VivaLuxury

Good morning everyone! I would like to start by saying thank you for your wonderful birthday wishes! I can't even begin to tell you how much they mean to me, this is actually a fifth birthday we celebrate together and you've always been so incredibly sweet, kind and supportive! Thank you so much for making this day even more special for me!

If you've been following my blog for a while, you may already know that my family comes to visit me from Toronto every year so that we can spend my birthday together. Though what we do on my birthday always changes, sometimes we have a cozy little dinner at home, other times we travel somewhere fun as a family, the one tradition that became a constant in the past few years is going out to dinner the night before so that I get to blow out the candles on my birthday cake at exactly midnight. Another little perk of this arrangement is that I also get to open some of my presents a bit early, and I don't know about you, but patience is definitely not one of my virtues, so I definitely don't mind that at all!

Since the occasion was definitely formal, I wanted to wear something really special and this beautiful Jonathan Simkhai trumpet-sleeve dress seemed absolutely perfect! Aside from the fact that I have a weakness for dresses that move in general, this particular one has just the right amount of those beautiful details, like shoulder cut-outs and split sleeves, that that I always look for in garments.

Another reason why this outfit is so special to me, is because I got to partner with two of my absolute favorites - David Yurman and Neiman Marcus to introduce you to the newest David Yurman Osetra Collection which is carried exclusively at Neiman Marcus. What I love about this collection in particular is how bold and bright it is! Each and every piece is certainly a statement maker on it's own, yet as is with all David Yurman jewelry, it layers absolutely beautifully! For today's look, I chose to go with a pair of Green Onyx hoop earrings and a gorgeous Hematine & Rhodolite Garnet bracelet. Though for day, I often prefer to layer jewelry, when it comes to evening looks, I tend to choose a single piece to serve as a focal point. Because I felt that the bracelet is such a statement maker, I didn't want to distract from it, so I kept the rest of my jewelry to a minimum, adding a pair of hoop earrings for just a touch of sparkle. This way, the jewelry definitely stands out and complements each other in an effortless way. Do you agree?

P.S. Special thank you to ShopStyle and Neiman Marcus for partnering with me on this post!

DAVID YURMAN Osetra Collection Green Onyx hoop earrings { very pretty version in garnet here } and Osetra Hematine & Rhodolite Garnet bracelet | JONATHAN SIMKHAI trumpet-sleeve flare dress { also love this version in black } | SAINT LAURENT sandals { similar here& here } | BLACKSEA clutch { also love this one & this one }

Though we only had a single day to explore Riomaggiore, the experience was so amazing, it left an impression which will last a lifetime! Even more stunning and picturesque then we could have imagined, we fell in love with Riomaggiore the moment we saw it! In fact, both Ninel and I were so captivated by this place, we already find ourselves planning our next visit so that we have a bit more time to see everything Riomagiorre has to offer. And it probably goes without saying, but if you guys are planning a trip to Italy, I definitely recommend taking at least a day to explore this charming sea-side comune!

HOW TO GET THERE: We took a train from Florence and absolutely loved it! The 2 1/2 hour journey was an experience in itself! Though I was planning to use this time to catch up on some reading, I ended up spending the entire journey being glued to the window taking in all the beautiful scenery!

WHAT TO DO: There is a lot to do in Riomaggiore, but if I had to choose some of my absolute favorites, I would highly recommend walking along the Via Colombo, a street that runs through the center of this town, which has some great shopping and dining options, spending a few hours at the beach catching some sun rays, swimming and snorkeling ( the water is crystal-clear ) and of course indulging in some delicious Italian food!

WHERE TO EAT: We loved Pie' de Ma', a charming little restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy the stunning views of Riomaggiore while indulging in some delicious food and a glass of vine, or two! :)

CAROLINE CONSTAS Gabriella off-the-shoulder gingham bustier top | ONE TEASPOON Hustler shorts | FENDI Floral Appliqué leather mini backpack | CHLOÉ Knotted leather lace-up cork wedges { also love thisversion} | J.W. ANDERSON Gold plated cuff& Pierce ring

Of all the trends coming in for Fall 2016, Gothic Romance is definitely one of my favorites. Elegant, sophisticated and feminine, this trend covers them all. What I especially love about it, is how it balances edge and femininity to create a very dramatic statement.

Take today's outfit for example, I always felt that a white lace dress is a quintessential feminine piece, yet the high neck, long full sleeves, and shredded lace fabric are exactly the kind of details that give this Alexander McQueen number a slightly deconstructed, edgier look and feel.

I also feel that when it comes to Gothic Romance, accessories play a very important part, which is why I opted for a pair of lace-up velvet booties instead of my usual strappy heels, and a darker, bolder lip and eye color. Finishing touch? Jewelry of course! With the launch of PANDORA Jewelry's new campaign: The Look of You that celebrates unique style of every woman, I'm able to create a look that truly reflects my personal style. Rather than going for my usual layered bracelets and rings look, I chose to complete this outfit with asymmetric earrings and just a few layered rings courtesy of PANDORA Jewelry.

The reason why I love the asymmetric earrings trend is because it feels very fresh and modern to me, and I think gives an outfit just the right amount of edge. One of my favorite ways of wearing this trend is by combining earrings in various shapes, sizes and textures. For today's look, I paired drop earrings from PANDORA's Vintage Allure collection with minimalist stud Sparkling Elegance earrings, to create a look that merges two trends together - geometric minimalism and vintage style. I also went with a pair of subtle solitaire studs from PANDORA's Vintage Allure collection, which pair perfectly with the drop earrings, yet are different enough to keep the look from becoming repetitive. Finally, I added just a few stacked rings, combining various textures and colors, to create a very lux, layered look.

What about you guys, do you love Gothic Romance trend as much as I do?

Thank you PANDORA for partnering with me on this post, all opinions are my own.

PANDORA Autumn Collection jewelry | ALEXANDER MCQUEEN A Line ruffle mini dress | JIMMY CHOO Velvet Mavy booties | SAINT LAURENT Velvet monogram chain bag { similar here }

After we got back from Italy, Emil and I decided to spend a few days somewhere close to the beach, so we got a charming, little house on Venice Beach right in time for my family's visit from Toronto. We've always loved this area, my family in particular, because we enjoy how lively, yet relaxing and easy-going it is! The are so many wonderful restaurants in the area ( if you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I love Gjelina ) but we also love getting breakfast at Cafe Gratitude, which has the most delicious vegetarian and vegan options, and smoothies at Kreation ( currently equally obsessed with Berryatric and Green-tastic ). Shopping is great as well, lately we've been spending quite a bit of time on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which we love because it offers such a great variety of stores ( basically from furniture and accessories, to apparel and everything in-between ).

Another favorite thing to do is to grab a cup of tea or a smoothie and head down to Venice Canal to walk around or find a quiet little spot to simply sit and talk. There is something so peaceful and relaxing about this place, that you cannot help but leave all your worries behind and simply enjoy all the beauty around you! We'd spend hours ( seriously ) just wondering around, sipping our tea and picking dream houses, and since there were some many cute ones to choose from, we kept coming back again and again! :)

CAROLINE CONSTAS Artemis bustier top | CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Fleetwood crop jeans | CHANEL Vanity case in grained calfskin | COORDINATES COLLECTION Legend engraved cuff | CHLOÉ Knotted leather lace-up cork wedges { also love this version } | GENTLE MONSTER Chi Chi sunglasses

With 2 adventure-packed days in Venice behind us, Ninel and I were enjoying breakfast on a beautiful, sunlit terrace of our Venice hotel, discussing where our Italian adventures should take us next. After toying around with a few different options, an idea of a day trip to Burano came to mind. So, we jumped in a water taxi, and after a short forty-minute ride we were standing on a pier of the colorful island of Burano, or as we later dabbed it, one of the most charming places we've ever visited!

In stark contrast to busy Venice, Burano appeared quiet and undisturbed with only Calle Galuppi, which is where you'll find the majority of the town's restaurants and stores, booming with people looking to indulge in some dining and shopping.

We spent the better part of the day simply walking around, marveling at the charming pastel-colored buildings, quiet canals and cute brightly-hued boats that seemed to match the town's color palette perfectly. Later in the day, we stopped for a bite to eat at Riva Rosa ( located on Via San Mauro, 296, Burano ) for some delicious home-made pasta and sea-food. Since Burano is so famous for it's sea-food dishes, I highly recommend trying a risotto de go, and if you happen to be a gelato lover like myself, pistachio flavor was one of my particular favorites!

We also couldn't resist a little shopping. Ninel and I stumbled across a store that had the most beautiful hand-made lace-trimmed linens, so we ended up snagging a few goodies for our family and friends.

As evening approached, and we were waiting for our water taxi to take us back to Venice, we seriously entertained the idea of postponing our departure so we could stay in beautiful Burano for one more day. But unfortunately, we couldn't make it work. Yet as I am planning our next trip to Italy, I am definitely planning to stay in Burano a little longer! And honestly, I cannot wait to be back!

CHLOE mini dress | FENDI mini backpack | CHLOÉ cork wedges { also love this version } | J.W. ANDERSON Gold plated cuff & Pierce ring | GENTLE MONSTER Chi Chi sunglasses

Saying a quick hello and sharing a few images of some of my current obsessions! Though technically speaking, I know I should be switching to a fall wardrobe, but I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to my summer favorites just yet! So, I intend to take full advantage of the sunny, warm weather we're still enjoying in LA, by wearing as many mini skirts and flowy tops as I humanly can! Hope you guys don't mind!:)

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE Teresa Vin peasant blouse& denim patchwork mini skirt | CHLOÉ cork wedges { also love this version } | CHANEL Vanity case in grained calfskin | GENTLE MONSTER Chi Chi sunglasses | COORDINATES COLLECTION Legend engraved cuff

Although I was really sad to leave Rome so soon, getting through the busy Termini station and onto our train to Venice, I could not be more excited to get there! I had never been before and visiting a place as unique as Venice was always at the top of my bucket list!

Though we were a bit tired after our journey from Rome to Venice, as soon as we stepped off the train and saw the Grand Canal, our fatigue disappeared in seconds, and we couldn't wait to go exploring!

Personally, I prefer to explore new places on foot as you get to see and experience everything in a way that you cannot in a car (or, in this case, a water taxi), and Venice is perfect for walking! Dozens of narrow streets and cutest little bridges lead you through the city that is just sitting on water.

Another big attraction for me were the restaurants and cafes along the Grand Canal where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, while taking in all the beautiful scenery. I loved just sitting and watching the gondoliers pass by while I sipped my cappuccino.

At the end of the day Ninel and I decided to hop on our own gondola ride because, let’s face it, it’s a must while in Venice. First, our gondolier took us through the little canals, and our point of view changed from crossing the tiny little bridges on foot to riding under them in a gondola, it was so lovely! For the final stretch of our ride, he took us out on the Grand Canal which presented Venice in such a stunning way, I couldn't possibly put it into words so I hope the photos do it at least a little bit of justice!

As I've mentioned before, seeing Venice has been a dream of mine for a long time and it sure did not disappoint. In fact, as I am writing this post from my hotel room in New York, I cannot help but start imagining the next time I will visit and honestly, I just cannot wait!

CHLOE Crochet dress | GUCCI GG Marmont shoulder bag | CHLOE Skinny strap sandals { in black here } | SEA Crochet blouse | ONE TEASPOON Hustler shorts | CHLOÉ cork wedges | J.W. ANDERSON Medium Piercing shoulder bag { also love this all black version } | J.W. ANDERSON Gold plated cuff & Pierce ring

I was having lunch with a friend at Gracias Madre the other day, when she asked me how to I choose my NYFW outfits. After a prolonged silence, because honestly, most of the time this process is quite intuitive, I realized that choosing the right look to wear to Fashion Week is really a combination of 3 different factors and I've partnered with Express to share them with you.

The first, is of course the practical nature of the outfit. During Fashion Week I can easily spend 8-10 hours on my feet running around like a crazy person, so comfort is definitely something I consider! Normally, I opt for pieces I can move in easily but also pieces that look just as good at the end of the day as they did in the morning! I've made a mistake of wearing things that wrinkle easily in the past, and trust me, by mid day I was looking frumpy and sad. So, I won't be making that mistake again!

Trends - since my style philosophy has always been "wear what looks good on you", I am usually pretty selective when it comes to trends. Every year brings a variety of different trends, but should we wear them all? Personally, I don't believe so. After all, some things work with your style philosophy and others don't. Some things look good on you and others, well... others not so much! And that's totally fine, because there are plenty of trends to choose from! And so, though I definitely consider trends when I style my NYFW looks, I am very careful to select the ones that work with my style and body type.

Mood - there are days when I get up in a morning and all I want to wear are pretty dresses and high heels and other times I go through long periods of time when I practically live in my jeans and tailored toppers! I've gotten used to this sartorial duplicity at this point, and accepted the fact that I'm a girly girl who also happens to like tough looking blazers, destroyed jeans and cool boots. So, naturally when I style my Fashion Week outfits, what I wear largely depends on how I am feeling at that particular moment.

Well, suppose you can guess that I am definitely going through my destroyed denim, cool boots, tailored toppers moment right now. This outfit started with a pair of raw hem girlfriendjeans I picked up at Express the other day. A little slouchy, yet slimmer fitting than boyfriends jeans, I am always partial to interesting details and the two tone piecing and raw hem add just the right amount of drama! I chose to wear them with a blazer because I like pairing tailored and casual items in the same look, and this beautiful boyfriend blazer gives this outfit a slightly dressier, pulled together vibe. Finishing touches: cool-looking patent leather boots, two-tone bag and a flat top matador hat! Comfy and stylish - basically my perfect fashion week outfit!

Thank you Express for sponsoring this post!

EXPRESS Pieced raw hem girlfriend jeans, Drapey boyfriend blazer { similar option here }, Express One Eleven Cut-out v-neck tank& Express Edition wool flat top matador hat | VALENTINO boots | J.W. ANDERSON Bag

I've always had a soft spot for great blazers! A perfect topper to complete pretty much any look, blazers add a certain polish to outfits and transform even the most casual of looks into chic ensembles. Today's pajama-inspiared, silky number I wore to Jenny Packham's NYFW SS17 show, is definitely my favorite at the moment! Aside from the color, what I love about it the most, is how effortlessly chic it is!

For this look, I decided to pair it with girlfriend jeans, Gucci GG Marmot bag& leather crossover sandals, because I love to wear dressy and casual pieces together. But of course it would look just as good thrown over a little cocktail dress for a cute night-time outfit! Basically, it's a perfect example of that versatile topper I so love to have in my closet!:)

P.S. I have a very exciting piece of news to share with you guys! So, for the past few months we've been working on an exclusive VivaLuxury jewelry collection and I am happy to say that we are finally just a few weeks away from the big reveal!:) Can't tell you how excited I am to share it with you guys, because you know how much I love jewelry and creating a collection of my own has been a life-long dream of mine! You can get all the latest updates on the collection by following ShopVivaLuxury jewelry instagram account by clicking HERE but in the meantime, I am happy to share a little preview of some of the pieces from the collection like the layered necklaces I'm wearing in this post! Hope you love them as much as I do!:)

ALL SAINTS Ivana blazer | GRLFRND Karolina high-rise skinny jeans | GUCCI GG Marmont shoulder bag& leather crossover sandals | SUPER by RETROSUPERFUTURE sunglasses { also love this style }

During the first few days of NYFW the temperatures were in the 90s, and the humidity level was through the roof! I'm talking all you want to do is put on your bathing suit and take a dip in a nice cool pool kinda weather! But alas, it was fashion week and since wearing swimwear in the city din't seems appropriate, I was glad to have this adorable shirt dress with me. Super comfortable and lightweight, it was absolutely perfect for running around in all that New York City heat.

My favorite part about this dress are the sleeves, they make such a statement! I mean, I fell in love with the dress just based on these sleeves alone. However, because it is a little on the shorter side, I decided to wear it with pair of flatform sneakers, which only added to my comfort level! I completed the look with some jewelry and, as you might have noticed, my favorite backpack of all time. This floral piece of goodness is so adorable, I want to wear it with everything!

P.S. I'm so excited to reveal a few more pieces from VivaLuxury jewelry collection which will be launching soon! If you've been following me for a while, you know that I am a huge jewelry fanatic I am, so when I began conceptualizing this collection, I really wanted to include pieces I personally love wearing. At the moment, I am absolutely obsessed with asymmetric earrings and also layering different style of earrings to create a very rich and modern look and feel. So, when I was designing the the earrings I'm wearing in today's look, I really wanted to create pieces that would look great layered for maximum impact. Hope you enjoy and in the meantime, you can get all the latest updates on the collection by following Shop VivaLuxury jewelry instagram account by clicking HERE.

JACQUEMUS Blue & white striped shirtdress | MIU MIU Metal cap toe platform sneakers | FENDI Floral appliqué leather mini backpack | SHOP VIVALUXURY rings & earrings launching soon

Hello everyone! Just wanted to share my updated off-duty uniform with you guys. Since the fall season is upon us and the temperatures in Los Angeles have been dropping, especially in the evening, denim cut offs are no longer an option for me :)

As I browsed through more fall appropriate alternatives, I came across these awesome destroyed girlfriend jeans. I instantly fell in love with them, as I'm sure you can tell, since I've featured them here on my blog before during NYFW. The slightly loose fit is so comfortable, I find myself wearing these every chance I get.

I paired them with this absolutely adorable Alexis top. Balloon sleeves have been a major weakness for me lately ( another moment of weakness here )! They are perfect for early fall when it's too cold for short sleeves but too warm for jackets. And can we talk about the color of this top? It's the most perfect shade of pink!

I finished off the look with white sandals as I am not ready to completely let go of the summer just yet!:)

ALEXIS Gabriella blouse | GRLFRND Karolina high-rise skinny jeans | SCHUTZ Jaden sandals { in nude here& in black here } | DIOR So Real 48mm sunglasses | CHANEL Vanity case in grained calfskin | SHOP VIVALUXURY rings & necklaces

The only thing that makes saying goodbye to summer a bit more tolerable is updating my fall wardrobe, and these Tibi burgundy beauties are my latest find! Aside from color of course, what really attracted me to these boots in the first place, is the thicker, sturdier heel, which definitely makes them very comfortable to wear. Another reason, is the fact that they pair so well with this season's cropped denim, which I've been wearing quite a bit lately ( recent sightings here& here )!

For today's look, I've paired them with split bell jeans and another fall staple - an embroidered bomber jacket. Love this particular one because of the slightly boxier fit and the beautiful floral appliqué! You know me, I love special details, and this one definitely features just the right amount to make a really bold statement!

TIBI Nora boots& Marisol embroidered bomber | 3x1 W2 Split bell crop jeans | CHANEL Boy bag | LARSSON & JENNINGS Lugano leather strap watch | COORDINATES COLLECTION Legend engraved cuff

Special thank you to StriVectin for partnering with me on this post, all opinions expressed are my own.

You know..., you spend way too much time on your phone, said my mom to me as we were sitting at Faith and Flower one Saturday morning waiting for our breakfast. After muttering a few clumsy excuses, like but it's work related and it's only gonna take me a minute, I started thinking about what she said and realized that mom was absolutely correct, as usual. I do spend a lot of time on my tech devices. After all, I do most of my work on my phone and laptop, I prefer to shop on line, and by definition, a perfect evening at home almost always involves watching a favorite show or two on Netflix.

As the guilty as charged look slowly emerged on my face, my mom simply replied, well..., you don't have to look so guilty! I do the same, you know! Every day, I spend at least 8 hours on my lap top. As a lead project manager for one of Canada's largest telecommunication companies, she really does spend her entire day on a computer. So, when she suggested I should take special care of the skin on my neck because spending this much time looking down may cause wrinkles on my neck, I definitely paid attention.

You may call it a coincidence, but when a few weeks later, one of my favorite skin care brands - StriVectin reached out offering to try their new TL Advanced Light Tightening Neck Cream, which improves skin elasticity and provides a visible lift while smoothing the appearance of horizontal neck lines, I thought this was definitely a sign! What attracted me to this product in the first place was the fact that it was designed specifically to combat side effects of the repeated motion of looking down at tech devices which can lead to horizontal neck lines ( tree rings ), and sagging of the neck and décolletage area, otherwise known as Tech Neck.

Personally, I wasn't familiar with the term Tech Neck before, but once I started doing research, I found out that the average personal looks at her/his phone about 221 times a day and the skin on the neck is different from the skin on the face because it's much thinner, making it more prone to show aging, which is why you need a separate neck cream.

I started using TL Advanced Light Tightening Neck Cream about three weeks ago and I have to say that I really like it! At first, I noticed that the skin on my neck felt softer and looked much more supple and after about 2 weeks, I could definitely tell that the skin on my neck felt tighter and firmer! Another reason why I really like TL Advanced Light Tightening Neck Cream is because it has a very light texture and doesn't feel heavy at all! So, I can definitely layer it under my foundation no problem!

Though naturally, I am definitely more mindful now of how much time I spend looking down at my phone and laptop, I'm definitely glad I found a product to care of the skin on my neck so I can still indulge in my tech addiction from time to time!:)

ONE by STYLEKEEPERS Modern vintage top | FRAME Le Crop mini mid-rise bootcut jeans | NO. 21 Knotted leather pumps | CHANEL Vanity case in grained calfski | J.W. ANDERSON Gold plated cuff & Pierce ring

I'll be the first to admit I didn't always appreciate downtown Los Angeles. In fact, for many years Emil and I completely ignored dtla and spent majority of our time hanging out in West Hollywood, Malibu and Venice. But about 2 years ago, our friends invited us to dinner at Ledlow ( one of our favorite downtown restaurants at this moment ) and after, took us on a mini tour of some of their favorite downtown spots. They took us to the coolest vintage stores, cute cafes and modern art galleries, which made us see downtown Los Angeles in a completely different light. From that point on, we started hanging out at downtown more and more and within a year, it's become one of our favorite spots to be in LA.

Normally, when we take a full day to wonder around all our favorite downtown spots, I like to dress comfortably, which means that most likely you'll find me wearing my off-duty uniform, i.e. jeans and a cute jacket. I've partnered with Lucky Brand for my perfect DTLA look! Today, I paired my high-rise tomboy jeans from Lucky Brand with a burgundy colored moto leather jacket! Aside from the fact that I've always loved pairing navy and burgundy together, what I love about this particular combo is that I can dress it up or down with accessories. Today, I paired these pieces with sneakers for a decidedly laid back, casual vibe, but this combo works just as well for night, dressed up with some high-heel boots and a clutch! Basically the styling possibilities are endless and you know how much I love that!

I think what we love about dtla the most is that it's full off surprises! We keep discovering more and more amazing places to love. So, I thought it'd be fun to share a few of our current favorites with you guys!

WHERE TO GO: We love the Arts District! You'll find amazing art galleries, stylish boutiques, cool coffee shops and restaurants, all in one uber laid-back and stylish neighborhood, and the best part, it's totally walkable! So, if you have a chance, spend a day simply walking around discovering all the amazing little spots it has to offer!

WHERE TO EAT: Though downtown has a number of outstanding restaurants, Ledlow and Bestia definitely being our favorite dinner spots, but for breakfast or lunch, we love coming to Cafe Gratitude! The food is delicious, and the decor is absolutely charming! I particularly recommend trying the French Toast and a blueberry chia seed smoothie!

WHERE TO SHOP: Hammer & Spear offers the most amazing selection of vintage and one-af-a-kind furniture and accessories, unique jewelry, and other charming little treasures like D.S & Durga candles & fragrances, gold foil playing cards and beautiful stationery. Every visit is a treat and I could spend hours wondering around the store admiring how beautifully it is decorated!

Regardless of whether I am looking for a classic like O. Henry's Short Stories, or the latest book on photography, The Last Book is where I head first when I want to add another book to my ever-expanding book collection. Aside from great selection, what keeps me coming back agin and again is the fact that visiting The Last Book store is definitely an experience. Elaborately decorated, if you get a chance, take a tour through the Labyrinth upstairs, you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to Lucky Brand for partnering with me on this post!

LUCKY BRAND high-rise tomboy jeans &Authentic moto leather jacket | CHANEL Boy bag | ILLESTEVA Mirrored Hamilton sunglasses | SAINT LAURENT sneakers

Dare to dream has been my motto from the very beginning... Those of you who've been following me since I started VivaLuxury almost 6 years ago, may already know that aside from creating a community for people who love fashion as much as I do, one of my greatest desires was to design jewelry. Today, one of my biggest dreams becomes a reality, and it is with great pleasure that I unveil my debut jewelry collection!

I've been very fortunate to grow up with two amazing women in my family, my grandmother and my mother. Strong, independent, and above all incredibly intelligent, both of them served as a source of inspiration in every aspect of my life, and when time came to design my very first jewelry collection, I couldn't think of two people who could inspire me more.

One of my earliest childhood memories involved watching my mom and my grandmother getting ready for an evening out. Doing their hair and make up, donning their fancy evening gowns, and adding finishing touches like beautiful vintage pearl earrings and bracelets. I was very small at the time, but even at that age, I remember that I was struck with the fact that it was jewelry in particular that pulled the looks together and made the outfits complete.

When I began designing this collection, it was this childhood memory that inspired me most and the image of beautiful vintage pearls paired with delicate chiffon gowns definitely became a starting point for me. Yet, I also wanted to reimagine and update the pearl to make it look fresh and modern, so I set out to create a collection that was both delicate and strong, feminine but with an edgy twist.

Something else that was incredibly important to me was versatility. I talk about versatility a lot on this site, perhaps even a little too much sometimes, yet I honestly believe that it is this particular quality that makes pieces much more special. Aside from creating a jewelry collection that could easily translate from day to night, I wanted individual pieces to be versatile as well. So, I strived to design earrings, rings, necklace, and ear cuffs that could be worn on their own or layered for a maximum impact as well as worn in multiple ways. Take the ear jacket for example, which you could wear as a single pearl stud or as an ear jacket, or the dangle earrings which once again could be worn as a drop earring or as a triangle stud for daytime.

Last but certainly not least is quality. It was really important to me to design collection that would have a lasting value, something that you could wear for a long period of time, not just for a season. So, when time came to choose materials, I wanted to provide the best possible value which is why this collection is made from finest materials like sterling silver, pearls and diamonds. In addition to materials, VivaLuxury Jewelry collection is manufactured by Iconery and each piece is made to order through Iconery's state of the art 3D printing process to ensure the best possible quality.

I am not sure words could describe what an exhilarating experience it has been to work on this collection. From the moment I drew a rough sketch of a pair of dangle earrings, to seeing a set of samples for the very first time, it's been like a dream... and all I could say is - Thank you for sharing this dream with me!

Love always,

Annabelle

SHOP VIVALUXURY Three pearl ear cuff, Pearl & triangle ear jacket, Drop earrings, Diamond & pearl spiral ring& Diamond & pearl cone necklace

A few weeks ago, Emil and I attended a beautiful engagement party of a very drear friend of ours. We've known her for years, were at the same party where she met her future fiancé, and go to see their relationship blossom into a life-long connection from the very beginning. So, it was very special for us to attend their engagement party and share in their happiness!

The party, took place at a beautiful banquet hall, decorated with elaborate floral center pieces and arches, which I was very honored to help design. After a sit-down dinner, we proceeded to a dance floor, where we danced the night away to the sound of some of our favorite oldies. The entire evening was absolutely magical and Emil and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the happy couple and wish them every happiness!

Since this was definitely a formal occasion, I decided to partner with Express and go with a classic lace little black dress from Express. Flirty and sexy, yet extremely elegant. What attracted me to this dress in the first place, is how clean and polished it is. To complete this evening look, I added a pair of side-tie bow sandals, dangling earrings, a few bracelets, and a mirrored clutch. Finishing touch? Red lip, of course! Because I absolutely love how classic red lipstick dresses up all-black looks and adds a touch of glamour and sophistication!

Thank you Express for partnering with me on this post.

EXPRESS Piped lace sheath dress, Starburst open bangle bracelet, Leaf open bangle bracelet, Rhinestone pull through earrings | EXPRESS Lip gloss in Sparkling Ruby | MSGM sandals | BLACKSEA clutch

Aside from the fact that I fell in love with this vibrant green color the moment I saw it, what attracted me to this particular bag in the first place was the size. I love a roomy bag, and if it happens to be a particularly striking combination of color, easy silhouette, and bold hardware, count me in! Though every once in a while, I try the smaller bag thing, eventually I always go back to a roomier option! I think I just like having all my stuff with me a little too much! And though I will fully admit, that I probably don't need to have 5 lip glosses, 2 hair brushes, and 3 day-planners with me at all times, the fact that this bag fits all of my little necessities, is rather nice! :)

TORY BURCH Gemini link patent shoulder bag, Azra bow blouse, Reva watch & Metal-trim sunglasses

After an adventure-packed New York fashion week, I came home to find that Emil planned a surprise getaway for us! While I was away, he booked an RV converted into a studio apartment, which we've been eyeing for a while but could never find the right time to rent due to scheduling conflicts. So, you can imagine how ecstatic I was when I found out that the following morning we'll be leaving to spend a few days in Malibu, in our dream camper, surrounded by nothing but nature and infinite views of the ocean!

We got pretty lucky with the weather because Malibu does tend to get a bit chilly even this time a year. But it was sunny and warm, yet just cool enough for me to break out my new favorite western-inspired boots I got from DSW recently. A great shoe to bring that western-inspired vibe into the fall season, I especially love them because of how versatile they are. For today's look, I paired them with casual denim and a crochet lace top, but I also love the way they look with flowy dresses and suede accessories. So, if you are looking to update your boot wardrobe definitely check out DSW because they offer a really amazing selection of brand name and designer footwear, not to mention the fact that you can shop either on-line or in store which makes it really convenient to find what you're looking for. Personally, I love shopping on line because I can't always find the time to stop by a store and since DSW offers free shipping and returns, I can shop on line hassle free, and if I happen to find a pair of shoes I absolutely need to have the same day, I can always take advantage of their buy on line pick up at the store option! Love that!

We pulled up to our camper early in the morning the following day and from the moment we got there, we felt like we were in a completely different universe. So serene and peaceful, all we could hear was a gentle sound of cicadas singing! The camper was nestled right on the edge of a hill and had a magnificent cantilevered deck which was a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding canyons.

We spent the better part of the day walking around, exploring the area and at sun-set, I prepared a little picnic for us to enjoy on the deck. I got some fresh fruit, assorted cheeses, cured meats and some rosemary-olive bread which pairs so well with a bit of cheese and fig spread! As we sat there wrapped in our blankets, munching on our favorites and looking at the beautiful pink sunset, I couldn't help but think that this was definitely an absolutely perfect evening and I just didn't want it to end!

DSW Crown Vintage Lachlan Chelsea boots | 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Jeans | ANTHROPOLOGIE blouse | CHLOE bag | CHAN LUU bracelets

I always believed there is something incredibly romantic about trench coats, and as soon as I spotted this beautiful denim number from Miu Miu, I knew it was just the perfect thing to wear in one of the most romanic cities in the world! Aside from the fact that I have a weakness for this season's elevated denim trend in general, what attracted me to this particular trench is definitely the slightly looser fit, luxe velvet panels and of course the rolled-up sleeves, which reveal just a pop of white lining underneath. For today's look I paired it with a few jewels from VivaLuxury collection, a velvet saddle bag & platform sandals, which were surprisingly comfortable to wear, and since we've done quite a bit of walking that day, I definitely appreciated that!

Though normally, our fashion week schedule tends to be pretty packed, whenever find ourselves in Paris, we always try to carve out some time to go exploring, and do all the nice little things I simply cannot imagine not doing in Paris! My guiltiest pleasure is sitting at a cafe while enjoying a cup of coffee and a croissant, or simply walking around the city, admiring the beautiful architecture and imagining what it would be like to live here! Emil and I actually talk about it from time to time, because we've always dreamt about moving to Paris, and though I think that eventually we will take this leap, for now, we are having just as much fun choosing imaginary apartments, and planning how we'll spend our days, reading books at corner cafes, going to the Louvre and eating absolutely nothing but fresh-baked croissants!:)

SHOP VIVALUXURY Pearl & triangle ear jacket, Drop earrings & Diamond & pearl spiral ring | MIU MIU Velvet-paneled denim coat | MIU MIU Velvet crisscross sandals in bordeaux | PRADA Pionnière velvet saddle bag

I've been back in LA for less than 2 days now, and I already miss Paris dearly! Didn't think I would miss it so much and so quickly, yet ever since I got back, all I can think about is the fact that just a few days ago I was strolling down the beautiful streets of Le Marais, and enjoying breakfast at what's become our breakfast staple in Paris - Carette! Oh, what I wouldn't give for a cup of espresso and a fresh-baked croissant right about now!:)

Speaking of favorite things, if you've been reading my blog for some time now, you may have noticed that I have a bit of an obsession with dresses, and red dresses happen to be a particular weakness of mine! But of all the red dresses I have ever worn, this beautiful Valentino number is definitely a favorite by far! Perfectly tailored, I absolutely adore the playful peek-a-boo cutouts adorned with pert bows, which add just the right amount of detail to this elegant mini dress.

For today's look, I paired it with another favorite - Valentino patent-leather boots ( last seen here ). Though I definitely love Valentino footwear in general ( another favorite style here& and also here ), these ankle boots are just on another level! Aside from the fact that they pair beautifully with just about anything, they have this magical ability to elevate even the simplest of looks and add a dramatic element to any outfit - a quality that I definitely appreciate when it comes to accessories! You know me, as far as accessories are concerned, drama is my middle name!:)

VALENTINO Bow detail crepe couture dress& patent leather ankle boots | LOUIS VUITTON Petite Malle in Noir epic leather | DOLCE & GABBANA DNA Cat-eye sunglasses | SHOP VIVALUXURY Three pearl ear cuff, Pearl & triangle ear jacket, Drop earrings & Diamond & pearl spiral ring

BIRTHDAY GIRL

THE COLORS OF RIOMAGGIORE

GOTHIC ROMANCE

VENICE CANAL

DAY TRIP TO BURANO

PATCHWORK PERFECT

A DAY IN VENICE

MIXING FAVORITE STAPLES FOR NYFW DAY ONE

NTFW DAY 2 - SOFT BLAZER & GUCCI GG MARMONT

NYFW MINI MOMENT

A POP OF PINK

FALL-READY BURGUNDY: TIBI NORA BOOTS

TECH NECK - THE IMPORTANCE OF USING A NECK CREAM

DTLA DAYS

VIVALUXURY JEWELRY COLLECTION

WHAT TO WEAR TO AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY

NEW IN: TORY BURCH GEMINI LINK BAG

MALIBU DREAM AIRSTREAM

PARIS BLUES :: FIRST LOOK FOR PFW

RED VALENTINO :: 2nd LOOK FOR PFW