tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24762728450705154952024-03-14T01:16:02.349-07:00In my suitcaseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-5010706127555129012016-09-09T04:14:00.003-07:002016-09-09T04:14:24.891-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So it's been a <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">while</span> since I last posted something. While contemplating my academic future and<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> reminiscing about my experience at the University of London, I found this e<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">ssay from my undergraduate studies. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Reading it now, I am quite proud <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">of it and I thought that <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">it should see the light of day :)</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #052f61; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do classical
theorists have any relevance to the understanding of contemporary world
politics?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The academic
discipline of International relations emerged in the aftermath of the Great War
(1914-1918) out of the realization that knowledge and education are essential
prerequisites for a more peaceful world. Ever since, various theorists from
virtually every political tradition have looked to the past in an attempt to
discover timeless wisdoms and universal truths.
Any student of International Relations must be familiar with the basic
ideas of authors such as Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Grotius and Kant, to
name but a few. The masterpieces of these thinkers have acquired a canonical
status in Western Political Philosophy. What these authors had to say will
remain relevant long after the academic debates of the present have been
superseded. Often their ideas are used to explain present-day concerns such as
the effect of anarchy upon the behavior of states, the role of law and morality
in the international arena, the effects of capitalism or the importance of
democracy and constitutionalism. However, classical ideas need to be understood
in their particular context as authors were living in specific, often unique
circumstances and they were addressing the problems of their historical reality.
Thus, although classical ideas have a lot to offer to the present world,
attempts to simply apply them to modern agendas may be misleading or even worse
– they may be serving particular interests. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">One cannot attempt
to evaluate the resilience of classical ideas and their alleged “universal
truth”, without looking at the dominant theories of international relations
today and their roots. The present essay will analyze the two most influential
modern adversaries: Realism with its claim to embody timeless wisdom,
juxtaposed with Liberal ideas, which too are informed by pre-modern political
thought. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">While Realism
emerged as an academic tradition within the IR discipline in the 1930s, its
greatest thinkers claim that the tradition has much older, in fact ancient
roots. This paradigm is defined by its profound skepticism of progress, hence Realist
thinkers look back to Ancient Greece and Renaissance Italy to find support for
their arguments. The world may have changed in important ways but the essential
characteristics remain the same: international politics are dominated by the
logic of anarchy, states are caught in a perpetual struggle for power in a
system where survival is never guaranteed and self-help is the only source of
security. Many contemporary realists would doubt whether a person from the 21<sup>st</sup>
century knows anything about international politics that Thucydides didn’t in
the 5<sup>th</sup> century BC. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Thucydides himself
wrote that his <i>History of the Peloponnesian War, </i>an account of the destructive war that engulfed the ancient Greek
city-states,<i> </i>will be a “possession for all time”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a>
(Thucydides., Warner and Finley, 1972). The Melian Dialogue (the dialogue between
Athenian representatives and the officials of the small island of Melos), for
instance, is often cited as an embodiment of realist principles: in a system
with no overarching authority to regulate behavior, “the strong do what they
have the power to do” and “the weak accept what they have to accept”. “The
standard of justice depends on equality of power” and “it is a general and
necessary law of nature to rule whatever one can”. The logic of anarchy compels
the Athenians to conquer the weaker Melians and hence - increase their own
security while displaying overwhelming power. “If one follows one’s interest
one wants to be safe, whereas the path of justice and honor involves one in
danger.” Neorealists claim that Thucydides’ <i>History </i>provides timeless
insights into the importance of global anarchy in shaping state relations.
Kenneth Waltz argues that it represents an early recognition of “the anarchic
character of international politics”, which “accounts for the striking sameness
of the quality of international life throughout millennia”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a>
(Waltz, 1979). The argument goes that in reading Thucydides one cannot help but
recognize a recurring pattern in the events of Ancient Greece and contemporary
world affairs. Structural realists such as Waltz and Gilpin found that the
Hellenic system and particularly the relationship between Athens and Sparta,
provided an allegory for Cold War polarization. As bipolarization proceeds (in
the language of contemporary theorists) the system becomes increasingly
unstable, so does the likelihood of a system-changing conflict<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a>
(Gilpin, 1988). Just as anarchy compelled the Athenians to rule whatever they
can in the zero-sum competition for survival with Sparta, so too the US was
justified to intervene in Latin America, Africa and elsewhere during the Cold
War to destabilize regimes or to support brutal undemocratic rulers that
opposed communism, because a shift in their political allegiance risked to
upset the bipolar balance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Similarly, Hobbes’s
state of nature is perceived as an analogy of neorealism’s anarchic world: a
world of insecurity, where the sovereigns have their weapons pointing at each
other perpetually (Hobbes and Gaskin 1998). Hobbes writes in a very turbulent
time- the English Civil War, which led him to believe that without sovereign
authority life is “solitary, nasty, brutish and short”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a>.
On this account the state is the ultimate provider of security. Similarly,
Machiavelli advocates dual moral standards: lying, cheating and failing to
fulfill promises internationally is only justified because the state allows a
moral community to flourish internally<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a>
(Brown, Nardin and Rengger, 2002). Those arguments resonate with contemporary
realist and neo-realist thought. Waltz, for instance, argues that the state is
indeed the most important actor in international politics. It provides order
and security domestically and despite the growing number of international
institutions, people still look to the state to solve problems and to provide
essential services<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a> (Baylis
and Smith, 2001).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> The problem here is that although the
aforementioned examples seem to confirm the surprising resilience of classical
arguments, this initial appearance may collapse should they be more closely
analyzed. The world today is hardly the cruel lawless system that existed in
pre-modern times. As much as realists would hate to admit, the <i>international
society </i>has evolved. Anarchy may still define international relations, in
the sense that there is no overarching global government, but there is an
elaborate system of global governance. The emergence and resilience of international
institutions seem to confirm that there is a place for morality and law in the
international arena. The ancient Greeks, for instance, had no equivalent of the
United Nations, the institution which is the sole source of <i>legitimate </i>authority
to wage war today<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a> (Un.org,
2014). The international economy is regulated by extensive and powerful
institutions, which though based on international cooperation, have developed
their own identity and are eager to dominate their respective realms. Furthermore,
the global influence of private actors is unprecedented. The three main rating
agencies, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, have been named key
enablers of the financial crisis of 2008, “from the fiasco of subprime mortgage
securitization to tipping Greece into disaster when its sovereign credit rating
was downgraded”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a> (Financial
Times, 2014). This clearly demonstrates that even the most powerful states have
lost economic autonomy and they often find themselves at the mercy of external
developments. The immense growth of international institutions is even more
evident when we depart from the governance of vital strategic interests and
analyze more trivial areas of daily life: from aviation to postal services,
each is governed by internationally agreed rules that no single state can
afford to alter or disregard. In this line of thought, the state is far from
being the only important actor in the international arena, governments
constantly compete for their share of influence with a variety of players and
it is against the logic of self-preservation to upset this fragile order. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> It is not that international norms are always
respected- the Russian invasion of Crimea is perhaps the most painful recent
example. Nevertheless states generally like to appear to act legitimately and
they pay at least a lip service to international public opinion. In addition,
the nature of war has changed, the 21<sup>st</sup> century is marked by the
rise of terrorism where the ultimate aim is not territorial expansion but
rather the suffering of civilians. The unpredictability of terrorist intentions
has led to unprecedented surveillance of the private sphere and unlike
territorial integrity, internal security is never guaranteed. There are
developments in international relations such as development aid to states of no
strategic or economic interest, or humanitarian intervention to save lives of
strangers, that cannot easily be explained in terms of classical ideas. Furthermore,
recent history suggests that in many places the state is the main source of
insecurity rather than law and order. Failed states and murderous regimes such
as Somalia and Eritrea have kept their citizens hostage- something that would
perhaps come as a surprise to canon thinkers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Realism is not the
sole paradigm to attempt to explain contemporary outcomes in terms of classical
ideas. Similarly, the English School of International society draws on the
ideas of Grotius about the role of morality and law in relations between
sovereign states. In this view</span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“humanity
has the capacity to move beyond geopolitics to a condition in which all
communities can co-exist amicably without the threat or use of force”
(Linklater, 2010)<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a>.
On the other hand, Michael Doyle’s Democratic Peace thesis is a reincarnation
of Kantian beliefs that autocratic regimes are among the causes of war<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a>
(Doyle, 1983). In this line of thought all states should be republics, based on
freedom for all members of society and equality before the law. The reason is
that “if the consent of the citizens is required to decide whether or not war
is to be declared, it is very natural that they will have great hesitation in
embarking in so dangerous an enterprise”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a>
(Brown, Nardin and Rengger, 2002). This belief is widely accepted within the
Western World. US foreign policy, for instance, constantly propagates the
importance of democracy. Presidents from Woodrow Wilson to Barack Obama have
expressed their belief that democracy is the path towards international peace
and prosperity. However the foreign policy of President George W. Bush stands
out as being intrinsically tied to liberal political theory. While US’s motives for attacking Iraq remain
controversial, "regime change -- the replacement of Saddam Hussein's
gruesome tyranny with a democracy -- was central to Washington's rhetoric by
the time it began bombing Baghdad in March 2003”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></a>
(Foreign Affairs, 2009). This is a clear case of misinterpretation of liberal
ideas or even worse – their blatant abuse, as democratic peace theory does not
necessarily advocate forceful imposition of democracy. Clearly, timeless and
“universal” liberal principles are often employed for the justification of
breaches of international law and intervention in the internal affairs of states.
One has to accept that regardless of their appeal, liberal notions of
constitutionality, free trade and human rights lack universal legitimacy. We
need to proceed with caution and ask ourselves whether liberal norms are not
tailored to serving the interests of the powerful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">After a detailed
analysis one may admit that classical ideas contribute significantly to modern
political thought, learning from past triumphs and mistakes is invaluable when
these are not taken out of context. 17<sup>th</sup> and 18<sup>th</sup> century
liberal ideas seem all the more relevant in the era of globalization, with the
spread of belief in human rights, the importance of constitutionality and the
growth of international regimes serving to prove that perhaps there is no real
conflict in the interests of states. At the same time, realist insights are
still valid to a great extent. Despite the efforts to create a new world order,
we still live in an anarchic world. The failure of the collective security of
the League of Nations, the paralysis of the UN during the Cold War, the
inability to prevent the War on Terror, and to address the invasion of Crimea,
illustrate that we have come a long way but not long enough. States might be
unwilling to relinquish control of areas linked to national security and
survival however the growth of international institutions elsewhere proves that
history is a realm of progress, albeit a slow and painful one. Classical ideas can be applied to
contemporary debates but they need to be understood in their own terms and in
their own context first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> Last but no least, determining which writers
are candidates for canon is difficult because the criteria change on the basis
of current tendencies. The fact that virtually all of these writers are white
male Europeans might be regarded as a legitimate criticism. Classical authors
are indeed employed by contemporary theorists to articulate their position, the
historical record is searched by dominant political thinkers attempting to find
instances when authors from another place and time can be taken to be
responding to similar concerns. This could involve the selectivity in the use
of classical ideas, the emphasis upon some arguments and the marginalization of
others. The student of IR has to be aware that “theory is always for some one,
and for some purpose” to quote the famous line of Robert Cox (1981)<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></a>.
Perhaps as the international society develops, there will be a shift away from
Eurocentrism and greater attention will be given to thinkers from the non-Western
world. Then we will be able to appreciate the fuller picture and move beyond
particularistic beliefs and interests.</span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Thucydides, Warner, R. and Finley, M. (1972). <i>History
of the Peloponnesian War</i>. Harmondsworth, Eng.: Penguin Books.</span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Waltz, K. (1979). <i>Theory of international politics</i>.
Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley Pub. Co.</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a>
Gilpin, R. (1988). The Theory of Hegemonic War. Journal of Interdisciplinary
History, 18(4).</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Hobbes, T. and Gaskin, J. (1998). <i>Leviathan</i>.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Brown, C., Nardin, T. and Rengger, N. (2002). <i>International
relations in political thought</i>. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press..</span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Baylis, J. and Smith, S. (2001). <i>The globalization of
world politics</i>. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</span></div>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a>
<a href="http://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/chapter-v/index.html">http://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/chapter-v/index.html</a>
</div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a>
<span class="selectable">Financial Times, (2014). <i>Big three credit rating
agencies under fire - FT.com</i>. [online] Available at: </span><a href="http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4140e388-cfc1-11e3-9b2b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3tS069MdX">http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/4140e388-cfc1-11e3-9b2b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3tS069MdX</a></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Keyser/Downloads/Erasmus/Do%20classical%20theorists%20have%20any%20relevance%20to%20the%20understanding%20of%20contemporary%20world%20politics.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a>
<span lang="EN-GB">Linklater A., (2010), </span>The
English School Conception of International Society: Reflections on Western and
non-Western Perspectives, The International Studies Association of Ritsumeikan
University: Ritsumeikan Annual Review of International Studies, 2010. ISSN
1347-8214. Vol.9</div>
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Doyle M., (1983) Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs, Blackwell
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<span class="selectable">Brown, C., Nardin, T. and Rengger, N. (2002). <i>International
relations in political thought</i>. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press</span></div>
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Robert W. Cox (1981) ‘Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond
International Relations Theory’, Millennium – Journal of International Studies
, 10(126)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-79832568739794077742014-09-28T14:46:00.000-07:002016-09-09T03:05:30.258-07:00From the Dam with love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After years of bouncing around Europe, I'm back where it all began. I guess that in order to<br />
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appreciate particular places, you need to get there at the right time. I left Amsterdam as a very young adult, here I am now, almost 10 years later, much wiser and loving every moment of my life here. </div>
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As I was sipping a glass of chardonnay at T Smalle, an authentic little restaurant sitting right on the canal, I met a Canadian couple, who have been coming to Europe each year for the past decade. I asked them which was their favorite city and they said: "So far - Amsterdam". And you know what, I think I agree with them. </div>
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If you haven't been to the "Dam" yet, make sure you rectify this mistake soon and pray for good weather. Even if you don't love it at first, slowly the intoxicating atmosphere will captivate you.</div>
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Amsterdam has become the focal point of a cool young crowd, the weather has been fantastic lately, the bistros are full of people and the city has never been so vibrant. Being the smaller cousin of London and Paris, Amsterdam is the good child. It has everything you need without the pressure of a huge metropolis. And if you ever find yourself missing the pressure, it's just a short train/plane ride away. Meanwhile, enjoy the laid-back swag of the Dam. Other than the suicidal bike-riders, everything seems to run at a slower pace, so grab a cone of fries and get going.<br />
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If you ever come to town, hit the cool little stores along the canals and visit some of the bars that have been working since the 17th century. History clashes with modernity and it comes alive in exciting new ways. Make sure you get to experience this and don't waste too much time waiting in line for Madame Tussauds.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-31437672900549947582014-08-29T06:46:00.000-07:002016-09-14T06:35:55.367-07:00How to Wear Pastels in Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Originally written for <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/how-to-winter-pastels/" target="_blank">Bitchy Online UK</a></b> <br />
Our shoes are still full of sand yet fully aware that summer
is fading away, we are already dreading the inevitable frosty
weather. While the shades of gray may be predominant outside, these
need not be reflected in our wardrobes. Fashion dictates that color is not exclusive to warmer months, it can easility transition to winter however the focus is on
delicate soft shades – namely pastel hues. Fashion powerhouses such
as Burberry Prorsum, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana (to a name but a
few) have all embraced the tender color palette. </div>
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Whether you opt for
lavender, butter mint or blush pink, pastels are a breath of fresh
air during the cold season and guaranteed to make a sweet feminine
statement. Being a city girl with an edge doesn't mean that you should fully suppress your delicate side. You are not sure whether this trend is the right fit for you? Fear not, pastels are open to personal interpretation. <span style="line-height: 150%;">You can brave an all-out pastel outfit, be it monochrome or a delicate combo, or you can mix pastels with more conventional autumn/winter colors; you can pump up your neutrals with a touch of candy and you can lighten the harsh layers. Add an oversized pastel coat to an all-black outfit and you are ready to hit the streets radiating warmth and happiness.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 150%;">If, like me, you are
tired of wearing dark colors during winter, you can pair your pastels
with …. more pastels or nudes and the end result will provide a
wonderful contrast to the bitter weather outside! When it comes to
pastels, like anything else, you have to find the perfect balance and
style your outfit carefully. Since your goal is to shine on the
street and not snuggle in a baby nursery, you may want to avoid too
literal interpretations of the trend such as mixing baby blue with
pink, for instance. Don't forget to accessorize - rose gold works
great with this particular color palette! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-50048385491217295162014-08-01T08:54:00.000-07:002016-09-09T03:55:02.662-07:00A day at the beach<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originally Written for <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/" target="_blank">Bitchy Online UK</a><br />
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Hello, August!
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After months of working hard, it's the peak of the most glorious of
seasons and time to play hard. Sensible people might argue that it's
too late for investing in new beachwear but we believe that
reinventing your wardrobe is always a good idea.</div>
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<span lang="en-US">Beach
time is the immediate association that pops in mind while thinking of
summer. It's this precious time of the year when we soak up the sun,
countless mojito cocktails and perhaps the longing gazes of
half-naked strangers. </span>
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Whether
you are lazying it out on a yacht near the French riviera , building
sand-castles with your little nephews, or anything in between, the
opportunities to look fabulous are endless. You can undress yourself
in a million ways and let your point of view shine. Whether you brave
a one-piece or opt for the safe bandeau bikini, remember that
attention to detail here is as important as anywhere. Clever
accessorizing can add versatility to your look, to ease the
transition from sunbathing to evening cocktails at the beach. Add a
pair of hand crafted sunglasses and a straw hat and there you have it
– an instagram-worthy outfit.</div>
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<span lang="en-US">The
beach is the ultimate summer runway however it's one of the fun
variety. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your playful
side so arm yourself with a colorful towel and a few inflatable
animals before you venture outside. </span><br />
<span lang="en-US">Since we are spoiled for choice,
don't feel bad if you can't make up your mind about your beach
essentials. Inspiration is found everywhere and if the turquoise
waters, powdery sand and palm trees can't inspire your wardrobe
enough, you can always sneak a peak at the instagram accounts of our
favorite it girls for some quirky ideas. </span>
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Another trip has come to an end. It is bitter sweet that travelling phenomenon, there's always something you'll miss forever once you leave yet another place. </div>
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I can't deny, after another marathon of driving car rentals,running through airports and sleeping on questionable hotel sheets, I appreciate being back to the comfort of our faithful Merc, couch and the barking of an easily excitable pug. </div>
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This trip was extra special because it involved going back to Greece, which had become my homeland for the duration of the past decade. I stand firm in my belief that "home" is a matter of choice and for me this land of sun, sea аnd scattered vegetation certainly qualifies as such.</div>
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Even though I've lived in Greece for years, there's always something new to see and another island to explore. </div>
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This time we drove to Athens, which is quite a journey in itself, involving a 1000-km-trip, crossing the entire country. There are dangerous turns and marvelous views of the sea, simply put, I'd recommend this journey to a friend. </div>
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I have to admit, Athens may be the cradle of Western civilization but it's not among my favorite cities. Nevertheless, there is a good reason I love to go back to Athens: F-O-O-D! My favorite little restaurant, Sardelaki, is right there, in the heart of Glyfada. I guess I'm growing wise (sounds better than old), since food is a top priority of mine and culinary tourism is always on top of my list. If you are ever in town, stop by for possibly the best sardines you'll ever taste. </div>
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As you can imagine, I didn't drive for 1000 kilometers just for the sardines, as good as they were. Athens was just a brief stop on the way to the strangest place I've ever visited - the island of Karpathos. After an hour of flying over the Mediterranean, we reached a windy island, devoid of vegetation, blessed (or cursed) with an unique topography.<br />
This is an odd place where the main inhabitants seem to be cats and goats. There is so little going on, time is standing still (or least it's passing really really slowly). If I had to come up with a single-word definition of a "traditional Greek island", I'd say "Karpathos".</div>
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Navigating Karpathos is a challenge even for the most experienced drivers. Greeks aren't famous for being too safety cautious and this is evident in the picturesque yet dangerous roads, carved along the cliffs that encompass the entire island. I'd attribute the relative lack of accidents only to its minuscule population size (just above 6000 inhabitants) and its remote location, which discourages the less adventures traveler.<br />
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I was sad to leave this strange place and I'd love to return, despite my resolution not to repeat destinations. Karpathos is certainly not for everyone. Somehow the surrounding sea has shielded the island from the outside world. There is little trace of the modern industrial civilization, restaurants are family-run, their products are home-grown or they rely on the catch of the day to feed their customers. You can drive for quite some time, without meeting another vehicle, without meeting a soul, actually (if you don't count the goats that roam the cliffs).<br />
Gazing at the dramatic lunar paysage, offset by the sea, which shimmers in million shades of blue, you may find yourself engulfed in purifying solitude. This tiny self-contained cosmos may be just an hour away from the bustling Athenian metropolis but it resembles nothing familiar. For this reason you may love it or hate but it won't leave you indifferent.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-40967608325786204842014-06-12T10:35:00.000-07:002014-06-12T10:42:32.194-07:00Bring on the gingham!<br />
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With the
coming of spring, gingham has taken over the spotlight and ended the
reign of plaids.
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The
charming checked prints may invoke countryside connotations but this
need not be the case anymore. Major household names from Derek Lam to House of Holland to Balmain have revamped this timeless classic
and turned it into the new stripe.
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History
serves to prove the versatility of gingham. We can channel the sweet
innocent “Americana” from the Wizard of Oz or better yet – the
untempered sex appeal of Bridget Bardot. Actually, her look with a
full skirt, paired with neutral black and flats couldn't be more time
appropriate today. Perhaps due to this latter reference, gingham is
reminiscent of Parisian chic and a taste of summer.
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Forget the
associations with picnic, table cloths and boarding schools. The new
gingham with exaggerated prints in fresh colors has a modern touch to
it, with just the right amount of nostalgia for the glorious 50s and
60s. It has certainly gone trough a fashion makeover since Dorothy
but it has retained its youthful DNA. Trend setters such as Olivia
Palermo and January Jones rock the retro vibe in a modern
cool-girl-way.
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Gingham
comes with an additional advantage – you can find it on everything.
If you are not sure whether this trend is for you, you can still
enjoy a fashion moment with gingham espadrilles, a purse or even
sunglasses – the opportunities are endless. I however am on full
on gingham mode and prefer to dive into the trend with cool separates
– from t-shirts and bomber jackets to full skirts and pants. Served
in the right amount, the cross-hatched lines will take you to the
streets of a bustling metropolis, rather than to Kansas or rural
France.</div>
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Gingham
prints can be small-scaled of exaggerated. The former is easier to
style because it blends from afar. The larger print is certainly more
out there and represents a challenge but also an opportunity to truly
flash your styling credentials. Pair it with a solid color or be bold
and add … more gingham, channel the S/S runways and mix patterns.
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It is time
to de-minimalise your wardrobe. If you can overcome the associations
with school uniforms, you are free to experiment with gingham and let
your unique personal style shine trough the checkered print.
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p.s. This is straight out of <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/" target="_blank">Bitchy Online UK</a>: it's a great new London-based online magazine. You can find the original article <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/?p=1624" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-5954924889613264052014-06-12T05:42:00.002-07:002014-06-12T06:30:15.938-07:00Hipster Alert: Illesteva sunglasses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6O6C8HO2fIs/U5mF1zIqblI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/HVS3NRTS_GE/s1600/10370446_10204197332557742_6432737040914522211_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6O6C8HO2fIs/U5mF1zIqblI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/HVS3NRTS_GE/s1600/10370446_10204197332557742_6432737040914522211_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Summer mode is fully activated and if you haven't already invested in a cool pair of shades, there is no better time to do so. Even if you have, your eyes will probably appreciate some extra coverage, especially if it happens to be fresh, edgy and ready for some serious beach fun. So do yourself a favor and check out Illesteva.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Designed in hipster paradise NYC and handcrafted in Italy and France, Illesteva are on par with other luxury brands but they are...better. With only 50,000 instagram followers, they belong to a relatively unexplored territory. There was never a better opportunity to make a fashion statement with your shades. Sunglasses, are normally quite conventional, after all, how much imagination can you fit in something so tiny, yet somehow Illesteva manage to push boundaries.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3orH9iyTow/U5mUXU38cAI/AAAAAAAAEfc/9a3AHNk8rfo/s1600/10401745_872444956102771_340275355_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3orH9iyTow/U5mUXU38cAI/AAAAAAAAEfc/9a3AHNk8rfo/s1600/10401745_872444956102771_340275355_a.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are a jet-setter, gearing up for Ibiza or still contemplating Coachella, you've probably heard of them anyways and I am a few years too late.</div>
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Illesteva was founded in 2009 by the New York-based designer duo Daniel Silberman and Jus Ske. Drawing inspiration from their downtown environment and background in design, music and photography, they create pieces that are the epitome of contemporary edge. The duo experiment with funky shapes and materials like acetate, bamboo, titanium and natural buffalo horn. This combination ensures a timeless result that you may enjoy forever, provided you keep them in their leather hard case.</div>
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Illesteva is already gathering a fateful fan crowd, celebrity enthusiasts include Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry and own very own Alexa Chung, just to name a few. You can find them online at illesteva.com and thank me later. <br />
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<b>p.s this little article got published in <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/">Bitchy Online UK</a> - a really cool new online managize, which is intended as an entirely girly zone. Check it out! The original article is <a href="http://www.bitchyonline.com/?p=1608">here</a></b></div>
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xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-68137565899300899232014-06-12T04:45:00.000-07:002015-01-03T02:09:04.111-08:00From the Dominican Republic with love<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31Ale42LXJ4/U5mANJsYITI/AAAAAAAAEd8/Cbf-wIAih48/s1600/IMG_20140521_145800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31Ale42LXJ4/U5mANJsYITI/AAAAAAAAEd8/Cbf-wIAih48/s1600/IMG_20140521_145800.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
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My dear online universe, I'm alive! </div>
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It may seem that I have completely forgotten you, which is not entirely true. I was just busy living my life lately, rather than writing about it. Unfortunately, my recent adventures have finally come to an end. So here I am, pretending to enjoy the heat that has finally hit my country, and attempting to organize my thoughts into a decent article. </div>
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The last month included a few take offs and landings and I finally managed to cross the Atlantic for the very first time. It may not seem like such a big deal to normal people but surviving a 10-hour flight seems like quite the achievement for a seriously nervous flyer (aka me).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punta Cana Airport</td></tr>
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Flying for what seemed like ages was absolutely justified on my very first morning in Punta Cana. I managed to get up a 5 am (not a big achievement, considering I was jet lagged anyway) and caught the Dominican sunrise. To be honest, this is quite something, since I'm normally busy sleeping or partying at this ungodly hour. Therefore, due to the lack of many comparisons, the sunrise at Playa de Arena Gorda seemed magnificent, at least to me.</div>
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Having the beach all to myself was another perk. I walked for miles and the only sign of human presence were my lonely footsteps in the sand (for the sake of writing I'll pretend I didn't notice the massive resorts that are stretching along the coast). It was another one of my spiritual moments: being alone yet not lonely, feeling connected to nature, looking at the ocean and thinking that everything familiar is all the way across it.</div>
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This blog was supposed to be about fashion, it turned to be with no direction whatsoever. Oh well (again)...</div>
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I packed so lightly for this trip, I fitted almost everything in my cabin-size suitcase. After all, how much space do bathing suits and sunglasses take. I think I did enjoy a fashionable moment though, as I got to wear my fairytale-esque Maje dress for the very first time. </div>
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I paired it with my Alexander McQueen shoes, which I've been wearing so much, I think they may have gotten a vintage quality to them. </div>
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The more I travel, my curiosity towards otherness grows stronger. All-inclusive-tourist sounds almost like a dirty word to me, so I tried to avoid falling into the stereotype although I did stay at an all inclusive hotel. I'm happy I met some lovely local people and took interest in their lives. The children from the video bellow were my favorite thing out of the whole trip. I thought that the 10 dollars I gave them were the best spent money ever, only to find out later that they have a "jefe" who takes virtually all they make. Silly me. Oh well...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast for champions</td></tr>
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Before I knew it, it was time to go. After all, what are 12 days in paradise. I was splashing in the Carribean sea and a few hours later I was over the Atlantic, experiencing some major turbulence. On my way to the airport it occurred to me that wherever we go, we leave a little bit of our hearts and we take a little bit with us. Every trip changes us, and hopefully, when we come home, we are a better version of our old selves. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-18108093841017094342014-04-20T02:46:00.000-07:002014-04-28T12:43:17.941-07:00Neon trend 2014<div class="western" lang="en-US" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US">Love
it or hate it, neon has emerged back from the 80s and appears to have
settled permanently in our wardrobes. Thinking Hollywood, dodgy party
hotels and bohemian night seekers? Well, not exactly. The new trend
has transcended its roots. It is all over the runways and more
importantly – outside them. It's fresh and sophisticated with an
almost futuristic appeal.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: x-small;">Experimenting
with neon is a sign of character – it takes guts to wear something
that screams LOOK-AT-ME! In this sense, the trend is a symbol of
female empowerment. Many of us are shy when it comes to colors but
our favorite celebrities from Jessica Alba, to Lupita Nyong'o and Alessandra Ambrosio are rocking the neon trend. It reminds us
that we can make a fashion statement and have a little fun in the
process.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If
you haven't done so during the past seasons, it's a good time to
invest in neon anything – from clothing, to shoes, bags or simply
nail polish. You can ride the trend in many different ways: you can
go flashy or ladylike. Neon is subject to personal interpretation but
it's essential to be served in just the right amount. You may want to
avoid too literal interpretations of the 80s, or causing nausea to
your companions with a head-to-toe look. If it has to be head to toe,
opt for monochrome or some smart color-blocking. As usual, less is
more. Balance your neon pieces with neutrals. Use a splash of neon as
your statement piece and go ladylike in the rest of your outfit.
Instead of being too literal and opting for a tight jeans combo, go
for a classic tailored silhouette. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whether
you'll opt for a bright beanie or you'll brave a fluorescent gown,
enjoy the neon ride!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">x</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-53014180432119922182014-04-01T03:00:00.001-07:002014-04-01T03:00:39.947-07:00RIP Frankie Knuckles<div style="text-align: justify;">
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It is a sad day today. I just learned of Frankie Knuckles' passing.</div>
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To those of you who've never heard of him, he was considered the Godfather of House Music and played a major role in the development of the genre. Needless to say, his creative efforts helped lay the foundation for a movement that expands beyond music today - it is a lifestyle. </div>
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Having grown up with electronic music, I can't go untouched by the news of his untimely death. I am sad because he was among the iconic figures of a genre, which is becoming way too commercialized nowadays and loosing its underground appeal. I am also grateful to him. Mr Knuckles, thank you for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY4RPicPSuc" target="_blank">Your Love</a>. Thank you for dedicating your four decades long career to changing the face of dance music. Frankly, this person has been hugely influential for entire generations in general and myself in particular. I would not have been the person I am today if it wasn't for my musical preferences. So thank you, RIP and I hope that your legacy will withstand the destructive powers of commercialism.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-50975213197250396222014-03-29T10:21:00.002-07:002014-03-29T10:23:22.098-07:00The quick getaway<br />
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Living in Bulgaria has its perks, namely - wonderful Greece is just a few hours away. It's scientifically proven </div>
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that a little change in scenery never hurt anyone so I packed my favorite blazer and headed to Greece for some ouzo, tzatziki and quality sea food. </div>
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Lately I'm into rock-and-roll mood, rocking the androgyny trend (in my opinion). I may have been a little out of place in sunny Greece but I feel extremely comfortable in my skinny jeans and boxy t-shirt. I added a pop of color with my favorite Illesteva sunglasses and Mulberry bag, just to balance an otherwise uninspiring look. </div>
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This Maje blazer, by the way, is my favorite recent discovery, I know I'm getting repetitive but I rarely go out without it. In my opinion, any outfit can be salvaged adding a great blazer and cool shoes.<br />
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xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-31147098082644016702014-03-08T04:40:00.002-08:002014-03-08T04:40:47.941-08:00Malaysia's 777 gone missing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RHcQ3pYffU/UxsObMUXgUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/rhiI0GGSW5Q/s1600/Malaysia_Airlines_Boeing_777-200ER_PER_Koch-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RHcQ3pYffU/UxsObMUXgUI/AAAAAAAAAmU/rhiI0GGSW5Q/s1600/Malaysia_Airlines_Boeing_777-200ER_PER_Koch-1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aviation safety is not a usual topic on my blog but the news of<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/03/08/malaysia-airlines-loses-contact-with-plane-carrying-23-people/" target="_blank"> Malaysia's 777</a> disappearing on route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing is beyond belief and deeply unsettling. </div>
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Being a nervous flyer myself, I am constantly following statistics about safety records of different airliners. The 777 was on the verge of replacing the increasingly outdated 747 Jumbo jet as the "queen of the skies". Since it first came out in 1995, the 777 enjoyed 19 years without serious accident. The spotless record ended with an Asiana Airlines flight crashing at San Francisco airport, causing the tragic death of 3 passengers.</div>
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The disappearance of flight MH370, operated by Malaysia Airlines puts things in a whole new perspective. My prayers are with everyone on board, however there have been 10 hours since traffic control lost contact with the crew and the chances of everyone landing safely get slimmer with each passing moment. </div>
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The loss of the 777 is deeply unsettling because years of clean record served to convince travelers that perhaps we can have infallible aircraft. Each time I board a plane, I am terrified but a tiny voice in my head tells me that with national carriers operating state-of-the-art planes, it is safer to fly than to walk down the street, literally. With the loss of flight MH370 this voice will sound a lot less believable. I am a reasonable person, I can grasp the concept that a single accident doesn't really alter the fact that air travel is the safest type of transportation.</div>
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I think that perhaps people's natural fear of flying is rooted in evolution. We have been around for thousands of years yet it wasn't until 1903 when the Wright Brothers took off and then 5 more decades until the boom of general aviation. Self-preservation is the ultimate concern of our brain, which hasn't had enough time to adjust to the new developments in technology. Hence - we are naturally terrified each time we loose ground under our feet. </div>
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However, total loss of aircraft has been an increasingly rare occurrence. We quickly got used to the comfortable safety record. This explains all the buzz around the crash of Air France Flight 447 over the Atlantic and now this. Because these are a testament that even national carriers operating the safest planes on earth are not fool proof. And we don't like that. </div>
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We don't like it, because each of us has to endure several flights per year and once you get on board, anything can happen. Even if it happens once in a million. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-47591516112947588942014-02-21T05:53:00.000-08:002014-02-21T15:53:01.610-08:00Maje obsession <div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been some time since my last post. Not that anyone has really missed me but I feel guilty for abandoning my little online universe. Today I had a sudden influx of inspiration because, being a mommy's girl, I got a gorgeous present from my gorgeous mother - this dreamy Maje dress: </div>
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This got me thinking that for a few years now, les creations de la maison are on top of my wish list. This Parisian brand is the epitome of affordable luxury: impeccable materials and craftsmanship at a price that won't exceed your monthly rent. Obviously, the likes of Givenchy or Dior occupy a whole different universe. However, this universe, as glamorous as it is, is out of reach for most of us, petty mortals. Furthermore, I don't really see the point of owning many Dior dresses, unless you are Ivanka Trump or a Hollywood starlet. Maje has found the perfect balance between luxury and reality and just seeing their stores excites me. </div>
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We occupy an imperfect world and I certainly won't be the person to remedy society's shortcomings, but I have started despising the idea that clothes need to be super expensive to be fabulous. Somehow I can't justify dropping some 1000 dollars on a dress, even if a red carpet worthy one, unless you are actually going to a red carpet event. Call me a geek. </div>
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I can't wait to slip into my gorgeous new dress and to feel extra fabulous. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-5256769828236980542014-02-12T12:27:00.000-08:002014-02-13T04:42:50.409-08:00Next LFW Outfit Competition<br />
The anticipation for London Fashion Week is full on and I bet that fashionistas everywhere are waiting anxiously just like a 5-year old waits for Christmas. As much as I look forward to the runway shows, I am even more curious about what's happening outside: being a sucker for street style, I can't wait to see what our favorite it girls have prepared for us - mortals.<br />
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For a while now I have been a lurker on the <a href="http://nbn.next.co.uk/" target="_blank">Next Blogger Network </a>without actually submitting a post. While browsing their noticeboard today, I stumbled upon this outfit competition and thought that composing an outfit for LFW is an excellent way to spend my otherwise uneventful evening. This is a brilliant initiative and a great way to test my development as a blogger because, let's face it, bloggers today are a major influence on trends. </div>
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Soon I was all over their <a href="http://inmysuitcasee.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, looking for something front row worthy: eye catching yet not too over the top. I started browsing the massive collection of dresses but I finally decided to go for separates because they leave more room for creativity. </div>
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I decided to center the outfit around the skirt - that would be my statement piece. I went for a midi leather skirt since this hemline seems to have settled permanently in our wardrobes and the leather immediately adds toughness and edge to the look. I kept the accessorizing to a minimum to let the gorgeous shirt do all the work. The print just happened to be one with hearts - in line with the St Valentine's hype. </div>
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Without further ado, here is my selection from <a href="http://www.next.co.uk/" target="_blank">Next</a>:<br />
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I chose a cross body bag to add playfulness to an otherwise a little severe silhouette. It took me some time to compose this outfit but I ended up loving it so much, I think I'll just order it. I may not be attending the Fashion Week, but I'll find a worthy venue. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Outfit:</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g56334s3#685006g56" target="_blank">skirt</a> - Oasis Black High Waist Leather</span><br />
<a href="http://www.next.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">shirt </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-productaffiliation-footwear/category-sandals-category-shoes-colour-black-heel-high-heel-mid-heel-veryhigh-srt-24" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">shoes</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/x538386s6#879185x53" target="_blank">watch </a>- Fossil Rose Gold Sports Watch</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/x536386s2#133257x53" target="_blank">bangles</a> - DKNY Multi Bangles Three Pack</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g803060s6#668216g80" target="_blank">bag</a> - Raspberry mini cross body bag</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-productaffiliation-accessories/category-sunglasses-srt-72" target="_blank">sunnies </a>- Ray Ban</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.next.co.uk/g788048s10#857028g78" target="_blank">perfume</a> - Issey Miyake</span><br />
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xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-44221680406436219052014-02-12T05:54:00.002-08:002014-02-13T04:59:49.853-08:00Liebster Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am very excited as the gorgeous Kate from <a href="http://fizzing-whizbees.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> fizzing-whizbees </a> has nominated me for a Liebster Award. It is really rewarding to see that my creative struggles have been appreciated! Thank you, doll, you rock!</div>
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If, similarly to me, you've been living under a rock and you have no idea what a Liebster Award is, this is an award given <i>by</i> bloggers <i>to</i> bloggers <i>for</i> blogs with less than 200 followers. This is a great initiative intended to support relatively unknown bloggers and to help them gain recognition within the community. </div>
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<u>The rules: </u></div>
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Anyone can accept an award. If nominated, you have to link back to the blogger who nominated you, answer the 11 questions provided, nominate 11 new bloggers of your choice and provide them with your own set of questions /you cannot nominate the blogger that has nominated you/. Finally, you are welcome to feature a badge on your blog. You must tell your nominees that you have nominated them. </div>
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Here are my answers to Kate's questions: </div>
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<b>1. Why did you decide to start a blog</b></div>
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I have been a "lurker" for ages but I never had the confidence to start my own blog. I am very happy that I finally gave in. My essential purpose is not so much recognition, as personal development: I am always on the lookout for interesting stories to share, constantly working on improving my writing.</div>
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I am still unsure about the direction of this blog, it seems to be about everything - covering my various interests. I believe that I have an interesting point of view and the inherent anonymity of the virtual world allows me to freely express myself. </div>
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<b>2. What has been your favorite part of blogging so far?</b> </div>
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Working on my blog brings me the pleasure of doing something meaningful with my free time. I recently graduated from university and I was afraid that my personal growth your stop right there, having this blog ensures that I'll keep striving for intellectual improvement. In addition, I am always happy to see that people read and appreciate my posts, even the shortest comments are truly rewarding. </div>
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<b>3. How did you come up with your blog name?</b></div>
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When I was considering different titles, I was looking for a metaphor to encompass my various interests. I wanted to give my blog a direction without being too particular. Then I thought of the fact that I am always in between addresses and I often have to fit my entire universe within the compounds of my suitcase. Hence - the title. It may not be the most original but it is still profoundly personal. </div>
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<b>4. What is your current favorite store to shop at? </b></div>
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If I have to pick my favorite brand at the moment, that would be Mcq Alexander McQueen. This brand embodies the edgy urban girl that I strive to be. </div>
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If the question is of more general nature and asking about a store per se - then de Bijenkorf in Amsterdam - because you can spend your entire day there and you can get anything you can possibly think of (plus, they do great discounts).</div>
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<b>5. What is your current favorite beauty product? </b></div>
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Definitely my Touche Eclat foundation by YSL. This is hands down the best foundation out there. I don't have severe skin problems to hide so I was looking for something light and adaptive. I've tried a ton of others that were either too thick or non-lasting. The Touche Eclat blends perfectly, it covers the little imperfections, evens out the tan yet the end result is as if I'm wearing just a moisturizer. </div>
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<b>6. Which upcoming trends are you most looking forward to? </b></div>
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I am really excited about fashion's direction in general this year but if I really had to pick something, I'd go for 2 slightly opposing trends: the bomber jacket and the tea-length skirt. </div>
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<i>The tea-length skirt is feminine and sophisticated but pair it with a cropped top - it becomes super sexy. Yes, with a ladylike hemline it's not the edgiest garment out there but personal interpretation matters the most, style it right and you have yourself a show stopper.</i></div>
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<i>The bomber jacket could serve as a statement piece. Ride the trend and experiment with colors and textiles, this is the perfect opportunity to add boldness to your look.</i></div>
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<b>7. Which social site do you spend the most time on? </b></div>
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You caught me - it's Facebook </div>
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<b>8. Who is your favorite blogger and why? </b></div>
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Andy from Stylescrapbook is my absolute favorite. I love her style - urban cool at its best. She is great at mixing bold patterns and shapes, she could wear something from H&M and style it to look super expensive. </div>
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I also like Chiara Ferragni from The Blonde Salad, she is gorgeous and creative, her blog has millions of followers but she manages to keep it uniquely personal. I love her girly-girl-meets-rock-princess style.</div>
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<b>9. What is your favorite magazine if any? </b></div>
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Playboy. </div>
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I'm just kidding. </div>
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<b>10. What do you like to do aside from blogging? </b></div>
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I love to travel. When I don't travel, I contemplate my past trips and dream/plan future ones. I am also a bit of a party animal - I love electronic music and I am a sucker for underground parties. At the same time, I love to snuggle with a good book and a cup of tea. </div>
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I am schizophrenic, I know. </div>
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<b>11. Where would you like your blog to be in one year? </b></div>
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Hm, I could say I want it to be the next "it" blog but I guess I have to be realistic. </div>
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I hope that I'll soon gather a lot more exciting material to write about and to get some regular readers. </div>
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<b>Here are my questions: </b></div>
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<i>1. What is your purpose in writing a blog? </i></div>
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<i>2. Where do you find inspiration? </i></div>
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<i>3. Who is your celebrity style crush? </i></div>
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<i>4. Which is your favorite fashion brand and why? </i></div>
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<i>5. What is your dream destination? </i></div>
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<i>6. If you could talk to ANY one person from the past or present, who would that be? </i></div>
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<i>7. Who is your favorite blogger and why? </i></div>
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<i>8. Which is your favorite skincare product? </i></div>
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<i>9. If you had to pack only 3 items for a month at an unknown destination, what would you take? </i></div>
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<i>10. What do you like doing in your free time, other than blogging? </i></div>
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<i>11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? </i></div>
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Thank you bearing with me, I'm a girl of many words.</div>
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Here are my nominations: </div>
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<u> <a href="http://sweetadaline5783.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Adaline </a>//<a href="http://dina-bella.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Dinabella </a> // <a href="http://talesoftwoblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">talesoftwo</a> // <a href="http://thinkworkandgo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chiamaka</a> // <a href="http://princesskyleproductions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kyle</a> // <a href="http://thebenjbible.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Benj</a> // <a href="http://mihotoinette.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Miho </a> // <a href="http://vintageloyal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Joana </a> // <a href="http://thebigiofactor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">theBigioFactor</a> //<a href="http://www.thecentralstreet.com/" target="_blank"> Madina</a> // <a href="http://lesjoliesblog.com/" target="_blank">Kristina</a></u></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-91444574545729146722014-02-09T02:09:00.000-08:002014-02-13T05:20:13.220-08:00On my love for Mulberry<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have read any of my posts, you've probably noticed that I am a sucker for everything British. Hence, It should come as no surprise that Mulberry is one of my favorite brands ever.</div>
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I love Mulberry for a number of reasons. First of all, it is so quintessentially British - with the quirky yet clean styles that may be bordering safe (which, let's face it, is bordering boring). In a world of prints, embellishments, skulls and so forth, Mulberry represents stability and class. Perhaps my choice of accessories is a reflection of my personality - I am not the most creative person, yet I am a quiet non-conformist-meets-traditionalist. </div>
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I love the fact that the bags don't really change over the years - Mulberry focus on reinventing their existing designs rather than striving to surprise their loyalists. This is what makes them instantly recognizable but also it turns every single item into an investment - it is something that you can enjoy forever, if you take proper care of it, of course. All that being said, my favorite Mulberry bag is the Willow tote - it came to life in 2013 under the reign of Emma Hill as a creative director. The Willow tote is not the cheapest bag out there but it's pure value for money due to its versatility - it's a tote, a clutch, a shoulder bag - designed with the modern woman in mind.</div>
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I love Mulberry because it is a British brand not simply in its roots dating back some 4 decades. Unlike the giants that have shifted their entire production to the Orient, 50% of Mulberry goods are produced in England. I don't know whether it's just me, but the bags seem to carry some nostalgia, they remind me of the forests and cottages of the English countryside, and I mean this as a very positive thing. Perhaps the fact that they are handcrafted at this very location contributes greatly to the air of authenticity that surrounds them. </div>
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Some of my favorite celebrities happen to be fans of Mulberry, here is a small sample. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8UY2k1DND8/UvdS5IyAxgI/AAAAAAAAAg0/iCLqWniX4wM/s1600/nina-dobrev-wearing-mulberry-and-adrian.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o8UY2k1DND8/UvdS5IyAxgI/AAAAAAAAAg0/iCLqWniX4wM/s1600/nina-dobrev-wearing-mulberry-and-adrian.png" height="313" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-5041699073717049202014-02-08T03:23:00.001-08:002014-03-08T12:49:26.590-08:00The long lost friend<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello everyone!</div>
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Have you ever had a perfect partner in crime with whom you suddenly lost touch? Due to the frequent change of my geographic coordinates, I've lost many friends over the years but it's all the more rewarding when you rediscover them. </div>
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My generation was brought up at a time when the technological revolution was already gathering pace. However, communicating with your long-distance buddies has never been as easy, as it is today. I am not a big sucker for social media and virtual friendships but I do appreciate their role in bringing us closer to our real friends.</div>
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Today's post is dedicated to 2 teenage girls that used to roam the earth some 8-9 years ago. They were rebellious party animals that had discovered early the benefits of vodka and electronic music. If I had to pick the favorite period of my life, it would definitely be the distant summer 2005. And of course, the picture would be incomplete without her - my perfect partner in crime - Mina. We used to share a room, before our paths went in completely opposing directions and it took us some 8 year to reconnect. Bless you, facebook!</div>
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Here we are today - me the honorary graduate from a British university, still soul searching, and her - a respectable married lady, living in wonderful (though a tad sterile) Switzerland. It took us some time to organize this reunion. I was a little concerned because I was wondering if we'd still have anything to talk about. You must have had this really close friend that you discovered after a few years and there was nothing between you but awkward silence! Well, this was nothing like that. She came with her sweet Italian hubby, instead of vodka we were drinking good wine but the conversation kept going for hours. </div>
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So cheers to the good friends, let's not let them out of our sight, they are a rare breed. I hope that we won't have to wait another 8 years for our next reunion.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-55567074725974367592014-01-27T03:45:00.000-08:002014-02-12T16:41:57.834-08:00The useless post<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here I am, completely void of ideas, armed with a laptop and having decided to write a useless post on a non-existent topic. I'd attribute the lack of inspiration to the horrible weather, this is my preferred reason, the alternative being that I am just....well stupid. </div>
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It's Monday - the day that we all hate to hate. Here it is, once again, mercilessly barging into our lives, like this persistent guest that keeps popping at your doorstep and you wish you could hide your head under the blanket but you find yourself opening the door and inserting a bitter resemblance of a smile on your face. I have to admit, me - unemployed - complaining about Mondays, seems a little misplaced. In my defense - my better half works (A LOT), so once the weekend if over, he enters his imaginary universe of numbers, statistics and currencies, which, as you can imagine, is off limits for needy girlfriends. Me - I end up watching stupid teenage drama series and eating chocolate. </div>
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I'll spare you the rest of my Monday whining before it gets too repetitive and annoying. I'll conclude with the thought that probably I am in hell, specifically designed for the unemployed. It won't be for too long though, I am anticipating a major life change but I'll tell you all about it when....it happens.</div>
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Here is a reward to bearing with me for 3 whole paragraphs: </div>
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I sincerely hope that you, dear reader, are the winner of these 2 coconut cocktails - to enjoy them in good company on this breathtakingly beautiful beach.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-2037384113411594752014-01-19T12:54:00.000-08:002014-02-13T03:13:09.080-08:00Designer stand off<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it comes to clothing, I rely on the principle that often less is more. I am a sucker for urban cool and as much as I love my colorful bubble skirts, I am truly in my comfort zone when dressed in clean silhouettes, monochrome with a pop of color and of course - a leather jacket, which is my wardrobe's reigning king.<br />
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I am very happy with the direction that fashion has taken lately. Women have accomplished a lot during the past decades and we have finally taken our rightful position in modern society. It is only natural that our wardrobe reflects this transition. The modern fashionista is still feminine, without the need to be fragile. The cool urban girl of today is not afraid to show her best assets but she is also tough and edgy.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">So I decided to dedicate today's post to my favorite designers, whose vision corresponds with my own aesthetic. </span>I obviously couldn't stay clear of skirts and shorts. This reflects my belief that a great pair of legs is a girl's greatest asset and there is no harm in showing a little skin, tastefully. Here is a selection of looks from this year's Resort collections.</div>
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Rock on, sistas! </div>
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3.1 Philip Lim, 2014 Resort Collection<br />
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Alexander Wang, 2014 Resort Collection<br />
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Balenciaga, 2014 Resort Collection<br />
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Alexander McQueen, 2014 Resort Collection<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-14517982765902002272014-01-16T08:56:00.000-08:002014-01-28T04:55:00.448-08:00Discount shopping<br />
The winter excitement does not end with the dusk of the holidays. Modern girls don't really need Santa when the winter discounts are full on and you can snap designer items at a fraction of the price.<br />
There isn't much left, but if you have a lot of time on your hands, you can still find something you like. I spent the day "window shopping" and came up with an outfit composed entirely of discounted items.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lulu Frost necklace - 123 eur at theoutnet (50% discount)<br />Kelly Wearstler cuff - 123 eur at the outnet (55% discount)<br />Tom Binns bangle - 89 eur at the outnet (45% discount)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Helmut Lang sweatshirt - 84 eur at matchesfashion (50% discount)<br />Proenza Schouler shorts - 171 eur at net-a-porter (70% discount)<br />Maison Martin Margiela leather clutch - 390 eur at net-a-porter (50% discount)<br />Tabitha Simmons ankle boots - 626 eur at mytheresa (I know, I know, they cost a fortune, but a girl can dream) </span><br />
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-11141629784928582992014-01-15T07:41:00.001-08:002014-01-16T14:01:23.961-08:00On replicas<br />
I live in Bulgaria so you can imagine I have a very easy access to replicas of the major fashion brands. Many friends of mine make a living while importing fake designer items from the likes of China, Dubai and Turkey. Naturally, they often try to sell me their products and I am often confronted with a dilemma: to buy a replica of a designer item, which I could not otherwise afford or to stay principled and to say no.<br />
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I'll be honest with you, many times I have been tempted. However I don't own a single replica. Don't get me wrong, my fundamental reason for abstaining is not the intrinsic need to support a multi billion dollar industry. Rather, it is a matter of self-respect. Obviously, not everyone can afford the likes of Chanel and Louis Vuitton. And this is a good thing, this is what makes these brands so exclusive. This contributes to the customer's satisfaction of owning something unique and timeless. Owning a Chanel bag is a privilege, you don't pay just for the amazing quality of material and craftsmanship, you also pay for the label - for the privilege of being a part of an exclusive club.</div>
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I don't necessarily agree that is morally right. We live in a world where an overwhelming number of people can't make ends meet. However the purpose of this post it not to criticize or remedy the shortcomings of modern society. To get back to my point - I have been dreaming for a Celine bag for what feels like ages. Yet I refuse to get a fake one because this buy wouldn't bring me any of the personal satisfaction, which I already discussed above. At first sight it won't scream "replica", but I would know the truth. I will know that I am pretending to be someone I'm not. Furthermore, at this point I have been lucky enough to build a wardrobe that contains garments from the likes of McQueen and Lagerfeld. Most of these items I've gotten during the discounts but that doesn't make them any less genuine. However, adding a replica bag, for instance, may lead others to question my integrity in general and hence - the authenticity of my entire wardrobe. </div>
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I hope that you won't take me for a privileged little poser, which I am not. Actually, I think that the people who'd buy replicas of designer items, which they can't afford, are the posers. To me, this means that they are not comfortable with who they are and with their position in society. However, at the end of the day, you can deceive others, but you can't escape your own self. </div>
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I would love to get a Celine bag. And one day I will, but as of now, I am drooling over much more affordable items that actually cost less than a good replica. Take this DVF peace of candy: it is gorgeous, or what?! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/401787" target="_blank">On the go mini leather tote</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-51768276150403978602014-01-14T02:40:00.002-08:002014-01-15T13:01:42.982-08:00London, baby!<br />
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Not that anyone has asked me about my 3 favorite words, but I will tell you anyway. Care to venture a guess? No. You got it wrong, it's not "I love you". The 3 words, which I love so deeply are "mind the gap". To me, nothing screams "London" like these magical words. They are music to my ears because hearing them on a regular basis could mean only one thing - I'm in London, baby!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I am convinced that London is still the ultimate metropolis. It was the center of the Empire up until not too long ago, it has a proud history, it's buildings reek class - all in all, it is still the center of the world. This post won't be long enough to fit everything I love about London. So I'll share just one thing: me, coffee in hand, my boyfriend's hand in the other (that's a figure of speech, I haven't actually cut off my bf's hand to drag around with me), walking along the riverbank from London Eye towards the Tower of London....Ah good times!</span><br />
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I studied in London, I left and soon I'll move back there permanently. Until that happens, I'll always be appreciative of the short visits.<br />
So it was November and we were discussing where to go for NYE. Initially we were set on Athens, then the diameter expanded to include Rimini and after all we said to ourselves - why not London? So it was decided. </div>
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We flew on the 31st and we decided to skip the parties and to watch the fireworks. Was that optimistic, or what?! It was no later than 6 pm, we were trying in vain to get a table at All Bar One and we were wondering why are people with blankets waiting near London Eye? </div>
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We returned to our hotel on Waterloo Road and a few hours later, when it was past 11 pm, we optimistically decided to go to Westminster to watch the fireworks. That was a smart and innovative decision, which millions of others had taken as well (sarcasm alert!). We couldn't get anywhere near Westminster and we had to watch the fireworks from very far (that explained the people with the blankets we saw earlier). We were a bit disappointed, the rain was pouring over our heads, just like in these romantic-drama-cheesy movies, which we all love to hate. We were dragging our feet towards the hotel and then, all of a sudden, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203022488907385" target="_blank">London happened</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very surprised boyfriend, our friends and myself </td></tr>
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To be perfectly honest, we didn't go to London just to see London. Another "fundamental" reason was an event that was taking place on the 1st: <a href="http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?528559" target="_blank">Circoloco New Year's Day at Coronet</a>. Yes, we flew over the entire continent for a party. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbAgsBa2a2I" target="_blank">And what a party it was!</a> I have to admit, I had never gone to an underground party outside Bulgaria. I didn't know what to expect but yet again, London never disappoints. The best thing - people don't care. They were dancing their brains out. Ok, as it was an underground party, located in Elephant and Castle (not the most family-oriented neighborhood), there were all kinds of people. If you are a sissy, or too narrow minded, you wouldn't feel particularly comfortable in this environment. Me - I'm a tough girl (oh my! What an arrogant thing to say, but I am the boss of this blog, so I'll write whatever the hell I want. Actually, you know what, I am Princess Leia. Yeah.). Right next to us there was a guy, dancing frantically, which we called Mr Slave. If you watch South Park, you already know what I mean, but I'll give you a preview anyway. So Mr Slave had a whip, on top of everything, and as he was constantly waving his whip, he'd hit my poor boyfriend from time to time. Oh well, we took it as the spicing of the party.</div>
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If you are a prude, you are probably in deep discontent now, so I really hope you aren't. To lighten the mood I'll share the picture of a more conservative party animal - ME - no whips, slightly tipsy, armed with a cigarette and a Jack.<br />
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On the next day we were again walking around London. The morning we were still heavy headed and hungovered. In the evening we decided to treat ourselves to a dinner in Strada @Royal Festival Hall, to compensate us for our troubles. This may not be the fanciest place in London, but it's hands down my favorite restaurant ever! If you are in town, go there and try the gamberoni! Mmmmm!</div>
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While I was in Amsterdam, I <a href="http://www.messagefromsanta.nl/video/vid_c5fdb" target="_blank">met Santa in de Bijenkorf </a>. If you are of curious nature, you probably saw the video. Yes I am THAT shallow, I requested a Mulberry bag. Initially, I didn't know it was a video, I thought it was just a picture and that Santa was just being playful. Then I realized my mistake and I was thinking damn it, why didn't I say "world peace"? Why am I telling you this NOW? It turned out that I had made a wise choice because my boyfriend happened to have seen the video. So guess what, Santa said we'll see and got me nothing (I hate you, Santa), but my personal knight with a Visa card got me my very own gorgeous red Mulberry bag on our last day in London. Hey, don't take me for a<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vwNcNOTVzY" target="_blank"> gold digger</a>, we've been living together for years, besides, I got him a present too! I totally deserved my precious bag. My PRECIOUSsssss.</div>
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Before we knew it, it was time to go. Once again, it felt like leaving home. I did recharge my batteries. It was the best New Year's ever. If you haven't gone to London yet, GO GO GO!</div>
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xoxoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-3915589566854351042014-01-13T06:37:00.000-08:002014-01-16T14:37:37.133-08:00My 2014 resort wishlistOk ok,<br />
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I know I am getting a little ahead of time with this post but I am a girl with a plan!</div>
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It's only January and I am still contemplating all the fun I had on NYE, but It's a warm sunny day and I am already anticipating my beach adventures.</div>
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One of the positive aspects of the technological revolution is the possibility to travel the world, safely and affordably. So I may be in Bulgaria now but my heart is in the Dominican, where I plan to go as soon as possible. While I am dreaming of coconuts and sandy beaches, I like to keep myself occupied - hence I decided to make a list of the 2014 resort essentials. Some say that planning and anticipation are among the best features of a forthcoming holiday. Cheers to that thought! So here it is, my Dominikana wish list, intended strictly for beach fun:</div>
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The ultimate summer essential? Sunglasses, of course. I am crazy about Illesteva - handcrafted in Italy and beyond cool! Here is my favorite pair:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/402895" target="_blank">Illesteva Leonard round-frame sunnies</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5EkSJlOHdI/UtPxE4w7zMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/bnVrU4w0boY/s1600/402895_ou_sl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5EkSJlOHdI/UtPxE4w7zMI/AAAAAAAAAV8/bnVrU4w0boY/s400/402895_ou_sl.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but I am not taking any chances with the sun, so I never step out without a hat. This Missoni is on the very top of my wish list:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85Vixi2JViY/Uthd1hQ0A4I/AAAAAAAAAb4/GPtBabssiCc/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85Vixi2JViY/Uthd1hQ0A4I/AAAAAAAAAb4/GPtBabssiCc/s1600/Untitled.png" height="211" width="400" /></a></div>
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We all know how hot the sand gets! We need something to protect out delicate feet. I am drooling over these Mulberry sandals, which you can get at mulberry.com for a discounted price:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKUqK-50EuY/UthakzBdGJI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/XpcnrtDZBto/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKUqK-50EuY/UthakzBdGJI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/XpcnrtDZBto/s1600/Untitled.png" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mara Hoffman's garments are on top of my list. This is, hands down, my favorite designer when it comes to beachwear. She embodies the laid back bohemian chic that we all love.<br />
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Don't forget your beach towel!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ganesh%20printed%20bikini/" target="_blank">Ganesh printed bikini </a></td></tr>
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This is, in my opinion, the ultimate beach dress for 2014.<br />
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I can almost see myself sipping coconut cocktails in this playful coverup.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSaE4RyV7dg/UtPuDIcrhvI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/wGSFeYAa57E/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSaE4RyV7dg/UtPuDIcrhvI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/wGSFeYAa57E/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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When it comes to coverups, I love Australian brand Zimmermann too. I am already the proud owner of this particular dress:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/360254" target="_blank">Prairie lace dress</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOYjc78vSXs/UtPyp2ch5lI/AAAAAAAAAWY/57NBGwt-HHA/s1600/zimmermann-cream-prairie-lace-dress-product-3-7711458-855609608_large_flex.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KOYjc78vSXs/UtPyp2ch5lI/AAAAAAAAAWY/57NBGwt-HHA/s320/zimmermann-cream-prairie-lace-dress-product-3-7711458-855609608_large_flex.jpeg" height="320" width="135" /></a><br />
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We need a bag to store all our treasures and I think that you'd appreciate this super cool number from Tory Burch:<br />
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I feel like I'm forgetting something...Oh yes! Sunscreen! UV rays ain't no joke, so do invest in a good sunscreen with a high factor. I have tried many different brands and I am convinced that nothing beats Lancaster. You will have to be patient and wait for the gorgeous chocolate tan, but you'll be allergies-free and the tan is deeper, so it's more even and long-lasting.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lancaster sunscreen products</td></tr>
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While we almost never forget to take good care of our skin, we often forget that the sun and the salty water will take their toll on our hair if we don't give it a fighting chance. My favorite product is a no-brainer -Kerastase, of course. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5LbdMXo-6U/UtP5Pn_4xvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/7Wc5GOgmf-Q/s1600/hairventure-a-hair-salon-weston-offers-kerastase.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5LbdMXo-6U/UtP5Pn_4xvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/7Wc5GOgmf-Q/s400/hairventure-a-hair-salon-weston-offers-kerastase.gif" height="200" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5LbdMXo-6U/UtP5Pn_4xvI/AAAAAAAAAXk/7Wc5GOgmf-Q/s1600/hairventure-a-hair-salon-weston-offers-kerastase.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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I can't wait to pack at least half of these eye candies in the suitcase and to escape to the beach soon. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-45381528728934521182014-01-09T14:30:00.000-08:002014-02-13T03:40:12.217-08:00On top Hello everyone!<br />
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Here it is - my highly anticipated (by me) post on the brightest spot of the City of Lights - the top of the Eiffel Tower.</div>
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I have never really wanted to visit Paris. I have never really wanted to climb the Eiffel Tower. However social convention took the best of me and as soon as we dropped our suitcases at the hotel, we rushed to see the infamous symbol of Paris. My first impression was of disappointment. This is a common occurrence with me, I set my expectations very high and I always end up being underwhelmed. To be honest, I don't know what I was expecting to see. Perhaps an even greater amount of steel? Or maybe at least less pickpockets :)</div>
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So this first encounter of the Tower was a little disappointing. But don't give up on me just yet, the story is about to take a turn.</div>
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My mother and I wanted a magical Christmas, we wanted to do something really extraordinary, so we spent the whole day touring the best views in Paris. We started with a morning at Sacre Coeur and in the evening we returned to the Eiffel Tower, this time bearing tickets.</div>
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I will not burden you with the elevator experience or with the fact that I didn't really know what to expect - I thought I was afraid of heights, after all. The best thing about this visit - I went with an open mind and with no expectations at all. And I was blown away.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpokvvM0xYE/Us8Y8AWgbgI/AAAAAAAAATg/WwyLwg7wbmM/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpokvvM0xYE/Us8Y8AWgbgI/AAAAAAAAATg/WwyLwg7wbmM/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I honestly believe that everyone has to visit this place, once in a lifetime is enough, but you should do it. The experience is profoundly personal, to me is was almost spiritual. The moment I stepped out on the terrace, I blocked everyone that surrounded me. I was alone, up there - on top of Paris, and on what felt like the top of the world. I was thinking that everything seems easier on top. Up above the world everything is insignificant. Down there you can see all these people rushing towards the rest of their lives, each of them has a story. I have a story. From up there, you can't really see the people. You can only see the lights. This is the moment when I truly faced my own insignificance. It was liberating. Mostly because I am often overwhelmed by worries and problems, by overthinking every single aspect of my life. This experience helped me realize that I shouldn't bother that much, whatever I do, I won't be visible from the top of the Eiffel Tower (this last thing is an attempt at a joke :D)</span><br />
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xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2476272845070515495.post-51635561006408867192014-01-05T06:38:00.001-08:002014-01-16T15:29:42.604-08:00On my love for airportsHello, everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbN3jryXXA/UthrHW-KELI/AAAAAAAAAds/alHHX_tAZEo/s1600/People-in-Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgbN3jryXXA/UthrHW-KELI/AAAAAAAAAds/alHHX_tAZEo/s1600/People-in-Airport.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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If I have to define my life with one word, this would be "roller coaster" (ok, 2 words). I grew up moving in between addresses. My family never really had a plan, so we'd move to a different city (or an entirelly different country) virtually every year. One outcome: there is no place under the sun, which I can truly call home. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining here. If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing (well...maybe just a few things). However, I feel most at home while travelling. I'd prefer a hotel room before a cozy house any time. I am a bit afraid of permanent responsibilities, of settling down, of boredom. So wherever I go, I find comfort in the thought that sooner or later I'll be leaving.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6C9W6RX05s/UthrPhlGr7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/8MqnsWPUCEI/s1600/8639721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w6C9W6RX05s/UthrPhlGr7I/AAAAAAAAAd0/8MqnsWPUCEI/s1600/8639721.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hence, my love for airports. Most people find them noisy, related to too much hustle and bustle. You have to wait in cues, very often they'd dare to make you take off your shoes, the food is not great and smoking is prohibited (yes, I've started smoking again). All this is true. Yet airports are so much more than that. Just last week I was flying out of Schiphol Amsterdam. I said goodbye to my mother and as we were both weeping, I had a sort of an epiphany. It got me thinking that airports are a truly liberating place - a place where the boundaries of normal social interaction disintegrate. People here laugh, cry, scream...We have learned to live in a society where showing emotions is a sign of weakness. We've learned to be politely silent but this doesn't really apply to airports, does it?</div>
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Airports all over Europe have witnessed the saddest and the happiest moments of my life. Therefore, as an outcast teenager, living in the Netherlands, I'd often go the terrace of Schiphol Airport to watch the planes take off. I was imagining all these lucky people who were...leaving. Obviously, I am afraid of the unknown, but the comfort of the familiar has always been a lot scarier.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvtas42AqAk/UslrvgqE3jI/AAAAAAAAASY/vp5KXnzsyCM/s1600/Aerial-view-of-Schipol-ai-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvtas42AqAk/UslrvgqE3jI/AAAAAAAAASY/vp5KXnzsyCM/s1600/Aerial-view-of-Schipol-ai-006.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
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Someone has said that travelling is the only way of spending money that actually makes us richer. I couldn't agree more.</div>
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What is your dream destination?</div>
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xoxo</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17115337102820540505noreply@blogger.com0