Bring me to life

"Why in God's name would you pick such an autumnal backdrop for your photos, now that all trees are in bloom?" This is what my boyfriend said after I asked him to pull over on our way back from our hometown, on Saturday, to take some pictures. "Look at this place, it's totally lifeless", he continued.

Yes, it was! But somehow, I felt that the color combination in my outfit would awaken that place, that the red hot would stand out. I had left home in a hurry, I hadn't  have the time to put together a very spring-appropriate look. Usually, when I visit my folks, I like to wear one of my Mom's favorite colors, and this time I chose red. I wasn't planning on taking pictures, but that "lifeless" place made for the perfect backdrop, and I simply had to take advantage of it. So, don't worry you guys, it is still spring, and I still very much adore this season!

I wish you all a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Mamalina

Skirt:ASOS
Blouse: Promod
Necklace: Promod
Shoes: Zara

Warm light

Hi guys,

We've been blessed with a beautiful weather for the past 2 weeks. This is the type of weather which allows me to have the most fun with clothes, to take risks, to be playful. A few years ago, I used to be intimidated by mixing different prints or textures. As a big fan of neutrals and a major introvert, I felt it would push me out of my comfort zone.... I used to hate being the center of attention, and these bold choices screamed attention.

But lately, I've really been taking in the power of prints. I can't believe how fun they are, how much energy they supply. I have this weird personality switch where I feel I can conquer the world by simply bringing together flowers and stripes :).

So go ahead, people! Harness the power of prints. But do not get greedy! Use it wisely :)!

Hugs,

Mamalina

P.S. It seems that stripes have been this week's highlight, as many of my blogger friends rocked perfect looks starring this fun print. Check out Julie's super feminine outfit, Andreea's cute print mixing and Ilda's chic, playful look.

Blazer: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Shirt: H&M
Necklace: handmade by Pumpkin Design
Shoes: Mango
Bag: Bata

Here comes the sun, little darling!

Hi guys,

Is it me, or does sunshine make everyone happy. I noticed this change everywhere: at work, in the tram (well, come to think of it, not that much in the tram, but let's just assume that there is not enough sun in the world who could make people happy at 7 am), at the gym, everywhere.

Remember when we were kids and used to draw what should have been our house (not everybody was good at drawing, me included) and in the corner of the paper, we drew a smiling sun? I can't explain why, but that image haunted me all my life, that smiling sun...and that's why my spirit is lifted every time the sun breaks through the clouds. Don't worry, I do not guide my whole life based on childhood drawings...the sun really makes people happier, it stimulates endorphin production...it's all very scientific...:))

For those of you whom I didn't manage to bore to death :), I wish you a happy and sunny rest of the week, and an even sunnier weekend!

Love,

Mamalina

Skirt: Hippie Hippie Shake
Shirt: H&M
Sweater: Koton
Shoes: Mango
Necklace: gifted

Child of Spring

Hi guys,

I couldn't be happier with the crazy ridiculous warm weather we've had for the past couple of days. Sure, it would have been great if his Majesty, the Sun, would have made an appearance on my birthday, last week, but I just can't stay mad at it...

Talking about my birthday...

I'll start by sharing this heartwarming quote from an incredible short story by Charles Dickens which I love, “What Christmas is as we grow older”. It might seem unrelated, but dig further inside and you’ll see that it has everything to do with the years passing, with staying true to ourselves, with the celebration of life.

“Welcome, old aspirations, glittering creatures of an ardent fancy, to your shelter underneath the holly! We know you, and have not outlived you yet. Welcome, old projects and old loves, however fleeting, to your nooks among the steadier lights that burn around us. Welcome, all that was ever real to our hearts; and for the earnestness that made you real, thanks to heaven!”

This year, on my birthday, I decided to take a day off from work. Early in the morning, I hopped in my car and drove to to my hometown, to see my Mom and enjoy a tasty cup of coffee with her, like old times. Afterwards, I accompanied her to work, got back to Bucharest and ordered a huge pizza. I took the time to read all Facebook messages (which were plenty) and realized that the majority of them were personal and went beyond the usual formality of this type of wishes…In the evening I met my boyfriend at the subway (he was returning from work). As he was getting closer to me, he had this childish, awkward  face (it really took me back years ago to when we were in high school) with some beautiful flowers in his hands. We went to dinner at a nice, cozy place and by the time the day was over, I declared myself happy. I had re-lived so many precious moments, I had brought them to life once again, I had made them count, and while I was surrounded by loved ones, the day was mostly about myself. Rather than getting all nostalgic, thinking of things or feelings that were and aren't anymore, I got things done and it was amazing! I really celebrated myself and all that is important to me.

Have a wonderful spring, my dears!

Love,

Mamalina

Dress: Promod
Necklace: Zara
Shoes: Zara

Now that spring is in the air...

Hi guys,

I'm going to talk a little bit about why I love spring! In the past, the new year used to start in March, which makes sense, as it is the month when a new cycle of life begins, nature is waking up form her winter slumber and people find the energy to take the necessary actions towards new beginnings, they want to get out more, be more active, they are more optimistic, they make plans. Spring is subtle, fresh and alive.

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month" ~ Henry Van Dyke.

Of course, there is always the discomfort of transitioning from winter to spring (hence, the rainy days we have been experiencing for the last 2 weeks), but when change is positive, when you know that warm, sunny days are about to follow, you embrace the power and beauty of this season.

I am a March's child (I was born on the 5th of March). For me, spring sends a highly positive message and I get the feeling that I'am in bloom, like all the other trees and  flowers :). I can't wait for the grass to be filled with beautiful blooming flowers, I can't wait to do more outdoor activities, I can't wait to wear pretty, flirty, fun spring clothes.

Let's hear it for Spring- the season if rebirth!

Skirt: Promod
Shirt: Promod
Boots: Mango
Bag: Musette
Necklace: Promod