The B is Back!

Sweet n’raw has been happening for a while now and this is the first time since I opened the blog, that I have gone without posting this long. Since March 2011, I have been constantly publishing articles about fashion, about style and of course, my greatest passion of them all, illustration. I have tried out different sections, discarded some, came up with new ones. I have changed the layout countless times. I have reviewed fashion shows and illustrated trends. And while I have been doing all this, I have been growing, both personally and professionally.

You know how people talk about the seven year itch when it comes to marriage? I started having the three year itch when it came to blogging.  My posts were starting to lack that “je ne sais quois” I was always so proud about. Everything began to feel a tad repetitive. I didn’t have the same amount of time I had before when it came to putting together elaborate trend guides or my infamous Fashion Week coverage. I found myself struggling to find inspiration, something had taken Sophie’s groove and refused to give it back.

I also started developing a separate project, my second baby (I can’t tell you about my precious just yet), and juggling both things became impossible. I had to make a decision, renovate or die. And naturally, I wasn’t gonna let three years of work go down the drain. I needed to find a way to put a new spin on Sweet n’raw. It took almost two months but I finally managed to come up with a fresh concept and a much simpler one. Yes, I will still be talking about trends, style, fashion and runways, but in a less serious and critical way. And yes, there will still be illustration, the blog would be lost without it.

I am armed and ready with new sections, new posts, new fashion, new colors and new everything! I hope you like this extreme makeover, I kinda like it a lot!

Have a great week,

SHALLOW SOPH: This Winter…

The year was 2008, Sophie’s first of five European Winters. Coming from a country where the climate used to be gentle (thank you, global warming), our shallow one never felt the need to buy heavy outerwear. Of course, she owned a classic, black, wool-blend coat, which came in handy when she traveled to colder destinations. But for the city, leather bikers, trench coats and bomber jackets were everything she needed… Until she had to face wintertime in Milan, Italy.

She thought the wool-blend coat would be enough, but eventually she grew colder and tired of wearing the same damn thing every single day. And so the search began and her first (and only) physical encounter with that vicious villain commonly known as the puffer jacket. Even though Sophie already knew she loathed it, she gave it a shot and tried one on. After staring at herself in a mirror, horrified at the sight of the shiny garbage bag, Michelin woman, she had two choices: Walk around town feeling warm but looking like a Thanksgiving parade balloon, about to take off. Or stick with the wool and bare the cold. She went with the wool and mastered the art of layering.

Since then, Sophie has never worn a puffer jacket again and she never will (not even Moncler). And don’t say never say never, please.

From Sophie, with love,

 

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

The higher the heel…

“The higher the heel, the closer to heaven I feel”.

You may or may not agree with me, but it sure is a fine excuse to fill that shoe closet up!

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’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.