MARY MANAILA X FAME&PARTNERS: Campaign Photos

♪ Iggy Azalea - Impossible is nothing ♪

The last two weeks have been the busiest of this year so far! Two important exams, lots of trips, graduation, being valeditorian of my year and actually having to prepare a speech for the occasion, the prom and even a wedding in my family. Imagine how hard it was for me to find time to fit into my schedule the shoot for the dress I designed in collaboration with Fame&Partners! Every single day I would wake up and see the gourgeous powder peach gown hanging near my desk and I would say: "This is the day! I have to show my readers how it looks!", but then something terrible would happen like four days of straight rain or an unexpected departure.

We tried to capture all the little details you can't see on the site, like how the intricate lace has a 3D effect, with that extra layer of florals. Also, you can notice how the dress isn't actually see-through on the sides. When I started creating this dress I knew that I wanted an open back dress, but I was concerned about the bra situation. As always, the Fame&Partners team was amazing and ensured me they would do a special support thing in the front- similar to a corset. It turned out great, you can dance your heart out on your big night and not have to worry about anything falling out of place!

Now, a little bit about how I styled it: I chose some nude open-toe sandals because the summer vibes got to me, but you can easily match it with some elegant nude shoes (or something baby blue- like those Gianvito Rossi pumps that stole our hearts this season). My watch is a golden rose shade, but pure golden would work as well! As for the earrings, I have to admit I'm still on the quest for a statement pair! Any affordable suggestions anyone? So far I've only found Chanel earcuffs or J. Crew chandelier earrings online (a girl can dream). For the hair, I went for an easy peasy sock bun- why did no one tell me it only takes two minutes to make and yet it looks so fabulous?

I really look forward to hearing what you think about the concept of the dress and the collaboration, my dear readers! Brace yourselves for plenty of photos:

MARY MANAILA X FAME&PARTNERS dress, Zara shoes, Fossil watch

Prom & Ponderings

♪ Tinie Tempah - It's OK ♪

The last of year of highschool is definitely one of contrasts. I have the most impressive amount of stuff to learn and it sort of equals the amount of parties I'll attend. This month alone there might be three, and of course then comes the well-known question: "What will I wear?". This year, I'm kind of going with the flow, while listening to Tinie Tempah's new masterpiece, "Demonstration" (nobody can't convince his first album was better than this) and being calmer than last year. Still, a big question comes into my mind dreadfully: "What kind of gown should I buy for my last prom?".

The prom in question will take place in May (2014 that is) so before you jump ahead and call me crazy let me tell you some of my mates already bought their dresses for the most important event in this highschool year. Naturally, I started searching for specialized sites and I've come across to 1dress.co.uk , the site from where I took the incredible photos you can see above. This online retail store has helped me with one major thing: I've decided the three major styles I like most in a prom dress. Firstly, we're talking long prom dresses. I've given this a lot of thought and I just can't see myself finishing highschool wearing a short dress, I want an ample, feminine gown! Now , on the styles:

Daring Cuts: They're all the rage right now, designer are racing to find more subtle and unique cuts. I love them, it's just that I don't think I have the courage or the atitude to wear one shoulder prom dresses. Only time will tell, I still have a long way to go until May.

Glamour: I think I want to see some sequins on my dress, but I'm not sure on the amount, I don't want to look kitch. Maybe just for the top, as in the second photo?

Red Prom Dresses: I've always dreaded red, I have only one thing red in my closet, which I bought forced by the fact all my class had to wear the same color one day and we opted for red. Still, ever since I turned 18 I find it more appealing, but I would have to be careful about the shade of red, I don't want to remind everyone of Christmas.

So, what do you think? Do you have any advice for me, considering the fact that you've been following my fashion journey so far? One thing I found awesome abut this site is the fact they offer a 10$ discount if you use this code: xq10usdoff . And, since on Instragram today it's the usual "Throwback Thursday", I want to share a photo of me wearing my favourite long dress back in June:

Fancy Friday: Finding the right dress

If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody. ~J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye

I've been planning to post this photo for three months now, shame on me! It's just that I like everything to be perfect and as I didn't take my camera with me at the last prom...well, that's the best shot I got with my phone.

I have to admit a thing that I absolutely love about highschool: proms & parties. We don't actually call it a prom, but a ball and we have two of these each year. I usually like to go wild and wear really different outfits on such special occasions (I was Audrey Hepburn inspired in a LBD once, Floral Fairy in a long dress, Cha Cha dancer in a blue dress and the list goes on and on..). At the last prom though, as you can see, I chose a dress which represents my style very much: classy and feminine. This happened due to the fact I was really busy at the time and I bought the dress one day before the prom and had like 15 minutes for hair&makeup, it was a complete madness!

This spring, when the second ball of this scholar year will take place, I want to plan things ahead , because although my look turned out fine, I don't know if I'm so lucky to pull this off again! I saw you guys were really receptive and helpful when I asked for your suggestions last time, so I'm going to to rely on you one more time: I need to pick next prom's dress.

Wait, there's some good news, I picked the brand already: House of Fraser. I've wanted to shop from this UK-based label ever since my pen pal from London showed me online the amazing things she used to get (we had this funny ritual at sales time, when we would skype and pick the best deals for her to buy). Right now, I feel like their unique prom dresses are essential for my next ball, you know me and my fashion fixations !

I'm still having issues picking between four of them, all fabulous, so perhaps you can help me figure out which one would suit me best (I'm also really curious on how you see me):

I told you, four dresses- so different yet so incredible! What should I do?