One month to go: New York City

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It´s quite unusual to be happy that summer flies by so quickly, but I have one particular reason to await excitedly the end of August. Today, I´m just a month away from returning to the fabulous city of New York and I couldn´t be happier! I´ll spend 8 days there with my amazing boyfriend (before heading out for a whirlwind trip to Washington D.C.) and I´m already putting together a list of things I simply HAVE to do in the city that never sleeps. And I´d like to ask you for some help, my dear friends: do you have any hot spots (shops, restaurants, original places) you could recommend? Anything I definitely have to see / do / try? I´d be so glad to learn something about YOUR favorite places! Don´t hesitate to share, I´ll be happy to try, and then we can exchange our experiences :)

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A hundred thanks

(Photo via Flickr)

Thanks to you, my wonderful readers, I´ve reached 100 followers this week. And I must admit, it made me pretty giddy :) I´m always so humbled by your interest in my ramblings, writings and inspitations! I love each and every moment spent reading your sweet and lovely comments. It´s always the first thing I do when I wake up at 6 in the morning: I check my iPhone and I get my fair share of blog love that helps me rise and shine all day! I cherish every minute spent working on this blog and sharing all the things that make me happy with you. You always make me feel so special! And for that, you deserve a hundred sweet hugs!

xx Ivana

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Friday´s Fancies #7: Silvery blue

The week has come and gone again, and now it´s time for one of my favorite weekly activities: putting together my dreamy Friday´s Fancies outfit. Intrigued? Be sure to pop over to the very lovely blog Long distance loving, and you´ll see how many wonderful and stylish women link up every week! It´s just the right opportunity to set your fashion sense free and put together an outfit, imagining that money are no object. 

This week I got inspired by a cobalt blue skirt I ordered at Dorothy Perkins. I just fell in love with this rich and vibrant color, that pairs perfectly with some cold silvery accesories and a bold and bright makeup.

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Tomato Juice Soup

The weather has been pretty awful around here for the last few days. You would think we´re in mid-October, and not in the full swing of summer! That´s why I decided to cheer me up with some comfort food while watching the pouring rain behind my window. July is not quite the typical month for soups but why not mess up with the rules a little bit? Especially, when the result is beyond delicious! 

The first time I saw this tomato juice soup on a cooking TV show I knew I´d have to try it on my own. I definitely love a good tomato soup and this one is too simple to prepare. It will take you only a few minutes to get all the ingredients together and it has this soft, italian taste that´s always winner in my book! 

A new personal favorite has just been added to my list.

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Beauty Essentials: Skincare

I´ve always loved reading beauty posts. And I especially love when my blogger friends share their own beauty secrets and tricks.  It´s a great way to learn what´s behind their flawless complexions, as well as to discover new products and techniques. That´s why I decided to share my own beauty essentials with you, starting with the day-to-day skincare. Here´s what I definitely can´t live without:

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Inspiration: A beautiful house by the lake

When it comes to interior design blogs, Jessie´s Mix and Chic is hands down one of my all-time favorites. She always features the most incredible and inspiring photos and editorials, as well as the most talented designers. It´s been a few months that I´m creating an inspirational file for our next apartment in Graz, and Jessie´s blog is always an amazing source of inspiration. Be sure to jump over to check her wonderful blog, 

I´m sure you´ll become as addicted as  I am! 

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Words to live by: Julianne Moore

(Photos via, quotes from InStyle US March 2011)

"I like when people challenge themselves. It´s not like we have to be on one track for the rest of our lives."

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Fabulous Quote: Fergie

I´ve always admired people with a strong sense of purpose, haven´t you? To know where your destiny lays is one of the most empowering things I can imagine! And it reminds me of another quote that actually lays on the table in Hilary Clinton´s office: "Never, never, never give up!" (Courtesy of Winston Churchill). I´ll always try to live up to it!

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Friday´s Fancies #6: Mondrian Inspiration

 

Lately, I´ve been drawn to the whole palette of jewel tones. Even if they´re considered more appropriate for winter and holiday time, I just can´t help but find them perfect for breezy summer nights. That´s why I decided to round up a beautiful jewel-toned selection for this week´s Friday´s Fancies. Don´t you just love these rich tones, sparkling details and a hint of color-blocking? Well, I definitely do!

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Inspiration: Romance

(Photos via)

The weather has been so gloomy these past few days. And I feel that sometimes it´s rather hard to find the inspiration and doll you up in the morning when all you see through the window is greyish sky and gloomy light. On those overcast days, I find myself dreaming about the romantic flowy dresses, feminine lace, floppy hats and pretty sandals. And right now, these photos are a perfect representation of my mind´s happy place. Don´t you want to dream with me? 

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Thank you!!!

My dearest readers and friends, thank you so much for all your kind comments and messages! They mean a world to me and I really appreciate your support and love in these troubled days! 

I´m slowly getting back on track and I promise to be back tomorrow with my daily doses of inspiration. 

Until then, thanks again...you are THE BEST!!!

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Inspiration: One day I´ll fly away

(Images via)

John Lennon once said that life is what happens to you while you´re busy making other plans. And I couldn´t agree more. I had a whole bunch of inspirational and fun posts in mind for you on previous days. And then, something sad happend to my family over the weekend, and I didn´t even have time to log on to my blog. I miss you all, though, and while waiting for the things to get back on track, I just wanted to share these beautiful and airy images with you. And I´m singing to myself: One day I´ll fly away...

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Words to live by: Sarah Jessica Parker

(Photos and quotes via Glamour US)

SJP...is there any other woman whose initials are so synonymous to style? I don´t think so. Not only Sarah Jessica Parker is the epitome of a bold and innovative personal style (as both herself and her alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw), she is also an accomplished actrice, mother, businesswoman, designer, manager and many many other things. A true icon for modern women juggling their multiple lives on a day-to-day basis. I recently stumbled again upon this interview in Glamour US, and I was impressed to see how her words still strike a chord to me. It´s wonderful how normal she is, so down to earth and appreciative of everything good in her life. Definitely a woman whose opinions are to follow! 

So what does Sarah say about...

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Beauty Secrets: Enchanting Emma

(Photo via)

You, my dearest regular readers, could have already become aware of my slight obsession with Emma Watson (like here and here). I promise, no stalking here. I´m just so admirative of everything she has achieved in her young age. Despite the fact that she was one of the biggest child stars in the world, she managed to stay true to herself, ambitious and pensive, intelligent and playful. Plus, she is oh-so-beautiful, sometimes it hurts my eyes! And it only confirms one of my favorite Fabulous quotes: brains and looks, of course we can have it all! And today, we´ll stick to the looks! I´ve already mused about the beyond gorgeous gown Emma rocked on the recent London Harry Potter premiere. Now I´ll tell you more about her stunning makeup. Well, even better, I will tell you HOW she got that showstopping look! You can have it too! Here comes the tutorial:

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Summer Reading Part II

One of the things I love the most about summer are the long afternoons spent on the terrace, with a good drink, and even better book. As you may remember, this year I´ve decided to orgaize my summer reads in slightly less erratic way than usual, by the means of a simple Summer Reading List. I´ve already read the number one, Water for Elephants, and I must say....well....I was a little bit disappointed. I´ve already shared with you my conviction that the book is ALWAYS better than the movie, but this time, I surrender...I think that the movie was ten times better! More dynamic, more poetic, more everything. But of course, this is only my personal opinion, and you´re welcome to disagree with me :) 

Here is the second part of my Summer Reading List, and I´d love to hear your opinions! Have you read any of these books? Loved it? Hated it? Have you something much much better to read than what I´ve chosen? Well, don´t hesitate to share! I can´t wait to read your suggestions! 

Because the life of Coco Chanel always fascinated me and because the illustrations are made by Karl Lagerfeld himself...this book is an absolute MUST. 

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Inspiration: The end of an era

(Images via Zimbio)

So, this is it. This is the end of an era. I can´t even count the hours I spent reading Harry Potter books (in three different languages), watching the movies and reading the interviews with Emma Watson (like this one). And now, the last movie has been released and it feels like a very important part of my life has come to a full circle. I´ll miss those weeks and months spent looking forward to the new movie to come out. Thank God I still have my books and dvds :) And while waiting to watch the last movie all by myself, I can still dream about those stunning and gorgeous gowns Emma rocked during the London promotion. Isn´t she perfect?

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Friday´s Fancies #5: Blush Code

Everytime I see the calendar these days, I´m simply stunned. How come the days fly by in such a rush? Of course, I don´t mind seeing Friday arrive (especially because of Friday´s Fancies), but all the same.

I have something simple yet special for you today: I simply can´t imagine better color for summer than blush (especially since when I´m not tanned, white really isn´t a good idea!). Soft pink will make you look and feel sexy and demure at the same time. And when paired with some bold accessories, it´s just perfect for a summer night out, a shopping spree or a date night. 

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Inspiration: Autumn in Chanel

(Photos via Style.com)

Of all the wonderfully talented designers out there, there is only one I love unconditionnaly and irrevocably: Karl Lagerfeld who has always been an immense source of inspiration to me. Whatever he does, he does it with love and curiosity that I can absolutely relate to. He brought Chanel to the 21st century and I´m sure that Coco herself, however complicated her character was, would love him and his work. 

Despite the fact that almost everything labeled Chanel is currently out of reach of my credit card, I´m a Chanel Girl. Always have, always will. And while saving my pennies for my first 2.55, I can always make my heart skip a beat with a brand new nail polish (I´m waiting veeery impatiently for my Mimosa and Morning Rose to arrive) or a shiny lipstick (right now, Boy is the very first on my wish list). 

Needless to say that I follow each and every fashion week religiously, waiting impatiently for the next big Chanel show, and I´m never disappointed. Like, ever! And I´m always happy to share my biggest crush - the looks that I love the most, that inspire me the most - with you.

According to Karl Lagerfeld, autumn will be designed in a black & white & grey color palette, with some hints of fuchsia. I love all those perfectly tailored ensembles, breathtaking gowns with the 20s´ wibe and the touches of sexy black lace. And there is one thing I´m absolutely obsessed with: those perfect smoky eyes and nude lips. Too classic and predictable, you say? Well, not at all. One detail - a light black lace veil - was just enough to give the models a touch of drama and to take this look to completely another level. I´m impressed!

Once again, bravo Karl!

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Decor Inspiration: Colorful and Chic

(Photos and quotes via High Gloss)

I´ve been enamored with the latest issue of High Gloss magazine for several days now. I am simply unable to keep my eyes off the wonderful interiors, stylish contributors, useful advices and travel tips from Marakech. 

However, there is one feature I´m completely obsessed with: Living a Glamorous Life, presenting a ridiculously talented decorator Melissa Warner and the living room she made over for a Beverly Hills family. And what´s so extraordinary about this article? The beyond gorgeous photos, obvi! I immediately fell in love with the joyful color palette where each color complements the others perfectly. Melissa Warner shows us once more that mixing colors, patterns and styles can be done in a very tasteful and fun way. Personally, I´d LOVE to have such an iterior in my future house and I´ll be surely incorporationg a few elements to my own living space. Do you want a few decorating advices from Melissa herself? Watch and learn :)

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Beauty Secrets: Diane Kruger´s silver eyeshadow

(Images via Gossip Avenue)

My love everything beauty started somewhere in 7th or 8th grade and ever since, I tend to try each and every beauty product I can lay my hands on. I´m following religiously beauty sections in my favorite magazines, and I get inspired all over the blogosphere. However, there´s one and only look I always come back to: dewy skin, soft lips AND sparkling silvery eyes accentuated with a black eyeliner. That´s why I almost jumped to the ceiling when I saw one of my favorite style mavens, Diane Kruger, rocking this simple, yet stunning look at an event in Parisian Louvre. Doesn´t she look absolutely amazing? This makeup is far from being too much, and yet you can´t get your eyes off her glowy skin, sparkling eyes and coral lips. And the best part? You´ll only need a few products to try this amazing look on your own! 

Here´s the tutorial:

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Happy July!

Fabulous Blake Lively in an even more fabulous Glamour fashion editorial.

Well, honestly, can anyone tell me where has the June gone by? I didn´t even notice that the July was already here! I have the impression that the time and life fly by with an incredible speed, and it´s easy to forget the important and beautiful little things that happen to us everyday. That´s why I love my monthly recap so much: I can stop for a moment, and scroll through all those amazing things that inspired me and made me happy last month. I hope you´ll enjoy this little flashback as much as I did!

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Fabulous Saturday Quote

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Friday Fancies #4: Emerald & Gold

Ever since I posted these pictures I haven´t been able to stop thinking about the perfect combination of emerald and gold. These colors look too good together, especially in summer, and it´s no wonder that they´ve inspired me for my Friday Fancies selection. I´m in love with each and every piece in this dream outfit. Why, you ask? 

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