TO - 10/30 - reflecting our identity through clothes... Is this me?

Lately I’ve been through some kind of a crisis, which put together so many questions in to my mind about the way I’m presenting myself.
Do I have my style, something that one could say it’s my signature? If so what is it? Why do I like to dress different ways? Not that I disliked to wear colours, I still love them and want to wear them, but why am I feeling so comfortable with black? In the very end “Who am I right now?”…

There’s a fabulous line early on in "The Devil Wears Prada":
“Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity.”

What do our clothes say about who we are or who we think we are? How does the way we dress communicate messages about our identity? Is the desire to be "in fashion" universal, or is it unique to Western culture? How do fashions change?

Much of what we assume to be individual preference really reflects deeper social and cultural forces. Ours is an ambivalent social world, characterized by tensions over gender roles, social status, and the expression of sexuality.

What we wear and how we look is our only way to communicate who we are to people without dialogue. Clothes are indicators of our personalities, likes, values and subcultures we may be a part of. We are in a constant stage of reflecting our identity and the only way we can do that in the physical world is through our bodies. Our bodies are physical representations for defining how we choose to be perceived as individuals.

So when the very talented and lovely Sally from Already Pretty posted this quotation I just had to ask her if I could repost it as I felt so related.

"Long before we're old enough to do anything on our own, we're old enough to dress ourselves. When we stand bewildered in a closet or a department store dressing room, what we're confronting is one of life's fundamental questions: Is this me? And: Would I like this to be me? Under what stretch of the imagination might this possibly be me? And finally: Who am I? ... Clothes are a constant act of self-definition ..."

~ Nora Ephron, Elle Magazine guest editor, October 2009

black oxford shoes - from mainland through a local store
black pants - Vero Moda
black shirt - La Redoute (new collection)
denim vest - Venca
two laps black studed belt - Parfois (new collection)
animal print scarf - Tally Weijl (new collection)
bracelet - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)
red bracelet - gift from Hubby
rubi brooch - gift from Hubby
red stone cocktail ring - Bijou Brigitte
black cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
“chandelier” earrings – Stradivarius (new collection)
sunglasses -Pull and Bear (new collection)
gray bag - Mango
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

panic...

I opened Bloglovin' and I have 243 new posts to see.... I panicked!!!

TO – 10/29 – it was raining so much, so gray as the weather… happy 50th birthday Asterix…

This was the picture that Google Portugal had today to celebrate Asterix’s 50th birthday.

When I saw it so many good laughs came to my mind. OMG I always loved Asterix, his friend Obelix and all the coastal village “gang”.

I have all the books collection and I’ll try to buy the one that will be released soon.

I assume that some of you might be asking who is Asterix, so…

On 29 October 1959, a comic series called Astérix le Gaulois made its debut in Pilote, a French cartoon magazine.
Written by humorist and comic-book writer René Goscinny and illustrated by artist Albert Uderzo, the series was an oddball tale about a village of “indomitable Gauls” resisting Roman invasion in 50 BC, thanks to a druid who brewed a special magic potion that granted them superhuman strength. Quickly distinguishing itself through its sharp, playful script and sharper art style, Astérix would turn, in less than a decade, from a little side project to Goscinny and Uderzo’s sole focus.
Goscinny died in 1977, but Uderzo has continued to work on the series. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, a week of special events and celebrations are being held all over the world, and a brand new book, Astérix & Obelix’s Birthday: The Golden Book, is being released.

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I’m so sorry for the poor quality of the photos, but today was raining so much at lunch time that I had to take the shoots inside my office.
I really like this sweater, it’s gray with some silver yarns and has batwings. Very comfy.

I'm sure I'll wear it more days and you will be able to see it better.

black and white shoes - Pimkie
gray carrot pants - H&M
mustard shirt - Pautónia
gray and silver sweater - Only (new collection)
red stone cocktail ring - Bijou Brigitte
black bracelet - Bijou Brigitte
red bracelet - gift from Hubby
rubi brooch - gift from Hubby
gray handbag - Mango
lipgloss - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

TO – 10/28 - …there was a storm last night… what kind of shopper are you?

We had a storm last night and it made the weather change a bit, the temperature dropped just a bit and it was windy.
Can it be a signal that this crazy almost tropical weather is going to settle? Hope so…. I want some cold.

One of these days I found on Mango’s Think Up blog an interesting post about different types of potential shoppers, that I’m pasting here:

“First of all, the eagle-eyed shopper. These fashion predators and athletic shoppers normally pore over magazines and have their radar on 24 hours a day. They can spot new items a mile away and they buy them all up before anybody else has even become aware that these pieces exist. They don’t miss a thing and they know where everything is even better than the shop assistants do.
The “I was just passing” shoppers are the second type. This plentiful and fortunate group of buyers doesn’t need to wander round shops for ages and go round in more circles than a merry-go-round. They just pop in and strike gold straight away. I’m talking about shoppers who pop into a shop at random and just happen to walk out with the perfect outfit. Everything’s perfectly clear to them and they’re always immaculate.
In third are the ditherers. Called a high-risk category, because by the time they’ve made their mind up and finally taken the plunge, what they’ve spent weeks debating about is gone. With them it’s all about wait and see. And promising themselves they’ll never do that again… The point is we’ve all been a member of this group at some point, and have ended up tearing our hair out because of it.”

So can you review yourself in one of those types? I do…. lol
When I’m not on my “shopping seasons” I’m definitely a ditherer…

Today I took these shoots outside a florist, aren’t these flowers gorgeous?

black ankle boots - local store
black leggings - Calzedonia
taupe knited dress - Vero Moda (new collection)
black belt - Mango
black shirt - La Redoute (new collection)
wrist watch - gift from Hubby
bracelet - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
“chandelier” earrings – Stradivarius (new collection)
purple hues bag - Rafthi
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Amor Amor from Cacharel

TO – 10/26 - … and soon it will be dark… so take care with the wild prints...

This Sunday we had the daily time changing. Now we’re in Winter time, soon it will be dark at six o’clock pm.

I have this feeling that I always miss something… I think maybe it’s because I didn’t have my “F/W shopping season” this year.

Now I’m looking for some boots, it emerges to be a difficult task.

Despite we are almost in November the weather is still warm and it doesn’t feel to dress much clothes.

I’ve been busy and the perspectives are for this to continue, since I have a work project that is important to my “grade” and has to be finished by the middle of December.

I hope you all started well your working week. Are you getting ready for Halloween?

red shoes - local store
beige cropped pants - H&M
red belt - Tally Weijl

gray tank (not seen) - CorteFiel

snake skin printed sheer with rufles blouse - Zara (S/S 2009)

brown cardigan - Mango

red stone cocktail ring - Bijou Brigitte (S/S 2009)

bracelet #1 - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)

bracelet #2 - gift from Hubby

“chandelier” earrings – Stradivarius (new collection)

sunglasses -Pull and Bear (new collection)
lipstick - Esté Lauder

perfume - Paris from YSL

TO – 10/23 - I’m not a static person at all… International Day of Climate Action…

Okay I’m looking at these photos now and wondering what was I thinking of.
But I’ve learned that a basic tee can be spiced up by throwing on a vest and a cool scarf. And I’m so in love with this vest. It’s comfy and in my opinion, yet still stylish and well put together with just the right pieces.

I decided that I’ve been too much worried about what’s happening with me and why I’m dressing different styles and that I just need to let it flow and wear what makes me feel confident and comfortable. Even taking the risk that some looks might just don’t work so well. After all I’m not a static person and I love trying new things, new looks.

I can’t believe how awful the weather has been this week, it seems we’re on a tropical island, with such humid and warm climate. It’s really difficult to choose the right pieces for a cold morning than heat midday and a warm afternoon.
By the way tomorrow, October 24th is 350.org’s International Day of Climate Action.
350.org was created by Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature, as an international campaign to inspire and find solutions to the climate crisis. Check out their promotional video to learn more.

What will you be doing tomorrow to help put a stop to global warming?

brown booties - Zara (new collection)

black leggings - Calzedonia

green pencil skirt - H&M (S/S 2009)

brown belt (with four lines)- Stradivarius

black shirt - La Redoute (new collection)

animal print scarf - H&M (S/S 2009)

honey pleather vest - Berska (new collection)

amber cocktail ring - gift from Hubby

lipstick - Esté Lauder

perfume - Paris from YSL

TO – 10/21 – I’m not taking any side… today I’m neutral…

Suppose I’m an artist and that my art pieces are my daily outfits.
Well, every artist has different phases. I recall Pablo Picasso’s Blue Period or Pink Period.

So I guess I’m crossing my sombre and neutral colours period.

snake skin printed shoes - Parfois
beige cropped pants - H&M
black belt - Mango (F/W 2008)
white tank - Zara
navy blue blazer (from a suit) - mainland store
silver pearls necklace - Tally Weijl
necklace - Details
wrist watch - gift from Hubby
bracelet - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)
cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
sunglasses -Pull and Bear (new collection)
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

TO - 10/20 - imaginations run wild in Fall’s punchy pieces says Elle...

"Dress your shoe size, not your age this season with whimsical prints and accessories", quote from Elle.com.

Me like it..... lol

black to gray shoes - local store
black pants - Vero Moda
black, gray and white printed top - Mango (new collection)
yellow cardigan - Mango
two laps black studed belt - Parfois (new collection)
wrist watch - gift from Hubby
bracelet - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)
cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
“chandelier” earrings – Stradivarius (new collection)
sunglasses - Pull and Bear (new collection)
purple hues bag - Rafthi
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Amor Amor from Cacharel

TO – 10/19 – I’m sick, but… where’s the safari…???

I have been sick, (yes, I feel a bit better and no I’m not well yet) so my mood hasn’t been the best. Last week I almost lived in my gray jeans. You read it right… jeans, I know and you that know me better also know, not usual on me.

I haven’t been into fashion or deep thoughts, however some insecurities bedded in me.
I’ve told you before that I’m just a simple and normal working woman, which means I take my shots with the outfits that I go to work or to do something on weekends. When I started my blog I had no doubts, I always published them, because I wanted to learn, I wanted to see me as if I was someone else, in a different perspective from the one in the mirror, trying to accept myself.
Some time went by… I’ve searched the internet and have seen so many great blogs with amazing looks, stunning street style fashion… and full of pressure to do things properly, read a bit perfectionist, lately before I press the publish button I have been asking myself…

“Is this worth to publish????” And I never know the answer!!!!

I called today’s outfit “Ready for the Safari”.

brown sandals - Zara (S/S 2009)
beige cropped pants - H&M
brown belt - C&A
animal print blouse - Zara
honey pleather vest - Berska (new collection)
amber cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
sunglasses -Pull and Bear (new collection)
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

TO – 10/06 & 10/07 & 10/08 - ... with different styles can we still have our own????

First of all the usual apologies… you all know what I’m talking about… the lack of posting… the not commenting… I just hope you’ll understand.

Now, my major question seeing these photos of some of my last week outfits. Each of them has a different style, different vibes. However can I say that all have something that identifies me???? Can I say that my personal style is shown in all????
What’s your opinion?

I also want to thank a lot to the talented and nice Dapper Kid for passing this award my way. It’s really an honour as a no native English-speaking, or for that matter, -writing, person.
For more information on the award please click here.

And I’m passing it to these fantastic five blog writers :

Sal from Already Pretty
La Belette Rouge from La Belette Rouge
CAMISOLA PRETA from BODY... MIND... & SPIRIT...
Lizzy Frizzfrock from Lizzy Frizzfrock
O Viajante from Café e Bolos

To my family and friends in Canada Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

10/06 - some bohemia vibes...

brown booties - Zara (new collection)
olive green pleated tapered pants - H&M (new collection)
brown with laces blouse - Vero Moda
honey pleather vest - Berska (new collection)
animal print belt - H&M (F/W 2008)
amber cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
brown fringed bag - Friday's Project (S/S 2009)
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

10/07 - a lady like style...

black shoes - local store
black fishnets - Calzedonia
black pencil skirt - H&M (F/W 2008)
white shirt - local store
berry cardigan - H&M (new collection)
purple covered with black lace belt - Tally Weijl
necklace - mainland store
necklace - Parfois
cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
black bracelet with a bow sparkles - Mango (new collection) - gift from Hubby
sunglasses -Pull and Bear (new collection)
purple hues bag - Raftti
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Amor Amor from Cacharel

10/08 - it's rock-y time vibes...

black shoes - local store
black pants - from my boxes
studed belt - gift from sister and Goddaugter (Canada)
black shirt with studs - mainland store
“chandelier” earrings – Stradivarius (new collection) sunglasses - Pull and Bear (new collection)
black bracelet- Bijou Brigitte (S/S 2009)
bracelet - gift from Hubby (Tie Rack)
bracelet - gift
cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
purple hues bag - Rafthi
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

TO - 10/02 - ...October 1st, World Vegetarian Day... mixed prints on street style...

What we eat impacts the well being of ourselves, animals and the planet. Every year on October 1st, World Vegetarian Day kicks off Vegetarian Awareness Month. For those new to vegetarianism, it serves as an enticement to give meatless fare a try (even for a day) and learn about its many benefits.
Make a difference this October by inform yourself or informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism. You will be helping to create a better world because vegetarian diets have proven health benefits, save animals’ lives and help to preserve the Earth, not talking about spiritual aspects.
Have fun and make the World a better place!!

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Like I said lately I’ve been interested in prints. And I’m fascinated with some cool print mixes that appeared on internet from street style.
I really value people who have the courage to do that, because there are no rules, it’s a matter of sensibility, good sense and imagination for not look unpleasant.

So today I wore another printed piece. Just one because I’m not comfortable with mixing prints.

But today was one of those “four seasons in a day” weather. I hate it.
When I left home it was almost Winter, and it was Summer when I took these photos, but again it seemed Fall when we arrived home.
Oh well… that’s the Island weather.

brown booties - Zara (new collection)
magenta skinny pants - H&M (S/S 2009)
printed tunic dress - Vero Moda (new collection)
honey pleather vest - Berska (new collection)
brown belt -Tally Weijl
bracelet - gift
amber cocktail ring - gift from Hubby
sunglasses - Pull and Bear (new collection)
brown fringed bag - Friday's Project (S/S 2009)
lipstick - Esté Lauder
perfume - Paris from YSL

I'm showing a detail of the print, because I think that in those other shots we can't see the colours properly.

Colours:
- beige
- taupe
- dark green
- light blue
- gray
- purple