"These boots were made for walkin'...."

Yes, yes they were!!!

Why I love these boots:

~ COMFORTABLE (I can totally see myself dragging around my makeup case on public transit in these bad boys)
~ All leather:) Not a fan of plastic boots....or smelly feet
~ Sophisticated with a side of edge
~ Wide heel for stability

I was walking around Yorkdale Shopping Center Monday evening with no intention of purchasing anything. (If you haven't been there in the past year and are looking for a good shopping haul, I suggest you stop by.)When I spot the Steve Madden store and walk on in. Spot these boots, ask for my size & they fit like a glove, so I can't say no.
The sales associate I was dealing is was very charming and good at conversing which made the experience even better!

Review on these shoes?! LOVE, LOVE LOVE! As a makeup artist my day off is obviously filled with errands. So I bravely put these beauties on praying they don't need breaking in. I was running around in them all day and they are OH-SO-COMFY!...AND stylish if I might add!;)

Although my style has evolved to a bit more on the conservative "good girl" side I always try to find a way to add some edge to my look on a daily basis with one item, because that's who I am. "Velvet paws hide sharp claws" - Polish proverb ;) 

I ended up pairing these booties with my Stradivarius low waisted light jeans, a silk earth green blouse from Dynamite and rose quartz crystal necklace!

Fashion Thursdays: Stradivarius Winter Collection 2014

Totally digging the creative direction of this video for the 2014 Winter Collection! You generally don't think of the beach when you hear the word winter. Beautiful contrast by the cozy clothes on the beach paired with laid back music that reminds you of summer.

I'm totally loving the laissez-fair attitude with the hair and makeup. When not having to primp during the holidays we all love to be comfortable & cozy, especially once February rolls around. Right? Although I will admit some of those outfits are meant for warmer European winters, but they're still awesome for this in-between season in Canada between fall & winter! Also great for layering up! Which all Canadians know is the best trick to staying warm!

Take a look at this wonderful video created by Stradivarius :

"Stradivarius presents a nomadic and elegant winter collection with a touch of chic sophistication. A proposal that takes place in a white sand virgin beach and little vegetation that highlights the beauty of simple and refined lines of a young, fresh and trendy collection
One more season the tandem of photographers Bela Adler and Salvador Fresneda immortalize the beauty of the models Tess Hellfeuer and Ymre Stiekema, who repeat as campaign protagonists of a winter season full of white, modern and stylish feminine silhouettes." - Stradivarius

Fashion Thursdays: Classic Knits & Plaid

I just checked out Stradivarius(click on the link to view November's lookbook) and I am totally digging this lookbook for November. A mix of classic knits (MY FAV!) & plaid, which I would have personally never put together. But after skimming through this lookbook I feel like I will venture out into that plaid world! 

 Here are two of my favourite images from the lookbook! I love how the makeup is keeped pretty and simply with some eye contouring & cheek contouring with great brows and lip that just enhances her natural lip colour. Although the November lookbook is a bit more "rough" looking, the makeup balances it out!

Definitely looks like a comfy but fashionable transition into winter!

Nomadic Beauty

Something loveable about Stradivarius

First off, let's start off with how much I love their fashion videos. I love film & I love fashion! Stradivarius's videos give you the best of both worlds with their artistic angles paired with models sporting their latest collection. All this with the music they accompany it with? How could you not love their videos?

So I watch their videos for inspiration...and of course pleasure. But one thing that really inspires me is that include the different countries that their stores are in. Stradivarius was started in Madrid, Spain and is now in 57 countries around the world! They interview fashion bloggers from different countries (not just Spain) & show you cool places as well. 

I love to travel & I love diversity! This is one of many reason I've fallen for this company.

Here are a few examples of their videos.

Fashion Blogger from Berlin

Fashion Blogger from Amsterdam

Photographer & Fashion Blogger from Madrid

Blogger from Poland

Enjoy!

Nomadic Beauty

Wool Jacket...something to keep warm with!

I love that Stradivarious has come out with a REAL wool jacket! Now. I know it's just 40% wool, but seriously this stuff keep you nice & toasty! 

I love this jacket because it's perfect for everyday wear & wraps around you like a blanket with a big hood to protect you from the windy city. Going out later? No problem! Throw on a pair of booties & lipstick you're good to go! You'll be kept warm on your way home.

Perfect for November weather, a good medium between your fall and winter jacket. And too be honest if you layer up, you can probably sport this jacket during some of the warmer winter days. 

This jacket is perfect for that on-the-go girl.

Check them out at http://www.stradivarius.com/es/en/

Nomadic Beauty

Good Girl vs. Bad Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q22OAQtEFOQ&index=31&list=UU7mg-R8sonGRbOtLYEsy4EA

What I like in this video is their take on "good girl vs. bad girl" because in truth all of us has a bit of both, ying & yang.

Love that Stradivarious gave the conservative look a bit of edge by mixing textures like knit & leather (my favourite!) and pumping up the makeup to give it an editorial edge.
The texture of the hair was also played around with keeping it in the same style (big waves) but giving them a bit more texture for certain looks.

While wearing something conservative, your makeup & hair can be bad ass and vice virsa. Try it out! Play around with your wardrobe, play with your makeup & play with your hair. What's life without a bit of plaisir???

Travel? Europe? Coffee? Yes, please!

Are you traveling through Europe soon? Love checking out new cool places to hang out? I do! Especially cozy coffee shops where I can get my work done answering emails, writing and designing.

Stradivarius has made a cool video on a few cool takes of coffee shops like; you can go get your laundry done and meet up for brunch with friends. Check out this beautifully shot video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLlD7pCANmo&list=UU7mg-R8sonGRbOtLYEsy4EA

Fringe & a summer glow?

I love the makeup & hair that Stradivarius did for their June 2014 Lookbook!

Now, I know it's autumn & we're all in love with big bold lips, but who says that you can't maintain your healthy summer glow? And no one said you can't wear fringe after labour day, so add it your look. I've got my favourite blue Steve Madden purse with fringe attached to the zippers to add some flare to my look!

Here are a few products that I absolutely LOVE to recreate this look to go along with your fall wardrobe!

FACE: I'm in love with Arboone's Sheer Glow Highlighter limited edition in gold for the holidays! You can either mix in a nickel sized drop into your foundation. And then apply the highlighter over your eyelids. You can also use it to highlight your cheekbones, brow bone and inner corner of your eye.

Brush a touch of M.A.C 's Bronzer pressed powder right under your cheekbones with an angle brush.  A TOUCH of it! You want it to create a LIGHT shadow to define your cheeckbones, we don't want to be creating streaks across your face! 

EYES: Marc Jacob's Highliner Gel Eye Crayon perfect to elegantly smudge out close to your top lashes and bottom. You can use a liner brush or dry Q-Tip.

Arbonne's It's a Long Story Mascara gives perfect lash definition! Apply a couple of coats, wait about 30 seconds between each coat. Because of it's botanical ingredients it actually aids in growing and streghthening your lashes, which is one of my favourite parts. (I will dedicate a blog to this mascara shortly...that's how much I love it!)

LIPS: Finish off the look with your favourite lip balm to keep your lips plump during the dry weather! 

Why I've fallen in love with Stradivarius?

From their cheekily worded t-shirts, to their wonderful high heels, Stradivarius is the ultimate store to go too when looking for something that's urban yet sophisticated & my favourite...practical! Being a makeup artist, you need practical items your closet!

Since 1994 "Stradivarius makes dreams a reality for all those girls who are too young to dress like their mothers and too sophisticated to dress like Teenyboppers."

http://www.stradivarius.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItxStandardCompanyPage?storeId=54009550&langId=-1&catalogId=50109552

What started as a family owned business with an innovative concept in fashion in Barcelona, Spain. It is now international with stores 877 stores in 57 countries! One of them is Poland and every time I go over I always stalk up on some Stradivarius goodies.

As they say they are for women between the ages of 20-35 (young professionals) you can find things to mix & match to dress up or down or go straight to formal. Not only affordable, but also good quality items is something I really appreciate.

I'm pretty sure that I've received compliments on almost every item that I've brought back with me from Stradivarius. Absolutely in love with their clothing, brand & philosophy.

Check out their lovely "Making Of" video!

Nomadic Beauty

How do I get inspired? By watching these type of videos...

I love creating high level clarity for artistic projects! You might not notice the makeup, the fashion & the models, but I do. Those little details are only noticed when you have experience, passion & vision; I love what Stradivarius is doing with their artistic direction. What do you think? (watch video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHN0a40mjfk&list=PLOejj1BNdcfpHo-DgXcl-1UdsAtsD_K_9