Catrina and crochet

It's been a month since I was in Oaxaca and although it was a short trip, it was a must to pay a quick visit to the artisan market and buy some nice presents for family, friends and myself ;) 

Among the great things that one may find there, I came across these great handmade earrings of a couple of calacas, that were very cheap. I am a fool for quirky jewellery so it was only natural to buy them immediately. Aren't they adorable?

• White fluffy sweater: LEFTIES
• Grey imitation leather full skirt: PRIMARK
• Black tights with texture: H&M
• Black leather biker boots: ZARA
• Black coat with imitation leather sleeves: ASOS CURVE
• Pink mini Natasha Q bag: MARC BY MARC JACOBS
• Pink crochet cap: BONNE, handmade by me
• Handmade catrina earrings: no brand, bought in the artisan market in Oaxaca

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

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

Neutral combo

Wearing neutral colours such as grey and black does not mean that you have to look basic. It is all about combining interesting pieces that will awe. 

• Black v-neck t-shirt/grey kimono with tassels/blue skinny jeans: H&M
• Black "Meow" flats: LOLY IN THE SKY
• Black handbag: DKNY
• Grey felt fedora handmade hat: BONNE 

Shades of blue

A cool jacket is the answer to these fresh days of autumn. Maybe it is not too cold yet but I have to grab any opportunity given to wear my thicker clothes because you never know when the heat is going to come back  ;)

• Light blue top: ZARA with gold print handmade by me
• Jacquard denim pencil skirt: PRIMARK
• Long textured jacket: ASOS CURVE
• Canvas shoes with floral print: TAYLOR SWIFT FOR KEDS
• Large pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Light blue sunglasses: MINKPINK

Embroidery and straw

In order to celebrate my adoptive country's Independence Day, I am wearing this beautiful artisan top, very representative piece of work from the south of Mexico and this cute bag, the work of a young Mexican designer from the north. The rest of the look is just there to give myself a feeling of summer vacation ;)

• Black top with colourful embroidery: no brand, handmade in Oaxaca and bought from a market
• Turquoise palazzo trousers/gold crossover sandals: PRIMARK
• Black bag with gold polka dots print: LOLY IN THE SKY
• Straw hat: H&M

Pom poms and checkered

On the cloudy days that life brings upon us, colour is a good companion to get us through the dark moments. Don't be afraid to be bold and combine bright colours. Life is too short to not take risks, especially when it comes to your outfits where no real harm can be done!

• Coral shirt dress: ASOS CURVE
• Ancient greek inspired sandals with pom poms: PRIMARK
• Coral handbag: NINE WEST
• Checkered wicker earrings: no brand, handmade in Oaxaca and given to me as a present

Assos in crochet and pearls

While in Kefalonia we were discussing with my sister how different fashion rules apply when on vacation. I am not sure that this is the case everywhere but when on a greek island in the summer time, it is very normal to see people walking around on their bathing suits and nothing else anywhere at any time of the day. I am not brave enough to walk around just on my swimsuit but it did give me the confidence to go around Kefalonia wearing just a pair of shorts and a crochet top on top of my suit.

• Black crochet top: no brand, handmade
• One-piece print swimsuit: PRIMARK
• Denim shorts: FOREVER 21+
• Hot pink peep toe flats with hearts: MELISSA
• Black sunglasses with pearls: LENTES RETRO MX

Crochet and wicker

You know how much I appreciate handmade beautiful creations. This black top I have had for some months but the weather wasn't warm enough until now to wear it. The niece of a colleague made it for me and she crocheted it in no time! It was impressive how she asked for my measurements and then in a few days it was already ready for me to use. As for the piggy bag, if you remember I had bought it in Oaxaca when I visited in October and although I do not wear it very often I must say I still love its playful nature. 

The greatest thing about these handmade pieces is that as you can see they can be easily combined with high street and high fashion brands and create a whole new, interesting look!

• Black crochet top: no brand, handmade 
• Black tank top (worn underneath): PRIMARK
• Girlfriend jeans: H&M
• Fuchsia ballet flats: KATE SPADE
• Wicker piggy bag: no brand, handmade in Oaxaca
• Black and gold bracelets: no brand

Handmade accessories

As much as I am a big fan of trends and international fashion, I appreciate a lot local designers and handmade creations. I live in Mexico, a country rich in textile tradition that at the same time has a lot of young creatives trying to find recognition. Support the resources your country has, give artisans and young designers the opportunity to have a better life! And who knows? Probably you will get to create more interesting, unique outfits...

• Black and white striped dress: TARGET
• Red studded slippers: ZARA
• Black and white tweed backpack: MARIA GALAN
• Rebozo: bought in Oaxaca
• Sunglasses: DKNY
• Handmade Frida Kahlo earrings: bought from a stand in the Coyoacán Market

Wandering textures

Winter seems to have arrived to stay so it is time for jackets and coats. I know most people don't like it here but I am excited, I love winter clothes!!

• Long textured jacket/black skater skirt: ASOS CURVE
• Light blue 3/4 sleeved top: ZARA with gold print handmade by me
• Pointy imitation snake skin flats: H&M
• Black handbag: DKNY

ThomaFrida

In Greece we don't celebrate Halloween so I am not used to dressing up in disguise for the day. This year like any other I had not really planned something special but 40 minutes before leaving for a Halloween reunion I had an idea. I had everything I needed to dress up like Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter.  So all I had to do was put on the embroidered dress and rebozo I bought in Oaxaca,my obsidian necklace, transform a plastic headband with the big flowers I use to make flower crowns, make bushy eyebrows with black eye pencil and and put on red lipstick and done! 

• Purple embroidered dress: bought from the artefacts market in Oaxaca
• Handmade rebozo: bought from a lady in Oaxaca
• Black ballet flats: PRIMARK
• Black obsidian necklace: given to me as a present from Teotihuacan 
• Plastic headband with flowers: made by me

The greeks in Oaxaca

I thought it would be a great idea to create a 100% greek outfit and contrast it with the colonial architecture of the centre of Oaxaca. But then I was lucky enough to have access to one of the ateliers of Dr Lakra, internationally renowned artist who resides in the city. So it was a privilege for me to use as a background a wall that he has painted himself with his art. So enjoy the merge of greek fashion and Mexican contemporary art.

• Kaftan print dress: NOOBASS
• Handmade leather sandals with cobalt fringe: LIZA'S LITTLE THINGS
• Nude handmade clutch bag: TRALALA CREATIONS

Denim and piggy

Continuing with the handmade creations it is time for another bag. I know you probably think I am addicted and you wouldn't be wrong. I just find it very hard to say no to a bag that I really like, as long as I can afford it. In my quest for quirky I came across this cutie that I just could just not resist. So here is the piggy bag styled in a way to catch all the attention of the outfit!

• Denim button shirt: ASOS CURVE
• Black tank top/ skinny jeans: PRIMARK
• Nude ballet flats: ASOS
• Necklace: MACY'S
• Handmade palm piggy bag: no brand, bought from a street vendor in Oaxaca

Cats and knit

I have decided that this week, all the outfits posted will include one item of clothing/accesories handmade. Yesterday it was the woven backpack, today it is the knit shawl. Now that the weather is getting chillier a shawl can really be useful early in the morning and in the evening after sunset. Using one made of t-shirt yarn is ideal for the kind of temperature we are having and it is bound to catch the attention.

• Black dress with cat portraits print: MODCLOTH
• Beige gold sneakers: MYTHEO
• Tan, black and white colourblock handbag: ZARA
• Black earrings: no brand
• Black and white knit infinity shawl: BONNE

Quilted and studs

Casual Friday means trousers and a jumper. So you don' feel very basic add a pair of cute booties and a eye catching necklace!

• Black short sleeved jumper: ZARA with Marc Jacobs print handmade by me
• Cobalt and black trousers: TARGET
• Black ankle boots: ASOS
• Large pink quilted bag: DKNY
• Blue studded necklace: SFERA

Hipster (and not) felines

I love transforming plain t-shirts with prints that I like and make myself. It is not that hard for me to find the resources since I teach at a fashion school but anyone can find ideas online, tutorials on YouTube, DIY on Pinterest with materials that you can easily have access to. Just let your imagination free and make yourself something unique :)

• Grey long sleeved t-shirt with hipster cat print made by me/ Leopard print pointy lace-up shoes: ZARA
• Black jacquard skirt: PRIMARK
• Black handbag: HUSER