New things for the end of the year

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you probably saw on Christmas that I made it to Santa's nice list and received a great handbag as a present. Of course when I say Santa I refer to my wonderful fiancé Dany ;) He knows he can never go wrong with a bag when it comes to me! Since he gave it to me I haven't been able to stop using it so I am pretty sure my other bags are getting very jealous! But since 2016 is almost over and it is time to make commitments for the new year, I did promise my handbags that in 2017 all of them will get the opportunity to accompany me! Also since the year is almost over and I hadn't done anything to my hair for the past months (weird, right?) I decided that it was time for a makeover because "new year, new hair" seems like a good way to start 2017. So I hope you enjoy what is left of 2016 and see you next year!

• Black and white striped sweater: H&M
• Black wet looking leggings: NEW LOOK INSPIRE
• Black ankle boots: PULL & BEAR
• Green jacket: KENNETH COLE REACTION
• Green handbag: CAROLINA HERRERA

Shopping in Oaxaca

In October 2015 I travelled to Oaxaca with a group of my students and a colleague on a study trip. A friend of my colleague's who is local and helped us out with the organisation of everything one day took us to meet Mariana. Mariana is a woman from a community in Oaxaca that has a very interesting design studio where she is trying to rescue iconography and embroidery techniques from the different communities in Oaxaca and she collaborates with women from these communities to make the embroidery in clothing that she designs. Of course the process can take months but these women receive fair payment for their work, something that doesn't happen always.

I saw a dress in the studio that I really loved but it wasn't my size and I think it was probably already made for someone else so I didn't buy anything on the spot. On the last night we were in Oaxaca I decided to order a dress. Mariana took my measurements and I chose the fabric, the colour of the embroidery and the iconography. After some delays because she couldn't find the fabric I had asked for, finally I got to pick up my new dress now that I went back to Oaxaca for the wedding. So like a child I had to use my new dress immediately so I used it for a day of shopping and wandering around the city. 

• Polka dot dress with handmade embroidery: MARIANA GRAPAIN ETNO DISEÑO
• Fuchsia ballerina flats/fuchsia small cross body bag: KATE SPADE NEW YORK

Casual sequins

As you might remember in November I took a quick trip to NYC and paid a late evening visit to Forever 21. It was hard to miss this very cool, ready for the holiday season, sequin skirt so I decided to buy it. I attended some Christmas parties in December but I was indecisive about wearing it. However, when I was packing my suitcase for Oaxaca for the wedding (check previous post) I decided it would be perfect for the pre-wedding party as the dress code was calling for a smart casual look. So I thought flat shoes, a t-shirt and a cardigan would be the best combination. 

• Black v-neck t-shirt/grey cardigan: H&M
• Silver and pink sequin pencil skirt: FOREVER21 PLUS
• Pink pointy flats: ALDO
• Grey imitation crocodile skin mini bag: ZARA

Bridesmaiding in Oaxaca

When you are around your 30s it is very common that your friends start getting married. However almost all of my closest friends are still single, including myself. Moreover in Greece it is not a custom to have bridesmaids so I had never been asked to take upon the role. 

In spring my friend Cristy got engaged and soon she started the preparations for her wedding. One day at work, during our lunch break she gave me a box with a balloon that I had to blow and pop, revealing a paper reading "Will you be my bridesmaid?". I was very honoured to be asked to be part of her bridal party. So I happily accepted and started helping her in any way I could, mainly taking fashion decisions (kind of my area).

So on Thursday we travelled to the beautiful city of Oaxaca and on Friday I put on my bridesmaid outfit that I designed and my friend and colleague Claudia was kind enough to make for me, the flower crown which I made for all the bridesmaids, my new quirky bag and I witnessed my friend getting married. 

I guess now I can add experienced bridesmaid to my CV ;)

• Gold sequin top/pink tulle skirt/pink flower crown: BONNE
• Nude peep toe heels: SFERA
• Porky Pig minaudiere handbag: ZARA
• Pink sunglasses: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Sparkles and polka dots

We have reached the point that tights are highly recommended in order to avoid freezing your legs and feet off when wearing a dress. The great thing is that in the past years it has become a trend to wear tights with textures, colours and designs so that means you can keep warm and create an interesting look at the same time. Take this almost all-black look: the polka dots tights give it a certain edge combined with the accents of the accessories. 

• Black imitation leather biker jacket: NEW LOOK INSPIRE
• Black dress: ZARA
• Black tights with polka dots: H&M
• Silver sparkly heeled shoes: ASOS
• Coral handbag: NINE WEST
• Silver charm bracelet: PANDORA
• Silver eyelashes earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Pink dress, cool sunglasses

I am trying to remember when my fascination for pink started. Of course as a girl growing up in the 90s I had a colourful wardrobe but then puberty kicked in, I got chubbier and more self-conscious about my body so I started having a thing for neutral colours. But then I realised that it doesn't matter if I dress in black or any bright colour, I will still be a curvy girl! So I decided to embrace my love for pink and started filling my closet with it.
Sometimes I think I should cut down on the pink pieces that I buy but it is just so hard! I have had the dress for about 5 years and when the weather gets cooler like now, it is the perfect way to look pretty and keep warm. And since we still get sun despite the fresh air, a pair of cool sunglasses makes a great match.

• Pink knit dress/pink striped scarf: H&M
• Camel lace-up ankle boots: ZARA
• Large pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Pink mirror sunglasss: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Tassels and houndstooth

You might think that grey is dull but I have to admit I am very fond of it, especially during autumn/winter time. It is so great because you can use it with literally any colour and it gives you space to accessorise. Also it is great for those busy days that you leave early in the morning to go to work and then you go to an event or go out for dinner and you know you won't be back home until late at night.
This dress apart from gaining me compliments every time I wear it (woop woop!!), it is also very comfortable and I thought it would be a great companion for the outing of my brand new cool earrings. I decided to wear grey shoes so as to give more emphasis on the earrings but of course they had to have a playful element about them. The burgundy bag was the perfect solution to a bag that I can carry around in a convenient way and that is big enough for the things I need to have with me for a long day.

• Grey and black houndstooth dress with bows: ZARA
• Grey meow shoes: MELISSA
• Burgundy saddle bag: PATRICK COX
• Long black tassel earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT