Fashion Clichés Series: #1 Vogue

My fab moodboard & pile of fashion magazines. Gucci Guilty and Cerruti Perfume

Seasons come and go or 'fashion is made to become unfashionable' as Mademoiselle Chanel used to say. However, we cannot deny that there are some things that we constantly crave for. I am not talking just about a pair of the flawless Prada sunglasses or a Chanel bag, but about the food (Oh! The macaroons, the stawberries!!), the smoothies (the Starbucks logo is always on my Tumblr dashboard) , the Iphone bunny case and the famous fashion magazines.

This series will present all of them, one by one, because I have noticed there is always an artistic photo of the things mentioned above on the social networks. They have become cliches, and when we acquire one of them we are so enthusiastic that we pay the greatest attention to their condition (after snapping a photo and posting about it on Instagram/Facebook, of course!). Call me shallow, but my coffee tastes better when I have it in my Starbucks mug. I don't know if it's the visual impact it has on me or the psychological result of good advertising, but I just see these cliches as little things which are meant to make my life brighter!

I will start with my greatest love: the Vogue issue. Founded in 1983, it has revolutionized the fashion industry and it's the perfect publication to inspire you. And it's not just the trend report or the editorials that we love, but also its attractive aspect. The shiny cover, the infinite thickness, the profound shades, everything makes each issue appear magical and you as the fortunate owner of fashion's deepest secrets. We all cherish and love at least one issue, but fashion bloggers are also able to share this with the whole world. Now, magazines are not only regarded as an oasis of knowledge and inspiration, but also as the ultimate accessories.

A very happy me back in June with my beloved British Vogue

Accessories? I'm sure that in the moment you read that phrase you thought of at least one iconic pictures. In my long experience with the social media and continuously searching on various blogs, I have noticed there are three main ways that fashion bloggers choose to show their Vogue issues(this may also apply to Elle, Harper's Bazaar , Nylon etc. ). If you are a fashion blogger or an active member of Chictopia community , including this in your looks may increase the admiration of your followers. Here are some tips of how you can do it yourself :

1. The close-up: You basically shoot for a particular outfit and in one photo you hold your Vogue in front of the camera, so that the lenses would focus on the fantastic cover (as the main photo of the post shows)

Winter is more whimsical when you have a Paris Vogue to learn some French vocabulary and read the interview of valuable people.

2. The pile : You have a collection of magazines? That's great! Make sure you include them all in your picture and try to also be creative. A flower near them or a statement necklace matching the first cover would be divine! Moreover, you can even try some unique ideas like the nightstand made out of magazines issues that Chiara Ferragni from 'The Blonde Salad' posted on her blog a few months ago.

I love fashion magazines not just because of the trend reports and flow of inspiration but also because you learn a lot about the people behind this incredible industry, stuff which you can't usually find online or in any TV shows.

3. The replacement: You have a plain bag/clutch or forgot completely about the purse when you went out to take shots for your blog? No problem, a magazine should do the trick! Just pose with it as if it's the prettiest accessory and if it somehow contrasts with the outfit, then it will all be spectacular!

Back in July- Pitti Palace, Florence, I miss it so much! I love Elle equally as much!

I hope I helped, stay tuned for the other posts , because these cliches are things that not only you appreciate and adore, but also your readers and they deserve to daydream after visiting your blog/profile! Remember to always pay attention to the details, because this shows you commitment and your passion for what you do!

 All the photos from this article are mine, you can find most of them in the blog's archive.

Comeback of the skirt

Don't freak out, only the intro photo is so blurry with effects! Not my fault, I barely found a photographer to take the few shots.

Remember this skirt?? Yes, that's the one I've been wearing in spring one year ago, than the whole summer, once in fall..everything is showcased on the blog in the Outfits. section. So, I told to myself, why not wear it this winter, while it's still snow on the ground? Just because it's  freezing I shouldn't be fashionable? 

Therefore, I played around different textures and a pretty good layer came out. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any pictures outside when I wore this, like three days ago so today I recreated the outfit because I really wanted you, dear readers, to see this and tell your honest opinion.

Regarding the new Vogue Paris, it's a gift because I did extremely well in an English competition (olimpiadă, pentru cititorii români) and I have to say this issue is really marvelous, it has interviews with Poppy Delevigne, Daria , a column about Marc Jacobs and I simply love the editorials!

Zara Skirt, Zara Denim Shirt, H&M sweater, Benvenuti boots, Zara bag (in the background)

Books and bags

First of all, I want to thank you with all my heart for the lovely comments I have received on the Anniversary post. I have read every single one, I noticed some new faces( yes, I have a pretty good visual memory) and I'm also happy to see that some readers have gained courage to share their opinions lately!

As for this post, I'm going to write about two things I adore: books and bags. As Jane Brody pointed out,

“Real luxury is time and opportunity to read for pleasure”

You always should spoil yourself with a good read, whether it's a interesting book where you learn about some life experiences like 'Frumoasele straine' is or a couple of Vogues which instantly cheer you up. With all this technology and daily problems we tend to neglect reading sometimes, and it is sad because books bring the wellness of our souls.

I also wanted to show you my most loved bag at the moment!! It's nude and it's from Zara. It was so expensive at the beginning but as soon as the sales started my aunt surpised me and bought this for me! I love it because it has the perfect details and color and the quality is just exceptional.

More photos of some magic reads and the bag:

A Romanian book by a Romanian author. Very relaxing and fun to read!

Saturday read& News!

Ah, finally some time to relax! School & blogging..well..they're not friends, at least from my perspective because I'm in a crucial year for my future. Oh, how fun to actually have some time to shop and read the latest issue of Vogue Paris(thank you dad!). Believe me or not, he actually got this 2 weeks ago and I barely had some time to look on the Sasha Pivovaroza editorial and some trend reports.

However, there is one more reason why I have postponed blogging: the loyal readers might have noticed that I haven't posted the regular columns in a long time. I need to explain myself: I plan to only post photos which belong to myself , because I beleive this will help the blog grow a lot. I have to be honest, an inspiration post is good from time to time, but let's admit we all read the top fashion blogs because of the impressive amount of outfit/details pictures.

I'm not saying I'm going to pull this out, but I will try my best!

PS: Outfit post tomorrow!!!

Vogue on Vogue

Hello lovelies, how have you been? I am sick once again and the school is quite rough , so I'm still trying to figure out how to balance blogging and daily activities. As I wrote before , I got myself a new camera and everytime I have a spare minute I usually take couple of shots. 

I actually like how the ones with my Mango necklace came out and I chose to post them because I don't think I have ever posted a look on the blog with me wearing a Mango item so far. It's not that I don't own and love many, it's just something that I can't explain myself, I should definetely try one "All Mango " look soon, because the clothes are waiting patiently in my closet.

So this necklace of mine ...well, it is actually one of my favorite jewelry because it's a light turqoise and it has this little sparkles, not to mention the central piece. It goes with everything and it's just a simple and feminine touch to any outfit. Mango accessories are amazing, really now, I saw an "apple necklace" back in my trip to Prague and I can't get it out of my head!

 Yet another sparkling necklace I love to wear, this time from Stradivarius. Funny thing, I have photographed it on another cover on Vogue Paris, but once again with Lara Stone!

Fancy Friday: Slumber Party!

I was the lucky host of a slumber party , organised from my name day, as I'm a Mary. It was incredible, especially that the idea ocurred me right in the middle of the day and I only had couple hours to organise the whole event.

 Altoghether, it came out great, at least from my sweet mates's sayings or considerring the fact we haven't slept  for a minute! Makeup, photoshoots, goodies and chocolate, Vogue magazine marathon- more like a tribute to the fact it was Vogue's Night Out in all the fashionable places all over the world. Also, I have discovered a new dreamy perfume: Gucci Envy Me!

Nevertheless, thank you mommy and daddy for bearing up with all the noise!

Monday Muse: Carine Roitfeld

Carine Roitfeld, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld

One of the brilliant minds of fashion industry. She changed Vogue Paris completely, she has moved on and styled a campaign for Chanel , she has so many others plans and projects.

I love her work, you love her, yet what made me pick her for this week? I have read recently this incredible article , from Interview Magazine , where she has been interviewed by her dear friend, Karl Lagerfeld.

It is trully inspiring and it's such an amazing dialogue going between the them, you have to read it if you haven't got the chance yet! It's like an essential in the history of fashion. They talk about Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, fashion through ages, family, internet...

Clothing is always a tool that helps me take a picture. But it's never about the clothing.

~Carine Roitfeld 

Picture and quote source: Interview Magazine

The Kate Theory

Little nostalgic. Take a look at babydoll Kate in one editorial back in 1992.

Okay. When you hear Kate Moss you most certainly think at: model since young, who started the trend of super super-skinny girls on the catwalk, androgynous look, designer for a few lines for Topshop, girl who dated a certain amount of spooky boys, mother. But wait, let's get back to the fashion top model, shall we?

Even if she's 37, Kate never left the fashion world, she just took a little break to say in a nice way. She has certainly changed a lot, but you can clearly see a whole new nature of beauty in her look.  Therefore, when she decided to come back, no wonder why the all the doors got opened and she appears on this months on not 1, not 2, but 3 covers of different Vogue's! Is this a signal that fashion world needs her back or is it just a tribute and a sign of admiration for a woman who kept herself on covers of the magazines or campaigns for so many years? Or is it really our need to see familiar faces?

Either way, I decided to share my opinion concerning the covers:

Vogue Japan -  The theme is just ""glamorous"! Pastel pink, all girlie like theme, but Kate's fierce pose and face expression really makes an impressive ballance.

Vogue Paris - I can definetely see what direction was Emanuelle going for, and I love the metaphore, but the hands are just too weird placed, especially for her tiny body. However, Kate looks amazing!

Vogue Brazil - Portraited by the one and only Mario Testino. The whole shoot is just so unique, with various amazing swimsuits but I'm not so into this cover, really!

Okay , okay, I'll admit this now: I think she just rocked the cover of Vogue Japan! Best!

~~Mary

Arsenic and old lace...

No, I'm not talking about another genious movie featuring Cary Grant, but, as I was writing this post about the most wanted item at the moment, the idea just came into my mind. Ah...what can I say...You all know I have a thing for crazy&lovely quotes/lyrics/titles ♥
 
Lace. We all love it because we picture chic scarfs, old-fashioned wedding gowns, little cute gloves. No doubt, this fabric has become in the last centuries a symbol of feminine style. You can't take your eyes of it, whenever you see it on a catwalk.

Hence, I was so happy to see that this season we can spot such an enormous amount of white lace! It's everywhere, from Vogue covers, Miss Pandora's blog,  to little boutiques. But one thing really caught my eyes, the white lace dress, reinvented in so many ways by Domenico and Stefano at Dolce&Gabbana. I know I know, I'll keep dreaming and I will just pray to find someday my dream dress, with fancy touches and embroidered little flowers!

 Alberta Ferretti Spring 2011 Campaign

Vogue Paris April 2011

Also, I remebered that I styled various white lace items on my Looklet. Daily inspiration, moods...I just love these 3 outfits !

 ~~Mary

Monday Muse/ Model Profile

I hope everyone had an amazing Easter! Sadly, there is school waiting for me so soon but that doesn't mean I shouldn't keep my columns updated. It's a lovely Monday and I feel my muse for today is...Sasha Pivovarova!

Her beauty is flawless, she is famous for being the image of Prada for 6 seasons but what really brought me into this? I received the April issue of Vogue Paris and she simply GLOWS in the "Green Girls" editorial. Also, Sasha has some strong oppinions in choosing her way of living , therefore she's been a vegetarian since she was 12! I found this quote which I simply had to share:

"Health & beauty is the same for me. If I'm not healthy, I'm not beautiful."

 Sasha Pivovarova

PS: Also, remember the visual diary she kept for Vogue Paris - which turned into a 6-pages spread? I previously wrote about it.

~~Mary

Daring Colors!

DARE TO WEAR: COLORS! by MaryLu1 featuring cream jewelry

This season is all about colors! And I don't know about you but I'm ready to give them a shot because I feel so alive and enrgetic everytime I look at the new colors that designers came up with lately! They're more of an inspiration lately and since all my fall was about nude/cream/beige/silver peony I don't own many clothes but I certainly own an extraordinary bracelet!

♥Storyline: Brought to me when I was 12, from a boutique in London. It is from my best friend Sara
and it was the last one but Sara sacrificied and bought it for me, because she knows that the dream of my life is to visit London someday. Plus, at that age I was just developing an obsession for coloured bangles and I own over 25 at the moment :)

~~Mary

FIRST VOGUES EVER- FIRST IMPRESSION!!!

Okay, you should know that I live in a small city from a pretty small country-Romania- so we don't quite have Vogue over here! (neither Zara !)

So, imagine my amazement as I see(in a another town, of course!) a real VOGUE- no, two real VOGUEs : Paris & British! I had to buy them both, I coudln't help it. It is true that I paid double because of the transport etc. but holding IT in your arms- for the first time- I can't even describe it properly! It's like you know you're apart from the fashion world now- where everyone understands your obsession and you feel this vibe from all the creative and talented people in the world.

Of course,  I had to share to share my comparission with someone and I felt this was the right place haha :)

Let's start with some criteria I'd like to note:


Cover:  British Vogue shows a calm and careless Victoria arching her perfect eyebrows. I always liked Victoria's sharp style and I don't think she is that posh and annoying as everyone thinks she is. Also, I'm a fan of her collections so far so I really enjoyed the interview and the portraits.

Vogue Paris wants to bring a little color in our life! Brand new trends people! What a better way than putting  Lara Stone on the cover, in a brilliant Gucci ensamblance?

Trends:  British Vogue: Amazingly pointed! I really know for sure what's in for this season!

Vogue Paris: I love the makeup trends because I really need good updates usually on this area! Also, I loved the editorial with bright&wild accesories and "EN VOGUE". The trends of the spring season haven't been literally pointed yet (I expect that from future issues, for sure!) but the HUGE pictorial definetely gives a clue for sharp eyes!

Same Jil Sander outfit, amazingly worn! Spotted: Daphe's skirt, the one that I fatured in the honeysuckle post! AWESOME!

Editorials: British Vogue: "Look forward"- Model: Freja Beha Erichsen - simply let me speechless!   "Best of British"- Model: Arizona Muse. I really loved the selection from the British Label clothes, maybe because I'm huge fan of couple designers.

 Vogue Paris: "Miss Vogue"  : PUNKY chic, urban, edgy! I loved it, but I felt it wasn't fitting the theme: for all the young women!

THE COLOSAL EDITORIAL: 65 pages spread, oh my, I ADORE it so much! Carine (her penultimate issue, I'm so sad about this!) chose only elite models like Lara, Daria, Natasha, Freja, Daphne, Saskia, Joan, Sasha, Arizona. I have to say I loved Natasha most, although Lara rocked that cover and all the looks!

"Forever Young"- a litte nudity in this to celebrate Gucci's 90th aniverssary!


Writing: We got an article about Sarah Burton in both issues! I have to say that I liked more the 4 pages interview from Vogue UK, although the pictures used in the Paris one were so impressive!

 

Actors: Vogue Paris features Collin Firth while UK picked James Franco. Both impressive columns!


We also find out about Olivier Theyskens's comeback and  accesories in transit from the second one, while  we have two remarcable pieces about ballet and Black Swan in French.


The Surprise Element: 
British Vogue: Alexa Chung interviews the great Christopher Kane and we have some details about "THE CULT OF THE MODEL"

Vogue Paris : "Secret Stories" by Sasha Pivovarova about the last fashion week she attended! Wow, I never knew she draws so amazing and take this lovely pictures!


So, after all this, I still can't decide my favorite! I love them both so much, because you can tell how much effort and creativity has been put in these! 

Back cover: Adds, I can't never get enough! Oh my, Rouge Coco is divine!

PS: Okay, maybe 65 page editorial made me like the Vogue Paris edition a LITTLE LITTLE more but shhhh!!!!..that's a secret!

~~Mary