Harper’s Bazaar January 1993

Romantic perfection à la Christy Turlington. A bit of powdery rose haze for a sleepy Monday morning that can be intensified by a drop of Chloe perfume to tease the good old olfactory.

Photo source: Harper’s Bazaar US January 1993

Good-bye, Loulou…

“My icons are real-life people who know how to live life…”

 

Loulou de la Falaise

4 May 1948 – 5 November 2011

 

 

Photo via magmoiselle.fr, quote source and more here

Weekend sign off

The other day I was wondering about body issues. Frankly, I don’t know a single woman who would be absolutely happy with the way she turned out. Alright, there are some perfect angels living among us. They’ve got legs up to here and the skin and the eyes and the brain and a few other freebies that Mother Nature felt like throwing in the body building kit. Those gorgeous girls usually become top models.

And we make the rest of the female population, with perfectly normal features, all – quite unique and, in my opinion, also beautiful as long as… we remember to love our bodies.

The body that gets properly nourished with a good diet, pampered with a few beauty products, groomed as necessary and well-maintained through regular exercise, sleep and relaxation breaks, is always a beautiful, healthy and glowing, body.

This morning I wanted to remind everyone (including myself) that every BODY needs to be loved because our body is our best friend, the irreplaceable kind. So every time you are about to eat junk, starve or diet, feel like criticising your reflection in a mirror or ignoring a totally innocent wish of going for a walk, thing again. Would you do the same things to your friend? I doubt it.

Lets start our morning with a sun salutation or any other kind of yoga or even simple stretch, followed by a healthy nutritious breakfast (mine consists of red grapefruit, natural goats yoghurt, flax and a cup of green tea), a relaxing walk before lunch and an indulgent bath in the evening. I’m sure you’ll feel the benefits and your body will be very happy, too. And making friends happy is one of the best things in the world, isn’t it?

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always yours

Photo source: Vs magazine July 2011

New book on my Wish list

"When you're a fashion photographer, you must inspire a dream. With Dior Haute Couture, the dream is already there."

Patrick Demarchelier

Over 100 couture gowns created by Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and John Galliano, exquisite photography by incredible Patrick Demarchelier, most beautiful editorials from Vogue, Elle, Harper’s and Glamour and 240 pages of pure visual fashion ecstasy.

All I want for Christmas is… Dior Couture by Demarchelier.

The book published by Rizzoli will be released on 6 December 2011, but can be pre-ordered on amazon right now. Today I’m celebrating the release with a few beautiful images and wondering which ones I will find in the book when I get my hands on this treasure.

Photo source: amazon (as featured in Vogue Russia May 2011), Harper’s Bazaar February 1993, Vogue US October 2008, Pirelli 2008, Harper’s Bazaar October 1997, Vogue Russia June 2011

Perfect formula

Maths has never been my strongest (or favourite) subject, but I’ve always loved making lists and had a soft spot for beautiful things, so this is how I came up with my perfect formula for cold seasons.

Candles + Cashmere + Chocolate + Coffee + Camel Coat = Couture Comforts

Once upon a time I didn’t like autumn and winter much. Too cold, too snowy, then, 3-hour flight later, too rainy… September and Christmas were the only bright moments of enjoyment. And then I came up with a list of my personal little luxuries and things changed as if by magic.

I’ve leant to appreciate a glimpse of sunshine or a whispering rain. I’ve developed a craving for snow at Christmas - the snowflake ballet performed in a cloud of streetlight is one of the most beautiful things in the world. And, of course, a painting made of fallen maple leaves, little masterpieces of nature, so unique and fragile.

I’ve come to realise that once you have a few things waiting for you at home or protecting you from the elements in the most wonderful and indulgent way, the outside world becomes more beautiful, too, whatever the weather.

Do you have your perfect formula?

Photo source: Elle Russia / Elle Spain 2009, scented candles via notonthehighstreet.com

Stylish quote

“You may turn into an archangel, a fool, or a criminal — no one will see it. But when a button is missing — everyone sees that.”

Erich Marie Remarque

Photo source: Vogue Germany September 2010

Back

Did you miss me? I certainly missed you. Leaving the blogosphere for a whole week felt like quitting cold turkey and I wasn’t prepared to do that. I confess I did read your comments whenever I had a chance and it was wonderful. And I did visit your blogs, too, but didn’t comment, otherwise my tired eyes would literally pop out.

Last week was productive and felt like a dreamy hallucination. It still does, from time to time, and I have to pinch myself just to calm down.

I’ve been to London where I felt like a tourist (yet again), but managed to find my way around and was migraine-free after an entire day of running places and talking intensely when required. I completed 98% of my annual paperwork, worked with clients, enjoyed a lovely dessert in a cosy cafe, tested new make-up products and read a beauty book.

Naturally, everything will eventually be documented here, so stay tuned.

It feels good to be back. And, although it’s hard to believe, it’s November already.

Photo source: Elle Spain April 2011