fashion advice

Côte d’Azur Part I

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Are you still planning your vacation this year? If yes, the French Riviera is a hot destination to consider, with the average temperature above 85F (29C) in September. Beautiful marinas, deep azure blue of the Mediterranean waters, rich history, picturesque beaches, vivid colors and architecture of old towns are what have been attracting tourists from all over the world. Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Tropez are only a few resorts on the Mediterranean coastline called in French- Côte d’Azur.

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Snake Enchantress Part II

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The serpent inspired pieces make my imagination run wild to far away destinations like Morocco, Egypt or India. I see a snake charmer with a turban on his head, sitting cross-legged on a colorful carpet on the street, with his pungi and a straw basket. He starts playing entrancing notes and suddenly, as lured by the tune, a cobra emerges from the basket in a hypnotizing dance. It’s a bit disappointing to find out that a serpent actually cannot hear any music and it only follows the movements of the pungi instrument and charmer’s hands, treating them as a predator. However demystified the snake charmer’s act is, the untamed animal and its intricate skin keep seducing like in the old times of Biblical Paradise.

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Snake Enchantress Part I

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The snake – one of the most known and mysterious mythological creatures. In different cultures and religions, it has been represented as a dragon, sea monster, guardian of temples, incarnation of evil, fertility force, symbol of rebirth or sexual desire. Dangerous, mystifying, fascinating. No wonder this magnetizing animal keeps inspiring fashion designers. Each season brings new shades of snakeskin pattern. Gucci, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg or Michael Kors, they all seem to be “amoureux” with snake and feature it in their collections.

And I too, must confess, have a little crash on snakeskin!

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What’s the Buzz? Part II

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Following the buzzing of the beetles, I found myself in the wild wonderland of the Adirondack Mountains in a place called Garnet Hill Lodge overlooking picturesque Thirteen Lake. A secluded retreat with a private beach where you can take a plunge into the pristine water and the only sounds you hear are the humming of dragonflies and eerie calls of a loon echoing across the lake. Mesmerizing!

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Maika Jewelry: From Japan to NYC

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Delicate, chic and beautifully crafted, Maika Jewelry is all handmade in Japan. Created with a unique technique and unexpected materials, the Maika collection soared over the Pacific Ocean straight to NYC to win your hearts!

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What’s the Buzz? Part I

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Dragonflies, grasshoppers, scarab beetles, butterflies, bees, cicadas: they all conquer the fashion world spreading their wings on the Red Carpet and beyond! Striking prints, embellished appliqués, exquisitely crafted jewelry, ornamented accessories: insects have them all covered. Allured by the papparazi’s flashes, bugs become stars in Valentino, Vera Wang, Givenchy, Lanvin, to enumerate a few. Metamorphosing from creepy, crawly beasts into mesmerizing, beautiful creatures, insects touch our imagination and convince us to come closer and look at them in amazement.

So let’s take a look!

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Razzle Dazzle Part II

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“Come on, babe Why don’t we paint the town And all that jazz… Slick your hair And wear your buckle shoes And all that jazz…”

 

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Pastel Petals Part II

Pastel Petals Part II

Time to open the secret garden’s gate again to walk around the charming ponds and admire the blooming flowers. So come in and follow me!

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Pastel Petals Part I

Pastel Petals

Pastels: soft, delicate, light hues of color, so loved by Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet. Petals: romantic allegory of fragility, softness and bloom of woman’s skin.

Welcome to the secret garden of floral pattern and pastel palette.

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