2011 recap

What a year. Only hours left to spend 2011 and enjoy it to the fullest. As we speak I'm snuggling on the sofa while it's a real winter wonderland outside, will go skiing afterwards. But for now I just want to think of the past 356 days. I'm not the kinda person who makes New Years resolution but if I had to it def would be "follow in 2011's footsteps and exceed". Why? Well, I use to say that in May of 2011 IOWA experienced its renaissance. In May I started to blog regularly, filled with even more enthusiasm and careless about people gossiping. I've been featured in quite a lot publications (like the New York Times Online, Jolie Germany), did a photo shoot for Glamour Germany (which is still to be released), attended the MQ Vienna Fashion Week and some other blogger meetings, contributed to some Online Magazines like Frock&Roll, collaborated with companies like the Sunglasses shop and last but not least, IOWA became SKIR's "Buzz Blog of the Year" plus a part of Blogger's Wardrobe. But I also traveled to Paris, Prague and Amsterdam - on and off duty - my parents moved to Switzerland - home^3 - I moved to my very own apartment which I'll leave again in 2012 - very likely - AND met the love of my life who supports and encourages me in every way. 

What shall I say? It happened a lot this year and I'm already looking forward to 2012 since there are some bright prospects waiting for me just as the MB New York Fashion Week in February and a really cool internship (more about that in 2012) - just to name a few.

Hope you all have an amazing last night of 2011 and enjoy IOWA's 2011 recap in pictures (below)! 

See you next year,

xx, A.

ANOTHER

Present. My cousin gave me an Apple Magic Mouse and that ZARA coupon (above) for Christmas. How cool is that? I know some dislike coupons but I love them the more! It's the way to say, "hey, I know you like that but you know better"! That concerns especially clothing and beauty stuff, interior décor... oh and restaurant coupons. Right?

Besides, do you have any special plans to end the year T.O.M.O.R.R.O.W.? The boy and I decided to spend New Years eve in the Alps this year and we're actually on our way right now. I'll keep you posted!

Happy Friday everyone!

xx, A.

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mix & match

Subculture. My mom has those super super duper breathtaking Stella McCartney overknees which I'd love to wangle off, she knows I guess, they're protected like diamonds. Well, for now I'm more than happy with my new leather jacket I never wanna be without anymore, a great contrast to the girly mint dress which I love. Speaking of mint, always thought the color wouldn't suit me and my deadly paleness but it creates that elfish look. Interesting. The extra long cardigan (dragged almost on the ground) and the heavy boots made the whole outfit worth a 2nd look, right? The outfit is kinda "goth something meets ballerina", kinda strange I know just as the looks the people were giving me. Amusing.

Ballerina Turn Around

GIF. My first gif I ever made by myself, took me quite a long time, embarrassing when you actually know how easy it is. Wore that outfit also on Christmas Eve, in a somewhat different way. Paired some other like more down to earth shoes this time, which simply are more suitable for a walk in the cold plus on cobblestone - can't stop chuckling when spotting one who totters on high heels! 

Again, love love love love...love the dress' low back, made me feel like a ballerina. The color's actually more minty - more tomorrow.

PS: please please please CAST YOUR VOTE for "Miris Castle for Allegra" here (just click on the image below):

Thanks!

Have a wonderful evening!

xx, A.

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SOMETIME

If I were. an iPad I'd be a white one accompanied by a smart cover in pink, 2nd generation. Of course. So now guess what? In only 3 days it become part of me and I wouldn't want to put it down ever again. I knew I'd become addicted and since my Christmas wish list has constantly been extended (due to things I absolutely needed like really - practical things and stuff you know..) I didn't expect to get an iPad at all. I mean, c'mon it's nothing you really need... right? A girl must set priorities... right? 

So when all the presents were given, received and unpacked my dad came up to me and said "that last one under the tree, see? that's yours, my dear!" All my wishes were flashing my mind, did I really forget something or was it a surprise surprise present? I wouldn't say I hadn't got a sneaking suspicion but still, I found myself groping the parcel. It obviously wasn't an iPad, but a pink smart cover. I was confused, my dad was laughing "well, maybe you'll have an iPad sometime" - actually I was even more confused and my dad even more laughing and repeating those words, I could only notice "iPad SOMETIME" and all of a sudden he whipped another parcel out. Yeah, it was an amazing iPad and yeah, I was jumping around the Christmas tree. So I decided I definitely needed one ... like badly. 

Thank you so so so so much!

Have a wonderful day!

xx, A.

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The Day After

Golden Girls. Went for a walk after those days of eating orgy XL to feel alive and kicking again. By GG I obviously don't mean the real ones but my grandma, mom, Wanda the dog and myself. haha. 

It was freezing cold outside - even if it didn't snow for Christmas here - so I didn't feel like dressing up a lot (that's why I'm wearing UGGs which I always try to avoid but frankly they're too cozy to don't wear them). I simply had to take my brand new leather jacket for the walk, though. Kinda reminds me of a certain Burberry jacket, love the extra leather details and those golden buckles. 

PS: the 7 finalists have been selected for the 2nd round of the Fashiolista x Nelly.com contest! Now it's time for YOU to help Miris Castle and me to WIN by VOTING for us HERE! Thanks for your support, I really do appreciate every single vote!

Snapshot Sneak Peek

25th December 2011

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Night and Day

Feasting. Hope you all enjoyed the days of giving, receiving and eating with your loved ones. Now it's over, unfortunately. And all that remains are unpacked presents, a felt weight of +2kg and memories recorded by photography. Here some snapshots of my Christmas night and day... 

Christmas Eve Outfit

Mint green. One of the most amazing pre-Christmas days (2 hours of indoor swimming fun with my brother and cousin - can't beat a waterslide race when it comes to Kill time before Christmas) followed by an even better evening full of love, harmony, Bob's Christmas carols, food and presents PLUS major surprises! (more about that soon!) I wore a whiff of mint green, the low neckline is actually in the back which makes the mini dress even more special to me. As a contrast the clumpy Zoe boots seemed just perfect again. What did you wear on Christmas Eve? Hope you all had a lovely night too!

 images: dress ZARA, shoes Sam Edelman

Have a wonderful Christmas day!

xx, A.

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TONIGHT

Guys won't understand. "chunk on your feet and a curtain as skirt...?!" I think these were the exact words my brother said when I entered the room. Well, what shall I say... boys. Anyway! Very into that summery light pleat skirts plus a heavy knitwear combo. The shoes just seemed to be the perfect match. I use to fish them out every now and then when I'm back at home^3 since I left my other pairs at home-home or Vienna. Not only they're very comfy to wear and walk in but also add a special and edgy touch to each look. Real keepers!

PS: the bubble will burst tonight! Are you excited? I still can't believe it and even have to wrap some presents, decorate the Christmas tree and dress up, of course. I wish you all a merry merry Christmas and a lovely night!!

Yesterday's Lunch

Almost Christmas. I'm excited like a 4 year old. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and I simply can't wait. Of course I like the presents (frankly, who doesn't?) but I love giving some and surprising my loves even more. Not forgetting the super yummy food and the family get together. I wonder, besides birthday, is there any better day? ... not for me, so I literally have to distract myself from thinking about it - I made some rocket-salad-pesto-plus-dried-tomatoes-and-balsamic-vinegar snack sandwiches for which I'm quite famous for almost the whole family and browsed through some magazines. I can tell you, it helps (a little bit, at least).

Have a wonderful evening!

xx, A.

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frock&roll #3

A couple of weeks ago I was asked by the Austrian blogazine frock&roll to tell my favorite place in Vienna and write some lines about it. No need to think about it for a long time, no doubt it's the Sternlite Boutique when it comes to fashion. Why? Well, you'll find my mini article on page 78 and some more hotspots in the whole magazine. Besides, it's definitely worth a browse - here.

PS: you may remember I've already collaborated with the frockazine? - 2nd issue when they inspected my wardrobe? (re)-check it out here.

PPS: the IOWA x Fashiolista x Nelly.com contest is still on! THREE more days to go, create an outfit for me and WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER TO SPEND AT NELLY.com - find out more about the contest here.

If you've already created an outfit for me you can post it on the IOWA FACEBOOK fanpage so I can have a closer look at it! (remember: on the 26th I have to choose one of your outfits for the final)

Happy Friday everyone!

xx, A.

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Dream Confessions

NEW YORK. Ever since I can remember I dreamed of the great wide world, meeting interesting and fashionable people and a life of being here and there. Cities like Paris, London but especially New York embodied my idea of freedom to the fullest and my little girl's dream come finally true the other year when my dad took me on a business travel to NYC with him. Still think the cheesy video and the  obviously overwhelmed written lines I posted back then describe my feelings best (here). 

Big girls, bigger dreams, long story short: those of you who like IOWA on FACEBOOK may already guessed it - I'll attend THE one and (invitation) only New York Fashion Week in February 2012!! Amazing but true, flights are booked, it's official!

PS: special thanks to Rachel, Emilie, my parents, the boy and all you lovely readers!

Have a wonderful day!

xx, A.

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Buzz Blog of the Year: IOWA

SKIR. The Austrian blogazine Stylish Kids in Riot featured it's on with allegra as their "Buzz Blog of the Year" - I'm flattered! (Unfortunately) The interview is in German but thought you may like to have a closer look at it anyway, here. Basically it's all about the blog, blogging itself, fashion trends, plans for the future and New Year's resolutions. 

PS: if there's anything else you want to know about the blog or me, just ask, I won't bite! hehe

Good morning everyone (more to come today!)!

xx, A.

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splish splash

Turban. Didn't want to go outside yesterday at all, it's been cold and sloppy and all I wanted to do was  sprawling out on the sofa, cozily wrapped, watching TV, reading magazines and blogs, listen to Christmas music and eating cookies - a perfectly lazy day, you know... but thanks to Christmas (4 days to go!!!) my mommy wanted to drag me through all the shops to find some more little presents (she's a Christmas lover just like me). So I had to slip off my pajamas, in some comfy trousers (told ya!), through a oversized denim shirt and a cashmere (! wouldn't want to freeze) sweater over and was ready to go - if there wasn't my hair which literally stood in all directions. Had no time to fix it so I tied a turban to keep it in check. Turns out the turban's perfect for a bad hair day and definitely keeps your ears warm in a somewhat stylish way. What more do you want?

apocalyptic (pt.II)

Glam and gloom. No reason to feel gloomy at all. The weather creates that apocalyptic atmosphere, though. Or is it me and my dramatic look? Kinda reminds me of a Lana Del Rey song, that innocent girl with a heavy heart... you know - but enough of the melancholy, a deep laugh in the end my friend...

Besides, another how to wear that collar idea, there are so many different ways, I told ya! I just rediscovered these super super duper amazing highly high waisted pants the other day in the back of my home-home wardrobe. Never wore them a lot since I bought them back in those days when high waisted stuff wasn't chic at all (can you imagine??). Neither thought they'd still fit me but voilà they do, better than ever!

Christmas baking

Traditions. Year after year some days before Christmas my granny, my mother and I get together to bake some Christmas cookies. We listen to Christmas music, drink lemon tea and gabble all day long. Ever since I can remember, that has always been the case and I love it! There truly are some traditions that I love to maintain for ever and ever and ever. 

Above and below you can see my all time favorite cookies with extra jam and a closeup of the oh so wonderful Christmas greeting cards by Chanel.

Happy Mondays everyone!

xx, A.

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apocalyptic (pt. I)

Deep sea baby. We took these amazing apocalyptic photographs yesterday. It just had stopped snowing and the atmosphere was absolutely incredible, especially at the lake, gonna show you more tomorrow - but for now, sneak a peek.

PS: you can still join the IOWA x FASHIOLISTA x Nelly.com contest to WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER TO SPEND AT NELLY.com. All you have to do is creating an outfit on FASHIOLISTA for your favorite blogger (hopefully me) using only Nelly.com items - can't wait your outfits out! (read more about the contest rules here)

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(almost) monochromatic

Double leather. There are so many outfit ideas striking my mind, regarding the sparkle collar - more to come, here we have a very girly combination which becomes more edgy by the leather. Thought it might be to much leather (sleeves plus skirt) but actually it really isn't, right? Dunno if it's the collar or the black in black look or both but it seems to just work. Anyways, the weather is strange atm. The damp air makes my hair sooo tousled but in a bad way, see? Awful. But it started to snow for the very first time this year which was a great excuse - oh so hoping for white Christmas to make it even more kitschy ... but in a good way!

Ballerina en Vogue

Saturday afternoons. Definitely two things I love to spend loads of time for when there's nothing else to do or rather I pretend so - as if one's hands weren't full a week before Christmas (yep, that's right, only one more week to go!!!) but frankly, I'm kinda early this year, already got all the presents for my loves and now I've got some time to relax and enjoy this oh so wonderful time (I don't want to remind myself of it, examination stress is knocking on my door, though).  

Do you have any special plans for Christmas? Gonna spend the evening of the evenings very traditional with my family, some yummy food and exchanging presents. Can't wait!

PS: how incredible is the Vogue's cover? lovin' it!

images: varnish le vernis "Ballerina" Chanel, magazine VOGUE (GER, January Issue)

Have a wonderful Saturday night!

xx, A.

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it's all in the details

All that sparkles. First I thought of DIY the collar and removing the sparkle thing but then again, as you know, I can hardly resist anything that glitters ...like a magpie. Plus some days after my purchase I've spotted these amazing collar details which are exactly like mine in the latest issue of German Vogue. I call it a sixth sense and go heavily loaded with my head held high.

images: magazine German Vogue (Jan 2012), collar ZARA

Have a wonderful weekend!

xx, A.

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all at once

Mix it. Stripes, florals, leather, studs - maybe a bit too much to wear all at once, huh? Well, I don't think so. Find it quite interesting how the print mix breaks and underlines the coat's minimalism at the same time and actually you can never go wrong with some leather. 

casual in the front

party in the back. Also known as the "I'm a superhero (at night)"-long sleeve - I def felt like one, somehow, caped at least. The boy thought of a circus director but actually I really prefer my imagination of a superhero a lot more. Anyways I'm absolutely in love with its asymmetric cut and the two different kinds of stripes - makes a special like not-so-basic basic of it, right?

PS: would like to stop pretending winter doesn't exist right away but I just had to show you the top's amazing cut!

let's pretend

winter doesn't exist. A closer look at my matchy matchy outfit - more of the red pants. It was freezing cold outside but I just had to show you this amazing leo printed peter pan collar shirt. So in love with that "buttons in the back" detail and frankly, who ever thought animal prints are so passé was definitely wrong - still sooo into that!!! And how great is that conservative P.P. collar meets animal print clash anyway? Could that not so basic tee be any better?? 

PS: these are my university glasses, I really do need but actually never wear them... hmm

PPS: GUY and GALS, wanna WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER to spend at Nelly.com? Join the IOWA x Fashiolista x Nelly.com contest, here.

PS: I love you

Matching clothes. I usually don't like those couples who literally become one person, you know they think and say the same at the same time and become too matchy matchy - on purpose. Funny enough, it happens to us a lot, definitely randomly. Anyways, even if we don't agree in anything and everything, we definitely do in fashion & style matters. And that's why the boy and I randomly purchased same colored pants. We simply had to record this - on purpose. Of course.

PS: more of my outfit tomorrow!

PPS: to see the pics enlarged, click read more (below)

NEW IN

We Bandits. We no steal. As I told you many many times the We Bandits store is really rad and well, so are its prices. People who know me well would immediately confirm that I use to spend a lot of money for fashion. But even for me there's a clear limit which on the other hand absolutely depends on quality and added value. So when it comes to classics, handmade shoes or bags I'm more than willing to pay a highly high price. Regarding fancy things which you can only wear once or twice (if at all) per season (unless you want to be the girl in neon pink or the girl with the glitter shoes), I'm not. Sad but true, I'm still a student and that's life, my Bandits visits have to be rarely. But sometimes you just have to do something good for yourself, right? ... and this time it comes in pink plastic bags.

Have a wonderful day!

xx, A.

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WE BANDITS AGAIN

Once upon a second time around the Bandits decided to settle down and reopened their "pop-up" store but this time for real. They're truly leaving that whole pop-up-and-down thing behind and become a real shop named We Bandits. I've already posted about them a little while ago (here) but this time it's different. Also, the location is way better, more central - it's such a tiny boutique filled with awesome stuff and I also love its retro furnishing plus the clothes rails are made of branches - what a great idea? - which creates such a lovely atmosphere, you gotta love it!

Besides, I fell in love with these glitter flats but since you coulnd't wear them everyday, unfortunately, they're somewhat out of my budget. I left the shop without them but a heavy heart... well, aaand a more or less heavy pink plastic bag - stay tuned!

man repelling

Boyish. Funny enough, men won't get this look even if it's almost the way they dress daily. But I do, sometimes you just have to think out of the box, tried to create a contrast, though. Like the flower brooches and the red nails - a girly touch, you know. I got the cap from my parents as a St.Nicholas gift, remember? It seemed to be the icing on the cake, the outfit didn't look like it does now without it, there was just something missing... Oh and these repelling pants, they're sooo comfortable and its shimmery shade of grey is nothing but amazing or even beyond, I swear I could wear them for ever! Hehe. So, I wonder what The Man Repeller would actually think of my combo.

PS: I actually really have the shirt from the men's section

PEEK PERFORMANCE

image: pants and shirt ZARA, belt Vintage

Now & Tomorrow. Got a sneaking suspicion that you now may guessed the title of tomorrow's post and that you can imagine the whole outfit but I tell you, it's still full of surprises! Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted!

Have a wonderful Saturday night!

xx, A.

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Delayed Greetings

image: bracelet and cap Atos Lombardini

Family. Today I almost broke out in tears: my door bell rang and the postman handed a quite heavy packet over to me. I didn't expect anything but as soon as I could inspect it without the postman looking over my shoulder (I find them kinda curious here in Austria) I detected my parent's address as sender, which made me even more excited (love love love receiving letters and cards and packets, but no bills!). Turns out that the packet was stuffed with candy, nuts and all that Christmasy stuff plus a little present for the heart and a note "delayed greetings from St.Nicholas". And that's the awkward moment when you couldn't feel more happy and loved and are moved to tears.

Can't wait to finally go home-home.

Enjoy your weekend!

xx, A.

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blowing in the wind

Twilight. Very special lightening conditions, huh? They create such a warm, pink-ish and un-wintery atmosphere ... well, if there wasn't the freezing cold wind Vienna is famous for (you may have noticed my tousled hair and the scarf which was blowing in the wind). 

Enough of playing meteorologist, more of those pants: I simply can't get out of them and neither want to! They seem to go with anything and pimp every outfit - gosh, what a wise purchase! Speaking of regretless deals, the leather vest was definitely one too. Oh and I love how that girly sequin clutch adds a glamourous touch to the outfit - what about you? Like?

Velvet and Studs

hide and seek. This velvet skirt was hiding somewhere in the back of my closet waaay too long. I can't even remember when I've bought it... even less why I stopped wearing it. Anyways, it made its way back to meet the daylight again. And I love that black and dark blue color combo, of course the dashes of white too ...or ecru. Also, do you remember my "pimp your collar" DIY? Well, that's the blouse - check it out here.

Oh and don't forget to create an outfit for me on Fashiolista using only Nelly.com items to WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER TO SPEND AT NELLY.com!! I'm so curious about the outfits you'll create!! More about the contest here.

feet-warming

image: boots ZARA, socks hand-knitted by my grandma

Coffee, shopping & SATC. What a cozy day! I met my dear friend little J. for some coffee and shopping (more about that soon) in the morning, we discovered some really nice restaurants and cafés slightly away the main shopping area of Vienna. Have to go there before leaving to celebrate Christmas at home-home. 

Oh and that's how my grandma's hand-knitted socks look worn. Aren't they just perfect? (more of the outfit tomorrow.)

The rest of the day I'll spend watching Sex and the City (yap, caught up in the SATC craze again - still, find the series much much much better than the movies!! and that from one who has watched them over and over again). Speaking of series, have you watched the latest episodes of Gossip Girl and 90210 yet? I died like a hundred times, gosh!

Have a wonderful cozy day too!

xx, A.

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right down Santa Claus Lane

Ho Ho Ho. Yesterday in my mailbox sent by my lovely grandma with the note "greetings from St.Nicholas" - how cute is that? Besides, I love her hand-knitted socks. They'll def keep my feet warm, this season in ecru.

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FLOWER POWER

Winter haze. Decided to top the outfit with a double floral combo as dear Laura of MAR | ADAM suggested too. It's a very Céline-ish look, I know.. and you know what? I'd love to have some flowered pants to match but for now I'm fine with these. Love how the colors of the different flower prints (different flowers, see?) complement each other and also the pant's color pops up here and there. Yum yum! 

Wonder if it's going to snow soon, it's quite cold outside and the wind is almost unbearable. Also the sun seems refusing to show up once in a while at least - that's actually why the image's quality varies here and there, unfortunately. Anyways, for now I just wanna settle down in my cosy bed, warm up and drink a cup of hot chocolate. Double yum yum!

NEW YORK TIMES

Street Style. Just wanted to share my New York Times - Fashion & Style street style online features with you in a quick post. I'm kinda speechless, I mean it's THE New York Times, you know... but I guess it speaks for itself. YAY.

Have nice evening!

xx, A.

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WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER TO SPEND AT NELLY.com

Contest. If you follow me on FACEBOOK you may know that I have something amazing to announce today: you have the chance to WIN A €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER TO SPEND AT NELLY.com. How cool is that? All you have to do is:

1. Sign in to FASHIOLISTA

2. Create a list for your favorite blogger (hopefully me!) using only NELLY items on FASHIOLISTA (max. 12 products)

3. Make sure you name you list: "This is how I would dress *blogger name* in NELLY" so if you choose me, name it: "This is how I would dress Allegra in NELLY"

4. Follow NELLY on FASHIOLISTA

5. Share this contest on Facebook or Twitter

On the 26th of December the bloggers will all choose their favorite entry list. These 7 finalists will compete in a voting round on FASHIOLISTA. On the 2nd of January 2012 FASHIOLISTA will announce the winner of the €1000,- GIFTVOUCHER FOR NELLY.com! 

I can't wait to see the outfits you've created for me! Good luck!

PS: find more information about the contest here.

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