BCBG Max Azria « With Love…

23Sep/0924

Star Gaze…

Hello Darlings,

Some times everyone needs a new spin on a favorite... in which case for me it's jeans. Although I worship them and have over a dozen pairs, I am slowly getting tired of "the look".

So, I ventured out to find a pair of skinny trousers...and landed on this fabulous pair of Rag & Bone's.Not only are they super comfy but they also have that perfect touch of a classic trouser with a super neat cuff. I fell in love the moment I laid my eye on them.. they're also a very interesting color of cobalt blue! One word: LOVE! They are a perfect balance of classic and modern.I find it very beautiful that they are handmade since the craftsmanship is perfection.

I am wearing: Rory Beca Silk Blouse; Rag & Bone Trousers; BCBG Max Azria Tuxedo Blazer; Bloch Patent Leather Ballerinas; Juicy Couture Laptop Bag; A.V.Max Cuff; Diamond Studs.

To add a touch of femininity I went for my new silk Rory Beca blouse... which I also picked up this weekend. It is so beautiful and delicate and I love the details: a ruffled bib and double layer of semi-sheer silk. Topping it all off is my BCBG Max Arzia tuxedo blazer.

This outfit was ideal for class and my desert/coffee date with my bestie, Natalia. The day was complete by my chance encounter with the adorable Joe Jonas and the stunning Natasha Henstridge...these were my first star run ins and I still don't understand people's fascination with celebrities-to me, they are just people...absolutely nothing fascinating. So exactly why are people so obsessed with celebs? :S

Well, I am off to do homework for my architecture class and then walk my baby ( aka my Cocker Spaniel, Johnny)...

P.S. Darlings, Thank you so much for your support on my glasses dilemma. Your words have given me the courage to wear my glasses out on a coffee-date with Andrew.Huge step!

I wish you all a stunning day!!!

With Love...
Marta

Tagged as: A.V.Max, BCBG Max Azria, Bloch, Juicy Couture, Rag&Bone, Rory Beca 24 Comments

13Jul/0923

Detail Freak…

Salut mes amis !!!( just practicing my French )

I think that I've come to realize that I don't like getting dressed during the summer months. Something about wearing as little as possible kind of throws me off. I feel awkward in shorts and minis( like my behind is showing).I miss wearing my cashmere scarves, my Mackage leather jacket and cozy sweaters. I hate feeling like my face is melting and like my hair is becoming a frizz-ball.Handling and dressing for heat is definitely not my forte.

So finally, the weather cooled to beautiful and refreshing 20 degrees and I've had a chance to wear what I love most... skinnies and blazers. OOh, yea and not to forget, no humidity As a result, I was pretty excited getting dressed for my Saturday date with Andrew....

The outfit consisted of my favorite Corpus Jeans, semi-sheer tee and my all time favorite BCBG Max Azria Blazer. It is simple but with detail, since I always make sure that my accessories compliment each other.. .for example, my gold bracelets compliment the gold chain on my purse( I really hate mixing silver and gold, I'm somewhat comfortable mixing gold and white gold or platinum),blazer's lining is almost the same color as my jeans. And of course, my mani and pedi always match.

I am a detail-freak and think that the most important part of getting dressed is paying careful attention to details. For me, everything needs to be neat (definitely wrinkle-free), coordinated and simple. I live by this formula!

Would you say that you're a detail-freak???

I am wearing: Talula Babaton Semi-sheer tee; Calvin Klein Bra; Corpus Skinnies in Ash; BCBG Max Azria Blazer; Michael Kors Heels; Gustto Cokera Purse; Accessories&Beyond Bracelets.

And not to forget a good cause...

Matchstick is looking for feedback from anyone who may have seen my posting about Maybelline's new Pulse Perfection mascara. If you click on the link below and complete the survey, you will be helping them by donating $2.00 to the Redwood Women’s Shelter, please Click Here to take their short feedback survey.

I'm off to study French... which I am actually enjoying for now! By the way, some of you asked what languages I know, so here it is: Ukrainian is my first language, English is my second language, Russian, German, and now French.

P.S. I would like to thank all of you for your sweet comments on my Elle Canada contest pages. If you haven't had a chance to check them out ... just click here... here and here. Thanks a million!!! If I actually win this contest I will definitely have a little surprise for you darlings as a thank you - This is the part I am most excited about!

I wish you all a lovely Monday !!!

With Love...
Marta

Source: jak&jil;

Tagged as: Accessories& Beyond, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Corpus, Gustto, Michael Kors, Talula Babaton 23 Comments

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.

Tagged as: A.V.Max, BCBG Max Azria, Bloch, H&M, J Brand, Ray Ban 16 Comments

18Jan/0930

With Love from Mexico…..part two!!!

Hello Darlings,

Sure, vacation is all about relaxing and getting away from your everyday life - but it is not the time to look frumpy. It is the time to look and feel fabulous - although it is easier said then done....
So here's my attempt at being vacation fabulous!!! lol

Tiny Bikini
Bikini - being the most important article of " clothing" during vacation is also the most dreaded one...lol

Prancing around in a tiny bikini, half-naked is somewhat intimidating...since I am uncomfortable parading around the resort in a bikini, I would always wear a dress or shorts outside the beach area ( bar, restaurants, lobby, etc) ... As for bikini sarongs, I am not very fond of them, especially the long ones... but then again, I am no fashion guru and if it works then it works.

I am wearing:
Moschino Triangle Bikini
Ray Ban Wayfarers
Marc Jacobs Sunglasses
American Apparel Lame Headband

In the swimming pool, I usually resorted to a one piece... swimming pool is the time for fun and games and the last thing I want is to constantly check if my tiny bikini is still there,lol...But a one piece should be on a sexy sice rather than a sporty side ( unless you're a serious swimmer,lol)...

I am wearing:
Christian Audigier Peacock One Piece Swimsuit
The moment I say this swimsuit, I fell in love with it ... it is very comfortable and sits in all the right places. I don't think that any swimsuit ever made me feel as confident and feminine as this one ... if I could, I would wear it everyday.

Besides the swimsuits....

My vacation wardrobe was all about cute dresses and my favorite Miss Trish of Capri Sandals( I love them, so much).... easy to wear and easy to look cute in.

I am wearing:
Ella Moss Daisy Off Shoulder Dress
Miss Trish of Capri Sandals
Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

I am wearing:
Wilfred Dress
Miss Trish of Capri Sandals
Ray Ban Wayfarers
Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

Cute shorts are also perfect for the beach... just pair them with an adorable top, over your bikini and you're ready....

I am wearing:
Abercrombie &Fitch Shorts
Abercrombie & Fitch Top
Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

I am wearing:
H&M Top
Abercrombie & Fitch Shorts
Miss Trish of Capri Sandals

As for my hair... well having wavy hair is a nightmare. However,I found that the easiest way to keep it looking neat and cute at the beach is by either french braiding it or putting it into a tony tail with a headband. For the night time, I usually let my hair out...but it was thanks to TIGI S-Factor Smooting Lusterize r and Bed Head Headrush that my hair remained glossy and shiny, instead of turning into a frizz ball.

NIGHT TIME
When the sun set, Cancun city came to life... The party atmosphere there is amazing and Andrew and I definately look advantage of that. Every night, we explored a new and amazing nightclub.
Here are some of our memories...

I am wearing:
Maggie Ward Dress
BCBG Max Azria Blazer
Swarovski Love Charm Bracelet and Necklace
Miss Trish of Capri Sandals

The Coco Bongo shows are incredible.... amazing, performance, wonderful atmosphere... and always extremely crowded

As for wardrobe, I usually wore simple dresses with heels or flats... nothing too complicated.

As for make up....
In a hot and humid climate, the last thing you want is to wear a ton of make up... half way through the night your face will be melting off - TRUST ME not a pretty sight ( and I saw a lot of it)

I am wearing:
Wilfred Dress
Michael Kors Heels

Boy, do I wish that I was still there having the time of my life.... but instead, I am here.... freezing my behind off.

This is the last part of my vacation post...

I wish you all a wonderful day !!!!

With Love...
Marta

Tagged as: Abercrombie& Fitch, American Apparel, BCBG Max Azria, Christian Audigier, Ella Moss, H&M, Maggie Ward, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Miss Trish of Capri, Moshino, Ray Ban, Swarovski, Wilfred 30 Comments

12Jan/0925

Malanka … :)

Hello Darlings,

Well, it has been an eventful and fun month... I couldn't have asked for more, expect the black tie event that I attended on Saturday. Which was amazing ...

The event is a yearly tradition within the Ukrainian community...it is also our New Years. This year was my third year attending it.... and it was truly an amazing way to finish an amazing holiday season. The event is known as Malanka.

Past Malanka's
For my first Malanka I wore an amazing BCBG Max Azria dress....( My blonde days)

As for the next year, I decided to wear a short, simple dress from Robert Rodriguez....

This Malanka...

The Alexander Wang dress that I bought back in October was specifically for this event...I paired it with my patent leather Ruthie Davis Swarovski encrusted shoes....

...and to bring it all together with an adorable patent leather Coach wristlet courtesy of my parents.

I am wearing:
Alexander Wang Dress
Ruthie Davis Swarovski encrusted patent leather heels
Coach patent leather wristlet
A.V.MAX studded cuff
Diamond stud

I kept the jewelry to a minimum.... only a studded cuff and diamond studs. As for my hair... I got it done in a salon, but I wish I didn't. Every year, I say the same thing.... but always end up paying $70 to get my hair curled almost in the same way that I always wear it naturally, but this time I added a braid which looked like a headband but it was too small to see ....I was kind of disappointed. As for make up I kept it to a minimal ..... trying to stay away from the usual evening make up that people tend to wear to such events.....

I was going for a young, fresh and fun look....

P.S. More vacation wardrobe photos are coming up...

I wish you all a beautiful day!!!

With Love....
Marta

Tagged as: A.V.Max, Alexander Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Coach, Davis by Ruthie Davis, Robert Rodriguez 25 Comments

29Dec/0822

Last minute…

Hello Lovelies,

Well, since I am leaving for vacation tomorrow night.... today and tomorrow are pretty crazy. Only, because I have crazy amount of morning appointments...for mani/pedi and the rest of the beautiful girly things... as well as, tomorrow is my two year anniversary with Andrew which I am really excited about....

SHINY...

Well I just got in from shopping... I finally found a New Years dress and few more things to take with me. I am also excited that all of my purchases have arrived in the mail...BUT I just started packing, which I hate and will probably take me all night.haha ...

OOh yea, I also picked up a pair of Kors oxford's and couldn't wait to show them to you along with my new Disco pants....

I am definately bringing this outfit with me to Cancun .... haha. It is definately a little risque for me ... but I do love the idea of trying new things and experimenting with clothing, but still being comfortable in my own skin.
These pants are definately out there for me ... but I LOVE THEM.

I am wearing:
BCBG Max Azria Blazer
Guess Corset

American Apparel Disco Pants
Accessories & Beyond Elastic Bracelet Set in Black & Gold
A.V. Max. Gold Studded Cuff
Michael Kors Patent Leather Oxford's

Well... off I go back to packing, it is going to be a long night..... I am definately using Victoria Beckham's advice ( from her book) as to what I should bring. Here's a quote or two from " That Extra Half an Inch"....

"Don't bother with flashy designer luggage. There's a good chance it could get stolen as it attracts attention..."

" Always bring a dressy outfit as you just never know where your holiday might take you..."

" I try to stick to the formula of bringing something casual ( plain T-shirts, miniskirts), something classic ( nice V-necks, a pencil skirt and a plain dress) and then something a bit more out there for some fun."

I'll make sure to post my anniversary outfit.... and packing pics and more tips from the Beckham book.
Off I go....

I wish you all a lovely day!!!

With Love...
Marta

Sources:" half an extra inch"; fashion spot.

Tagged as: A.V.Max, Accessories& Beyond, American Apparel, BCBG Max Azria, Guess, Michael Kors 22 Comments

10Sep/0835

Power Dressing …. :P

Hello Darlings,

It was 1988 ( and the year I was born) : power was in, and the fashion experts talked about " power dressing". Twenty years later, both 80s power style and the debate on power and fashion have spent two decades at the back of the closet.But the phenomena have returned.Women are climbing the ladder of political power and the fashion press is analyzing the style of powerful people. On runways of fall/winter 2008, power dressing is very much on display: several designers allude to strong career women or flirt with 80s stereotype of power hungry secretaries.This seasons is unusually buttoned-up and the style is more individualistic, representing competence, independence and strength in many ways.

As summer has come to an end and everyone made their way back to classes and workplaces, it seemed like an appropriate time to blog about dressing for success. Whether you are in school, university, or a workplace dressing accordingly is important. As for me, Monday was rather an important day as I started my classes and had several meeting with professors.Therefore, I had to dress both young/casual/appropriate. But when the nerve get the best of you and an inspiration is nowhere to be found ... what was a girl to do? But turn to black.....

Dressing in the mornings is a pain and a half for me ... I HATE IT.

I am wearing:
My fav. J brand
Torn tee -
Roots Scarfs
BCBG MAx Azria Blazer
Juicy Couture Mary Janes

P.S. I just realized that I am one of those people who will keep wearing their favorite pieces over and over again...while the closet is packed with stuff. I just don't understand why I do it.

After a long day, a cozy bed and a cup of tee is all I need .... ZZZzzzzz

Hope you are enjoying the first days of autumn.

And for my German- speaking friends I would like to say "Vielen Dank !!!" ( that is all I remember from my first German lecture ...I should go study now,lol)

With Love,

Marta

Sources Consulted: H&M Magazine,The Devil Wears Prada, and Mad Men.

Tagged as: BCBG Max Azria, J Brand, Juicy Couture, Roots, Torn 35 Comments

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