How I Shop For Stylish And Sustainable Clothing On The Cheap

   I  wanted to share a little bit about my way of shopping for clothes, or rather my buying philosophy.

    I like fashion and see it as a form of self expression, and I like to experiment a lot. I am definitely not a minimalist. I keep my clothes budget really low because it just isn't something I want to invest money on. But on the other hand I would really like to afford clothes that are ethically and ecologically produced - - without harm to the environment or human rights. I shopped the high street for some years, and wasn't really happy about it.

  Right now I am at the point where I have found my own style, and my wardrobe is filled with pieces I love and I get frequent compliments on. Almost all are pre-owned. What isn't pre-owned is usually a gift. I haven't bought new clothes in ages apart from underwear and summer socks.

    I get complemented on my style and my clothes, so buying second hand doesn't mean sacrificing style or quality! It's all about having an eye for which colours flatter you, which proportions work for you (I learned it from these blogs), and having a basic knowledge of fabrics.

I love to buy secondhand because:

* The variety of choice! I have access to all the colours and styles. I have had more luck in finding very specific items secondhand than in retail stores. Stores usually have a slim selection of colours and styles, which often don't match me at all. Nor to mention that half of the stuff here in Germany is grey or black.

* Financial and ethical freedom to experiment with my style: I spontaneously pick up a lot of items that are outside of my current style zone. At the last clothing swap I picked up several really interesting items, and I'll see how well they work with the rest of my wardrobe and my lifestyle -- if I don't, I'll pass them on. I wouldn't have bought them if I had seen them in a normal store, because although there is a 50% chance that the pieces would become my new favourites, but there is also 50% chance that they wouldn't work for me at all.

* Living outside the trends: because I don't shop in regular stores, I don't get exposed to the current trends so much. My fashion horizon is much wider. Thrift stores and swap events means I get exposed to a lot of very different stuff! It's especially cool when people who have traveled or have very eccentric fashion tastes bring their stuff to swap parties -- I have up with stuff from the UK, Japan, Malaysia in my closet. Stuff that I'd normally never get exposed to in "normal" stores.

* Releasing items that don't work for me. I regularly edit and purge my closet and bring the clothes I'm not keeping to swap parties or to my local thrift store. But first I let my friends take their pick -- It's really nice to see a friend picking out items that have been hard to part with. Also, I know that my unwanted clothes go -- did you know that a lot of donated clothes end up getting sold (yes sold, and not for low prices) in poorer countries, which kills the local textile industry?

* Ethics. I'm not giving money to brands whose ethics are not aligned with mine. No new stuff is getting produced just for me, no extra shipping, etc. Also, I know that this opinion might be controversial, but I feel ok with buying second hand leather and silk stuff, though I would balk at buying them new. (My feet are really fussy and I have to be really picky with shoes, and at the moment I can't afford the really good vegan shoes.)

* Champagne life on a beer budget: My closet includes some really beautiful pieces that I normally wouldn't be able to afford. Cashmere and lambswool sweaters, some really beautiful pieces from brands that would normally be way beyond my budget. Some fancy coats and scarves. My newest find is an amazing Alpaca coat. I paid 23€ for it.

* Real quality and durability: items that make their way to thrift stores or swap parties have survived wear and washes, so I know that they are sturdy and won't fall apart soon. I can see what to expect in regards of pilling, fading,  shrinking/stretching, beading staying on. This is especially true for sweaters and jeans!

Taking outfit pictures has to be THE most powerful tool in building your style. Try it :)

Where I shop:

* Local thrift stores: there aren't that many in my town, actually there is only one good and affordable one. I go there every time they get stuff for the new season -- on the first day. On the second day half of the best stuff is already gone. Also, the Sozialkaufhaus community shops usually have a small clothing selection -- usually really old and outdated stuff, with some amazing gems hidden in the midst.

* Foreign thrift stores: I often hit a thrift store when I'm traveling within Europe. The best ones so far have been in the UK, but even in Spain (which is the country of label snobs) I chanced upon a quirky flea market inside an old church. I always search online for thrift stores ahead of time, mark them on my map, and visit any that happen to be near the places I want to see.

* Clothes swapping and selling websites: Vinted has versions in several European countries and I still use it even though the have made really awful changes to the site. Shpock is another site / app that I have had success with. Fashion forums very often have a swap / sell section! Also local Facebook groups where the members swap or sell clothes are also gaining in popularity -- you can start your own if you can't find one.

* Ebay and Ebay Kleinanzeigen (classifieds): I always search for stuff from private sellers (to avoid the cheaply-produced new stuff from commercial sellers). My best buy so far is a pair of Ecco booties -- I tried them on in a store and loved them, but decided to search online for a used pair first. I found a once-worn pair on Ebay for half the price.
My secret to Ebay shopping is to tick the "private sellers" checkbox to filter out all the cheapo new stuff. Ebay hid this option, in fact on the Ebay US site I couldn't find it at all. In other countries you make a search, click on any "see all" on the left column,  go to "seller" and check the seller type > private option.

* Flea Markets and second-hand markets: Flea markets don't have any place to try stuff on, but are great for accessories, and the prices are often rock-bottom. Usually I take a quick glance the seller's stuff, whether they have my colour and a style that looks interesting. I have learned to spot stands with stuff that fit with my style -- these are the stands where I look at every item.

* Friends: I don't remember which one of us was the first one who started it, but we often say "I bought this lovely piece but it just isn't working for me, but I thought it's kind of your style. Would you like to try it on?" Sometimes we give away the stuff for free, sometimes we ask for a small amount for it. Sometimes we even help the original owner to make the item work for them: "that will work if you shorten it." It might be a little awkward at first, but it soon becomes a normal thing if your friends are open-minded.

* Clothing swap parties: love them. You can either invite just your friends, or people off a facebook clothes swapping group. Here are some tips on how swapping parties work. In my town someone started a Facebook group of local users of a popular clothes selling/swapping site, and we take turns in hosting swap parties. The people mostly don't know each other, but since everyone is interested in clothes and in swapping, it usually works really well.

     But there are no swapping parties or thrift shops in my town, you might say. There were almost none in mine either. I hosted my clothing swap parties back before they were a thing. Luckily thrifting and swapping is "in" now and in the last years swap parties have been mushrooming -- including some really big ones! 

   A culture of reusing, sharing and swapping takes time to grow, and someone has to start. Why not you? Sometimes there is a stigma attached to second-hand -- as if you're supposed to be able to afford to buy everything new, it's a sign of doing well in life. I see this in the middle-age Germans. The younger people are more likely to be concerned with the ethical and environmental impact of this attitude, and more open to buying used (the openness is often strongly encouraged by the limited budget). I think that talking about owning pre-owned stuff normalises it. My friends feel comfortable giving me clothes because I usually mention that what I'm wearing is second-hand when I'm complimented on it.

   So, that's all from me. I'd love to know how you feel like about shopping second hand? What are your best tips?

How To Stay Really Warm In The Winter -- Dealing With Body Moisture

   I have discovered that body moisture is to blame for my feet being cold even with the best boots, socks and inserts. Sweat is absorbed by our innermost layers of clothes, and as soon as we are outside this makes us feel really cold. Here are some tips on how to deal with body moisture and stay really toasty:

Put on fresh and dry inner layers:

   I found that putting on fresh socks, cami and leggings before I go out makes a huge difference. I used to think that the stuff that I wore around the house was warmed up by my body, but the truth is that it had absorbed a lot of moisture.
   When I expect to spend a lot of time out of the house, I sometimes bring an extra pair of socks with me to change into halfway.

Talcum powder:

   Sprinkle your feet with it to absorb the excess moisture. Cornstarch or arrowroot based ones work just as well as literal talc.

Moisture-absorbing fabrics:

   Outdoor people say that "cotton kills", because it absorbs moisture easily and then feels soggy. There are two alternatives that will keep you dry: hi-tech outdoor fabrics wick away moisture. The ones meant for sports like skiing are made to wick moisture but are also very breathable and not so warm as the ones meant for activities where you sweat less. Then there is animal wool which can absorb a lot of moisture without feeling wet. Merino and Alpaca are really good, and if you can afford it I heard that Quiviut is amazing.
   These fabrics do an amazing job of wicking away body moisture. Still, they have their limits and so you should take them off latest at the end of the day and let them dry.

Try not to sweat or get wet

  Take off a layer as soon as you feel hot. Don't keep on all your layers when you enter a heated building or vehicle. If it's wet outside make sure you have waterproof shoes and outer layers on.

Keeping your shoes dry

   Shoes absorb a lot of moisture because it's a closed environment in there. Quality shoes that breathe are best. It's a good idea to give shoes time between wears to dry completely. But don't place them near the heater as that damadges them. Crumpled newspaper stuffed into shoes help them dry faster. Wearing two socks on each foot is a great way to protect the shoe from foot sweat -- the moisture stays in the inner socks

  How do you deal with body moisture in the winter? Any tips for constantly cold feet? Or maybe you are lucky enough to live in a place where it doesn't get very cold?

Photo credit: Pablo Biasago via Unsplash

What You Should Wear When Shopping For Clothes Or Shoes

   Wearing the wrong clothes when you go shopping is like going grocery shopping when hungry. I first realised this when I entered a shoe shop wearing rather old and not very clean shoes. They didn't look so before but when I got into the store full of shiny pretty shoes they suddenly felt very unstylish and shabby. I felt the urgency to swap them out for a fresh new pair. I don't remember what I bought but it was probably not the most thought-through purchase I have made.

   Since then I have perfected the art of shopping outfits that put me into a good mindset. The best ones will help me pick the right pieces and allow me to try things on outside of the changing room.
Here are my rules:

* Wear something you look and feel great in:

    This will set the bar for the new clothing pretty high, the way it should be. Jeans that fit you really well will give you a great baseline for comfort when trouser shopping. Badly fitting pants will make almost anything look and feel good in comparison. Wear flattering colours and comfortable fabrics, pieces that make you feel good about your body. I also try to wear something very "me" when shopping, even if it's just an accessory, because I often get carried away and buy pieces that I love on other people but aren't "me" at all. I have bought clothes "for" several bloggers whose style I was admiring at the moment.

* Wear separates

    You really should check out the pieces you are trying on in the mirrors that stand outside of the dressing cabins. They usually have better lighting and you have much more space to walk and twirl. You can't do that if you just took off a dress to try on a blouse, and have nothing to wear on the bottom.

* Simple pieces for a clean background

   A pair of jeans or a neutral-coloured skirt make it easier to try on tops, as compared to a gorgeous colourful skirt that clashes with almost everything. So I suggest wearing pieces that are neutral and not too fussy. Go for your personal neutrals that flatter your colouring instead of the usual neutrals like black or white -- for example if you have a cool summer colouring you should try greys, muted blues and navy; a warm autumn could go for chocolate browns and olive greens. These colours will help you to pick pieces in shades that work best with your wardrobe and skin tone.

* When shopping for shoes, wear the clothes that you are shopping for.

  If you need boots that go with feminine dresses, wear a feminine dress to the store.

 My two favourite shopping outfits:

   These are the two outfits that have worked best for me!

* Black tank top + black leggings + top layers

    Simple pieces that "go" with almost everything I try on. I can easily try things over them if I am at a flea market, clothes swap, or if the changing room has a huge line.
   I usually wear a skirt and blouse on top, and if it's really cold I'll wear a sweater and jeans.

* Soft stretchy strapless dress

   This dress kind of bends all the rules, and it's amazing. The stretchy part on the bust means it can be worn as a short dress, top or a skirt. I can easily try on anything over it and then pull the dress down or up. It's also much more comfortable on hut summer days.

  I'd love to know what do you wear shopping? Do you have some personal rules or outfits that work best for you? Let me know!

photo credit: somebody via photopin (license)

How To Go Sockless -- Tips On Wearing Shoes With Bare Feet

   I figured out how to wear shoes without socks just this year, and I'm 31. I thought that I'd talk a bit about it, because it seems to be a tricky topic. Sometimes sandals are just not right, either it's too cold, or your toenails look awful, or you need some protection from the dirt. Or you just want to wear ballet flats. I always thought that going barefoot in shoes is just gross, but socks often just look wrong with certain shoes and dresses. So, finally, I have figured out how to do this:

Washable frottee shoe inserts:

   The key here is washable. There are many barefoot insoles out there, but if they aren't washable they'll get gross in no time. Anything with leader is usually not washable, the frottee ones can be hand-washed or even machine washed. Check the packaging for laundering instructions. I got one pair of washable frottee insoles from the Müller and they do the job well. If you can find it, a dark colour is more practical. The inserts not only soak up the sweat and prevent it from touching the shoe, they also prevent bare feet from slipping inside the shoes. If they are thicker, they provide a bit of cushioning and make the shoes more comfortable.

Foot deodorant

   I just use my regular deodorants on my feet (especially the liquid version of the crystal deo) because I don't like to have too many products. A dash of talcum powder can also keep things dryer. I strongly suggest that you use a deodorant with no toxic ingredient for your feet, since the feet absorb stuff easily -- that's the reason natural medicines in balm form are often massaged into the feet. Also, cleaning well between and below the toes helps to keep the feet from smelling.

Socklets

   If you really don't want to go barefoot, socklets give you the sockless look wile providing the traction and the absorption. These can be a pain in the butt, but hear me out. There are three kinds out there: sneaker footlets go up a bit higher and stay put, they are perfect for shoes with a higher vamp and booties. The lower-cut footlets are supposed to be invisible but it's pretty hard to find ones that don't slip off. I have tested out several brands, and annoyingly I have completely forgotten where I have bought the ones I like best. Any recommendations from you? Ballet flats are usually so low-cut that even these low-cut footlets are visible, and in my opinion this looks really tacky. The only solution here is to get decorative footlets with a pretty lace edge and make it look intentional. Black footlets work with black shoes or shoes that have black on them somewhere, otherwise the best colour is something that is close to your skin tone in intensity -- so if you are white you might want to go for pink or coral, or even grey or sky blue. White looks tacky with shoes that are not white. Beige only looks good if it is really lacey and is not too greyish. Of course footlets in the colour of the shoe always work.

   Over to you: do you ever wear shoes without socks? Could anyone recommend me a good brand of footles? What is your favourite foot deodorant?

Photo credit: Toffee Maky / Foter / CC BY-SA

How To Keep Your Feet Really Warm This Winter

   Last week a friend was complaining about how her feet get cold even inspite of wearing winter shoes with really thick soles. So I shared my method with her,  developed over years of being a person with low blood pressure who spends too much time waiting on bus stops in minus temperatures.

  First,  you need good shoes

    It's worth investing in something warm,  snow-proof and non-skid. Actually shoes like this should be the main investment piece in your entire wardrobe. If you live in a place that gets snow, you should own one pair of boots that gets you through snow, slush and polar temperatures.

Isolate the shoes with an insert. 

    Get a good insert, most of the regular ones I have tested don't make much difference when it gets really cold. If you want to experience foot heaven, get the kind that are lined with shearling, like the ones from LL Bean. Merino wool isolates really well, I have a pair of merino inserts from the DM Drogerie.

The two socks method

   The trick to this method is two layers of socks.  With just a single layer the feet sweat in the first minutes when you are still warm, and then get really cold in the moist socks. With two layers the sweat stays in inner layer and the outer layer stays dry. Plus two layers means more warmth. 

   For the inner layer regular thin socks are nice,  though if you have nice socks that breath bonus points for you. For the outer layer get long thick socks. I recommend Smartwool, or anything with a high percentage of Merino wool. or at least sheep wool. Polypropylene is really warm too which has the added advantage of wicking away sweat.  Your best bet here would be brands that make clothes for Alpinists,  like Ice Breaker. If you wash the socks with care,  and wear an inner layer to protect them from sweat and toenail snags,  they should last you years. My favorite warm socks were thrifted, I think they were big men's socks out of really nice merino wool that shrunk a bit in the wash. Obviously how thick the material is also makes a difference. Plus,  longer socks are always warmer,  so something that goes mid-calf is  great.

So,  to recap:  

    good shoes + really good isolating inserts + inner layer of thinner socks + outer layer of thick socks = cosy feet!

   Does it get really cold where you live? How do you stay warm?

photo credit: Lo& via photopin cc

Style Blogs You Should Be Reading (Part 2)

    A while back I told you about my favourite fashion blogs. I still read and love each one of them. Since then I have discovered some more really good ones, which I wanted to share with you! Almost everything I know about style is thanks to those blogs, with their help I have come really close to figuring out my own style. I love blogs that talk about the "how-to" of style and fashion, about the process, which help me to work with my wardrobe. I like blogs that encourage me to develop my style and understand my needs instead of inspiring envy and random attacks of shopping.
   I go through a lot of blogs, and very few make it to my RSS reader. Even fewer stay.
   Here are my current favourites:

Unfancy:
   I never thought that I'll be reading a minimalist blog about capsule wardrobe from a blogger whose style is very different from mine. I love the little insights into her process and the little tips that she sprinkles below her outfit posts. Also, someone finally let me onto the secret on how to wear shoes sans socks. About time!

Inside Out Style
   A classic how-to style blog. She breaks everything down and teaches you the basics: which necklines for for you? What kind of patterns are dressy and what kind are causal? Did you know that there the colour red can have warm undertones or cool undertones? Which kind of jewelry works with your facial features? That blog is a goldmine of knowledge presented in a really easy to understand way.

The Tehran Times
    Mind-blowing outfits, art, and a lot of subversion. For me it is fresh and different (as compared to the very repetitive western fashion scene), plus tons of ideas for more modes dressers and / or colder weather.

Dress Like A Parisian
    I love this blog, especially the "how to wear x" and "how to choose x" posts!

Into Mind
   Lots of practical posts, with a focus on sustainability and simplicity.

Ubieraj Sie Klasycznie
   I love this blog for the amazing break down of the season colour theory. For example she'll pick twelve different shades of green and tell you which ones flatter which colour types. Also, I love this post on Angelina Jolie's colouring. For those of you who can't read it, the gist is this: Angelina loves to wear black, but doesn't really look her best in it (unless she is wearing a lot of makeup). Strong colours don't flatter her either, she looks better in softer colours. It is in soft and warm colours (last photos of the post) that she really looks radiant and her skin looks healthily pale (as opposed to sickly pale), since her colouring type is soft (light) autumn. The moral of the story is that a cheap T-shirt in your best colours can make you look like a million dollars!

Style Digger
   She is one of the most popular fashion bloggers in Poland, and has recently shifted to a slower, most sustainable style philosophy. Also, she does the best link roundups.


   I'd love to discover ore great fashion blogs. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Image from the amazing Tehran Times

Skin-Toned Basic Underpinnings

   I will be travelling in the next two weeks, and I have just one post per week scheduled. However I will be posting beauty tips and glimpses of the french Provence on the Venusian*Glow facebook page. Even if you have already clicked on the "like", don't forget to click on "follow" so that you don't miss anything.

    I had five different roles in my theatre piece, and that means five different costumes. I literally had minutes to change my clothes and do my hair. And then I had to enter the stage looking calm and collected, as if I had been wearing that outfit all day. I wouldn´t have done it without two helpers and my basics of nude underthings.

    Every woman should have a capsule collection of well-fitting nude underpinnings. Why you need them:

• They make clothes look more formal, pulled together and modest*.
• They make difficult clothing work: too sheer formal wear, for example.
• Perfect for travelling: you never know what clothes you might buy on the way.

   Obviously, what exactly you need depends on your style and lifestyle. Personally, I have discovered that having a nice palette of universal skin-toned underthings means I can be more adventurous with my clothing choices.
   *Modesty: This may or may not be a priority for you. However I find it hard to pull off sheer clothing without looking tacky, if you are not wearing the right undergarments.

Here is my collection of nude basics:

Strapless: Ewa Michalak Toffi and Wonderbra

   I have several nude bras that I wear under whites and most sheers stuff, however the strapless wins because of its versality. It works under strapless dresses, strappy tops and dresses, and all kinds of wide necklines, where visible bra straps would look sloppy. The Wonderbra is more comfortable, but nothing beats the Toffi for support.

Nude tank top: HM

    I wear this under everything that is sheer (or even a tad sheer). I like that it gives me a smooth look and looks modest.
   The tank top form HM isn´t the ideal tank top because the beige is a bit dull. I´d prefer something a bit more satiny -- nudes look nicest if the fabric is glossy. I do however appreciate the thin straps and the length of the tank top (it should not be too short).

Nude bottoms

    When buying nude bottoms, go the whole way and make sure they are invisible or seamless (which means you get no Visible Panty Lines). I have no idea where my favourite pair is from, but my second fav one is from Affinitas. Get ones with a cotton crotch, to keep infections away from your ladybits.

Half-slip: HM

   I use half-slips for several reasons: to mask visible panty lines, to smooth out the area and help clingy skirts fall better, under sheer skirts, and to minimise stactic from tights.
   The half-slip from HM is great: the fabric is soft and slightly stretchy, nothing like the only-fashioned stiff ones. The fabric has a slight sheen and is very pretty, and it matches the Toffik nicely.
   A plus point if the slip has a lace trimming on the bottom -- this will look intriguing and sexy if the bottom of the slip is revealed.
   In case you have a hard time finding a slip that works for your slip colour, this is very easy to sew as long as you know how to work with stretchy fabrics. Here is a tutorial.

Thigh-highs: Falke

   I love Falke because they are basically indestructible. This German-made pair survived the three theatre performances in spite of getting into contact with velcro on my shoes and less-than-careful handling, while the nylons of my fellow actress had runs after the first scene. I chose thigh-highs because waist-highs make me sweat, are often too low at the crotch and the band can create bulges and rolls. This pair actually stays put and I have had no problems with it trying to slip off. I seriously recommend Falke when it comes to hosiery!

On my wishlist:

Here are items that I would like to own, but haven´t yet purchased. Does anyone have any tips for me?
   A nude full slip, to wear under sheer dresses. It is really hard to find something that works in the bust area, so it would either have to be bust-free, or with an in-built bra (is this even possible to find in a 28E?)
   A nude strapless tank-top. Does this have a proper name? For strapless sheer tops.
   A nude bustier-- I noticed this is what celebs wear under sheer stuff. Now I don´t think I´ll ever find something for me as I would need something in my bra size that works for my tum as well.
    A long slip that goes past my knees. This is so rare that it´s almost a unicorn.

Tips for buying basics:

• "Nude" is a relative colour. My nude is a slightly darker shade of beige. Your nude may be almost white, or tan, or brown -- whatever is close to your skin tone.
• Black often works really well as a "nude" for darker skin tones, as it is a colour that recedes and does not call attention to itself.
• Pastel pink can work as a nude tone for very pale skin tones.
• White bras don´t work under white, nude bras work under white!
• Nude works best when the fabric is luxurious, aka glossy. Matte nudes can look matronly. I like my nudes to be slightly synthetic, as they age better than pure cotton.
• A little bit of embellishment can work wonders to make a nude piece look interesting, but the outlines of ruffles or lace should not be visible under clothing.
• Nude will have you covered for most cases, but you can also get all the basics again in black if you want all your bases covered.

   "Nude" will obviously be defined by your skin tone. Even though the industry tries to define skin-tone as a certain shade of beige, for some, off-white and even pale pink might work as nude, for others it will be browns.

   Do you have a collection of skin-toned underpinnings? Or do you find that too old-fashioned? What are your personal rules about wearing sheer fabrics?

Tuned-down Boho Style {Fashion & Interior Inspiration}

   
Simple boho. Isn't than an oxymoron?
     Bohemian is a style that appears prominently on my Pinterest pins, but not in my real life. It is too maximalistic, too fussy, too flashy. My dressing sense is a bit more urban, ladylike; and I prefer my small and un-minimalistic home to look light, airy and calm. It's hard to work Boho into it. I'm also wary of the Hippie look which looks a bit too scruffy and faded to my eye, and also with all my years of living in India and my green-crunchy life style I am already at risk of being classified as a Hippie. (I've got nothing against Hippies, they are lovely people, it's just not "my thing".)
    Yet I am so drawn to the exotic colours of the Bomehian style, the warmth and vibrancy and the richness. Traditional patterns and workmanship from far-off cultures. It ties in strongly reflects my wanderlust and my interest in other cultures. And as me and my husband both have roots in other cultures and have lived in several different parts of the world, many of the items and patterns are meaningful to me. I do own many boho items: pretty fabrics, jewelry, embroidered clothes, masks and figures and whatnot. Yet I seem to be at loss at how to incorporate them into my wardrobe and my home.
   So I started browsing Pinterest for images of a simple, minimalistic boho style. Modern boho. Minimalistic boho. Bohemian combined with rustic, with industrial, with rock, with classic elements. this is what turned up:

  There are several ways of making bohemnian, gypsy and tribal look calm, simple and even minimalistic. You can stick to small doses and splashes of vibrant elements: a couple of cushions or a throw; or just a bag or a statement necklace.

via ILoveBornToBeWild

via Emmadine

via ana-lopo

 

 

via Etsy

    You can use contrast, combining rich and exuberant pieces with tougher, simple items, or classic pieces. Think gypsy elements with white walls and organic wood; a beaded jacket with black (p)leather trousers, industrial furniture.

via Etsy

via ThatBohemianGirl

via Colormuse

via TheBerry

   Or you can choose bohemian pieces that are by themselves simple. Either simple metallic geometric jewellery, or very delicate dreamy pieces. Rich patterns in either neutral or subdued colours. Or just stick to a monochrome palette.

via Style-Files

via ThatBohemianGirl

 

mage: Westelm, via Stylzimoblog

 

 

My point is: you can use gypsy, bohemian and ethnic elements in many different ways. You can make it elegant. You can make it tough. You can make it simple. Have fun! I'm off to make my own boho pieces work.

   What's your favourite way of using boho elements in your home and in your outfits?

How To Choose Shapewear For The Midsection

 

     I wanted to talk a little bit about the different types of shapewear that can help with a problematic midsection. My food intolerances mean that I sometimes bloat up a lot; and when I choose to wear something more fitting, shapewear is the only way I can save myself from questions about when the baby is due.

Degree of control

   From super restrictive to gently hugging:

Corsets

  To hide your tum and give you a small midsection there is nothing like a real corset with steel boning. It can look really awesome and feel really sexy. The downside is that they can be pricey, take getting used to, and can be visible under clothing (layering spanx on top helps a bit). The safest style is longer in the front so that the fat doesn't bulge out below. Or, wear high-waisted control briefs. If you can afford it, a custom-made one is the most comfortable and flattering, as a generic one is made to fit a generic hourglass figure and might be tight or loos in some places.

Shapewear with boning

   This looks like spanx but with plastic boning. This holds the tum in pretty well, and is more comfortable than a corset. Watch out that the quality is not to cheap, otherwise the boning will bend when you sit. After a couple of hours of wear the boning can get a bit uncomfortable, but it usually suffices to shift the piece around a bit to change the pressure points.

Shapewear without boning

This smooths things out but usually doesn't hold things in. Such pieces are right for you if you just want to avoid rolls under clothes. These often look best if you size up: you get a smoothing effect and don't look like a stuffed sausage. Another problem with boning-less shapewear is that it tends to roll up if you move around a lot; especially if there are no silicone strips.

Which style to pick?

   If your torso is long or if you are tall, you need to check whether the shapewear is long enough for you. If you are petite, you might have the opposite problem.
Good shapewear (except corsets) should have silicone on the inside to prevent rolling up and shifting.
   Black vs nude is another choice. For the pros and cons of each read this post.

For issues with the midsection, you have a couple of choices:

Control brief:

  Works beautifully on the lower belly. There is risk of a muffin top if it doesn't go high enough. Another problem area can be the butt: the tight brief can often split fuller butt cheeks into two.

Control shorts:

  These go down to your knees, and some are even high-waisted.They do an amazing job of smoothing and holding everything in from bra band to knees, at the cost of spending double the time in the bathroom. Unless you get one of those with a hole in the crotch. I haven't tried that myself, so I haven't idea ow navigable it is.

Waist cincher

  My favourite option. these are sometimes called shape wear corsets. It does not complicate bathroom visits (you should wear panties over it) and it is easy to choose the right size. It lets you wear your favourite cotton panties.

Bodysuit

   It is not easy to find something that will flatter every bust and fit every torso length, so bodies are very much hit or miss. However, the right piece can smooth out your entire silhouette. An open-bust piece will allow you to wear your own bra. A bodysuit may often give you quad butt cheeks just like the control briefs. Do check how high the piece goes under your armpits: high means you get extra smoothing, but also potential rubbing, and bits peeking out under sleeveless stuff.

   None of these is "better" than the others. What will work best for you depends on your body's proportions, distribution of fat, and personal preferences. Nothing beats trying things on in the store! I recommend being very very picky and being prepared to pay a bit more for the perfect piece.

Personal recommendations:

    I have been trying on several pieces from Debenhams, and the Natural Shaping Waist nipper is definitely worth recommending. It holds everything in, doesn't roll up, and importantly the plastic boning doesn't bends but doesn't after I have been sitting. It is a tube (doesn't have a hook-and-eye fastening) so it can be a tad tricky to wear, but totally worth it.

The boning

  Here is an interesting piece from Already Pretty about whether shapewear is "wrong" or insulting.


Do you (or would you) wear shapewear? Do you have a piece that you could recommend?

Image courtesy Anna Fischer

What´s In My Gym Beauty Bag + Gym Outfit

 

  I prepared this post for those of you who have recently started working out at the gym or at home, or are thinking to. I wrote about the beauty items that I have in my gym bag, and also about what to wear to the gym. As a bonus I decided to include a bit about my favourite fitness resources: books, websites and blogs.

Gym bag beauty essentials

• Cosmetic bag: this one is from HM, and it´s practical because I can see at a glance whether I have everything that I need.
• Deodorant: I like a small piece of solid deodorants like the ones from Lush because they take up less space. Or I break off a bit of Speick deo sticks and stick them into a small plastic jar (from the travel makeup container sets from a drugstore). I´m not a fan of antiperspirants because they contain lots of aluminium, and interfere with the elimination of the toxins from the lymphatic system, not to mention their link with breast cancer. Also, the gym should be the once place where sweating should be acceptable.)
• Dry shampoo: If I have to go somewhere straight from the gym, I use dry shampoo to make my hair look presentable. It is q bit drying, so don´t use it every day though. A cap, scarf or turban would also work. Or just do a messy top bun and call it a day.
• Rose water: To spritz and refresh my face and hair. It moisturises lightly and smells nice. It also restores the pH level of the skin and lightly cleanses it.
• Hair elastics: I used to braid my hair for the gym, but after I got my hair cut in layers it just gets undone. So I do it like princess Jasmine. These tie-elastics are from HM.
• Hair clips: I like to use small hair claw clips because they tame my bangs without flattening them too much. A hair band also works (look for a rubbery one if it slides off), or clips (the three-pronged ones from Claire's hold really well).
• Razor: if you are as forgetful about hair removal as me.
• Comb: I mostly finger-comb. and this is just for my bangs. However you might choose to have a proper comb or a bush with you.

Other things you might want to take with you:

• Wipes: to remove makeup before the gym. Choose very gentle ones!
• Face cleanser: if your problem skin needs a cleanse after working out, bring your favourite product with you. Micellar cleansers are a good choice because they don´t have to be washed off.
• Massage oil: really nice to have of you tend to get sore muscles. The Arnica one from Weleda is really nice, but Alverde has a more affordable version as well.
• Shampoo and conditioner: if you shower at the gym, as well as soap or body wash, body moisturiser.
• Foot deo: if your feet sweat a lot. I made my own by dissolving a piece of crystal deo stick in water, and adding a few drops of essential oil.

 

A word about makeup to the gym: 

      I don't wear makeup to the gym. I'm not there to look cute, I'm there to sweat. If I do happen to be wearing makeup because I'm coming straight from somewhere, it is always mineral makeup which doesn't get affected by sweating. Makeup wipes in your bag can be practical if you want to remove anything that might run.

A bit about gym wear

   You don't theoretically need special sports clothes to go to the gym. Except a sports bra, always wear a good one. I wear regular wife-beaters to work out, and canvas sneakers instead of sports shoes. I did however opt for sports trousers because I needed something that wicks sweat. The pants from HM are cute, affordable and do a decent job of wicking sweat. And they have elastics around the ankles, so they are great for matwork (Yoga, Pilates, etc). The other black pants from HM were rather transparent, so watch out!
     When choosing clothes for the gym, do think about how much coverage you prefer. Do you prefer a T-shirt or something sleeveless? Watch the neckline, what may be fine for everyday might be too deep for exercising. Same goes for trouser leg openings. Also watch out for camel-toe. Remember also that the less you wear, the more skin contact you will have with seats, mats and benches, so always put a towel on everything.
      Another tip for those of you with Lidl stores in your area: they make surprisingly good sportswear. Several fitness bloggers from Poland who often use stuff from established brands like Nike, have good things to say for Crivit sportswear from Lidl. The stuff is usually available on special offer a couple of times per year (usually beginning of Jan, first weeks of spring, then sporadically throughout the summer), and some items are available all year around on their site. If you don't have Lidl but have Aldi, you could also try there, they belong to the same enterprise so I'm guessing the quality is similar
    Another tip that I got from the German army: to keep your shoes from getting stinky, wear double socks! The sweat stays in the inner sock and the outer socks isolates the shoe from the sweaty sock.

  Fitness books and resources: 

   If you want to start working out or if you want to know how to lose weight, I highly recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women. It dispelled a lot of myths which I had about women and fitness (in spite of reading quite a bit about in on blogs and forums), and even has a nice fitness and diet plan if you don´t know where to begin. XXfitness also recommends Starting Strength and Strong Lifts.
    If you want to know which kind of fitness to try out, I highly recommend The Great Fitness Experiment: the book and the blog. Both are really funny and honest, and you get a lot of reviews of all the different workouts out there. If you want to find out which martial art suits you best, Fudekabudo has a surprisingly accurate test (I got Aikido, which I love). If you prefer to exercise at home, ZuzkaLight has tons of (free) short, intensive workouts that you can do in your room with no equipment.


  Do you work out at the gym or do you prefer another form of exercise? Or maybe you are planning to start exercising in the new year? Let me know.

Nude vs Black lingerie

Nude vs Black lingerie by eternalvoyageur featuring full coverage bras

Panache full coverage bra
$41 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Panache bra
$44 - johnlewis.com

Freya bra
$50 - houseoffraser.co.uk

H M panty
$8.08 - hm.com

Freya full coverage bra
$44 - houseoffraser.co.uk

H M panty
$11 - hm.com

Agent Provocateur underwear panty
net-a-porter.com

Commando cotton thong
beauty.com

Tips For Looking Great At The Beach

     Tips gleaned from from years of peeking at women behind my dark glasses and an oversized hat:

* Let's talk optical illusion: swimwear can be difficult to wear because there is not much the eye can rest on (so it focuses on the bare expanse of skin). Patterned fabric or ruffles / other details distract the eye wonderfully. Also try jewellery: an anklet, bracelet and earrings can do wonders, as can hair accessories. A hat or sunnies always work.

* Invest in a pretty towel. I have seen girls wrapping themselves in a over-used beige faded thing post-swim, and it doesn't look good. I suggest a light-weight towels (maybe microfiber) in a nice colour, and you can't go wrong with nautical stripes. I also love Hammam towels, they are cute, lightweight and can be used as just about anything.

* The cover up: on a beach where almost everyone is wearing their smallest swimwear, a cute cover-up can look intriguing. The classic is a light dress, perhaps something that is too short / too see-through / too deep-necked to wear in normal life. You can also try a long skirt, or denim shorts or a light billowy top.

* Get a swimsuit in your bra size. Trust me, you'll never go back if you do-- the lift, shape and comfort are incomparable. Ideally the band size should be close to your underbust measurement in inches. Don't forget to go adjust your cup size accordingly, because cup sizes are relative to the band size. Here is a guide on finding the right size.

* Go gentle on the makeup. Too much makeup on the beach looks desperate. Foundation is usually too much (unless it's a very light layer of mineral foundation), so does eye-shadow, eyeliner  and too much mascara. Use concealer in the places that really need it, a light touch of bronzer and lip gloss. Blush and mascara look good if you apply with a very light hand. Eye-shadow only looks good if it is a fun, bright colour swiped on the eyelid, anything more elaborate looks like trying too much. An exception with the makeup is if you are intentionally going for the whole look: like that girl I saw once in  retro swimsuit with winged eyeliner and red lipstick.

* Hair is very important. If yours just doesn't look good wet, try an interesting up-do. There is nothing prettier than a braid by the poolside. A bun looks great both wet and dry.

* Exfoliate and moisturise. This makes the skin look healthier. A layer of self-tanner is definitely allowed (here is my favourite one).

* Whatever you wear, own it. Don't give it a second thought, act as if it were your skin. Bad hair, smeared eyeliner, lobster tan -- rock it.

* Attitude is the most important thing. The woman with bad hair, cellulite and blemishes who looks like she's having fun, who laughs and runs straight into the water will always be sexier than the perfectly dressed one with the toned body who is tugging at her swimsuit and worrying about her makeup. The beach isn't a runway, it's place to enjoy yourself.

   What are the things that make you feel great at the beach? Do share in the comments.