Birthday & Christmas came early: Charles & Ron Bucket Bag

A week before my birthday and two weeks before Christmas, I decided to take the plunge and stop lusting after THE bucket bag that has been besieging me for a few weeks at work. 

I have been trying to find a bucket bag for quite a while, but never really found one that caught my eye, or thought is worth buying. However, on the 1st of November I attended the Charles & Ron pre-fall 2015 fashion show, and saw this green metallic beauty being modelled by model Daniela Aciu. Post-fashion show, I kept eying it at the shop every time I went in for work.

It is not the cheapest of bucket bags, but considering that it is real leather and such a statement piece, I see it accompanying me to the upcoming December events, and the many months to come. Plus, I am proud that my first high-end designer bag is by Malta's renowned fashion designers, Charles & Ron.

Also, in 2015 I will be putting myself on a shopping ban. I decided that I am going to be spending less on materialistic items, and more on experiences and travelling. I still have three weeks left, but I am sure this bangin' treat will keep me satiated for a few more months into 2015.

Have you treated yourself to anything special this Christmas?

THE WISHLIST: BOOKS

Not the kind of post I would upload on my blog, but I feel that the following books do kinda relate to the world of fashion and beauty.

The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane Von Fürstenberg

I have always felt intrigued by this influential woman and how she came to create the legendary and infamous wrap dress. However, since I started watching the series House of DVF on E!, I have become obsessed with reading her book. I am always inspired by powerful and innovative women who achieve the best they can in terms of a fulfilling life.

Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham

"But I am a girl with a keen interest in having it all, and what follows are hopeful dispatches from the frontlines of that struggle."

This is all it took to convince me to buy the book.

#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso

From what I can gather, this is the story of a girl who started from the very bottom and worked her way to the top. It is more enjoyable to actually read about a real person's success rather than searching for inspirational articles online (we've all been there).

Girl Online by Zoe Sugg

Although this is not an actual biography, I have discovered Zoella on YouTube around three years ago, and have been a loyal follower ever since. It almost feels wrong not purchasing her book. Although I am assuming that it does have episodes relating to Zoe's life, such as the panic attacks and having a blog, the story is a fictional novel which would be an excellent read along with a cup of tea to wind down at the end of the day.

The Warmth Component: Winter Knitwear

The weather in Malta has took a turn, and rain and strong winds await us for the next couple of days. While some may say it may not be that cold, I am definitely guilty of browsing the knitwear section both online and in retail stores. I may even be wrapping myself in some of mine for tomorrow's morning lecture.

Some may complain about being stuck in a rut in winter due to always covering up in the same jacket or coat. Without abandoning your sense of style, see some of my favourite knitwear selections below.

 Grey Grid Check Coatigan - New Look

Red Check Blanket Cardigan - New Look

Longline Cardigan - G-Star

Kimono Cardigan in Brushed Fairisle - Asos

Peach Cropped Rib Knit Jumper - MissGuided

Premium Cable Knit Jumper with Balloon Sleeve in Wool Mix - Asos

Shell Top in Horse Print - Max C

Brushed Monochrome Grid Detail Sweater - MissGuided
  

  

Tippi Merino Wool Sweater - J.Crew

Oban Striped Merino Wood Sweater - Jonathan Saunders

Intarsia Cotton Cardigan - Etro

Zip-detail Ripped Wool Sweater - Opening Ceremony

 

Tartan Double-Sided Blanket Scarf - River Island

Oversize Black Check Square Scarf - Asos

Textured Scarf with Contrast Tip - Asos

Oversize Scarf in Basket Stitch 2 Tone - Asos

PARASCANDALO Fashion Show // SERIOUSLY BLACK

LEAVE THE BOY ALONE // FRESHERS' WEEK OUTFIT

Making the most of what's left of Summer

THE BODY SHOP Favourites

Achieving the Perfect Base

Autumn/Winter Wishlist: Beauty

Autumn/Winter Wishlist: Fashion

HAUL: The Body Shop

What I Wore: Monochrome, Tribals & World Cup at Valletta

Summer Morning Makeup Routine

Most of us already have four to five steps in our morning beauty regime, and the last thing we need is to add further layers when we know we're going to be sweating 15 minutes later. However, summer brings with it the need to slap on a good SPF - in all honesty, it should be applied all-year round but we can get away with SPF makeup in winter [blame it on Caroline Hirons]. 

Personally I like to keep it all natural and down to the minimum in summer. Here is what I will be having in my makeup bag ready for grabs.

Favourites from Malta Fashion Week 2014

Considering I am still suffering from post-fashion week symptoms, I have decided to do another related post which will also be my last covering Malta Fashion Week 2014. Below are some of the garments that stood out prominently, in my opinion of course, over others. Saying this, it does not mean that I did not like the other brands or clothing - it is just that I actually see myself wearing the pieces below.

Creative Factory 7 // Dress - Front

THE OUTFIT: What I wore to Malta Fashion Week 2014

Instead of showing you what I wore to the Malta Fashion Week 2014 in the events' posts, I decided to do a separate one at the end showing you all my outfits at one go. Unfortunately, I did not attend all the shows due to being swamped with studying for my end of year exams - will do my best to be present more frequently next year.

Day 1: Morning // Creative Factory 7 & Ritienne Zammit

Don't you just hate it when you plan an outfit and the weather ends up ruining your plan all together? That is what happened to me on day 1, and this is what I wore instead;

[Read about the shows here]

Day 5: MFWA 2014 // Bridal Fashion Show

At first I was quite apprehensive about attending this event, but I changed my mind at the last minute and decided to tag along. I was quite surprised and the show surpassed my expectations.

The bridal fashion show consisted of three fashion houses, one local and two foreign. The location fitted the theme perfectly, having been held at La Valette Hall at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Wedding Bells

Intricate details and embellishment adorning the charming lace, grand silk and chiffon fabrics dominated this Maltese collection. Each gown had its own unique look, ranging from high lows to tea lengths, while differentiating in silhouettes of balls gown, mermaid, a-line and sheath. Necklines also varied between strapless, v-necks, illusions and one-shoulder.

Day 3: MFWA 2014 // Charles & Ron

With previous collections already embodying Maltese traditions, I thought I had seen it all, or most of it anyway. But I could not have been more wrong. Up until this evening I have never seen fashion and culture so intertwined, leading to the most mesmerising collection. 

The location could not have fitted more perfectly, with Charles & Ron showcasing their design at Fort St. Elmo, one of Malta's oldest fortification in Valletta. From the Triton fountain to the Renzo Piano design for the new Parliament building to the details engraved in antique yet prestigious architecture, Charles & Ron managed to incorporate Malta's capital city, Valletta, into their Spring/Summer '15 collection. Abstract and symbolic designs, laser perforations, leather and pastels graced tonight's show.

Makeup by Justin Brincat
Hair by Alexander's Hairdressing 

Day 1: MFWA 2014 // New Designers Show

Yesterday evening I also attended the New Designers Fashion Show in the evening at Casino Maltese. My camera was not appropriate for the lighting that was on location, and the photos I took with my phone did not turn out any good. So I will be using professional photos of photographers whose name I will be mentioning.

Edith

Natalie Bronfman developed a line for strong women who love clean cuts and elegance. The collection consisted of a mixture of colours, with the most vibrant, prominent colour being fuchsia.

Day 1: MFW 2014 // Creative Factory 7 & Ritienne Zammit

MINK: Printing Your Own Makeup (WHAT?!)

 

So... I came across this video on Business Insider and did not know what to think. Grace Choi, a Harvard student, basically claims to have found a way to never buy a single product from the beauty industry ever again. 

Mink is a 3D home printer that allows you to print the colours of any makeup (eyeshadow, blushers, lipsticks, foundations...) immediately after seeing them. Through watching a YouTube video, one can copy the code from the makeup item in the video and take it over to Photoshop and work the 'magic'.

However, one thing that concerns me is that there is no talk of quality. I am assuming that the quality is nowhere near the makeup purchased from well-established brands, although Choi claims the powder to be FDA-approved.

Personally, I think I would prefer to stick continuing buying products from my favourites brands for now.

Event: ALDO SS14 Launch

Getting Rid of Dark Circles

Jelly Heeled Sandals

After finally overcoming my guilt that resulted from the never-ending shopping spree in London, I have gotten back on track with shopping. I came across these jelly heeled sandals on a number of websites. I know that the jelly concept has been in for quite a while... but heeled sandals? I have not spotted anyone wearing them in Malta yet... What about other countries?