Blue on blue on blue

You know I am not one to shy away from bold contrasts but sometimes it is ok to go more subtle. If you are in a mood to create a look with a soft colour palette you can always combine different tones of the same hue just like I did in this look by playing with different shades of blue. The result is very harmonious yet not boring. 

When I bought this dress back in February on sale I didn't really think through the fact that the low back cut and the high front slit would be elements that would make me insecure about using it on its own. Neither had I realised how easily the fabric wrinkles. However I still like it so I had to find a way to be able to use it and I am quite pleased with the effect that it gives as a top layer. That doesn't really solve the wrinkling problem but I have decided just to ignore it and accept the fact that it will never look perfect. Who wants to look perfect anyway? 

• Light blue dress with frill hem: ZARA
• Black t-shirt: H&M
• Crop jeans: LEVI'S
• Leather sandals with cobalt blue fringe: LIZA'S LITTLE THINGS
• Stud necklace: SFERA
• Blue hobo bag: MARC JACOBS
• Light blue sunglasses: MINKPINK

White shirt updated

A white button shirt is a staple piece for your closet that can be combined with pretty much anything. Of course depending on the look it is easy to fall into the trap of creating an executive officewear mood but you can start by choosing a less ordinary shirt in order to create something more modern and casual. 

Although I own a classic white button shirt, I was very attracted to this one that is far from your typical one. It reserves the characteristic of versatility, giving you the option to combine it with trousers or skirts or even underneath a dress, for more formal or more casual looks but it is far more interesting because of its shape. Also the embroidered element gives it a special, fashionable touch.

So here it is, combined with jeans but far from basic!

• White asymmetrical shirt with "We don't care" embroidery: LEFTIES
• Blue skinny jeans: H&M
• Black and white striped mules: ZARA
• Black tote bag: STOCKMANN
• Black tassel earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT
• Black sunglasses: CARRERA

Colours and stones

You know how much I love colours and prints so naturally when I saw this kimono I was instantly attracted to it. I took it off the rack and held it while I was looking around the store. When I was done looking, I tried it on and I felt good in it. The fabric is soft, the silhouette is flattering and the fact that it is so colourful means that I can combine it with many different existing garments in my closet. However I was not sure if it was something I needed it. So I was thinking about it and I was really tempted to take it back to its original position and leave it, my friend who was with me told me "I think you should take it, it is totally you". And then I realised she was right so I bought it.

That is why it is better to go shopping accompanied by someone and not alone. Sometimes they push you to make the right decision so thank you Karla ;)

• White tank top: H&M
• Colourful print kimono: ZARA
• Boyfriend jeans: CITY CHIC
• Fuchsia ballet flats: KATE SPADE
• Green Andy bag: CAROLINA HERRERA
• Big stone necklace: BERNA BROWN BY BERNA

Stripes and slingbacks

As I have mentioned before, in April I went to Finland. The reason why I went was to teach an intensive course for a few days. Being a teacher means you are in a constant process of learning and it is so amazing that my students teach me things without them even realising. For example through a presentation prepared by some students there, I got to learn more about a brand that I wasn't very familiar with: Lindex. What amazed me was that although it is all about affordable fashion, it is very committed to sustainability (on their website you can find public information about their suppliers) and also it is very inclusive as it offers a very wide range of sizes! 

Naturally, I was very intrigued so I decided to visit the shop and see the collection. After I went around the store to get an idea of the products offered , I stopped at the sales rack where many pieces were at 50% so I couldn't resist. This dress, despite being knit, is made of viscose and polyester so it's not too hot, suitable for a spring day, it is very comfortable and  the colours are just the cutest! Possibly I won't be able to use it for the next few months but sooner or later the perfect weather for it will arrive!

• Mulitcolour striped long-sleeved knit dress: LINDEX
• White slingback flats: ZARA
• Coral handbag: NINE WEST

Pleats, pearls and hearts

For the past few months I have been looking for a black handbag, big enough to fit all of the things that I need for everyday life and even my laptop, in order to substitute the ones that I already have because they have started showing signs of being warn off due to their heavy use. I wasn't looking for a specific brand or budget but I had not found anything that would be exactly as I would like it.

During my visit to Stockmann in Helsinki since I saw that many designer bags were 40% off I decided to take a look. Although you could find very nice bags by many well known brands for much more accessible prices, none would fit the profile I had in mind. I decided to abandon the crowded space and look even further around the store. I was walking around I found a rack with bags and there it was: finally the one that would fit all the criteria I was looking for! And what made it even better is that it is from the store's own brand which means that it was very affordable and with the 40% off (yes, it applied in this bag as well) it was basically the same price or even cheaper than the ones you find in fast fashion stores! So naturally I bought it.

Another fashion find that proves that sometimes fate will take you to the item you are supposed to have, even if that means you will find it half across the world!

• Denim button shirt: ASOS CURVE
• Black pleated trousers: ZARA
• Fuchsia peep toe flats: MELISSA
• Black tote bag: STOCKMANN
• Pearl earrings: present from Vietnam

Moomins and pom poms

Although I was in Helsinki for less than 24 hours, I was lucky to be there while there was a Fashion Stock Sale going on where Finnish brands were participating and selling products at low prices and as I was curious to see the work of local designers and it was just at the centre of the city, I paid it a visit. Although I saw many interesting pieces, the things that caught my eye and I couldn't walk away from was this collection by a designer which was full of prints with Moomins.  

I don't know if you recognise these very cute characters coming from a children's book and comic strip (100% from Finland) but I have been a fan since my childhood. If you don't know them, I invite you to Google them and you can find on YouTube episodes of the animated series. Of course I couldn't resist buying something from the collection, especially since the price was muuuuch lower than the original one! Oh and obviously I went for the pink option ;)

                             

• Pink and blue dress with Moomins print: IVANA HELSINKI
• Ancient greek style sandals with pom poms: PRIMARK
• Fuchsia quilted bag: FRAGOLA
• Sunglasses: HASS JOYERÍA

Bunny heart

Before flying back home, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Finland's capital, Helsinki. I had forgotten how although relatively small compared to Athens and Monterrey where I have spent most of my life, it is great city full of life. Of course I couldn't resist doing some shopping surrounded by so many options. I visited Stockmann, a very important department store in Scandinavia where a lot of important brands can be found. And what a great coincidence, there was a mid-season sale so it made it even harder to resist. 

I was going around the shoes department (I know I have a serious addiction :s) and there they were: these super cool bunny fuchsia sneakers, 40% off in my size waiting for someone to snatch them. I took it as a sign that it was fate to have them so after thinking about it for a minute I was at the register paying for them. 

• Black slip dress/black t-shirt: H&M
• Fuchsia bunny sneakers: MINNA PARIKKA
• Fuchsia Selma bag: MICHAEL KORS
• Black heart necklace: MOSSIMO

Fringe and yarn

Earlier this week I started telling you about my trip to Finland and the nice things I found there. While exploring Lahti, we went to this very nice café by the lake and next to it there was a handcrafts store full of beautiful things made in Finland. My love for yarn and knitting and for quirky earrings led me to buy this very cool pair. 

Although I consume a lot of fast fashion (for example this bag from Target), I also have a deep appreciation for things that are handmade and that support small businesses and artisans as my earrings made in Finland, my dress made in Mexico and my sandals made in Greece.

Doesn't it feel great to use pieces that carry a tradition, history and craftsmanship meaning?

• Blue dress with white polka dots print and pink embroidery: MARIANA GRAPAIN ETNO DISEÑO
• Leather handmade sandals with white fringe: LIZA'S LITTLE THINGS
• Blue bucket bag: TARGET
• Yarn earrings: SIRPA HAKALA

Bobble on the top

I am back! If you are following me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter you probably know that I have not posted anything for some time now because I was on a trip. First I went to Amsterdam and Iceland on vacation and then I went to Finland for work. 

In Finland I had the chance to learn more about local brands and designers and do a little shopping. While I was in Lahti as a guest lecturer I visited a small boutique called Puoti that stocks Finnish designers and vintage clothing. It was impossible not to notice a stand full of hats in different colours, materials and sizes but all with a characteristic yarn bobble. As you can imagine I went for the most colourful one in the store. What makes this buy even better is that the brand making the hats, called Costo is a sustainable business that cares about the environment and uses leftover materials for their production.

• Grey long-sleeved dress with frill hem: ZARA
• Pink sparkly pointy flats: BIMBA Y LOLA
• Pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Yellow hat: COSTO

Pleats and patches

I don't know why but as far as I can remember I have always considered pleats to be elegant so now that they have been on trend I just can't resist so when I saw this skirt with sparkle half price I had to take it home with me.  In order to create a casual look I decided to combine it with my denim jacket. You have seen the jacket here on the blog many times but it has been renewed. In my latest trip to Mexico City, I came across this cool unicorn, POW and ice cream patches and I thought they would make a great addition to my jacket. What do you think? 

• Black tank top: H&M
• Denim jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Black, silver and light blue pleated skirt/black pointy flats with studs: ZARA
• Multicoloured striped handbag: KATE SPADE NEW YORK
• Silver eyelashes earrings: THE CRAV CONCEPT

Yellow and hearts

Spring is here and although I know that floral prints are not exactly groundbreaking, you know that you can't go wrong with them. Another element that you can't miss on your wardrobe are bright colours. You know that I don't shy away from them all year long but for those of you who will not dare while there are clouds in the sky and low temperatures, the time has come to bring out the colours!! This yellow bag is one of the birthday presents I received last week and the timing couldn't have been better :) 

• Long white dress with floral print: ROSS
• White flat slingback shoes: ZARA
• Yellow handbag: THAT'S IT!
• Heart shaped earrings: no brand

Black and jewels

On Monday it was my birthday and although people in general might get depressed about getting older, I was too busy participating in a lot of festivities in my honour to even think about it :) So I received a lot of love, wishes and presents and many of my presents are wearable so you will be seeing them on the blog in the near future. 

In order to complement my almost all-black look I decided to use this beautiful and interesting pair of earrings along with the cute and discreet bracelet, both gifts I was given from dear friends. I can't believe how much my perception of jewellery has changed with age. My collection keeps getting bigger and I really take them into account in order to create an outfit. I still haven't started investing in expensive pieces, I just like things that have a certain something and will give a cool touch to my look. 

• Black top with studs: H&M
• Black pleated trousers/black pointy flats with studs: ZARA
• Purple Lil Ukita bag: MARC JACOBS
• Earrings: SACROSANTA
• Tassel bracelet: no brand

Fur and bows

In honour of Saint Patrick's Day, today it is a must to wear something green! If you don't have a dress and handbag like me, a scarf, t-shirt or pair of earrings will do. In order to continue with my Irish theme, I decided to add to the look my fur gilet from Primark. 

I still love this piece as much as I did when I bought it 5 and a half years ago from the Oxford Street flagship store in London. I am one of these people that gets attached to their things and won't let them go so here I am, after all these years still using this vest I got for 20 pounds. 

• Green dress/nude pointy flats with bow: ZARA
• Fur gilet: PRIMARK
• Green leather ANDY handbag: CAROLINA HERRERA
• Floral print scarf: BIMBA Y LOLA
• Sunglasses: HASS JOYERÍA