Feminine Bravery

Black dress with orange jewellery

2012-01-27T20:45:00.000+02:00

First, I'd like to thank all of you for sending your thoughts our way. Losing Ryyni was tough both for me and his friend Papu, and we both miss him so much. There are responsibilities that are keeping me busy, making sure Papu gets over this big loss (she's never been alone before), and already making arrangements to get her new friends so she wouldn't need to be alone for too long.

My sister Martina took these photos on our Dad's 60th birthday about a week ago. I decided to wear a simple black dress with a pop of orange. My family isn't the type where anybody really enjoys dressing up or making an effort to look nice. For some, it's not important, and others get weird looks or comments if they decide to dress in something that doesn't involve jeans and a t-shirt. Not everyone in my family encourages others to be themselves and live a little.

Dress: Zara. Boots (not worn inside): Tamaris. Jewellery: Baglady.

Photos by sister Martina.

Mommy will always love you

2012-01-26T11:47:00.000+02:00

My baby Ryyni passed a way on the 23rd. He was sick for a few weeks but got better, and then suddenly he seemed to be in pain again and at the vet we had to make the decision of letting him sleep away. I held him in my arms and he past away peacefully.

Mommy will always love you.

Classics and dresses

2012-01-22T21:11:00.000+02:00

On days off, it's always the easy, comfortable and simple outfits that appeal to me. It's always good to have comfortable classics in your wardrobe, and I have to say I feel like I don't have enough of them yet. Another thing I'm missing is dresses. Hope to do something about that before summer! ;)

Cardigan: Zara. Jeans: Monki. Tee: H&M. Boots: Ecco. Headband: goft from sis Anna. Coat: Esprit.

What you need is a sister

2012-01-19T20:00:00.000+02:00

When having a dreadful week with people being mean, unfriendly and selfish, you being bored with "same old" and feeling like nothing really matters. When you've had a long time of supporting others and worrying, stressing, sleeping too little and then gotten things done too late. When you're just sick of stuff in general. THAT is when you need a sister.

A sister who tells you that you're good just as you are, who loves you no matter what stupid mistakes you've done in your life and who can look past all that grumpiness and make you smile instead. I have two of those! One took these photos while I was visiting her abroad, and the other one took care of my pets while I was gone.

Jeans: Monki. Bag: Marimekko. Blouse: Gina Tricot. Boots: Timberland c/o Nature Shop UK.

Photos by my sister Anna.

Wintery neutrals

2012-01-13T22:25:00.003+02:00

I bought these boots in September to be ready for winter, cold and snow. It's funny how things you are prepared for never seem to happen, but if you don't come prepared it's bound to surprise you! Every time I think it's about to rain and carry an umbrella with me, there is no rain. When I prepare myself for a cold winter, it takes until January to get two cold days with snow. It's always like that...

I've been leaning towards easy and comfortable looks lately, and this time I decided to go for earthy browns and wintery rose in both blouse, belt and lips.

In case you haven't noticed, I've decided to change my looks a bit this year. New year, new hair! I'm trying to grow my fringe out into a side fringe, which is a very slow job but it's getting there. Trying to be patient with it even if I am not usually the type of person who likes to wait for things to happen. ;)

Sweater: Ellos. Boots: Tamaris. Jeans: Monki. Coat: Esprit. Bag: Longchamp. Belt: Mango. Gloves: Global. Socks: H&M. Necklace: Kultajousi.

Finally winter

2012-01-11T21:40:00.002+02:00

I've been longing for a little snow and wintery weather, and it's finally here! Just hoping it'll stay...

On Saturday Y-C treated me out for a gorgeous sushi lunch in Helsinki at one of our favourite restaurants, Dynasty. We also went shopping, and I spoiled myself with some sale jewellery. Don't tell anyone ;)

Top, coat: H&M. Cardigan: Zara. Jeans: Monki. Bag: Longchamp. Boots: ecco. Necklace: Kultajousi.

Photos from Barcelona

2012-01-11T01:05:00.001+02:00

The trip was lovely! We visited Barcelona for five days, and had a relaxing vacation but still had the time to do a lot of amazing and fun things! We visited the aquarium, went shopping, explored the city by foot, ate waffles with ice cream at sunset by the yacht harbour, tried the gondola lifts and visited the zoo. I also watched live football for the first time in my life!

Black and white with a pop of raspberry red

2012-01-08T21:23:00.000+02:00

This is what I wore on the second day of our trip to Barcelona last month. We visited the zoo, and it was the biggest one I've ever seen! They even had elephants and rhinoceros, which to me was pretty amazing.

I chose a simple cardigan with a feminine blouse underneath and a chic belt to enhance my waist and give a subtle elegance to the look. My lipstick was a perfect match with my jacket and scarf, and they added a welcome pop of bright raspberry red to this otherwise neutral outfit.

And a quick update of what's going on right now: Ryyni is better. He has been eating and he seems to be recovering slowly, but the next few days we will be giving him less and less medicin and time will tell if he will continue to be healthy for the next month or so. Things are looking good though, and I am in a better mood as well, somewhat relieved that this just might be over soon. I hated to see him suffer. Thank you for all your get well wishes! Mwah!

Jeans: Cheap Monday. Shoes: O.i.s. Bag: Longchamp. Jacket: H&M Barcelona. Blouse: Gina Tricot. Cardigan: Vero Moda. Scarf: Pieces.

PS. I was searching for a new lens on the web and found this store Superkuva that actually has a live chat with a person working there! I was helped by Marika, and she was both helpful and nice! If you need any good camera equipment and are Finnish, I recommend this site for you ;)

Troubles

2012-01-03T21:17:00.000+02:00

You ladies are probably wondering where I am these days, since I don't post as frequently as I used to. First it was my mom getting sick, and now that she's finally doing a bit better Ryyni is not well. I fear for his tiny little life. He's so brave and trying to be like everything's fine, but he's not eating properly and has been on antibiotics for three weeks this Friday. I'm doing the best I can to stay home with him and give him food in small nibbles so it would be easier for him to eat. We've been to the vet a couple of times already, and I have to call again tomorrow and ask for further advise on what to do (and think) with the situation. His condition hasn't been getting better, but it hasn't gotten worse either, at least it doesn't seem worse.

Anyway, since I'm pretty worried and can't even sleep night because of it I'm laying low so to speak and taking the days to keep him encouraging company. I will get back to regular posting when the situation is cleared, and I'm hoping that would be soon!

First day in Barcelona

2012-01-01T20:42:00.000+02:00

This is the first outfit I wore on our trip to Barcelona. It was Sunday and no shops were open, and I had a small problem.

Before we left home we checked the weather conditions in Barcelona - 15 degrees Celsius. That's like summer! Ummm... No it's not, it just sounds warm because it's so cold in Finland now. I wasn't prepared and felt cold, and needed a new jacket of some sort to be able to enjoy the trip.

Solution: Our receptionist at Euorstars Lex told us there was this fake island right outside the city not far from us that was built to hold an aquarium and a mall. Yey! That meant new jacket (this one right here) and a trip to see the aquarium as well! Perfect! What a wonderful first day!

In the evening we visited a small shop right around the corner from our hotel, and bought the most expesive wine they had, a bottle that cost almost 6 €. o.O Haha! We had no opener for it though, so the little brother (I think) took us to a pub owned by another family member to open the bottle. It was so funny! We could of course have bought a bottle at there if we only knew there was a pub nearby!

Jeans: Cheap Monday. Bag: Longchamp. Shoes: O.i.s. Jacket: H&M. Scarf: Pieces.

Artisan gold + product review

2011-12-30T21:40:00.003+02:00

I was contacted by Amanda from Nature Shop regarding a review of a product on their website. These (on sale now!) are the boots I picked out, Timberland tall leather lace boot in Artisan Gold.

"Nature Shop is an online retailer selling premium "nature inspired" brands and products that are kind to your body and to the environment." -About us/Nature Shop UK

Now that was directly from their website, and I must say the fact that they care about environmental factors feels so great! Imagine - they give away 10 % of their profits EVERY YEAR to charity for environmental and social causes! Don't you think that THAT is just amazing! LOVE.

I received the boots in a matter of days and the packaging was nice. I honestly gave out a little squeal when I opened the package, because the leather of the boots is so gorgeous! It's a vibrant, beautiful and unique orangey leather that looks so fresh compared to that dull and grey winter weather we're having at the moment.

The boots themselves are super sturdy. In fact, the person who named them was a genious! They are called Earthkeepers. There is a way of feeling sexy and powerful while wearing a pair of high stilettos, you know, but the feeling of wearing these boots is a totally different kind of power. I felt like no wind, ice or any power of nature could get me to fall over, that I was anchored to the ground. Then I started walking, and was surprised how they didn't actually feel heavy at all! The outer soles are a bit curved at the heels and toes, which you can't really see clearly but it's still enough to make walking easy and effortless. The laces in the front make the boots fit comfortably over any kind of socks or jeans you wear.

The only thing I don't particularly like about these boots is actually something I find disappointing in most snow boots on the market: the shaft is a bit too short to be flattering as it ends just where the calf is widest. I absolutely think that even though they are meant for an active lifestyle and for keeping you warm and dry they could still be more flattering.

I liked the shop and I liked the boots, too, therefore giving the product and store a 4 ½ out of a 5. I'm picky like that.

Thank you Amanda for contacting me nad for sending me these boots!

Timberland tall leather lace boots: c/o Nature Shop UK. Knee socks, skirt, sweater: H&M.

Hope all of you have a happy new year! I'll be home watching crime series with the guinea pigs and Y-C, later having a glass of wine with some nibbles and of course ice cream, enjoying piece and quiet and hoping none of my neighbors like fireworks.

PS. Just noticed the boots are the same colour as my hair, so will now refer to my hair as artisan gold - so much cooler than ginger! ;)

Peony

2011-12-29T15:24:00.000+02:00

These are the first photos I've taken with my new remote for my camera. It was easier than I thought, but I still need a lot of practice before the skill of taking my own photos is somewhat mastered. The thing making it more difficult is that you can't see the outcome, and there is nobody to tell you if your blouse looks silly, like in these photos. Oh well, happens to everybody, doesn't it?

The remote comes in handy, as the daylight is such a short time in these winter months, and it's dark when Y-C leaves for work and dark when I get home and we never manage to take any photos except for on the weekends. Most weekends are spent in very casual wear though, and there is seldom any interest in photographing those outfits. Expect more outfits to come!

Boots: Ecco. Blouse: Vero Moda. Jeans: Cheap Monday. Cardigan: H&M.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas!

xxx

Charlie

Blue and leopard

2011-12-26T21:35:00.000+02:00

Sometimes being both bored and tired with things in general makes you go for the easy recipe for a working outfit: a classic pair of pants in black or navy, aa white top/shirt/blouse and a patterned piece like a cardigan, belt or big statement jewellery.

Pants: Zara. Belt: Mango. Cardigan: Lindex. Blouse: Seppälä. Bag: Longchamp.

Can't believe I haven't even started my laptop for four days!

xxx

Charlie

Blue in Barcelona

2011-12-21T01:11:00.000+02:00

As you all probably know by now I'm travelling and in Barcelona at the moment. I must say I love this city! The people are friendly and helpful, there are cute little shops everywhere and I've been to my first football game ever, which was pretty awesome! I'll tell you more about what I've been up to later when me and Y-C fly back home at the end of the week. :)

This oufit was planned ahead at home before we left, and is part of the "Bloggers rock the colors of Christmas" going on over at Statements in Fashion. Check out the rest of the participating bloggers here! Thanks Collette for hosting! :)

Dress: H&M. Shoes: O.i.s. Tights: from a shop in Barcelona. Belt: Mango. Bag: Longhamp.

Necklace: Morellato.

Hope you are having a great time!

xxx

Charlie

Hello from beautiful Barcelona!

2011-12-19T12:57:00.000+02:00

We arrived in Barcelona yesterday morning. The first day here was spent shopping and on a walk at the yacht harbour. We also visited Barcelona Aquarium, which was beautiful and worth the visit. We're enjoying our stay, and our hotel, Eurostars Lex, is lovely as well. The decor is very fun modern with pops of colour and sleek silhouettes, and the breakfast this morning was wonderful! This is the first hotel abroad that I've had a REAL croissant, one made with real butter, fresh and tasty. I can't stand those sugary ones... I'm picky with my coffee and the coffee was great! I'm quite surprised with how much I like Barcelona so far!

Hope your week is just as fantastic as mine!

xxx

Charlie

Travelling

2011-12-18T09:24:00.000+02:00

A photo I took at Långvik Spa and Congress Hotel a few weeks ago. Loved the place, and loved the location with the calm and pieceful scenery. Right now I'm travelling again, Barcelona this time. I'll be back in a few days but posting will continue while I'm away.

The last few days haven't been easy. Ryyni, one of our guinea pigs, got sick a few days ago and we've been going to the dentist and he's on antibiotics at the moment. Yesterday I drove over to Mom's to leave the pigs there while we're abroad, and it wasn't an easy desicion. His condition isn't critical right now, and the only thing to do is to continue his medication and hope it helps. I really hope he recovers.

I'm on the plane right now, and the sun is rising right over Paris. It's been dark all the way until now as it is an early morning flight. I can't wait to get to Barcelona, and to get something proper to eat - so hungry!

See you soon!

xxx

Charlie

Classic black and white

2011-12-14T21:54:00.000+02:00

I'm trying to shop less and use what I already own better. I'm trying to find inspiration in different places and creating sets on Polyvore seems to keep my mind happy for now. ;)

This is an inspiration for an outfit I intend to wear pretty soon, so stay tuned!

xxx

Charlie

Classic black and white by femininebravery featuring a leather bootie

What To Pack: Countryside Spa Hotel

2011-12-12T22:00:00.000+02:00

Another post in the series What To Pack, this time we're looking at what to pack for a night at a spa hotel in the countryside.

Environment

The hotel in itself might be modern and luxurious, but what about the surroundings? You might want to consider wearing comfortable, warm and somewhat durable clothing. Classics that fit different occasions are always an easy solution. A great pair of jeans are easy to dress up or dress down according to needs. Great layering pieces keeps you warm and looking stylish whatever you're doing.

Are you having dinner at the hotel restaurant or ordering something via room service? What sort of restaurants are available? In case you're ordering, it doesn't really matter what you wear, but if you plan on eating among other hotel guests, you could perhaps accessorize your day tunic with a pretty belt and a pair of amazing earrings, or wear something entirely different. If there are many restaurants to choose from, pick the one that suits your mood and needs the best. What you're wearing might be important in some places, and some couldn't care less. Don't stress and fuss over what to wear though - it's your vacation and your dinner. As long as you're appropriate it's going to be just fine. The most important thing is that you feel good about yourself and are able to relax and enjoy the evening and your fabulous company whoever you're going with!

Activities

Of course, what you're planning on doing on your mini vacation is the best clue for what to bring. Considering it's the countryside and nature is going to be beautiful, you might want to pack a warm and comfortable pair of boots to keep your feet happy on walks around the property. Nature always sets my mind at ease after a while of hectic city life.

It's a spa. That means there will be a pool. Even if the men visiting wouldn't mind if you went naked, their ladies probably prefer you in at least a little something. Bring that something unless you want to borrow something a lot less flattering from the hotel.

It's still a spa. That means they are probably prepared with extra towels and such, which means you can travel light and won't need to pack that much. Lucky you.

Company

Who you're going with is of course essential. A night or two at a spa with your best friend, your mom, sister, or boyfriend might make you want to choose nightwear or lingerie differently. If you're going with your man wearing something pretty underneath that tunic will add a little something to the athmosphere, just saying. ;)

Enjoy your stay!

xxx

Charlie

What To Pack: Countryside Spa Hotel by femininebravery featuring denim skinny jeans

H M long wool cardigan
£18 - hm.com

H M long top
£13 - hm.com

H m coat
£30 - hm.com

Miu Miu bikini bathing suit
$215 - net-a-porter.com

Mango denim skinny jeans
£35 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Ladies Naomi Bling Buckle Bra
£6 - peacocks.co.uk

Elle Macpherson Intimates g string panty
$30 - net-a-porter.com

Phase Eight flat buckle boots
£170 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Mango metal belt
£30 - mango.com

Mom, I love you

2011-12-09T23:00:00.000+02:00

Some of you might have wondered where I went since the last time I posted something. The fact is I didn't go anywhere, physically. I did go quite far mentally though.

My mom was rushed to hospital after suffering from a blood clot in her brain. Hearing this scared the s**t out of me! She is still going through a high-risk phase, but she is now back home again. Major life changes have to happen, and I'm afraid that not everyone around her think of her but mostly think of themselves instead of encouraging her to maintain a healthier and less stressful lifestyle.Time shows how things start to work out, because they HAVE to. There is no other choice. I forbid anything bad from happening.

Mom, I love you.

-Charlotta

Pretty special

2011-12-04T00:07:00.000+02:00

Friday a week ago was pretty special. The weather was beautiful and we were going on a one night trip to a spa hotel 30 kilometers from home - a distance that was long enough to feel like an actual trip with a change in scenery but close enough to be an easy drive.

Before we packed our bags (more on the packing later!) and headed towards Långvik spa and congress hotel we ran some errands to make sure the day we'd return would be as relaxing and calm as possible. I made sure to clean the apartment and do all the chores before we left so I would have a neat place to come home to.

For a day off and some relaxing, a walk outside by the sea and some shopping I chose this easy and comfortable outfit that felt completely fuss free. These new jeans I bought the other day are so comfortable it's no wonder they are called "Second Skin". They stretch endlessly and feel like soft jeggings on.

I think that a great pair of heels or a pair of high heeled boots really make a difference when wearing something easy and casual. Great shoes can do wonders to the look and feel of what you're wearing! Even though flats are much more comfortable I feel a lot prettier and more put together when I'm wearing heels.

Jeans: Cheap Monday. Long sleeved tee, tunic, coat: H&M. Boots: Nilson shoes. Bag: Longchamp. Belt: Mango.

Have a happy weekend lovelies!

xxx
Charlie

Pretty Private

2011-11-30T12:38:00.000+02:00

14.11.2011: Created a new recipe I named Lemon Cloud Cupcakes. Yum!

15.11.2011: One of my childhood friends, Vanessa, visited me with her super cute puppy Vivi.

Saturday 19.11.2011: House warming party for our families. The first time our Dad's met each other. :) Made a lemon filled white chocolate cream cake, and of course a whole lot of other yummy things.

22.11.2011: Brunch with Sanna. Photo by her.

Same brunch... I had a huge sandwich filled with shrimp and all things lovely.

xxx

Charlie

Blue like the deepest waves

2011-11-29T23:21:00.000+02:00

An outfit from last week. It's been really grey, windy and rainy lately. My hair is constantly a mess!

This top is the softest fabric, and it feels lovely against the skin. Looking at these pictures I realized it looks a bit like waves when the wind wrinkles it. Interesting.

Pants and top: H&M. Cardigan: Zara. Belt: Guess. Boots: Ellos.

xxx
Charlie

Let's negotiate!

2011-11-28T13:22:00.000+02:00

In my last post I talked about what to wear for a business negotiation, and this was my outfit. It was a very casual meeting, but I still wanted to look polished and credible as well as young and innovative like the person I was about to meet with.

I felt comfortable and at ease with my outfit as well as with the meeting, and at the end I was very inspired by what we discussed. I hope this will be the start for an amazing cooperation!

Two coloured jeans: Cheap Friday. Viscose blouse: KappAhl. Leather belt: Mango. Leather bag: Longchamp. Jewellery: c/o Kalevala Jewellery. Ankle boots: O.i.s.

xxx

Charlie

What To Wear: Business negotiation

2011-11-27T11:37:00.001+02:00

I had a business negotiation on Friday, and thought about what to wear for a while before I realized it's really about who you meet and what you're meeting for. In my case it was a local online business meant for young people, and the person I was going to meet was a very relaxed, down to earth, young person like me.

I wanted to look professional without appearing stiff or old fashioned, and decided to use modern but classic pieces to create an easy look that would look fresh and young but still appropriate for the meeting. Below are some things to think about when you are going to a business meeting.

Who are you meeting?

Does the style of the other person/business feel like the one you're representing? If so, your task is quite simple really. Just do what you normally do at the office! If your office is super casual, you should consider weaing something casual yet sophisticated. Remember, that classic pieces are the easiest way to go as you just can't go wrong wearing them. If, however, the people you're meeting are from an office with a strict dress code, and the meeting is held at their office, you should try to match their standards. If the meeting is held on your territory, you might want to go at least halfways to make them feel more comfortable while visiting. The best deals are made when both parts are feeling safe and respected and like they are on the same wavelength and understand each other!

What sort of cooperation is being discussed?

Does the deal involve a lot of money? If so, the dress code is often strictly business with day suits at lunch time or dark suits if held at evening hours. Money is often seen as something risky to invest, and the person you are giving the money to or who's investing the money for you usually has to be very credible and look the part as well as behave in a way that meets the client's standards. Therefore it is always better to dress a bit too businessy than wearing something that's a bit too casual.

Luckily, I didn't need to think about this as much as I was familiar with the person I was meeting as I had previously met her at a conference, and no money was switching hands. This sort of cooperation where only time and mutual agreement on working for the same cause is being discussed, the expectations aren't usually as picky and the norms and knowledge you're carrying and bringing to the table weigh more than what you look like. Even still, you have to remember to look polished and seem like you are taking care of yourself, because that's usually seen as a sign that you can take care of your life and your work as well. For a meetign of this sort you could try something as pictured below.

Modern classics by femininebravery

Hope this was an interesting and helpful post! Hope you have a great Sunday!

xxx
Charlie

The main attraction

2011-11-23T12:37:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I spent a relaxing day with Sanna at a café in Helsinki. It's wonderful to have such a beautiful person as a close friend! The main attraction that day was her little sister, who just happens to work at that café! Haha! She looked super professional though.

Evening was spent studying at home and enjoying an episode of The Mentalist with Y-C, Papu and Ryyni. Family evening :)

Skirt: Zara.

Sweater: H&M.

Boots: Nilson shoes.

Bag: Marimekko.

Earrings: Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen.

All photos taken by Sanna Usva.

Now I'm going back to keep my new book "An introduction to qualitative research" company. Yey.

xxx

Charlie