Off to New York (or at least I hope so)

(Image via)

My dear friends, thank you so much for all your comments and recommandations on my iPad-case post! I think I'm definitely going to hit a Marc Jacobs store :)

I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to all of your sweet comments for the past few days, but I have a good explanation: since last Monday I've been in Paris, packing all our odds and ends into a bunch of boxes. On Thursday morning we put everything into one big truck that left for Graz, where we'll follow them in

mid-September. A new life is waiting for us there and there are still many questions I'm trying to figure out, but I'm really looking forward to discovering new country, new language and new people. I'm sure it'll all be a great adventure for me and my boyfriend.

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Fashion Dilemma: iPad case

My dear friends, I´ll need your help today.

One of the first things I plan to buy in New York, is an iPad. I´ve been in love with the concept ever since Steve Jobs presented it for the first time, but I hesitated and didn´t buy it the last time I was in New York. I won´t repeat the same mistake :) But I don´t regret it either, because the iPad 2 is slightly thinner and less heavy than the first one. And since I know that I´ll be travelling quite a lot in the following months, I´m sure that I´ll get to use it very often. Even blogging will be easier while on the move!

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Words to live by: Reese Witherspoon

(Photos and quotes via vogue.com)

What Reese Witherspoon has to say...

...on her celebrity life:

"You know, it can be a crazy life. Sometimes you feel like you are on a speeding train and you just don´t know where it´s going. You can start to lose your identity and what it is that you are really working for. I don´t wake up to make movies. I wake up to have a wonderful family and to cultivate the best life for all of us, and it´s great to now have a partner in that.

We have a lot of family meetings. ´Mom´s going to be away and coming home on the weekends. How does everybody feel about that?´ It´s always military operations around here. Lots of different moving parts. I have my moments when I feel like I´m just going to collapse and I can´t do it anymore and I´m failing at everything. Like, you´re kind of good at a bunch of stuff but not really good at anything."

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Friday´s Fancies #11: Bright day

1. Asos dress / 2. Rag & Bone blazer / 3. Christian Louboutin booties / 4. Kate Spade bag / 5. KC Designs hoops / 6. Majolie ring / 7. Orly Terracotta nail polish

Even if I was musing recently about the fall jewel-toned collections, I ´m not quite over summer colors yet. For this week´s Friday´s Fancies I´ve decided to put together a cheerful and colorful ensemble, toned down with a little bit of black.

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Summer Reading: Carrie Diaries

"Funny always makes the bad things go away."

"Whoever we are here, we might be princesses somewhere else. Or writers. Or scientists. Or presidents. Or whatever the hell we want to be that everyone else says we can´t."

"You can get used to anything, I guess, if you´ve been there enough."

"If a woman could take care of herself, would she still need a man? Would she even want one? And if she didn´t want a man, what kind of woman would she be? Would she even be a woman? Because it seemed that if you were a woman, the only thing you were really supposed to want was a man."

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Inspiration: Jewel tones for fall

(Photos via Harper´s Bazaar US)

Summer isn´t quite over yet and I´m already musing over fall fashion. Between the black-on-black trend, colorful leather and fur vests, I´m quite sure that the designers were thinking of me while preparing the fall 2011 collections :)
But the trend that always makes my fashion heart go racing is the one including jewel tones. What´s best for fall / winter season than these rich and vibrant shades of emerald, amethyst, ruby and gold? Just looking at these photos makes me want to go shopping immediately :) 

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Know what you want

(Image via)

If you don´t know where you´re going, how do you expect to know when you get there?

Knowing what you want to do with your life is crucial when you want to move forward. It´s hard to motivate yourself when you don´t have a clear idea of your likes, dislikes and ambitions. It means channelling your energy and willpower toward something that is really important to you and makes you happy. 

I think you already know that it´s much easier to be excellent in something that´s close to your heart than in something you´re doing just because you have to. 

Don´t listen to those who tell you that it´s impossible! You have the power to make things happen, but you must learn to work with it.

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Bloglovin´

I know I´m awfully behind on this, but I´ve finally got to update my Bloglovin´account. 

Want more stylish tips and inspiration from Style in the City? Don´t forget to follow!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Friday´s Fancies #10: Back to work

Originally, this week´s Friday´s Fancies theme was "Back to school". But as for me, the school´s been over for quite some time (thank God!), I thought that a "Back to work" ensemble would be much more appropriate. Plus, if your name is Blair Waldorf or Serena van der Woodsen, this could easily be your school attire, if you prefer :)

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Style Icon: Diane Kruger

(Photos via Madame Figaro)

{Diane and Atelier Versace}

While browsing photos of Diane Kruger modeling haute couture I was wandering: what can be more inspirational that a beautiful woman in beautiful clothes? I know that haute couture is virtually inaccessible for us, but it´s still an amazing source of inspiration in terms of colors, textures and details. So meet a fashion loving girl´s best friends: Chanel, Dior, Valentino...

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Decor Inspiration: Pretty Pastels

(Photos via Style at Home)

Pastels definitely belong to my favorite color palette. They are the perfect choice for your home décor: soft, elegant and chic, and they can be easily combined not only together, but with some bright and vivid hues (like magenta, bright blue or kelly green) as well. Here are a few examples of the decorative power of pastels.

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Magenta & Black + Some thoughts on blogging

(Orsay top and sunnies, Dorothy Perkins skirt, platform shoes and chevron clutch, Koton necklace, Bizuteria snov cuff, Bijou Brigitte hair clip, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails polish in Ruby Stilettos, Dior Addict gloss in 686 Outrageous Fuchsia)

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments on my previous post! It´s so rewarding to know that not only my photos, but my writing as well can strike a chord with you!

And this morning when I read Vanessa´s post about blogging (be sure to go an check it on her fabulous blog Decadence for Divas), it´s got me thinking. What´s so special about blogging? Why are we willing to sacrifice our free time just to share our thoughts and pictures with countless people in the blogosphere?
For me, the answer is quite simple: it´s discovering. Discovering new things, getting to know new people, getting outside of my comfort zone. If it weren´t for my blog, I´d never get to know so many wonderful women out there (like Vanessa, like Jenna, like Jessie). I´d never have thought of myself as a model. And here I am, making fool of myself in front of the camera. The best part? I LOVE it! :)

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Know who you are

(Photo via)

The path towards the self-confidence can be pretty tricky (and I should know that, as I´m still on my way :). Obviously, the first question would be: where to begin? And, maybe not so obviously, the answer would be: by knowing yourself.
I know this may sound like a no-brainer, but, honestly, have you ever asked yourself that simple question "Who am I?" ? Because, if you want to move forward, you have to know your past first.
Ready to take an in-depth excursion into your "self"? :) If so, steal a few moments from your busy schedule, grab a cup of coffee and write down a few items on your "Me, myself & I" list:

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Wonderful little things

Two new vintage-like hair clips, perfect for braided hair.

After seriously disastrous last weekend, I´ve decided to dedicate much more time to enjoying beautiful little things in my life. Being happy sometimes requires too much energy, but I promise you, it´s worth it!

After a very very long time I got to spend an entire day with my best friend. We were sipping martinis and catching up on our lives, and it felt wonderful! On Thursday I hit the mall for some end-of-sales shopping, and I was more than pleasantly surprised: I scored some amazing bargains and wenthome with a bunch of perfect tops and a few new additions to my costume jewelry collection. And I can´t remember a week when I was reading this much: I started to read Hunger Games on Tuesday (I was on a train and I almost missed my stop!) and couldn´t put my Nook down ever since. It´s such an amazing, gripping story! Sometimes terrifying, sometimes full of hope...I´m sure I´ll have finished the third book by tonight!

Here are few more things that made my week more beautiful:

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Friday´s Fancies #9: Red fever

(1. Asos dress / 2. Christian Louboutin pumps / 3. Christian Louboutin bag / 4. Lanvin crystal necklace / 5. Heidi Daus ring)

I have to admit that I gave just a tiny little squeak of delight when I discovered the theme of this week´s Friday´s Fancies: the color RED! Red has always been one of my favorite colors. It exudes such a power and confidence, and it´s fierce and feminine like it´s no one´s business! I know that with all that fire and drama, this color may scare more than one. But it´s really simple to wear, and it´s always about the good combinations: you may start with a little detail (like a silky scarf, an amazing purse or some fierce pumps). 

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Style Icon: Elisa Sednaoui

(Photos via Madame Figaro)

Elisa Sednaoui is a model and an actress, muse of Karl Lagerfeld and who knows how many other big names of fashion. She is one of the most beautiful women I know, with her half-egyptian and half-italian features inherited from her parents.
How stunning does she look, modeling the most beautiful haute couture gowns of the season? These photos have just made me dream about all-white outfits, romantic lace, statement jewelry and flowy hairstyles. What about you? What are you dreaming about right now?

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Summer Reading: The Help

When I wondered which book should I cross out of my summer reading list (part I here, part II here) first, the answer was pretty obvious: The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I´m usually well  behind on reading all the bestsellers: somehow I always have the feeling that if everyone loves the book, I will not. 

Well, definitely not the case with this one. I loved it and I enjoyed reading every single page. I couldn´t put it down: I read it while spinning, I read it in bed, and I finished it in mere 3 days. I love when a book not only entertains me but makes me think about life as well. 

It really is a beautiful and touching story and I´d love to share a few of my favorite quotes with you:

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Decor Inspiration: Colors & Patterns

(Photos via)

We all know that decorating with patterns can be really tricky. But these two designers have found the right way to do it. Their Brooklyn house is full of stripes, floral and chevron patterns, even some birds are present. What is their secret? The right colors. 

If the colors work together, the patterns will as well. The basic color palette is very simple: white, various shades of green and yellow, with occasionnal splashes of pink. And somehow, it all looks great together and creates a traditional, yet edgy home. How do you like it?

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Wonderful little things

Pink and violet flowers

Just a few things currently making me happy.

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Inspiration: Jet Set Bohème

(Photos via Madame Figaro)

Ever since I saw these beautiful photos, I´ve been dreaming about an amazing summer getaway. It would be fabulous to escape this crazy world of mine for several days (or even weeks :), sunbath on the beach while reading Coco Chanel´s memoir, discover new country, try out new cocktails and wear these chic, 

seventies-inspired outfits...Right now, Tuscany tops the list of my dream destinations, and I´m trying to figure out how to get there next summer...

What about you? Where would you like to spend a few hot summer days? 

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Friday´s Fancies #8: Maximized Summer

What´s new on Friday´s Fancies? This week I pulled together an easy breezy summer outfit, perfect for just about any occasion. I mean, who can go wrong with a flowy floral dress, killer pair of wedges, red crocodile clutch, a stack of glittering bangles and the simplest of fedoras? No one, I knew it :) 

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Beauty Essentials: Make-up

I´ve had a passion for beauty products for as long as I can remember. Even as a little girl, I used to sneak into my mom´s vanity case, and try on various eyeshadows, mascaras and lipsticks (no need to tell that the results were not always presentable :) This curiosity never left me, and even now I can get overly giddy when I find myself in the beauty department. I´d love to try all the products, buy all shades of nailpolish, find out new trends and colors. Sometimes it´s a hit, sometimes a miss. But the happiness of discovering something new is essential. I´ve already shared with you my skincare essentials and now it´s time for what I call my "painting material".

When it comes to make-up, I´m always ready to try new things and color combos. However, often in the morning, when I´m in a rush or when I feel particularly uninspired, I find myself reaching for the same old and time-proven essentials. These are the products I can always rely on:

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Cheesecake

I´ve been wanting to prepare my own first cheesecake for longer than I dare to admit. And finally, the past 

weekend´s family reunion was just the perfect occasion. I opted for a no-bake version that turned out wonderfully: The crust was sweet and crunchy and the cream was full of flavor. It´s truly the best dessert you can ask for: easy to prepare, yet really impressive by its taste. Are you tempted?

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How to: Flashy manicure

(Photo via US Weekly)

As you may already know, I´m a huge manicure maniac. I have around 50 botles of nail polish at home, and I´m constantly on the lookout for some new, unusual shades to add to my collection. And I really love doing my nails all by myself: it´s a great way to relax and play around a little bit. I tend to draw inspiration from many sources: fashion magazines, fabulous blogs or just things and color combinations around me. 

I immediately fell under the charm of this Beyonce´s mani: it´s flashy, sunny and it literally screams summer. So when I finally layed my hands on a bottle of Mimosa, I knew I had to recreate this look as soon as possible, with a little color swap.

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What´s up with the fear of being happy?

(Photos via Running on Happiness)

"The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure."  

Sven Goran Eriksson

Have you already met Katie from Running on Happiness? If not, read this post to the end, please :) and then pop over to her fabulous blog. Not only has this girl an amazing sense of style, she´s very intelligent, funny and inspiring as well. And on top of it all, she´s a real beauty. Would be very easy to hate her for all that :) But she´s so nice that you simply have to like her! 

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