Costin M.

The Following | Newest Addiction and Fanart

2013-02-25T23:50:00.000+02:00

Seeing how this is (hopefully) my last year of studying architecture, I really tried my best to focus on studying... however, it's shows like The Following that make it a little bit more difficult to do.
What can I say, I enjoy a good TV series and it's been a long time since I've seen something so promising as FOX's new drama. I won't go into a lot of detail as far as what the show is about, but I find the main idea to be a very cool, relevant one: a serial killer (who draws inspiration from the works of Edgar Allan Poe) creates an online following/cult, essentially getting his fans to do his dirty work and it's up to ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy to put a stop to it. The plot keeps you guessing and the suspense is there every single second - it really makes for good tv!

Also, there's a terrific cast; I'm talking Kevin Bacon, Shawn Ashmore, James Purefoy, Nico Tortorella - actors that I truly admire. So, seeing how I'm a huge fan of the show I made some new artwork based on the character Jacob Wells, played by Nico Tortorella. Decided to change things up a bit in terms of style, I definitely wanted to do something that was geared more towards digital painting, but that wasn't that realistic. Hope you guys like it, and I'm really looking forward to your feedback and support!

As usual, art prints, iphone cases and skins, pillows and more are available for purchase on my Society6 store!

Carly Rae Jepsen | Tonight I'm Getting Over You (Music Video + GIFs)

2013-02-23T23:00:00.000+02:00

Since I listen to anything top 40, it comes as no surprise that I'm a fan of Carly Rae's new single "Tonight I'm Getting Over You" - after all, it's pop and it's really catchy. However, this may be taking it a little too far...

Embarrassing tweets rock; maybe I should buy Brandi Glanville's best seller - "Drinking and Tweeting"... or maybe I should just stick to watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills on BRAVO.

Got a little sidetracked there - anyway, here are a few GIFs I made from Carly's music video, enjoy!

+ bonus GIF on my Tumblr (makes sense if you've watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower)

Bloggers with iPhones: Lana and Daenerys Edition

2013-02-20T23:25:00.001+02:00

It's a dangerous combination, I'll admit! Having recently gotten an iPhone, I'm totally addicted to it (somehow that wasn't the case when I had a BlackBerry).
The best part is that now I can use the custom iPhone cases I've designed myself! Right now I'm using Lana Del Rey; it's always a great feeling seeing the product in front of me rather than on the screen.
My good friend Denisa from Fashion in my Eyes is a huge Daenerys Targaryen fan, so I just had to give her a case with Dani! Now all we need to do is convince Alice to join our Apple cult and we're set! Here are a few photos of us and our cases, hope you guys love them as much as I do!
Don't forget, they are available for purchase, along with many other designs on my Society6 store.

Check out my Society6 shop to order yours! FREE shipping thru Feb 24, worldwide!

New Illustration and GIVEAWAY

2012-12-13T22:59:00.001+02:00

It's time for a new addition to my Society6 shop - here is "Touch of Pink", a fashion illustration inspired by Diana Enciu of FabulousMuses.com This is actually the first time I decided to do a head to toe illustration instead of a portrait, so I'm eager to hear your feedback!
As usual, the print, along with other amazing goodies such as iPhone skins, covers, tote bags and ever throw pillows are available for purchase on Society6.

Also, I've got some other great news to share with you all. Ever since I first started my online store I've been incredibly grateful and overwhelmed by the positive feedback I've been getting. Thank you all!
Since the winter Holidays are fast approaching I believe it's time to give back. Want an extra present under your tree this year? Then don't miss out on my new giveaway, for a chance to win a poster of your choice!

Enter the HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY on Facebook!

The Soles of Men

2012-12-11T12:22:00.001+02:00

High heels are a lady’s luxury, but a gentleman’s creation. The current market for designer shoes is dominated by an array of international male designers, dedicated to fulfilling women’s desires for elegant footwear. In addition, some of the most elaborate shoe designs derive from British based designers.
Manolo Blahnik began making shoes in London in the 1970s. He opened his first shop in 1973 on Old Church Street in Chelsea. Blahnik’s designs are characterised by sinuous silhouettes and sharp stiletto heels. He used an arts and crafts style as inspiration for his autumn/winter 2012 collection, and in September he launched an exhibition at Paris Fashion Week to celebrate 40 years in fashion.
The designs of Christian Louboutin have similar origins in art. His shoes have signature red-lacquered soles, and the designer claims the inspiration for the red soles came from Paris’ Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie, Paris, where he saw a drawing of a woman’s shoe with a sharp heel slashed out by a red line.
Read more »

Outfit Post: First Snow

2012-12-10T22:34:00.000+02:00

And just like that Winter truly begins! The first snowfall is something I'm really excited about every year, since it transforms the city in a "winter wonderland" (or at the very least successfully covers up the not so aesthetically pleasing things about it): the lights, the decorations, I love it all! What can I say, I'm definitely feeling the holiday spirit.
Luckily for me, I just finished re-organizing my wardrobe in order to be ready for my favorite season, and recently when shopping for a few more items to keep me cozy.
Here's the outfit I just wore today - and no, I wasn't cold wearing the denim jacket if that's what you were wondering!

Morning Meetup | Bucharest's Most Well-Dressed Men

2012-12-06T22:55:00.000+02:00

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to meet up with some of some of Bucharest's most stylish men, as SARTO organized a very cool meeting.
The purpose was to promote men's fashion by bringing together some of the more recognizable figures in town, and I was very flattered to be a part of it all.
While it was a really cold morning, it definitely didn't stop some from dressing for the occasion. As for myself, I chose to go with a ZARA coat and bag (oversized bags are my Kryptonite!), Pull and Bear jeans and H&M shoes.
Here are a few stills of me (but mostly my shoes) as well as a video. Enjoy!

Ready for the Holidays | Bershka Men's Xmas 2012 Collection

2012-12-05T23:00:00.000+02:00

From the looks of it, it's going to be a very stylish Holiday season this year! Bershka has put together an amazing Xmas collection, modeled by Lennart Richter, James Michael & John Kendrick.
I must say that I definitely admire the simplicity, because sometimes (if not most of the time) restraint can be more powerful than going all out.
Take a look at more photos from the collection, along with a campaign video next:

Treat yourself to a night in with the girls

2012-12-05T15:57:00.000+02:00

As the party season approaches, there is no better excuse to get the girls round and indulge in a bit of pampering. Here are a few ways to help you recreate the spa experience at home and get you looking and feeling your best.

Feed your skin
To give your skin the ultimate indulgence, create your own natural face mask using avocado.
Rich in proteins that are proven to help reduce the appearance of age spots and sun damage, as well as being proven to increase the amount of collagen in our skin*, avocados are the perfect ingredient to use in a face mask to help keep skin soft and maintain a youthful appearance. Simply blend together avocado and honey to create a healthy treat for your skin, and rinse away using a facial wash such as Johnson’s Face Care Nourishing Cream Wash.
Read more »

Will.I.Am ft. Britney Spears | Scream and Shout (New Music)

2012-11-19T13:11:00.000+02:00

Looking for a new song to set the tone for the new week? Well perhaps you should listen to the newly released "Scream and Shout" by Will.I.Am and Britney Spears. This is one of those songs that just grows on you, and after half a dozen replays I found myself humming it all the time.
Also, who else is watching the second season of X-Factor US? Loving Britney as a judge and rooting for CeCe Frey. Who is your favorite?

Channing Tatum - Man of the Year - Suits Up for GQ

2012-11-18T22:24:00.002+02:00

It's been a busy time for Channing Tatum. He's not only People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, but he's also been named "movie star of the year" by GQ.

Yes, he was a stripper. Yes, he was in Step Up—and Step Up 2: The Streets. But after a year like this, when he showed not just his abs and his glutes but his smarts and his inner Stanislavsky, it's time to give Channing Tatum his due. Meet America's newest bona fide movie star.

Check out Channing's GQ shots below:

Raining Cats and Dogs!

2012-11-15T18:43:00.000+02:00

It's going to be a very Fancy season indeed! I'm really thrilled to show you a project that I worked on a few months ago. After seeing my Society6 print shop, Anca from Fancy asked me if I could create a few illustrations for her.
Needless to say, I was more than willing to help her out. And, Voila! Here is one of those illustrations, a cat silhouette that became a part of this skirt. The photo was taken by the extremely talented Andreea Retinschi and I think it really manages to highlight the outfit. Of course, you can check out the entire Fancy Fall/Winter 2012 collection here.
To see more of my works, you can always check out my visual arts portfolio online.

Kelly Clarkson | Catch My Breath (Official Music Video)

2012-11-13T20:00:00.000+02:00

Kelly Clarkson has come a long, long way from when she was first discovered. The original American Idol has managed to stay in the spotlight, which is something that unfortunately the more recent winners haven't achieved.
The video for Kelly's latest single - Catch My Breath, has just been released and her album Greatest Hits – Chapter 1 hits stores this November.

Outfit Post: Mixing Colors

2012-11-12T21:20:00.000+02:00

As you've probably noticed, I've developed quite the obsession with tangerine. Or is it coral? Or just some sort of pretentious orange? Oh well, I don't really care either way.
These photos were actually taken a few weeks back, on a very, very sunny day (which explains the squinting) when I met up with Denisa and Manuela @ Puma's Creative Factory in Bucharest.
I paired the coral Koton t-shirt (I actually bought about 4 in every color they had) with some awesome blue ZARA jeans, H&M shoes and LTB jacket. What do you think?

Tobias Sorensen for Boss Orange Winter 2012 Online Campaign

2012-10-31T22:22:00.000+02:00

Boss Orange has had some pretty cool campaigns over the last few season - this one featuring Jon Kortajarena immediately comes to mind. For Winter 2012 it looks like the brand is trying out a new approach compared to last year; Tobias Sorensen models the looks for Boss' online campaign. Cozy, right?

Love Thy Planet | Puma Creative Factory 2012

2012-10-25T22:09:00.000+03:00

Starting with 2010, Puma has been redefining custom made designs by constantly coming up with great, innovative ideas on how the customer can put his own spin on the renowned brand's products. This year, under the theme "Love Thy Planet", Puma's Creative Factory teamed up with Lumi in order to create unique t-shirt and tote bag designs.
For those of you who haven't heard about Lumi - they're a new brand which developed an amazingly cool paint called Inkodye. This actually takes photography out of the dark room and into the sun by using a special paint that's light activated. Those taking part in the event got to experiment with all of the different techniques available in the creative process - from using photo negatives that could be printed on the spot, to screen printing or even traditional painting.
All in all, it was a fantastic and fun experience. I actually used 3 photo negatives to custom design a t-shirt (by taking photos of Denisa, Manuela and myself right then and there) and screen printing for a tote bag (which you'll be seeing in my next outfit post).
Check out some more photos from the event below:

The Race | Zac Efron for John John Denim Summer 2013

2012-10-23T23:46:00.000+03:00

When's the last time you've seen a Zac Efron movie? Lately it seems like we're getting to see more of him in magazines rather than the big screen - not that there would be anything wrong with that.
Zac is the face of John John Denim's Summer 2013 campaign. Totally digging the urban vibe, the cool underground racing concept, the photographs - and how cool is the studded denim jacket? I'd love to own something like that!
Take a look at all of the photos and campaign video next:

Top 3 Halloween Costumes for Daniel Craig

2012-10-14T12:01:00.000+03:00

Actor Daniel Craig has spoken recently about what life is like when portraying iconic spy James Bond, in the run-up to the release of the latest film in the series, Skyfall, and it’s clear that such a high-profile role brings a high level of responsibility.
When speaking to Vanity Fair, Craig explained that it’s difficult for him to go out to pubs and enjoy a drink – as he used to when he was younger – because the cameras are constantly behind him, just waiting for a mistake.
Although he conceded that going out and getting drunk wasn’t the only thing he wanted to do, he did use it as an example of how his life has dramatically changed since taking on one of the industry’s most prestigious roles.
However, Halloween is the one night of the year in which people can enjoy themselves anonymously under the cover of a disguise or costume. With that in mind, here’s a list of men’s Halloween costumes that Craig could potentially use to hide his identity while he sneaks out for a drink – assuming that 007 is off the cards!

1. Zombie American Footballer
Who would suspect Craig, who is quintessentially British, of adopting the dress of an American sportsman? The classic zombie green face paint could hide his face, although he’d best pick a different number than 007 for his shirt.

2. Cowboy
Perhaps Craig could revisit one of his previous roles in hit film Cowboys and Aliens and dress up as a cowboy. A strategically placed bandana and cowboy hat could conceal his identity from the prying public, and cowboys are notoriously quiet – so he won’t be given away by his distinctive accent.

3. Freddy Krueger – A Nightmare on Elm Street
If Craig is trying to escape from the pressures of being one of film’s most famous ‘good guys’, why not go the opposite way and take on the costume of one of film’s most notorious ‘bad guys’, Freddy Krueger? The mask would be perfect for concealing the actor’s face – and he’ll cut a much different figure in the villain’s trademark baggy striped jumper.

Whichever costume Craig plumps for, Halloween could be the one night of the year when he can relax and let go in public, without being in fear of getting caught by the paparazzi. Having confirmed at least two more Bond films, perhaps Craig should take the chance while he can – as his place in the spotlight seems cemented for the foreseeable future.

1 Star/6 Hairstyles | Nina Dobrev for Glamour USA

2012-10-07T23:00:00.000+03:00

While the hype continues to build up for the season 4 premiere of The Vampire Diaries, the show's lead actress, Nina Dobrev, appears in Glamour magazine's November 2012 issue, in a very fun photo shoot.
It's no secret Nina has flawless hair, which she usually keeps straight or in loose curls. Well, for this particular shoot, hairstylist Chris McMillan creates 6 unique styles for the 23 year old actress.
From a flat pony to big and bobbed, it all looks pretty amazing! Not to mention there are also some great styling tips in the magazine that can really help get the desired look. Check out all of the photos and magazine scans below:

Colorful and Creative | Colton Haynes for Carbon Copy #15

2012-09-26T23:35:00.000+03:00

Teen Wolf was definitely one of the best things to watch on TV this summer. Jeff Davis, the show's creator did a terrific job, and it's no surprise MTV ordered a new season with twice as many episodes. And of course, I'm guessing that having such a great cast surely helped.
Colton Haynes, one of the show's regulars appeared in Carbon Copy's 15th issue, photographed by Gomillion and Leupold, and styled by Beau Quillian. I think this is one of those cases where the crazy, eclectic styling goes hand in hand with the photography and creates something quite daring, fun and unique. However, I sure hope that tie tucking thing doesn't become a trend...
What do you think? Check out the photoshoot below:

Welcome Autumn! ZARA Man October 2012 Lookbook

2012-09-25T23:23:00.001+03:00

Autumn is finally here. I've said it time and time again - Summer's just not for me. On the other hand, I'm super happy when the weather becomes once again bearable and outerwear is a must!

ZARA just released it's October 2012 lookbook, and it's a great opportunity to get a bit of inspiration for Fall. It seems as though ZARA always has a stand out piece with every new season. Last year, I fell in love with their red trenchcoat, which you can see me wearing in this outfit post.(granted it looks so much better on Tobias or Sean, who wore it for the brand's last F/W campaign)

This time, the showstopper is pictured above. Yes, I believe there's a certain, Burberry-esque feel to it, it's undeniable - basically the same look came down the runway during fashion week a few seasons back. However, it still is a great looking trench, right?

Take a look at the entire lookbook below:

New Illustration: Adele

2012-09-23T23:58:00.000+03:00

Since the Divas of POP series was getting such positive feedback I thought it was time for some another illustration: Adele is the latest pop star to join the others.
Pop has always played a huge role in my work. Be it pop culture, pop art or pop music, it's all served in one way or another as inspiration for me. Divas of POP is a series of illustrations I'm currently working on, featuring some of the most talked about artists in pop music.
As always prints are available on my Society6 shop, but there are also a few additional goodies: now you can also purchase iPhone5 cases and skins, as well as hoddies, t-shirts and tote bags.

Zac Efron is an Animal for BlackBook

2012-09-22T00:32:00.000+03:00

Zac Efron covers BlackBook magazine's October/November issue and it looks like he's channeling his inner animal. I'll admit, over the years I've met people with a lot of different house pets: from the usual cat or dog, to guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, parrots, snakes, turtles, or lizards (some of those people actually owned more than just one of these species!).

However, I quite like Zac's photo shoot, it's quite unexpected and I actually enjoy the juxtaposition of the amazing clothes with the animals. The photographs were taken by Doug Inglish, with styling by Christopher Campbell. Take a look at all of the photos next:

Autumn Hues | Travis Davenport for Massimo Dutti September 2012 Lookbook

2012-09-21T22:05:00.001+03:00

Leather, layers and earth tones come together in Massimo Dutti's September 2012 lookbook, which gives some amazing suggestions for Fall. Pretty spot on if I say so myself.
Take a look at all of the photos next:

Penthouse Prestige | Tobias Sorensen and Zuzana Gregorova for Elie Tahari F/W 2012-2013

2012-09-20T00:00:00.000+03:00

Elie Tahari is the epitome of luxury with the new Fall/Winter 2012-2013 campaign. The wonderful designs truly shine in combination with the New York penthouse setting.
Modeling the line are Danish top model Tobias Sorensen (who you can also see wearing the brand's Spring 2013 lookbook) and the ever beautiful Zuzana Gregorova.
View all of the campaign photos as well as a beautiful video directed by Diego Uchitel next: