Sweet n’raw’s Summer Prep: HEALTHY HABITS

It’s the fourth post from our Summer Prep series and this is a subject that, while I’m no expert in this matter, I can say that my simple methods have really been paying-off for me. Nowadays, people are way ahead with their clean eating, their detox programs and their endless protein smoothies handbook (my sister in one of them, she knows her chia seeds, she knows her almond butter and her quinoa). I am less of an expert and more of a traditionalist, but still, I wanted to share with you my humble and maybe boring healthy tips. But…. I used to be a rather chubby teenager and now, 50 pounds lighter, I’ve managed to keep that weight off (almost all, I sometimes gain one or loose two and so on).

With Summer right around the corner, the time has come to stop slacking-off or, if you have been keeping fit and healthy, to step-up that game. That horrible feeling when you are at a poolside, feeling insecure, covered up in a towel or inside a huge kaftan (I don’t care if it’s Missoni, Summer was made for parading yourself around in a bikini), been there, won’t be there ever again. No, it’s not about dreaming about Candice Swanepoel’s perfect physique, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, it’s about being as fit and happy as you could possibly be. Confidence comes from the inside, yes, but taking care of yourself means loving yourself so much that confidence just comes with the whole package. Here are a few things that make me feel better and look better:

SLEEP THERAPY: They call it beauty sleep for a reason, right? Sleeping is as important as what you eat or put inside your body. The more you sleep, the better you’ll feel. Wanna loose weight? Sleeping can help. I suffer from anxiety and it always happens just before going to bed. It would’ve been easier to pop some pills every night, but instead, I have created a routine that actually works.

• Satin silk scarf for the head: just the thing to tame those curls overnight.
• Relax and Sleep Well app: the creepy voice is actually soothing and the breathing dynamics work, for real!
• Showering and moisturizing before bed: it’s relaxing and the skin feels so damn good against cold sheets.
• Lavender pillow mist: that’s the cherry on my cake. L’Occitane has a nice one but my all-time favorite is Banyan Tree’s Lavender and Bergamot Sleep Enhancer

INFUSED WATER: Drink at least two liters of water, that’s what they always say… I used to find that task so hard to achieve, until I started cooling off massive amounts of tea. That’s right, now I make pitchers of Peppermint and Cucumber or Black Currant tea, put them in the fridge (no sugar, just plain, infused water) and then I happily drink my 8 glasses of water. If you are not that much into tea, you can chop some berries or some cucumber and lime and throw them inside the water. Cucumber water is the ultimate de-puffer, try it!

CLEAN EATING: I’m no expert as I said before, I just eat what works for me:

• Fruits only in the morning: cantaloupe and papaya, mango when I’m seriously craving somethin’ sweet.
• Egg whites with turkey breast, best breakfast after a workout.
• Soups, simple vegetable soups (nothing creamy) are healthy and they help fill that stomach up!
• Coffee with coconut soy milk, that’s my drug and my fuel!
• Lettuce with turkey breast, simple but great with a Dijon and red wine vinegar dressing.
• Lunch: protein + veggies (grilled, baked or steamed).

And I do enjoy my glasses of wine often and a pasta (I’m not a dessert kind of person) with lots of Parmigiano every once in a while. I don’t believe in pills or magic remedies, I don’t believe in quick diets and skipping meals, they will work against you sooner or later. It’s not about dieting, it’s about learning how to eat.

SMOOTH DETOX: My foodie/clean eater sister, who blogs about that a lot, swears by detox smoothies, so I thought it would be nice to include them in this post. She followed Dr. Oz’s Detox Plan, you can read all about it HERE and find there recipes over HERE

GET MOVING: I’m not gonna get into the whole “how many squats and push-ups” thing, I’m no expert. What I can tell you, no matter what you eat, how many hours a day you sleep or how many pounds you weight, you’ll never be healthy enough if you don’t exercise. Find your weapon of choice, the one you enjoy or don’t hate, and don’t stop. You don’t like running? Walk, but do it everyday (I like to do intervals on a treadmill, that works for me). Some jumping jacks when you wake up, some crunches before bed. Pinterest is a great tool when it comes to finding new routines to try out. The only important thing here is to keep on moving and never stop! Remember, fit is the new skinny!

What are your healthy habits? Anything new for me to try out? Drop me a line! Tomorrow we will be moving on to Fashion, no that’s really my area of expertise! Have a great day!

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 Summer Prep: MAKE-UP

Summer when it comes to make-up is all about new shades, new products and new looks. I’m always waiting for that moment, the moment when Chanel releases their nail polish collections so I can run out that door and buy them all! Since we are in the middle of our Summer Prep Guide, a little seasonal make-up round-up is in order. I’ve put together what you’ll need in order to pull-off the hottest beauty looks straight from last September’s runways and the hottest nail polish trends for you to rock with those itsy bitsy bikini numbers. Ready? Let’s start with the face!

Dark & Smudged: Smoky eyes are part of our every weekend evening make-up routine, but dark & smudged isn’t about that at all, it’s about the messy under eye. You know, a bit grunge, the morning after kind of effect. What you’ll need:

• L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
• Dior Show Black Out Mascara
• Smudging brush from Sephora

Cobalt Eyes: I’m one of the first girls to be afraid with playing with a little eye shadow color, I usually go for neutrals and greys. But this season’s cobalt blue eyes, that I’m willing to try.

• Sephora Waterproof Smoky Cream Liner in The Deep End
• Nars Single Eye Shadow in Outremer

Weightless Foundation: With warm and sticky weather, heavy make-up is a big no no. It gets cakey and it melts down your face. That’s why you need to switch you regular foundation for a lighter one. I definitely recommend YSL’s Le Teinte Touche Eclat

Naked: The “I have makeup on but it looks like I don’t” look took the runways by storm. The keys? A tinted moisturizer, brow gel, a neutral palette and mascara, just a dab!

• Urban Decay Naked Skin Tinted Moisturizer
• Urban Decay Naked Basics Eye Shadow Palette
• Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel
• Tarte EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener
• Clinique Chubby Stick in Heaping Hazelnut

Berry & Matte: Forget about super glossy lips, this season is all about matte. Forget about neons and dark puckers, bright berry red is back!

• Illamasqua lipstick in Box
• YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats in Rouge Rock
• Smashbox Legendary lipstick in Legendary

Pop of pink: Eyes, cheeks, lips, nails, everything looks prettier in a hot shade of pink. And remember, fuchsia is one of the strongest colors for next Fall so you’ll be also getting a little ahead!

• Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar in Yaoi
• Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia
• Make up For Ever single eye shadow in Neon Pink
• Stila After Glow Lip Color in Festive Fuchsia
• Make uo For Ever Aqua Liner in Iridiscent Fuchsia

And that bag? You’ll definitely need a cuet one to put all that new stuff in it and to take it with you on your upcoming trips and vacations. Tory Burch is to blame for this cute Flamingo number.

Now that we are done with the face, it’s time for some nailporn. This are the hottes hues and brands you definitely need to add to your enamel collection. Check them out!

Naked fingers: Nude polish this season is as hot as it was on the S/S runways. Whether you go for a ballet pink, a shiny blush or a sandy beige, a neutral enamel is a must inside your nail polish drawer.

• Faint of Heart, MAC
• Lingerie, Guerlain
• Nudite, Estee Lauder
• Nude Beach, Bobbi Brown
• Glints of Glinda, OPI

Precious metal: Metallic nails are everywhere! Gold, copper, silver, rose gold, almost every brand is carrying their metallic shades. Here are my favorites:

• Or Pur, Kure Bazaar
• Disco Inferno, NARS
• Looks like rain dear, Sephora by OPI
• Bubbly Gold, Lancome
• Chaos, Estee Lauder

Mermaid tips: Deborah Lippmann did it first, the rest followed. And we thank them for that. Metallic teal or mermaid’s tail is the perfect Summer shade.

• Viridian, Illamasqua
• Azuré, Chanel
• Mermaid’s Dream, Deborah Lippmann
• Samba, Dior
• I’m So Sari, Sephora by OPI

Summer Blues: Any shade or every shade of blue you can find and purchase is perfect for the warm season. I’m all about pastel blue, but Chanel’s Bel-Argus is to die for!

• Havana Dreams, Sephora by OPI
• Avenue Mantain, Essie
• Bel-Argus, Chanel
• Bleu Majorelle, YSL
• Blue Blood, Estee Lauder

Candy Beach: Pastel season was definitely Spirng 2012, but why leave this powdery and pretty hues behind? Match your pink bikini to mint toes or lavender fingers. Lovely, eh?

• Diorlisse Snow Pink, Dior
• Botanical Gardens, Nails INC
• Go Ginza, Essie
• Sharks Yellow, Pierre Hardy for NARS
• Blue Mint, Mavala

Happy Feet: Cheer those toes up with bright and vivid hues such as Emerald, Carrot Orange, Barbie Pink and Peach.

• Parme Graffiti, YSL
• Queen Victoria Street, Nails INC
• Madison Ave-hue, Essie
• Capeline, Dior
• Sharplines Peach, Pierre Hardy for NARS

Fizzy Pink: As sweet and bubbly as a pink soda pop on a warm, Summer day. Rock a glittery pink this season, who doesn’t love pink?

• Pink Rain Drops, Illamasqua
• Arabesque, NARS
• Mermaid’s Kiss, Deborah Lippmann
• Princess, Dior
• Narcissist, Estee Lauder

Bloody Summer: Dark nails for Summer? A bold and dramatic statement but one that looks gorgeous with a killer tan!

• Berry Desire, Estee Lauder
• Bordeaux Lust, Tom Ford
• Lotus Rouge, Chanel
• Black Honey, Clinique
• Knees Up, Butter London

That’s a wrap for make-up, moving on to the healthy habits. Are you enjoying our Summer Prep Guide so far? Drop us a line!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Sephora, Selfridges, Harrod’s, Chanel

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 Summer Prep: BEAUTY

Forget about complex procedures and pricey products and learn to keep it simple. As a person with extremely sensitive skin (sun allergies are a constant torment for me) and curly hair that’s particularly susceptible to humidity, I have learned that there are no instant, magic potions. I have learned that the best way to deal with this issues is by prepping the skin and the hair in advance: many, many days before the “baring it almost all” season begins. Your skin needs to be ready to brace the sun. Trust me, after going 8 months without a glimpse of sunshine, my Casper skin was nowhere ready for sun rays. Spots, allergies, peeling, uneven tanning were ways in which my skin was telling me it wasn’t ready for that. So if you want to be ready for the warmest season of them all, maybe this will help!

• Keep it clean, keep it smooth: Bare skin season is almost here and the best way to get ready is by moisturizing, moisturizing, moisturizing. I like my shower gel to match the smell of my body lotion. Philosophy’s Cabana Girl duo will definitely get you in a Summer mood.
• Skin shedding: Want your tan to last more? Want your legs as smooth as a baby’s butt? Like a canvas, you have to get your skin prepped. A good scrub is a great way to start. You can make your own (the whole sugar, baking soda, oatmeal thing) or you can go with Soap & Glory’s Flake Away (it’s like a spa in a jar). Don’t overdo it, once a week does the trick!
• Silky fingers: Hands always make an impression, it’s one of the first things people notice about you. For Summer, keep ’em moisturized at all times. Hand creams are a must in a girl’s purse! And if like me, you have the terrible habit of murdering your cuticles with your teeth, moisturizing often will definitely keep you from biting them. Hand Food, Soap & Glory
• Sexy hair: Beach waves are every girl’s dream. But if you belong to the Curly Sue team (like moi), frizz and humidity are our worst enemies when it comes to warm weather. Now’s the time to start applying treatments and searching for the perfect styling cream. Beauty gurus and bloggers with curly hair swear by Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Calming Cream.
• Summer pucker: Not many people know this and not many people do it, but lip scrubbing is as important as facial or body exfoliating. Bliss has the perfect combo for everyday lip conditioning: Fabulips, available on Sephora. And remember, it’s always nice to scrub before applying a bright colored lipstick, it lasts longer!
• Heel repair: Grooming ladies! Summer is all about groomed feet! If you suffer from dry heels or ankles, the solution is easy and painless (ladies, stay away from the callus blade): a softening foot cream with a peppermint base and gel moisturizing socks, every single night! Foot cream, Body Shop
• Nail files: Healthy nails are happy nails! With Dior’s Nail Glow you get treatment + a glossy finish in one product!
• Fake it: I know, you can’t wait to pack your bikins and head to a peaceful beach to get some color on your skin. In the meantime, to get a great and natural tan, St. Tropez self-tanning lotion is just what you need. Wanna remove it? They have another product, just for that!
• Face yoghurt: Love Greek yoghurt? With Korres Advanced Sleeping Facial you can now slap it on to your face! Great for your skin and it works at night!
• Skin enamel: I’ve favored skin oils better than body lotions all my life. The reason? I feel they can hydrate your skin better and they leave a sexy shine on your skin (there was a moment in my life I was so obsessed with baby oil, I looked like a bodybuilder at a contest every time I went out. That ship sailed long ago, thank God). Vaseline Cocoa Butter Gel Oil is cheap, easy to find and great for your limbs.
• A seasonal scent: I know, they are limited editions (I hate buying perfumes I know I won’t be able to buy forever) but a Summery scent can immediately cheer you up and put you in a sunny mood. They are always fresh and lovely! A tip: if the perfume you normally wear has a Summer edition, go for that one. I wear Naughty Alice and am already looking for my Flirty Alice for Summer.
• Scrubbing duties: A loofah in the shower is a must. Just remember, they are not forever, for hygiene reasons, you should replace them every once in a while.
• While you were sleeping: Night serums will make you wake up fresh, shiny (in a good way) and hydrated. Aurelia Glow Serum will do wonders to your precious face.
• Protect the skin you’re in: I don’t need to say more! Slap SPF at all times, in the morning, two hours later, then an hour later. Hell, you can even use SPF as your day cream. I favor Avene Ultra-high protection cream, SPF 50

This are products you can find almost everywhere (some at Sephora, some at the drugstore, some at the supermarket) and they are replaceable (you don’t have to buy the same brand, something similar will do). Take care of your skin and hair, and you will look fabulous this Summer and after the Summer as well. Ready for some new make up products? That’s what my next Summer Prep post will be about. Stay tuned!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Sephora, Selfridges,

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 Summer Prep Series

We are less than two months away from what is everyone’s favorite season (except mine, I’m a Spring kind of gal), Summer! Summer means less clothes. Summer means sunkissed skin and natural tans. Summer means fun and drinks on a terrace.  Summer means pools, beaches and trips. But in order to have a killer Summer, one has to get body, face, mind and spirit ready. Bikini season can be fun if you feel confident enough. Bikini season can be a bitch if you feel like a fish out of the water. Hot weather calls for little clothing, bare legs, bare arms and you know what, there’s nothing more fun than parading yourself around in a bikini for hours, while soaking up the sun and having fun. We still have enough time to get ourselves picture perfect for the coming season, that’s why Sweet n’raw has prepared a simple guide that will help us achieve just that!

You don’t need to be a food and fitness expert to eat healthy and exercise. You don’t need to be a beauty editor to buy the right stuff. And since I am no food or beauty expert, I have put together a guide with the products and routines that work for me. And since fashion is my area of expertise, I have also put together a “Stocking up for Summer” series of posts. What can you expect in the next few days?

• Beauty Summer Prep: All things beauty, from seasonal scents to scrubs and moisturizers.
• Healthy Habits: Smoothies? Infused water? An effective sleep routine? Yep, you’ll find that here!
• Stocking up for Summer: Get that closet Summer ready with our style guide.
• Summer Make-up: The hottest nail colors, the best make up for hot and sticky weather, lip shades to try out!

Let’s get ready for the new season! Let’s do it together and let’s do it now! Check back tomorrow for the first post of the series!

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

 

SPRING GROCERIES, part 3

Good evening, my sweet readers! Today I’m back with the last part of our Spring Groceries series. Since you are probably tired from a long day of work, I’m gonna make this quick. Every season has its staples and for Spring 2013, it’s all about a game between the neutrals and the brights. Ready to play? Here they are!

Neutrals are major mixers and life savers. When not having a clue on how to pair up that pair of wild printed trousers, throw a neutral solid and you are good to go! This Spring, palate cleansers are one of the strongest trends, but instead of spending on a stylish, seasonal piece, why not buy something that can work with almost anything, and in every season. Here’s a list of items your closet desperately needs:

1. Barely there heels: Get a black pair, a colorful one if you want but please you can’t leave your wardrobe without a pair of nude, barely there, heeled sandals. Zara (pictured) has quite an assortment, so does Net-a-porter.
2. The white shorts: This asymmetrical style from Zara has everyone going crazy, but if you are not into the whole wrap-around shorts, any type of white smart shorts will do. Leg flashing is the biggest warm weather perk.
3. Naked top handle: Ladylike bags are a must this season and buying a neutral colored bag is always worth the splurge.
4. The minimal clutch: For those evenings out with friends or date nights with the boyfriend, a minimal envelope clutch is a good game changer. This beauty is from Marni.
5. Basic trainers: Forget about the black high-tops you wore all Winter, this season is all about bright whites. Isabel Marant has a beautiful pair, but so does Zara (pictured). Go get  ’em!
6. Short-sleeve sweatshirt: A major basic for Spring! Great with denim shorts, camo skinnies or over a sundress, possibilities are endless! This one is from Zara.
7. Nude joggers: Maybe is just me, but lately, smart joggers are my new skinny jeans. With a cropped top and a blazer or a lightweight sweater, you can go to work, to a lunch and even happy hour!
8. LWD: Who cares about black when you can soak up the sun in a little white number. This baby is from McQueen.
9. The white pump: If you don’t have your pair or haven’t seen them everywhere, yoy really have been missing on a major trend.
10. Neutral nails: They were on almost every runway last September and YSL’s Beige Leger is the perfect shade to pull it off.
11. Naked sandals: A single strap in a neutral color? Perfect Spring and Summer off-duty companions.

For every neutral you get, you should get a bright. The best way to cheer and spice up an ensemble is with a colorful garment. This season, there’s a lot of color, a lot of it!

1. Bold bralet: Pair up your high-waisted pants with one of this, throw over a blazer. Trust me, it doesn’t get more chic than that. Just remeber, do your crunches, drink your water! Bralet, Tucker
2. Ethnic mini: The perfect garment for those sunny days, with a denim shirt or a plain tee. Flat sandals? Lace-up heels? Skirt, Thu Thu
3. The bright pussybow: For work, to spice up your corporate look. To dress up your jeans for a lunch date with friends. With a pair of shorts for an easy breezy evening. It’s classic with a twist.
4. Emerald trousers: You choose the cut and shape (tapered, joggers, skinny, flared), but since Emerald is the color of the season, this are a must!
5. Disco sandals: Metallic footwear is the biggest hit of the season (thanks Burberry Prorsum for that). A pair of mirror flat sandals in pink (from ASOS) or blue can make an outfit more fun and daring.
6. Pink mini shoulder bag: Shoulder bags, little ones, have taken over Spring. We can find them in any color and texture we want, but a pink one? Pink is always resourceful, girly and pretty.
7. Electric points: Electric blue has been around for a while now (jeans, dresses, bags) and pointy shoes just made a big comeback. Put them together and the result is flawlessly perfect. This sexy pair is from Zara.
8. Silky shift: Shift dresses are ideal for warm and sunny days. Silk is perhaps the fabric with the most beautiful texture and it clings to the body like no other. Choose the color you prefer, but make it a bright one.
9. The yellow blazer: When it comes to blazers this Spring, yellow is the new black. This one is affordable and happy, you can find it on Zara.com
10. Pink hot shorts: Pink will have the leading role when it comes to colors this Fall. Why not start wearing it right now? Shorts, Christopher Kane
11. Naked & red: I’ve said it a million times, barely there sandals are a must this season. Get them in every color possible, I know I will. Add a touch of spice by buying a red pair. Heels, Zara
12. Vitamin bodycon bikini: There’s nothing sexier than a bandage bikini in orange or pink? Remember, vitamin color and a tan make a killer combo. Bikini, Herve Leger.

And that’s a wrap for our Spring Groceries series! Now you know what you need, so… Happy shopping!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Net-a-porter, Polyvore, Farfetch, Zara

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

LADY DOODLES, the wallpaper

It all began one rainy afternoon, when wanting to creatively personalize my resume… I started with one doodle, then the other and so on. I scanned them and began piling them up. I copied and pasted them like a hundred times and this was the result: a pretty and girly wallpaper I decided to name “Lady Doodles”. You likey?

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

NAIL FILES: Pretty in Pink

Good evening, my sweet readers! I’m catching up as fast as I can with my posts and my articles and today, after more than a month without them, the Nail Files are back. Some people say Emerald is the color of the season (ok, Pantone said it), but I dare to disagree. This season, it’s all about pink. It doesn’t matter if you go for hot pink, baby or salmon, the important thing is taking advantage of the prettiest color from the bunch. That’s why I made a selection of the best shades of pink polish you can find right now. Keep those nails girly and pretty, keep ’em pink!

TUTU PINK

1. Ballerina, Chanel Le Vernis
2. Skin to Skin, ANNY
3. East Hampton Cottage, Essie
4. Rose Milk, Kure
5. Before he cheats, Deborah Lippmann

PEONY PINK

1. It’s a Girl, OPI
2. Poppy Art Pink, Essie
3. Dear Diary, Sephora by OPI
4. Wishful Pinking, Loreal
5. Less is More, ANNY

SALMON PINK

1. Princess, Dior Vernis
2. A Crewed Interest, Essie
3. Rose Abstrait, YSL
4. Frisson, Chanel le Vernis
5. Kensington Place Gardens, Nails INC

ROSEY PINK

1. Ballerina Pink, Estee Lauder
2. Pink Crush, Tom Ford
3. Mad Men, Estee Lauder
4. Sakura, Kure
5. Spaghetti Strap, Essie

MACARON PINK

1. May, Chanel Le Vernis
2. Seeing Pink Elephants, Sephora by OPI
3. Chack-up, Essie
4. Macaron, Kure
5. Rosy Bow, Dior Vernis

BARBIE PINK

1. Saint Germain, MAC
2. Cascade Cool, Essie
3. Harem, Illamasqua
4. Pink of Hearts, OPI
5. Brompton Place, Nails INC

RASPBERRY PINK

1. Rose Exuberant, Chanel Le Vernis
2. Fuchsia Irresistible, Givenchy
3. Anardana, Nars
4. Fabulous, Kure
5. Arm Candy, Sephora by OPI

FUCHSIA

1. Obsess, Illamasqua
2. Paisley Martini, Scotch Minerals
3. Secret Stash, Essie
4. Passione, Dolce & Gabbana
5. Ate Berries, OPI

BLOODY PINK

1. Graphic Berry, Dior Vernis
2. Rose Boudoir, Lancome
3. Keys to my Hybrid, Sephora by OPI
4. Big Spender, Essie
5. Fuchsia Cubiste, YSL

That’s a wrap for today’s post! And remeber, a girl can never have too many bottles of pink nail polish!

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

SPRING GROCERIES, part 2

As promised, I am back with another one of our Spring Groceries posts, it’s the second from a three-part series. Dressing up casually or for an evening out is relatively easy. Almost every day, women ask themselves the same question: “What am I supposed to wear today?” And then comes the next statement: “I have absolutely nothing to wear (even though the closet is packed with clothes)”. Having your off-duty and on duty basics is what will save you from arriving late to dinner after you put on your entire closet and ended up with the first thing you tried on. They will save you from arriving late to work because your alarm didn’t go off and you didn’t have a last minute savior, the garment you know you can pair with almost anything and whip up a great look. This reasons are reasons enough for me to put together a Spring 2013 Off-duty, On duty basics. Check them out and cross out those you already have. Let’s begin!

Drinks with friends, a first date, a family dinner, a night out with the colleagues, our lives are filled with things to do and places to be. And there are times where those skinny jeans and your high-tops just won’t do. For a dressier occasion, there is always the basic garment you just can’t live without. Forget about the boring black blazer or the black stiletto pumps, this Spring  the “on duty” garments are more unexpected than expected:

1. Warrior heels: They are sexy and they have that “good girl gone bad” vibe. Men love them and they have the power of sexing-up anything you are wearing. Brian Atwood is responsible for this two-toned beauties.
2. Minimal culotte: With a sweatshirt, with a shirt and a blazer, with a tee, with a leather top, possibilities are endless. This pair is from Zara and is already a blogger favorite.
3. The detailed button-down: Leave your white shirt for work or an off-duty day. When going out, printed, embroidered or embellished blouses are the way to go. Feeling a little edgy? Match them to crazy prints and killer heels. This beauty is from Marni.
4. The black envelope: If you don’t have one already, start saving up! Black envelope clutches are perfect for when having to make a day outfit a little dressier for the night. Marni also made this black number.
5. The evening slipper: How many times have you wanted to ditch the heels for a night but you don’t have another option that goes with your evening ensemble. A pair of embroidered slippers or leopard ones (Charlotte Olympia’s kittens are a dreamboat) will save your life and your outfit!
6. The monochromatic trousers: Black and white is a classic that never goes out of style. This season, with the Beetlejuice stripes everywhere, options are endless. You can go for the whole Balmain style striped jeans or off-white trousers with black details.
7. The new LBD: Forget about your tailored, simple frock. Go for a detailed one: textures, lace, ruffles, leather, your choice. Victoria Beckham is a master when it comes to reworking the famous LBD.
8. The double-breasted waistcoat: Forget about the black blazer, each time you want to add a tailored piece to you ensemble, go for the waistcoat. Oh yeah, the vest is the new blazer. Waistcoat, Zara.
9. Statement skirt: I like them flouncy, but you can go pencil, a-line or bodycon. Just pick a print that’s bold, but not flashy enough. Remember, basics are meant to go with everything. Skirt, Zara
10. Naked black heels: There’s nothing sexier than pedicured feet (please, when wearing this, a pedicure, moisturizer and a good scrub is mandatory) in a pair of barely there heels. Have always a black pair with you, it will come in handy when you least expect it! Heels, Zara
11. The evening bomber: Need to cover up for a windy Spring night? Leave your biker at home and switch to an evening bomber. Don’t think varsity, you can now find them in silk, lace, leather, even beautiful prints. This baby is from DKNY.

Dressing up for a casual day can be more difficult than it seems, save yourself the trouble and check this list. You should (ok, if you want to) have all this items inside your closet at all times, clean, ironed and ready to wear. You never know when you’ll need them!

1. The army tee: Even if you are not keen on camo, this baby with a pair of cut-offs, some skinny jeans or even a leather skirt can be a total life saver. Tee, Current Elliot
2. Casual ruffles: This is a boho chic skirt, but you can give it the twist you want with the right choice of top. A long sweater with some boots for a more relaxed and comfy style. A tee and some sneakers or a leather jacket for some edge?
3. The denim shirt: Always a basic, always comes in handy and with the denim trend this season, even more so. This beauty is from Dsquared.
4. The cool aviators: I’ve always been a Ray Ban kind of gal, but with all the designers embracing this shape, possibilities are endless. For a touch of glamour, go for gold frames.
5. White and distressed: Blue jeans are not as exciting as white ones. Add some rough patches and a great fit, you’ve got a winning combo. You can wear them at night with a cool top, for the day with a tee and a bomber.
6. The off-duty tunic: Days where you don’t want to think and pair garments happen to all of us. That’s when the off duty tunic comes in: throw a pair of flat gladiators, a messenger bag and a denim jacket and you are good to go! Tunic, Zara
7. The gray pullover: Sweatshirts have take over the word thanks to the genius Nicolas Ghesquiere and a gray one is the one that has proved more resourceful.
8. The beaded jacket: You might think of this baby as more of an evening garment, but trust me, a white tank and some distressed skinnies with some barely there flats is pure bliss. You’ll be comfy, you’ll be well dressed and you’ll survive the heat.
9. The Becketts: They are the originals, and trust me, they are worth the splurge. Isabel Marant is to blame for this babies and they are not going anywhere anytime soon. If you wanna save up, look for an alternative, not a clone. Adidas high-tops are to die for and affordable. CLICK HERE to take a look.
10. Camel lace-ups: Sexy, off-duty or on duty depending what you pair them with, perfect for Spring and Summer. With jeans, with a boho dress, with shorts, with everything! Really, go, buy them, NOW! This wonders are from Rebecca Minkoff.

There you go, more staples for your Spring closet! One more to go and we will move on to how to wear them!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

Image sources:  Net-a-porter, Polyvore, Farfetch, Zara

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

SPRING GROCERIES, part 1

Spring has definitely Sprung! Trees are growing their leaves, flowers are blooming, my coats and boots are stored in boxes and my feet are pedicure ready for sandals and barely there heels. Prior to Sweet n’raw’s Fashion Week special, we began covering this season’s strongest trends: Emerald, the Beetlejuice stripes, the palate cleansers, the floral prints and more. But there’s one thing about trends, no everyone likes to follow them and they don’t suit everyone who attempts to wear them. That’s why I have made my grocery list (Ok, ok! Shopping list… if only grocery shopping was that fun), packed with all the items that one must own this Spring and Summer and classified into colors, patterns and prints and even occasions. Over the next few days, I will be showing you two parts of the list in one post (I don’t want to bore the socks out of you with endless images and texts that resemble a puberty diary) and then we will be moving on to another section: How to wear our recently purchased “groceries”. So get your note pad and star scribbling, and then the fun part, start crossing out the items you already have or have just bought! Ready?

Prints and patterns are the best way to give that basic pair of pants the ultimate twist or to spice up an entire ensemble. This Spring, they are getting bolder and more fun than ever. Here’s the items you simply must have in your closet:

1. The statement wedges: Whether you go for patterns, graphic or fabric prints, a flashy wedge sandal is a must this Spring. Charlotte Olympia and Zara have a great selection, but this Sergio Rossi pair took my breath away.
2. Volume + stripes: Skirts with some structure always come in handy when creating playful looks, add some stripes (one of the biggest trends this season) and you have a winner. Skirt is from MSGM.
3. Peplum with a twist: Last Fall, the peplum was everywhere! This Spring, it stuck around but with a new twist: colorful printed and textured. This fierce little number is from Preen.
4. Tribal clutch: We all know and probably own tribal skirts and mini shorts, but how about some tribal arm candy? Zara has a bunch of options, including the one in the picture.
5. Bold and flat: Long, pointy and flat is the new ballerina. Don’t discard them until you try them. This printed pair is from Zara.
6. Head-turning trainers: Isabel Marant set them loose and we have loved and worshipped high-tops ever since then. Leave it to Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci to put some silk and prints into the already lovely equation.
7. Wild jacquard: I have to blame Jenna Lyons for my jacquard pants obsession and thank the rest of the designers who followed. This Spring is not only about printed pants, it’s also about the texture. Pants, Kenzo.
8. Show-stopping shift: With the digital print revolution, you don’t need to spend $3,000 on a Mary Katrantzou or Peter Pilotto (pictured) dress. A shift with a bold pattern is a life savior when the heat is unbearable: you’ll look cute and put together, but you’ll feel comfy and fresh.
9. Pattern knits: Fall gave us graphic jumpers, Spring is giving us patterned ones. Ideal for when creating texture and print mash-ups. Jonathan Saunders (pictured) has a great selection.
10. Shorty and spotty: A major staple and one that I can guarantee you’ll use over and over are a pair of leopard shorts.
11. Red bright lips: It’s all about a bright, almost orange pucker this Spring.
12. Colorful crochet: Bold colors and Missoni? What’s not to love?

Romantic pieces are not only pretty but also useful. You can get playful with them, pair them up with unexpected pieces: a biker jacket perhaps, or some hardcore boots on a lacey dress. You can put together a girly and ladylike ensemble. This season you will need the following:

1. Pastel wedges: Pink, powder blue, minty or lavender, you choose! Stella McCartney is responsible for this darling babies.
2. Retro sunnies: Think ladies of Mad Men, maybe Jackie O if she is more your style. Stella is also responsible for this pair.
3. Firty skirt: flouncy with volume and in a pretty color and fabric. It’s not only for dressing up but can also be worn off-duty with a sheer tank or a tee. This pink number is from Miu Miu.
4. Ruffle top: Chloe did ruffles, so did Gucci and Balenciaga. And since the white Chloe shift is almost unreachable, a romantic ruffled blouse is the perfect substitute. Blouse, Chloe
5. Vivid bikini: Zimmermann has the best shapes when it comes to swimwear, but also the best prints. They make the most vivid and romantic, almost retro floral prints and you, my friend, need to own one of their bikinis.
6. Princess flats: I assume you already have your mirrored heels, but you definitely need your glittery and sparkly pair of flats. Perfect fo when you want to add a touch of bling to an off-duty look or when you want to ditch the heels for an evening and still look picture perfect.
7. Floral pants: Choose your style: harem, tapered, skinny, capri or wide. This come from the extraordinary mind of J. Crew’s Jenna Lyons.
8. Creamy & lacy: A dress, no matter the length or shape, no matter the sleeves or the neckline, in creamy lace will always come in handy when it comes to sunny weather. This piece of art is from Jesus del Pozo.
9. The pretty clutch: Pretty colors and heavy embellishment make this kind of bag the perfect companion for an important event or a fancy dinner. Purse, Lanvin
10. Cutie pie jumper: Last Fall, Graphic knits were all about mad dogs, growling tigers, fierce eagles. This Spring is all about deers, pretty birds, cute cats and darling doggies.
11. Floral shorts: I don’t need to say anything more, you should know by now that this are a must. Peter Som makes this pink pair.
12. Afternoon tea heels: I have named them that way for a reason: Think about the kind of shoes you would wear if invited to an afternoon tea party in a garden. Ankle straps, printed fabric, girly details. You can find this pair on Zara.

There you go, from the bold to the lovely. Are this items already inside your closet? If not, start looking! On tomorrow’s post I will give you the on duty and off-duty items, don’t miss it!

Sweet kisses…

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

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

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