Mix&Match

Done. Just wrote the last exam, can't say if it went well or not but I already passed half of the exams, sooo YAAY for that! These photos were actually taken during a study break, it shows, I guess, wearing a randomly mix&matched color blocking (?) whatever outfit, no makeup, no mascara but a touch of Chanel on my lips - must be enough, right?! But as I told you, there're still some tough times to come, not only fashion week, which I'm so so SOOO excited about, absolutely looking forward to that, but I'll move... AGAIN! More about that soon!

Also, got all my lovelies back from the shoe repairer's - highlight?! Yes, definitely! Now I'm def ready for NEW YORK! 8 d.a.y.s. t.o. g.o.!!!

BBFs

Best beauty friends. These two lovelies became my "beauty" essentials lately. Love the fresh- and smoothness of Coco Mademoiselle, gives that special feeling only be applying it, that's why Chanel's Chanel, right? 

The Bb. texture is sooo unique and btw, one of those products which confuses other people, just because of its subtitle which says "hair (un)dressing creme". Well, yes, basically you wash your hair and mess it up again but in a really really good way... you know, that undone beach-y hair that looks effortlessly cool and (almost) everybody (aka me, definitely) covets..? Well, yeesss, basically it's that simple!

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the boyish version

WARHOL. Now there you are, bananas, literally. Fell in love with that kinda weird overprint the moment I spotted it, also has that super super duper cool writing saying "blabla Andy Warhol blablabla" on the back like an autograph which makes it even more lovable. Found it actually years ago in the men's department and used to mix&match more girly items like a pleated skirt, think the boyish version isn't inferior in any way, though... nope, not at all! Paired some brogues, wore my hair beach-y undressed thanks to B.B. texture and was ready for a girls night out! Unfortunately, we didn't take any photos and the clothes smelled disgustingly of smoke the morning after, wouldn't want to slip in again ... to show you the whole thing you know.. so here you go, my outfit, unfilled.

PS: one more exam to go, next Tuesday at 8 am. (jup, I said A.M.), then I'm done! Terrific! Will still have a tough row to hoe afterwards, but more about that soon!

Have wonderful Sunday!

xx, A.

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CASUAL-CASUAL

Outfit. All my shoes are at the shoe repairer's, can you believe that? Must recover for NY Fashion Week, I guess. So these overknees are the only left... oh and of course my Timberlands which I use to wear kinda often these days since the handsome-handsome boots are a half or full size too small (simply had to have em!!) which hurts in the long run. Anyways. Always feel kinda dressed up wearing these boots but tried to keep it simple regarding the rest of the outfit. What do you think?

Outfit: overknees Flavio Castellani, shirt, pullover, pants and bag ZARA, cap Atos Lombardini, scarf Patrizia Pepe

Enjoy your weekends!

xx, A.

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SHOW OFFS

Earrings. I usually never wear earrings - not only because I'm kinda allergic to fake gold and silver (which makes it absolutely hard to find cool ones since I'm fond of all those trashy things) but also because I think they don't suit me very well - but when I do I think: the bigger the better. I'm wearing these tonight, will mix&match some boyfriend pants to create a contrast... you'll see.

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A THOUSAND

Edge. I'm so excited, the blog's got 1000 followers, just by night, can't believe it! I mean, is it really happening? I'm flattered and thankful for all you lovely readers, for those of you who accompanied IOWA like from the start and for the new ones, of course, who assisted to make it bigger and bigger. Terrific! Thank you so so so much! 

PS: if there's anything you're dying to ask me, have any suggestions to improve the blog or if you'd like to see something more on it, just tell me! I'm planing to do a little Q&A, so don't be shy (you can also send me questions via mail), my ears are open!

Happy Friday everyone!

xx, A.

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POSTCARD

IDYLL. And a traffic chaos 4 meters further down. I'm the kinda gal who loves collecting nice postcards of exotic places, stereotypic black and white locations, cute kids, funny phrases, fashion icons or drawings - not having any intention, just want to have them for the moment and never look at them again. The pleasure is all the greater by rediscovery, of course. Long story short: have you ever thought about the actual process of taking a postcard photo? Maybe the actual scene isn't as picturesque as it seems in the end. And maybe it's even more beautiful or exactly the same as it's presented - who knows? Maybe that suspense, that thin line between harmony and complete darkness is what attracts me magnetically... oh so poetic today, huh? Well, I'm getting off track... more of the casual-casual outfit to come... soon.

Have a wonderful day,

xx, A.

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seduction (pt.2)

So maybe now you get that "too sexy" topic that I mentioned yesterday, don't wanna repeat myself since it's self-explanatory thanks to the sassy body (still an item you got to have!), I guess. Anyways, love the contrast to the baggy boyfriend pants plus the belt and the extremely feminine pumps. Oh and that blazer's color!! I've been lusting after that one ever since the postman put the neighbor's H&M catalog in the wrong aka my mail box TWICE *cough cough* - thought it be more than fair to keep one at least... Sooo, what else? Yep, right, didn't freeze at all if someone actually did care (hehe) since we just got out of the car, entered the restaurant and vice versa...

seduction

and other things. Just a little preview and then I'm off again to prepare for the next exams. Kinda exhausting, that exam marathon but can't beat the feeling of relief and pride afterwards - no pain no gain, right? Well, I've enjoyed that special yet stressful day even more after ticking off 2 exams on the list. Anyways, the outfit turned out to be sexier than expected (didn't look so when I mix&matched the items yesterday on my bed), maybe too seductive for my (usual) taste (just so you're forewarned) but well, sometime's a girl has to show what she's got (underneath all those shapeless layers), right?... I'd say, see for yourself, tomorrow! 

Have a great day!

xx, A.

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BANANAS

ANNIVERSARY. Today is the day my lovelies. Not only that I'll write 2 bloody exams (wish me luck!) later on but also... well, today is the boy's and mine anniversary which makes the day super duper special to me (must bring me luck today, right?). Anyways, I rarely have time to write this post, so it's going to be just a quick update. Can't really think of what to wear on this amazing day (like after the exams, when we'll go out to have dinner) since I'm cozily wrapped up and anxiously waiting for the hangman to knock on the door. Nooo, just kidding, not that bad. In fact, that's a great way to distract myself from going bananas, will put some outfit combos together, here's the first.

images: belt MNG, see-through body A.A., denim pants DIESEL, pumps ZARA, blazer H&M

Happy Monday everyone!

xx, A.

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SILVER DETAIL

Marant-ish. Fished that stunner out of my closet. Rarely wear belts and silver but it reminded me of one I've seen at Isabel Marant's, sooo let's give it a try! What do you think?

Have a wonderful Sunday!

xx, A.

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MAKES ME WANNA MELT AWAY

Poesy. Sometime ago I've stopped posting my fav editorials since they've been uploaded by a couple of other bloggers too and in fact, I find it kinda boring to see the same images all around the blogosphere. But frankly, how couldn't I post this one? Sure, Miss Poesy is a stunner but I love the way she's spotlighted, that fascinating french chic captured in each photograph, which catches the eye and makes you wanna beam to Paris maintenant, tout de suite, NOW - showing my knowledge of French language, impressed?? - and linger there for ever pour toujours!! Oh and don't forget the clothes, of course, good job, Sophie Cooper, beyond amazing, nothing more to say, right? 

Well, there's one thing, I want that fluffy pink coat plus the camera, that turquoise floral dress, that bunch of XL balloons, thaaaat bicycle!! plus flowers and pink boxes (of course), those red heels and the sunnies... that's all! Tomorrow in my mailbox? Yes? Fine, thx! 

NEW IN

image: pumps ZARA

By night. Got THREE huge like HUGE stories to tell. Crazy how things can change by night. Okay, well, there's only one HUGE story but 2 which are worth telling anyway. So here we go: 

1. finally like FINALLY got some pointy black pumps, don't think they're the perfect ones but for now they're just fine and for sale, what more do you want?

2. told you about that blogger cocktail thing which took place yesterday, was kinda nice meeting people whom you're sharing the same "hobby" with but kinda strange at the same time. Well, luckily I had my buddies, Leonie and Mia with me, which made the evening even more pleasant. 

3. (oh, that's the HUGE one) when I came back home in the night I've been surprised by 2 little rabbits in the cold cold hallway, which I found really shocking, those sneaky fluffies got hopelessly lost, I guess... or hope so at least, hopefully they weren't abandoned! Anyways, I took them with me, made them a nice resting place in my bathroom since it's too cold outside, wouldn't want them to freeze to death.

PS: Valentine's day is just around the corner, soooo do you have any plans yet? Well, if not and I guessed so, here's something you might be interested in: on the 7th-9th February Romwe offers a 20% coupon code to all of you, which I'll tell you when the time is right!

Have a wonderful weekend, I'm off getting the rabbits some carrots!

xx, A.

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THESE PANTS

TYE-DYE. Funny enough, I have these pants since ages but from year to year they seem to rot somewhere in the back of my closet, maybe that's because still don't know if I should love or hate em. Make you look kinda bold, hippie, funny, crazy and fierce at the same time - odd combination if you ask me. But funny enough, they seem to be still "en vogue" year after year thanks to Balmain (unaffordable), Calvin Klein, .... oh and Zara, of course. That's always the reason for my decision to simply have to wear them more often... slip in, slip off and leave em to rot. This time it's different, I guess...

PS: the first time I was actually wearing that hair accessory "Dries Van Noten" ring thing - you know (how do you actually call it?) - see after clicking "see more" below.

YOUR HIGHNESS

Another crown. A very casual look topped off with the liberty head band, wanted to let it have its moment... People on the street were giving me confused looks, my punk-ish buddies'd be proud of me, I guess, if I had one at least. Oh and yeah, btw, honey, I shrunk the cardigan.. I'm better off, I guess, it's just a cardi not my kids... anyways, it has an asymmetric touch now, super en vogue right now, I heard... so yay for that! Also, these big puffy sleeves made me feel like a princess-ish kinda gal especially in combo with that thing on my head, kinda heavy I tell ya... duh! 

ARELALIZZA

As I told you already via Twitter and Facebook I received my first Blogger's Wardrobe parcel yesterday! Can't even tell you how excited I was and actually I wasn't disappointed at all! I went for this not-so-basic basic grey XL cardigan since I always have a hard time finding basics that are special at the same time - you know, those items you just throw over and you're done, ready to go, perfect for lazy days... this one is just beyond amazing, not only the fabric that is wool and cashmere (super soft, super warm!!) but I'm also fond of that triangle cut out in the back - I know, a cardigan with a low back? but it's just that little detail which makes it not so basic and sets it apart from others... what do you think? Like?

PS: started snowing today, maybe it's too late to sing "snow falls over the trees" now, huh? 

TATTOO ARMS

C.C.C. Turned out that the weather man on the radio was right, bloody cold snap, my body was shivering as we took these snaps but c'mon you know me, had to show you my "tattoo arms". Find the dash of colored print kinda interesting, gives the casual dress that certain je ne sais quoi, right? It's like "Eh?? where's that coming from??" major like over here! The scarf became one of my favorites lately, btw, you know one of those items you never wanna take off again...

Besides, it's only one more week to go till the first exams kick off, feeling very calm at the moment, maybe too calm like worryingly calm. Calm, calm calm STOP calm down! Well, I'd better go jump around, DIY-ing something or have a drink - in fact, there's a "Blogger Cocktail"-thing on Friday, kinda looking forward to that, change of scene aaand CUT!

PS: today I received my first Blogger's Wardrobe parcel, haven't opened it yet but I'm very excited, more tomorrow!!

DIY: Statue of Liberty

The idea of an DIY studded headband was already spinning around in my head for a couple of months now and became even more concrete when I brought myself to enter a punk shop to buy some studs for the "pimp your collar" DIY which you can check out here. 

I had some studs left but the problem was I didn't know how to pierce an Alice band. Then I thought of a (faux) leather band which I could convert into a head band plus easily pierce with that piercing thing tool below. Turned out it's not that easy to find the perfect leather band regarding size, thickness, ... and all. Or maybe it's just me. Anyways, the boy came up with a super super duper idea that is: using a belt which is absolutely amazing since I knew I had the perfect belt at home. It came with a dress by ZARA but didn't like the combo so removed the belt, kept it safely in the back of my closet, though... long story short: 6 STEPS and I'm a better copy than the Statue of Liberty itself. 

STEP 1: prepare all the components: studs, piercing tool, leather band (here: belt), scrunchy, a pair of scissors

A NEW LEVEL

Layering. Another jumping photo. Well, now you know why I had to take a run. Find it kinda refreshing to jump around once in a while, breath freshly fresh air and it all ends up with a huge cackle you know... major compensation (learning's still on), vital balance and all. Fresh, fresh, fresh *shhhh* - went to the Belvedere again, seems to be the most wonderful ground in Vienna, threw almost the same as last time over, didn't want to break my head and stuff, just wanted to get out, good old walk around the buildings... 

Layering takes on a whole new level, btw - made the boy willing to lend me his coat every now and then, which I'm obsessed with. He still looks better in it but I just love the idea of layering coats! Well, that's how it turned out.

PREVIEW

Bag. So it was nothing but this little bag inside the huge Partizia Pepe sales shopping bag. Funny, huh? Can't help but think it's perfection. Adore the two different kinds of leather, the color combo and all those knickknacks. Oh and the chain is long enough to wear it cross-over. Just had to have it and it was 50% off - win win! ALSO, see my intense face (2nd photo)? - Ready, set, go! *cough cough*

PS: just a little preview for now, more shots to come tomorrow

Enjoy your weekend!

xx, A. 

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TURN IT OFF

Casual. Grumpy face on my part, just the combination of bright sun and no shades... In fact, looking at these photos, can you believe it's January? Used to be one of the coldest and most wintery months of the year, right? Keeping that in mind, can you believe I went out with nothing but a shirt and sweater on? It was such a good feeling, letting the sun warm your skin, lusting after spring and summer days already... but actually can't complain about a winter like that - if there wasn't that bloody weather presenter on the radio who talks about a cold snap... tralalala we turn it off, we turn it off, we don't care what he says... 

Cookies and Milk

Breakfast. No time for breakfast today... well, what a bad excuse!? In fact, I love cookies and milk for breakfast! I know it isn't that healthy but it's just sooo good and once in a while it's okay, I guess... right?

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Oh so Van Noten

Belgique [belle chic]. Remember the highly coveted pony tail ring thing (how is it called anyway?) the models were wearing at the Dries Van Noten show back in September '11? I've been looking for the perfect ring to thread on my hair for ages ... you know. Now, finally, one of the master copycats (tatataataaaa) H&M created an even better one, suitable for every day use, kinda refreshing option to pimp boring outfits. MUST: tousled pony, not too straight, oh so wish my hair lengthen just for the look!! Extensions? Yaaaah-NOPE! Took two rings in case I drop one or even worse it breaks, just in case, kinda paranoid but I've actually dropped it today - twice? once!... twice! 

Have a wonderful day!

xx, A.

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Marry the Night

Lurex tights. These would be awesome for a girls night out, right? So obsessed with the lurex look at the moment. Spotted a girl of 8 wearing the perfect black-silver-ish tights on New Year's Eve, wanted them so badly, in fact, remember thinking of snatching them off.. yap, well, should I be concerned? Kidding. Must say, there's still a huge like HUGE little girl inside me.. hmm, let's say not visible anytime for anyone but you know - well, the salesman could hardly keep back a laugh and an ironical "aww" when I was asking for those I've seen in the children's department...duh, what a jerk! However, turned out they also sell lurex tights for grown up ones... yummy! Oh and remember that Prada shopping bag some posts below? *cough* hint *cough* 

BACKSTAGE

GLAMOUR. Looking at these photos after some time again, the fitting room looks kinda messy but in fact, it's a girly girl's heaven, a room stuffed with the most trendy shoes, bags, accessories and clothes. I've met some really nice gals like the Glamour people, same cookies different, Golestaneh and hair & makeup artist Sabrina too. The photo shoot itself was so much fun yet kinda challenging - imagine it was like 35°C outside, no air conditioning inside plus the heat of the spotlights and we were shooting an outfit for the most wintery month of the year, February. Call it a sweaty deal!

IOWA goes GLAMOUR

GLAMOURAMA. Months ago I told you (here and if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter you already know) that Glamour Germany's invited me to shoot some photos for their GLAMOURAMA section. Now the February 2012 issue was finally published and I'm allowed to show you some backstage photos. YAY! But first of all I'd like to thank the magazine for having me, it was a dreamlike experience!!

They must have lost my information paper, though. Miraculously, I've gotten 4 years older by night and look like I've gained numerous kilograms thanks to my affection for baggy sweaters. Oh and actually, I'm not wearing any Mango, Topshop or Kunert (?) items but a Bel Air sweater, a skirt by Celyn B. which I bought at the coolest boutique at home-home, and my grandma's hand-knitted socks. Well, what shall I say? Can happen! Still kinda weird to see oneself in a mag!

PS: backstage photos are to come later on today!

xx, A.

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MISSION

ACCOMPLISHED. Living in a city brings enormous benefits like 24hours food and drinks (!) delivery services, anonymity (which "allows" you to not wear makeup but some red-ish lipstick - caution! that's when you're most likely to bump into one you actually know) and open shops on Sundays, on the contrary, there are pollution, anonymity (again) and the fact that you can't see the sky from your apartment window unless you're leaning out like... a lot. You can only guess the weather and temperature outside, so when I went downstairs rain and gusting wind caught me. I went back home but the only warm-ish thing I could grab in the hurry was that furry aviator cap. You may wonder why I set a foot out of my door in the first place... well, let's say I had a mission (if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know, I guess) - had to purchase a little something... to read *cough cough* - more about that soon.

I was wearing the new oversized blazer which reminds me a little bit of scrubs, one of my sale purchases. Can already picture myself mix&matching the baby pink shorts I wore last summer a lot... 

THOUGHTFUL

SUNDAY. Yesterday was my day off. Well, let's say studying off, shopping on! It's kinda pathetic and I shouldn't say it out loud, I guess but shopping kinda distracts me from everything and anything especially stress and you know bad things and stuff, since the only problem you have is whether something fits or not which seems unspeakable superficial especially when thinking of people who have it worse - speaking of that, watched 50/50 the other night, cried during the whole movie, literally - but then again, there's no harm in treating oneself to something good, something far away from all that shocks, saddens and frightens, right?

PS: guess what's in the bags - gotta love the sales!

Happy Sunday everyone!

xx, A.

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OXFORD

PAIN GAIN. The past few days I spent indoor, not seeing anyone (almost), ordering food online, not even noticed the blue sky and rays of sun outside, sounds like the perfect weather to take blog photos, my outfits weren't a sight, though, some old leggings and a cozy sweater, hand-knitted socks... you know. The thing is, studying is on! A lot of exams expecting me at the end of January and I can imagine lots of things I'd rather do, especially preparations for New York, gotta plan some outfit combos, don't wanna take too much with me to carry all the more home... you know. I wanna think of anything else but studying... - no pain no gain, huh? 

Well, the cold weather is back now (on my self-appointed day off), that figures! So here a snapshot of today's outfit, indoor (the oxford leather harness in a more casual way, see?) and I'm off again to watch some movies...

Outfit: pullover and peter pan collar shirt ZARA, oxford leather harness Zana Bayne

Enjoy your weekends, lovelies!

xx, A.

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something borrowed

Earrings. My friend Judith has these major feather earrings, we've said one would be enough so little J. lend one of them to another friend some time ago who forgot it at my place, I kept it safely *hehe* and discovered it yesterday when I was exploring my jewelry box. Just had to try it on! So Judith, if you've already asked yourself where the 2nd part of your earrings is, come on over, let's have coffee ;)

Have a wonderful day!

xx, A. 

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Ugly Duckling

Disaffection. Never was a huge fan of down jackets/coats, certainly not, but the cold Viennese wind was whistling around my ears and blowing down my neck so I had to set priorities. The thing was I knew I absolutely didn't want one of those Moncler jackets you get at every corner and EVERYONE seems to have. I've always disliked them even as a child, not only because they make you look like a pompous ducky something, but ... I wanted something different, something fierce! And that's what I found last year, my mother who never had such a disaffection for down jackets, loved it from the second she spotted it. Me on the contrary, I learned to love it. Not only because it helps me to survive the cold but also because its dress-like cut is kinda cute, the dove color is unique and it comes with that not-so-down-jacket-like bolero. Win here, win there, win everywhere. 

SAME SAME BUT DIFFERENT

New Year's Eve. These are the only New Year's Eve snapshots - for now, at least - since we took the others with the Fisheye Lomo I gave the boy for Christmas. Excited about how they'll turn out and wonder if all those NYC skyscrapers could be on the photos - in full length you know... - speaking of New York, we finally managed to book a hotel! So YAY for that!! To be perfectly frank, I confront you with these funny snapshots since they're also the only New Year's Eve Outfit shots and I wanted to show you my new Oxford leather harness so badly. I got it also for Christmas, I'm so in love and mix&matched the floral blazer. Will def show you a better photo of it soon but it's almost the same Rachel Bilson was wearing for the NYLON shoot I posted back in December, here - but in black.

Happy New Year again and again and again!

xx, A.

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INFINITY

ARM CANDY. I've spend the most lovely New Year's Eve with the closest ones among strangers. We went for dinner, a seven course menu which almost made my belly burst but was super delicious, especially the dessert. Today we did some lead-pouring, found that all of them look the same in the end, haha. Above and below the jewelry I wore yesterday evening. The ring was actually a present the boy gave me for Christmas, it's an infinity knot - melt away. 

jewelry: bracelets Asos, Atos Lombardini, ring sansoeurs

Happy 2012, lovelies - thank you all for reading and commenting and following! 

xx, A.

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