With Love…
28May/0916

Ukraine: Memories

Hello Darlings,


The only airline I trust, besides Air Canada.
I apologize for the lack of posts and replies, I've been in bed for the past three days because of jet lag.However, this morning I am feeling much better and ready to get back to my everyday life . I have missed this blog very much and was disappointed that I couldn't dedicate more time to it while I was away (as I planned).

I am back now and can't wait to catch up on my blog reading and reply to the comments that I am sooooo behind on .... :)

This is my last post that will feature images from my trip to Ukraine.

Lutsk Castle
The Gate Tower
For the past three weeks I have stayed at the city Lutsk, which is where I was born and raised. I haven't gone back to Ukraine in four years and this trip was filled with joy and sadness. To a certain degree it was emotionally overwhelming.
Lutsk is at least 930 years old ( at least I say is because there are records from 930 years ago, but historians believe that it is much older) and is one of the oldest cities in the Europe.
It features many historic monuments that depict its past, one in particular is the Lutsk Castle. It is one of the few medieval castles that has been preserved up to the present time (more than 80% of it is still in original form).

It's history counts back 600 years. Memories about the events of Lithuanian-Polish epoch, political and private life of people are kept in the powerful Castle's walls and towers.
At first the Upper Castle had the style of Roman Gothic architecture, but after its rebuilding in XIV century it acquired Renaissance traits. The main Gate Tower measures 27 meters in height and has been entered by famous people of the European history among many are: the Great Duke Vitovt ,Prince Yagaylo, the Danish King Eric, the Roman Emperor Sygismund, the Great Moscow Prince Vasiliy,Tatar Khans, the first printer Ivan Fedorov and the future Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Wygowskyy.

The Gate Tower with the views of The Roman-Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul as well as of Lutheran Kirk.

Inside the castle walls one can visit the Museum of Bells, which is unique of its kind in Ukraine. The exposition presents about 50 bells of XVII-XX centuries from different countries: Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Austria and Germany.

This bell is more than 300 years old and I found my name of in. MARTA actually means March in old Slavic Language.

The Museum of Bells is housed in the Bishops Tower which is 13.5 meters and requires a lengthy climb on the most claustrophobic stairs ever.... :) and then the creepiest wooden stairs.

On the territory of the Bishop's yard where the Poviat Treasury was built in 1807 is now the Book Museum.
"The Book Museum"
It features ancient books from XVI-XIX centuries. This part was especially exciting for me since I've never been to a book museum.
Walking Through the Old Lutsk
Walking through the Old Lutsk (the New Lutsk is features in previous posts) .....here are some of my favorite places and monuments.
The " Stalin Car"... ( the car is not a monument, but was there simply by chance) yup, this is exactly the kind of a car that Stalin was driven around in.Behind the car is a Monument to the murdered Volynians. On June 23, 1941, three thousand of Volynians had been shot without any court processes.After the war an Orthodox monastery was placed here.
Roman-Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul reflects the difficult historic epoch of XVI-XVII centuries. As the result of signing Lublin Union in 1569, the city was affiliated to Poland. This church was built in the early baroque style by the Italian architect Jacob Briano. The unique adornments of the church are decorated by wooden sculptures of St. Peter and Paul-the patrons of the church.
The Lutheran Kirk started on June 24, 1906 in place of the former monastery of Karmelits.
During the 1927-1928 the German community built two buildings here, where the administration, the pastor's dwelling and the school for 250 pupils were situated. When WWII began the German colonist were evicted out of this land and the Soviet powers used the Kirk as a storage for Volyn' regional state archives. Since 1990 the Kirk has been used by Evangelists.
That's it for my journey of the city that I was born in...I've definitely had an experience with my family that I will cherish forever. I can't wait to go back to Ukraine to explore farther.

Outfit Time...:)

Finding a good guide book and then tour guides was hard but finding an ideal outfit was even harder. The outfit for the day had to be simple but classy. It had to be appropriate since I was going to visit many religious monuments. It also had to be comfortable... and breezy ( it was really hot that day).
So, here's what I settled for....

I am wearing: BCBG Max Azria Blazer; H&M Top; J Brand Jeans; Bloch Flats; A.V.Max Cuff;Ray Ban Wayfarers.

As for now, I am off to unpack my suitcases...

I wish you all a lovely day !!!
With Love...
Marta

The information came from a Guidebook: "Lutsk- Walking around the city" by Kateryna Moysiyuk.
18May/0918

Ukraine: Exploring

Hello Lovelies,
I've been having a wonderful time exploring the city which I was born in. I am taking the time to wonder the streets, with the help of my trusty guidebook. Catching up with the childhood friends and spending much needed time with my family.

Volyn' State University with the Monument of one of the greatest Ukrainian poets, T. Schevchenko.
I was expecting the weather to be much warmer and brought mostly sandals and flats.Thankfully, I thought of bringing these Kors babies- they have served me well,lol. I really love that most of the women here wear heels daily... It still amazes me how different North American and European style is :)

Lesia Ukrainka Central Park.
I really hope that the weather gets warmer, so that I could finally take off my leather jacket and abandon my cashmere scarf. Despite the fact that these are some of my favorite pieces, I can't wait to experiment with summer clothe.
I am wearing: Abercrombie & Fitch Sweater; Armani Exchange Pants; Mackage Leather Jacket; Club Monaco Cashmere Scarf; Michael Kors booties.

As for the outfit, well I brought most of my closet favorites and have been having fun mixing and matching. Simplicity is the key for me, as many of you already know :)

P.S. In the following few posts I will include pictures of a breathtaking Medieval Castle which I have a guided tour scheduled for Wednesday; Art, Bell, Book, and Icon Galleries; Churches; and much more.

I wish you all a lovely start to a new week!!!
With Love...
Marta
13May/0917

Ukraine: Freezing

Hello Darlings,
Well, it is as if I jinxed myself. Two days ago, the temperature was in the mid 20s and today it is so cold. Thankfully I thought of bringing my trusty Kors booties. I am finally getting over my jetleg ( Ukraine is 7 hours ahead of Canada) and enjoying every minute I have with my family.

Align Center

I am wearing: Mackage Leather Jacket; Corpus Skinnies; Club Monaco Cashmere Scarf; Michael Kors Booties; Gap Leather Purse; H&M Bow Headband.

Today, I finally had a chance to pick up a guide book and slowly starting to explore the city. The beauty of the nature here is phenomenal, especially outside the city. The rolling hills, beautiful fields and unforgettable sunsets.

Me being an architecture and art freak,I have to make sure that I visit every landmark and museum ( sooo many churches to see,lol). The time if going my sooo fast. Although I am loving every minute here, I do miss the loved ones in Canada.


Time for me to go sleep, it's 2 am.... ZZZZzzzzzzz


I wish you all a lovely day!!!!
With Love...
Marta
29Apr/0922

Highlighter…

Hello Lovelies,

( Degas, The Dance Class at Opera,1872)

Well, my highlighter bright ballerinas have arrived and I am gaga head-over-heels in love with them. Typically for someone who avoids loud colors, this is quite a bold change. They are perfect...

I'm not sure why I've been obsessively buying ballerinas... maybe because after so many years spent dancing ballet, they feel natural to me. I love the way they make me feel - they remind me of my dancing years and in that moment I feel like a little girl wanting to be a ballerina all over again. All I need is a tutu and I'm ready for the Swam Lake, lol.

To some flats ruin the outfit, to others they are just dull, but to me they are irresistibly adorable and chic. I love wearing them during the warmer seasons, usually instead of sandals.

How do you feel about ballerinas ( by that I mean shoes, lol)??? Love/Hate them?

As for today's outfit that I wore to dinner with Andrew...

Well it was definitely stepping outside my comfort zone. At least in terms of color. A bright top and a loud shoe... that for me is quite something.


Ooh, I also paid a visit to my hairdresser for my monthly trim and some lowlights...I added a bit of golden tone but nothing too drastic. I am totally paranoid not to ruin my hair by coloring it, so I stay away. Today I decided to wear it naturally, which is wavy and big, lol.
Sometimes it is so difficult trying to decide to wavy or straight.

Products of the Moment

Also, I want to mention a few awesome products that I've been using and totally loving.

♥ It is absolutely amazing.
♥ Not only does it contain SPF but it prevents my face from getting oily throughout the day.
♥ Before this I used Smashbox or Chanel Primer, but I love this soooo much more and it is much cheaper.
♥ I am not a big fan of MAC but I really do love this product.

Kiehl's Sodium PCA "Oil-Free"Moisturizer.
♥Perfect for the summer time.
♥Not as oily as the Ultra Facial Moisturizer, but still very moisturizing.
♥Worth a try if your skin is more oily in the summer.

I would like to send out a huge thanks to everyone. I apologize for taking so long to respond,I am bombarded with exams. I am trying to post regularly and promise to get back to each and everyone as soon as I can.

I can't wait to be done... but it seems like it will never happen. Slowly my positivity is fading.

I wish you all a beautiful day!!!!

With Love...
Marta

Source: FADIS; mac; kiehl'; fashion spot.

26Apr/0920

A quick getaway for two…

Hello Darlings,

I just came back from a weekend at the Niagara Falls...it was a much needed getaway for Andrew and I to just relax and enjoy each others company.

There are times when a quick escape nearby can be more relaxing than a huge vacation and this was one of those cases.We chose to stay at the 80 years old Crowne Plaza (1927), not only because I was fascinated with the history and its unique architecture but also because Marilyn Monroe stayed there when filming "Niagara"in 1952. I am not a big fan of generic modern day hotels, only because they don't feel cozy. I love the idea of staying at a place that was history behind its open doors.

The Fall is the most mesmerizing thing ever...it is stunning but the power of it scares me at times.

The surrounding areas have some of the most beautiful landscape architecture, the entire area is simply picturesque( rugged but perfectly beautiful). During the day it is fun just to grab Starbucks some chocolate fudge and wander around for hours. To wonder around I wore my favorite jumpsuit and flats....super comfy!

I am wearing: Necessary Objects cotton jumpsuit; Juicy Couture Ballerinas; A & F Sweater.

As for the night, we went out for dinner at the Keg (on the 9th floor of Embassy Suites Hotel)... the views are fantastic and so is the food. As for the rest of the night, we had some fun at Fallsview casino.

As for my night out outfit, well I wore mostly black with a sequins top. But the most exciting part was the shoes... I finally had a chance to wear them out. I love them to death.

I am wearing: Alice+Olivia Sequins top; J Brand 12" leg in jett; Mackage Leane Leather Jacket; Michael Kors Heels; Coach Patent Leather Wristlet.

Seriously, I think I love Andrew's shoes as much as I love mine...Luckily, he's got awesome taste in fashion... :)

Everyone deserves a break once in a while...and this is exactly what we needed.

As for now, I have to go study since I still have two exams and lots of errands to run :)

I wish you all a lovely Sunday!!!
With Love...
Marta
6Apr/0921

Harem, Jumpsuit, Love and Femininity ?

Hey Lovelies,

I'm not sure what it is about the harem pants that I love, but when you join harem and jumpsuit... well that's a whole different love story. I though that I would be the last person to wear harem pants or jumpsuit...but look what happened!?!?

I picked up this über ( one of my favorite German words, and boy do I abuse it) awesome jumpsuit few days ago and man-o-man is it comfortable. Actually, it's like wearing the most comfortable pair of sweatpants outside... not that I ever would, but you get my point, lol. It is also perfect thing to go shopping in ( quick slip off, slip on), which is where I wore this outfit...
I finally had chance to bring out my Juicy flats out of their winter hibernation...I love them to death and it still amazed how new they look ( I've been wearing them for a year)...definitely worth every penny. Love Juicy shoes, super comfortable and the quality is always amazing.
I am wearing: Necessary Objects cotton jumpsuit; Mackage Leather Jacket; Juicy Couture Ballerinas; A.V. Max Studded Cuff; Diamond Studs; Ray Ban Wayfarers

So what is feminine?
As I am doing my research on Lorenzo Lotto's Portrait of the Lady as Lucretia and trying to establish what was seen as feminine/masculine in women in the 1500s, I found this interesting quote by Baldassar Castiglione and though that I would share it with you:

" Leggiadria is nothing other... than the observation of an unspoken law, given and promulgated by nature to you women, in moving, behaving, and using thus the whole persona as also the individual members, with grace, modesty, gentleness, measure, elegance, in such a way that no movement, no action, shall be without moderation, without manner, or without design; but, as this unspoken law compels, ordered, composed, regulated, gracious; which law, because it is not written elsewhere but in certain natural judgment that neither knows of itself nor it able to render judgment, if not that nature wishes thus, I have wished to call "unspoken"; which law nevertheless, because books can not teach it nor practice demonstrate it, it not observed commonly by all beautiful women..."

- "Dialog on the Beauty of Women" by Angolo Firenzuola, 1541

I love reading " Renaissance guide books for women on how to be a woman" written by men. It makes you realize exactly where these stereotypes and generalization came from....well now I know, from men like Castiglione and Firenzuola who spend their life's telling how to become a feminine woman and to be more appealing.

Off I go to discover what feminine is... maybe I can learn a thing or two from these men, haha !!!

Countdown: 2 essays down 2 more to go and 2 more exams and a month until my vacation ....

I wish you all a beautiful Monday!!!!
With Love...
Marta
Sources: fashion spot; lolita
23Mar/0913

Gallery Hopping…

Hello Lovelies,

I am proud to announce that I have finally bought my Art Gallery of Ontario membership and payed a visit on Sunday morning to check out Boucher's Les Sabots for my critique. The gallery was recently re-done by the famous Frank Gehry and I must admit it is quite impressive. In some ways it resembles Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum... it must be that spiral staircase( lol) in others it has that Guggenheim, Bilbao futuristic feeling.

I can't wait to take the architectural tour.... so exciting !!! and every other tour that they offer and buy up all of their catalogs.

Conservative with a twist

As for my outfit it was comfortable and conservative, but I did try something different with my hair...

I really loved what they did with the hair at Carolina Herrera (spring 09) and decided to try it myself but by adding a girly twist - a ponytail, instead of tucking away my hair. It is comfortable and neat, and would definately work perfectly in the summer when it is humid.


I am wearing: Soia & Kyo jacket; Ralph Lauren Top; French Connection Trousers; Michael Kors Oxfords; Accessories &Beyond Bracelets in Gold.

Seriously, if you need a quick get away to spend some time alone and just contemplate about all things beautiful or whatever just pay your local gallery a visit... you'll be surprised as to how awesome you will feel after. For me, this trip definitely reinforced my passion for art and architecture in ways that I never expected...I just hope that my future allows me to continue to discover and work in such wonderful environment.

As for now, I am off to work on my critique...

I wish you all a wonderful day !!!!

With Love...
Marta
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