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It always seems impossible, until it’s done…

Published by Christiana

One of the many things I was planning on posting last week (& didn’t) was a feature of Erik Johansson – a photographer and retoucher from Sweden who, currently based in Berlin, creates some of the most amazing images I have seen as of late.

I believe that pictures often speak louder than words (and feel that this guy’s work, in particular, is worth a thousand words a piece). So, instead of blubbering on and on, I will leave you with some of my favorites out of his online portfolio.

If you like what you see, you should make sure to check out his website. All images are available to buy, in high quality prints (& 3 different sizes), with worldwide delivery.

“Drifting Away”

“The Cover Up”

“Set them Free”

“Snow Cover”

“Fishy Island”

“Deep Cuts”

“Go your Own Road”

[All images © Erik Johansson]

The MPP (MAC Pro-Palette) Project > Intro

Published by Christiana

You probably can’t really tell, since I don’t post photos of makeup looks on Lifestyle Counter, but I am a huge eye-shadow girl. I could happily use the same base/blush/lash products everyday but I need to change it up daily when it comes to eye color (& lipstick, of course, but that kind of goes without saying). I do currently own a number of eye palettes (Too Faced Natural Eyes, Benefit World Famous Neutrals, AVON Hollywood Collection True Color 8 in 1 in Silver Screen, AVON True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Stone Taupes, KIKO Color Fever Eyeshadow Palette in 100, Sleek 731 Ultra Mattes V2 and Sleek 596 Bad Girl) along with some odd bits and bobs (Max Factor Excess Shimmers in 30 Onyx/ 25 Bronze and 20 Copper, MAC Sable, MAC Woodwinked, MAC Lucky Green and MAC Goldmine) but have somehow never really got into thinking about putting together a customized MAC Pro Palette until now (which I find extremely weird, but anyway).

There comes a time for everything though, and considering my minor makeup obsession this was kind of unavoidable, so after little trip to my local MAC store (to make sure both Pro Palette inserts and eyeshadow pans were in stock) I have started putting together the list of shades I plan to fill the 30 (!) available spots with. The current rundown basically is:

Selection 1

Selection 2

Selection 3

Selection 1 (from top to bottom left to right): Sumptuous Olive, Tempting, Amber Lights, Ricepaper, Retrospeck, Shroom, Bronze, Honesty, Honey Lust, Sable | Selection 2 (from top to bottom left to right): Cranberry, Woodwinked, Espresso, Knight Divine, Fiction, Antiqued, Texture, Sketch, Patina, Bamboo | Selection 3 (from top to bottom left to right): Satin Taupe, Twinks, Mulch, All That Glitters, Mythology, Star Violet, Dazzlelight, Greensmoke, Humid, Club

Despite the minor head start (given the fact that I already own two of my chosen shades) this is, quite evidently, a major project and huge undertaking – finance wise. I started out thinking I’d buy 5 inserts/ month (on MAC’s regular sales) thus completing the palette in approximately 6 months. Alas, however, I’m not sure I can realistically expect to afford 50€ every single month on eyeshadow alone (unless I buy nothing else beauty related – which is a plain impossibility, or completely give up on my 2015 saving plan – which is also not happening). I have thus revised the plan and will be aiming to purchase a minimum of 2- 3 inserts/ month (setting the timeline for completion to around 10- 12 months down the line).

I will be posting updates to the MPP project as I go and then doing a big “reveal” of the completed palette once I’m done – so do keep a look out, if you fancy seeing how it all turns out.

Meanwhile, I’d love it if you let me know whether you currently have any similar projects in the works (it might be more fun doing this “together”). Feedback (i.e. about shade performance) & suggestions (re: ones to give a miss or replace by others) will be highly appreciated. I’d also love to see any tutorials you may have done, using the shades in question, so do leave the link to any of those in the comments below.

New York Fashion Week > Highlights

Published by Christiana

Once again I have been totally overwhelmed by this year’s Fashion Weeks, not least ’cause I was so late in getting involved with what proved to be a veritable whirlwind of colors, textures and designs…

In an effort to catch up, I’ll start by tackling New York Fashion Week and showcasing some of my favorite shows and pieces. Before I start, let me clarify: if I included everything that actually caught my eye this would prove to be a ridiculously long and photo- heavy post, so I’ll only feature designers who had seven (or more) pieces that I loved in their collections. That said, let us begin – counting backwards from the highest ranking:

NAEEM KHAN

Naeem Khan never fails to impress me with his collections. This one was yet another “red-carpet” gem – with loads of my favorite colors, luxurious fabrics and a good amount of intricate details and beading thrown in. Loved everything but the presentation of his models – their makeup felt a tad heavy and to be honest I thought their hair looked… ridiculous. Still, a wonderful overall collection (which you can check out here) that could probably do with just a handful of more wearable separates.

CARMEN MARC VALVO

First time I heard this guy’s name, I thought he was a woman – that’s how much I think he gets what we like and what we look good in. I always love his designs and totally appreciate their slightly edgier (but, oh so chic) feel. His Fall 2015 RTW collection was no exception. I fell head over heels with his plaid skirts and utterly adored the “cutout” sleeve detailing on his long black and red dresses. A fresh, vibrant and fun effort! Can’t wait to see what he comes up with next…

ANGEL SANCHEZ

This one is a new entry for me. I have to admit to knowing nothing about the designer in question before I saw this collection (and to still knowing very little now). That said, I will definitely have to educate myself pronto – ’cause this guy is amazing. I love the minimal, yet ultra feminine, feel of his collection and would be hard pressed to choose which of his designs to get (assuming I could afford to get anything, that is). You should definitely check out the collection in its entirety, here.

CUSHNIE ET OCHS

Yet another new entry, with a name I’m still not 100% sure how to pronounce (if any of you know, let me in on it in the comments below). A high impact, modern collection of pieces in basic colours and crisp silhouettes, which I’d love to wear given the chance (& provided I had the physique needed for some of them, to be honest). The long, lilac cashmere coat and deep emerald-green dress above are two of my absolute favorites.

JENNY PACKHAM

Jenny Packham is yet another of the “guaranteed winners” of every season, in my book. No matter how embellished and red carpet oriented her designs are, there’s always a few I love among them. This collection was no exception. As evident from my choices above, I did like a few of her more vibrantly hued offerings. That said, I wouldn’t be me if my absolute favorites didn’t securely rest among her “darker” and/ or nude options (i.e. 6, 7 & 8 above).

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

De La Renta’s timeless elegance (thankfully still alive and well in his handpicked successor’s runway debut) totally won me over yet again. And even though the glorious gowns would admittedly be completely over the top for my humble comings and goings, the more casual ensembles totally hit the spot. I mean, just look at that fuchsia deux-pièces, the gorgeously elegant white and blue floral dress and… most importantly that absolutely phenomenal black, knee length dress!! What’s there to say, other than “Cudos, Mr. Copping”… Go check out the full collection here.

BOSS

I have admittedly not been a huge fan of Boss in the past. I usually find their pieces to be very basic and kind of drab. It seems, however, that Jason Wu was a savvy choice for the women’s creative director position – since I found myself actually appreciating their Fall 2015 RTW enough to include it here. I am not, by any means, 100% sure yet (we will have to see how Mr. Wu choses to move ahead) but I suspect this might be the start of a budding romance between myself and the German label.

ADEAM

A bit of casual never hurt anyone and I absolutely loved this collection by ADEAM. Impressive & sophisticated, easy to wear, everyday pieces with a twist. I (very mundanely) also appreciate how cosy and warm these all look. Once again I will have to admit to not being aware of the label or the designer (the lovely Hanako Maeda) before – and now feeling the need to update my general fashion knowledge ASAP. If like me, you had no idea ADEAM even existed, you need to immediately go check the full, latest collection out!

BADGLEY MISCHKA

Not sure what I can say here. To those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, my undying love for Mark Badgley and James Mischka is a well-known fact. Once again, I was far from disappointed by their latest work. With lots of what they’re best at (a.k.a. embellished evening wear) on show and coupled by a decent number of dressed-up day wear pieces, this was a “true to form” collection from my two favorite boys. Ah…(as I often say)… if I were a rich~~man~~ woman!

BIBHU MOHAPATRA

My all time favorite Indian strikes again. I don’t think there’s been a time when I didn’t love this guy’s designs. Despite being more sombre than usual (since the designer’s father passed away late last year – leading him to re-evaluate and adjust his motifs and color palette) the Fall 2015 RTW collection was strong and feminine, with lots of black and white as well as turmeric yellow, indigo and red. All in all a beautifully designed and lovingly executed tribute to “the man behind the man”, and one well worth checking out at that.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

I have long been a fan of Diane and her incredibly elegant and feminine designs. Her wrap dresses are probably the one thing I would practically bulk- buy, if I could afford it – they’re just so comfy and flattering! That said, there have been collections of hers in the past that I did not quite enjoy. Her latest one was not one of those. With lots of gorgeous prints and ladylike silhouettes alongside some, more risqué, black lace the Fall 2015 RTW easily earned its place amongst the rest of my NYFW favorites.

Honorable mention goes to: alice + olivia, Brandon Sun, Prabal Gurung, Tadashi Shoji & Zac Posen (with 6 of my favorite pieces, each), as well as Giulietta, Jason Wu, Raoul & Monique Lhuillier (with 5 pieces each).

What did you guys think of the shows mentioned above and of NYFW 2015 in general? Any favorites to speak of? What would be the top five pieces you’d buy – if you could afford to? Sound off below…

(Off-Topic) Fantasia > Patras’ Carnival 2015

Published by Christiana

Let me start by saying, I’m fully aware of the fact that I’m seriously behind with my blog posting schedule – something which, as I mentioned in my last post, came about as a result of the previous week being particularly mad where I come from. I promise I will work extra hard this weekend, to get all my ducks back in a row and provide you with some new and exciting content but, for now, I need to make good on the promise I made last time and try to explain what all ‘the fuss with last week’ was about.

So… In my hometown, we have an annual Carnival (which you can read more about here). It is the largest of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest ones in Europe, with a history of more than 180 years. Every year, Carnival events begin on the 17th January and last up until Ash Monday. There’s an Opening Ceremony, a “Treasure Hunt’ game, a Children’s Carnival (among others) and during the last weekend, come rain or come shine, thousands of people take to the streets for two mad, colorful & absolutely wonderful days of parading and fun! If you ever get the chance you should really come see (and, why not, join us) for yourselves. It’s great!

Unfortunately, all this (otherwise amazingly fun) stuff has the tendency to disorient you just a bit – making normal life, schedules & obligations slowly fade into the hazy, carnival horizon (and therefore perfectly explaining my falling off the face of the blogo-sphere as of late). To compensate, I thought I’d upload a few images to try to give you an idea of what actually went on this year (and what 35.000 people in the streets, at any one given time, look like!). Enjoy!

The ‘Carnival King’ float opened the parade

Close-up of the ‘Carnival King’ float

The ‘Carnival Queen’ and her float – came up right behind the ‘King’

(Close-up of the Queen on her float – waving at the watching crowds)

Then came the ‘Followers of the Carnival Court’ float

Which was followed by a couple of satirical floats – this one was about the recent Greek elections

…and this about the Greek Health System

Then came 35000 people in 141, separately themed, Carnival ‘groups’. I leave you with some snippets… No.1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4

No. 5

No. 6

No. 7

No. 8

No. 9

No. 10

No. 11

No. 12

No. 13

No. 14

No. 15

No. 16

No. 17

Two parades took place (on Saturday & Sunday). Sunday night everyone gathered down at the port…

…to watch the “Burning of the Carnival’…

… along with the fireworks…

…and the subsequent music concert!

[Images taken from Patras Events, Mynima-Hellas & PatrasCarnival]

87th Annual Academy Awards’ Best Dressed

Published by Christiana

This has been a bit of a mental weekend where I come from (details to follow, in a dedicated post), which is why a. I kind of disappeared these last few days and b. my Oscars’ Best Dressed post is a tad late (only managed to watch the ceremony last night, to be honest).

Now, I have to admit to being slightly disappointed by the red carpet this year, especially since three of my all time favorite stunners (aka Kate Hudson, Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie) did not make an appearance and some of the chicest ladies ever totally let me down (case in point: Marion Cottilard).

I will not even begin to discuss all the fashion fiascos (i.e. Lupita Nyong’o, Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Rita Ora, Solange Knowles, Chrissy Teigen, Blanca Blanco, Lorelei Linklater, Kerry Washington) and missteps (i.e. Jessica Chastain, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lopez, Felicity Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore) I had to witness, mainly ’cause just thinking about them is giving me a headache…

All that not withstanding , I did spot a few pieces I liked – some of them even redeeming previously horrifying appearances… (Rosamund Pike I’m looking at you – and your Golden Globes’ ensemble) which I’ll feature below: