OOTD and an update

Hey, guys!

Hope you’ve all been great. It’s taken me a little too long yet again, but I’m still trying to get into the swing of things and even though I want to put out posts, I also want them to be qualitative, not sloppy, so for now, less is more :)

Today, among other things, I met with my contact person for a 2 month internship. As I’ve wrote before, I’m a recent college graduate and until now have been learning Danish and looking for jobs and/or internships. I’ve been lucky enough to find a seemingly perfect one and I’m looking very much forward to experiencing that! I won’t go into too much detail about it yet, because so many things are still unclear, but if everything works out, I’ll have to move for those couple of months, take a break from my Danish class and go to the office every day and get to meet with many talented and skilled people from the industry.

Even though today was not an “interview”, more so – a meeting to discuss details such as dates and paperwork, I still wanted to look presentable and give myself that extra boost of confidence.

Necklace – Accessories
Watch - Pilgrim

Peplum top – New Yorker

High-waisted black pants – Pieces

Chelsea boot – Eurowalk

Please, excuse the dirty mirror – I didn’t notice it until the pictures we’re uploaded (and I was already sitting in my p-jays), but the outfit is pretty basic. Every time I want to feel more put together I tend to gravitate towards black&white, gold accents, a lower or higher heel and simple fits. It’s simply so effortless, still comfortable, still easy, but still nice.

Here’s a closer look at my makeup and hair – gave myself the first blow-out in months! And went with a simple black eyeliner – always makes me feel put together. If you want to see a more detailed makeup post - let me know, I only used drugstore products.

Hope you'll all have a wonderful weekend (it's an early one for me this time) and talk to you soon :)

Renate ❤

Bulgaria and being gone

Hey, guys! Flat out, I really didn't expect to not open up my blog or reader for so many days straight. Even with the holidays I planned to get a post or two in, not to mention catching up with my favorite blogs as usual, but that'll come. Unfortunately, I spent my last couple of days in Bulgaria not feeling well and have been trying to get better ever since.

I'll  make a quick post tonight and make proper ones later on, just so I feel like getting back to it and I hope from now on, mostly, I'll have more time to keep a regular schedule, because I myself find unpredictable, chaotic blogs hard to follow and not as fun to keep up with.

Anyway. As I've mentioned before, my boyfriend and I were invited to a wedding in Bulgaria, which we were both really excited about, since none of us had ever visited Bulgaria before. The packing was a pain, first of all... You'd think that after moving to another country and basically traveling on somewhat regular basis I'd have an easier time with it, but - not really. I do make lists, though to keep organized and not forget things, but other than that - pretty much everything needs to be laid out, so I can see it and then I can pick, what I'll bring with. Mess.

The wedding was awesome, however and I couldn't have been happier to experience it and see it. Everything was so thought-through and we felt very much taken care of - with the translating, accomodations, we vere constantly entertained and everyone was super sweet and caring. The ceremony was beautiful and the party - so much fun. My feet were hurting in the best way possible - after a long night of dancing. I loved my friend's dress and couldn't get over the cute little details - such as the wedding presents in a swan shape - so beautiful!

After returning to Sofia (the wedding was in my friend's home town), we had a tour around, shopped a bit, went out for drinks and enjoyed the amazing (yet, very hot) weather. I ended up finding a leather belt at H&M on sale (15 LV, which is approx. 60 DKK), that I thought was a steal and the picture below is taken just before we went out for dinner and drinks, however, the very next day I was feeling very sick, couldn't keep anything down, had stomach pain etc. and ended up being taken to the ER and spending the night there getting 5 bottles of fluids in. Those were not the most fun couple of days I've had, to be honest. Turns out, I was very dehydrated and had probably had something bad to begin with, combined with the heat, going out and eating unfamiliar foods. I'm just now starting to feel better and trying to drink as much water as I can, which I sometimes tend to forget, so it's new.

On our last day, after getting checked out of the hospital and handing over our hotel room, we walked down the pedastrian street in Sofia and I got some last minute bits and pieces. The brown bag is from Zara and was a pretty good deal for about 200 DKK. I liked the color and the style was simple. The bag is big enough for my books, which is important, since I'm still in school and it had a zipper, which is important for me - I don't feel comfortable walking around town with a completely open bag. I got a couple of magazines for the long trip (takes more than 8 hours total) and a couple of random bits.

The "Rose of Bulgaria" is a brand my mom got me into, because she loves it and always brings me something on her trips to Bulgaria (she's been there multiple times). I love their lip balms, because they're extremely buttery and soft and last for ages. I keep them in my bathroom and put them on at night just before bed. In the morning my lips are soft and moisturized and the lip balm is still lingering on - in a very nice way. I have tried their soaps, body lotions, my mom swears by their face creams, they're paraben free and extremely affortable. Basically - if you happen to go to Bulgaria - give them a try. Not at the airport, though, then the products are more expensive. But the little shops along the streets are if anything - a really cute place to check out. 

I also picked up two матрёшка - the Russian doll-in-a-doll-in-a-doll... dolls :) Because I've always thought it's a nice souvenir to have, but have found them very expensive and never been to Russia to buy it there. On the streets of Sofia we found a little outdoor market with them and I got a couple for my friend and I. They were 16 or 18 LV each, which means about 70 DKK. So, although it's not Bulgarian and it's basically a very non-related buy, I'm very glad to have picked them up!

And lastly... Probably one of my favorite finds of the month - the Bioderma cleansing water. I've been hearing about it for ages on youtube, but haven't seen it in Denmark (haven't looked also, to be honest) and haven't had the urge to order it online. When I was in Latvia, I saw it at the pharmacy and picked up the 250 ml bottle. I knew it was most likely very good, since everyone was so impressed, but even so I was surprised. It feels like water on my face, but takes makeup off effortlesly, doesn't irritate my eyes, doesn't break me out (on the contrary, it cleared up my face). So I was sad, when it ran out, I bought a Biotherm cleansing water, which sort of did the same job, but then again - not as well. And then, being in Bulgaria we walked into a pharmacy, because I was prescribed a bunch of pills for my stomach etc. Sure enough, I spotted the Bioderma 500 ml bottle, which cost me the same as the small one back home - about 100 DKK and without thinking picked it up. It really is an amazing product and I'll probably try to find it here in Denmark as well. Another pharmacy, maybe? Seem to be seeing a pattern of finding them there :)

Anyway, that's my little haul and update as to where the hell have I been. I hope everyone had a great couple of weeks and I'll talk to you soon!

Renate ❤

Being cheap

Hey, everyone! It's been a little while since the last post - I've started on somewhat a more normal schedule last week and at the moment - enjoying a long weekend at a beautiful summerhouse in the south of Denmark.

First I want to say thank you to everyone who reads and leaves delightful comments, it makes my day and I'm surprised by every new follower - that's really sweet. In connection to that I want to say, that I always check out your blogs and profiles and 99% of the time - I'm very impressed and find them lovely, but for those asking - generally I do not follow-me-I'll-follow-back - I'll gladly check out blogs and follow them, if I find them inspirational, helpful and interesting to read, however.

I'm struggling with the internet a bit at the moment - meaning - there isn't any down here. So this post will be a rather simple, yet talkative one. It's about shopping. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm GOOD at spending money. I can really spend. The "problem" has always been the lack of money to spend. I've never had much money and throughout the years, even now, when I'm doing better financially, this has taught me to avoid spending too much, especially on things, that are overpriced. Overall, I don't care, if a clothing item says a specific brand inside, if the material, design and quality satisfies my wishes just the same. Likewise, (at this point in my life anyway) I would not spend 3 times as much money on a brand nail polish, that will last on my nails for a few days and that I will struggle to use up, before it dries out, if the result ends up looking (in my opinion) the same. My clothes doesn't have to be new, if I find a good steal at a swap or second hand market (especially basic peaces and classics - jackets, blazers, everyday dresses and going out clothes for more seldom use) and my shoes doesn't have to be the newest model for the upcoming season. Call me cheap, but I love sales, discounts, affordable brands, simple, classic things, basics and offers. I'm not... obsessed, but it definitely makes my shopping experience more enjoyable and fun. I find it's easy to go into a shop and buy the first thing you like, but it's more fun to make some effort to try and find something equally as qualitative, good looking and stylish for less. Sometimes you can't. And sometimes you shouldn't. My mom has also taught me to never save on shoes (especially boots and everyday shoes) and to remember: "We're not rich, to buy cheap things", if you know, what I mean. But let me give you an example and see, what I mean.

I have a wedding to go to in a week's time. One of my old classmates from college is getting married and the wedding takes place in Bulgaria. The weather will be 35 + degrees C, humid and sunny. I have nothing light and thin, that's not black and nothing fancy enough, yet simple to make the bride stand out more. Here's what I came up with. My boyfriend volunteered to help me and one (hungover) Sunday we took a walk downtown. We started with the shoes. They were 99 DKK and something I've never owned before. Moreover, they were surprisingly comfortable which was a big must. I found the shape beautiful and the heel just high enough to still look good. I actually have a very hard time buying heels. My big toe is indeed bigger than the rest of my toes and I swear adds an extra size. Any closed toe heels hurt, any peep-toes makes my toes slip out in the front. Any wide shoes fall off and look like swimming fins and any narrow ones transform my feet into pointy irons. Platforms make me look massive, thin soled shoes - hurt the pillows of my feet. Hard life, I know, right? So, please, understand my satisfaction to have found a flattering, flirty pair of heels for a fraction of the expected price - even if they last a couple of times!

After, we went for the dress, but found a hat. I had been contemplating getting one, because the wedding takes place outside - in a garden of a restaurant. My hair is dark, as you might know and I wasn't really up for fainting. Yet, the hats we could find and like cost up to 500-600 DKK. After deciding to find the dress first and then return for one of the hats, we passed Accessories and spotted a similar one for 89 DKK. Needless to say, I was pretty pleased.

Next, we continued wandering the shops and the only one, that caught my eye was a grey, soft midi t-shirt dress for 149 DKK. I found it so easy and simple, I loved the toned down color and the idea of being able to wear it many times after the wedding and styling it with different pieces I already own. We decided to buy it anyway, even if I end up finding something else for the wedding.

Lastly, I returned to Accessories and picked up the earrings (49 DKK) and the necklace (99 DKK) - getting a student discount on both afterwards. Next I searched for a clutch bag, but the ones I liked priced 250 DKK up and I somehow found it silly to use more on the bag, than my dress (although that's sometimes a good trick) and after a lengthy search, bought a clutch bag for 149 DKK. Lastly, I took advantage of a 2 for 1 deal at MATAS and picked up two nail polishes (59 DKK) - a vibrant orange one for every day use and pretty coral one for the wedding, which are also pictured.

All in all I'm very satisfied with the outfit - I think it's very me and didn't set me back too much, moreover - all of the items are more than a one time thing - I know I'll be able to incorporate them in my wardrobe and wear them continuously. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I know I'll feel comfortable, which was the goal.

Let me know, if you've found this relatable and maybe even helpful. Have you shopped an entire outfit for an event? Do you go all out? What are your shopping habits?

I might do a seperate post on my wardrobe and good steals and finds - some tips maybe, if you're interested. If you'd like to see hauls, wardrobe essentials or any kinds of specific posts, feel free to request them. I'll try to get up a get-ready-with-me or the-face-of-the-day type of post soon, so watch out for that as well.

Hope you're having a wonderful week, talk to you soon!

Renate ❤

Oh, snap

Hello!

Happy Sunday. The weather is still amazing and I've really been in a good mood lately. Last post might have sounded as if I'm a little too serious and so today I decided to share a few of my recent snaps, because honestly, I've really been having a good time.

Unfortunatelly I seem to have a tendency of sticking to one thing at a time until I'm absolutely tired of it. What can I say - I'm a creature of habit. During the last few months I've definitely gotten enough of greek yogurt with honey, oatmeal, nuts, berries and various combinations of the aforementioned. Breakfast is always something I have been looking forward to and the moment I didn't anymore meant I need to make some changes. Hello, peanut butter, banana and berry on a toasted whole wheat bun. The toast makes the peanut butter melt and it's just basically heaven - so, the challenge is not to eat it for months straight until I can't think of ever eating it again. Similarly, as both my boyfriend and I have been very lazy in the dinner cooking department, the latest favorite is a Thai place with pleasantly cheap prices on top of our student discounts. Trick here, again, don't ruin it, Renate.

Regarding relaxing - it's been something like - pass out and sleep as much and deep as you can (I'm clearly a fan of the concept), then get up and do something you enjoy - the rainbow for one, which I honestly can't get enough of - I love the view from it and the feeling inside walking around; or - shopping, because who doesn't like that (actually, not that long ago and sometimes still - ME! but recently I've been enjoying it) and then go out for the best drinks in town, have some fun, sit outside and walk home in the warm summer weather.

Beauty-wise I've been swapping my beloved black eyeliner with a simple mascara routine and playing around with my hair after years of helpless straigth-ness, flatness and boringness and not even trying to fight it. It's funny to think how much of a late bloomer I am when it comes to doing (and actually enjoying) all of the girly stuff like dressing up and getting ready and painting my nails and trying out lipsticks and hairstyles - that's new. It's nice to have fun with it.

Again, thanks for everyone reading and checking it out, feel free to speak up - How are you spending your summer days?

Hope you're having a great weekend. Talk soon,

Renate ❤ 

August rush

Hello,

As the summer's last month approached, I felt a strange mixture of excitement, melancholy, restlessness and yet - a sense of peace and calmness. In the middle of my life's "big vacation" - in between educations and jobs, where I constantly feel the presence of plotting thoughts and images of what I should or could do next, I managed to find a little safe corner of this summer. Maybe it was the way we've been blessed with the weather this year, maybe it was me, who was blessed with having plans, that takes me to my favorite places and allows me to do my favorite things, but I've read good books, I've seen good movies, I've spent time with my closest people, I've had fun, I've been swimming, tanning, eating well and sleeping lots. Through all of that I've managed to charge my batteries for this years next season - and for new challenges in my life. I'm not the one to talk about dreams and plans as if they're already something real and true (As a matter of fact I believe there are two kinds of people in this world - ones who protect their dreams from other people, who nourish them and work until they've come true and ones, who share it with the world - as if convinced that letting your dream fly around the world, it'll eventually return back to you and come true with the help of the universe's energy. I suppose I'm simply the first kind), but if everything goes well, I cannot wait to share my experiences and embark on this new chapter of my life.

All of that will begin in August and pick up in speed and intensity as the autumn rolls around. Therefore August of 2013 for me is a month of transition - last month of this almost magical summer, where time had stalled for a few needed moments for me to gather up my energy and capacity to leap forwards.

Although this blog is not my first priority at the moment, I love the feeling of having it, without being able to explain it to a greater detail. When I spend a good deal of my time working, reading up, preparing - I enjoy being able to take a break, open up my reader, catch up on the newest post of the lovely blogs I follow and every now and again - write a post of my own - just when and I feel like it and have something to say to begin with.

I still plan to have some summer experiences in August - a very exciting trip and hopefully a good weather all in all for weekend sea side dates and drinks out on cafe terraces, so don't worry - this blog is not steering into a serious, philosophical and mysterious direction - quite the contrary. I hope to write about different beauty, fashion and lifestyle related topics, mostly about things I've learned along the way and what helps me to keep up a positive mindset and how I deal with the times, when I don't feel that great for whatever reason, but I don't have a schedule or a particular list of topics in mind as I truly believe in the honesty of the moment - writing about something topical - something I feel like sharing then and there.

That's all I wanted to say, I think. Hope you all are having a great summer - thank you for everyone, who's visiting and checking out the posts and showing interest in the blog - it's very exciting and positive. As always - I'd love to hear from you if you have something to say.

Talk to you soon,

Renate❤