Feminine Bravery

The biggest belt I own

2012-02-25T19:06:00.002+02:00

This belt is a purchase I made many years ago, I just haven't known how to style it. This outfit wasn't the best way though, as I think it might have looked better with a piece with stronger shoulders to balance it out a bit. The belt is made of super thick and hard leather, and it's quite heavy as well. I'm trying to come up with a second outfit, something with stronger shoulders and a bit or flare. Let's see how it goes.

Cardigan and blouse: H&M. Belt: Mötivi. Jeans:Gina Tricot. Boots: Tamaris. Mittens: Shepherd.

This is fast, easy, simple and convenient dressing

2012-02-22T20:47:00.000+02:00

I didn't know what to wear. Pink stripes or black and white? Why not wear both!? Also belted my cardigan, so pretty proud of myself right now. This is fast, easy, simple and convenient dressing for you.

No, actually, there IS a structure to this outfit after all. If you want to wear casual pieces to work, add a little structure. This blazer is made of super soft knitting, but it still looks like a proper blazer, and the black lines give it a great shape. Because I am quite pale I like to wear colour near my face to create a bit of a glow and get some colour from elsewhere. That's why I chose the pink and white stripes and the pink belt.

Blazer: Seppälä. Jeans: Gina Tricot. Boots: Ecco. Top: Gina Tricot. Belt: came with a dress.

Pretty Private

2012-02-20T19:28:00.000+02:00

04.02.2012: Our little family got extended by two! Me and Dad drove to Helsinki to bring home our two adorable guinea pig girls, Kaneli (Cinnamon) and Karkki (Candy). Couldn't believe how tiny they were! And then there were three :)

11.02.2012: We'd had our three girls for a week, and they were such good friends already! Still very excited and watching them play every evening.

Still can't believe how amazing it feels to have babies and a new family, and what a huge change there's been in me and Papu!

16.02.2012: My Dad's namesday, and on the 17th my godmother's namesday. Me and my sister Martina organized a little tea party and here's photos of the lemon and mascarpone cupcakes we made.

17.02.2012: My dear and long time friend Vanessa and her puppy Vivienne visited me and she brought a small box of exquisite chocolates with her!

Second bottle of IKEA's Päronbubbel (pear soda) opened!

Karkki and Kaneli had learned to climb up to the second floor of their little house and they have gotten so curious about everything! They're not as scared anymore as they still were a few days ago.

18.02.2012: Sister Martina and her puppy stayed over night. We watched Harry Potter, went for a walk, ate all things good and unhealthy. These are a part of our breakfast on the 19th, was very good and this was actually very healthy, too! Will post recipe soon! ;)

Snowfall

2012-02-13T21:16:00.001+02:00

It has been snowing all the time here in southern Finland! It's cold and white outside, but I'm not complaining at all, I actually think it looks lovely and I come prepared for the cold. However, the winter months aren't eaxctly ideal for pretty skirts and tights, and that's why I tend to gravitate towards jeans, sweaters and warm boots to keep a smile on my face.

This outfit is actually one of my weekend favourites. High waisted skinny jeans, a feminine and soft angora sweater with pearls, such an easy combination. The inspiration for the hairdo was found on Berlin Hair Baby's blog and a tutorial she posted. Even if I didn't do exactly what she did, I still got the idea from her tutorial and I loved how this turned out, too! I just can't seem to find that exact tutorial right now... Will have to update this post when I do!

Jeans: Gina Tricot. Sweater: H&M. Mittens: Shepherd. Boots: Tamaris. Bag: Karen Millen. Coat: Esprit.

Silver lace headband

2012-02-10T22:38:00.006+02:00

A day spent at home until late lunch with Heljä at a new place we hadn't been to before, K3 Cafe & Wine Bar. Loved the place! After a big salad, a glass of lovely red wine followed by chocolate almond cake, champagne and coffee, we called a work mate and met him at a restaurant/bar next door to our office. It was a fun (and late) night in good company!

Headband: Accessorize. Cardigan: b.young. Top: H&M. Jeans: Gina Tricot. Boots: Tamaris.

Photos by Heljä Escartin.

Keeping feet warm

2012-02-08T21:36:00.002+02:00

Friday was a very special day. After finishing some assignments for university I took a bus to Helsinki to meet my friend Heljä for a coffee a couple of hours until I had a coffee date with my friend Sanna for her birthday. There's a new cafe on the other side of the road to my office, and it's even better than the one it replaced, AND they make the best salmon sandwiches I've ever had! It was a lovely evening with friends, just relaxing and enjoying the food and the company. Love you girls!<3

I can't blieve how hard it is for me to find powdery toned clothes! I love shades like this blouse and vest, but I always seem to notice and go for the brighter colours when shopping. I've been trying to get my hands on some sweeter shades of soft pink and beige lately, but it is not as easy as it sounds. Also, shoes are making me sad. They are keeping my feet happy, which is key in -22, but I am slowly getting tired of wearing the same boots over and over again. Don't get me wrong, I love these boots! They are warm, they keep my on my feet instead through all the ice and snow... but they just aren't very feminine, are they? Oh well... ;) Seems like quite a small problem right now.

Blouse and knee socks: H&M. Vest: Vila. Mittens: Shepherd. Jeans: Monki. Coat: Esprit. Boots: Tamaris. Bag (that you can't even see but it's the black and white one youäve already seen a million times before): Karen Millen.

Photos by Heljä Escartin.

Marimekko event

2012-02-06T20:41:00.000+02:00

I attended an event at Marimekko last week, and it was lovely! Loved the new Normi-bags they were showing as well as the display of all the fun and bright patterns and colours in the store! The food was amazing, too! Thank you so much Sini for inviting me :)

Bright pink dress

2012-02-04T00:55:00.000+02:00

Wore one of my favourite dresses for an event at Marimekko the other day. It was really cold and I tried taking photos with my remote, needless to say it was painstakingly slow and I was freezing! Did manage to get these few decent photos though!

Dress: Mango Suit. T-shirt: Vero Moda. Watch: Bering. Sunglasses: Vogue c/o www.sunglassesshop.com.Boots: Ecco.

Check out my previous post for a chance to win a fantastic pair of D&G sunglasses!

Love D&G - giveaway

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

Ladies (and Kevin), did you see my new sunglasses in yesterday's post? Did I already mention I love them?! Well... Here's your chance to win a fabulous pair of sunglasses just in time for Valentine's Day!

Sunglassesshop has kindly agreed to a fantastic giveaway, and one of you lucky ladies will win a pair of D&G sunglasses in beautiful red frames, look how fabulous they are! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to "like" their facebook page and write "Love D&G" on their wall. Super easy, right?! Winner will be chosen at random. (commenting here on this post won't do you any good but it will make me oh so happy)

The giveaway starts now and is open for a week and closes on Wednesday the 8th.

You can find the shop on facebook and twitter.

Thanks Jess and sunglassesshop!

Good luck!

EDIT: This giveaway is now closet! I will contact the winner personally through facebook.

Thanks everyone for participating!

Sunglasses and dresses and whatnot

2012-01-31T20:42:00.002+02:00

Jess from sunglassesshop sent me this beautiful pair of Vogue sunglasses for a review, and I received them today. It was actually really sunny today and with the light reflecting back from all the snow I cursed that I forgot my sunglasses at home in the morning! When I got home a delivery guy (he was cute) brought me these! I got even more lucky later when my little sister Martina came over and took photos for me!

I thought Jess was very friendly, and when the selection of sunglasses available in the online shop left me clueless with what to look for (HUGE selection), she kindly suggested these for me. I am happy with her choice. These are classic, timeless and chic. I love the cat eye and the softer black that doesn't look heavy against my pale complexion. These will look great with any outfit, they will definitely get a lot of wear! I have to add that I'm usually very picky with sunglasses, and that's why it took me so long to find the pair you've seen on this blog earlier, and no shops here in Helsinki have had any options I've even considered except for that one pair. In this online shop I found so many beautiful pairs in so many different styles and colours!

Also, delivery was quick and the packaging was great! I was wondering whether they would arrive safely or not, but I don't think that would be a problem as they came well protected.

Shop and glasses: 5/5 as I was very pleased with both.

Find sunglassesshop on facebook and twitter!

Thank you Jess, and thank you sunglasesshop!

Dress: Zara. Tights: c/o We Love Colors. Mittens: Shepherd. Boots: Ecco. Sunglasses: Vogue c/o www.sunglassesshop.com. T-shirt: H&M.

Photos by sis Martina. Thanks! Mwah!

:) While we were taking these photos two lovely girls got curious and I asked them to join. Meet Alisa and Venla! Hi girls, thanks for joining in on the fun! xxx

(yes, it was very cold)

EDIT: Oh, and please stay tuned for a chance to win the perfect sunglasses to cheer up your Valentine's Day! ;)

Too easy, too safe

2012-01-30T22:41:00.000+02:00

This is one of those casual weekend outfits I've been wearing lately. It seems to me that this type of thing is all I've been dressing in lately, but I've decided that this has to change! Tomorrow I'll wear something else than jeans and a cardigan, I've been staying too safe and too easy for far too long!

Jeans: Monki. Mittens: Shepherd. Cardigan: Vero Moda. Boots: Ellos. Bag: Marimekko.

Beige waterfall with orange details

2012-01-29T12:08:00.000+02:00

Another very casual outfit form a week ago. I haven't used this cardigan for about a year now, I completely forgot I had it and I just found it in my storage the other day and decided to give it a try. These are the same orange pieces of jewellery I wore in my previous post, and I think they give such a fun pop of colour to all neutrals I'm really happy I bought them on sale a few weeks ago!

I'd like to thank all of you who are keeping us in your thoughts and sending me beautiful comments and emails. I've been feeling a lot better and so has Papu, which makes me happy as well. I was a bit worried about her but she seems to be coping and is enjoying being pampered.

Boots: Tamaris. Jewellery: Baglady. Cardigan: Ellos. Jeans: Monki. Belt and knee socks: H&M. Coat: Vila. Bag: Karen Millen. Mittens: Shepherd.

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