All posts by gosia.willemse@keytome.co.uk

I'm a lover of all things that make me feel me or inspire me to be happier and better. I love people watching and getting inspired by them. Every day is an opportunity to be better that yesterday. Every day has a new road to walk (preferably in the best shoes) dressed in a smile with a touch of a lipstick. I am a woman since birth, a mother since my son was born, a wife since I married my friend. I am busy doing a Professional Styling course and have already started that journey by image consulting with some fascinating ladies. This blog is to share this and more. To help me be better and inspire women to live their sparkle every single day.
Key to My Style

Key to My Happiness – banning the perfect and embracing the fabulous(ly) happy

I am sharing with you some pics from a date I had with my little gentleman.

It kind of started with a dress I recently bought. I was on a hunt for some old school dresses the other day and there is no better place for that than a second hand shops. I did it again. I found my treasure. This time it was nothing like any other dress I found before. I mean I have had pretty dresses in my life but there is something magical about this one. It makes me feel like a star but most importantly I feel like I can travel in time. Every time I put it on I wonder who, when, where rocked it before. I also wonder that my gran, who I never met, could have worn it……

 

 

 

I guess my point here is, that if you feel like to have a style that you love and to be able to embrace your life, you need a lot of money, think again. I am a great believer in being resourceful and in having fun. I do both and love my style. I am also here for you if you’d like that in your life.

I do not believe in perfection, nobody is perfect (I mean, my son is pretty perfect to me but you know what I mean). I found a great comfort in realizing that and falling in love in my imperfections and embracing them.

 

I do not have a well defined waist, but this dress fakes it so magically for me that I am barely breathing ;)). I have pretty funny toes and up until couple of months ago I would always feel awkward when wearing sandals and any open toe shoe; in fact I’d apologies to people that needed to watch that (yes, really!). But something inside me has changed and it’s actually my boys that I have to thank for helping me love and allow myself to be the way I am.

I am no longer apologizing for whatever I am not. I am happy and grateful to be alive and for having those fabulous moments, like this one 😉

This dress, that cost me no more than £4 has given me so much joy and excitement and I couldn’t wait to wear it. I love that the first time I rocked it was on a date with my little dude. I mean, just look at him…. my daily dose of inspiration.

 

 

Have a fabulous day everyone, pull that £10 out of your pocket and go wild next time you pass by the charity shop, you might surprise yourself too and remember to live your sparkle.

Love,

Gosia

Key to My Style

Key to Versatility of Boyfriend Jeans

Hello fabulous ladies and few great men ;))

I’m so happy to be sharing this post. The following are the 5 ways I like wearing boyfriend jeans. I looove this cut of jeans. The are flattering for most body types and super comfortable.

It is not only 5 ways to wear but also things you may wear in your first trimester of pregnancy. On these pictures I was exactly 12 weeks pregnant and fully going for comfort but at the same time liking to feel and look pretty ;)) This is the stage of pregnancy when most women still keep the pregnancy within the family and the closest friends and may not be going for bump exposure just yet 😉 Those jeans are pretty low rise so were perfect for the first 3-4 months. This was last time I wore them though as bump was just making appearance and lack of stretch in this type of denim stopped serving the purpose.

Back to ways to wear however, I am sharing with you the smart/casual as well as super casual and comfy. All the options are at most comfortable I must say. The block sandals I bought just before the photo shoot are amazing and can be worn with pretty much anything, pregnant or not.

This is very simple combo. Black sleeveless top, jeans, block sandals and all I added was jacket and scarf to give it all more colour (oh and my fave pair of glasses ;)) I love wearing jeans folded in all sorts of ways. Here I made them into 7/8 (one of the most popular length for pants at the moment).

 

 

 

 

 

For this one I simply swapped the jacket for a gingham style coat and a little clutch (much more subtle on colour, still cool smart/casual option).

 

 

 

This is super casual but I am breaking the typical T and jeans combo by making it blossom with flowers. What you think? I love putting sneakers on with shirts, fancy tops and even flowery skirts and dresses. I folded the jeans up a little higher to go with my ankle sneakers.

 

 

 

 

I just had to have a ‘dress over pants’ option here. So big season again and just so cool and practical. If you feel your dress is too short or you’re simply too cold, or for any other reason that leads to you feeling happy and fab, do it!

 

 

Shirt, jeans and a fave heel, enough said.

 

 

As per usual share your thought please. What do you think? What else would you add? What should we shoot next. Do you need advise in any aspect of styling? Message me here or go to my Facebook or Instagram pages.

www.instagram.com/gosiawillemse_personalstylist/

www.facebook.com/malgorzata.glowawillemse

Thank you Justyna for another amazing shoot and the most gorgeous pictures. Everyone, please check out the page www.facebook.com/jkphotograhyaberdeen/

Have a fabulous week all and shine bright.

Love,

Gosia

Key to My Style

Key to Fun In My Style

Hey my dearest. Hope you love what you are wearing as you are reading this. I hope you are wearing some of your faves and looking as amazing as you deserve. Would love to hear from you or maybe even see. Let me get inspired.

I had a pleasure to have some fun recently with JK Photography again, this time is was a studio photo shoot. I would lie is I said that I’m natural. Nothing further from the true. I have just discovered another area of my life full of room for improvement. Well, will have to be done right 😉

This was a great experience overall. I got to wear few of my new pieces and few almost vintage. I absolutely love mixing old with new. I had recent trends in mind with this one but also tried to stay true with myself and my style.

 

 

 

This is my faaaaaaave coat. I got it last year and everyone who knows me has probably seen me wearing it, all the time. You can probably see it’s been worn and I’m going to need to part with it at some stage but not yet. It looks good and makes me feel awesome so you’re staying buddy ;)) .

Jeans, we all have them right. At least I hope you do as this must be the easiest thing to wear with anything. Next time you shop for a pair, pay a little bit extra and buy the ones that compliment your body perfectly. You will be grateful. If you need advise on that, email me.

I added fishnet stockings under the jeans. Try it out this season and see if you like it. If you do, rock it, if you don’t, stop it.

 

 

 

Now this is what I call a treat. I have been wanting and needing a hat for a while now and now this is a new addition to my wardrobe. So versatile and I will be wearing is whenever the wind doesn’t blow with more than 15 m/h (anyone up North here with me knows what I’m saying ;))

That big shoulder top I am wearing was ‘a little’ out of my comfort zone but it spend way to long in my wardrobe and it was time. Perfect for a shoot. May work out couple of more things to pair it with. If I don’t within a month, it will need to find a new owner 😉

 

 

 

Poncho, so easy to wear or should I say through over your shoulders. I love this one for its colours and texture but it is missing a belt at times so I added a simple leather belt in black to keep it in place. I actually got this one at men’s department. I was so much easier to find a plain one made of great leather as opposed to going through all the multicoloured, fancy ones at ladies. Just like petite ladies can shop at kids department, we can all check out men’s wear sometimes (thinking shirts and jumpers here ;))

 

 

Now here’s an outfit I love but I have come to realization it is not perfect. Don’t take me wrong I am all for ‘as long as it makes you happy, wear it’ but I realized it doesn’t. That is why I am giving this skirt away. I love the ruffled top and it is staying but the skirt will be perfect for a lady with a defined waist. It is super comfortable and has pockets which I love but I will love it if it will serve someone else. If I get no response on this I will simply give it away to charity. We had a good run but it is time my dear ;)) (email me if you’d like it and im happy to give it to you).

 

As always please comment and share your thought about the post. Let me know what you bought recently and how you put together new and old. What are your absolute faves and how are you treating yourself this season.

Live your sparkle lovely ladies and until next time.

Gosia

xxx

Key to My Style

Key to my shopping joy

Hello ;)))

Have you ever struggled with shopping for yourself? I know I have. If you did too, I hope you will find this useful. I am sharing with you how I get ready for shopping and updating my wardrobe in line with most recent trends as well as with my personality and my body.

One of the things we all do in one way or another is looking through a lot of pictures that the fashion world bombards us with from every angle possible. Even if you don’t buy magazines any more (or you never have), even if you don’t watch it online, you will still be surrounded by it (at a supermarket, at a shopping mall, driving around town the, billboards are almost walking all over us… we don’t even need to realize that but it is true). It takes a little work but it is worth it to get a little more familiar with all these messages and TAKE CONTROL! ;))

STEP ONE

One of the things I do and have fun with is making inspiration boards. In terms of clothes I do one and update it regularly. There are things that I absolutely love, that are classic and timeless and they may stay on my board for a long time, but others will come and go or come and stay.

So, whether you do it on the Pinterest, using your phone and make it into collage or the old school way, give it a go and have fun. Pin or cut out images from recent magazines that inspire you and that you like, even things that may be out of your comfort zone. My eye is always primarily attracted to things that I see myself wearing and maybe even know what I would pair it with. I look at all the images and absorb it for a moment.

STEP TWO

I go into my wardrobe and check what is it that I already have that is relevant. I take it out and have a little fun. See how can I make it current. Sometimes accessories may be enough. Sometimes adding a new/different colour and creating a completely new outfit that you have not tried before will make it relevant. You may find you are so on trend that you really don’t need the shopping any more (why not treat yourself to spa as a reward for being so organised ;)) if you decide you still need a little update, have yourself, not the trend in mind at all times!

STEP THREE

I CHALLENGE myself to something new and out of my comfort zone. For example, this season is huge on pink. ALL PINK, that’s a colour that I have grown to love now but I have so far been ‘doing it’ in small doses. Now, this season is about going pink from head to toe. First question is, what is my shade of pink? Can i do pink at all? The answer to most skin tones will be yes but it is important to wear the relevant shade and to pair it right. You can see that pink in most cases in pretty cool (cold). Pair it with violet for winter skin tone, pink with baby pink or baby blue (summer), pink with orange or brown(autumn), pink with yellow or green (ish) tones (spring). These are just examples but I hope you get an idea. I dare myself to try this as a dose of crazy and out of my comfort zone this season but it will probably not become my uniform. That is why I am not planing on spending a lot of money on this part of the trend.

 

STEP FOUR

In terms of CLASSICS. Trench coat is back. Has it ever been gone really? Now, this is a piece that everyone can make their own and it is more than worth investing in. It comes in many shades and can be styles in many ways. They usually come in camel and sand but who said you can’t get one in pink or brown. As long as this is YOU. Go for it. So this step for me is all about the the investment buy, possibly the most important point on the list if I don’t already own one.

STEP FIVE

Another things you may wish to add to your wardrobe and your vocabulary is LSD (long-sleeve DRESS that is).  Oh how relevant for all of us in UK this is? I looooove this. I have few already and I am so excited for updating them. Choose from patchworks, animal print or punchy florals and make it you own. For now, leyer a roll neck underneath and add knee high boots or uncle boots for a mini version and feel fabulous. With ruffles being back and fun again you may be rocking two trends at once if you like too.

 

Bare shoulders are still in and relevant but now it’s all about asymmetry. Again, remember to see what you already have or how can you style a shirt or a jumper and wear it differently this season. Let the trends inspire you to wear what you have differently and make a list of what is missing and what will make you excited about getting dressed and looking you best.

 

STEP SIX

Yes, I said MAKE A LIST. Believe me I am not a natural planner and this did take a while for me to absorb but it makes my life easier, it is better for my budget and it actually adds to fun. I am back from my shopping trips with things I wear and love, every time. Points to remember when you are shopping:

  • stick to the list (there will be things you haven’t seen before and you will fall in love ( no you don’t NEED them! )
  • think if you can wear it at least 3 different ways (unless you are shopping for a wedding dress)
  • if you are buying a top that will go with the skirt you already have (take the skirt with you), if you are shopping for a dress take heels with you (your posture changes)
  • try EVERYTHING on
  • ask for assistance, try different sizes (don’t stick to one number even if you have all your life, they change, you change, and new styles may also effect the overall shape of the garments and most importantly of your silhouette in them
  • take a friends that understands what you like, what you are looking for, what compliments your body shape and your skin tone, how you wish to be perceived and genuinely wants you to look amazing
  • take pictures (or have your friends take them, these mirrors and lighting in fitting room are not our best friend)
  • move about (make a little dance even)
  • enjoy the proccess
  • once you are happy and absolutely LOVE IT, then spend your hard working money on it.

 

Now, I would love to hear from you on how you get ready for new season, how you update your style and how you shop. Please be critical of everything you are told. Don’t take everything you see and hear as a fact. Check out different sources. You don’t need to like everything that is new. You actually shouldn’t, plus it isn’t really new. The trends come and go but your style can last a lifetime. What you are wearing needs to represent who you are, how you want the world to see you, it should compliment your body shape and skin tone and lastly you should be considering trends. It is fun and I enjoy the the new in my evolving style (in small doses, a little at the time) but if you have it all figured and feel like you would rather stay there and you are happy, I respect that.

Let me know if you found it helpful and what would you like me to share next. I have only touched on some of the newest trends as I try to keep the posts at certain length but I would be more than happy to elaborate if anyone wishes. Please leave a comment below.

Also don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you need more personal advise (then drop me an e-mail to gosia.willemse@keytome.co.uk)

 

With Love,

Gosia

Key to My Style

Key to Me

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How’s that for a first post in a new year? It’s pretty exciting if you ask me.

I was very flattered and excited when the amazing and talented photographer Justyna Karkowska approached me and offered me this photo shoot. I couldn’t wait.

With the photo shoot couple of days away, I still didn’t know what to do with it. What would be the theme? SO many ideas and I was starting to think ‘I have nothing to wear!’ WHAT???? I know. I got to the point when sorting outfits and wardrobes for others became so exciting and straightforward but for a moment I thought that I haven’t done the work for myself. Then I realized I am still just a women and I will still get these thoughts. As long as I don’t reward them with senseless purchases I’m fine though 😉

I then started going through my clothes and putting rather weird things together. When I stopped, relaxed and decided it has to be about me! Not about the season or a particular occasion but me. This is what I preach to my clients and this is what I believe in in terms of style. Trends? Yes, I get inspired by them to the point where they work for me or women I work with, but my personality and body are the priority. So I decided that the photo shoot was going to be about me. Key to me 😉

Something magical happened the moment I decided to accept myself some time ago. Don’t take me wrong I believe in looking after your body and working on improving it but at the same time you have to start with self love; with accepting who you are, how you are build and being grateful for it; loving your body for all the pieces that are ‘perfect’ (for lack of a better word) and those that you are working on or even don’t like. That is the starting point. NOW, every day. It really can only benefit your life and your relationships.

 


So the morning of the photo shot, literary an hour before I decided to add an extra outfit because that’s what I felt like wearing. That’s it. That was the inspiration behind the first styling. Sky high heeled sandals that I have and love but worn only once before becoming a mom. I added cute stockings instead of thick tights that I usually wear at this time of the year. I put a simplest cotton dress and covered it with the new poncho I got from hubby for Christmas (guy’s got the taste doesn’t he? ;)). I added brown accessories to go with the shoes and voila! That’s ME and that’s why I like this one. Don’t you just love it when you wear what feels comfortable and looks good? When you know you made you happy? And if someone else likes it two then that is just an added bonus 😉 The key is to try new things, explore new options, maybe change a hair do or make up a little? This is definitely a cool new years’s resolution to make. They don’t all have to be painful. Changing your style and doing a little something for yourself this year is a must. If you are reading this I really hope you will do it for yourself and maybe get someone to take a photo of it too. Believe me when I say it, the way you see yourself in a mirror is not the same to the way the worlds sees you.

This was not easy for me. Deep down I love the idea of being a model for a day but it felt awkward. I was not sure what to do and how to move but Justyna made me feel at ease and it was actually fun. I realize I can do better next time but for now I am just so grateful for the having these style moments captured so beautifully.

 

 

 

 

The second styling is something I actually prepared a day before. Don’t take me wrong, I like planning my outfits. It makes life easier, especially since I’m a mom but I always enjoyed working on a spot too. So now I work the two. Perfect combination for my crazy nature.

I love the classic pieces. You can never have too many black pieces apparently. They do work for most of us, however the accessories can really transform a simple outfit into something quite special so I always love adding a little sparkle.

In this case I decided to wear the top front to back. I find that cleavage is a bit old school and love exposed back. That is something everyone can do, no matter the age and it can be just as sexy as low neckline. Shoulders and back are the parts of our body that age last in fact. I layered couple of gorgeous silver necklaces to add the sparkle. The effect was really cool both, at the front and the back.

Now, the fringe skirt. I love how much fun can be had with it. It’s perfect for Latino dancing but also just every day. Can be dressed down or dressed up. Can be worn day or evening, It is an awesome piece to have. The fringing was actually first introduced during the time of Asyrian Empire (1300 – 800 bc). The amount of trimming on the full-length skirt was used to indicate the rank of the higher State and Court officials. Also the richness of the material, length and the colour of the fringing on the scarf as well as the way it was worn indicated the station of the wearer. Officials of lower grade wore no scarf at all. Fringing has been back in fashion several times now and it’s back again. We can see everything from tops, trousers, sandals, high heels, jackets, jumpers and even accessories finished with trimmings of various lengths and styles. Aren’t we lucky to life in a era when we can not only choose what we wear but also how we wear it? If that is not enough of an inspiration to go crazy and have fun with fashion then I don’t know what is… .

I finished this look with my favourite pair of blue heels. They are most comfortable and gorgeous pair of shoes that work with a little black, a little white or multicolored dress, jeans, skirts and many more. Also much more flattering against a bare leg that a classic black heel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let me leave you with a little hip shake. This is always going to make me dance. I hope you have a picture of yourself that makes you smile or do whatever pleases your soul. Please feel free to comment. I appreciate every little thought and opinion. Till next time.

With love,

Gosia

 

 

Key to My Style

Key to My Rainbow

This is about my most recent passion – COLOUR.

Understanding my colour pallette and how to put them together to make me look at my best is the biggest discovery in terms of my style that I have made over the last year or so. Being able to help my clients with that too is the most rewarding thing ever.

I realized some time ago that I used to surround myself with colours (or lack of them) that didn’t always flatter me and my overall image.

A process of discovering my own unique style has been filled with trial and error. I looked online at blogs and vlogs and what I found was often more confusing than helpful. Advise that I found about ‘finding your style’ was to collect images from magazines and articles, anywhere that you can, and make up a board. This is helpful only to some extent. It helps you find a pattern of things that you like so that you can then start copying it. I absolutely hate and disagree with the idea of copying. Most times it means struggling to find the exact outfit and most importantly, rarely looking as amazing as the model/celebrity on the picture. Waste of money, disappointment and still not feeling myself.

Since I work in the fashion industry and spend more time learning and studying it, I realize how subjective it is. Trends are awesome to get inspired by them and choose ones that work for us but we are all ONE AND ONLY and that is the best trend ever. I do believe in inspiration boards and have a giant one myself that I keep updating and changing. It has everything that inspires me in terms of style but also all aspects of my life that I feel are important. It also has pictures of me and those that mean the most to me. Those are pictures of ‘memories’ that make me feel good and inspire me to keep those feeling alive but also to stay grateful as there is so much to appreciate.

In terms of the colours and seasonal pallettes, finding which one I was, was a process. There is a lot of help online but it can also be confusing. I have no idea what I used to base my choices on. I think most of it was the fact that I loved certain looks on other people and I kind of hoped it looked as good on me as it did on them (we often see what we want to). I often felt that the more I tried the worse the result. Then sometimes I’d go for an unexpected choice and ended up with a WOW outfit. It was exhausting though. Not to mention the stress involved with finding outfits for social gatherings where I knew I was going to see people that were so stylish I could never even imagine of being like them… .

It was not until I figured I definitely have a cool skin tone to start changing my clothing choices and getting rid of a lot of pieces that just ‘don’t belong here no more’.

Another part of the discovery was to find out that I am a winter. Oh, how fun it is now to gradually be adapting changes. I love knowing what’s good. Its not just the fact that I have a pallette of colours to choose from. It’s knowing what to avoid that seems just as important. It’s the accessories and it’s power that when chosen accordingly add a sparkle (also to my eyes;). It’s the knowledge of ‘what with what’ that makes me excited for putting outfits together now. It’s also make up. I use less of it that I have for years to find that actually not much is needed when used in line with my skin tone.

I guess what I am trying to say is that nothing seems more important and exciting than doing whats right for you. YOU are timeless and so is your style. Of course it will change with time, just like your life and that is amazing but we really don’t need to be buying a whole new wardrobe every time a new trends come.

I want to share couple of pictures taken by me recently to let you see for yourselves how, just by changing few colours, a face can come to life and even smile more 😉

 

  

 

I hope you can see that the first picture illustrates how the ‘positive’ colours can make me feel and look more radiant, healthier and generally more happy. The second one, I used much more eye make up, the same foundation and blush as on the first one, but different lipstick. I am definitely not happy with the result on that one. I don’t like looking pale, ashy and tired. Choice of jewellery can have a great impact too. Generally speaking whatever is the closest to your face will have an effect on your appearance.

The following pictures proved to me that I really don’t need to be drowning my eyes with heavy make up to make them ‘pop’. It is much more important to make my completion healthy and do nothing to ruin that. So less really is more. I am no make up expert and I often have  up to 5 minutes to do make up. That is why lately more than ever I treat myself to my shade of red. Apart from little foundation, bronzer or/and blush and mascara I add nothing else. I’m happy with this 😉

        

To sum up I NEED to share this. When working with my clients I ask them who their style inspiration is. I am often surprised and it is always interesting to see who and what is it that they like and get inspired by.  One of my first clients, an absolutely amazing and inspiring woman, opened my eyes. I love the fact that every client teaches me something and makes me want to do better every time. It is so exciting to be sharing ideas and experiences with them.  I always take pictures of clients (not always publish them though). We put outfits together and I want them to keep reference to make getting dressed easier once our time together ends but also for them to see the transformation. This lady picked one photo from our session and messaged me saying “Gosia, on this picture, I am an ICON for myself.” ( and I don’t think she meant a style icon only, she meant a life icon ). I still tear up when I think of it. This was one of the most inspiring and rewarding things to hear ever. I thanked her for it and said I couldn’t be happier to hear it. I realized that this is IT. That’s how I wish every women feels about herself. Has a picture of herself from the past or present close by and gets INSPIRED BY HERSELF. Doesn’t want to look like another Kardashian, the world is full of them already. YOU are the ONE AND ONLY. Please accept yourself, love and have fun just like you deserve to. That is my wish this Christmas for all you ladies. Be empowered by YOU. For me it is colour that gives me the power and fills days with fun. I hope you know or find whatever it is that you need to be happy and inspired, to keep smiling.

“Style is a deeply personal expression of who you are, and every time you dress, you are asserting a part of yourself.” -Nina Garcia

Would love to hear from you. Please share if you liked the post. Let me know if you didn’t too and I would love to hear suggestions for the future.

Love,

Gosia

Key to My Style

Key to My Prolonged Style

2 Comments

I cannot stop myself from sharing this with you all.

This is about couple of pieces that I love for two reasons. First, they were gifts from my husband, and second, I just absolutely adore them. That is why I simply could not give up on them. Somehow I knew they can still be as glamurous as when they were new 😉

When it comes to my amazing Kurt Geiger’s shoes, I got them and for first few month I only wore them to special occasions (placed where people would not come too close and the chances of getting my new shoes scratched were slim to none). Then I realized how silly that was and wore them everywhere. Those were one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever owned and it just made sense to wear them. That meant wearing them to nightclubs too thought 🙁 Let’s just say there were scratches now. Anyway, I felt they lasted a looooong time considering all the impact. Nevertheless I was not ready to let go. They got pushed aside and left for a while.

Now, when it comes to my beautiful Karen Millen bag (I know it sound as if I was talking about a puppy or a child, but I’m sure some of you will be able to relate to almost having a relationship with certain pieces or accessories in your wardrobe. It is probably comparable to the relationship that man have with their cars ;)). This bag was not only beautiful, it was super comfortable. You know what I mean when I say you can ‘operate’ it one-handed (e.g. other hand busy holding a child or busy carrying bags of shopping). Hopefully some of you will feel my pain when I say that it got permanently ruined.

Husband took me away to London on a first child-free break since our son was born and the bag was there too. We were busy going from one place to another and got squashed between people when travelling on the underground (enough for the mini hair spray in my bag to go on for about a minute and leave an ugly stain on it. How silly is that?

I tried everything to wash it; soap, washing up liquid, vinegar, olive oil, lemon, I even put it in the washing machine (twice). NOTHING! I let go of anything else in my wardrobe that no longer serves a purpose apart from these two. I left the bag aside too.

Few days ago I came across someone talking about a leather dye. I decided this will be it. I couldn’t believe my excitement. Ordered a bottle of dark brown leather dye after reading few reviews on it. It was delivered after 3 days and here is what happened next :)))

 

 

Since the bag was washed already I only wiped it with slightly damp microfibre cloth and used a baby sponge and a make up brush to apply a dye. It was super easy to apply (but make sure to use gloves and protect the surface you do it on (in spite using both, my hands got slightly dyed too ). It dried withing an hour or so and I applied another layer. I did the same with the shoes in the mean time. I let it dry and following day I did the same. I probably applied about 5 layers of the dye on the bag and 4 on the shoes. Once completely dry and I was happy with they result, I washed the hardwear of the bag with a little alcohol on a q-tip. Then I applied a little bit of olive oil all over the bag and the shoes (on a cotton wool ball) to give it a little shine and finish.

 

 

Can you believe this? I have a new upcycled bag, all to myself 😉 Christmas did come early this year 🙂 and check out the shoes now.

 

 

 

I have done no editing to the pictures (except cropping) as I wanted you to see the exact transormation. I hope some of you will find it useful. Please comment and share your opinion. I love hearing back.

Love,

Gosia

Key to Her Style

Key to Her Evening Style

This one goes out to all of us. We all dream of the red carpet scenario at some point or another. Turns out we all deserve it and it can be done without thousands of dollars or celebrity status.

I feel so grateful to have been a part of the project that took place last week between myself, amazing photographers from Foton Artisic Society, amazing make up artist Gosia Targonska and our model Kama Szczesna.

I have met Kama about a week prior to the photo shoot in order to get to know her and find out a little about her. I don’t believe in styling anyone without getting to know them first. We needed to find out what is it that she does and does not like. What is her skin tone, her body shape. I ask a lot of questions that may seem irrelevant at times but it all always falls into place in the end.

We went through her wardrobe and found few amazing pieces she owns. My only concern was that most of them were black and I needed to make sure we add a bit of colour to it in order to make her sparkle.

Yes, we were getting ready for an amazing project but I wanted to make sure that she takes something away for more than just one night.

I was over the moon when she send me some pictures of new pieces she now bought with flattering colors in mind. What a transformation. When I first met her she was wearing nothing but black and 80 % of her wardrobe was filled by black pieces.

When she arrived for a photo shoot, the only black piece she was wearing was a great hat. AMAZING!

Now, about the big day. I am so thrilled to be sharing these amazing pictures with you (would not be possible without guys and girls from Foton Artistic Society).

The first one was the glam evening outfit. Perfect for a ball room New Year’s celebration or other fancy occasion. It is amazing to see what happens with a women when she raps herself in a fur over a flattering LBD with an amazing statement sparkle and a touch of red lip and matching red nails. Classic and absolutely stunning.

 

 

 

The other styling from the night that I want to share with you is a little edgy combination of an evening sexy look with a touch of colour. Kama has quite a few incredible pencil skirts but I wanted to add something other than a black top or a crispy white shirt. She also owns an amazing leopard bodysuit that worked great under this beautiful true blue blouse that I added. I wanted a blue accent on her face too. We were so lucky to be working with very talented make up artist that created two separate looks for each of the styling. The leopard print under the blouse worked great with the gold jewels. I layered couple of necklaces for that one too and we added multiple bangles on one arm. This look would not be complete without the killer heels. I love these Kurt Geiger’s heels. Her legs seem to be going on forever and I love the slightly messy hair style. She told me when we met that she wanted to try something sexy and maybe a little provocative. I feel that we managed to accomplish that without crossing the line. What a transformation. I feel so blessed to have been there to witness that.

 

 

 

What do you think? Which styling is closer to your personality and your style? Which one do you prefer on Kama? Share your opinion.

Love,

Gosia

 

Key to Her Style

Key To Her Busy Mother’s Style

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dsc_6061dsc_6090-2This one is about many of us. We all sometimes put everything on hold to care about family and home. We put ourselves on hold that is. Why? Because we don’t feel that it matters whether we put a make up on, favorite dress, the amazing shoes we worked so hard for before the maternity started and when we still thought we can wear heels on a weekday.

Well the truth is that this is our world now and we love it but the image we seem to portray says otherwise.

Iwona has so many beautiful features but none of them seem to be visible through the uniform she puts on quickly when she runs to school in the morning or goes shopping or does million other things that need to be done every single day.

For our styling session she brought some great pieces of clothing. Most of them still with tags. Hmm…. Obviously she loves looking at them in the wardrobe, maybe it makes her feel good to know they are there but following pictures prove that no garment will ever look better than when matched with a real person. I am so pleased to say that she has a great taste, the colours of these pieces also work for her. She chooses quality over quantity and she has recently put together a capsule wardrobe for herself.

My only objection are those buggy, sad, nasty track pants that do amazing job at covering her up. She’s almost invisible in that ‘outfit’.

Saving the nice clothes for a ‘special occasion’ ends in a disaster. We end up almost never wearing them because we get so used to the safe choices we go for every day that when we need to get out there and get out of the comfort zone we choose the safe option and maybe add a heel to the jeans (if that).

I say wear your great clothes every day. You can never be overdressed. I’m sure we all can recall the time we bumped into a friend or a colleague we haven’t seen in ages when wearing something really great ( e.g. we were all dressed up for a party we were going to and just popped in to the shop for a bottle of red and a birthday card ). Oh, that felt good, right?!!! We also remember the time we barely got out of the pajamas (or didn’t), put a huge winter jacket on, added a beanie, obliviously no make up and all of the sadden everyone we know shops in the same place! Yep, not an image we want to portray is it?

That’s why every day is a good excuse to treat yourself. Your partner will much more likely take you out if he sees you happy and pretty (not that you should do it for him, always match your style with yourself first) but I hope you get my point. Once you get the hair, make up done in the morning, put that awesome necklace or pair of killer shoes on when you leave the house (or whatever it is that does it for you) and all that you have to do is enjoy whatever it is you have to do on a day.

Now, THIS is a strong and independent mama, definitely getting those heads turned at the school run ;))

First one is a perfect option for a beginning of autumn. Love getting a cool mustard wedge on and pairing it with a denim skirt and a baby blue shirt. Lift up the collar, roll up the sleeves and you ready for the madness. Oh, and don’t forget the lip ;). We went for a minimal make up (BB cream, brow pencil, blusher, mascara and lipstick. Hair hand brushed. THAT’S IT !!!

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The next one is great for an evening date with a hubby as well as a lunch with girls (for a colder weather add a pair of black tights and the outfit can work from summer to winter. Timeless pieces that can be easily accessorized with a statement earring or a necklace and a great cuff. We added more drama by curling the hair and going for a little smokey eye this time and left the lip nude. I’m a great believer in a ‘one statement at a time’, so if I go for a heavy eye make up I go easy on the lip and other way around. Same in terms of accessories. When I choose a statement necklace I add studs, when statement earrings I leave it at that or add a delicate necklace/pendant (very rarely though).

The whole outfit it very stylish but also comfortable. It shows off the legs but the rest is covered in a tasteful way (one a the time yet again). You can easily eat at dinner 😉 In fact this is a dress can even be worn by pregnant ladies in an early stage of pregnancy and be kept for long time after. Love it

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The last one is a jumpsuit Iwona bought a while ago. It looks great on her. I say it must be just as comfortable as the track pants but boy does it look better?! Love how cool and modern she looks in it. She was smiling so much more at this stage that it was inspiring. There are countless things you can do with it but you can choose as little as you wish too. We simply added a layering pendant in a gun metal and left the shoe option open to your imagination 😉 Amazing.

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Would love to hear your comments on this post and hopefully a big ‘Like’ for Iwona. I mean just look at that smile ;)))

Key to Her Style

Key To Her Mature Style

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This one is about an amazing inspiring lady called MOM. I could not have started this without her. She has been my very first inspiration when it comes to fashion and to this day we exchange ideas and clothes 😉

It was with my great pleasure that I can now give back a little. I was over the moon that she allowed me to style her, put outfits together and make it all in line with her colour palette. My mom has always had a great sense of style. She did seem to have her colour palette confused for years though.

It is not easy to figure it out for yourself. Knowing whether you are warm or cool skin tone and which season’s palette you fall under is a great knowledge to have.

I carried out colour analysis on her and it turned that she is a Summer. It was to her big surprise as for years she kept filling her wardrobe with amazing clothes in the colours from Autumn palette. Unfortunately some of those colours do nothing to flatter her beautiful green eyes or other features. When wearing wrong colours we look older, sadder, muted… just not as good as we deserve to look.

The fun has begun once we let go of many pieces that can serve someone else and mom can now sparkle every day. I was pleased to find many pieces that do work with her colours, it was just that she was not wearing them often, some of them never before.

I believe most of us have more that enough clothes to make up and amazing wardrobe, we just need a little guidance at time.

So here they are. Few of the new outfits my mom is rocking at the moment.

 

casual friday

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We started with a casual sweatshirt in a beautiful baby blue/grey which is an amazing piece to be had by anyone with a cool skin tone. For Summer it is awesome when paired with pastel, here with cool salmon pants and a delicate layering necklace in mixed metal (always a good piece to have). Mom is wearing no foundation at all, a little mascara and a nude lipstick, nothing more! We also added a scarf in gorgeous shades of grey and booties that complete the look giving it a little edge.

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This is a new colour in mom’s wardrobe. We styles the beautiful true blue top she got recently with the denim midi skirt and grey court shoes. Simple and so flattering.

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We then added this awesome knitted jacket in soft white, lovely lightweight pattern scarf and changed shoes to these stone ankle boots. I love the pockets on the skirt and the whole look on her. She rocks this one too.

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Here we go with a leather effect pencil skirt with the same top and shoes but we added a long denim shirt on top (that can be worn as a long shirt with leggings or a dress) making it act as a light coat/jacket and lighting the outfit up a little which is great for her complexion.
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One top yet so many options and denim comes to play again. Do I need to say anything else? So cool ;))

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This outfit can easily take you from day to evening. She is still just wearing the minimal make up but for an evening look I’d definitely suggest a little foundation, blusher and add a red lip.
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I just realized that denim plays a leading role here 😉 Nothing wrong with that and this is a great example that you should not be afraid to mix denim with denim, just make sure they are not a perfect match. I love these high waist pants in true blue with the pattern blouse and finished with a denim jacket in sky blue denim. Don’t forget a statement necklace to complete the look. These brown leather heels break up the blue on blue in a great way. One of my favorite combinations is blue with brown accessories (belts, hats, shoes).

This was more than fun and I cannot wait to hear from you. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.