Skin by Finsk Cut Out Boots

Skin By Finsk leather cut-out boots

Hi, everyone,
About 3 months ago I won a giveaway in Fashiolista. I got these cool cut out booties from Skin By Finsk. My blog was in hiatus but I did take photos when it arrived. Yes. lately I take pictures everytime there is new item in my wardrobe as document or to use it for review, or organizing. Hope it's not too old to share. The booties are still available in the store here.

Skin By Finsk is a London-based footwear brand by talented Finnish shoe designer Julia Lundsten. If you like modern, minimalist, or urban, architecture inspired design then I think you would like their designs. They are unique and would be a strong statement in a look. I read that each shoe is carefully constructed using the highest quality, locally-sourced materials. If you are interested, why don't you check it out here. I have no affiliate program with them and I am not paid to blog it. I just found it interesting (that's why I entered the giveaway) and I'm happy to have these booties.

Unwrap
When they arrived the packaging was pretty neat. Is that a thing? A well thought packaging makes a professional and precious impression, doesn't it?

They came in double boxes. Inside the corrugated box there was the shoe box wrapped in a piece of black paper and sticker and inside the shoe box they wrapped again the shoes with white paper. A cotton shoe pouch is included. The shoes were in shape and good condition. No scratch on the patent leather at all.

First impression
It was just like...cool. I've never had boots like these, modern minimalist style with a bold statement. Leather upper and lining with cut on the sides. Do you notice the green ridge soles? I love the pointy toes and the contrast of black leather and the patent finish. It would be suitable for party, evening or semi formal event too. 

I've never rolled my socks like this since in the 90's :-)

Wearing
I haven't worn them as often as I would like to, because I haven't been used to them yet, so I didn't bring them in my travel and not sure to wear them in a long stroll. The last few weeks the weather seems to be confusing too and I don't want to wear them in the rain although they are probably durable enough.

These cut out booties are comfortable, though at first the leather and the cut feel stiff. The size is half size too big, because 36.5 are not available and I get 37 instead but I can make it more snug with socks (I think I'm going to find a nude color thick socks).

They have stud fastening straps. It keeps the look clean and simple but I am not used to it so at first it was difficult to pull the strap out and hook the hole on the stud again but I'm getting expert.

The ridged EVA soles make walking with the shoes more comfortable, not slippery, less tik tak sound, which I like. Unfortunately, walking on rough parking space in front of our home, little gravels kept stuck on the heel soles and made holes. Next time, with this type of heel sole and patent leather, I would wear them only on a less rough surface and avoid those tiny stones. I don't want the patent leather scratched either.

I like the loop on the back. I have this thought to maybe hang something on it like tassel or tie a piece of scarf trough it. I hope I don't mess the already cool design if I do that though.

How would you style boots like these? I would like to experiment with different looks. Perhaps a cool modern minimalist style or playing around mixing with another styles, vintage elements, or various textures in the ensembles. Let see how the weather is too. Despite the rain, wether it's cold or not, I would need socks. I know...I could experiment to pair them with various socks.

Thanks for reading. I wish you a super inspiring day :)
~Naty~


Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Twitter | Photoblog | Instagram

A Velvet Jacquard Jacket

Hi, everyone.

It's been a while. Here I am, trying to blog again. :)

First, I want to say Happy Eid Mubarak to all of you who celebrate it. I wish you joy and peace.

Anyway....

Last month I spent a week in Stuttgart for family reunion. Lucky woman I am, because I have two sisters (plus my mom) with sustainable wardrobe thought which means I went to Stuttgart with empty trolley and came back to Austria with full load of secondhand clothes (grin) (grin).

This jacket was one of those I brought home. I wore it when I attended the opening show of Impulstanz Vienna International Dance Festival  (if you are interested, it's still running until August 17th and click here for info).

Cotton velvet jacquard A line jacket

The Event

This jacket gives my casual tee-plus-jeans outfit a more dressy look. The Impulstanz Vienna International Dance Festival show I attended has no formal dress code though, and the dance was contemporary. It even had setting of the stage covered with all kind of clothes all over the place. The show took place in Volkstheater, Vienna. The building was built in1889. I think the floral relief pattern matched the building ornaments, don't you think? Below I pasted pic of me on the Volkstheater interior photos to illustrate what I meant because I didn't take selfie there. Hehehe.

Jacket pattern and interior ornaments

The Weather

It was hot and we arrived at Vienna about an hour before the show. However I felt comfortable with my jacket put on as when we walked around Volkstheater and Museumsquartier it was windy. After I went into the Volkstheater, wew...it's too hot. A lot of people swing their hand fan. I finally gave up my jacket and exposed my casual tee. It's an outwear anyway.

The Fabric

It looks like the jacket is made of cotton velvet jacquard fabric, although I'm not 100% sure because there is no tag. Tell me if I'm wrong. Without inner lining, it feels rough against the skin but it's still comfortable and absorbs sweat.

As you can see in the picture above the floral pattern quite matches the ornament of the building interior. I don't know if the color would bleed when I wash as I haven't done it, but I am afraid so. I also wouldn't wear it too often too long under the strong sun again because the color seems to fade or become dull easily. Again, just like my red chiffon shirt and cords pants, I would have to hand wash it alone and lock the bleeding with vinegar soak or use color absorber sheet.

The Silhouette

Maybe it is designed to be a crop jacket, with A line baby doll shape. It's size 10/ EUR S/USA S. My sis is taller than me. On me this jacket ends at the start point of my hip curve. I think it emphasizes my pear figure but somehow, I like it like that. I saw on a magazine, the same type of jacket on a woman with a long torso, the hem of the jacket ends higher so it looks like a bit hanging and exposes more of the waist-to-hip curve. It looks good that way. I could alter the length of my jacket but if I do, I should alter the pockets and the sleeves too otherwise it will not look nice.  By the way, the type of my jeans takes part in determining the whole silhouette too.

The Outfit
Velvet jacket: label Marchie, bought in Indonesia (was my sister's).
Jeans: Nevada Jeans, my old one (one of my three favorites), I bought in Matahari Dept. Store in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Lace up booties: label unknown, thrifted around my town.

Black leather bag: Romwe.
Polar sunglasses: Jacque Lemans.

That's all for now. I wish you have a super inspiring day. Ciao ciao.

Follow along with Bloglovin' or Chictopia

Trial/Review & Looks: Red Chiffon Shirt from PersunMall

Two looks with Red Chiffon Shirt from PersunMall.com (free trial).
I laugh my self because of ridic feeling when trying to pose. I actually wanted to show you how the outfits look like when I move. :-)

Unpack Red Chiffon Shirt from PersunMall.com

Hi, hi, hi...

Today I want to share a trial/review and styling of this red chiffon shirt. I won it as a free trial from PersunMall.com. Of course I am happy especially because I've been thinking about adding shirts or blouses in my wardrobe. Tops which look more mature, can be worn for more formal event or party, with fabrics that fall nicely, and long enough to cover my bottom part (one of solutions to my problem: underwear mark when wearing pants without back pockets or legging).

The Trial/Review

In the second photo you can see my unpacking. The package came in a zip lock plastic packaging. They e-mailed me the tracking number after they sent it and the item arrived without damage.

The fabric seems and feels very nice, 100% cotton. It's a little bit sheer so I wore a vest underneath. This shirt feels light, cool and airy, nice loose-fitting for me. The stitches are neat. It has lap concealed red buttons, cute little metallic buttons on the wrists and front fake pockets. It also features curl up sleeve hooks. I would like the pockets to be real functional pockets. More about the look you can see in the photos above.

As reference I have small upper and have gained weight around my hips so I think I tend to have a more pear figure. I am 152 tall and the shirt size S. The sleeves are too long for me but I like them that way.

I like the look and  the feeling when I wore it. Similar to satin or fine lace, chiffon fabric is delicate so I would wear it for occasions without involving walking trough woods or bushes. I would also only wash it by hand. It's light to hand wash it anyway. The color bleeds but I do love the red color of this shirt! I let it soaked in diluted vinegar hoping too lock the color not to bleed anymore..

The Look Styling

For this chance I styled the red chiffon shirt two ways with the same color palette. Unfortunately I haven't had chance to do the pictures outside, so maybe next time when I wear it again, maybe with another styling. I would make another outfit post with this shirt. Here are the looks recipee.

For the first look:

• Red chiffon shirt from PersunMall.com (they have various items), item link Rivet Details Chiffon Shirt in Red here
• Metallic bodycon skirt: NewYorker,
• Black lace up booties, black tights, black bag with buckle, and charm earrings of Eiffel Tower! Label Accessories, I bought at EUROSPAR supermarket.
• Pink lips, instead of red matchy matchy one, and swipe-a-side hair (I don't know how to call it).

As for second look:

• Red chiffon shirt from PersunMall.com (they have various items), item link Rivet Details Chiffon Shirt in Red here
• Black vest
• Shiny black legging-pants from C&A (old)
• Thrifted black sling back shoes label Ashby, black socks
• Swarovsky necklace
• Thrifted Pop Art Giant Black Paint Tube bag! It can be worn as backpack too.
• Pony tail
• No nail polish because my nails need a "break" before they're broken!

If you have experiences with similar item, opinions or tips feel free to comment and thank you in advance. :-)  I wish you all a super inspiring day.

xo,

Naty

Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Twitter | Photoblog | Instagram

Thrift Haul: Pockets Jacket

Happy Spring!

When I was in naschmarkt in Vienna there was this woman selling a pile of 50cent per piece clothes, with no specific category. People surrounded it, they were digging through, pulling out, throwing back pieces again and again. It was pretty insane so why not who knows I would find something. Most of this clothes were too big for me and no...that's not, this one not...I don't like. But then I saw this jacket. It was getting dark, and this jacket looked pretty good. I am always impressed with pockets. It's something I really need and functional.  Okay, so I bought it.

Secondhand C&A jacket with a lot of pockets.

Turns out...there are some flaws in this jacket I am going to explain you below but the flaws don't matter.

The label said it's from Here and There, Cool by C&A (C&A online shop here). Apparently it's from one of C&A's kids labels. When I thrift I don't only look for designer or high street labels item nor only look for adult size nor only woman clothes. Personally I like C&A by the way (especially their socks). They have wide range of options from adult to baby, man and woman with affordable price. They have even products with organic cotton.

I wore the Here and There by C&A jacket with United Colors of Benetton sweater, Ernsting's Family cord pants, Puma sunglasses and thrifted leather boots from unknown brand (with helicopter logo). Forgive my basic awkward pose :-).

Pen drawing on the chest, neck collar, button clip and zipper chest pocket, buttons clasps and zipper closure,
Front pockets to hide cold hands (with hole clasp, can hook something on it),
secure button

Hook for hanging, pen doodle on the label, pink/purple liner, inside pocket and handy pocket, waist hook.

Sweet:

• Functional, suitable for outdoor activity, water repellent, seems to be sturdy/durable fabric but soft and  light weight at same time.
• Comfy.
• Pockets! My fave features. Buttons, zippers, hooks, neck collars (see photos)!
• Machine wash, easy maintenance.
• I love all of the details, for me they are pretty, as well as the colors.
• The size is bigger than my regular fit size, but it fits even better because it covers my bottom (no worry about underwear embossed mark too hhehee) and there is room for pullover or fleece hoodie underneath.

Thrift cons:

• After I got back home I found out that there are pen doodles at the chest and label that I couldn't remove it, perhaps from the previous owner. :) Ah, I think it's okay. it doesn't look obvious and quite blended. 
• There are some broken stitches at the front pockets but they are only deco stitches. I think I can even repair them my self.

That's all!

I actually have skipped some photos. I don't know it still would look suitable to post photos of February winter outfits besides that I am just simply confuse: :). Anyway, I hope you have inspiring day, guys!

Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Twitter | Photoblog | Instagram

Haul: Cord Pants

Cord pants from Gina - Ernsting's family

Red

and rusty like brown

I gain weight enlarges my waistline and hips. Now I fit into size 34, which the advantage is this size is easier to find in most woman department than 32. I am actually looking for more tailored formal trousers or if they are casual, I want them to be the slim skinny one. No more cord pants, I thought. However I came to Ernsting's Family shop and found these Gina cord pants size 34 in sale. The red pants for 5€ and the rusty brown ones for only 3€....and I ended up buying them both. Haha. Cord pants are a way too comfy to resist the sale.

Pros:

• They are so comfortable. Stretch. I can move nicely. 
• Cheap
• No underwear marks.
• The fabrics are corduroy cotton & polyester, so the advantage is that they are dry easier and warmer.
• Slip easily into boots. I wear boots from Hoss Intropia in this post.
• I like the colors, the dark washed make my legs look like I have muscles! Lol. I don't have red pants yet. I like that rusty effect. Would be easy to style it too, nice effect for the ensemble.
• Pockets.

Cons:

• The are too long and I am lazy to alter them, but I think the cut/proportion still fits okay.
• Corduroy fabric may look thick and bulky, especially in bold colors but I'm fine with these ones.
• Bleeding when I wash it. 

I haven't seen a lot of outfits posts on blogs featuring cord pants. I just curious how others style them. I see few people here wearing cord pants. How about you?

About Ernsting's Family, click here. I like their designs and the affordable price for the whole family. Unfortunately, they don't ship internationally. 

Have a lovely week everyone!

xo, 

Nataya

PS: This is NOT sponsored post

Follow along with Bloglovin' or Chictopia

Tiny Silver Heart

Silver Heart pendant/necklace from The Jeweller

I wore it over silk purple floral scarf

The Jeweller jewelry came with box.

Silver heart necklace like a mirror and reflecting light.

The light goes trough the zirconium.

Few days before Valentine's Day I won this bling bling silver heart from The Jeweller. Perfect tiny detail for Valentine. It glows reflecting the light and a tiny amount of the light goes trough the zirconium diamond.

I could have add engraving on it but somehow at that moment I like it better without engraving. Finally... after I had spent 3 days to think about it duhhh. I wasn't into name initial and I confuse anyway if my initial would be "N" for Nataya or "C" for Chacha. Then I came up with "charmed" but suddenly I wasn't sure with the font. Then I and Mike played around with wedding date and symbolic characters. It was limited to seven characters by the way. At the end I thought I didn't want to see any engraving on it hahaha. So that was it. Valentine's Day or not, with words or without, shine your love on!

I've been catching a cold, having like a brain fog and my OCD alike symptom is back. For example, when I watch a fashion show video, I have to replay back the scene till I was sure that my eyes and memory record what I had seen. It's annoying but I couldn't resist the urge! It was not as bad as my younger age though. I want to take a rest now. I wish you all well.

xo,
Naty Ponders 

Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Twitter | Photoblog | Instagram

Thank You Glam Devils for Glam Gifts : French Connection Necklace and Dr. Hauschka Powder Duo

Hi everyone!

I would like to share you a happiness. I won giveaway from Glam Devils blog :). It had made my day. Thank you Glam Devils! They have great blog and sense of style, check it out:  GLAM DEVILS.

Oh, so pretty early gift before newyear despite that I don't have camera anymore (my cameras are broken including handy so I had to borrow one!) :).

I love what I won indeed, a French Connection Ring Necklace and Dr. Hauschka Powder Duo Cool Breeze !

I combined the necklace with another necklaces and bracelet to make a statement multilayered necklace. Take a look below to see the original pieces and full story!

These are the original design of the French Connection necklace and Dr. Hauschka Powder Duo. Great packaging with big mirror.

Three photos above are from Glam Devils. They do take beautiful photos.

I like the design of the necklace. It has big hook and some big rings. Beside that it looks beautiful on its own, I could also easily combined with other necklace and jewelries to make a statement necklace. I combined it with leather necklace, crystal butterfly pendant, and even silver bar bracelet. Do you know, it took me quite a while to realize that a necklace can really made a look even on a very simple outfit.

A little story about powder, I had bad skin infection on my face for years that made scars and over medication I tried also damaged my skin. After that tragedy I've never used cosmetic or make up on my face except baby powder and once in a while a mosturizer. Since I have a blog and take picture of my self :), I am interested in trying some make up especially powder. Shading, bronzing, light foundation, blush, so my face will look smoother and more structure. So it's really lovely that I won this Dr. Hauschka powder duo!

This powder doesn't cause any break out so far. It smell wonderful and the colors blend on my Asian skin evenly even on the scars. However, I haven't used it for long yet. I should use it little by little to see if my skin really can get along well with it. I also haven't could really used it as facade because I should learn first and need together with it maybe foundation, blush, etc :) :) Therefore maybe you couldn't see the difference here on photos but i am happy with this powder, as well as with the necklace.

Don't forget to check Glam Devils blog, you may found great inspirations there.

For more photos of me styling the necklace, visit my photo blog Chachamisu here. I pair it with round glasses from Firmoo in Self Portrait photographs. 

Necklace: French Connection
DIY statement necklace mix recipee: leather necklace, some different chains, butterfly crystal pendant, Silver Bar bracelet as necklace from Yameyu. (I also won this bracelet from giveaway in www.diaryofaworkingmom.com) :)
Turtleneck T-shirt:  Petit Bateau
Leather skirt: thrifted 
Suede bag: thrifted
Parka jacket: Casa Blanca Charles Vögele

That's it for today, I hope you like it. Meanwhile I have no camera, I may post my outfit in the past or when I have chance i would like to borrow a camera again :). Thanks for reading, come over again sometime soon! 

WISH YOU A SUPER INSPIRING WEEK

XO,

NATAYA

Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Hellocotton | Twitter | Photography Blog

Stripes and Candy

Arm candy can make bold statement of your outfitt. Do you agree? The pretty Coral Woven with Gold Chain bracelet is from Ginny's Jewels. I won it via giveaway at Rory's blog Wear Abouts.

Check out Ginny's Jewels store here to discover more of Ginny's beautiful handmade jewelries and Rory's beautiful blog here to be inspired by her georgeous style! I can count on this bracelet to polish my look. This time I pair it with colorful glass bangles and pearls. What do you think? 

Oh did you notice above? I can even wear it as statement necklace!

After long day of red legs (see previous post), these legs of mine turn into gradient of yellow candy like a bold statement to say: I got this tights from Choies here. It's thicker than I thought, warm and comfy. Since I am petite, the color looks more opaque but I like it that way.  There are various of color option available, I wish I could collect all of them :).

Not to forget my stripes! This black and white stripes coat with ruffle collar I wore at my wedding (Yes it was!!)  and I got it from thrift store :). The details pieces have been vulnerable cause perhaps I didn't do the right maintenance for it, that's sad. I would need to hunt for new golden buttons

Stripes coat: thrift store;

White tee: Here + There Cool from C&A;

Skirt: H&M sale;

Yellow Gradient Tights: Choies;

Coral Woven with Gold Chain bracelet: Ginny's Jewels;

Other arm parties: presents/souvenirs;

Black glitter flats: Claire's store.

Nude nails: French Pink nail polish Parlez-vouz Francais set from The Color Workshop

Thanks for reading. Your feedback would be much appreciated. Keep inspiring and wish you a super inspiring moment.

xo,

Nataya

Follow along Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Hellocotton | Twitter | Photography Blog

My Retros: Tee + Blue Jeans Forever

Hi!

I have new category in my post, which I name it My Retros. In this category I will take you time travel back to my past. Eek, sounds not fun? Just like conversation between a couple when one of them is curious about the past then you know....it's The Past!  It could happen between me and my husband then I could yell back: "Well I like vintage!" (like or "like")

Okay, so, in My Retros I will review my old outfit years back as long as there are photos available.

Back to few years ago (I actually forgot what the actual date. My photo's property didn't tell a lot.) I hadn't finished my study, short hair, oily face full suffering from pimples!  (Later I knew it was mixture of stress, over drying medication and soap allergy)

 

I had this very comfy minty cotton T-shirt, well fitted while embracing the feminine figure. I bought in a shopping center in Jakarta for 25.000 Rupiahs, about less than $4! So sad I didn't keep it. I paired it with blue jeans. Not surprising? I thought after saw these photos, as long as they fit well, this combo is timeless, agree?

I put together randomly some pieces I like with Polyvore. Each T-shirt cost around $30 or less, jeans costs below $50. Click the caption to see details. As for footwear, I prefer barefoot when I have chance!

Tee + Blue Jeans Forever by chachamisu featuring distressed bootcut jeans

T shirt / T shirt / A|Wear leopard t shirt, €23 / Voi Jeans striped tee, €26 / Vila Clothes short sleeve top, €8,94 / Low rise flare jeans / Hollister Co. super destroyed skinny jeans / Jessica Simpson distressed bootcut jeans / H&M slim fit bootcut jeans, €19 / AX Paris light jeans, €38 / Mango zipper jeans

Wish you a super inspiring week!

Xo, 

Naty Ponders

PS: Thankyou new followers and everyone visited my blog. I reply more of you tomorrow, as I am tired so  I have to sleep now. See you:)

Follow along

Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Chictopia | Hellocotton | Twitter | Photography Blog