#TBT

Where do I begin? It seems like starting with an apology would be too little too late but nonetheless I'll get it out of the way, I'm sorry I haven't written since September of-last-year. I'll be realistic, few of my readers will really mind but I'm apologising to my past self, I've let her down on this one.

But you know how it goes, new year new you. One of my resolutions this year is to keep my blog up because it's my own little space and I love looking back on my attempts at photography, memories and hilarious posing. I hope you do too.

2016 sounds like a whirlwind and I don't think there's any way in which I can prep myself for it other than have absolutely no expectations at all. Will I manage to get a first in my exams? Will I find a summer job? Will I like my year abroad? Will the French like me (lol)? Where will I travel? Who will I meet along the way? Who will be my friends throughout? For anyone who knows me, I'm a total control freak, even if I do try to disguise it, and not knowing where my life is going is kinda keeping me up at night but at the same time I really can't let that get to me because I will turn grey in a matter of months - yes yes I found a grey hair and it's made me freak out...

What's not so scary is looking at the past because what's done is done and doesn't that sound comforting amidst a sea of uncertainty? Sorry, I'll stop using rhetorical questions now. This one's to 2015, to a strange but beautiful year...

The comfort revolution

When I was 14 I distinctly remember holding a grudge on my mum for not letting me wear skinny jeans like everyone else at my new school. It's funny how certain images stay with you in as much detail as if they are just passing by your eyes; yes, I'm talking about the image of me looking down to my kinda clunky Nike black plimsoles and (cringe) bootcut jeans. 

Taking on monochrome

Looking out my window to the ever-green pastures surrounding my college, it couldn't be further from the bustle and grey concrete of Bucharest's streets. You'd think concrete grey architecture wouldn't be my own choice but when the whole city is dusted (a bit of an understatement) with snow, it turns into something out of fairytale books.

Operatic opulence

Going to the Opera invariably takes me back to when I was a little (-er) girl, transfixed by the grace of the ballerinas that I then copied for days on end. My parents took me every winter and even if I technically don't live at home anymore I thought it wasn't reason enough to give up our tradition.

Lazy is my middle name

Lounging about on a sunny winter morning surrounded by everything paisley and everything Oysho, my favorite brand for loungewear, pijamas and underwear. It's not a big surprise it's also a sister brand of Zara...I see a connection.

London at Christmastime

It was high time I escaped the Cambridge bubble for the maddness that is London at Christmas time. 

Don't take this the wrong way but...

When did Photobooth photos become a 'guilty' pleasure? Oh wait...have they never been socially acceptable past the age of 12? 

Indecisive weather dilemas

How do you deal with bipolar weather?

Romanian visual narrative

Little green dress

Modern matador

Funk my life up

The Oscars of my highschool career

Romanian Blouse Day

It's really heartwarming and tearjerking when small initiatives find their echo in a wider community. And this is why I have loved and followed 'La Blouse Roumaine', the mastermind behind making the traditional Romanian blouse a staple of national identity and pride, in an era when we're being told that we should dismiss the past and only look to the future.

Grunge for the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Anthropologie sale gems

These boots are absolute heaven! Bought them at a 50% off sale in Anthropologie from the brand H by Hudson. They are a dream to walk in, despite the 7.5 cm heel and the ballet like square front is actually surprisingly comfortable.

They are the perfect quirky formal boots and I'm so glad I found them in burgundy because it would make for a nice contrast with black and white outfits. Not to mention the burgundy coat and bags I own, tokens of my obsession with the beautiful red hue.

Find the boots HERE.

Falling

Primark sweater; Accessorize triple necklace (HERE); Moschino Cheap and Chic Scarf from TKMaxx; Esprit skirt; Reiss bag; Whistles coat; Vagabond boots

Sephora blue nail polish with Rimmel orange 60 seconds nail polish; custom made amethist ring with Goldstein's diamond ring (HERE) 

Knightsbridge may well be a tourist destination but the backstreets are an iron-fenced-white-washed-stone-facaded maze that few venture on. A big mistake in my opinion since the quintessential posh London lifestyle can be observed only here. When you walk down the winding streets and pass some shiny Aston Martin, you may even pretend that is your car. What I like about it is that that's ok! It's actually encouraged and there is no one to put you to shame for living a fantasy life for a few hours which I completely agree with and exercise myself once in a while.

One glorious Sunday noon I decided to be such a fancy person and obey the rules of the charade game. My new Reiss oxblood bag on cue and Moschino scarf that I forgot I had, I strutted down those streets as if its routine. In fact, I hadn't worn a skirt in absolutely ages and that pained me so I couldn't pass the skirt hangers when putting my outfit together that morning.

After some browsing in Zara that resulted in me falling in love with some badass espadrilles that will shortly find their way to my home and some damage being done in Anthropologie (evidence soon to follow on this space), I headed back to Knightsbridge to the one and only Harrods. Far from being my favourite department store, it does have its perks. I originally came for the Dior events that apparently were taking place but found no trace of them whatsoever so I took refuge at the Bobbi Brown counter, my first stop choice together with Dior. I was advised by the nicest woman ever and left with some goodies that will also grace my blog soon enough and about which I am SO excited! That and the William Curley giant macaroons pretty much sum up my weekend, hope yours was even better! ^.^

The spectacular sunset is on me.

Chocoholic recipe: Mocha pots

This is what to do with the aforementioned ingredients:

• melt the chocolate with the butter (in a bowl over boiling water)
• set it aside to cool to room temperature
• whisk the egg whites and the salt until stiff peaks form
• to the egg whites, add the sugar slowly until the texture is shiny
• stir the egg yolks with the chocolate
• fold the egg whites in the chocolate mixture, spoon by spoon
• in the end, add three tablespoons of the cold coffee 
• place into ramekins and set to cool in the fridge for at least an hour until you serve
• for decoration, whisk the double cream and dust some chocolate powder or cocoa

...and voila!