. Unfortunately, there's no point me buying heels right now, as my feet have gone up a size in the past week & since I can barely paint my own toenails, I was treated to a luxe pedicure, yay! Next on my list - hair cut!

Hope you all have a brilliant week filled with sparkles and sunshine!

 ♥Kali evdomada♥

x.o.x.o

BECAUSE IT'S MONDAY...DRESSING THE BUMP

BUMP!

Making me smile, non-maternity wear that rocks!

Yes, that's right, after a wicked weekend of action, I can truly say I'm rather pleased with myself.  I've been schlepping around in jersey layers all winter in muted shades of blah, so when we finally had a sunnyish weekend I got my mama-to-be style mojo on.

NO BUMP! Tilly Floral skulls top by Boohoo.com

Tortoise shell frame glasses by firmoo.com

This top simply rocks on so many levels - i'll be able to wear it after I've had bubs,  it's jersey on the front with floral skull print on the back - so basically it's comfy and casual from the front, but p-a-r-t-y in the back! Woohoo! Oh and it's totally purse-friendly! I really haven't had the urge to splurge on maternity clothing, seriously who wants to throw money away on something you'll wear for a hort period of time? My other issue is that I've found most things to be stripes (I do love stripes, but I mean how much wider do they want us to look?), too mumsy chic or poor in fit & lacking in style...
At 33 weeks getting away with non maternity wear is tricky, the bump is massive now and it may be a little too cold still to hot foot it out in a loose column style maxi', however, they're great for throwing a chunky longline open cardi over the top, belted above the bump.

I've kept tops long and loose and if there's a tunic with an empire waist even better, like this retro printed one I scored recently by legendary Barbara Hulanicki for George. Great for emphasising bump!

Printed Barbara Hulanicki jersey dress via here. The image doesn't really much justice i'm afraid!

Other stylish ladies with bumps!

The look on the left is pure fashion week fabulousness, I don't think i'd last that long in heels, but she looks super wow! Love Nicoles look, I'm looking forward to putting my printed kimono tops to use when it's much warmer!

Is this not the cutest LBD ever? Also loving the casual jeans and tee look with a fur gilet.

Images via pinterest edited by me.

Have a happy Monday & sparkly week!

x.o.x.o

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: FIRMOO GLASSES REVIEW

Happy Monday to you all! I trust you've all had a rested weekend. I swear the stars were aligned at one point, because I have been on one very long hunt for some gorgeous eye-wear and fresh focals. Cue the lovely folks at Firmoo who contacted me earlier last year about their range of optical glasses and sunglasses.

I'm pretty sure you've heard about them by now, since a lot of bloggers have been involved in trying out the latest modern frames to dress up their eyes.
Anyhow, I was definitely on board when I heard about their generous offer of free eye-wear for first time buyers here and their fabulous range of optical glasses  - particularly the plastic frames for me!
I'm impressed that the range is constantly updated with new styles, since the popular styles get sold out pretty quickly. I know this purely for the reason that I had initially chosen a stylish frame that was no longer in stock when I inquired about it, however, new styles were added very quickly, enabling me to choose another pair.

Style: #CP8375 in Black and Tortoise shell. 

These are the little beauties that caught my eye & were delivered in absolutely no time at all!
Just how fun are these? I love the tortoise shell arms! I'm really pleased with Firmoo's service, from ordering the glasses, speedy e-mail communication to receiving great quality optical eyewear! You're also given options as to what type of lenses you require, plus add-ons, so I made sure my lenses came with anti-scratch and also anti-glare coatings.

The website is also very easy navigate and there is also a virtual try-on system, where you can choose your frames and see it on the model image or upload your own photo to see how they will look.
I forgot to mention that they are most definitely bank manager friendly too and in the end you still get a premium quality pair of glasses! Regardless of your style personality, there's a pair for everyone.

Because it's Monday...

via Pinterest.com

Have a super week darlings!

x.o.x.o

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed here are my own. Stylish black and tortoise shell frames courtesy of Firmoo, for more information on how to get your 'Free' Pair, please click here.

BECAUSE IT'S MONDAY: BLACK & GOLD V.2

Thomas Wylde Fall 12 lookbook via here

A huge welcome to the new week! I hope it's full of sunshine and blue skies... I'll just ignore the cold for a wee bit longer. How was your weekend?

Hypnotic, exotic, magnificent, decandent, luxe, ornate, bold, dramatic, glamourous, sexy... 

I just love everything about black & gold, it's just ultra seductive, no?

 via openwardrobe.co.za

 via here

 above two images via Pinterest

  The amazing Nocturne painting in black & gold by James Whistler, a favourite of mine.It depicts a fireworks show in the night sky over Battersea Bridge in an industrial London city park.

 

The American Radiator building, now the Bryant Park hotel via google images

Zoe Saldana in Gucci via  here

 Black and gold make up as seen at Myers show during Australia Fashion Week by Illamasqua's Creative Director Alex Box (2010). Here's the how-to.

 via 10BlankCanvases

 via here

Because it's Monday, I'm Lusting after...

1. Mawi Teardrop & tube necklace via here.  2. Black and Gold peep toe ankle strap heels by NEXT £38

3. Baroque embellished waist belt via River Island £40  4. Black & Rose gold chronograph watch by Marc Jacobs £279 via Asos.com

Hope you all have a spectacular week!

Καλή εβδομάδα!

BECAUSE IT'S (A FASHIONABLE) MONDAY...

I love this shot, so much vibrancy, prints, colour... Love Anna's simple white mini dress with accents of  turquoise, Elena Perminova's cool edgy outfit (far left) & Miroslava's awesome sense of style via Style.com (Tommy Ton for RTW SS13)

Hello darlings! How was your weekend? Were you glued to all the NYFW coverage, who were you most excited about? I've managed to watch a few online already and loved the runway soundtack for Rebecca Minkoff (as well as the turquoise and coral eye makeup), Jason Wu's gorgeous & super sexy collection, Nicholas K to Kate Spades fun & girly show.
Did you watch the amazing Paralympics Closing Ceremony? Major surprise newsflash of the year for me was hearing about Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds secret wedding.
Oh and have you seen just how mind blowingly amazing Kate Hudson is in the GLEE video? Yowsers, does she look good, the mash up of Gaga & JLo is kinda interesting! Wonder what Sarah Jessica Parker will bring to the show too.

Well, it was a corker of a weekend to say the least! 

Since blogosphere is likely to be overflowing with copious amounts of Fashion Week round-ups, I thought I'd leave you with some inspirational quotes from some of fashions finest legendary talents & share a little SS13 Designer doodles with y'all! Enjoy!

Fashion Quotes all via here

Left: Oscar de la Renta & "Crystalline." — Whitney Port
Lots of gorgeous photography, designer illustrations and random image inspiration for Designers SS13 rtw collections via WWD. There are three parts; part one, part two & part 3.

Left:"Contemporary Surrealism." — Michelle Smith, Milly, "Timeless influence." — Carolina Herrera & "Metamorphosis: The spring 2013 collection acknowledges the prophetic symbolism of the Luna Moth to exhort the evolution and transformation of an ever-intuitive Bibhu woman." — Bibhu Mohapatra.
Other than style.com, or Vogue for the latest catwalk shows, I absolutely love ShowStudio.com

for their coverage too, especially the live panel discussion about Victoria Beckham's new collection a little about the woman herself. Very interesting indeed. The panel consists of the fabulous Lou Stoppard, Colin McDowell, Camilla Morton and Fred Butler.

I hope you have a super stylish week loves!

καλή εβδομάδα!

Because it's Monday...

I need me some fierce bling to brighten up my Mondays. Aurelie Bidermann Lips Choker, evil eye charm necklace via The Man Repeller

Welcome to the week loves! I'm not much of a Monday lover since the weekend feels like it flies by far too quickly, but today is a bit of an exception. So far I've had amazing news that a blogger bud has gotten engaged, one of my BFF's is about to pop, yet she's already 3 days late - I think he just wants an audience! Hopefully it won't be a Carrie situation (when Miranda's water broke all over Carrie's brand new Louboutins!) & also I'll be jetting off to London tomorrow, yay! 

 

Yep, I'm off to yet another wedding, so hopefully my friends baby will make an appearance whilst i'm there! image via L'espoir

Because it's Monday...

 via here

I'm sorry I haven't gotten round to everyones blogs yet, my laptop keeps overheating (it's been 34-38 degrees the past week!) and I am currently damned with the spinning beach ball of death & never ending 'force quit' action! Ugh!

I hope you all have a super week... I am a little relieved to say that Greece is still in the Eurozone... but for how long, who knows? Anyhoos, I'm gonna be forever the optimist. Ciao for now lovers!

x.o.x.o

Because its Monday: Good vibes & Words of Wisdom

Hello loves, I trust you all had a wonderful weekend despite some of us losing an hours beauty sleep!

 via Dreams-in-fashion

I often come across words of wisdom or quotes that inspire, motivate or that I can just totally relate to & it's often when I'm lacking in the inspiration department or feeling a little bleh, that I like to re-read and go back to some of my favourite quotes (of which there are waaaay to many).

Glistening Hong Kong in the rain via here.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

Tommy Ton shooting for Harpers Bazaar March 2012 ft. Hanne Gaby Odiele & Ming Xi. Via here 

  I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.  I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou (- American Author & Poet)  Even the most rational person can act or react irrational when life throws a few curveballs, just remember that random acts of kindness are always unexpected and will forever put a smile on someones face.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar.  I think about this one when I get stuck in a rut and overthink things too much. 


“There are no short cuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills. This is just so true, for pretty much everything I have ever achieved or learnt in life, mistakes are there to be made, being focused helps and at the end of the day I'm always learning. 

"Some people dream of success, whilst others wake up and work hard at it." No idea who said this - Pinterest??? "Good things come to those who work their asses off & never give up!"


Despite all the good vibes and quotes about life, nothing else is as important as your own happiness & health.

I hope you enjoyed some of these! I'm on a bit of a quotes roll at the mo, especially since finishing Steve Jobs' autobiography, which was amazing btw and now I'm reading "The Jimmy Choo Story". I guess what I'm hinting at is that it's always good to have a little bit of constant life re-inforcement action going on. I'm going to sound a bit cheesy when I say that I love Tony Robbins acronym: CANI, what does it mean? Constant and never-ending improvement, sounds tiring just thinking about it, no? Well it's a good motivational saying you can apply to any area of life.

via here 

Thank you for stopping by, reading, commenting or even following - the whole shebang really. You guys mean the world to me. I know I haven't been around much lovelies, but I'm not going to try and beat myself up about that. When I'm done with most of my projects I'll be back in full ABG force, right now I'm not going to be able to respond to all your wonderful comments or catch up on blog reading, just yet...

Gorgeous Isabel Lucas in Prada Resort for Vogue December (Australia) 2012 via here

Wishing you a wonderful sunny week ahead! 

x.o.x.o

 

via here

Totally Tickled Turquoise

Beautiful photo via Laura Lou

Hello Bloggerati! How was your weekend? I've been on a mission to find a digital online scrapbook that does the job of both personalizing a book filled with pages featuring unlimited text and high quality photos... Sadly Smilebox has great templates (for Bridal showers) but not enough pages or ways to edit the template for images/text. I love the idea of Blurb as I have previous books made and also mypublisher, but want to do my own printing and use their templates... any suggestions?

Turquoise Ankle strap heels and chiffon tie dye maxi - stunning. via Pinterest

Yes, I know, I've been banging on about my love of colour like, all.the.time and just lately, mint has been everywhere - nails, beauty, fashion... My current obsession however, lies with turquoise & teal, next to my summer faves; fuschia and cobalt. What's your current colour obsession?

Loving a touch of turquoise eye make up, a sure fire way to brighten up a day look!
Fromt top left-right: Pinterest, Vivienne Westwood (Alex Box for mac), Jason Wu Fall 2012 & XoticJenn's smoky teal & maroon look, tutorial via here
.
This is a nail look I'm definitely going to give a go - really need to get myself some of those Topshop Nail Pens everyones been raving about or a steady hand! This awesome look is by missladyfingers.com - (Jan 12th post) she has the best nail art inspiration! Go check it out people!

Turquoise, just as romantic as soft pink... Table setting via pinterest

I didn't know about Elizabeth Cole Jewelley til Cocosa.com hit me with a stunning newsletter... How gorgeous is this three strand multi beaded necklace and seven strand bracelet? She's on the Runway this fall with Zac Posen, her bling is definitely worth checking out here.

Lastly, because it's Monday...

via brunchatsaks.blogspot

I think we could use a little sparkle, no? Have a fabulous week!

One last weeny thing: I know, I've got a lot of blog catching up... everything seems to be blowing up in my face this past week... I'm getting there though! Thank you everyone for stopping by, much love to you fabulous folk.