we all love Christmas!

No matter what. Our truly Russian  parents and grandparents have always celebrated Christmas on Jan 7. They’ve never known what an awesome holiday vibe you can get in Europe/States in December. Getting Christmas presents, decorating houses (which doesn’t only mean interior. Exterior decorations are as important - they make you want to spend time outdoors, celebrate with your neighbors, all your friends, make snowmen, catch snowflakes and do the funny winter stuff). Sales start in every single store after the 25^th  - it’s the most exciting part! You can always find your ideal dress for the New Year’s Eve cheaper. It’s a fun time for shopping, but not for the stores though. Malls are not only packed and messed up all the time, but sales associates are sadly doing pretty much one thing – returns. People have been buying all December so that they could return whatever their mums, daughters, friends didn’t like, right after. Except for this little detail, Christmas is awesome for everybody.

Where can you find the Christmas spirit in Moscow? Starbucks. Its drinks and cups make miracles happen. From the very first sip, the holiday vibe fills your mouth, your heart, your whole body. You want to share it, brew the Christmas blend coffee at home and get a morning latte special every day – to get away from the work craziness and relationship issues and whatever else bothers you.

Having a Starbucks drink in your hand, your Wonderful Boyfriend on the phone and a warm sweater on makes the December Holidays World go round. Indeed.

Adidas Originals: has there ever been sport?

I’ve always separated my work/life/going out/dates/whatever else closet with my sportswear. My Nike shoes are still only for running. My Victoria Secret’s Sexy Sport Bra is never worn anywhere but gym. My Reebok training shorts keep my ass covered on my yoga classes. But even these brands are not only about sport any more. Adidas Originals is, moreover, nothing about sport.

Sunday is a busy day in the life of a huge shopping mall in Moscow. Dressed up ladies and gentlemen (they would rather leave lipstick on every item they try on then show their natural/actual (?) face) are wandering around the mall and buying stuff. No matter what - the trendiest purses and shoes, the hottest dresses, the cheapest sale items – they buy everything. What about sports goods? Initially they are functional, not fashionable. Your sneakers are old –you but a new pair. Period. People who are into sports are not into fashion. And here is the question: how to sell, how to make people but more sneakers than they actually need, how to get as much turnover as Mango and Zara. Correct, make it trendy! Adidas starts a new line – Originals. Twice as expensive as the sports line, twice as popular. They make sport in, they convince young people that it’s hot, and bright, and cool.

I walk in, and surpeisingly find nothing I would actually wear to the gym – it’s just comfy stuff I’d wear for a walk or when I am too lazy to dress up and put hills on. I am trying a jacket on and the girl helping me says: “Oh, it will be perfect for snowboarding!”  I am telling her that I have nothing in common with it and start taking it off. She laughs:” Hey, even drugged and fucked up kids buy Originals! They don’t even know what snowboarding  is . It’s fashion!”  I buy a couple things which I would never consider buying in this store and go running as soon as I get home. Wearing my regular sports stuff.  I have more than one pair of my favorite Nike’s btw – and I don’t  buy a new pair only when my old shoes break. I want my outfit to be perfect no matter if I am on the treadmill or at the party. 

Choosing what to wear when you go to the gym is as important as choosing a party outfit – for those who loooove dressing up. But thanks to the Originals for making sport fashionable! (not worn WHILE doing sports lol)

(headband - Vix, shirt - Benetton, vest - Adidas Origianls, purse - Michael Kors, shorts - Billabong, stockings - Calzedonia, boots - Burberry)

The theatre chicks

When I was a little lady, my dad has always been telling me that theatre is a special place, where all girls wear out all their fancy clothes and jewelry, all guys – suits and shoes. That different people gather to enjoy the Art, comedy or drama, ballet and opera.  Back in the days my mum always put the best of my dresses on me, and I had a feeling of a holiday, of the wonderful celebration of Life every time my family Went Out to the Theatre. 

Well, a lot has changed and every time I go to the theatre I am shocked by how different it is form what my parents have been teaching me. More LV, Gucci, Hermes and other exclusive brands I don’t even see in the best clubs and lounges of Moscow. December in Moscow remember? You won’t see anything warmer than shoes, even open-toe! Light blouses, wonderful dresses – everyone super dressed up. It seems so beautiful from the first sight. And then, surprisingly, you see Ipads. Why would you take a gadget to a place like that? Girls think it’s cool that you carry it around with you even here? I wonder if they post in Twitter:” I am in the theatre bathroom, checking my make-up. I am at home, having sex with my husband. I am feeding his cat, which I hate”. Theatre outfits have always been fashionable, but it never - label show-off, more of a chic, classic fashion. It has never been anything close to the club/glitter/street look. It’s sad that girls want to show how successful they are, how much money they’ve got even here. I was hoping it would stay within other spheres of Moscow evening/night life. Nope.


 I had a theatre look – a little black dress on, black suede high heels and a little clutch. Apparently I should have taken one of my Louis, the bigger the better, according to these ladies. I should have put on a glitter skirt, the shorter the cooler. Or take an awesome gadget? And check my mail during the performance? It’s not style or fashion – it’s the lack of education, not even the fashion, but the regular one. I should start a special “How to behave in places like that” course – and will probably become famous.

Nude is the new Black.

"All a woman needs to be chic is a raincoat, two suits, a pair of trousers, and a cashmere sweater"- Hubert de Givenchy

Well, it definitely means – a nude cashmere sweater in this season. When life gets hard and messy, when stuff of all colors is already in the closet and everyone is tired of all the porn chic craziness, designers all over the world put the most basic, the most natural and calm color – nude in each collection. And I love it! I never thought of wearing it before – cause of the weird feeling of not wearing anything at all.  Actually, it turned out to be the sexiest thing ever –just having your skin on. It makes your face look brighter, especially when complimented with a proper make-up. Of course, there are several options – a little more pink or beige, caramel and camel – these are the colors of comfort and coziness. Wearing them makes me drink more coffee and feel sexier at the same time. It seems like you are not keeping a secret about your body any more on the one hand and feeling comfortable on the other. Your body is the fortress of your heart and your soul. Wearing nude is keeping the border but making it transparent. As if you tell everybody: “Hey, this is me the way I am – these are my thoughts and wishes but it doesn’t mean you are any closer to me”. Wearing nude is feeling sexy, as if you are alone with the Guy you love, it’s the color of intimacy, the secret between the two of you. Wearing nude is showing more than а decollete and a cut out can that’s why it’s so hot. No matter how much fabric of this color is on you – it will look amazing and seductive anyways. Even a little detail will make the outfit sharper. It’s so natural that makes your look younger and fresher. 

It’s already style, not fashion – like a little Chanel dress or a Burberry trench coat. It’s an absolute must-have of beauty, comfort and seduction.

Когда «Слишком victim и не очень fashion»

(inspired by an awesome book “Fashion victims?” by Guillaume Erner)

“Quality stays way after the price is forgotten” (Gucci)

A new (and awesome) Fashion Bible was written by Guillaume Erner – a little serious, a bit sarcastic and funny and a lot psychological. He is talking about two main issues going on in people’s minds – being different on one hand and being fashionable on the other. Fashion prospers in big cities – where it’s not cool to look like your neighbor, your friend, your boss (especially if it’s a woman). There should be smth about you, smth different – even a detail that you catch attention with. Wonderful teachers of nowadays are influentials – people who are always a couple trends ahead, often celebrities  who move the fashion industry forward. They are also the reason why photographers started taking pictures of guests, watching the runway shows instead of the models and the whole street look movement. High-end fashion is supposed to come from the wonderful homes of fashion, designers, brands, but more often than not the inspiration comes from down below. Being conservative isn’t necessarily good for a brand nowadays. History of the brand – yes, but not to the extend. Brands are definitely “fashion victims”. They are in today and out tomorrow – imagine, how hard it is to catch up with all the trends of the following season! There should always be some space for surprise on a runway. Moreover, modern designers give the second birth, turnaround, to so many homes of fashion – Gucci, for example. It has recently been a dying business, owned by a drama Italian family, pretty much interested in fighting way more than in fashion till the day when Tom Ford became an art director. His style is nothing even close to the actual Gucci but he rocked it – and the brand as well. Guess how much money the company earned since then?

Why are people addicted to fashion? People want to show off. They want to be the best, and even if they are not – look like they are. Globalization makes it harder for all the high-end brands – people want to be closer to stuff like that. There are different options, and btw they help companies make a loot of money. Have you seen Versace for H&M collection? Any item costs way more than a regular H&M shirt or dress – but imagine how excited all the girls are – they can afford Versace (!!!) (no matter if it’s still H&M, not even close to haute couture). Both brands make billions of dollars on this fake acquisition.

Brand clothes, bags and shoes can only be pricey – but what’s more important is them being luxurious, elegant, wonderful. Zara and H&M can only be cheap – but might as well be basic,”street trendy” and fresh. They help us find our styles and shapes and colors. Looks and inspiration. They help us be ourselves and enjoy every morning in front of the Choice.

The Awesome Closet Choice of What to Wear. 

There is always time for some dress-up!

(p.s. even if it’s freaking cold out)

(the picture by a wonderful fashion illustrator Nancy Macnack)

Starbucks. 7 30 am. I am sipping my Vanilla Latte and thinking about weird "trendy traditions" all over the world. It has already snowed in Moscow a couple days ago. High time for taking fur coats out of the closet, right? No matter what is on the cat walks this season, no matter how spread the “save poor animals’ WWF ideas are, or how little of fur detail Gucci and Prada showed in their collections this season, it is always in here. Every time it gets a tiny bit colder, girls put on all the expensive coats, decorated with all those kinds of fur. No one cares if it’s still pretty warm during the day and that we still have plenty of time – the whole winter to ‘enjoy’ putting a shit ton of clothes on. I find it funny how much people want to show what they got – seriously, women, who can’t even afford a car, save money for a fur coat and wear it, using subway and getting the $3000+ item all squashed and damaged, every day, November thru early spring. Almost as crazy as it seems to be wearing Ugg boots on the Cali coast – they look way more natural when it’s below zero out and keep my toe fingers warm! (I still have my toenails colored neon and bright colors most of the cold season just to have a little splash of summer, no matter if no one sees!)

Anyways, do I put warm winter clothes and coats on yet? No, thank you, I’ll pass.

(shoes Steve Madden, jeans True Religion, clutch Banana Republic, scarf Armani Exchange)

West coast - Cali street fashion.

                                                                              

Designers in Paris, London and New York often get inspiration in the west states. Designers from California have ocean, surfers and tanned party girls to stay inspired on a regular every day basis. Bikini tops are absolute must-haves, they go under tank tops and shirts instead of regular bras. Flip-flops are vital during the day – when sand is around most of the time, even if you are not on the beach, there is no way you can wear a closed toe. Being dressed up in the coast cities often means having a beach dress with some wedges/heels on.

 Toms is another big thing there. I often hear how people who have never been to the West Coast say how ugly Toms are. I love then and everyone in California does. Toms are super comfy flats, the brand’s mission is to give a pair to a kid for every pair you purchase. One of my closest friends, Erin (merchandiser/buyer, San Diego, CA) met the owner of the company at the airport a couple years ago when he just started his business and now there is a line of stores that have to apply way in advance to start carrying them – and it’s still hard for them to get Toms in – they are out of stock all the time. Well, when Ugg boots appeared in the fashion world many fashion bloggers were sure there is no way they would be popular. Toms are the same way.

Toms.com

Bikinis are awesome in Cali. There is no other part of the world where people are so obsessed with them. I have at least a dozen – and once you get this addiction there is no way you can stop. Having a luxurious bikini feels the same as having a Hermes. Vix, Beach Bunny, L-space, B-swim – you-tube the runaways (season ’12) – glorious, stunning runaways. Beach Bunny kinis are so dressy – you don’t need to compliment them with any cover-ups or accessories, they are definitely party ones, full of detail and glitter. Vix and L-space are my favorite brands. Simple, but sophisticated. Wonderful materials, patterns, solids. Throwing a bikini top even on a work day is vital – there is always some beach/Jacuzzi time after!

Lspace.com

vix.com

(top, bottoms – Vix)

(top – L-space, bottoms – scrunched B-swim)

And of course, surfbrands! Surfbrands is a religion on the West Coast. Billabong, O-neil, Lucy Love, Roxy. Beachy and sporty, easy and so Cal. Most of my summer closet is Billabong and Lucy Love. This summer lace was on – there is lace detail everywhere – tops, tank-tops, blazers. Wetsuits for surfing and dresses that you can easily dress up or down – putting the right shoes and accessories on. Heels and clutches at night, beach purses and flip flops during the day.

(bikini top – Vix, dress – Roxy)

(dress, purse – Billabong)

Fedoras. Little straw hats are on every other head. Usually girls prefer natural colors but there are also black, brown, navy options.

(fedora, Lucy Love)

P.S. Btw, throwing on Ugg boots when it gets chilly in the evening – with shorts and tank tops is normal – they are always in the car ready to keep your legs warm and to be switched with flip flops asap.

Fashion lives on its own.

No matter if you love it or not, care for it or don’t, play dress up or put on old jeans and shirts every day, it exists. It for sure doesn’t care about you, no matter if you love it or not. Like a King, Fashion is doing its own business,  and has his servants – fashion designers, who create laws, icons, known, worn, wanted. They create history, day by day. There is no woman, who knows about Michael Kors, Galliano, Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Carl Lagerfeld and doesn’t want at least one item in her closet from their fairy-tale, wonderful stores. The joy of buying a new pair of shoes or just planning of so is magnificent for every ‘big city’ woman. The feeling of putting a small, black, luxurious dress from Chanel on and then wearing it – even more magnificent. Adding some red lipstick, mascara, choosing shoes from the closet – is there anything more awesome that that? Getting compliments not fishing for them – glorious.

Fashion is definitely a drug, once you get addicted there is no way back. It’s an irreversible trend, which has been in the air for a while. If you are a candy, alcohol, anything addict, there is always a way for you to be cured. If you are a fashion addict, it is getting worse all the time. Al over the world, addicted read Vogue, the bible of Fashion, from cover to cover, and put new names, items, brands to their wishlists. This epidemic is not known to everyone but  whoever cares for Fashion is its slave forever.

I am. 

Life.

 The only thing we know is what matters now, at this moment, in this place. Our feelings, our emotions, little things that happen to us every day, day by day, with our beloved one or without him. Pretty much when you get to know the person you don’t talk about physics or science all the time – you discuss little things that happen to you, support each other and try to make the other person happier.

Everything happens for a reason though and we get lessons we need to learn. Otherwise we would have never got them. That’s the reason why every life is so different. The answer for the question why one person has a lot and the other – nothing, why one loves and the other doesn’t, why one gets everything easily and the other struggles for little things. These are all lessons we need to learn – how to get or not to lose, how to love or grow yourself, how to make a career or become a wonderful mum. Or, in my case, how to get it all, as quick as possible and stay calm and not to lose my center on this bumpy road of my life.

What are your lessons?

I also met Lida, my ex-language tutor, yesterday – finally! Every time we meet, even though it happens once a year, I am so happy to see her. She is the complete opposite of me, character traits wise. I am so impatient and she is the most patient person I’ve ever met. And what’s funny is that the more I talk to people in different relationships, the more I understand that there is no ideal person. I recently heard that radio show – they were talking about idealization and I found it interesting how one of the guests was telling that our world is bi-polar which means that there is no 100% positive or 100% negative in the world. This also means that no person can be a 100% ideal to you or anyone – there is always smth you’d hate about him and this is always another lesson to you. Your reaction and how wise you act about it can show if you are laering it or not. There is a reason why you are in love with a person whose socks can be found under the bed and on the kitchen table and in the cat’s litter box. There is a reason he breaks everything that he touches. There is a reason why he isn’t capable in making decisions of any kind. The reason is pretty much checking how you make it through. Staying calm and patient will help him realize that he is doing smth wrong and he will try to improve himself. Being aggressive and unhappy about it all the time will only make it all worse. Men don’t like repetition. Once told sets in their head forever. Even if they don’t make decisions on the spot only means that the idea isn’t settled in their head yet – and they are still thinking. Especially Russians. “Долго запрягает, зато быстро едет” – is so true. So your thing is just to put a little seed of ideas you want in his head and then he will do everything in his own, just give him time. And be wise and patient too – to get what you want.

p.s.

I am getting ready for the winter and enjoy the wonderful fall days!