Affordable Fashion

Wearing

Shoes - New Look

Jeans - Gina Tricot

I should not be blogging, I should be studying. I'm so overwhelmed with the amount of work I have  that it's hard to stop worrying and start doing... But let's forget about work and let's talk some fashion.

I'm in love with the white long blazer. It's actually not mine as I stole it from Grigoria. I can't believe she found it from Primark. That's one thing I love: Affordable fashion. As a poor student it's so easy to agitate yourself into this deep and dark pit of fepression (fashion depression) by looking at famous bloggers, with the means to buy Zara's whole new collection, topping it off with Manolos and Céline sunglasses. It's hard. However, what we need to remember is that affordable fashion is a thing and dressing in accordance to what pleases your eye instead of what name you are wearing teaches you more about your style than any magazine could. Yves Saint Laurent once said that fashions fade but style is eternal. You have to work harder to get creative and to come up with outfits when you have only so many clothes in your closet. You have to find ways to wear the same piece differently if you don't like repeating outfits. Most importantly you learn to scout for those golden finds, like for example this white blazer Grigoria got from Primark. Next time I find myself feeble from fepression, I'll remember that the only true currency, which fashion requires is the currency of creativity and some goddamn effort. 

Lots of Love,

J   

BEHIND THE LENS: Grigoria

When people ask me about my blog, I always tell them that this is 'the project'; my one child, project that feels like it's never complete or perfect. It's born from sweat, tears, sleepless nights editing after school work, and countless fashion disasters. However, not enough praises are heard over those who I drag along with me through this project, on my quests to find the 'perfect spot' for photos. Those, who wait patiently while I'm adjusting the exposure, or try to figure out the perfect angle. These people do it out of the sole goodness of their hearts and contribute to my blog immensely. 

This post series is a tribute to my friends, siblings, parents, relatives, and heck, even some strangers. This is a heart-felt thank you to the people behind the lens.

1. GRIGORIA

This Greek native is my go-to woman. She's behind most of my posts here in Maastricht, and is the secret to how I'm able to keep my blog so active whilst studying. We have these quick photoshoots, where I bring my camera to wherever we study, and we quickly go and shoot an outfit over the lunch break. Quite frankly, every fashion bloggers should have their own Grigoria. 

Grigoria studies International Business and is currently a first year in Maastricht University. I sat her down and fired some questions at her.

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 What is the one key piece in your closet, you could not live without?

   My gold and black satin jacket from Zara with embroidery. It's double faced so it's like having two  jackets in one.

Who is your fashion muse?

My two 'muses' would be Taylor Tomasi Hill and Leandra Medine.

3. Heels or flats?

Flats.

 A skirt or pants?

A skirt.

 Describe our relationship with one word.

Hmm I would say Mother-daughter... Haha, does that count as one?

No, that's not even a word.

Pshh, it counts as one just write that there.

If you could live in the world of a TV-series, which one would it be?

Gossip girl!

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I will keep posting behind the lens series every now and then.

Thanks for reading!

Kisses,

J

Cotton Candy and Hair Talk

Wearing

Shoes & Dress - New Look

Rings - Acessorize

Me and my regular sidekick and co-photographer Griggy decided to fuck it all (including our diet clearly) and went to get a huge cotton candy cone during our lunch break. It was so nice and summery (if summery is not a word I apologize). Lots of people hustling around going about their business in the sun, happy sounds from the amusement park in Vrijthof square, and flowers. Like, everywhere. Not exactly the ideal setting to spend the days in the library.

I was so happy with my hair though. It is so easy to do, only takes twisting the hair and a few hair pins. I will attempt to explain it here but I might do a tutorial video later.

First, you take two sections of hair from one side of the very front of your face, and twist the lower section of hair over the upper one. You keep on twisting, but each time you lift whichever lower section over the higher one, you take additional hair into the lower section. (For those who know how to french braid this is very similar. When the length of the twisted section is so long it passes my ears, I stop taking in new hair and just keep on twisting until it reaches the back of my head. I do this to both sides and then attach them together behind my head into a little ponytail with a clear plastic hair tie. (Top left picture)

Now, if you want to leave your hair open it looks pretty awesome this way too. However, if you do decide to proceed forward, the main idea is to twist the remaining hair into a bun and basically there is no wrong way to do this. Here is how I did it: I twisted the remaining hair and pulled it up over my twisted pony and then pulled it back down through the loop created by the united sections of hair. Then, as shown in the second picture (top right), I attached the end of the twist to where my united sections were. This created a fun little twisted, droopy loop. I grabbed the bottom of the loop and kind of folded it into two adding hair pins were needed, until it looked nice.

I hoped the explanation made sense, if not, I can always try and film it.

Enjoy the sunny days.

XO,

J

London pt. 2

Wearing:

Boots - Spy Love Buy

Dress & Leather Jacket - Zara

Here's the final set of pictures from London! I was rather pleased with my outfit of the day. A bit more attitude than usual combined with a fresh face. In my face and hair I used this secret beauty product called laziness. It did work pretty well though.

 I finally found a solution to my dilemma of how to keep the boots from riding down when I walk: fashion tape!! It seriously is a life saver, not only with boots but also bras and dresses. I got mine from Primark. 

I miss London already. I had so much fun and I loved seeing my family. I still have a long and hard way to go until exams and summer. I will probably sit in the library all day, so sadly you can expect a little less posting from me. Although, I am currently wearing a killer outfit that I'll try to shoot today and perhaps blog later during this week.

Congrats to those of you who are already done with exams and to those who are still studying, I can only say stay strong! <3 p="">

XO,

J

London pt. 1

Wearing

Fur coat - Zara

Dress pants - Bik Bok

Shoes - Stan Smith for adidas

London is a magical city. It is interesting how to me it bears more resemblance to cities on the East Coast of the U.S. than the other cities in Europe, such as Stuttgart or Amsterdam. On the other hand, I have yet to visit Berlin or Paris before my comparison is full. Still, the city has this irresistible pulse. I liked my outfit because it worked on the posher streets of Kensington with my dress pants and fur, but when in Soho, my Stans kept my look down to fresh and casual. I appreciate adaptability in a look, because I hate feeling out of place.

XO,

J

Back in Cardiff

Wearing

Sweater - Gina Tricot

Black dress underneath - H&M

Necklace - Bik Bok

Shoes - Stan Smiths by Adidas

Denim coat - Pull & Bear

Greetings from the UK! I've returned to Cardiff for a few days. I have to say I'm glad to be back! I missed the city and its people. This is the first stop on my trip. After Cardiff I'll be heading to London. On one of the days in Cardiff, we went to Cardiff Bay and I flashed all the people my bum accidentally (because I was trying to climb on the rail to take a winning tourist picture) and rode in a carousel. Great achievements both in my opinion. Also, if you're looking for a restaurant, do check out Wahaca. I'm so mad I didn't get any pictures but the food and the place were awesome. I'd give 10 stars if I could. 

This day's outfit was all about layers. The dress is actually a cocktail dress but since I don't have enough cocktail parties it's easy to convert it to casual wear by adding a sweater over it. Also, the bipolar spring weather calls for layering and this look is perfect for it!

See you soon, London!

XO,

J