BELLA ife is beautifu
December 2013
“CHRISTMAS isn’t a season, it’s a feeling”
Here we go! Year 2013 is almost over! Can you believe it? With Bella, everything seems to go by so fast! At this time one year ago we were so excited to be working on the very first issue of Bella Magazine, the January one. Full of hopes and expectations, ideas and a will to bring you something special, we spent the whole December creating Bella to make life a bit more beautiful - yours and ours too. And here we are, one year later, bringing you the last issue of 2013, as always full of fashion, beauty, tips and tricks, interesting ladies who deserve to shine, inspiration and of course, as it is a Christmas issue, lovely tips on some stylish presents - for your close ones and for you too, because you deserve to be gifted too! Talking about gifts, if you follow our facebook page and our blog, you may have also noticed that we have prepared a special treat for you - Xmas giveaways every week until Christmas! It is our way to say ‘thank you’ for all your support, so if you want to win some stylish gifts (for you or your close ones), don’t hesitate to entry and enjoy what we’ve got for you! And most of all, have yourself a very merry Christmas and let the new year be the best one ever!
Bella Team
With love,
bellamagazine@mail.com Have something you’d like to share? Do you have an idea that you’d like us to feature in BELLA Magazine? Know interesting, creative people who deserve to shine? Let us know!
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the team
people behind “What do you wish for Christmas?”
Production&Design Martina&Martyna “the Sun”
Editor in Chief Paulina Ness “the World Peace”
Editors Pavla Millerová
“health for everybody”
Ema Duláková “not much” Lucy Gault “a lot of snow” Amanda Parks Kremena Koleva
“shoes and jewelry” “happiness, love & snow”
Martina Crlová
“health and love”
Contact us: Would you like to advertise in Bella Magazine? Email us at bellamagazine@mail.com.
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bazaar
“make your own sunshine”
Accessorize
Zara Home
Oliver Bonas
JINGLE bells ASOS
Homesense
Lovely decorations to make your home shine
Monsoon Wedgwood
Sainsbury’s Wilkinson Paul&Joe
Paperchase
HouseOfFraser
Parker
Monsoon
Zara Home
Heatons
Marks&Spencer
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Moscow
city chic
Miss Selfridge
здравствуй,
H&M
Macy’s
Asos
New Look
Marks&Spencer
Asos
Forever21
Chanel
Macy’s
5
“a kind word is like a spring day” r
nce
e Sp
River Island
s&
rk Ma
Top sh
op
New Look
click 2buy
Zara rs l Ko e ha
Mic
Marks&Spencer
Forever21
do not miss
St. Basil’s Cathedral - located on the Red Square and built in 16th century is an architectural masterpiece consisting of nine altars spread out on one single foundation Bolshoi Theatre - see a traditional world famous Russian ballet, an important part of their culture Metro - famous for its architecture and the stations called ‘the underground palaces of Moscow’ Izmaylovo Market - the main souvenir market where you can find all things Russian at all prices GUM - one of the largest and the most expensive department stores in Europe 6
dress to impress
fashion icons
Sexy, shocking, stunning; the red carpet dresses we can’t stop talking about...
Liz Hurley in Versace Liz shocked the world in this daring ensemble when she wore it to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994. Such was the attention her dress received that it overshadowed her then boyfriend Hugh Grant’s big night!
Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga Who says that people with red hair can’t wear red? Nicole was never a lady who was scared to take risks, and it paid off when she wore this dress in 2007. With its oversized bow and a simple tie at the back, this one shoulder floor length gown was definitely a red carpet winner!
Julia Roberts in Valentino This dress was a 1992 design from the archives. Julia thought it was a ‘pretty dress’ and it was altered to fit her. Despite Valentino designing dresses for icons like Grace Kelly and Liz Taylor, he claims that the highlight of his 45 year career was when Julia Roberts wore his dress to the Oscars in 2001.
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“the difference between STYLE and fashion is quality”
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace With a mega smile, and a flash of a white toned leg, Angie stole the show at the Oscars in 2012. Angelina loves black gowns, and this strapless structured custom made dress was one of the nicest she has ever worn. With so much of her right leg on display, it became famous in its own right, and a twitter account was set up called ‘Angie’s right leg’!
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford Ford said that Gwyneth was ‘The perfect celebrity client to dress for the red carpet’. It’s not hard to see why when you see the way she looked in his creation at the 2012 Oscars. Ford’s cream dress and a cape with its fishtail hem looked simple yet stunning. Gwyneth added to the look with her barely there make up and a silver jewelry.
Jennifer Lopez in Versace Slashed seven inches below the navel, this dress was definitely a head turner. The 4,000 pound dress was lent to Jennifer for the Grammy’s in 2000. Apparently, Jennifer had to wear bathing type shorts and a taupe tape to protect her modesty! The dress is now on display in the Grammy museum.
Halle Berry in Ellie Saab Ellie was a relatively unknown designer before he met Halle. When he designed his hand embroidered dress, with the strategically placed nude effect brown bodice and a flowing taffeta skirt, which she wore to the Oscars in 2002, he shot to fame. Now this dress is considered to be one of the best known Oscars dresses of all time.
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get the look
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2
3
4
5
1. Michael Kors, 2. Michael Kors, 3. Boohoo, 4. Aldo, 5. Zara 9
“a great DRESS can make you remember what is beautiful about life”
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3
2
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1. Lipsy, 2. TFNC from Zalando, 3. Debenhams, 4. Aldo 10
fashion focus
the DRESS
CODE
With the holidays just around the corner, you can bet there will be plenty of festivities. How to decode those tricky invitations and always get dressed appropriate? Accessorize
White Tie Macy’s
Asos River Island
Mango
If there is a ‘White Tie’ dress code on your invitation, be aware it’s the dressiest of all. A long black evening gown is the most appropriate, although other dark colors like navy or burgundy may be worn. Accessories should be simple and class, such as a pearl necklace, diamond (or crystal) earrings and a small neutral toned clutch. Hair and makeup: the best choice is an elegant updo, shimmery neutral eyes and nude or light pink lips.
Miss Selfridge Marks&Spencer
GET THE PERFECT LOOK: Dressy materials like silk or satin tend to show every bump and blemish. Spanx can help slim and smooth your body so that the center of attention is your dress, not the indentation of your belly button. 11
“a beautiful thing is NEVER perfect” New Look
New Look
Black Tie
M&S
Nars
While long black dresses are classic, don’t feel tied down by this. Short black dresses are also acceptable, as well as long colored dresses. Just be sure to choose a more dressy fabric, such as silk, to keep the short or colored dresses from feeling too casual. Accessories should be kept to a minimum; think a simple satin clutch and sparkly earrings. Hair and makeup: Go for a classic chignon, matte neutral eyes, red or burgundy lip. Högl
Accessorize
New Look
Mango
Accessorize
Similar to Black Tie, these alternatives allow for more flexibility with your outfit choices. You can dress the same as you would with Black Tie, but feel free to add fun or unique accessories. For Black Tie Optional, you have the option to substitute a formal gown or cocktail dress for dressy separates. Hair and makeup: You will look great with soft waves pulled back in a low bun, nude eyes with fuchsia lips.
Miss Selfridge
H&M
Baťa
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River Island
Creative BlackTie
fashion focus River Island Topshop
Cocktail Attire Accessorize
Also Semi-Formal, this translates into fun cocktail dresses! Feel free to choose a short dress with sequins, lace, metallic, or bright colors. If you’re more conservative, a simple little black dress is always a classic choice. With cocktail attire, you can have a little more fun with accessories, such as a bold necklace or sequin clutch. Hair and makeup: Romantic curls with a deep side part, metallic eyes, soft pink lip. River Island
H&M
click & shop
Dorothy Perkins
New Look
The most confusing and obscure dress code asks for a suit, but for holiday parties it feels much too stuffy. Instead, follow the guidelines for semiformal, but in a more tailored, professional manner. Choose a modest cocktail length dress, but leave a little room for personality with your little accessories. For example, slip into a metallic heel or carry a colorful clutch. Hair and makeup: Try ballerina bun, matte neutral eyes and bright coral lips.
Dorothy Perkins
Business Formal
Dorothy Perkins
Topshop
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Oasis
“one can be over dressed but never over elegant”
Accessorize
River Island
Dorothy Perkins
Forget khakis and a collared shirt, especially when attending a holiday party. If your office party invitation indicates business casual, consider choosing a knee length skirt or dressy trousers (no jeans!) and a modest blouse like the one with a self-tie bow neck that requires no necklace. Heels or flats are acceptable, as well as a small or medium sized handbag. Hair and makeup: Sleek, straight hair, olive eyes with metallic eyeliner, berry stained lips.
Miss Selfridge
Business Casual
River Island
Topshop
River Island
River Island
Dorothy Perkins
Make it fun and special! The holidays are the perfect excuse to don that red sparkly number in the back of your closet. While dresses are a great choice, don’t feel limited; blouses with skirts or dressy trousers are absolutely appropriate, too. Materials such as velvet, lace, or sequins, as well as rich colors like jewel tones, can make an outfit scream festive. Hair and makeup: Tousled waves, smokey eyes, soft pink or nude lips.
New Look
Festive Attire
L.K. Bennet
Topshop
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my style
wardrobe in my
Jenny Jovanovic loves classic feminine fashion with touches of prep, trend and glam. What are her favorite looks? The most treasured piece I own It’s definitely my cobalt blue Chanel handbag. The color is so vibrant and unique, yet the style is so classic. My winter Must-Have A fabulous winter coat. People often see more of your coat than what’s underneath. My tip for looking fab Dress for your body type. Don’t wear something just because it’s trendy if it doesn’t look good on your shape. My last stylish purchase A gorgeous Topshop animal print coat. My favorite accessory A statement necklace. It can add so much interest to a simple outfit. My fave beauty product The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter
Canada
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crazystylelove.com
Denim-on-denim or the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ is my go-to casual outfit. It has an effortless chic vibe. This floral coat is one of my all-time favorite purchases. I receive so many compliments every time I wear it!
For formal events, I almost always choose a dress instead of separates. I feel more feminine in it.
On days when I’m feeling extra confident, I always wear brightly colored dresses or coats. They are attention grabbing. When I just don’t know what to wear, I put on a striped top with jeans or black pants and a fabulous coat.
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details
Let’s sparkle Put on some glitz and shine like a star at every party and reunion.
Dune
Topshop
click & shop
Folli Follie
Aurora Topshop
Buckley London
Hobbs
Asos
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Arabella New Look New Look
Nadri
Ka le
ido
sc
op
e
Nina F.C.
River Island
Trditions Zara
Swarovski
H&M
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the
Snow Queen
Photographs by Martina Crlovรก
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Models: Veronika Ftáčníková, Martina Hůlková Hair & Makeup: Livie Marenčinová Visage Styling: Nelly Horinková
scene
On my
XMAS
wish list
Ashlyn W. Washington, USA This Christmas Holiday I am really looking forward to spending Christmas morning with my family + my other half. Home cooked meals, Christmas movies and of course a White Christmas would be nice, as well! letitbebeautiful.com
Evi V. Thessaloniki, Greece I would love to add into my wardrobe a black coat with leather details, a pair of flat booties for my casual looks and a pastel pink sweater.
Emily H., Greensboro, USA This year my Christmas wish list consists of Karen Walker sunglasses, Photoshop Elements, and a watch from Michael Kors! I always like to mix ‘fun’ items with useful ones on my wish list!
thenotebookofafashionlover. blogspot.com
lifewithemilyblog.com
Yen O., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Living in Malaysia, you either get hot or humid kind-of-weather. My wish has always been having a white Christmas. Snow but not blizzard. Till I get to experience that, this will remain on my wish list every year. diva-in-me.com
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“it’s ALL a gift, every single thing”
Mattie J. Atlanta, USA On my Christmas list this year is a gold Diesel watch I’ve had my eye on since this summer. It’s masculine and oversized but classic. mattieologie.com
Olga A. München, Germany I would love to find a Céline Trapeze Bag under my Christmas tree. But what is more important, to spend more time with my family and just enjoy the holidays.
Jade Rose T. Leeds, UK All expenses paid trip back home to Portland, Ore to see my family/friends. And then a pair of wellies to brave this English weather!
lapetiteolga.com
jaderoseblog.com
Ashley O. Philadelphia, USA I’ve been eyeing a few pretty vintage dresses, but what I would really love this year is a new pair of flat ankle boots. ashleyording.com
Laura G., Paris, France Actually, I stopped making Christmas wish lists a few years ago by lack of inspiration, and I have to say that getting surprised while opening my gifts is way more fun. thestilettoholic.com
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holidays
beautiful Lovely gift ideas under $50 - for your mum, sister, friend, and yourself too!
Bumble&Bumble
Sephora
Marc Jacobs
Korres
Nails Inc.
click 2buy Stila
Soap&Glory
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Clinique
pro tips
TAKE a BOW Smart festive hairstyle ideas which are easy to follow and look amazing! River Island
Forever21
New Look
Accessorize
Get inspired by these lovely hairstyles. All you need is an elegant bow (buy it or make it yourself) and a curler to add some nice volume and style to your hair. You will get a million dollar look whatever style you choose!
more hairstyle inspiration at twistmepretty.com 31
“never let anyone dull your CURLS”
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cosmetics
the TOP TEN beauty products
We asked some of the beauty gurus and makeup professionals what their favorite cosmetics were. Here is the best of the bests of the year 2013.
click 2buy
3in1 Purifying Micellar Solution by L’Oreal Paris ‘My favorite affordable micellar water doesn’t irritate my eyes in the slightest and removes all traces of makeup. It’s unscented, so that makes it great for sensitive skin!’
ŽIVA GEDEI Slovenia nothinfancyreally. blogspot.com
‘It has essentially every perfect brown you could ever need. This is the ultimate must have palette for a day to night perfection.’
4.
Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow by Maybelline ‘It’s amazing because it really does last for ages, and you don’t even need to use primer with it! And also, great value for the price!’
1.
Smokey Warm Eye Palette by Bobbi Brown
2.
3. Femme Nude Lip Stylo by Hourglass ‘This is the best collection of nude lip colors ever. I have them in every color, and use number 5 and 3 on all my clients. They also work as a stunning base for your favorite pink or nude lipglosses.’
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CHRISTINA FARRELL USA themakeupblogger.com
“glitter makes everything BETTER”
Rosebud Salve by Smith’s
6.
‘Not only it is a fabulous lip treatment and moisturizer, leaving my lips super soft and smooth despite the cold winter temps, it’s also great for cuticles, chapped skin, irritation and much more!
5.
Ambient Lighting Powder by Hourglass ‘Can be used as a finishing powder or a highlighter, and it gives the skin a beautiful, healthy luminosity that diffuses the light and blurs imperfections without being cakey, shiny or glittery.’
NIKI CARON USA glossyblonde.com
Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation by L’Oréal
7.
‘It’s affordable, super light, nearly invisible on the skin and it does a great job at evening out the skin tone. I can wear it for 7 hours without any signs of fading.’
Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani ‘It has great coverage, but it feels light and it doesn’t adhere to dry patches; it leaves a very natural matte and luminous finish on the skin.’
8.
Java Rice Powder by Bourjois ‘This gorgeous shimmery pink powder gives your face that little lift, without looking too overdone and too glowing. This product will sure brighten up any dull complexion.’
LAUREN MARIE Ireland makeupbylaurenmarie.com
YSIS LORENNA UK lebeautygirl.com
10. The Essentials Palette by Clarins ‘I absolutely love this palette, it offers a stunning selection of shades that range from satin to matte and are sure to suit all skin tones. The shadows are super pigmented and great quality.’
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NIGHT divine This December, take some colors, glamour and glitters and just be B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.
YSL
Marc Jacobs
Nars
Lancôme
SmashBox
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Photographs: Martina Crlová, makeup: Eva Petříková, Lucie Badurová, hair: Helena Rudelová, models: Veronika Vašicová, Veronika Šticová
Laura Mercier
zoom Too Faced
Illamasqua
“BEAUTY reflects in the eyes” Bobbi Brown
Stila
Make Up For Ever Dior
click & shop Clinique
Dior
Make Up For Ever
Shiseido
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my
beauty picks
BEAUTY
rules
Sona Gasparian
A makeup artist shares her favorite products and tricks to look beautiful and confident every day.
Los Angeles,
What is your daily beauty routine? I keep my daily makeup very soft and natural. I always apply my moisturizer, my fave is a SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, and sunscreen, followed by a bronzer, blush, mascara and a soft lipgloss. Sometimes I also use a primer, Murad Dew Finish, and a brow gel by MAC to lighten my brows.
USA
makeupbysona.com
How do you care for your hair? I use masks and leave-in conditioners before styling. As to hairspray I use Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray. Do you spend a lot of money on cosmetics? As a professional makeup artist, I do spend a lot of money on cosmetics, especially foundations, however, for my personal use, I don’t splurge as much. What’s your best beauty discovery? I think the beauty blender is one of the best tools out there for artists. I also really love Urban Decay’s original Naked palette, because it has all the basic colors you need in a kit. What’s in your make-up bag? I have at least two foundations, like MAC Face and Body, mascara, several lip products, bronzer and a highlighter to define my features, like Urban Decay Baked Bronzer and of course blush.
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“simple is beautiful” Do you remember your first beauty product? My first beauty product was a lipgloss. I come from a conservative family, so I was only allowed to wear lipgloss at school. What is your signature scent? I love vanilla scents, but my favorite perfume is by Burberry. Nails – nude, bright or au naturel?! I change my nail color almost once a week. I mostly love bright colors, but I have days where I like the softer more natural colors. It really depends on my mood. What is your favorite makeupu product? Urban Decay Naked 1 & 2 Palettes. They have every basic color a girl needs to create different looks with. Any beauty indulgences you try and make time for? I try and make time for facials and masks every so often to keep my skin healthy and glowing. What’s the best beauty trick you’ve ever been shown? An artist once used an orange lipstick as an under eye corrector. I thought it was brilliant.
click & shop
My beauty philosophy is… Look a better version of yourself. Less is more when it comes to makeup. My biggest beauty sin is... Going to bed with a full face of makeup on. I’ve done it three times in my entire life. Not pretty. What products are you dying to add to your beauty bag? An all matte eyeshadow palette with great pigment payoff. I’m still in search for that.
“ Look for a better version of yourself. Less is more when it comes to makeup.”
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dream job
MODEL MODEL
Always on the run and still loving it! A Wondebra campaign girl Adéla Čápová made her model career last longer than most of the girls are able to. What’s her secret? How did you get into modeling? I was approached on the subway by a scout. I was with my mum and we were both invited to visit the agency. I signed the contract with them straight away (well, my parents did as I was 16 at the time) and went traveling, first to Athens, then to Milan within a month, it was all pretty fast and frightening in the beginning. Do you remember your first work? Yes, very well. I shot a ‘Bond girl’ story for Czech Cosmopolitan with Anna Mrázek Kovačič. It was great; I remember I didn’t want it to finish. What was the biggest challenge when starting out? Planning. It sounds funny, but I had lots of trouble adjusting to not knowing what will happen the next day or even that night when it comes to it. There hasn’t been a vacation that I haven’t had to change or even cancel, so I can’t really plan much and I’m a bit of a control freak! I can get a call and have to be packed in an hour. It sounds exciting, but it can happen when there is a family event, birthdays or even Christmas and I always miss my family.
What was your first big break in the industry? Was it a Wonderbra campaign? I did a few international campaigns before that, such as Gap, La Roche Posay, Vichy. Although Wonderbra was a big one, it got me noticed. Wonderbra was shot by John Swannell, an outstanding British photographer, who photographs the Royal Family and whose works can be found in the National Portrait Gallery in London, so for me this was a huge step forward as well as an honor. How do you prepare yourself when you have to go on a trip for a shoot? I try to be in good shape and ready all year round, as I shoot constantly, though living in New York which has the best pizza and burgers ever! If it’s a swimwear job I try to be extra good with my diet because that’s where I tend to sin, I do love food!
Is height and good looks enough to be a model? I’m not a typical model myself, I’m not super tall, nor am I model-slim, I’m a curvy girl. I had to fight to be accepted that way in the industry. In short, no, appearance is not enough, modeling looks like a very glamorous job, it can be, but to succeed takes hard work just like any other career. It takes a lot of commitment, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of tenacity.
themodelsoffice.com 41
“only boring people are bored”
What was the best thing modeling gave you? So many things. Especially the opportunity to see the world from a local point of view. I get to know the countries and cities from the locals’ perspective, living in an apartment, buying my local groceries, paying my taxes and that’s amazing. You get to know the real world and I’m so grateful for that! What is the best part and the worst in your job? I think there are huge misconceptions about modeling. I know it looks like we party all the time, but I have to say, in my first 8 years of modeling I hadn’t been to a party once, as I usually have to be up very early in the morning looking ready and rested. Oh and we almost never get to keep the amazing clothes we wear, just so you know! It’s a hard work like any other job, there are no shortcuts. The best and worst part for me is the traveling. As I mentioned we get to go amazing places and see them properly. However, often you only get to see airports and the inside of a studio, this can be frustrating. It’s like being teased; you know you’re only a few steps from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, yet you have to be in an underground studio all day and then straight back tothe airport without seeing a thing. There were months when I traveled so much I didn’t sleep in my apartment for weeks. I think my record is 21 flights in a month across 4 continents and 10 countries.
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dream job Models’ career is usually very short. You are also at the age when a model ’gets retired’, right? That’s true. Although I am as busy as I’ve always been. I guess there are all age categories needed for catalogues, ad campaigns and commercials, so it depends on you, how long you want to do it for? So far I’m sticking with it and building my own business along the way. Girls or women should I say, can be busy in their thirties, forties, fifties and later, it depends what you make of it. I’m turning 30 next year, you never know I might start panicking! What are your next plans? Do you want to stay in a fashion field? I just graduated from nutrition school so I’m a qualified health counselor, and I actually started medical school back in Prague. Also, I’ve got a few things and projects lined up, which I want to keep to myself for now. So far fashion sounds good to me. What advice do you have for other women who dream of becoming a model? Your tips to succeed as one today? First and foremost, find yourself a good and responsible agency that believes in you. My friend, Anne-Marie van Dijk, has founded a company called Cleanse here in NYC and in Amsterdam, also opening soon in London and other cities. It supports models in a way the agencies don’t have the capacity to. It’s a great platform that girls should join after signing up with an agency. There’s much more support these days than there was when I started. The Model Alliance here in the US has just announced a law regarding a model’s age and the hours they're allowed to work, it’s a huge step forward. Just approach this job in a responsible way, work hard and be professional. If you’re serious about it, then you’ll enjoy it. It’s a great job to have, you’ll be given great opportunities and have the most amazing adventures.
“ If you work harder than everyone else, you’ll do better!”
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moments
“lost TIME is never found again”
10 December things to do in
to make it nice and festive 1
2
Let the professionals clean your house this year and enjoy moments for yourself.
3
Make sure everybody knows what you want for Christmas. What you ask for is what you get.
4
Think green. Don’t buy a plastic tree, nor the real one. Rent it!
5
Get de-stressed in a weekend spa. Just relax, enjoy yourself and get some energy.
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Buy yourself a super rich hand cream, use it after every washing and before you head out.
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Send some joy with the real paper cards, at least to your parents, siblings and best friends.
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Go to the cinema and enjoy the ultimate Christmas movie.
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Get a selection of finest spiced teas for long winter evenings.
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Take out your best friends and have yourself a small pre-Christmas party. Just you and them. Make the list of things you are greatful for this year and see how blessed you are.
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abode
studio
my creative
Lia Griffith, designer, photographer, stylist, creative inventor and big dreamer lives a pretty handcrafted life in a pretty handcrafted space. Let’s have a look at her kingdom, the most used rooms in the house.
Portland, USA 45
liagriffith.com
“good things come to those WHO work”
My home office is my official work space. I use my whole house to photograph for posts and sometimes on weekends or evenings you will find me on my sofa, designing as well. My space is teal which is one of my favorite colors year round. It also shows that my creativity extends into my office decor when I cover my clipboards with my printed label designs and display some past paper craft projects for my artwork. On my desk you’ll find my iPhone which I use as my music source, my owl mug full of something warm and my dog, either curled on my lap or in his little bed next to my desk.
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my life in
far far away
NORWAY
Canadian Jay St. John is getting used to living abroad as her husband, due to his job, changes the place of living regularly. After spending some time in Africa, Scandinavia has become their new home. My husband and I were living a comfortable life in Canada when his company offered him an international assignment. We knew it was an opportunity of his lifetime and thus embarked on our first expatriation in Gabon on the West coast of Africa. Despite the numerous difficulties living in a developing nation for 2 years, we were not ready to move home so we graciously accepted a second expatriation to Norway. We’ve been living in Stavanger for 14 months. My husband continues to work for his international company and I’m a trailing spouse who spends my time planning future travel as well as settling us into life in Norway. We were bewildered by the locals’ ability to speak English. We had heard that English was widely spoken here but we didn’t expect that it would be so easy to get by without speaking Norwegian. It certainly makes it easier for us but it also allows us to be lazy in the language-learning department.
We find Canada and Norway to be quite similar in many aspects. Our government and social systems are similar along with Northern climates and rural lifestyles, which made our transition here pretty easy. We found the transition to Norway, particularly after living in Gabon, Africa, quite easy. I’d say our main obstacle has been creating a strong social network. We made friends quite quickly in Gabon and we became very close, as we really needed support there. While we’ve made a few friends here in Stavanger, our social lives are much quieter in Norway. At this point, our friends are mainly other expats although the choice isn’t entirely conscious. While we find Norwegians to be friendly, they seem to stick to themselves and their immediate, close-knit friends and family. We also haven’t done a great job of putting ourselves out there to make contact and establish lasting friendships. Traditional Norwegian food is quite simple in taste. There are foods like lefse (similar to a crèpe) or komle (a potato ball with a meaty center) that I grew up eating as a child in the Canadian prairies and still really enjoy. My husband is a big fan of the abundance of smoked salmon. We both could do without the salted fish and the Norwegian brown cheese. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world and it consistently finds itself in the top 10 most expensive locations for expats. We find everything at least double, if not triple or quadruple the cost we’d find in Canada.
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“blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures” Norway is known internationally for its fjords – narrow inlets of seawater flanked by mountains – but the countryside with its rolling rocky hills, grass-roofed cabins an clear lakes is gorgeous. It’s also pretty synonymous with winter and cold weather but that’s really dependent on where one is in the country. Stavanger, on the Southwestern coast, is actually quite mild. Last year, it only snowed twice! Our expat contracts are always for ‘up to 3 years with the possibility of a 1 year extension’. Of course, all of this depends on business but so far, we’re happy in Norway and have no intention of cutting our stay short. We hope to take on another location following Stavanger but only time will tell. I miss the ease of knowing where to find practically anything I might ever need. Shopping and tracking down items take up a lot of my time and patience while living abroad and sometimes I yearn to find things quicker and easier.
People here are very aware of the environment. Recycling and composting is a part of daily life and they’re quite cognizant of the human impact on nature. I think part of the reason that Norway is so stunning is because they limit development on natural landscapes. In addition, Norwegians really know how to take advantage of good weather and are fairly active outdoors. I find it really refreshing and motivating to lead a healthier lifestyle. Before moving abroad, do your research – particularly when it comes to finding a job and the cost of living. Expat forums are bombarded with people who packed up and moved to Norway with intentions of finding a job and settling into this country quickly when the reality is, it takes people 6-12 months to find employment in their desired field. This, coupled with the high cost of living, usually leaves people frustrated and quickly running out of money. It’s important to be realistic about your finances and timelines in order to avoid a negative experience. Find out more at fromtheretoheretheblog.com
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far far away
what to see, try, enjoy Hiking Preikestolen – Also known as Pulpit Rock, the hike isn’t a walk in the park but the uninterrupted views of the Lysefjord are definitely worth it. Flåm Railway – Deemed one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, the Flåm railway is one of the world’s steepest and the twists and turns coupled with amazing views are a must-see. As if that wasn’t enough, you end in the picturesque town of Flåm found at the end of a fjord. Fjord Cruise – The color and stillness of the water and the massive mountains engulfing you as you breathe in clean, fresh air is a quintessential Norwegian experience. Old Town Stavanger – The center of Stavanger is really endearing with the largest concentration of wooden homes in Europe on one side of the harbor and the winding cobblestone paths lined with restaurants and shops on the other make it a perfect place to spend a nice day. Fløibanen Funicular – The Western coast of Norway is dotted with islands and there’s no better place to view it than from above. The Fløibanen Funicular is located in Bergen’s center and it’s an easy ride up with spectacular views of the city and the coastline.
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culture
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“behind every book is a flood of knowledge”
Hear it, see it, read it,
Best books, music and movies to enjoy and share
This fun and engaging cardio program by Tracy Anderson is a dance aerobics workout. This is a beginner dance workout, designed for any skill level and working every muscle in your body.
Ladurée’s style is distinctive and recognizable. What makes it such? What are their inspirations? How can we reproduce this style in rooms or parts of our homes? Find out in this lovely book!
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Williams’s second swing album features cover versions of well-known songs, as well as six new tracks and duets with Lily Allen, Michael Bubble or Kelly Clarkson. Coconut oil is a uniquely curative elixir that has countless health benefits. This book explains how to use it for maximum effect, including a nutrition plan with 50 delicious recipes. Three-time Grammy-nominated recording artist Leona Lewis returns this season with her first ever Christmas album with a selection of seasonal classics and 3 brand new originals.
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Capricorn
fashion horoscope
“personality begins where comparison ends”
22. December - 21. January You are independent, strong woman who loves luxury. Often looking irresistible to both women and men, you like to take risks and to move out of a rut, even though you mostly incline to minimalism and stick with solid and basic color palette. You prefer sleek, simple, clean silhouettes and understated glamour, no frilly printed outfits or outrageous trends are for you. Style: vintage clothing, sexy pencil skirts, taupe cashmere sweater, a cream-colored silk blouse, tailored black pants, dark precious stones, designer watch, square-toe-shoes Colors: black, grey, beige, dark-blue, green, violet, brown
Beauty: tinted lip balm, eye shadows in earthy shades, high-quality bronzer, hydrating body lotions, sleek hair products, elegantly oriental fragrances
River Island
Dior
Macy’s
Korres Lipsy
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Dickens&Jones
Asos
H&M Annick Goutal
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