Carla Vadan: christmas

9 Gifts Under $50 for Your BFF

christmas December 12, 2017

With the Christmas around the corner, I start making my wish list for Santa and spend time finding the perfect gifts for family and friends. The whole house smells of pine and cinnamon, there are carols playing all day long and fresh coffee to wake me up from this dreamy state because there's also stuff that needs to be done, right? I just love this time of the year, and to be honest there's no time like these days before Christmas...we even had some snow in London and that almost felt like a dream. In my five years here, I didn't see snow so you can probably imagine the joy inside my heart when I woke up and looked out the window on Sunday. But let's go back to perfect gifts.

To whoever is short with money this time of the year (that would be all of us), fear not! I found some nice presents for your bff that I am pretty sure she will love - they are all under £50, so what are you waiting for? A funky jumper is a classic Christmas gift but hey, we all need something cosy and soft to wear in the winter, so why not? Go for anything that yells "soft and warm" - pretty scarves, corduroy pieces - which are super on trend, socks, furry gloves, etc. You simply can't go wrong and it will also not break the bank.

Or go for pretty accessories only: embellished sunglasses (Gucci-inspired, therefore gorgeous), sparkly brooches or wintery earrings. There are all very affordable and look amazing, make sure to wrap them nicely and that's it, you're done! If you want to invest a little more, go for a Céline - inspired leather bag for just £30 (come on, who doesn't love that?). Make sure to check the Christmas deals for the Christmas shopping online on RoseGal. They will have these deals until after Christmas, so make sure to check their best after Christmas sales later too. I will leave all the direct links below, make sure to check them out. Enjoy!

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Styling: @carlavadan

Photo: @christianvadan

Sophisticated Minimalism

christmas December 27, 2016

Maybe a life without is better than a life with.

The days are getting colder, so I start layering. What better way to layer than choosing monochrome pieces + neutral tones and adding pops of colour? Minimalism is the key word when layering. For a sophisticated minimalist look, here's my recipe.

You will need:

a wool beanie in your fav colour

a camel coat

a denim bag

a pair of black tights

a pair of black peg trousers

a white velvet bodysuit

the perfect belt with minimalist detailing

a see-through maxi skirt

Adidas Stan Smith trainers

optional: oversized glasses

Wear them with confidence and have fun, it's that easy! And I promise, they will keep you warm. I have found my favourites at Zaful and I'm sure you will find yours too! Throw an eye below for more inspiration.

Also, I couldn't resist ordering some not so minimalist items, so here they are:

pearl choker

infinite symbol choker

Christmas stocking

Photo: Cristian Vadan

Styling: Carla Vadan

HOW TO: Be Happy With Yourself

christmas December 19, 2016

you were born to be real, not to be perfect.

I've heard many people saying: "I need this...to be happy", "Make me happy", "If I'm getting the job, I will be so happy!", etc. But stop and think for a second: all you need to be happy is within you, all the happiness that you need is there, inside you - you just need to let it shine. Start being happy for the simple fact of being alive, being healthy, having so many wonderful souls around, be happy for the food you eat and the water you drink. Not everybody has that privilege. When there is more gratitude and happiness within you than sadness and self-pity, that's when you will start shining and showing your true self. Think of this as a resolution for the year to come.

Of course little things should make us happy too, wether they are spiritual or material - it doesn't matter. Besides finding my true self (perhaps helped by the new colour change towards a darker blonde which is my natural colour), there are these uber cute cat eye glasses and this super shiny metallic ruffle top that made my day, and they're from Zaful.

Photos and styling: myself

Velvet Dreams

autumn December 17, 2016

Keep calm and enjoy the weekend.

Velvet has always been one of my favourite fabrics. I can even remember one of my velvet bodysuits I used to have as a child: soft white an pink velvet with accents of green. I loved it! I would wear it with ballerina inspired skirts and patent leather sandals. Wish I still had that amazing bodysuit!

Velvet is amazing in many ways: apart from its beauty and elegance, its history goes back in time, to the old Chinese dynasties in the 403 B.C.E. The first producers of velvet were Iraq and Egypt though, with pieces that date back to 2000 B.C. The technique to create it was so complex and time-consuming that it was an extremely high-end luxury good, available only to royalty and the very rich.
The first European country to introduce it was Italy, became extremely popular among the wealthy buyers and it started being used in many luxury items such as furniture, clothing, upholstery, curtains - even wallpaper. It was adored in Renaissance and made widely available during the Industrial Revolution. As you know, nowadays it continues to be adored and this season seems to be everywhere from accessories, clothes to interior design items.

For today's outfit, I chose an embroidered velvet jacket in burgundy, paired with a basic roll neck, a gorgeous pastel pink pleated skirt and a pink backpack - it's warm, comfortable and fun, so let the weekend begin!

Wearing SammyDress, almost everything:

embroidered velvet jacket

pleated velvet skirt

small chain backpack - sold out

Adidas Superstar trainers, Promod roll neck, Calvin Klein tights.

Photos: Cristian Vadan

Styling: Carla Vadan

The Little Black Dress

all black December 14, 2016

“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.”

Karl Lagerfeld

I always was a fan of blazer dresses. They are simply fabulous. Simple and fabulous. They have a masculine touch, yet they are feminine and provocative. Of course, it all depends on how you wear them but this is how I see it. When I found this little black dress on Zaful, I knew it's going to be a life saver! No matter the occasion, I can use it as a blazer, as a dress, it can be worn with tights, trousers, with a different dress underneath...the possibilities are just endless. And that's what I love about it - its versatility. It doesn't need much accessorising - it has it all - metallic golden buttons.

But I chose to wear it with a masculine hat for a more Italian mob inspired look, haha.

It can be perfect for a Christmas party, yes! If that's what you're thinking about - go for an all black look, pair it with some black velvet boots and you're gonna be bellissima.

What else I got from Zaful? This pair of geometric earrings which are the epitome of minimalism. I simply adore them. So sophisticated and easy to wear!

Photos: Cristian Vadan

Styling: Carla Vadan

3 Pieces, 3 Occasions

candy floss pink December 13, 2016

It's that month of the year when consumerism is at its highest. And I won't deny it. Matter of fact, I'm encouraging it - sales and offers, bring them all, I'm ready! One of the online shopping platforms that I love is StyleWe (If you want to find out more about it, please go to my older posts here and here so I won't repeat myself to those who know what I'm talking about), so I was browsing their website for half a day to check what's new. I now have around 50 items in my favourites, 10 in my basket...but let's stick to what I actually got.

This time I went for 3 statement pieces:

1. a gorgeously candy floss pink jacket in a cosy wool blend

2. a feminine off-shoulder top in wine red

3. a wrap skirt with funky ruffles, as a requiem for summer

I can assure you the fabrics are all high quality and the pieces look even better in real life. I hope you'll like the way I styled them.

1. the candy floss jacket

This jacket can be easily mistaken for a giant candy floss - the colour, the texture, even the smell of my perfume - it's all there. Wine red, bubblegum pink and candy floss pink, one of the colour mixes I really love wearing. It gives me energy and makes me feel fresh and active.

2. the off-shoulder top

Such a versatile piece, it ca be worn to almost any occasion - but let's think Christmas this time. Pair it with a black velvet skirt and a pair of jacquard boots and you're all sorted.

3. the wrap skirt with ruffles

Like I said, sometimes I miss summer (even though I love winter); so when I miss summer I buy a summery piece in the middle of the winter and just dream of winning the lottery and moving to Jamaica or any other exotic destination. Ruffles, ribbons and a crop top - my summer dream.

Which one is your favourites? I'm waiting for your comments below :)

Love,

Carla

Photos: Cristian Vadan

Styling: Carla Vadan

December, My Love

christmas November 30, 2016

It's soon December, my fav time of the year. It's that period of the year when the animal print makes a huge comeback, sequins seem like a great day choice for everyone (I love wearing them throughout the year though - summer, winter, it doesn't matter to me), sheer fabrics look more precious, sparkly makeup feels more glam than ever and everything is possible.
December is about feeling good, being grateful, feeling peaceful, partying, spending time with the ones we love and of course, making plans and setting resolutions for the New Year - that's one of my favourite parts actually!
Talking of parties, I thought it would be helpful to present one party look that is actual, on trend, super comfortable and easy to wear, so here it is!

Ruffled Sheer Shirt - HERE
Destroyed Denim Skirt - HERE

A denim skirt always looks good! It can be dressed up or down - it can be casual, sensual, even smart, street or punk. Paired with a ruffle detail shirt and lace tights...oh well, it can be perfect for a party! My advice, if you decide on a sheer shirt - careful on your lingerie. Choose a lace triangle bra without any padding or push up - one that's not transparent. You might want to look sensual, but there's a difference between vulgar and provocative. Opt for an up-do and accessorise your bun - curls are overrated.