Sweet n’raw’s Xmas Gift Guide: HOT LIPS

It’s the thrid post from our Xmas Gift Guide and today it’s all about fun and color. Need a gift for that sassy firnd of yours? For the lipstick lover? For the fuchsia junkie? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The hot lips chick is all about the brights, the colorful metallics, bubbly vibes and berry lips. I have put together two selections, the splurge and the steal, so you’ll find something for everyone here! Let’s start!

SPLURGE

1. Jumper, Stella McCartney
2. Scarf, DVF
3. Sweatshirt, Stella McCartney
4. Lilac loafers, Del Toro
5. Party dress, RED Valentino
6. Nail polish set, Tom Ford
7. Glitter sunnies, Miu Miu
8. Pink wallet, Mulberry
9. PVC Pumps, Sophia Webster
10. Lip Surgence Collector’s Set, Tarte
11. LP No.9, Penhaligon’s
12. Metallic clutch, Saint Laurent Paris

STEAL

1. T-shirt, Markus Lupfer
2. Lip tar set, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics
3. Lips sweatshirt, Ajourlejour
4. Mini lip trio, Sugar Kisses
5. Color-block dress, Topshop
6. Amber Mystique, Estee Lauder
7. Hugs + Kisses journal, ASOS
8. Stacy flats, Alice + Olivia
9. Kisses iphone case, DVF
10. Ankle strap pumps, Zara
11. XOXO pillow, H&M Home
12. Red sunnies, ASOS
13. Nail polish set, Essie
14. Perspex lip clutch, Lulu Guinness

Need more gift ideas? There are still a lot of posts coming up in the next few days!

It feels like Christmas already…

BIKINI SEASON 2013: Hola México

No, this is not the “embrace the sarape and sombrero” kind of post, nor the “dos cervezas por favor” one. There’s much more to México than those things, there’s a lot of heritage, a lot of traditions and yes, we are a damn colorful culture (and we love it). From the meticulous embroideries, to the ethnic patterns and spot on craftsmanship, we really, really have  lot to offer.  And this season, when it comes to beachwear, aztec prints and folk florals are killing it! House of Holland adopted the sarape stripes last season, it was about time the rest of the world followed. So here’s a very colorful and very Mexican beachwear post, far, far away from the usual clichés.

Folk florals: You might be wondering what the heck are these, what’s the difference between them and the normal floral print. The answer? They usually are more colorful, they have a boho vibe and sometimes, mixed-in patterns. Pair your eye-catching bottoms with  a strapless, tie-front top, the brighter the better!

• John Lewis
• Zimmermann
• John Lewis
• Camilla

Aztec prints: Aztec, I really, really don’t need to say more.

• Mara Hoffman
• NewLook
• Emamó
• Mara Hoffman

Cute crochet: Same as the Boho Babe style, crochet gives the Mexican trends that rural touch. I like mixing it up with prints, but you can go with the set if you like that better.

• Lisa Maree
• Lisa Maree
• Lisa Maree
• Emamó

Embroidery: One of the things us Mexicans really feel proud of is embroidery. If you go to small cities or towns, you can find incredible work, made by hand, and at prices you never would’ve imagined. Swimwear with embroidered details is always prettier than any print, pattern or color you could ever wear.

• Margherita Mazzei
• H&M
• Bababjan Tamara
• Tara Matthews

Wanna complement your Mexican style bikini? Here are some ideas!

• Emboridered kaftan, Melissa Odabash
• Gladiator sandals, Zara
• Tortoise shell sunnies, ASOS
• Ruched bikini top, River Island
• Pattern bikini bottom, John Lewis
• Laser-cut bikini top, River Island
• Floral bikini bottoms, John Lewis
• Cannabis Santal scent, Fresh
• Cream dress, Topshop
• Embroidered cropped top, Topshop
• Stripe shorts, Topshop
• Tan wedges, Ralph Lauren
• Dj, play that song collection, Essie
• Embroidered beach tote, Anya Hindmarch

That’s it for the day! If you missed any of the Resort 2014 runways, we will have a recap on the next post! Check back and have a great day!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Net-a-porter, Polyvore, Farfetch, Zara, Topshop, J.Crew

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

 

BIKINI SEASON 2013: The Garden Goddess

It’s July already, my sweet readers! Time sure flies by, so quickly I didn’t even see it coming. Today I have the 6th part of our Bikini Season 2013 special. And hoping you already have booked your little (or big) Summer getaway, I have a style that is a favorite of mine and will always be. Flowers are a basic when it comes to swimwear, but lately, the prints and patters have become so elaborate, so beautiful and so different from what we are used to seeing. Zimmermann, my favorite swimwear brand in the entire world, has a selection with a retro feel to it, the kind of flowers you could find on a vintage botanical print. We can also find florals so lively that you can almost smell them, those are perfect for the whole garden, picnic, day outside kind of look. I have put together our usual chart, this time it’s all about the garden trend. Are you ready for it?

Gingham: Nothing says picnic like gingham And while someone may make the stupid “did you borrow from an Olive Garden table?” joke, a gingham top, sundress or bikini are as cute as cute can get.

• Lauren Dolige
• NewLook
• Topshop
• Zimmermann

Vintage rose: I’m a sucker for floral prints, the kind of prints that are as real as a flower can get. Dolce & Gabbana has been doing them for so long, and when it comes to swimwear, Zimmermann is definitely the way to go.

• Zimmermann
• Ted Baker
• Zimmermann
• Zimmermann

Micro florals: The smaller the print, the cuter it looks. Think Band of Outsiders, think a less tacky version of Sookie Stackhouse tanning in the backyard.

• New Look
• Zimmermann
• J.Crew
• J.Crew

Fresh Greens: We are talking about the garden style, right? That’s why solid green bikinis are a must, you can mix and match them with a vintage floral print top or a wear the whole green thing with a flowery kaftan or silk robe.

• J.Crew
• Dolce & Gabbana
• H&M
• J.Crew

Last but not least, the garment and accessory selection to complete The Garden Goddess style:

1. Cropped top, Topshop
2. Green sandals, ASOS
3. Short-sleeve top, Dolce & Gabbana
4. Floral bikini, Zimmermann
5. Woven wedges, Dolce & Gabbana
6. Vert, vert scent, Balmain
7. Embroidered dress, Pull & Bear
8. Texture shorts, Roxy
9. Floral sunnies, ASOS
10. Bucket bag, Ermanno Scervino
11. Naughty Nautical nail polish, Essie
12. Bikini top, H&M
13. Bikini bottom, Ted Baker

Are you ready to pack your bags and leave this city? Are you ready for some sand and sun? I can’t wait to get out of here, I’ve got a tan to care of!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Net-a-porter, Polyvore, Farfetch, Zara, Topshop, J.Crew

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

Nail Files: NAKED

It’s finally Friday and the first day of Summer (I am ignoring the storm outside the window) , it really doesn’t get better than this! To celebrate it, I have some Nail Files for you! Last one was all about the different shades of pink, this one is just the opposite: naked nails are this season’s hottest trend. Almost every designer had their models sport neutral nails on the runway on the Spring/Summer catwalks. And while you might think: “Oh, how boring!”, milky shades are clean, fun and guess what? They make nails appear longer than they are. You don’t like the classic French manicure shade? There’s mocha, there’s caramel, there’s even latte. Don’t nag and don’t neglect until you have experienced some perfectly painted, ivory nails. I’ve put together some of the prettiest shades out there, so if you are ready, let’s start!

I wanted to make thing a bit different so I made a chart first, now I will introduce each shade with names and brands. Hope you like it this way!

IVORY

• Scorch, Illamasqua
• How Many Carats, Sephora by OPI
• Cream Tea, Butter London
• Pearl Drop, Chanel Le Vernis
• Beige Milk, Kure Bazaar

LATTE

• Miss Porcelaine, Lancome
• Cuppa, Butter London
• I need space, Sephora by OPI
• Brooch the subject, Essie
• Corso 22, Kure Bazaar

BLUSH

• Nude Shot, Sephora Collection
• Monogamous, Illamasqua
• Give Peach a Chance, Sephora by OPI
• Lingerie, Guerlain
• Charnelle, Dior Vernis

PEACH

• Purity, Illamasqua
• A Crewed Interest, Essie
• Malaysian Mist, OPI
• Peche Nacree, Chanel Le Vernis
• Pink Porcelain, Dior Vernis

SAND

• Quiet Time, MAC
• Sand Tropez, Essie
• Did y’ear about Van Gogh?, OPI
• Diabolique, Estee Lauder
• Roza, Bobbi Brown

CARAMEL

• Safari Beige, Dior Vernis
• La Petite Robe Noire, Guerlain
• Glamour Purse, Essie
• Caramel, Dolce & Gabbana
• Quartz, Chanel Le Vernis

HONEY

• Bath of Campagne, ANNY
• Bumster, Butter London
• Neutral Beauty, Sephora by OPI
• Bittersweet, Estee Lauder
• Beige, Chanel Le Vernis

MOCHA

• Heather Blush, Scotch Minerals
• Mucho Dinero, Essie
• Leotard Optional, Sephora by OPI
• Dusty Rose, Pierre Hardy for NARS
• Sienna, Dior Vernis

That’s it for today! Let the Summer games begin!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Selfridges, Sephora, Dior, Chanel, Essie

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

 

NAIL FILES: The Milkshake Parlour

Happy Friday, my sweet readers! Why not welcome March and kick-off this weekend with a fun and really, really sweet post! The nail files are back and cuter than ever. The weather is finally starting to change and mi mind is definitely on Spring mode, why not get those nails in warmer temperature mode too. For this edition, I got my inspiration from one of my all-time favorite drinks: the milkshake. One of my biggest pleasures in life? Having a supersize, frothy, vanilla milkshake. What’s your favorite flavor?

CHOCOLATE

1. Beige Nude, Dior Vernis
2. Smoky Canvas, Revlon
3. Beige Leger, YSL
4. Fashion, Deborah Lippmann
5. Glamour Purse, Essie

MINT

1. Fiver, Butter London
2. Valley, Topshop
3. Minty, RGB
4. Minta Candy Apple, Essie
5. Minted, Revlon

STRAWBERRY

1. Dear Diary, Sephora by OPI
2. Rose Petal, Dolce & Gabbana
3. Teddy Girl, Butter London
4. Penelope, Julep Maven
5. Ballerina, Chanel Le Vernis

CAPPUCCINO

1. I Need Space, Sephora by OPI
2. Undercover Nude, MAC
3. Did you Ear about Van Gogh, OPI
4. Sand Tropez, Essie
5. Frenzy, Chanel Le Vernis

VANILLA

1. Load, Illamasqua
2. Instant Hot, Essie
3. Reflection, OPI
4. Pall Mall, Nails Inc.
5. Flo Naked, Tom Ford

CARAMEL

1. Nonfat Soy Half Caff, Sephora by OPI
2. Muscle Tone, MAC
3. Tigress, Paul & Joe
4. Toasted Sugar, Tom Ford
5. Safari Beige, Dior Vernis

BANANA

1. Bees Knees, Topshop
2. 15 Minutes, Nars
3. Sunshine Sparkle, Revlon
4. Lemon Meringue, Models Own
5. Why Yellow There, Sephora by OPI

BERRIES

1. Powder Lilac, Anny
2. Lilac, Dolce & Gabbana
3. Charming, Revlon
4. Pilates Hottie, Essie
5. Speckle, Illamasqua

Strawberry, Vanilla or Caramel? What’s your favorite?

Wishing you a great weekend, sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Selfridges, Chanel, Sephora, Essie, Asos

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

NAIL FILES: I’ll take you to the candy shop…

Hello, hello, my sweet readers! It’s that time of the month, Nail Files time! Once a month, for those of you who are new kids on this block, I like to put a together a themed nail polish selection. It has nothing to do with beauty novelties or trends, it’s just fun to put together and fun for you to read. A little break or detour from all the fashion overdose I’m always giving you. For this Nail Files edition I wanted to do something cheery and colorful, the snow and the terrible weather we’ve been having these days call for some serious pick-me-ups. What’s more colorful than candy? In a very “Willy Wonka gone cute” kind of way, I have put together a sweet, sweet selection of nail enamel, guaranteed to give you a sugar high. Let’s start!

PEPPERMINT CANDY

1. Alpine Snow, OPI
2. Rouge Pop Art 1, YSL
3. Highland Mist, Scotch
4. Snap Happy, Essie
5. Attraction, Chanel

CANDY CORN

1. IM Beauty, Sephora by OPI
2. Distraction, Chanel
3. Ivory 108, Dior
4. Meet me at Sunset, Essie
5. Lemon Highlander, Scotch

COTTON CANDY

1. Tutu, Dior
2. Havana Dreams, Sephora by OPI
3. Strawberry Milkshake, Ciaté
4. Bikini so Teeny, Essie
5. Tendresse, Chanel

BUBBLEGUM

1. May, Chanel
2. Rosy Bow, Dior
3. Groove is in the Heart, Deborah Lippmann
4. Jolie Rosalie, Lancome
5. Seashell Pink, Nars

CANDY HEARTS

1. Fiver, Butter London
2. Morning Glory Fizz, Scotch
3. Blanc Symboliste 26, YSL
4. Check-up, Essie
5. Mimosa, Chanel

LICORICE

1. Licorice, Essie
2. Dragon, Chanel
3. Dark Side of the Moon, Deborah Lippmann
4. Jungle Red, Nars
5. Noir Primitif 27, YSL

CHOCOLATE (dark,milk & white)

1. Chocolate, Dolce & Gabbana
2. Dune 715, Dior
3. Load, Illamasqua
4. Glamour Purse, Essie
5. Vertigo, Chanel

RUNTS

1. Tentation, Chanel
2. Rose Romantique 25, YSL
3. Yellow Brick Road, Deborah Lippmann
4. It’s totally Karma, Sephora by OPI
5. Action, Essie

That’s it for the day! The countdown for NYFW has officially begun and we couldn’t be more excited. As always, we are gonna be holding a very special coverage, but this year, it’s gonna be a little different from what I’ve been doing for the past seasons. Are you ready for fashion month?

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources: Selfridges, Sephora.com, Essie, Chanel, YSL Beauty

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

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…

Sweet n’Raw’s X’mas Shopping Guide: LADY BLOOM

Another day, another post! Today I have for you the second part of Sweet n’Raw’s Holiday Shopping Guide. Yesterday, the Francophile got amazing response from all of you and I sure hope that today’s personality gets the same treatment. As I told you before (also, if you didn’t read yesterday’s post), the gift  includes two selections: the pricey one (the splurge) and the affordable one (for us girls on a tight budget).

Today’s personality has two of my favorite things: she dresses like a lady and she is a sucker for flowers (even more so when she finds them printed on a pretty, flared dress). She is into ladylike silhouettes (pencil skirts, bubble dresses, cap sleeves, short jackets). She’s into soft and delicate fabrics (lace, crepe de chine and silk are favorites in her repertoire). She loves bows, she loves embroidery, she loves bold and dramatic colors (nothing tops a violet dress and a rouge pucker).  Her perfumes are spicy, but always on the floral side. She is into lively florals, it’s the Secret Garden all the way. So if you have a friend (or mother, or sister) that matches this description, this is the list you need to be looking out before venturing into tat X’mas shopping spree. Here she is: LADY BLOOM

1. Bikini set, Zimmermann
2. Nail polish selection (Rose Renaissance, Violine Surrealiste, Beige Leger), YSL
3. Lace jumper, Valentino
4. Nude Oxfords,
5. Jasmin Rouge perfume, Tom Ford
6. Crystal ring, Bijoux Heart
7. Lace & silk dress, Valentino
8. Leather scented candle, Assouline
9. Watersnake sunglasses, Linda Farrow
10. Floral handbag, Valentino
11. Crystal statement necklace, Bijoux Heart
12. Carioca sandals, Charlotte Olympia

1. Rose violet frame, Urban Outfitters
2. Nail polish selection (She’s Pampered, I am strong, Lapiz of Luxury, Stylenomics), Essie
3. Flower textured jumper, New Look
4. Blue flower ring, Banana Republic
5. Green statement necklace, Modcloth
6. Summer Rose perfume, Stella McCartney
7. Layer dress, BCBG
8. Crochet doggy, Anne Claire Petit
9. Glitter bow flats, Faith
10. Gingerbread man bath & body, Philosophy
11. T-bar sandals, Zara

I really hope this guide helps you find that special something for that special someone! Two down, a lot more to go! We even have something for the lads cooking in the oven, so be sure to check back!

Have a great day, the weekend is almost here!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

 

Sweet n’Raws X-mas Shopping Guide: THE FRANCOPHILE

Hello, hello my sweet readers! December is finally here and it’s definitely starting to feel like Christmas (or like Winter, temperature has really dropped today): the big and bright tree in Piazza Duomo, the lights inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the beautifully decorated windows at the shops in Via Montenapoleone (even if the cold is almost deadly, Milano sure knows how to suit up for the Holidays). As the first parties and dinners start to happen (the one thing I miss about Mexico during this time was the booze-fest me and my friends used to organize every year), so does the shopping. As I told you on Saturday, Sweet n’Raw is armed and ready with a bunch of gift ideas that can help you sort out what to give who. In my Holiday shopping guide you will find that there is everything for every budget: from a $2,000 Chanel vintage bag to a $4.00 lip gloss.

As I mentioned before, Sweet n’Raw’s Christmas shopping guide is personality-inspired. This year, I wanted to think a little bit out of the box, not your usual “rocker chick” “boho chic” kind of guide. I have prepared two selections per personality: the splurge (if you are going all out) and the steal (if you are smart shopping). To get things started, a personality I really identify with: the francophile.

Us francophiles know exactly what “francophile” means. For the rest of you, don’t panic, it’s not a disease (but it is an addiction). A francophile is a non-french individual obsessed with all things gallic. There are many of us out there, we know we are not alone. In fact, I bet you have a friend who dreams about Paris even when she is awake. A friend who dreams of a house in the French countryside. A friend who has read every single expat memoir for sale on Amazon. A friend who, if she had the money and the speediest metabolism in the world, would live on Laduree macarons. In case you wondered, I am all of the above. If you have a sister or a colleague that goes crazy with la France and all that it has to offer, this is the list you need when shopping for her gift. Let’s get started!

1. Sea green stone Arty Ring, YSL
2. Fuchsia gloves, Miu Miu
3. Pink nail polish selection (Tendresse, May, Ballerina and Rose Exuberant), Chanel Le Vernis
4. Powder blue vintage bag, Chanel
5. Mint snakeskin flats, J. Crew
6. Lace dress, Oscar de la Renta
7. Detailed jumper, Moschino Cheap & Chic
8. Glitter sunglasses, Miu Miu
9. Stripe pajama shirt, Bodas
10. Santal Blush perfume, Tom Ford
11. Statement necklace, Erickson Beamon
12. Pom pom sandals, Charlotte Olympia

1. Ballerina flats, ASOS
2. Essie nail polish selection (Like to be bad, Love and acceptance, Who’s the boss), ASOS
3. Baby pink satchel, Zatchels
4. An Extraordinary Theory of Objects book, Stephanie LaCava
5. Cream dress, Topshop
6. Ruffle jumper, Romwe
7. Vanity mirror, Urban Outfitters
8. Petit Cherie eau de toilette, Annick Goutal
9. Kitten ring, Modcloth
10. Ankle-strap heels, Zara

Ready to shop for your wannabe French girlfriend? If you are my friend (or my boyfriend) and you are getting me a Christmas present, this is the post you should be looking at. Need more ideas? A lot more personality-inspired gifts coming your way!

Happy shopping and sweet kisses…

20 days till X-mas!

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

 

 

 

SWEET TROUBLE: Pink gets me high as a kite…

When it comes to pink nail polish, I admit it, I am a compulsive shopper. But I am not the cheese who stands alone in this one, I know that for sure (my sister is to nail polish, what Berlusconi is to Viagra).

How many times have you had to explain le boyfriend that the pink Dior is creamier than the Chanel one (even though they look almost the same) and that’s why you need them both.

How many times have you stood before the impressive nail polish line-up at drugstore aisle, trying to decide between barbie pink, candy pink or mauve. After a 30 minute deliberation (the security guard walking around you, eyeing you suspiciously, as a potential shoplifter means you’ve been in there for too long) you decide to take them all along with that neon pink that just caught your eye (even though you promised you would only buy one).

You feel the need to gift yourself Tom Ford’s Private Blend Nail Lacquer set this Christmas (click HERE if you wish to see it, at the risk of feeling greedier than Gollum). You are willing to pay 400 pounds for the box, only if the sales lady agrees to substitute the 16 shades inside with 16 bottles of Indian Pink.

You get your Essie parcel at home, only to discover you bought 15 shades of pink and one coral.

Your Instagram account could easily be mistaken for an OPI catalogue (the pinks and roses section, of course).

Does pink get you high as a kite? Is pink your favorite crayon? Yes, I’m kinda quoting Aerosmith.

If the answer’s yes, I rest my case.

A girl can never have too many bottles of pink nail polish.

Sweet kisses…

Illustration: 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.