Happy New Year!

1. Drink champagne!
2. Eat your grapes
3. Watch the 1st sunrise
4. Enjoy the show!
5. Kiss at midnight
6. Write your resolutions
7. Dress to sparkle!

Bye bye 2012… Hello 2013!

May all your wishes come true.

Happy new year!

Sweet 2012, a year in review…

Another year has gone by, and Sweet n’Raw is just two months away from its second birthday! Since we are about to bid farewell to what has been a year filled with fashion, beauty, illustrations and satisfactions, it’s only fair that we remember the highlights of it. Here it is, a quick summary of what you saw on the blog this 2012 (part of it anyway). Enjoy!

Ready for the countdown? Have you written those resolutions? I am so ready to welcome 2013, it’s gonna be a good one ( I have a feeling).

Sweet kisses…

NAIL FILES: The Jungle Book

Good morning, my sweet readers! It’s been a while since our last Nail Files post so it’s only fair to publish one right now. I’ve had this sitting in the oven for some time. Right now I am leaving for a mountain holiday with my bf’s family, I have my posts armed and ready, so I won’t leave you without reading material (I promise). For all you nail enamel addicts, here it is, wild and fun: THE JUNGLE BOOK!

SEEING SPOTS

• Nude Beige, Models Own
• Cosmopolitan Khaki, Lancome
• Fade to Black, Deborah Lippmann
• Particuliere, Chanel Le Vernis
• Sand Tropez, Essie

WILD STRIPES

• Scorn, Illamasqua
• Feathered, OCC
• Black Satin, Chanel Le Vernis
• Aha! Moment, Sephora by OPI
• 27 Noir Primitif, YSL

PRETTY PYTHON

• 011 Lady, Dior Vernis
• 23 Gris Deco, YSL
• Lil Boa Peep, Essie
• Porchester Square, Nails Inc.
• Pearl Drop, Chanel Le Vernis

SEE YA LATER, ALLIGATOR!

• Rampage, Illamasqua
• Crocadilly, Essie
• Explosif, Estee Lauder
• Designer Fig Leaf, Sephora by OPI
• Emerald City, Models Own

THE SCARLET MACAW

• 18 Bleu Majorelle, YSL
• Lemon Highlander, Scotch
• Suspicious, Chanel Le Vernis
• Blow, Illamasqua
• Butles Please, Essie

POSH PANTHER

• What’s a Tire Jack, Sephora by OPI
• Creator, Illamasqua
• Diva, Dior Vernis
• The Black Knight, Butter London
• Back Room, Nars

GEOFFREY THE GIRAFFE

• Very Structured, Essie
• Toasted Sugar, Tom Ford
• Bengale, Dior Vernis
• 27, Paul & Joe
• Gamma, Illamasqua

Sweet kisses…

Have yourself a sweet little Christmas….

To all my lovely readers, from the bottom of my heart,

May you have more blessings to count than wishes to ask for.

Merry Christmas!

Ana Sofia

Sweet n’Raw’s Christmas Gift Guide: L’AGENT PROVOCATEUR

Good morning, my sweet readers! It’s almost X’mas and you really know what that means right? If you are not done with your gift list, it’s panic shopping time. But before you enter the impulse buying zone, let me help you with a few more present ideas. This is the last (this time I’m serious) post from our guide and so far, I have really enjoyed putting it together. Today we have a racier and sexier selection than the usual sugar dose you always get from me. But the name of my blog says it, I’m part sweet and part raw. So here’s a gift selection for the vampy friend we all have. The one that rocks red lips like no one else. The one who has a lingerie drawer bigger than her already extensive shoe closet. The one with the sheer and lace obsession. The one into feathers and leather. If you have an agent provocateur as a friend, sister or colleague, check out this list before going shopping for her gift!

1. Ornate jumper, Stella McCartney
2. Nail polish selection (Dragon, Malice, Black Satin), Chanel Le Vernis
3. Bra and knickers, Agent Provocateur
4. Stud flats, Valentino
5. Wild necklace, Lanvin
6. Leather dress, Rag & Bone
7. Biker gloves, Agent Provocateur
8. Animal print bag, Pierre Hardy
9. Casbah eau de parfum, Robert Piguet
10. Gloss (Naivete) and lipstick (Black Orchid), Tom Ford
11. Baroque black ring, Cavalli
12. Goose & spike heels, Giuseppe Zanotti

1. Mesh embroidered bra and knickers, Topshop
2. Nail polish selection (Rouge Andalou, Chinatown, Endless Night), Nars
3. Belt black jumper, Romwe
4. Leather notebook, Smythson
5. Crossed flats, Asos
6. Sheer dress, Miss Selfridge
7. Velvet frame, Zara Home
8. 61 lively red lipstick, Givenchy
9. Stud mini bag, Zara
10. Poison perfume, Dior
11. Three stone ring, Dorothy Perkins
12. Black stone necklace, Zara
13. T-bar heels, Zara

That’s a wrap for our X’mas Gift Guide! I hope my ideas really helped you on your present quest!

Christmas is just 4 days away!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Zara, My Theresa, Selfridges, Polyvore, Topshop, Net-a-porter

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

Carrie Moments

This is what happens when you have been watching too many Sex & the City re-runs. I can’t even recall how many times I’ve seen each season and each episode, but I never seem to get tired of them. As many of you I’m sure, I could act out the entire series without needing a script. That’s why I wanted to pay a little homage to one of the most important milestones in the history of fashion, the fabulous and always ahead of her time, Carrie Bradshaw. During the six years it was on, SATC had a lot, and when I say a lot I mean a ton of memorable fashion moments: the tutu, the naked dress, the candy striper attire, the flapper number for the book party, the sequin cover-up and the list goes on. I could draw them all (maybe I will, but it’ll take a while), but for now I took the three that I loved the most and drew them on myself). Enjoy!

SEX AND THE CITY

When the opening credits appeared on our screens for the first time, little did we know that this show would be life-changing, liberating and definitely addictive. The cream tutu and with the pink tank top is probably the most iconic attire from the whole series (even more than the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress in the first film). To think that Pat Field fished it out of a bargain bin…

ANCHORS AWAY

Remember the sailor episode? This lively outfit was featured on the first scene, when Carrie goes to the Guggenheim, solo, because she is dating the city. There was something about this look that immediately caught my eye and stayed in my mind forever. The colors, the cropped jacket, the foulard-like jumper and the twist: the two-tone pumps. That’s the thing about Patricia Field, she has a talent for mixing, matching and mis-matching.

AMERICAN GIRL IN PARIS

I think I can safely say that in the two final episodes, there was not one Carrie ensemble that didn’t make me swoon. From the Hello Paris outfit to the thousand layer dress, it was a lovely display of gallic fashion. But there was one outfit in particular that took the prize, the ladybug dress with the dramatic coat and the unexpected white pumps. One day, I’ll wear something like that in Paris, I’ll even step gladly on dog poo if that’s what it takes…

This is a different post from everything that I’ve been doing so far. Let me  know if you enjoyed it! It would be a pleasure to put together more of this for you.

Have a lovely week and remember, X’mas is just around the corner!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

 

Sweet n’raw’s X’mas Gift Gide: OLD HOLLYWOOD DIVA

It’s Sunday and Milan has never felt colder for me (I’ve been living here for four years). Then I think about my beloved Mexico, my little piece of paradise called Acapulco and I die a little inside (30º and Summer sun, 365 days a year). I’m not saying that I hate Winter in Europe, I’d like it better if I were inside a mountain chalet, wrapped up in a furry blanket, sipping hot chocolate (ok, maybe a White Russian to get the heat going). Holiday season really makes me homesick. Anyway, back to what concers us today. This is the sixth and probably last post from our X’mas Shopping Guide (I’m not sure if I should do a couple more, let me know if you’d like me to).

I’ve been wanting to do the classic Audrey Hepburn illustration for so long, and I finally found the perfect excuse: the gift guide for the Old Hollywood Diva. We all have that certain friend that dresses like she just got out of a Fellini movie. We all have that friend that has watched every single Audrey Hepburn movie more times than we’ve watched Sex & the City re-runs. We all have that friend that still prefers a good old Hollywood romance, than that Twilight crap playing in your nearest multi-plex. If you do have a friend like this, her it is, the gift guide for the Old Hollywood Diva. Enjoy!

1. Bow swimsuit, Miu Miu
2. Oversize sunglasses, The Row
3. Perles de Lalique perfume, Lalique
4. Pearl & Onyx earrings, Scully & Scully
5. Sailor jumper, Joseph
6. Red & black ballet flats, Repetto
7. Pearl embellished dress, Moschino
8. Pink scarf, Agent Provocateur
9. 2Jours bag, Fendi
10. Embellished bracelet, Miu Miu
11. Bow necklace, Miu Miu
12. Two-tone heels, Jason Wu

1. Pearl embellished jumper, Romwe
2. Dreamer eye-mask, Urban Outfitters
3. Pink clutch, Prada
4. Andy warhol nail polish, Nars
5. Pearl statement necklace, Ann Taylor
6. Just Being Audrey book, Margaret Cardillo
7. Oversize sunglasses, Asos
8. Bejeweled flats, Aldo
9. Black fitted dress, Topshop
10. Miss Dior perfume, Dior
11. Caviar & oyster makeup set, Bobbi Brown
12. Ankle-strap heels, Zara

I hope you are having a relaxing and beautiful Sunday! X’mas is just a week away. Aren’t we excited?

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Zara, My Theresa, Selfridges, Polyvore, Topshop, Net-a-porter

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

Sweet n’raw’s X’mas Gift Guide: CATWOMAN

Another day, another post, my sweet readers! It’s snowing here in Milan, the kind of snow that makes you wish you could stay at home with Downton Abbey, wrapped in a blanket, giant hot cup of coffee in hand. But since snow is not a valid excuse to skip work or school, back to what concerns us today. We are almost done with our Christmas Shopping Guide and so far it has had an amazing response from all of you. It’s the fifth post from our guide and today we have a very, very special selection, for a very, very special lady: the catwoman.

Don’t think this is gonna be all latex, leather and whips. This is actually for the feline lover. Whether you have a frend obsessed with kittens or a sister with a weakness for all things animal print, this list will help you pick a gift for the ultimate cat lover. The perfect dress for New Year’s Eve? Charlotte Olympia’s coveted kitty flats? Spotty gadgets? We’ve got them all! What are you waiting for? Check it out!

1. Nail polish selection (Frenzy, Particuliere, Vertigo, Black Satin), Chanel Le Vernis
2. Leopard ring, Superette
3. Leopard jumper, RED Valentino
4. iPad cover, Dolce & Gabbana
5. Kitty flats, Charlotte Olympia
6. Spotted dress, Giambattista Valli
7. Cat scarf, Victoria Beckham
8. Cat-eye sunglasses, Gucci
9. Leopard shoulder bag, Lanvin
10. Leopard gloves, Causse Gantier
11. Panther necklace, Andres Gallardo
12. Leopard pumps, Charlotte Olympia

1. Cat beanie, Urban Outfitters
2. Cat gold ring, Asos
3. Nail polish selection, Essie
4. Cat covers, Modcloth & J. Crew
5. Leopard bangle, J. Crew
6. Skater dress, Topshop
7. Cat-eye sunglasses, Asos
8. Cat sweatshirt, Romwe
9. Cat-eye makeup kit, Too Faced
10. Cat mug, Modcloth
11. Cat hot water bottle, Selfridges
12. Leopard pumps, Zara

That’s it for today and it’s finally Friday! Ready to hit the shops this weekend? Check out the other lists in case you haven’t seen them yet.

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Zara, My Theresa, Selfridges, Polyvore, Topshop, Net-a-porter

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

Sweet n’raw’s X’mas Gift Guide: QUEEN OF DIAMONDS

It’s almost Friday and as days go by, X’mas is getting closer and closer. Office parties, dinners with friends, family get-togethers are filling up our calendars and gifts to buy are seriously piling up. We still have 10 days to finish shopping and wrapping our presents. And since Christmas is not the time to browse and look around (more like pushing and elbowing fellow shoppers in search of the perfect item), it’s better to go shopping knowing exactly what to get and where to get it. This is the fourth part of Sweet n’Raw’s X’mas Shopping Guide and one that will help you a lot on your gift quest.

There’s a princess inside every girl and most of us have a weakness for all things glittery. That is why today I’m giving you, wait for it… the Queen of Diamonds. So if you have a friend that’s lusting over those pretty, shiny  phone cases… If you have a friend that owns more sequin jumpers than she does shoes… If you know someone who is a sucker for all things embellished and embroidered… If powdery shades and nude are your colleague’s favorite… If a chignon and a delicate skater dress make up for the perfect holiday party outfit, this is the list you are gonna need to check out.

1. Lingerie set, Stella McCartney
2. Nail polish selection (Silver Smoke, Gold Haze, Naked), Tom Ford
3. Jewel clutch, Marchesa
4. Glitter oxfords, Miu Miu
5. Bow dress, RED Valentino
6. Sequin jumper, Haute Hippie
7. iPad cover, Dsquared
8. Reflection eau de parfum, Amouage
9. Crystal ring, Lanvin
10. Statement necklace, J. Crew
11. Clear pumps, Gianvito Rossi

1. Mirror box, Zara Home
2. Nail polish selection (Yogaga, Beyond cozy, No place like chrome), Essie
3. Jewel clutch, Miss Selfridge
4. Two-tone flats, Vince Camuto
5. Glitter iPhone cover, J. Crew
6. Escale aux Marquises perfume, Dior
7. Sequin dress, Topshop
8. Embellished jumper, Topshop
9. Statement necklace, Zara
10. Le Petit Patisserie travel set, Laura Mercier
11. T-bar heels, Zara

I hope you can get some great gift ideas from here. Let me know how that shopping trip goes!

Sweet kisses…

Sweet kisses…

 

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Zara, My Theresa, Selfridges, Polyvore, Topshop, Net-a-porter

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site

Sweet n’raw’s X’mas Shopping Guide: THE COUNTRY KID

Happy Wednesday, my sweet readers! I’m back with the third part of our Christmas Gift Guide. So far, I’ve given you ideas for the flower lover and for the french obsessed. Today it’s all about the country girl. No, you don’t have to be a Miranda Lambert to love this style. No, you don’t have to wear cowboy boots and bustier to school. No, you don’t have to watch Bonanza reruns (leave that to me) while lusting after “Little Joe” Cartwright (I’ve always been an odd kid, I liked Adam better). The country gal is much more than that. So if you have a friend who enjoys weekends in the country, wrapped in a heavy-knit shawl… If you have a sister who has more fringed boots than a Minnetonka storage facility… If your colleague enjoys musky scents, fireplaces, hot cups of tea and broderie anglaise, you’ve come to the right place. So if you have to buy a gift for a very stylish country beauty, this is the list your are going to want to read!

1. Nail polish selection (Minx, Mink Brulee, Naked, Tom Ford
2. Deer necklace, Boticca
3. PS1 satchel, Proenza Schouler
4. Suede fedora, Eugenia Kim
5. Cream lace dress, Malene Birger
6. Cable-knit sweater, Isabel Marant
7. Bella Bellissima parfum, Arabian Rose Essence
8. Leather cuff, Givenchy
9. Arty ring, YSL
10. Ankle boots, Rag & Bone
11. Floral cushion, Liberty London
12. Platform slingbacks, Chloé

1. Hat, San Diego Hat Company
2. Nail polish selection (), Essie
3. Country wooden box, Urban Outfitters
4. Daisy perfume, Marc Jacobs
5. Cream dress, Topshop
6. Heavy-knit cardigan, Topshop
7. Tan messenger bag, Zara
8. Fringe booties, Zara
9. Cookbook bath set, Philosophy
10. Deer ring, Wildfox
11. Platform heels, Topshop

Three down, a bunch more to go! X’mas is two weeks away! How’s that shopping list going?

Sweet kisses from a cold (and cruel) Milan…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis