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Sunday, January 31, 2016

Turning passion into business?


Saptamana trecuta am avut ocazia de a participa la un masterclass de Fashion Marketing. Fiind foarte interesata de orice tine de fashion m-am inscris cu entuziasm la doua evenimente sustinute de profesorul Clarence van der Putte. Astfel marti seara am participat la cursul  organizat de IAA Young Professionals Cluj, iar miercuri seara, intr-un cadru mai restrans, sustinut de Business Ladies Club, am avut ocazia sa il ascult a doua oara pe Clarence. Ambele evenimente au fost frumos organizate, iar subiectul dezbatut a fost de-a dreptul fascinant. Am ramas surprinsa de faptul ca profesorul si consultantul, Clarence van der Putte a sustinut doua 'cursuri' diferite. Ma asteptam oarecum sa reia discutia din prima seara si sa o reproduca, insa ne-a surprins cu o noua abordare si cu o noua prezentare.

In prima seara, intr-un amfiteatru plin de persoane pasionate de marketing, designeri, economisti, studenti, bloggeri si iubitori de frumos, sub deviza Fashion as an expression of your inner self, s-a discutat despre strategii de business, segmentare, targetting, studii de caz, industria fashion internationala, branding. Acest masterclass de mare amploare s-a datorat dorintei membrilor IAA de a organiza un workshop intern, care ulterior s-a transformat intr-un eveniment cu peste 400 de participanti si peste 15 parteneri.
"The dynamics of fashion is very interesting"

In urma discutiilor legate de branding, dezvoltarea unei afaceri in domeniul fashion si targeting, am inteles ca nu mai este suficient sa fi pasionat. Desigur, pasiunea reprezinta un element cheie in dezvoltarea unui business de succes, insa lucrurile au evoluat puternic, totul se rezuma la marketing, sau market getting. Nu mai este suficient sa lucrezi din greu si sa te dedici trup si suflet ideii tale, ci ai nevoie de o echipa, de un mecanism, care sa se ocupe de selectarea si introducerea produsului tau pe piata. Profesorul van der Putte ne-a explicat ca fara un astfel de mecanism majoritatea fashion business-urilor noi reusesc sa supravietuiasca maxim un an. 

Traim intr-o lume in care promovarea a devenit mai importanta decat produsului in sine, fara de care afacerile nu se pot dezvolta. Un produs bun combinat cu o strategie puternica de marketing poate sa ajunga departe, cunoscut si achizitionat la nivel mondial. De asemenea am invatat ca modul corect de a lansa un produs este prin cunoasterea cerintelor pietei in prealabil. Abordarea combinata de inside out si outside in este adecvata in constructia unui fashion brand. Metoda inside out se bazeaza pe capacitatile companiei, pe punctele sale forte si posibilitatile acesteia, in timp ce outside in se fundamenteaza pe preferintele si sugestiile clientilor, orientarile si experientele acestora. Astfel combinand cele doua puncte de vedere se poate consolida o afacere, tinand cont atat de capacitatile interne, cat si de dorintele consumatorilor. 


In a doua seara, la discutia cu acelasi specialist, Clarence van der Putte, organizata de Business Ladies Club, pe tema Fashion Brand Identity am intrat in detalii, am dezbatut situatii concrete ale unor brand-uri aflate la inceput si am aflat cate ceva din abordarea celor de la ZARA. Combinatia masterclass-ului cu fashion show-ul de dupa a fost ideala, iar locatia aleasa, Tube Social Chemistry, a asigurat succesul serii. 
Secretul succesului in industria fashion consta in calitate, insa crearea pieselor de calitate premium, promovarea acestora si efectiv lansarea si desfacerea lor pe piata este extrem de costisitoare. Din acest motiv, articolele de designer devin pentru noi, clientele, o adevarata investitie. Asa ca daca tot investim, sa o facem cu cap, sa alegem piese din materiale superioare, cu design deosebit. Business Ladies Club ne-a sugerat 3 designeri care bifeaza cerintele de calitate si unicitate, si anume Isabela Teodor, Mihaela Cirlugea si Andrea Szanto. 
  • Creatiile superbe, din materiale deosebite ale Isabelei Teodor, in nuante metalice, cameleon sunt reprezentatia optimismului si a unicitatii.
  • Colectia Mihaelei Cirlugea se intituleaza 'Take me wherever you want', si este construita pe conceptul de versatilitate, outfit-urile fiind adecvate atat pentru a fi purtate dimineata la birou, cat si seara la un cocktail.
  • Andrea Szanto a creat o colectie chic, inspirata de femeile care folosesc bicicleta ca mijloc de transport. Colectia sport couture este creata din materialele folosite pentru echipamentele de biclisti, cu un design extraordinar, revolutionar pentru acest tip de tinute. 

Per ansamblu am invatat multe de la profesorul si consilierul Clarence van der Putte, un orator desavarsit, cu un bagaj de cunostiinte extraordinar si exemple fascinante. Organizatiile IAA Young Professionals Cluj si Business Ladies Club, au realizat doua evenimente frumoase, bine organizate, la care mi-a facut o deosebita placere sa particip. Astept cu nerabdare astfel de intalniri si in viitor!


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Last week I had the chance to participate in a very interesting masterclass, on Fashion Marketing. I am actually extremely interested in fashion and everything it implies, therefore I signed up for two events with professor and business adviser Clarence van der Putte. One of the events was organised by IAA Young Professionals Cluj and was held at FSEGA, gathering over 400 marketing enthusiasts, fashionistas, bloggers, students, economists, designers. The other lecture by Clarence van der Putte took place in a more intimate manner, at the Tube Social Chemistry pub, with around 40 current and future business ladies. The second event was organised by Business Ladies Club and to my complete surprise, had a different approach. Mr. van der Putte managed to present his expertise from two different points of view, succeeding to surprise us with his quality speeches and impresive business experience. 

During the first lecture, Mr. van der Putte talked about the business and marketing strategies, segmentation, targeting, case studies, the international fashion industry, branding. This amazing masterclass happened thanks to the IAA YP members, who wanted an internal workshop on the subject of Fashion Marketing. The event developed to be also wanted by over 400 people and managed to gather more than 15 partners. It was great and inspiring!

"The dynamics of fashion is very interesting"

Listening to professor van der Putte, I understood that passion is no longer enough when you want to build a powerful business. Of course, passion will always remain a contributive factor when you start your own business, but nowadays everything revolves around marketing and the skills of selling your product.  Market getting is hard and you might need a team to put together a good platform in order to successfully introduce your product to the market. New fashion businesses go bankrupt in a year if they are not able to properly advertise. 

I've also learned a bit about combining the inside out and the outside in methods in order to achieve the perfect business approach. The inside out method is about the possibilities that emerge within the company, the company's capacity, the strong points and what it can do. On the other hand, the outside in method is all about the customers, about their likes and dislikes, their needs and their orientations. Combining these two points of view will guarantee a successful business approach. You need to understand the market before you try to introduce a new product. First of all you need to find out if there is a market for your product, and adapt it to the costumers' needs. Mr. van der Putte's lecture was truly inspiring and I feel I have learned a lot about fashion businesses. 

We have also discussed some case studies, concerning emerging brands and their methods of advertising and marketing, we received some amazing tips & tricks on how to build a business and had a great debate on how to properly promote a product. 

Designers choose premium quality fabrics to set them appart from the mass production clothing companies. They also have to invest a lot of money in advertising, marketing, placing their product on the market. Buying a designer item is an investment for all of us, so we should always pick a product that is made of a good quality fabric, a product that is unique and special. Business Ladies Club suggested three talented designers:

  • Isabela Teodor, for her beautiful items, made of a cool fabric, in beautiful metallic shades. Her collection is unique, special and streams a lot of optimism.
  • Mihaela Cirlugea, for her versatile collection, called 'Take me wherever you want', made of beautiful clothes that you can wear in the morning at the office, or in the evening at a cocktail.
  • Andrea Szanto for her chic collection, inspired by women who ride their bikes. Her clothes are made of professional biking fabrics and represent the sport couture. 
Overall, I learned a lot from the professor and consultant, Clarence van der Putte, an amazing speaker with tremendous business knowledge. Both the organizations involved did a great job and I am looking forward to participating in their next events. 


Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Wedding fairytales

In acest weekend, din pura curiozitate, am participat la Wedding Show-ul gazduit de Grand Hotel Italia. Nu are rost sa va spun, ca un decor mai grandios si mai extravagant nu putea fi ales pentru un astfel de eveniment. Sincer am fost foarte suprinsa de multitudinea de oferte si de stand-urile impecabile presarate in doua sali uriase extrem de luminoase si de elegante. Totul era aranjat extraordinar si toti expozantii erau pregatiti sa-i intampine cu caldura pe cei ce se pregatesc de cel mai important eveniment al vietii de cuplu. Wedding Show-ul a constat in absolut orice ai putea avea nevoie pentru fericitul eveniment, de la invitatii si marturii pana la limuzine si locatii de poveste. Saloanele de hairstyling si make-up prezente, au fost reprezentate de cei mai de seama stilisti, care au oferit un 'show' live al talentului lor. 

Am fost impresionata de aranjamentele florale exuberante, create din flori proaspete si brose somptuoase. Un eveniment de o astfel de magnitudine poate fi organizat in foarte multe moduri, orice fantezie (a miresei, de obicei) poate fi executata exemplar de o echipa buna de organizatori sau de catre o mireasa creativa. Wedding show-ul a pus la dispozitie cateva variante, precum: nunta fastuoasa, luxurianta, nunta chic, nunta simpla, lejera, nunta romantica, in stil parizian, nunta vintage etc. M-a intrigat optiunea cu tematica orientala, fiind atat de diferita de celelalte abordari, cu un decor bazat pe culori puternice, vibrante si cu ornamente aurii. 

Nu au lipsit rochiile de mireasa, de toate felurile, de tip sirena, printesa, cu fusta scurta, cu aplicatii delicate, in nuante clasice de alb sau mai indraznete. Eu m-am indragostit de creatiile Xenia Design, in special pentru nuantele delicioase de roz pudrat sau argintiu discret. Si viitorii miri au avut de unde alege, incepand de la colectia Viggo by Catalin Botezatu. Aceasta colectie premium se fondeaza pe constructia impecabila a costumelor si pe tesaturi de inalta calitate. Mi-au placut de asemenea si costumele de la The Men's Club, in nuante puternice, in special sacoul visiniu.

Candy Bar-ul devine din ce in ce mai popular, iar mirii au acum oportunitatea de a-si personaliza masuta de dulciuri, dupa tematica nuntii, in culorile preferate, sau in orice maniera doresc. Numeroase cofetarii si-au prezentat cele mai aspectuoase si mai delicioase creatii, facandu-ne pofta tuturor! Mie mi-a ramas gandul la candy pop-urile decorate cu margelute si la mousse-urile de ciocolata...

Pe scurt, un eveniment foarte reusit cu multe oferte de calitate si impanzit de persoane creative. Chiar daca nu planific o nunta, mi-a placut sa imi fac o idee...cam cum ar arata!

A little preview:













 A treia editie Cluj Napoca Wedding Show by Grand Hotel Italia

 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Winter layers

Frig. Asta e singurul lucru la care ma gandesc in fiecare dimineata, cand ma ridic din pat. Imi chinui mintea de devreme cu numeroase combinatii de haine impotriva frigului, si misiunea devine din ce in ce mai grea, deoarece imi doresc sa arate si bine. Ce outfit-uri interesante poti crea cand afara sunt -15 grade? Cu o doza de creativitate si neaparat o masura serioasa de realism putem alege o tinuta frumoasa, in ciuda temperaturilor necrutatoare. Elementul cheie consta in alegerea unor haine calduroase, iar de aici incepe distractia. In ajutorul nostru o sa vina mereu accesoriile chic, asa ca nu uitati de ele. 

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Cold. The only thing that comes to mind on a daily basis, right before I get out of bed. My brain struggles to find a combo that is both warm and pretty, and the difficulty to do that is increasing day by day. It is extremely hard to come up with a cool outfit for this weather, and not freeze. Keep in mind that when you build a -15 degrees look, it's mandatory to choose warm clothes. Style your outfit with accessories such as hats, scarves, gloves. 









Wearing

Pink warm fur like blouse from H&M 
Grey skirt from H&M
Over the knee brown boots from H&M
Oversized shirt from Choies

Valentine's Day Outfits, from a different perspective

Chiar daca suntem inca in Ianuarie, ne mai sare gandul la iminentul 'eveniment', Valentine's Day. Fie ca veti petrece ziua indragostitilor alaturi de iubitii vostrii sau veti fi in cautarea marii iubiri, vreau sa va propun trei outfit-uri neconventionale. De cate ori v-ati gandit sa purtati o rochie rosie, sau sa optati pentru un machiaj super girly cu gene lungi, ochi luminosi si ruj roz? Nu zic ca e gresit sa urmati tiparul clasic, setat de aceasta ocazie, si eu l-am urmat de cateva ori in trecut, insa va sugerez o alternativa inedita, putin mai indrazneata, insa nu mai putin sexy.

Even though we are still in Jannuary, we ocasionaly think about Valentine's Day, right? Whether you will go out with your boyfriend or seek your true love, I would like to suggest some different types of outfits. I am tired of the typical Valentine's Day combo, implying a red dress and girly make up, therefore I came up with three different aproaches. 

Outfit no. 1 Dinner and a show
realizat in Polyvore
Alege o tinuta bold pentru o iesire la un restaurant chic, urmata de un film. Indrazneste sa combini o pereche de ghete statement cu o fusta pe corp intr-o nuanta puternica, contrastanta si alte elemente rock. Jacheta de piele poate fi o optiune interesanta, in special daca o combini cu o geanta de tip crossbody. Eu am conceput un look super indraznet, care cu siguranta te va scoate din anonimat. Nu exagera cu machiajul, deoarece tinuta e suficient de puternica vizual. La capitolul make up iti sugerez sa investesti mai mult timp la conturul fetei, deoarece e genul de efect care iti va scoate in evidenta chipul, fara a exagera. Nu uita de ruj! Alege o nuanta puternica, insa echilibrata. Eu as opta pentru o culoare mata, intunecata pentru un accent glam rock.

Pick a bold outfit for a dinner & show date, mix up a pair of statement boots with a tight pencil skirt, add a black  leather jacket and a chic crossbody bag and get a hot look. Make sure you don't overdo your make up and choose a matte lipstick in a bold colour. Contouring will make your face look amazing. 


Outfit no. 2 A walk in the park

realizat in Polyvore

Cine spune ca nu poti arata extraordinar si atunci cand iesi la o plimbare, mai ales daca aceasta face parte din Valentine's day date? Daca ai asa ceva in plan, sfatul meu este sa ti cont de temperatura de afara, deoarece pielea mov nu e niciodata la moda! Pentru o tinuta super chic, potrivita unei intalniri in aer liber la temperaturi scazute, iti sugerez sa pornesti de la primul strat. Eu am optat pentru un palton oversized super calduros. Combinatia black and white mi se pare ca adauga o doza de eleganta outfit-ului, iar top-ul cu paiete o scoate in evidenta. Combina perechea preferata de jeansi cu un rucsac si o pereche de ghete fara toc, chiar si o pereche de uggs daca doresti, si nu uita de accesoriile de baza impotriva frigului: caciula, fular, manusi. Eu as opta pentru un make-up super sleek, natural, insa bine aplicat. Pune accentul pe sprancene si foloseste un ruj nude ca sa obti un look fresh.

Who says you can't look amazing on an outdoor date? Create a special Valentine's Day outfit by mixing a warm cozy jacket with your favorite pair of jeans and a sequin top. Choose casual accessories such as a leather backpack and some boots. Feel free to wear your uggs if you like and don't forget to put on a hat, a warm scarf and definetely gloves. Purple skin is not fashionable so dress up according to the low temperatures. Keep your make up fresh and natural!

Outfit no. 3 Dinner and dancing

realizat in Polyvore

Nu m-am putut abtine si am inclus si o varianta cu rochita rosie, insa sper ca abordarea generala vi se pare intriganta. Am ales sa combin rochita lejera, insa finuta cu o pereche de cizme over the knee negre, pentru a crea o tinuta sofisticata, dar cool. Blazerul negru confera eleganta outfit-ului, iar clutch-ul cu aplicatii o scoate in evidenta. Nu optati pentru multe bijuterii pentru a mentine aerul lejer de efortless but amazing fashion si nu uitati de oja. In ceea ce priveste machiajul, pe mine ma fascineaza definirea sprancenelor in ultima perioada, ceea ce se poate observa cu usurinta. Mi se pare ca ofera un aspect ingrijit si sofisticat.

I couldn't help it! I had to create an outfit around a red dress, but hopefully you will consider the overall picture interesting. I chose a pair of over the knee black boots, paired with a classy black blazer. For a touch of glamour mix them with an embellished clutch and a pair of matching earrings. Get your nails done in a bold shade and choose a cool lip colour. Don't forget to make your brows pretty!


Sunt curioasa ce optiune ati alege, asa ca astept comentariile voastre. Promit sa revin cu mai multe recomandari si sugestii privind V Day!

What outfit would you consider? Promise to post more on the subject. 

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Great make up products at a fair price!

Cand vine vorba despre produse de machiaj listele de optiuni si de preturi sunt infinite. Cosmeticele de calitate au preturi pe masura, deoarece intr-adevar diferenta e la propriu, pe fata. Doua produse, care par identice pot sa fie in realitate extrem de diferite. La produsele de make up, idealul consta in textura, consistenta, rezistenta, felul in care se aseaza si nu in ultimul rand felul in care arata si ce pot crea pentru noi. 

Chiar daca apelam la machiaj strict pentru a corecta unele trasaturi, care nu ne incanta, sau pentru a pune in valoare caracteristicile preferate sau 'forte' ale fetei noastre, este foarte important sa folosim produse bune, de calitate, pentru a nu crea probleme tenului, pe termen lung. Consider ca este mai util sa detinem o cantitate mai modesta de produse de make-up decat sa avem munti de cosmetice, din doua motive:
  • sa investim in produse de calitate 
  • de cele mai multe ori termenul de valabilitate al cosmeticelor este destul de redus, astfel ca riscam sa aruncam o buna parte din 'patrimoniu'
Totusi ne confruntam des cu situatia in care preturile sunt exorbitante si efectiv nu ne induram sa dam o treime din salar pe un fond de ten sau un eyeliner, indiferent cat de miraculoase sunt. Tocmai din acest motiv am pregatit o lista cu produse de make-up extraordinare la preturi mai mult decat accesibile, pentru ceea ce ofera. Evident ca este o insiruire de produse extrem de subiectiva, insa pe acestea le folosesc si mi se par foarte bune.

Paleta de farduri pentru ochi, Sleek Au Naturel

Am doar cuvinte de lauda pentru aceasta paleta, cu o selectie impecabila de culori, o textura grozava ce confera rezistenta pe parcursul celor 8 ore de munca. O folosesc cu incredere aproape zilnic atat pentru machiajul discret al ochilor, la birou, cat si pentru un 'smokey eye' seducator perfect pentru iesirile in oras, seara. Au Naturel este genul de paleta, pe care o veti folosi in intregime, veti epuiza fiecare nuanta disponibila. Nuantele sunt o combinatie de culori, atat reci cat si calde si pot fi folosite de persoane cu ten deschis, masliniu sau bronzat. De asemenea sunt incluse nuante atat mate cat si sidefate, astfel veti putea obtine orice look. Tip: puteti folosi negrul mat din paleta, pe post de eyeliner, daca detineti o pensula usor ascutita, datorita culorii super pigmentate, care se aseaza excelent. 
Photo source: https://paintedpretty01.wordpress.com

Tusul stilou The One, Oriflame

De ceva vreme eyeliner-ul a devenit un must-have, deoarece completeaza perfect machiajul si arata uimitor si pe cont propriu. In materie de eyelinere preturile sunt foarte diversificate si in multe cazuri, piperate. O varianta accesibila o reprezinta tusul The One de la Oriflame, care in ciuda pretului scazut este chiar bun. Gasiti tusul stilou The One in patru nuante la pretul curent de 15,99 lei. Aplicatorul este din pasla si garanteaza linii precise si continue. Este foarte usor de folosit si destul de rezistent. Eu il recomand tuturor persoanelor, care nu au experienta la 'codita', adica in obtinerea look-ului 'cat eye', deoarece se aplica cu mare usurinta. 


Crema CC Elmiplant

Gasim creme BB sau CC aproape la orice brand de cosmetice, deoarece au revolutionat industria make-up si au detronat fondul de ten. O data cu aparitia cremelor BB, fondul de ten a pierdut foarte mult teren, fiind utilizat numai in cazuri 'extreme', in machiajul mai sofisticat. Pentru machiajul basic, cotidian a ramas BB/CC cream, fiind mult mai usor de aplicat si avand o consistenta mai placuta, mai usor de suportat pe parcursul unei zile intregi. Si la acest capitol exista o gama larga de preturi si de optiuni. In timp ce toate tanjim dupa un BB/CC cream de la Dior suntem nevoite sa gasim variante substitut, care sa fie atat calitative cat si accesibile. Grea misiune, dar s-a dovedit a nu fi imposibila. Exista o gramada de optiuni rezonabile, pe care ni le permitem si care nu ne vor deteriora pielea. Eu am optat pentru CC cream-ul de la Elmiplant. Aceasta crema este foarte usor de aplicat, are o consistenta super usoara, ce nu incarca tenul si nici nu creaza senzatia neplacuta de 'ten uscat'. Nu are o acoperire foarte puternica, insa combinat cu pudra si eventual concealer pentru zonele problematice reuseste sa creeze un look grozav.  
Se gaseste foarte usor, eu l-am achizitionat de la Auchan. CC Elmiplant

Sper ca va este folositor review-ul si va rog sa imi impartasiti si voi secretele voastre in materie de makeup la un pret accesibil!


english
When it comes to make up products there are endless options and prices. Beauty products of good quality are pretty expensive, because they really make a difference. Some products look the same, but they are actually extremely different, therefore choose wisely! You should always choose your products by their texture, consistency, resistance and ultimately the way they look and make you look.  

Whether we use make up to cover our flaws or to enhance our best features we should always think about our skin and choose good products. I truly believe that is more useful to have a small quantity of premium quality products than have hundreds of questionable ones. The reasons behind owning a smaller quantity of make up stuff are:

  • the posibility to invest in better products
  • make up products tend to go bad really soon, therefore you will have to throw away a lot of your purchases. 
Unfortunately there are lots of expensive products that we simply can't buy. No one is eager to spend a third of their pay check on just one make up product. Therefore I would like to suggest some items that are of good quality and at a fair price. This is a subjective list, made up of products that I have used and loved. 


Sleek Au Naturel, make up palette

I love this palette. It has an amazing colour combo, the eye shadows have a great texture and are very persistent. They can last an entire work day! I rely on it almost daily for everyday, discreet make up or for more seductive looks for the evening outings. Au Naturel is the kind of palette, that you will exhaust. It is made up of both cold hues and warm ones and can be used for all skin types.  You can find matte shades and pearlescent ones. Tip: you can use the black eye shadow as an eyeliner, if you have a pointy brush. 
Sleek Au Naturel

The One, Oriflame eye liner stylo

Nowadays the eyeliner is a must have, mainly because it can complete a look in a stunning way, but also because it looks amazing on its own. When it comes to choosing an eyeliner, you have plenty possibilities and price ranges. The One eyeliner by Oriflame is practically a bargain. Despite the low cost it has great potential, I use it on a daily basis. It comes in four different shades and it's super easy to apply. In fact it is a good choice if you don't have experience with the cat eye look. It's so easy to put on, you can actually achieve a great liquid line. 

CC cream from Elmiplant

Almost every make up brand has a BB or a CC cream nowadays, basically because it is way better than a foundation in so many aspects. I only apply foundation when I want to achieve really sophisticated looks. For my basic makeovers I always turn to a good BB or CC cream, mainly because they are super easy to apply and they have such a light consistency. There are plenty of BB/CC cream options and even though we all dream of Dior or Chanel, we need to find a good one in our budget. It is a hard mission but not an impossible one. When you choose a BB/CC cream make sure you don't buy something that will damage you skin. I strongly recommend the Elmiplant CC cream. This one is really easy to apply, has a great, soft texture and a pleasant scent and it doesn't give your skin a dry sensation. It doesn't provide a powerful coverage but combined with poweder and some concealer you can achieve a beautiful look.
CC Elmiplant

I hope you find this useful! Tell me about your favorite make up products, share some of your affordable tips!

Friday, January 15, 2016

C&A is making a comeback!


Photo credits: Ionut Vinte Photography
C&A e un brand vechi, super cunoscut, cu haine extrem de accesibile si de o calitate buna, insa de multe ori design-urile pareau putin invechite si oarecum generice. Compania fondata de fratii Clemens si August Brenninkmeyer, in 1841 este unul dintre cei mai mari retaileri de fashion din Europa si a pornit din Olanda. Articolele lor aveau mereu un aer nordic, cu design-uri orientate spre simplu si practic, axate pe minimalism, insa in ultima perioada au inceput sa se muleze mai bine pe cerintele publicului si au pus la dispozitia clientilor, colectii noi super fresh, actualizate la trend-urile cotidiene, devenind o sursa de incredere pentru tinute chic la preturi rezonabile. De asemenea display-ul C&A este foarte bogat in accesorii uimitoare, cercei de toate tipurile si dimensiunile, atat coliere statement cat si coliere finute, minimaliste, inele in toate formele posibile si o gama larga de genti si palarii.  


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C&A is an old brand, well known world wide, with really accesible clothes. Despite the fact that the clothes were of good quality, some of them were a little generic, in my opinion. The company was founded by the Brenninkmeyer brothers, Clemens and August, in Holland 1841, and managed to climb to the top of fashion retail business, succeeding to shine in Europe. Their products have a northern look, with simple, practical designs, based on minimalism, but lately they managed to break through and bring a lot of fresh lines. Therefore you can find here a lot of amazing accessories, earrings of all kinds, statement necklaces, rings in all forms and shapes, a wide range of bags and purses, and chic hats. C&A has became a trustworthy store, if you need something fashionable and at a bargain price. 
  
Photo credits: Ionut Vinte Photography

Photo credits: Ionut Vinte Photography

Photo credits: Ionut Vinte Photography

Photo credits: Ionut Vinte Photography
Wearing
C&A fluffy Serenity Blue pullover 
C&A pleated skirt
C&A Black biker boots
Michael Kors Saffiano bag

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Watch out ladies, for the CITYMAN contest!


Primavara acestui an ne rezerva un eveniment inedit, nemaintalnit, si anume concursul de moda masculina, City Man. Concursul aduce in scena 40 de participanti si va avea loc in 28-29 Aprilie! Stefan Farell, reprezentant de seama al scenei fashion din Transilvania pregateste un eveniment desarvasit destinat tuturor domnisoarelor si doamnelor, construit in jurul lansarii unui important brand de lenjerie masculina. Asa ca, daca nu aveti idee unde sa iesiti cu fetele va sugerez sa nu ratati show-ul, care promite a fi extraordinar. Pe langa lansarea colectiei de lenjerie intima, vor avea loc prezentari de moda si se vor desfasura diverse probe intrigante, in cadrul concursului. 

Show-ul isi propune prin efectele de scena si programul bine pus la punct sa intreaca orice asteptare si sa depaseasca banalitatea unui spectacol de striptease masculin, spre incantarea spectatoarelor. Stefan Farell planuieste sa invite peste 1500 de femei, construind un eveniment de anvergura, pe baza de invitatie si bilet. De asemenea sunt asteptati si reprezentanti de seama ai show biz-ului. (Hint: Catalin Botezatu)

Evenimentul poarta denumirea CITYMAN 'Barbati puternici' si este organizat de City Generation, iar premiile oferite se ridica la fabuloasa suma de 10.000 de dolari. Asa ca fetelor, va astept in 28-29 Aprilie 2016 la primul show de acest fel din Cluj-Napoca!

Bazandu-ma pe experienta City Fashion Week 2015, show-ul din Martie va fi cu siguranta grozav, cu foarte multi participanti, asa ca stati cu ochii pe eveniment. Imi doresc sa revad pe scena creatiile de seama ale designerilor si sa ne familiarizam cu tendintele pentru anul 2016, si de asemenea sunt curioasa de modul de desfasurare a unui concurs de 'Mister', deoarece cu competitiile de 'Miss' suntem deja cu totii in tema.

Ne vedem in 28-29 Aprilie!



Sunday, January 10, 2016

Romania's Up & Comers: Cristina Brad


Revenind cu gandul la City Fashion Week, prilej al intersectiei dintre talent si frumos, am ales sa initiez o serie de mini articole cu si despre colectiile, care si-au lasat amprenta asupra mea. Am sa incep saga cu Secret Gardeno colectie superba in culori delicioase, cu insertii deosebite. Frumosul concept care a dat nastere colectiei Secret Garden, apartine Cristinei Brad si se inspira din "gingasia florilor si eleganta pasarilor in zbor". Fiind impresionata de creatiile acesteia, am abordat-o din dorinta de a intelege procesul creativ, care a condus la rochiile superbe de pe catwalk-ul City Fashion Week. Am aflat ca in spatele rochitelor feminine si delicate se ascunde o experienta foarte personala si speciala. Cu toate ca Secret Garden se inspira din natura, venirea pe lume a fiului sau in perioada debutului de primavara a intarit procesul creativ, iar 'efectul bebe', dupa cum il numeste ea a sporit feeria, desavarsind inedita colectie. 

Colectia este speciala datorita pasiunii Cristinei pentru personalizare, fiecare piesa contine detalii lucrate manual. Se foloseste de asemenea de colaje textile, pictura pe materiale textile si insertii de pene. Este preocupata de transformarea materialelor din comert pentru a crea un produs unic, personalizat, construind o identitate puternica pentru creatiile sale. 

Creatiile Cristinei Brad le puteti gasi pe pagina ei de facebook: Cristina Brad
V-am pregatit totusi o selectie cu pozele sale, ca sa va indragostiti de stilul feminin si aplicatiile delicate ale creatiilor Cristinei Brad:

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Going back to the amazing City Fashion Week experience, meeting point of the skill and aestethics, I chose to create an articles' saga, concerning the clothing lines that inspire me. I would like to start with the Secret Garden, a mesmerising collection, in beautiful colours and with gorgeous inserts. The outstanding concept, that brings together the main traits of spring, "the gentleness of flowers and the elegance of flying birds" belongs to the young designer, Cristina Brad. I approached Cristina to find out more about her creative process, about what inspired her to create such beautiful pieces. I was so pleased to discover that even though her main inspiration came from nature and spring, the feature that took her inspiration to the next level was the birth of her son. The baby effect, as she calls it, managed to create this magical surrounding, that eventually inspired her to create Secret Garden.  

The factor that sets her appart is her passion for personalization, each piece has hand made details. She also uses textile collages, painting on fabric, feather inserts. She wants to create unique items, therefore she transforms fabrics to achieve a powerful identity for her pieces. 

You can check out Cristina Brad's designs on her facebook page:  Cristina Brad
However I prepared a little preview for you, using her photots, just to make you curious:









Getting excited for City Fashion Week 2016!!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

My winter daily routine

In fiecare sezon apelez la o serie de produse de ingrijire. Nu sunt adepta a sutelor de creme si a tratamentelor excesive, insa urmatoarele produse le folosesc regulat in anotimpul rece. Astfel daca ar fi sa reduc lista la top 3 produse, fara de care nu imi mai pot imagina iarna, obtin urmatoarea formula:

Every season, I carefully choose the products that I will be using, in order to keep my skin fresh. I am not a fan of owning hundreds of creams or applying numerous treatments. These are my top 3 products that I cannot be without, during the cold season:

Produsul meu preferat de skincare este cu siguranta crema de noapte Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep. Nu folosesc foarte multe produse pentru fata, insa acesta mi se pare absolut necesar. Cu toate ca nu am avut probleme de ten, nici nu intineresc si am hotarat sa incep cu ingrijirea preventiva. Am mare incredere in produsele Vichy. Crema are o consistenta apropiata de gel, este foarte placuta, racoritoare si are un miros proaspat, discret. Am ales aceasta crema deoarece, destul de des am parte de prea putin somn. Uneori raman treaza pana la 1 dimineata, reusind sa dorm doar 6 ore pe noapte, din acest motiv am ales Vichy Idealia, menit sa ajute la repararea calitatii pielii, chiar si in lipsa somnului. Recomand aceasta crema de noapte si garantez un aspect fresh al pielii dimineata, in ciuda putinelor ore de somn. Intr-adevar se pot observa efectele pozitive dupa folosirea regulata, iar aspectul tenului este mult mai luminos si pielea devine mai fina. Eu il folosesc in fieare seara, inainte de culcare, dupa ce am curatat complet fata cu apa micelara. 

My favorite skincare product is definetely the night cream Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep. I don't use many face products but this one I consider mandatory. Let's face it, I am not getting any younger, therefore I decided to start taking better care of my skin and to use some preventive products. Vichy is a trusted brand, and the Idealia Skin Sleep cream has an amazing consistency, it is actually a gel cream, really soft, fresh, cool and it has a pleasant discreet scent. I chose this particular cream mainly because it promises an amazing care, even if there isn't much sleep involved in the mix. I often go to bed really late, around 1 AM and sleep for about 6 hours, therefore I count on Idealia Skin Sleep to help me maintain my face fresh and soft. After regularly use, my face became more luminous and my skin is way softer. I can attest that this night cream has done a great job for my face. I am really pleased with it, I use it every night before I go to bed, no matter the hour, right after I cleanse my face with micellar water.




Un alt produs de ingrijire, pe care il folosesc cu sfintenie este crema de maini L'Occitane pentru piele uscata. De cum se instaleaza sezonul rece mainile mele o iau razna si devin din ce in ce mai aspre, lucru pe care reusesc acum sa il evit cu ajutorul acestei creme grozave. Sunt foarte pretentioasa la cremele de maini, deoarece urasc senzatia de 'crema grasa', pe care pielea nu resuseste sa o absoarba in intregime. Aceasta crema cu extract de shea este solutia perfecta pentru ura mea fata de produsele grase, deoarece se incorporeaza perfect in piele, intr-un timp foarte scurt si are o consistenta fina, dar in acelasi timp ferma. Iubesc faptul ca nu se prelinge si nu este lipicioasa. Sunt foarte multumita de ea si o recomand cu incredere. Pe mine m-a ajutat beauty kit-ul de la Marie Claire sa o descopar! 

Another amazing skincare product is my hand cream from L'Occitane, for dry skin. From the begining of the cold season my hands tend to go crazy and become really rough. Therefore I desperately needed a good hand cream, but there's a twist, I hate greasy hand creams that take forever to absorb in your skin and drip, so I was so pleased to find this one. This hand cream is based on shea and is really smooth and ferm, it absorbs really fast, that's why I designate it as the perfect hand cream.  I am really pleased with it and I strongly recommend it. Thank you Marie Claire beauty kit for bringing me to this amazing product.


La fel ca si mainile, si buzele imi sunt super sensibile la temperaturi foarte scazute sau foarte ridicate. Sunt convinsa ca vina e a mea, pentru ca nu beau suficiente lichide, insa este foarte neplacuta senzatia de buze crepate, ca sa nu mai vorbim despre cat de tare se degradeaza de fiecare data cand ajung in aceasta stare. Din pacate nu foloseam balsamul de buze la nivelul la care trebuia si uitam mereu sa il iau cu mine sau sa il aplic inainte sa ies din casa. Acum o luna am primit balsamul de buze suprem, pe care toata lumea si l-a dorit anul acesta, si anume EOS-Evolution of Smooth. Initial am crezut ca e numai reclama de el si forma atipica si gama vasta de arome, insa m-am inselat teribil. Micutul balsam cu aroma de cocos este absolut minunat si are un miros delicios. Am inceput sa il folosesc regulat si pana acum am trecut de iarna asta cu bine, cu buze sanatoase si intregi! Sper sa mearga bine pana la capat. 

Just like my hands, my lips are extremely sensitive too. They tend to get all weird during winter and summer. I am the only one to blame for this, because I tend to drink way less liquids than I am supposed to. My new favorite lip product is EOS-Evolution of Smooth. To be honest I was quite skeptical at first, because I didn't understand the fuss around this product. Everyone wanted it this year, it was all over the internet. Honestly, at first I wasn't impressed by the shape of it, or the fact that it comes in so many flavors, but things changed when I received my first eos. I was so wrong, this lip product is so good! This tiny little lip balm has an amazing scent, it is natural and really keeps my lips healthy and shiny. 

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Black /or/ White ?


Prima zapada adevarata de anul asta si-a facut aparitia brusc, in decursul a 30 de minute a reusit sa acapareze intreg peisajul. Instant m-a lovit inspiratia, imi doream de ceva vreme un outfit post cu un articol foarte interesant, de-a dreptul vintage, 100% unicat. Este vorba de fusta disco, pe care a facut-o mama acum multi, multi ani. Probabil o sa recunoasteti materialul, deoarece acum ceva vreme era foarte popular. Nu am reusit sa o incadrez intr-o tinuta cotidiana pana acum, insa sunt foarte incantata de efectul pe care il ofera. 

A doua parte a postarii, the Black Side este obtinuta cu ajutorul jachetei faux fur de la Chic Diva, de care nu ma despart iarna asta, si a colantilor negrii cu fir argintiu de care sunt indragostita, nu doar pentru ca arata super cool, dar si pentru ca sunt destul de caldurosi. Am achizitionat colantii de la lidl si ii am pe doua nuante, negru & argintiu si gri & argintiu. 

Gentuta metalica statement de la Accessorize este vedeta acestor tinute si punctul de conexiune, ce parere aveti? Ce parte va place mai mult, Dark Side cu accente rock-ish & glam sau Light Side cu nuante angelice si insertii argintii?


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The first real deal snow of this season has suddenly materialized in a 30 minutes time frame. I was struck by inspiration. I have been twisting my brain to come up with a really cool outfit post using an amazing article that is both vintage and 100% unique. I am talking about a skirt that was made by my mother many years ago, the disco skirt. 

The second part of my Outfit Post is the Black Side Outfit that I managed to pull off using my Chic Diva faux fur, that I overused this winter, my new sparkly cool leggings, bought from lidl (in  two shades actually, black and gray) These leggings are truly amazing, apart from the fact that they are extremely chic, they can also keep me warm. 

My star accessory that connects the two competing outfits is the little statement metallic bag from Accessorize. What do you think? Which outfit you prefer? Would you choose the Dark Side with rock-ish, glam accents or the more angelic look with silver touches, the Light Side?







Sunday, January 3, 2016

The bags for 2016

Revista Vogue a  desemnat, ca in fiecare an, trend-urile pregatite de marile case de moda. Articolul 30 Star Bags for 2016 m-a inspirat sa scriu aceasta postare. Evident ca gentile create de marii designeri sunt superbe si absolut perfecte, insa sunt cam inaccesibile, asa ca va sugerez cateva optiuni, ce se incadreaza minunat in noile trend-uri, la preturi potrivite si cel mai important, de buna calitate. Dupa cum observati, anul 2016 va fi un an foarte interesant in materie de moda, alegerile stilistilor sunt foarte indraznete, se pune accentul pe culoare, iar optiunile de forme si print-uri sunt numeroase. Am ales gentile preferate din topul oferit de Vogue si sunt incantata de diversitatea ce o ofera colectiile pentru 2016. 

Every year, Vogue suggests some must follow trends for the upcoming year, from the most important designers. The newest article, 30 Star Bags for 2016 inspired me to write this post. I am pretty sure that everyone loves designer handbags and they are all exquisite and basically perfect. However we rarely afford at least one of these bags. Therefore I would like to suggest some 'decoys'. If you like this year's trend bags, I am sure you can find similar ones, in more affordable places. I've put together this article to show you my favorite bags from the Vogue top and also my 'cheaper' choices. 

Stanga Santa Marta by Jadu / Dreapta Hugo Boss

Hugo Boss ne sugereaza o geanta classy de tip servieta, intr-o combinatie eleganta alb/negru cu maner discret. Daca va place abordarea celor de la Hugo Boss va recomand geanta Santa Marta, pe care o puteti gasi online la Jadu, la un pret excelent. 

Hugo Boss suggests a classy suitcase hand bag, in an elegant black & white combo. If you like this Hugo Boss piece but you cannot afford it, I totally recommend the Jadu Santa Marta bag. It comes at an amazing price!

Stanga Accessorize / Dreapta Valentino

Cei de la Valentino propun o geanta cu un aspect foarte indraznet, o geanta menita sa ridice un look simplu la nivel de catwalk, un accesoriu cu personalitate si un design exceptional. Aspectul acestei creatii marca Valentino ne duce putin cu gandul la motivele etno, iar combinatia de culori este deosebita. Pentru a tine pasul cu trendul propus de Valentino eu va sugerez geanta de zi de la Accessorize, pe care o puteti gasi acum la reducere. 

Valentino proposes a bold accesory for the upcoming year, a beautiful bag with ethno motives and vibrant colours. This bag can upgrade your outfit to the catwalk level. If you are a fan of this cool bag but wish to get it at a much lower price, I suggest the Accessorize bag (left). 

Stanga Accessorize / Dreapta Marc Jacobs

Purtam in continuare in anotimpul rece gentuta cu blana, la sugestia celor de la Marc Jacobs. Acestia au propus bijuteria in trei nuante de blanita, iar eu va sugerez plicul imblanit de la Accessorize, daca va place creatia MJ, insa nu va este accesibila. Trendul plicului imblanit persista de ceva vreme, ceea ce sugereaza ca am putea investi intr-un astfel de accesoriu, care ne-a demonstrat longevitatea in ceea ce priveste alegerile designerilor si a stilistilor. 

We'll continue to wear those cute furry bags in 2016, because Marc Jacobs says so! They created this 3 coloured furry beauty and set this trend for another cold season. I strongly recommend the Accessorize bag, that comes in the exact colours! You should invest in such a bag, because this trend is here to stay.

Stanga Verona by Jadu / Dreapta Chloe 


Intotdeauna m-au inspirat alegerile celor de la Chloe, fiind una dintre brand-urile mele favorite in materie de genti. Imi place in mod deosebit culoarea si combinatia dintre piele si piele intoarsa. Daca doriti sa continuati si in 2016 cu nuante de visiniu si marsala va sugerez sa optati pentru o astfel de gentuta, propunerea mea este geanta Verona de la Jadu, pe care o puteti gasi acum la pret promotional. 

I've always been inspired by Chloe designs. This is one of my favorite brands in the bags departament. However I cannot afford such a beauty so I search for similar designs in cheaper versions. This is how I discovered the burgundy Verona bag from Jadu. You can get it now on sale!
Stanga Accessorize / Dreapta Moschino
In 2016 ne este permis sa exploram putin si latura copilaroasa din noi, suntem incurajate sa purtam accesorii traznite, colorate inspirate din fel de fel de obiecte, care mai de care mai ciudate. Cei de la Moschino ne sugereaza pentru 2016 genta in forma de tub de spray paint. Eu va recomand in acelasi ton geanta, pe care o gasiti acum la reducere in magazinele Accessorize, Soda Pop.

In 2016 we are allowed to explore our childish side. Moschino encourages us to let our inner child accessorise our outfit. They created this cool spray paint tube bag and other interesting object based purses. I believe it is a chic approach and can make us stand out from a crowd. To follow this cool trend I recommend you get a similar purse, Soda Pop on sale from Accessorize. 


Stanga geanta Isabel by Newt / Dreapta Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta ne propune sa lasam de-o parte snake print-ul din 2015 si sa adoptam imprimeul crocodil in 2016. Pana acum nu am fost o mare fana a acestui print, insa recunosc ca sunt fascinata de creatia BV, mi se pare o alegere eleganta si de efect. Cred ca o astfel de geanta are capacitatea sa scoata din anonimat orice tinuta. Sugestia mea pentru amatoarele de crocodile print este geanta de piele Isabel de la Newt. Mi se pare un accesoriu foarte potrivit pentru tinutele office sau chiar si outfit-urile de 'scoala', fiind o geanta oversized. 

I was not a big crocodile print fan, but this Bottega Veneta design got me intrigued and fascinated. Therefore BV suggests you let go of the past, leave the snake print in the 2015 lookbook and change the print. I really think this bag can rock your daily office outfit, or even your back to school ensemble. If you cannot afford an original Bottega Veneta, I recommend a similar design by Newt.
Stanga Accessorize / Dreapta Dolce & Gabbana
Daca, asemenea mie, nici voi nu va permiteti aceasta bijuterie de geanta semnata Dolce & Gabbana, va ofer o altenativa de la Accessorize. Anul 2016 promite o serie de genti puternic decorate, cu ornamente aurii, argintii, strasuri, margele si cristale. Eu va recomand un astfel de clutch, deoarece combinat cu rochita little black dress si o pereche de stiletos simpli pot crea un look miraculos, imposibil sa treaca neobservat. Puteti apela oricand la un astfel de accesoriu pentru a construi un outfit remarcabil. 

I love this new embelished D&G masterpiece, but I would have to sell my car, twice, to afford it, therefore I came up with a cute bag from Accessorize to accomplish this glamorous mission. 2016 will be all about glitz & glamour, embelishment, embroidery, gold, silver, beads, sequin, sparkles, etc. Get a similar embelished bag, pair it with the little black dress and a pair of stilletos and achieve the ultimate party outfit goal. 

Stanga geanta Stuttgart Beige by Jadu / Dreapta Burberry

Burberry ne indeamna sa pastram gentile cu franjuri, care au fost la mare cautare in 2015 si sa le adaptam tinutelor de 2016. Daca v-a placut acest trend anul trecut, atunci cu siguranta aveti suficiente accesorii pentru a tine pasul cu colectia Burberry de 2016. Daca nu ati fost impresionate de moda franjurilor, poate v-a convins Burberry ca in anul acesta trebuie sa va achizitionati o astfel de geanta. Respectand sugestia culorilor de maro si beige am ales geanta Stuttgart de la Jadu.

 
Burberry asks us to maintain the fringe look, therefore we must obbey. If you already bough fringe accessories, you will be really happy now. However, if you didn't, you may want to do so, cause Burberry says. I recommend a cool fringe bag, the Stuttgart Beige by Jadu.
Stanga H&M / Dreapta Hermes

Hermes ne propune pentru 2016 un accesoriu bazat pe cultura rock, o combinatie de piele neagra mortala cu aplicatii discrete aurii, intr-o forma usor alungita. Nu cred ca exista persoana pe Pamant, care sa contrazica sugestiile Hermes, in materie de genti, asa ca va propun urgent o geanta H&M, parca construita sa ne satisfaca nevoia inaccesibila de Hermes. 

Satisfy your need for this amazing rock-ish black leather Hermes bag, by settling for a cool similar design by H&M. 

Stanga geanta Paris by Newt / Dreapta Miu Miu
Miu Miu ne garanteaza inca un an de leopard print. De-a lungul timpul, sunt convinsa ca acesta a fost cel mai purtat imprimeu, atat in materie de haine, cat si la capitolul genti, pantofi, accesorii. Faptul ca Miu Miu a creat aceasta geanta pentru 2016, e dovada ca acest trend e nemuritor, si de asemenea ne promite ca o sa putem purta in continuare toate accesoriile, pe care toate le avem pe acest imprimeu. Asa ca nu puneti deoparte gentile cu print leopard, iar daca simtiti nevoia sa achizitionati ceva nou, va sugerez geanta Paris de la Newt. Indrazniti sa optati si pentru combinatii vibrante precum sugestia Miu Miu, de leopard print si culori puternice. 

Hooray! We are guaranteed another year of the famous leopard print. I believe that this is the most important print of all times and definetely the most frequently used. Miu Miu created this cool bag and promised us another year of leopard print bags. I am sure every girl owns at least one accessory in this print. However if you don't have such a bag, or wish for a new one, I suggest the Paris bag from Newt.