On replicas

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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?! 

On the go mini leather tote

 

x

London, baby!

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!

I don't own this picture

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!

I don't own this picture

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.
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. 

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? 

I don't own this picture

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, London happened. 

My very surprised boyfriend, our friends and myself 

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: Circoloco New Year's Day at Coronet. Yes, we flew over the entire continent for a party. And what a party it was! 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.

I don't own this picture

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.

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!

I don't own this picture

While I was in Amsterdam, I met Santa in de Bijenkorf . 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 gold digger, we've been living together for years, besides, I got him a present too! I totally deserved my precious bag. My PRECIOUSsssss.

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!

xoxo

My 2014 resort wishlist

Ok ok,

I know I am getting a little ahead of time with this post but I am a girl with a plan!

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.

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:

The ultimate summer essential? Sunglasses, of course. I am crazy about Illesteva - handcrafted in Italy and beyond cool! Here is my favorite pair:

Illesteva Leonard round-frame sunnies

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:

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:

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.

Don't forget your beach towel!

Ganesh printed bikini  

This is, in my opinion, the ultimate beach dress for 2014.

I can almost see myself sipping coconut cocktails in this playful coverup.

Printed voile playsuit

 








When it comes to coverups, I love Australian brand Zimmermann too. I am already the proud owner of this particular dress:

Prairie lace dress

We need a bag to store all our treasures and I think that you'd appreciate this super cool number from Tory Burch:

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.

Lancaster sunscreen products

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.                                                                                                                                

I can't wait to pack at least half of these eye candies in the suitcase and to escape to the beach soon.                                                                                                

x

On top

Hello everyone!

Here it is - my highly anticipated (by me) post on the brightest spot of the City of Lights - the top of the Eiffel Tower.

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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)

x

On my love for airports

Hello, everyone!

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.

 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?

 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.

Someone has said that travelling is the only way of spending money that actually makes us richer. I couldn't agree more.

What is your dream destination?

xoxo

One girl in the big city

Happy New year, good people!

My adventures finally ended. I am back after almost a month of bouncing around the continent. I am in my pajamas, eating leftover Maltesers, which we bought from London yesterday,  and contemplating the past few weeks. As of now though, since the holiday comedown is so hard, I'll allow myself to reminisce about all the good things that had to come to their inevitable end.

I am still on the Paris subject. I had to wait until I turned 26 to visit the City of Lights. I think of myself as a child of London, however, everyone has been crazy about Paris. People can't help but draw parallels between the two. I couldn't wait to see for myself what's all the fuss about. And I did.

The two are very similar however London is just better. Yet Paris kind of grows on you. Perhaps there is something in the air - the longer you stay, the more you breathe in, the more intoxicated you become. I am lucky I left in just 3 days, because alternatively, I may have gotten stuck in a Paris limbo - never able to leave.

Paris surprised me in many different ways. I expected not to like it, I ended up loving it. I also expected everyone to be really rude. French people in general and Parisians in particular are famous for not being all too welcoming. I don't know if it was due to my efforts to speak French (which apparently is more proficient than I had hoped), or due to the fact that I never forget to smile to people, but everyone was actually really really nice. And I loved that.

Me - feeling as if I've just built the Eiffel Tower...or conquered it.

Ever since I'm trying to write this blog, I made a non-New Year resolution to observe people. Normally, I want to look good, but I couldn't care less about the efforts that other have invested (or the lack thereof) in their appearance. One think I did notice - most of the people there have an attitude similar to mine - they don't care. And that's the best thing about them because it allows them to be uniquely stylish.

The perfect Christmas Eve - no big family gathering, no traditional food, just good Chardonnay with my gorgeous mother on the Champs Elysees.

 

Finally what surprised me the most - I am afraid of heights. I least I though I was. But I did go the top of the Eiffel Tower. I didn't think that this would be a big deal (and certainly not worth the panic attack) - just a view. It turned out to be the most gorgeous view I have ever seen. This vista was to die for, so I'll dedicate a whole post to it, but I'll give you a sneak peak.

Stay tuned.

xoxo