Category: Photography

Barcelona, part 1

Anna-Maria21 Comments
I promised to make a post about my trip to Barcelona but because the picture flow would be so unbearably huge, I decided to divide the pictures in two posts. In this first post I will go over the cultural aspects of Barcelona, shopping will follow in the later post.

It was my first time in this colorful city and I must say, if you have never been there, it’s definitely worth a visit! The architecture is what Barca is most known for but I’d say food and atmosphere should come next. I’m already missing it so much; walking on the pretty streets, eating Spanish omelette and other delicious tapas with sangria at midnight, getting to know the friendly locals, and admiring all the art the city has to offer. Spain seems so relaxed and warm, and I’m not just talking about the temperature.


Shirt: Monki
Biker shorts: MTWTFSS
Shoes: MTWTFSS
Chain strap bag: Spirit Items
Studded bag: Zara
Ring: Kalevala Koru

I visited most of the sights that this city has to offer: the beautiful buildings of Gaudi, amazing parks such as Park de la Ciutadella and Park Güel, the mountain of Mont Jüic with its beautiful castle and a spectacular view over the city, and of course the Poble Espanyol – a little village that replicates the different architectural styles of Spain. It also offers the interesting art pieces pictured below. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit the Picasso museum nor Salvador Dali’s but I guess you always have to leave something for the next time, so that there will be a next time.


T-shirt: Gina Tricot / DIY slashing
Vest: Zara
Shorts: Second hand Levi’s / DIY bleaching and cutting
Sandals: Dinsko
Sunglasses: Monki

 

Here are some useful traveling tips for those who are interested in visiting Barcelona:

– The summers are hot so wear something light with comfortable shoes: you will do lots of walking, trust me.
– Buy bottled water and bring it everywhere you go, it gets hot! The tap water is filled with chlorine and is undrinkable (I got a damn rash on my neck just from taking showers, yuck!).
– Sightseeing is fun but be aware that there are usually long queues ahead during the peak seasons. If you have time, visit the local attractions by metro (it’s cheap) and about 1-2 sights/day is tolerable. If you are in a hurry, use the tourist busses. I must warn you though, they are quite expensive.
– Visit at least all the Gaudi buildings, Park de la Ciutadella and Mont Jüic. From the beaches I would recommend Icaria, it’s less crowded and very clean compared to the popular Barceloneta.
– Lunch hour in Spain is from 1pm to 4pm and dinner usually starts after 8-9pm. It is not strange sight to see people enjoying dinner or tapas at midnight either.
– You must taste the tapas such as the Spanish omelette and pan con tomato. So yummy! Wine (and alcohol in general) is really cheap in Spain, so ordering a pitcher in the table is totally afforable. Eating out in general is quite affordable.
– A local told me that Barcelonians are known to be “cheap”, so tipping in restaurants etc. is not mandatory. However, we did leave a little tip each time, just because the food was so damn good.
– There are pickpockets in this city but I didn’t encounter any during my stay. Just be careful and don’t leave your belongings unattended, and you’ll be fine.
– Be aware of the siesta, it happens during 1-4pm closing some of the shops etc.
– Spanish people don’t speak English too well so practice some Spanish basics before you go!

Midsummer Night’s Dream

Anna-Maria21 Comments
Hi, I’m back! Barcelona was truly wonderful and I will post about it and all the shopping very soon, I promise. Now, however, I’m in Sweden and spent the midsummer here with my aunt and cousin. Today I’m off to Finland and back to the oh so boring normal life. I wish life could just be one big holiday with no obligations such as work. At least I will get two more weeks off when July turns to August.


Blazer: Zara
Sweater: H&M
Top: Zara
Skirt: Monki
Leggings: American Apparel
Scarf: Acne
Shoes: Vagabond
Bag: Saddler
Ring: Kalevala Koru

Shadowplay

Anna-Maria10 Comments

 

 

 

 

My official photographer, a.k.a. boyfriend, has caught the spring flu from me, meaning photographing is now my and the Gorillapod’s responsibility for the next couple of days. Therefore the strange photos; although it was fun playing with the camera and the sunlight. Frankly, I haven’t worn anything really exciting since Saturday, just some clothes I’ve been able to grasp from my closet during the five minutes I have time each morning to get dressed for work. The red lace-ups have played a major role in my outfits lately and let me tell you, they are really growing on me by every footstep. I’ve also worn the same hairdo since Saturday but tonight these crazy curls will be washed away because I started to feel like some weird hybrid between Jayne Eyre and the characters from Edgar Allan Poe’s work. Then again, that sounds like a pretty cool combination, eh?


Sweater: H&M
T-shirt: MTWTFSS
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Shoes: Global Essentials
Necklace: Second hand

Blog party

Anna-Maria19 Comments
As important as a party itself, is what you wear to a party. Since I’m a panic dresser when it comes to important events, I usually start planning on the outfit of the evening weeks beforehand. When you’re on a minute schedule on the d-day, everything should be in order because there is no time for mistakes. With a great help from Shini of Park&Cube, I acquired this amazing Rick Owens-like dress from All Saints. The dress had been sold out from the All Saints webstore so I turned to Shini and she was so helpful to assist me in my mission and got it from the London store. Thank you Shini once more, you really saved me from a dress crisis!


Pictures by: Nelliina
Dress: All Saints
Combat boots: Kenkärepo
Tights: DIY
Ring: Marc by Marc Jacobs

The dress came in need, as a month of hard work and anticipation finally paid off last night, when I and about 30 other style bloggers met up in a blog party in my hometown Tampere. Nelliina and I had put this fun event together with an agenda including shopping tour in local boutiques, Finnish fashion designers presentation, a live band, fashion quiz, good food, DJ’s and great sponsors such as Nanso, Nelly.com, and John Freida. Even though there was a couple of draw backs on the way, we succeeded in making a great party – I think we should totally start a company organizing events like this!

 


Thanks everyone for sharing the pics!

The night was so much fun and full of great conversations; it was so nice to see the people behind the blogs you follow on a daily basis. We definitely need to have more of these meetings in the future!