Day&Night

Bye bye blogger! Hello .com

2011-01-05T19:32:00.001+01:00

So I've been planning it for a while, and I've decided to take my blog to another level, taking part of one more professional webpage, where soon I will have all my styling shoots (official photos, never posted in this blog before) uploaded in sections.
I take my chances on a cleaner look (for now) and a bit of more information for who I am and what I do. Besides I keep on updating the blog, which I imported there.

So see you there fellas!

www.irinapetrova.com

P.S. There's already a new post there! ;)

2011

2010-12-31T17:46:00.001+01:00

Another year gone...

Sitting on the sofa in the cosy and warm hotel room in Stockholm, amazing city by the way with cool young people everywhere and reaaalllly low temperatures, awaiting for the clock to ring 12 o'clock for the new year to come, I'm trying to do what most people do today - do the balance check...

It's been an year, personally for me, when many things changed. It's been an year when many projects were started and many travels were made.

For 2011 my wish to myself is to finish these projects and travel even more. To live with and by love every day, and smile every single morning when I wake up and finish the day with the same face expression. There's nothing better than this - to wake up and go to sleep with a smile. And I can say that this year was not exactly like that. But I'm gonna do my best for next one.

Nothing and nobody can take our happiness from us, so what we have to do is not let that happen and keep on fighting for it, whatever it takes. Search for it, then when you find it - know how to keep it and then just flower it the proper way to help it keep growing...just like a flower...

Happy New Year to Everybody!

Wishing you to find your flower this year and make a whole garden of it!

P.S. Oh by the way beyond everything this year I'm most proud of becoming a vegetarian. Next one I'll try to quit smoking! Big challenge!

Spiral

2010-12-29T12:17:00.000+01:00

Was just browsing through my hard drive when I found this beautiful track

Skulls Barcelona Opening

2010-12-28T14:21:00.000+01:00

I know I've been away for a while again, but there's a good excuse for it and a good result most importantly.

Before getting into details, I want to wish the best this Christmas and lots of luck and love for the upcoming year to my followers! Thanks to every person out there from Sydney, Moscow, Tokyo, London, New York, Paris, Rome, Sofia, Barelona, etc to Iran, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Canada, etc. for just being there and clicking which made me go on with this blog during this year.

Now, what's been keeping me busy in the last 2 months was the opening of our shop in Barcelona - Skulls Barcelona. Basically the idea is to sell brands which are not available in city or even the country. Most of them are American, plus some product from Japan, such as Medicom toys. Shoes and clothing lines are in between streetwear and fashion which I've always described as a sport elegant style.

Some of our brands are:
You can click on each name to visit the bran's website

Mens

- Freshjive
- Staple
- Generic Surplus
- Supra
- Krew
- Obbey
- Artisanat Et Creations
- GPPR
- Mishka
- Worldwide

Womens

- Wildfox Couture
- Hellz Bellz
- Obey

Accessories

- Retro Super Future sunglasses
- Nixon watches
- Demeter fragrances (grass, tomato, rain, forest, sex on the beach, leather, snow, and many more odors)
- Medicon Japan Toy Co
- Uncommon art graphic iphone cases
- Mook Japan

The oficial opening was held last Tuesday, 22 where closest friends and bloggers were invited to celebrate the event with jazz music, champagne and a little pica pica the spanish way.
Thanks to my friends Lora, Milena, Michel, Alina, Peter, Saporito & Middleton, Raul and all the rest who came that night to celebrate it with us.

I am in this case managing the shop, so if anyone needs any information about products, stocks etc you can contact me.

Our opening hours are 10:30am - 14:00pm and 16:00pm - 20:00pm

In this case I will be updating this and the shop's blogs with new product and events coming

You can follow our blog at www.skullsbarcelona.com and facebook here

This also means that yes, after two years in the Nike family I quit my job to be able to dedicate myself to this, to studying at IED and moving on with my styling projects.

Soon I will launch my own webpage where I will post some new shoots not released until now!

Stay tuned and welcome the new 2011 with smiles! It's gonna be an exciting year!

Gareth Pugh Spring Summer 2011

2010-12-18T18:38:00.001+01:00

Amazing work of art and insane elaboration in clothing... Big ups for Gareth Pugh!

Gareth Pugh Spring/Summer 2011 from ANTONIOLI on Vimeo.

One more from my box of EVERGREENS

2010-12-12T19:41:00.000+01:00

It's always been on the top of my list with masterpieces!

Nixon watches

2010-12-10T15:18:00.000+01:00

There's the thing about watches and glasses that drives me crazy. Those have always been my favorite finishing touch of a look and as important as the clothes, I've been collecting quite many of them so far.

As many women, I never have enough watches or glasses and always die until I get a certain style that I see and I like until I don't buy it.

In today's post I decided to highlight the brand Nixon, which I can tell lately has thrown a bomb with their innovative styles.

Women watches are literally mind blowing, with amazing diversity of shapes and colors, and the quality has no doubt. The prices are quite accessible also.

Today I received the Gem Pendant in red from Nixon, which I totally fell in love with after I saw it! Combining a watch as a pendant and a rock on the other side, this beauty has a little retro touch which you can either combine with a summer dress or wear with a simple black blouse in winter in order to highlight its beauty and not let the clothes distract you from the watch.

Another top top model for me which I also have is the 42-20 Crono All Gold. This watch is a masterpiece and I can't help but wear it almost non stop. The good thing about it is that combines with everything from a formal black dress, to jeans and a tee.

In another amazing colour, similar to my CG frames - tokyo tortoise which I really adore

The Fairfax pendand

The Strata, also getting lots of points!

The Alice

And some male styles

The Newton, available in a variety of colors, as almost all styles

So that's it folks! Check Nixon's webpage here and if I were you and didn't have one, I would hurry up to do it, as the catalogue is immense and offers something about every kind of taste.

And if you live in Barcelona or passing by, you can find some of the coolest Nixon watches in our shop "Skulls Barcelona" which will be soon opening. More details here or at our facebook page.

Soon more info on that here too!

The strata

I'm here

2010-12-04T12:56:00.002+01:00

A true love story...

Watch the whole movie here:

http://www.imheremovie.com/#

The Lanvin for H&M experience

2010-11-23T11:12:00.000+01:00

Finally it's over. It's 10:40am and I am in my warm home with my puffy robe and planning to go back to bed when I finish this post.

I've neved done this, but this time I just had to. I'm in love with Lanvin since I was 15, so I couldn't miss it. I got up at 5:30am this morning planning to get to the shop at 6am. The doors open at 8. Having in mind I live 10 mins from the H&M store where they're selling the collection, I gained some more time in sleeping.

It was still dark when I went out and even the stars were shining

I arrived at 6:00 and there were around 50 people before me. I must say that the organization was amazing, as the had already separated the queue clearly, there were these guys giving away warm cappuccinos, brownies, magdalenas and magazines fot he first ones that arrived. No fights, no pushing.
They gave us paper bracelets with different colours depending on where you were standing at the queue.
I made got to know other two girls next to me who also came alone and this way time went pretty faster.
As from 8am people were entering in groups by 20, and each group had 15mins to shop. I was the 4th group in a row, which was pretty good considering the queue after me.
The only bad thing about this was the cold out there, but the thought of my Lanvin goods were warming me up. I was just thinking of the people living in colder countries...oh my...I don't think I would've done it even if it was Marc Jacobs, Prada or Chanel.

After my group went in, there were these bags with a Lanvin scarf inside as a present for each one of the first groups.

You could take only one size per piece and shop for 15 minutes after which you could go and try it on in a separate area and you didn't have the right to go back. So basically if you didn't fit the size you picked, you couldn't change it, so imagine me taking my blouse off in the middle of the shopping area and putting on dresses on top of my jeans (I was wearing body, no nudity ).

This were some of the pieces I took with me in the fitting room and soon we got winners.

Walking back home after all this craziness was a relief, but I was quite scared by the way other women were looking at me with my big bags. At a moment I thought they were gonna kill me and take my bags...really, loads of bad energy, while I was walking, smiling and singing the song from the commercial.

So the winners are the purse...

The necklace...

Of course the gorgeous earrings...

Everything in its own box

The clothes with the hanger and this super handy cover you can use anytime

Aaand after I tried some dresses, I must say that this is the most amazing one of the collection. But you can never say so until you don't try it on. What happens is that, as the fabric is quite hard, you can change the shape of the veil in front and in the back, and you can totally change the whole look of the dress. As this example.

The jacket...oh amazing quality of the fabric and pattern.

Nighty, night...

Past perfect or past imperfect?

2010-11-21T01:16:00.001+01:00

I’ve been going through some Bulgarian music last night and the word/phrase I’ve heard most in the songs was “as before”, translated in english.
That made me think and turn back the tape through all music genres and found it in so many songs out there, either old or new, which made me think even more.
Actually, I got to a point that we always long for what was before. It’s always the best. The music, the times we had, the fashion, the food, the family times…we live in a constant nostalgia without realizing how much that affects our lives.
My mind is just working incredibly fast and I hear the voices of all my friends in my head saying this sentence at least once, some twice and even more “before, it was different, it was the best years, it was the time of our lives”.
It’s quite depressing actually looking at it this way. I, myself am the one always saying that “before” was the best on this and that. But kinda not very cool living this way when you start to think about it, is it?
What’s the formula to delete this pattern of our heads that thinks or actually remembers or considers the past moments better? And start thinking about the future, and believe in it. How is it possible to be convinced that what's happened before is better, when you don't know what's coming in the future?!

Or is it really true? Was it better? Do we get “less” from everything now? Is quality worse or we’re just used to what we once had best and can’t open our minds to get to like the new?
I don’t know...

Aaaand to celebrate tonight's philosophical mood I dedicate this great song from the past...perfect...or imperfect...

By the way I just noticed the guy is singing without a microphone and I'm sure in those years there wasn't a mini micro lol. Same with the guitar guy and everyone else...seems it wasn't that perfect, no?

More noise...

2010-11-19T19:38:00.000+01:00

Time is ticking and my only thought is how I'm gonna have to get up at 5am at least to assure my entrance to the store...

Chick On Speed - Don't Art, Fashion, Music

2010-11-10T18:56:00.000+01:00

Birthdays, projects, trips

2010-11-07T22:43:00.000+01:00

Well October has been incredible busy and adventurous month. So "pinta" November, too.

Starting with a very nice trip to London, visiting my friend Cvet and also meeting old friends I hadn't seen in some time

Saw one of my tops - Jamiroquai! Incredible concert at HMV forum in Kentish Town, London. Although I went by myself I felt I was with the whole crowd. You could notice everyone at that concert was an insane fan of him. His performance and voice in combination seen from first raw is something I just simply cannot describe in words...

Performing "Corner Of The Earth"

As I've said many times - It's not important what your style is, what matters is having any style.

Another very exciting thing for me at this trip was checking out Claire and Oliver Goldsmith showroom in Notting Hill

This here is Claire's new collection inspired in vintage styles. Amazing quality as I judge by my own IRWIN pair

As I said in my previous post dedicated to the brand, these are all different materials and colors you can have some of their vintage styles customized for you. Takes a month and goes about 450 pounds. I personally think it's a good deal.

Downstairs, the private lounge with the whole vintage archive

The masters

Walls are covered with their press and publications. Impressive! I mean lady Di!

1969

All vintage treasure. Each style can be customized with a chosen material and your name tag on the inside

1964 style

A queue for Manolo Blahnik signing a book

Couldn't miss a visit at National Gallery and stare to some of my fave paintings for minutes

Great hat at Top Shop right after I was photographed for Elle UK for How They Wear it section

Putting together furniture is never a challenge

A Saturday walk at Portobello market

...where I got these beauties...

Amazing vintage shop

And this one is taken through a glass..

Party at Rhythm Factory

And some Fabric with Cvet and Patrice

Amazing views on the way to the airport right after I wasn't let go on the plane and had to stay 1 more day

Friends...

Paragliding at my birthday! Amazing experience I would never forget!

A nerd Haloween

More nights in costumes...

And most important...I quit my job at Nike where I've been working for the last two years and will dedicate myself to another project.

Honestly I'm feeling quite moody as I've learned a lot in the Nike family for that time and I kinda could've progressed even more at my position if I'd stayed, but as always, I need to live on the edge and I will take risks in the name of dedicating myself closely to my passion - fashion.

My last conference call

I've got 3 working days left at Nike and I start my studies at IED plus handling a special project, secret for now and still some shootings going on around...

Very happy with this last shoot for which there will be more details soon

And with all this, more wrinkles weather from laughing or crying, they become bigger

Lamberto Petri for Spiga2

2010-11-04T10:47:00.000+01:00

Here's just a quick look of the must-haves of Lamberto Petri's collection for Dolce&Gabanna multibrand store's opening.

Garments emit quality from what can be seen in the video and I do believe this could grow in bigger and better collections.

D&G time ad

2010-11-02T12:56:00.000+01:00

Lanvin for H&M

2010-11-02T11:58:00.002+01:00

Here it goes...

Definitely sleeping in front of some of H&M stores in Barcelona the 23th this month. And as Freddie once sang... " I want it allllll".

Curious what prices will be, but Alber confirmed already he won't sell cheap, although it's a collab with H&M.

Fashion's Night IN

2010-10-29T19:38:00.000+02:00

Next Monday 1st nov, Fashion's night in will be the digital equivalent of Fashion's night out when compared to the first one - going out and shopping late, all fashionistas and shopaholics can find the best offers from retailers online, getting super discounts and prizes and free shipping for 1 hour for london-based shoppers, launch of new collections, gifts and surprises by collaborations with NET-A-PORTER.COM, MATCHESFASHION.COM, TOPSHOP.COM, MY-WARDROBE.COM, SELFRIDGES. COM, O BROWNSFASHION.COM.

The event is organized by Vogue...stay tuned and stay IN!

Gucci Cruise Collection 2011

2010-10-28T15:28:00.001+02:00

I am fascinated by the perfection in the way the house of Gucci has presented the 2011 Cruise Collection pieces in this teaser video.

Here's how they describe the collection itself:

Gucci Cruise collection 2011, a modernist travel statement, with easy sophistication as its leitmotif.

Stylish travel has always inspired the House of Gucci since it was founded in 1921, and so this theme is further explored in its latest Cruise Collection for 2011. With an elegant voyage very much in mind, Creative Director Frida Giannini interprets the contemporary female wardrobe with faultless nonchalance, alternating between an edgy chic urban attitude and an ultra glamorous spirit.

We totally agree!!!

Big ups and a little more patience to see it in stores!

And don't forget the cruiser bicycle...I'm personally still dying for it!

http://irina-petrova.blogspot.com/2010/05/gucci-cruiser-bicycle.html

Coould it be?

2010-10-19T16:47:00.000+02:00

So here's the image that Live Journal site Fashin provides us with. A user claims that this is from the H&M & Lanvin campaign.
I think it might be and it better be, because it looks gorgeous! Plus Natasha Poli gives us more hopes this is part of the collaboration collection.

New discovery - Claire Goldsmith's Legacy eyewear

2010-10-12T13:28:00.000+02:00

I have apparently lived on another planet for discovering so late this amazing eyewear brand with long and significant history....
Claire Goldsmith is the greatgranddaughter of one of the most influential modern eyewear creators - Oliver Goldsmith. Who is actually the one that created the sunglasses style with the TV screens back in 1967 and the "Love me style" in 1979. Some of the iconic styles created long ago:

Claire re-introduced some of the most iconic and timeless in their design vintage sunglasses styles from the 1940s till the 1980 starting back in 2005 and now has her own collection of amazing classy frames.

I happened to find this Irwin style for which I totally fell in love so I digged deeper and found out a great quality brand.

The frames are all handmade and the company is still using the traditional methods and classic vintage acetates which they've collected for years. They work with craftsmen in England and some in Italy - the country that basically created eyewear and still has the most highly experienced craftsmen, and some in Japan where technology leads the way, and others in Germany where precision and excellence is standard says the company.

Prices are about 350€ more or less depending on the style, but I'm sure it pays back.

I'm totally getting this style, but first I'll check it out in London next week where in Notting Hill the company has their official store and showroom where you can see the complete Oliver Goldsmith and Claire Goldsmith collections as well as access to any of the hundreds (500) rare and classic vintage designs held in a private lounge. You can choose any style from the 40s till the 80s and get it re-created for you.

Giorgio Armani - Frames Of Life

2010-10-11T12:22:00.000+02:00

Hotel Costes 14

2010-10-07T17:06:00.001+02:00

Here goes the 14th compilation by Stephane Pompougnac!
I cannot be happier as these albums have been the soundtrack of my life and it's the only music that has never changed for another in my ipod.
I'm impatiently waiting for the original album I ordered to arrive, as I'm collecting them. You can buy it in itunes for 9.99€ or get the real cd (with amazing cover as usual) from http://www.hotelcostes.com/ for nearly 45€ with postage.

More info for costes from my blog here.

Next mission in London - Burberry Studded Wellington boots

2010-10-07T15:43:00.000+02:00

Nike SB Holiday shoot

2010-10-01T20:23:00.001+02:00

In the meantime here's a link for some of the photos of another shoot I did with Nike SB presenting the HO collection.

2010-09-30T16:51:00.000+02:00

Very busy days lately, with a lot of work coming from Nike and a lot of external projects coming ahead. Very soon there will be more info on everything and probably I will be moving the blog into a website, so stay tuned. Also two new shootings in the last two weeks. One for Nike SB and another for Audiofly's new album. Official shots of both are still not available for the public. All I can say that there's a lot of good stuff to be shown, done with a lot of passion.
On the other hand I will still be on "vacations" with the blog for the next few days/week as the schedule is getting even busier with my best friend for 25 years just arrived and we're gonna be taking some time off in Ibiza and enjoy some sun, beaches, relax and of course closings. Full report soon!

20 days in shots part 2 - Boston and New York

2010-09-24T18:38:00.001+02:00

So here's finally the second part of my August'10 adventures and I'm sure it's gonna be even more interesting than the others because there's fashion involved.
I've been taking shots of some personal picks from random (or not so random) stores and I personally love it!

I visited Boston first as I've got part of my family living there. The city is beautiful, clean and spacious and most of the America's east coast intellectuals and big brains live or have lived there.

You wouldn't want to miss a walk in Harvard university's gardens. I mean you can literally breathe and feel the intelligence over there. Checking the different buildings and reading their history has never been more interesting to me, while students from the upcoming year were chilling with books on the green grass.

For food and drinks I would strongly recommend a few places as this amazing sushi place my bro took me to - FUGAKYU which is at 1280 Beacon St., Brookline where we got this ...

Then a breathtaking night views of Boston together with life jazz band in one of the corners next to the windows is also a must at "Top of the Hub" restaurant and lounge at Prudential Tower's top floor at Boylston street. I mean, really magical. Similar places I've been to was Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo and that hotel in Amsterdam (no name memory, sorry), but this one was really authentic.

For shopping honestly there's no name to describe it over there. I mean millions of shops I've gone crazy at, and the good thing for Boston shopping is that they don't have a tax on clothing (which they do for example in New York), so basically everything is a lot cheaper.

If you go to NORDSTROM you'll basically get lost and go crazy by the number of brands. You can see all contemporary designers' collections. My picks from that store would be the following...

This red beauty by Valentino for which I would die

Marc Jacobs handbags...forever

And particularly this, perfect one...

Steve Madden shoes...Discovered this brand with the great quality and design of shoes and got a pair of military boots for me from Soho, New York

Also hadn't seen so far women's Sperry and was super surprised. Tried them on though and they didn't look as I'd expected

Speaking of colors in the end of the summer is crazy as we all know the era of black, grey and camel is coming, though BCBG and Victoria's Secret are still trying to make the scene look very summerish.

Be sure to visit Newbury Street and the parallel to it as there is where all the great shops are concentrated. Bumped into this vintage shop Rescue where you can find from Chloè, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang etc. to a totally unknown brands and variety of prices. Still feel sad for that red leather knee skirt was too big, but got a pair of 50's vintage white glasses.

I just adore my bro's garden. Quiet, peaceful and fresh.

Marina bay is another beautiful spot where you can have a drink or some tapas. The surrounding neighborhoods are just fascinating... I mean I can't describe it...

Aaand, remember that if you need a visa card you can always get one in any random supermarket. Pay 120$ for example for a visa loaded with 100$ is a great deal if you don't wanna carry cash around.

I guess everyone can recognize following view...yeah the one and only New York....

We stayed at ACE hotel at Broadway and 29th. Really amazing concept of the whole hotel and people working there were sooo trendy, I'm not joking. Besides they had this non famous clothing shop on ground floor at Broadway - Opening Ceremony . This shop was just top of the pops, super unique clothing, shoes and accessories. Anyone visiting NY shouldn't miss but visit it.

Hotel's gym

I don't really think I could write enough or give enough examples of New York shopping, food and drink spots...Like..that is crazy...

Picks from Century 21...

Vivienne Westwood killed it with this top!

D&G rain jacket

Stella McCartney dress

Basically a must for shopping is Soho with all those little and unique shops and 5th avenue which is also non famous to anyone. Bottega Venneta's store there impressed me most. And Louis Vuitton's beast next to the Trump Tower is just senseless to comment.

Armani Exchange silver coat. Got the matching bag and the cool thing I got was a 50$ discount on the next item over 100$

Diane Von Furstenberg's fall collection is just to die for

aaand I should save a bit for this 450$ hat I fell in love with

And for this probably over 30k Cartier beauty

Soho

NYPD...yahoo???

Great dinner in a italian restaurant in Soho and a walk with the gang

230 Fifth rooftop garden is a nice place to have some drinks with stunning views all over NY and Empire State

And a great finish of a random Monday at Cielo with Francios K

Some random street views...

Yeah...royal McDonalds...

Random Victoria's Secret store...

I happened to see Madonna's daughter new brand "Material girl" I so much heard about at Macy's. Basically I would say it's a teen brand with not an amazing quality. Was not very impressed, but there were catchy styles like this cardigan and pants.

Everything is going to be alright!

Dolce & Gabanna and Naomi Campbell

2010-09-16T18:53:00.004+02:00

So here's the thing, Dolce & Gabbana have decided to make the 25th anniversary in the career of Naomi Campbell in the fashion industry even more special by celebrating it with an exclusive event. The italian house is creating 14 limited tees "each one displaying an iconic image of Naomi Campbell taken by the world’s most esteemed contemporary fashion photographers". If you ask me, these are going to be some really amazing t-shirts, so I'll try and see if there's any way to get one. Just thinking of the perfection in the "black pearl" look, combined with jeans and high heels, makes me wanna cry!

The collection of T-shirts will be on sale exclusively at Dolce&Gabbana boutiques in New York (September 10th), London (September 21st), Milan (September 26th), Paris (October 4th), Moscow (October 20th) and will continue on to Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

Missing so many things since I'm not in NY...now I realize it.

Jason Wu Spring 2010

2010-09-12T09:34:00.001+02:00

Fashion's Night Out 2010

2010-09-10T11:07:00.000+02:00

"From Brooklyn to Brazil to Boston, the fashion industry is already buzzing about the news that this year’s globe-spanning extravaganza Fashion’s Night Out, is back!"

That's how the description of the fresh event starts. I read some months ago about it and I was amazed by the incredible organization that seems to happen so easy between all the models, celebrities, retailers and die-hard fashionistas who participate in this event.

Every year there's different collection from which you can (have to) choose a style and put it on the same night with the same theme if you really want to participate in the event properly. The benefits from the t-shirts go the New York City AIDS Fund, so there's another reason to go out and shop till late, have some cocktails and attend some of the special events (in case you got yourself an invitation).

Of course, New York is the heart of the event, where after you check the website you can see the amazing event listings on a map and by retailer. Unfortunately I just came back from NY two days ago, but next year I'll try not to miss it.

Check out event program and cities here.

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.

H&M Fall 2010 TV Commercial

2010-09-07T16:26:00.000+02:00

In the meantime I try to manage from the heavy jet lag and go to work (still no propper time for posting), just wanted to say big ups for the amazing Daria, and of course my favourite female voice - Erykah Badu, which H&M decided to join in their Fall 10 commercial.
By the way, I'm not a big fan of H&M although quality is much better in this past year (still you can find something tricky sometimes if you you're a Dig Deeper), but I am impatiently waiting for Lanvin's collection for H&M which will be in shops 23th of November. It will definitely be a day off from work!

20 days in shots

2010-09-05T15:43:00.016+02:00

I'm officially back and even though the heavy jet lag my little inner voice is bugging me that I should get on track with the posts as I've literally had no time at all to update this space.
Basically had good and bad moments at these last trips, but as it usually happens in life - it's what you make of it!

Bulgaria was amazing as usual. Saw almost all of my all-time good friends. I'm happy to have them in my life and even though I don't see them as often as I would like to, they're always in my heart.

Had great moments with my family which is number 1 on the list always and saw for the first time the newest member - my baby niece!

Proved for 10000000th time, I'm the best aunt

And enjoyed as always the best that my country has - the most amazing nature and the best food

sushi isn't as bad as you might think

that's the typical look you might have after a dinner in a bulgarian taverna

Fire dancers aka women and men who dance bare feet on fire. Old bulgarian ritual. For more info check here.

the hidden beaches

the sunsets

the not-so-hidden beaches

the past

the food again

somebody almost fainted seing chicken hearts

the city

Oh and the "only in bulgaria" moments

Part of the salad menu in Happy and prices in levs (1 euro = 2 levs)

And the time for me to finish this post as it's become huuuge! Should be able to post part.2 from Boston and New York with some fashion, food and drinks picks in the upcoming days.

Fall 10 tendencies - Mimimal chic and masculine looks

2010-08-28T15:10:00.000+02:00

Well I wasn't sure if I should rather make two different posts about these styles, but as they have a lot in common I'll resume it all into one post.

Minimalism and masculine style started slowly to make their ways into nowadays' fashion something like 2 years ago. Clean, simple, black, blue or grey can be described as the leading points of the minimalistic look which can either has volume in shapes, or stay just pretty tight. My opinion is if you'd pick on something minimalistic, most important to look after is the quality of the fabric of the garment. That's the key to a nice piece of cloth, when you have no details on it.

Masculine style can be said to be the death for the low-cut neckline (and I love it, as I've never liked low-cut neckline. Always found sexy exactly the opposite. But still unfortunately many women in Bulgaria..and elsewhere don't quite understand that yet! lol anyway...) Male trousers, shirts, bodices, male flat shoes (i've found great ones at http://www.net-a-porter.com/ , male glasses, hats, ties. Just loving this look. It's clean and it doesn't scream, "heyy look at my body".

And the house of Hèrmes, can tell you exactly what I mean

Let's don't forget about the accessories, such as shoes, glasses and bowler hats

I personally got these amazing shoes from Bulgaria and the bowler hat from LA

Take off!

2010-08-12T19:58:00.000+02:00

So, oficially I'll be away for 3 weeks and a bit more and I guess that posting won't be my priority, as you might understand. Though I will try to make short updates from my trips, and especially fashionwise from New York, and also got some pending posts for Fall 10 which I'll try to manage posting in the upcoming days.

My first stop will be my own country - Bulgaria, where you can spend much more quality time on any resort, than here in Spain for example.

Pretty much the vacacion will be concentrated in good food (bulgarian, don't know what I'll do in the states though..)

Relax at a beches near so much nature and golden and soft sands

A lot of spa as always...my sin..

Of course some party on Bulgarian land, where it's not a secret to anyone...we do it good!

Then the second part of my holidays I'll head up to Boston for a visit of my brother's family.

I'll make sure to go to Harvard and Oxford to touch something as I promised my friend Alina, and then become more intelligent. Then I'll pass it to her....mmm yeah that's our plan!

Aaaand finally, get in the car and go to New York, where it's gonna be all about shopping

So, good night and..good luck!

And don't forget to smile!

Fall 10 tendencies - Knits time!

2010-08-10T10:56:00.001+02:00

Well we all know knits came back some years ago, but this winter I have the feeling that they've reached the perfection in styles. Personally I'm truly happy for the strong knits' presence as I'm a true knit lover for a long time now. Interesting thing is that until now we could relate knit to a more easy and .... style, but now you can see super hot combinations of short blouse knits, knits and patent leather, which is one of my favorites for the season, volume knits with cool knit hats, knits with fur and basically knits in combination with everything we haven't seen until today. Well I think I said "knits" too many times...

I die for this coat by Marc Jacobs

And this is my top outfit for the season by Prada

Michael Kors - two bunnies with one shot as we say in Bulgaria - camel and knit

Fall 10 tendencies - 50's

2010-08-07T12:19:00.003+02:00

One absolutely new line is coming this winter and when I say new I mean it hasn't appear in any of the last years collections, so much as the other tendencies we have for this FW season.
The 50's chic is here. Super sophisticated, high waist but at the same time full with volume skirts are seen at many of the greatest designer's collections, especially Louis Vuitton and Prada. Headbands and hair volume, plus the below-the-knee skirt length. Oh yeah, and the knit in combination is just unhuman perfection !
Louis Vuitton's collection is fascinating. I just can't help but stare with minutes at the perfect looks and the elegance which they're transmitting.

Check yourself some of the picas from the ad campaign and then some of my personal picks from the collections.

PRADA

FENDI

DOLCE & GABANNA

Jamiroquai

2010-08-04T19:37:00.002+02:00

Mu current soundtrack while I try to organize my computers finally. Chilled music is needed indeed, and I can't do anything but melt listening this soft, sensual track.

Fall 10 tendencies - FURS

2010-08-03T18:15:00.002+02:00

I don't really think that furs have ever been out of fashion. I've had fur coat since 1991 when I was 6, when my grandfather had these rabbits, he was breeding. And I know it may sound horrible now, but the coat was really fabolous. I mean I was 6 for god's sake and I had a white rabbit fur coat!!! lol Should dig the photo soon.
Basically since then furs have always been in one way or another into fashion, but what's changed now and for good, is that they've developed amazing artificial furs and every time (hopefully) less animals need to die, to be hanged at a posh lady's back.
Well this winter furs' presence is very strong and you can see it by the impossibly amazing styles the fashion houses have created. Full variety of colours, lengths and volumes, herrrrrrrrrre you go! Some of my picks and suggestions!

Marc Jacobs and Oscar De La Renta are the winners in the category!

Amazing piece from Oscar De La Renta

Dsquared2

No words for Marc Jacobs

One of my all time favorites Zac Posen

Fendi

Proenza Schouler

My ex employer Burberry

Balmain

Michael Kors combines fur with sports

Dolce & Gabanna

Derek Lam

And let's don't forget about the Chanel collection, please. I've already posted a separate post about it. You can find it in FA'10 category.

Maybe tomorrow?

2010-08-03T09:12:00.001+02:00

Fall 10 tendencies - CAMEL IS THE NEW BLACK

2010-08-02T18:12:00.000+02:00

Well, as I’ve been going through the FA’10 collections, I already made my idea of what’s gonna be trendy to wear during the cold seasons and I’ll share my vision in the following posts.

Number one and today’s subject will be the CAMELLLL! With no doubt this will be the new black for the season, but let’s don’t forget the grey, especially the male part of the world.

I personally love the colour and I’m happy that it’s coming back, because 1st – I have an italian cashmere camel coat which is in process of sewing by size, 2nd because it makes great combinations with brownish make up, which I totally love, and 3rd because I love the way it fits to brown hair and eyes.

So, ladies open your eyes and grab the first cool camel garment you find in the upcoming months with no doubt!

PRADA

FENDI

MICHAEL KORS

DEREK LAM

HERMES

ZAC POSEN

Lara Stone vs. Playboy

2010-08-01T10:46:00.000+02:00

Lara Stone, the supermodel which I have previously mentioned in some posts, now seems to have messed it up with Playboy. The Dutch model seem to have posed in a corset encrusted with diamonds and gems, a garment created by Jenny Mercian, worn by Selita Ebanks in Victoria's Secret 2008 show. But now, seems that she hasn’t authorised French Playboy to publish those nude shots, which they did in their june/july issue.

"Playboy had no right to publish these unauthorized photographs," she says. "It's not the kind of publication I would ever choose to appear in. I feel I have no option but to take steps to protect my reputation."

Here’s a recent shot of the beauty who just got married in London last month to David Walliams.

FTV Front Door Man - GUCCI

2010-07-30T13:56:00.000+02:00

Totally loving the FTV latest videos named "Front Door Man" where you can see the other part of the catwalk, and exactly the guests, their style and..bad enlish. lol

Nike 6.0 FA'10 photo shoot

2010-07-29T13:32:00.003+02:00

Hereby a photo report of the "backstage" of the last photo shoot I did. Whether its fashion or sportswear styling, doesn't really matter to me if I keep doing things.

The hottest spot for surf at the Galicia coast, couple of young guys, surfers (not models I highlight), a normal day at the beach, plus couple of photographers, producers and me doing the styling.
Was pretty much fun, though a long day of work, nearly 12 hours. The results though, very satifying.

The beach

Me, fighting with sand, wind and clothes

The stylist is taking a break (as all mothers do, taking care of sth else)

Meanwhile the guys cought some olas!

I know it looks messy, but believe me with all that wind, was impossible to keep things at one place

At the end of the day, this is the unique repay you get

Love parade tragedy

2010-07-27T13:10:00.005+02:00

What was supposed to be something similar to this

Ended up like this

I remember when I was quite young and started to listen techno music, the love parade was one of my "role events" I always wanted to attend. It has history, and it's held in Germany since 1989.
This year there were over 1.4 million attendants when the organization expected 700-800 thousand...

I'm not saying that there's a good way to die, but going somewhere to have fun, release all your negative energy and turn it into positive, together with many people you don't know and with music...this makes me very sad. Lately so many catastrophic events are happening, I just think the world has gone crazy. I remember now, some years ago how that crazy lunatic opened fire at Carl Cox party somewhere in latin america and killed people...
It's needless to discuss how they thought it would just be one of those unforgettable days in partying. And I cannot remain silent in front of this tragedy.
As you can see in the second video some of the people which were near the wall could get their way out climbing, but what about the thousands that were in the middle, or elsewhere!? Well 20 of them didin't make it.
I'm not sure if there should be someone responsible for this, but all I say is that these things were not happening so often before.
RIP to all the victims in this sad sad story and support for all their families and friends.

After what happened the festival, which began in 1989, has been canceled and won't continue out of respect for the victims.
More info for what exactly happened and images here:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/07/24/germany.panic.deaths/index.html

Days full of music

2010-07-25T00:00:00.000+02:00

It's been some time now that I truly defend my theory that apart from electronic music and jazz, everything else is pretty muddy lately. This last week though I went to 3 different concerts to hear Erykah Badu presenting New Amerykah Part 2, Morcheeba with Blood Like Lemonade and the lovely norwegian duo Kings Of Convenience touring Declaration Of Dependence.
This pretty much changed a bit my theory, because the three new albums were pretty amazing and high quality.

I'm speechless in front of Erykah's voice and performance and her whole crew. Whoever went to any of her concerts knows what I'm talking about. No need for more explanation. Some short videos from the concert worth seing for the ones who couldn't make it.

Kings Of Convenience

I happened to know these guys with their "I don't know what I can save you from" track, Royksopp remix some years ago, and I searched for more of their music when I found out that they are a brilliant duo. I mean really, their voices match so perfectly and it's incredible how just the two of them, with two guitars can do what they do. Super soft music, great for my ipod when I travel or in the car.

MORCHEEBA

No need to present Morcheeba and Skye with one of the most amazing female voices. Two years ago I went to their concert, but unfortunately I was not very impressed as they had a new vocalist. This time though with Skye's return, they presented the new album which I really liked. Especially "I Am The Spring" track. Also did some classics, which being able to listen live was just one time moment.

And one of the bombs for me played by Martin Buttrich last night at Ghoa, where we had also behind the decks Audiofly, Luca Bacchetti and Davide Squillace.

Frames of Life - Moments Of Life

2010-07-23T23:46:00.000+02:00

I am personally in love with Armani's latest frame collection. Amazing vintage shapes which I totally adore. Will definitely try to get one of these soon.

Music, Music, Music, Music and Music!

2010-07-22T12:31:00.000+02:00

mobilee Rooftop Sonar 2010 - Pan-Pot & Guy Gerber - Saturday Grand Final from mobilee records on Vimeo.

Gianni Versace 1995

2010-07-21T13:27:00.001+02:00

I didn't have enough time to write a post on the 15th of July, the black date in the fashion world, when 13 years ago the legend Gianni Versace was killed by a psycho fan. But I will dedicate this video from 1995 ( I was 10, but believe me I already knew these faces ). You can see all the legends in the fashion world on this runwaym which even until today - 15 years later are still down to business. No comments on the elegance of the collection. So real, so authentic, so eternal!

Smiley

2010-07-21T13:17:00.001+02:00

I just got this from my friend Alina and made me smile, so I share my smile with you.

The thought

2010-07-19T18:10:00.002+02:00

In between a thought I just read in my " The Secret calendar" for today, which is already hanging at my desk. You're really gonna love it.
Translation from Bulgarian: Irina Petrova lol

The thought develops as a word. The word develops as an action. The action develops as a habit. The habit grows into a character. So watch carefully the thought and her ways. And let it rise from love, born from the concern about all living creatures.

Michael

2010-07-19T15:06:00.002+02:00

Well this track I had totally forgotten was reminded to me by Erykah Badu's dj who spinned amazing tunes right before she came out on stage yesterday. I still haven't got all the videos and shots done, but soon I'll post it together with Morcheeba concert and Kings Of Convenience one, this Thursday!
Stay tuned!

Backstage at D&G Summer 2011 Men Fashion Show

2010-07-17T21:34:00.003+02:00

Cavalli's 40 year Anniversary in the fashion industry.

2010-07-15T15:26:00.002+02:00

Dressing Michael Jackson

and almost every singer or actor, creating clothes for ballet...

releasing vodka and wine under his label, also limited editions of Coca cola bottles....

Winner of so many prizes, dressing the Playboy business girls...

creating amazing spaces of art in his boutiques, museums, or cafes, clubs such as the one in Dubai

Roberto Cavalli has always been a reference for the strong and magnifying female for me and the stylish and elegant male role.

Since 1970, Roberto Cavalli is a key figure in the fashion industry and to celebrate that, he created a limited edition collection of his classics and a special new logo which elements characterise Cavalli's world during the past years. Cavalli explains: "The colour gold which denotes glamour, luxury and preciousness; the heraldic symbol of the Maison Cavalli which is now recognisable the world over; the symbol of Venus which represents beauty and love and embodies the beauty of all those women who have been dressed in the creations and collections of Roberto Cavalli. Trying to include the entire Cavalli world in one logo has not been easy but the result is amazing."

Some of the eternal pieces of art styles I just chose

Here, you can check the rest(no, not you can check, you HAVE TO check) at the new part of his website, dedicated to the celebration, where you can find also the sections "Timeline 1970-2010" where you can find significant images of events and creations through the years, "Virtual Museum" with all the designer's masterpieces and the Celebratory Book which is still not online.

My congratulations to Mr. Cavalli for what he's given to the fashion world and for what he will keep on giving!

And sorry, but I can't stop posting music lol

Paths of life

2010-07-14T11:47:00.001+02:00

Paths

So this may be more of a philosophical post about life, and those paths we take which take us somewhere. So much has happened through the last year in my life, so many changes and new paths I've decided to take which always lead to a change that I started to think of all this. I remember a favourite quote of mine once used to be 'Every beginning is a consequence. Every beginning ends something'. And until we realise and think of this every minute of our lives, we will never be completely happy. First, to think cold and not let instant emotions lead us. Second, to think well of all the risks of that path and all the consequences. Third, to have the guts to take those consequences of our actions once we acted and learn from them. Because the game is all about play and learn...do you ever win? That's something you can tell in the end.

Sometimes we learn aching and sometimes laughing. The thing is we will always learn until the end, always something new, always suffer certain situation which we haven't experienced before. And as that would be the first time, we would have to think well of alll the paths, all the risks and all the consequences. And even if we did, we're not safe not to be wrong. And basically that's the funny and at the same time risky rollercoaster of life. Every action has a reaction, therefore we draw our own picture of life ourselves. Just make sure you do it carefully, cause in the end you can't borrow anything from it. Stains will always remain on it.

Oh, and 3 last things....

What a wonderful world it can be...

Find home.

Believe in destiny.

And listen to Zero 7.

Gaelle - Transient album

2010-07-13T13:45:00.002+02:00

This is a legendary album for me and also a big part of my life. Heard it first at Totally Romantic Bar at Kabakum, and fell instantly in love with the whole album which had brought a magical atmosphere at the venue, the sea, the sand and the sky. All the songs are so emotional, so soft and so touching, that I can never get enough from those sweet-sour melodies.

The album was released in 2004 by Naked Music and was the full-length debut of Gaelle Adisson. She's a singer, songwriter and producer of the album and like many others she combines various styles of music to create that particular sound.

So hard to choose which song to post, because the 12 tracks are just unique and each one is so different, but here it goes, one of the slow jams.

Garbage - Push it!

2010-07-12T17:11:00.002+02:00

age - Now this group has a serious influence on me. Years ago it was one of my top music bands. Really amazing videos plus the voice of Shirley Manson is just unique.

And here’s my favourite, eternal track.

Chanel Romanov wool flap bags

2010-07-10T18:42:00.000+02:00

The Chanel Romanov lambskin bag is a Chanel flap bag made from amazing quality wool, adorned with jewel symbols of Russian history. The chain and turn lock are made from gold.
Honestly this is one of the most amazing bags I've seen recently and I'm totally in love with it!
Sophisticated and chic and classic at the same time this bag is offered in white, red, black and beige and two shapes.

And the other shape

Other fave latest Chanel bag picks would be the cassete bag (perfect for parties)

Also offered transparent

The coco cocook collection bags. Loving the shopping bag.

The quilted nylon trolley...

And this AMAZING piece from SS

Back to 99's Flat Beat

2010-07-09T11:40:00.000+02:00

Now when I say I was 13 or 14 when I loved this track I would feel veery old...starting now! But yeah time flies, but still there are eternal tunes that become classics, such as frenchie Mr. Oizo's Flat Beat. Who doesn't rememner the yellow bear, or some similar creature raving in the car (and who didn't move same way, yayyyy blushing now,how stupid we were). Amazing video!

Really, I juist saw this track and couldn't hold but post it! For all the early techno music lovers from that times - 1999!

What's Mr. Oizo up to today? Well he is still film producer as back in the times when he did the track, and he started the shooting of his new film 'Rubber'.

Barcelona Extreme 2010

2010-07-08T16:09:00.000+02:00

I was recently sent a kind of a horoscope saying that my sign (Scorpio) is into Extreme sports and that we're always looking for the adventure and the risk. Which, by saying that I did athletics and swimming doesn't match much, but I can say that the times I've tried an extreme sport, bungee jumping, climbing or whatever, it really made my adrenaline go high and I felt amazing!
In the next photo report you won't see caves, bridges or fast rivers, but you will see another, more urban part of the extreme sports nowadays.
Last weekend the Barcelona Extreme Event was celebrated in the forum of Barcelona(same as last year). Sponsored within others by Nike 6.0 and Movistar and two days of bmx, fmx, skate, inline, longboard, wakeboard, btt and loads more activities and competitions, the event gathered the best of the best from all over the world. The public, of course mostly youngsters around the 13th.
Funny thing is I had to be there not only as a visitor, but working. I was working with Alina at the Nike 6.0 stand, because of last minute changes with the staff.

The Nike 6.0 stand had this 50's retro cinema look, where the SS10 collection was exposed. There was a Nike ID part where you can customize your own shoes

And this is the place where we made thousands of kids happy (or angry) giving away scratch papers with Nike gifts after they fill in this paper.

Wait till you see how the picture changed...

We also had another queue at the popcorn machine with free popcorns and a popcorn guy! And he is happy to be what he is, look at his face!

Just a part of the queue we had to attend...

Nike 6.0 bmx park

The best team when dealing with kids!

The BMX finals

Polaroids for best faces lol

At the end of the day, after so much pressure from nervous kids either complaining they didn't get the id shoes, or trying to flirt with us...still good looking babes!

More info of the event at: http://www.movistarbarcelonaextreme.com/node/12

A new life and member of the family!

2010-07-07T13:47:00.000+02:00

I know this has nothing to do with fashion, music and events or whatsoever but I have been totally crying from happiness from the news I got this morning. And they are that a new member has been added to my big family - my baby niece who was born this morning.

I have already 4 nieces and 1 nephew + today's little baby = 6 corresponding to my 3 sisters and brother.
I am happier than ever and just the thought that I will always be 'there' as they grow, learn, have their families, fills my heart with unlimited joy.
Congratulations to my sis, to me and to the rest of the family members who just became granma, grandpa, cousin, or sister again!

And when speaking of happiness, the other day I went through my hard drive and found Lighthouse family's album and when I listened to 'Happy', it was incredibly magical. You know those songs you've loved and have played a role in your life and the moment you dig them from the chest it's like your heart starts to beat faster.

Well, a lot of emotions lately. I'm thinking maybe after they removed that nerve from my heart I've become even more sentimental and emotional. A plus for the blog. lol

Enjoy! and...Be Happy!!!

SONAR 2010 photo report

2010-07-03T23:26:00.001+02:00

I know I'm a bit late with this post, but I have been really really busy these days. So much that I have a lot to post about in line.

Here's my short photo and video report from this year's Sonar which musicwise and partywise was totally insane, but I wasn't able to enjoy all of it. Though I'm very satisfied with what I experienced, plus adding the Sant Joan night at Mochima beach, where I think I reached 8 gin and tonic in some hours....all in all....check yourself..

Starting with Beatport and Watergate Secret Villa Party on top of Tibidabo, where the view and the venue itself brought the vibe even though I was coming straight from outta town work event and it was 4pm.

Hideout vs Sci-tech night at new chiringuito Mac Arena, same night.

And we continue to Ghoa Beach Club, prev. Kanna Beach. Cadenza night! Great venue, great music, great night...Plus did I mention the size of the place and the capacity?!?!?!

Opi, opi!

Didn't stop dancing...

The bag of the always colorful and fresh gal!

Haha, no comment..

Run DMC

2010-07-02T19:57:00.002+02:00

MASSIVE!

The Etro cooked shirt

2010-06-30T17:44:00.000+02:00

So here’s something really fresh coming out from la casa di Etro (which I personally adore). A super innovative and funny project making your own shirt at home. You buy the package with a white shirt, plus 1kg of coffee, blueberries or salt. And you can cook following options – “ Dipped in coffee”, “Baked in the oven with blueberries”, or “Cooked in salt” shirt.

Check yourself the project on the link below, but don’t start to try it at home with your clothes unless it’s something you really haven’t put on in ages lol.

http://www.etro.com/etro_catalogo_cooked_shirt/index.html

While we're still on Etro projects wave you can also check their latest Home collection which not my personal style, but still very vivid and colourful.

http://www.etro.com/etro_catalogo_home_pe2010/index.html

Aaaand when we're on Etro page, let's take a look into the SS ad campaign images which totally represent the brand. (Sorry guys, but you could've done a lot better with the female model). The male suits are totally amazing, too bad my bf doesn't wear suits...yet!

Melting violin

2010-06-30T09:34:00.004+02:00

Honestly, this version of Last Tango In Paris melts me! I've been listening this track for years now since it was in the compilation of my fave cds - Hotel Costes, for which you can check this post if you still haven't, but this Live version is just a killer of hearts. Such an emotional and full of spirit and personallity piece that everytime I listen to it I almost cry (I'm not gonna lie, I listened it quite many times these last days).
Besides, another emotional factor for this track and me plays the violin. I used to play the violin when I was growing up and then I quit when I became a teenager (one of the most stupid things I've done in my life). So I still have my passion and secret dreams that someday I would grab back the violin and dedicate myself to music...just for satisfying my musical needs.

Anyway, enough nostalgia. Enjoy the track and don't forget to put the volume up!

P.S. Forgot to mention how sensual the piano is..