fashioned by love

Weekend sign off

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sat, 26 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

We are having such a beautiful summer weather right now! As a result I was even more determined to get some new sunglasses and a few basic summery tops as I happened to have none. Ended up in H&M with a bunch of striped tees, vests and a long sleeved top and also got two pairs of sunglasses.

Mr didn’t believe me when I said I wanted to buy my eyewear at H&M. I asked him to stop being a snob and just bear with me for a few minutes. Then found some lovely shades that looked great on me and for less than £10!

I admit, I used to buy designer sunglasses, but then figured out that with a change of taste and preference as well as fashions I find myself wanting several pairs, so I could swap them the same way I’d do any other accessories. Expensive shades just didn’t agree with me. I’d rather have a few sweet darlings from H&M or TopShop and spend money on beautiful shoes that I’ll wear for several seasons. And that’s what I told my husband while queuing with my new treasures.

Talking of high-street… Last night I’ve created a replica outfit of the Versace Spring 2012 RTW – you will find details on my Secret Page. The high-street version looks so good, I feel quite proud of myself (and British high-street).

Plans for weekend include a trip or two to some gorgeous National Trust gardens and a bit of photography and coffee (well, green tea in my case, I sort of stopped drinking coffee…)

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar January 2003

Frames of life

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

This season Giorgio Armani campaigns really press all the right buttons in me. Those images are just as gorgeous as the video for Giorgio Armani Frames for Life campaign. Just adore everything, especially when captured in black&white form.

Photo source: armani.com

Wedge of glory

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Thu, 24 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Wedges, wedges, glorious, wonderful wedges. They come to the rescue to every girl whenever she is tired of tippy-toeing in her stilettos or feeling too down-to-earth in her classy trusted ballerinas. Wedges are a chic-saving option that makes us extra 6-inch taller and slims down our legs (and the figure in general, lets be honest).

Do you remember your very first pair? Mine were nude leather sandal wedges that got me through several summers. I was 19, slowly switching from the mid-high heels to the sky-scraper options (typical of any Russian girl, a habit that comes with a territory) and a wedge shoe was absolutely perfect for feeling comfortable when walking for miles, but high enough to raise my petite self up for the world to notice. I remember wearing those wedges with a tank-top-style full-skirt cream summer dress made of wrinkled fabric decorated with a pattern of tiny brown and tan roses. Ah, I felt so pretty and my legs looked so long.

Do you wear wedges? Here are some of my favourite choices because a girl cannot have enough of them. Wedges are one of the timeless buys, especially if you go for the espadrille style with ribbons that wrap around your ankles in such a sexy playful way. Canvas are the most perfect choice for summer heat, while leather will be appropriate both for spring and summer as well as autumn when worn with ribbed tights or socks.

Click to buy: 1. Guiseppe Zanotti Colourblock leather wedge sandals (£468) (or have a loot at this gorgeous pair for less than £40), 2. Castaner Suede espadrille platform wedges (£215), 3. Chloe Stripe raffia wedges (£575), 4. Sergio Rossi Sunflower cork wedges (£306), 5. Tory Burch Linley espadrilles (£158), 6. Rupert Sanderson Nissa high wedges (£544), 7. Pierre Hardy Canvas stripe wedge shoes (£405), 8. Burberry Prorsum Woven leather wedges (£950), 9. Mango Wood wedge sandals (£50) exclusively on-line, 10. Charlotte Olympia Melody raffia wedges (£920)

Photo source: Elle France 2011, personal

Stylish quote

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Wed, 23 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

“There is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don't need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much sex appeal, picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain.”

Audrey Hepburn

Photo source: Marie Claire Australia February 2010

The way we wore: Burda Moden July 1991

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Although I’ve already told you the story about Burda Moden and its impact on my fashion views, it is this particular issue that was the one I’d remember forever. It appeared after a long break away from Burda’s as they became too difficult to find. My mum returned from work clutching the magazine that seemed to have absorbed all the sunshine, blue skies and summer heat on its cover.

That peach hat, the natural make-up, rose dress so sensually draped over the shoulders… If I was given this outfit right now, the hat and all, I’d wear it in an instant.

It was the time when Linda was blonde just after being a brunette and I absolutely fell in love with that equisite profile, the lips, beautiful arched brows and delicate curlers supported by colourful rollers and a pink hair band. I even loved the nails! It was the very first time I saw Evangelista and from that moment on she became my very first and most favourite fashion model.

It was also the time when Karl was quite a few pounds heavier and André Leon Talley had a fashion industry friendly physique.

Outfit number one that I’d happily wear now, too. Oh, those stripes, interesting embroidery detail, statement jewellery (although I’d probably leave out the earrings this time) and, of course, very elegant hair-do. A perfect woman, if you ask me.

Moving on to the second look. The lace dress. Plus the hair and pearl jewellery. LOVE how one of the models is wearing a pearl necklace as a bracelet!

Design from the cover – one template is used for 3 different dresses. Sorbet colours and adorable hats!

I know this dress is now a bit old-fashioned, but I still adore that shade of blue, the neckline and the hair style.

And here we have “sweet and modest” tribal style accessories. Don’t you just love that hat and bracelets?

Polka-dots! And I’ve been wondering where I got my fondness for polka-dots from… Here is the answer!

And this shot explains my love for stripes… And straw hats. Would you dare wearing this outfit in 2013? I would!

A few DIY ideas for all Burda readers. A studded bag or tennis shoes (notice the laces made of gold coloured rope – brilliant!), an applique for a beach towel or, for the most talented of all, a beach bag and hat that you can make yourself.

These were the most stylish sunglasses of 1991. Retro style heavily influenced by the 1960s as well as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly is replacing the cat eye shapes.

Summer hair styles. I actually loved the third photo on the left so much, I drew that girl in black and white. Also love her bob hair cut.

A pink swim suit covered by little pink and white petals and cherry blossom flowers. I was obsessed about it. The model is just gorgeous – that smile and gorgeous hair are to die for.

A brilliant DIY idea. Take a large piece of thin silk 90x190cm or 90x170cm, soak in water, roll into double rope (see small photo) and leave to dry completely.

Use the gaufre silks to drape into designs as above or follow your own imagination.

If silk DIY isn’t for you, go for DIY jewellery – sea themed necklaces and bracelets are very 2013.

Or you can make beach bags. I adore the blue cube one!

Everyone who enjoyed cooking was given a recipe for peach sorbet: In a blender mix together 500g fresh peaches (skin removed), 150g icing sugar or 200g honey, juice of 1 lemon and vanilla sugar or essence, until it looks like a very smooth pure; transfer in a metal bowl, add 200ml champagne and mix gently to combine; put in a freezer for an hour, then take the bowl out and break the mix using a hand whisk; return the bowl back to the freezer for another hour; just before serving, whisk the sorbet slightly using an eclectic whisk or blender, add 50ml apricot liquor, mix again and serve decorated with mint leaves and pieces of peaches. Alternatively, you can transfer the peach pure into an ice-cream maker and let it do the job – the entire process will take 20 minutes instead of 2 hours.

Hope you enjoyed a bit of fashion time travelling with me. Is there anything that caught your attention?

Linda Evangelista in Vogue UK 1997

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Something summery to enjoy a glimpse of real sunshine until it reaches Britain. The gorgeous fantasy is created by the one and only Linda Evangelista and Mario Testino for the May issue of British Vogue back in 1997.

Photo source: Vogue UK May 1997

Sweet Sunday: carrot cake

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Carrot cake is my favourite British cake. I guess it’s got a lot to do with that yummy combination of cinnamon, all spice, orange and caramel flavours that blend and tease my taste buds. I also like the fact that it’s made with wholegrain flour because I don’t really eat anything made with the white one.

Carrot cake was my Everest for a very long time. I’ve tried numerous recipes, but nothing ever worked and totally killed my enthusiasm for a while.

However, a couple of months ago I decided to give it another go. I found this recipe that had all the original carrot cake ingredients including the wholegrain flour, brown sugar, orange peel and nuts and a better version of the icing (I don’t like butter-based icings). It worked! Not only that – it tasted lovely, too. The only problem I had was the sweetness level. I don’t do very sweet cakes (or desserts in general). To understand what sort of sweetness I find tolerable, just think of a 90% cocoa chocolate or, in fruit equivalent, mango. This is perfect sweetness for me. Anything else is too sweet.

As a result I have changed my recipe slightly to reduce the amount and quality of sugar without losing the deliciousness of the cake. I’ve also reduced the amount of oil a little – it didn’t affect the quality of the cake at all. Additionally, I played with the quantities of spices to suit my taste (I prefer more cinnamon than all spice unless it’s Christmas), didn’t include any coconut and used plain flour rather than self-raising (always do as I don’t believe in a need for raising flour). I made the icing with half-fat crème fraiche (the one I use doesn’t have any thickeners, it’s still 100% milk) because I find that the slightly lighter texture is more pleasant to taste (the original version was a bit too rich). Do remember to use organic ingredients whenever possible, especially when it comes to dairy and eggs.

Not only I chose to make it for my little birthday celebration, I also managed to photograph the actual cake before it disappeared. Smiles all around, I’d say.

CARROT CAKE

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CAKE

2 large organic eggs

125ml EV olive oil

145g raw light brown muscovado sugar or, even better, light brown muscovado sugar and organic rapadura sugar (I use 50/50)

200g organic wholegrain flour

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp all spice

1 tsp organic bicarbonate of soda

1 tsp organic baking powder

50g organic sultanas

200g organic carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

1 organic orange, zest only, finely grated

50g organic walnuts, chopped

FOR THE ICING

250g organic mascarpone

250g organic crème fraiche

1 tbsp rapadura sugar (you can use raw light brown sugar but mix it in longer to dissolve the grains)

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 vanilla bean, seeds only

50g organic walnuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Pre-heat the oven to 170C fan. Grease 2 18-20cm cake tins and line them with grease-proof paper.
In a large bowl mix together the flour, spices, baking soda and baking powder.
In a separate bowl mix together the oil, sugar and eggs and whisk with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until combined.
Add dry ingredients to the oil and egg mixture. Then mix in the carrots, orange peel, nuts and raisins.
Divide the mixture between the tins and bake for 30 minutes (for 20cm tins) or 35 (for 18cm tins) until risen, springy to touch and a tooth pick inserted in a center comes out clean.
Leave to cool the cakes in tins.
Once the cake is ready to assemble, make the icing by whisking together the mascarpone, crème fraiche, vanilla, sugar and cinnamon until combined.
Ice the cake, decorate with chopped walnuts and leave to rest in the fridge overnight.

Bon Appetite!

Photo source: personal

Weekend sign off

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:28:00 +0000

I’ve just celebrated my birthday. I can, of course, write an elaborate post about it and bore you to death or keep it short and sweet, so you can close the page and go to enjoy the weekend.

As the years go by, I’ve come to understand that no matter what happens in life, there’s always a place for a little happiness in it. We need to create happy moments as we wake up, see them in a ray of sunshine, a good-morning kiss, a cuddle with a pet (since Oscar made it his job to wake me up, we do cuddle often), smell of morning coffee, a me-time with a good book or an impromptu trip… Never wait for a happy moment to come on autopilot – create it yourself right here, right now because life is too short to spend it waiting.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Glamour France September 1991

My favourite natural and organic make-up products

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Ever since I have discovered the link between parabens and cancer I became very aware of what I put on my skin, so the last couple of years were spent researching and trying various products to find the ones I was absolutely happy with.

Today I would like to talk about make-up because this is one thing that I haven’t written much about, but would love to discuss a bit deeper.

Finding the right organic and natural make-up products was definitely more challenging than the skincare. It had to work, look as undetectable as possible and be free from unwanted substances. I mean, would you really want to use something on your face or lips that contains powdered bugs? Then check your lipstick or blusher for carmine. If it’s there, so are the bugs called “cochineal”. Once collected and dried, they are made into red colouring often used in make-up and food (strawberry yoghurt, anyone?). Using foundations that contain a common sunscreen ingredient benzophenone may, in fact, cause hormonal imbalances, increase risk of fibromyalgia and some forms of cancer.

Well, I love myself too much to get those ingredients anywhere close to my skin.

Luckily, there are wonderful companies out there that really do care about their consumers and create beautiful, skin-friendly and natural, often organic, products that work really well.

As you can see, the content of my make-up bag is pretty basic, but this is all I use right now. The only two things I would love to add is a highlighter and eye pencil or kohl.

Un-cover up concealer by RMS Beauty. Although I don’t use concealer or foundation on a daily basis, I needed one for special occasions and days when I do wear proper make-up. The Un-cover Up comes in a tiny beautiful pot and works as a concealer and light foundation. I must mention here that the pot is made of glass, which is very important because plastic leaks xenoestrogens into any oil-based product increasing risk of oestrogen imbalance in the body, so glass containers are always a better choice.

What I liked about this little beauty the most is how well it matched my skin tone (I use No.11) It was undetectable! I also noticed that it made my skin feel softer and more velvety, which was a lovely side-effect. It contains coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties, castor oil that works as anti-inflammatory and anti-aging agent (it’s been highly praised by women in my country because it’s a wonderful solution for beautiful eyes lashes as it keeps them strong and encourage growth) and jojoba oil that is very similar to human similar to human sebum, packed with vitamins and wax that can mimic skin collagen. Jojoba oil also works as a natural SPF.

I cannot believe I’ve lived without Un-Cover Up for so long.

Korres Wild Rose Brightening Compact Powder. This is something I bought a few months ago while looking for paraben free powder. It is free from mineral oils, propylene glycol and ethanolamine. It’s very fine milled, so feels and looks like a veil.

Korres Powder Blusher. Just as the compact powder, it’s free from paraben, mineral oils, propylene glycol and ethanolamine. I love the Natural shade (No. 15), which adds just a little bit of colour to the cheeks. It’s very subtle and yet you will notice the difference before and after you apply.

Korres Volumising Mascara in Black. I like it because it didn’t irritate my eyes and was easy to apply. It also contains abyssinia oil and vitamin B5 that strengthen the lashes. However, some shades do contain carmine. Since I’ve almost run out I will be switching to Terre d’Oc organic mascara soon.

Terre d’Oc organic lipsticks in in 202 and 204. Love them so much! The colours are gorgeous and buildable. The texture is velvety and doesn’t dry out the lips. The 202 is a lovely cherry’ish red, a sort of red that isn’t “in your face”, but certainly noticeable. On me the colour looks similar to strawberry jam with just a hint of cherry purple in it. The 204 is a colour of milk chocolate that looks very natural, although you can apply it in several layers to intensify. Will definitely buy them again and most likely try other shades, too. Oh, and they smell like berries!

OPI Suzy Says Da! in a rich chocolate shade free from dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene.

Ciate Speed Coat is free from formaldehyde, toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), formaldehyde resin and camphor. I must admit, I fell for the packaging before anything else. Got to love the little black ribbon!

Ecotools Brushes. I liked the look and the concept behind the brand and these brushes work for me nicely.

Photo source: Glamour UK March 2012, personal

Chanel Cruise 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Thu, 17 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

When Karl Lagerfeld mixes together a dose of Marie Antoinette playfulness and charm, a straight to the point rock-n-roll attitude, plenty of classic Chanel tweed covered in embroidery, a bit of denim and leather, a few elegant hats and bags, tops it all up with crystal and pearl jewellery, spices with the most unexpected creepers and optional Chanel watering can, it becomes a magic love potion. Modern, fresh and absolutely irresistible!

Watch the show on official Chanel website to experience it because photos don’t do it any justice.

Stylish quote

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

“Without a strong personality, you can have the most beautiful clothes in the world and you will never look right."

Frida Giannini

Photo source: Vogue UK May 2012

Blogging resumes tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Blogging resumes tomorrow. I blame the weather.

Photo source: Vogue China May 2012

Natalia Vodianova in Vogue US 2005

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:12:00 +0000

I’ve already used some photos from this gorgeous editorial in the past, so it was only a matter of time before I got around to publish the entire That’s Amore story shot by Mario Testino.

Photo source: Vogue US July 2005

Bottega Veneta Resort 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:49:00 +0000

This collection gave me a strange feeling… I wanted to like it and yet something inside me just couldn’t quite get the track suits… Does Bottega woman really wears a track suit, especially with pumps?

On the other hand these two looks really did agree with me. I know they are all about quiet quality and some may consider them borderline boring, but I would love to own these clothes and beautiful playful bow-front shoes.

Photo source: Bottega Veneta Resort 2013 via fashionising.com

Weekend sign off

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:51:00 +0000

What a difference just one sunny day makes! Early start, long walk in a park, make-up shopping and then a trip to a garden center to stock up on baby plants and creating my very own herb garden made me feel so very happy.

Hope you are enjoying your day, too.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Elle Italia April 2001

Carolyn Murphy in Harper’s Bazaar

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

A beautiful summer illusion warmed by the sun, dusted with velvety grains of sand and wrapped in a salty caress of a sea breeze. A timeless fashion story created by Carolyn Murphy and Koray Birand for the April issue of Harper’s Bazaar Turkey. Utterly gorgeous…

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar Turkey April 2012

Doutzen Kroes make-up for Vogue US photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Ever since I saw this photo of Doutzen I kept thinking of that beautiful natural make-up she had done for the photoshoot. At the end, I’ve decided to get in touch with Rose-Marie Swift, a celebrity make-up artist and founder of RMS Beauty and ask her about the products she used to make Doutzen look even more gorgeous. The things you would probably want to know about Rose-Marie is that she works with the most beautiful models in the industry including Gisele Bundchen, Douzen Kroes, Miranda Kerr, Anne-Marie Van Dijk, Arizona Muse and Anja Rubik (just to name a few), believes that good diet is the secret to the beautiful skin, and her line of adorably presented products is created from organic ingredients that are very kind to the skin.

The Smile Lip2Cheek lipstick/blush and Bloom Lipshine have been on my wish list for a long time and I hope to get them eventually, but for now, here’s the list of products and shades you will need to recreate that gorgeous natural glowing look.

Lip2Cheek in Smile + Lip2Cheek in Modest; Cream Eye shadow in Seduce and Lip & Skin Balm dabbed on lips and cheek bones.

Products are available via official website (for the US) or Cult Beauty (for the UK)

Photo source: Vogue US April 2012, personal

Stylish quote

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

“Women are never disarmed by compliments. Men always are. That is the difference between the sexes.”

Oscar Wilde

Photo source: Guess campaign Fall 2010

Your lucky star

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Tue, 08 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Do you believe in horoscopes? Are you looking for a perfect canvas tote to compliment your summer outfit? Or perhaps, you need an idea for a birthday present? Or environmentally friendly designer shopper? I’ve found the answer materialised in these fun and fabulous Missoni totes.

Feeling like a kid in a candy store right now. It’s a good thing the choice is written in the stars.

Natalia Vodianova in Vogue Italia

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Although this soft and sensual editorial shot by Glen Luchford for the March issue of Vogue Italia 2004 is quite well-known and very unlikely surprise you, I still wanted to add it to my expanding archives of Natalia’s beautiful work and turn it into one of my Monday posts.

Photo source: Vogue Italia March 2004

Make-up inspiration: classic red lips

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sun, 06 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

The make-up look I am absolutely in love with. Perfect canvas, very natural eyes and that special shade of red lipstick that is certainly noticeable, but in a very classy way.

Photo source: style.com

Weekend sign off

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Sat, 05 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

They say, the older you get the quicker the time goes. Well, I must be ancient because my week came and went just like that. We are spoilt with a three-day weekend that will most likely be rainy (surpise, surprise), so no plans have been made apart from watching a few movies and reading. Come to think of it, I must get the latest Vogue issue and a couple of other magazines. If you didn’t make any plans for your weekend either, you may enjoy my latest fashion week, reading an interview with gorgeous Anne-Marie Van Dijk or browsing a secret page full of beautiful and affordable finds. I also wanted to share a link to The New York Times article about Vogue’s new modeling rule, which, in my opinion, is such a huge step in the right direction.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Always yours,

Photo source: Vogue Paris September 2004

Sometimes dream dresses are real

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

I have found THE ONE. I knew it straight away for my heart agreed with my mind, which isn’t something they do on a regular basis. I saw the silk, the pleating and tiny buttons and felt sweet firework sensation of busting endorphins. I’ve dreamed this design for ages and never thought one day the image will materialise into the real thing. Sometimes dreams do come true – a wonderful simplicity of life that I always find so exciting. Needless to say, I cannot wait to receive it and wear on my birthday in a couple of weeks.

Natalia Vodianova in Chanel little black jacket

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:07:00 +0000

I woke up this morning feeling on a sleepy side. The rain wasn’t helping… And so I ended up sitting in my kitchen, staring at the window as I sipped my delicious vegetable juice, trying to decide if I could allow myself a day of doing nothing, a frivolous activity that was indeed out of the question. I wanted to write something beautiful, but the inspiration was stuck somewhere between the Universe and Gatwick terminal and definitely chose to leave me on my own. Mostly wordless.

It’s Natalia Vodianova in Chanel’s little black jacket photographed by Lagerfeld. My most favourite image of them all.

Stylish quote

noreply@blogger.com (Little Rus) — Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

“The prime need of fashion is to please and attract, consequently this attraction must never result in uniformity, the mother of boredom.”

Christian Dior

Photo source: Marie Claire China April 2012