Events Post : Sif Jakobs & 202 & Valletta

 By: Unknown    02:51  1 comment

Recently, on a random day, I spent an hour simply walking around Valletta at night, with no particular destination in mind. I love Valletta so this isn't about some revelation as to how beautiful Malta's Capital City is but for a Sunday evening I was impressed by how lively it was, how many people were out and about, how music was playing in various places..just what fun it was. It truly reminded me of parts of Rome, a city that I adore, Valletta has really lifted itself out of the social black hole it had once become.

It's no wonder that Sif Jakobs fell in love with Malta and Valletta whilst on holiday in Malta last November, so much so that she decided she wanted to work with Malta and even more so when she stumbled upon 202 Jewellers in Valletta, a beautiful shop that's really put an effort into stylish decor and excellent lighting. They got in touch and started dealings only last February but her jewellery is already here at 202 Jewellers Santa Lucia Valletta and last night 202 Jewellers organised a lovely reception which spilled out onto the streets of Valletta, excellent food and all the works. The jewellery is super stylish and very chic, some lovely pieces..so let's get cracking and see some photos.

I really enjoyed meeting Sif herself, born in Iceland and educated as a goldsmith in Sweden she cites her various travels as her inspiration, in particular Italy which she refers to as her second home. The jewellery range has a sense of minimalism and reminds me very much of Nordic design. I particularly love the leather bracelets, they're a popular trend in general but I see so many ugly, cheap-looking ones, these are really stylish and the quality and finishing of the products is top notch.

Sif and The Venere Girls, Shelley, Janice, Sarah, Jade

Adrian Mizzi and Sif

Marisa Grima and I

 And some fooling around with the Venere girls

 

*NEWS until Sunday 3rd October they are offering a 20% off discount so get yourself down to Valletta and see the range with your own eyes.

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Brand Spotlight : Unode50 supports RETT research

 By: Unknown    06:57  No comments

Spanish fashion has a certain recognizable, original flair that is nearly always evident in their designs. UNOde50 is no exception, a jewellery brand founded in the late 1990s by a group of designers, the main focus of the band has always been create something different and in fact the reputation of the band is one of flair and innovation. The interesting part is the fact that only 50 units of each design are created (bet you were wondering what's the 50 in the name). I visited their beautiful store in Rome on Via Frattina just after coincidentally, I was approached by this company in view of a collaboration which involved me picking my favourite thing from their online store.

On a more somber note you may have hear of the rare syndrome Rett, a congenital disease that affects girls between the ages of one and four. Unode50 is a supporter of ongoing medical research in this field and they've come up with a way to do this by incorporating fashion and jewellery. They create Rett bracelets (pic below) that "feature a silver-plated badge with tiny hands opening up in the form of angel wings (referring to the slogan "Silent Angels", documentary hosted by Julia Roberts) as a symbol of hope, the other side contains the name "Rett" with an inverted "R" - this serves to remind us that this is a rare disease". I picked this bracelet as my top product because it serves to remind us of the struggles different people go through in their lives and encourages us to help in anyway that we can.

Interesting side note is that they've also released child versions now and you can buy a special child and adult pack for 49 euros (adult alone is 29 euros).

Of course besides the Rett bracelets there's some lovely jewellery on the site and lots of other bracelets for women here are some of my favourite items. That leather and silver bracelet is a great combination of stylish and edgy and I'm in love with these horn-shaped earrings that I' imagining worn with an ultra feminine dress.

 

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MY STYLING WORK : JUNE ISSUE - STYLE ON SUNDAY MAGAZINE

 By: Unknown    03:46  No comments

Swimsuit : Armani Jeans, The Point

Scarf, Hat : Coccinelle

Sunglasses : Solaris

Jewellery : Vascas

Shoes : Tip Toes

For the latest issue of Style on Sunday Magazine we went boating in style (on board a 2014 Azimut -55S)! There are lots of different summer trends styled in this shoot - from long, flowing dresses to two piece suits to flattering one-piece swimsuits.

There's also a lot of beautiful jewellery (all from Vascas) showcased, notice how I layered on the different pieces, don't be scared to experiment in this manner, different layers add interest and it's summer so time to have fun. There are also a lot of hats shown in these photos - hats are the perfect fashion statement and an interesting way to stand out from the crowd and be a bit original.

Photos : Kurt Paris
Makeup - Terry Attard for Franks
Hair - Toni & Guy Artistic team
Model - Ritianne Sacco@supernovamodel.com

Dress : Guess

Shoes : Tip Toes

Sunglasses : Optika

Jewellery : Vascas

Denim Gilet,Trousers : Esprit

Bikini Top : Guess

Hat,Bag : Coccinelle

Sunglasses : Solaris

Jewellery : Vascas

Dress : Oasis

Scarf : Armani Jeans, The Point

Shoes : US Polo, Stivaletti

Sunglasses : Optika

Jewellery : Vascas

Scarf worn as headscarf : Esprit

Top : Oasis

Belts, Bag : Coccinelle

Trousers : Armani Jeans, The Point

Jewellery : Vascas

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Shopping Post : Leaving comfort zones and Revisiting an Oldie - FOSSIL

 By: Unknown    03:06  No comments

It would probably be a fair assumption to make, that most Maltese people my age (I'm 30 folks) have owned a Fossil watch at some point in their lives. Fossil was one of the first designer jewellery brands in Malta and some 10/12 odd years ago, we all fell head over heels in love with their watches. For some strange reason or other, I realised last week that I hadn't spent some quality time with the Fossil brand in a few years now and this got me thinking...

I'm generally an analytical person..blame it on my scientific background, I do love to analyse people and their thoughts, even random passers by, but my all-time favourite subject has to be myself, which means that analysing myself is something I tend to do on a regular basis. Funnily enough, this has gradually brought me to the realisation that I'm actually a rather strange, contradictory person.

A good example is that I love switching about my daily routine and I always crave variety in my life but at the same time I find it really hard to leave my comfort zone with certain little things like my daily desk. I also came to realise that although when I'm travelling I hunt down all the artisan markets and look for all the local shops, when it comes to shopping in Malta, I've somewhat been creating comfort zones as to where I shop from. I've also been putting shops into categories and leaving them there and this is BAD v BAD. 

This realisation hit me a while ago and was one of the reasons as to why I started the series of Caroline hits a shop per week (or more) and shows you what's in stock...the idea was to introduce or re-introduce myself and you to shops I might not have visited in a while or possibly never (although this might be a bit unlikely unless the shop has just opened). 

So as mentioned in the opening line, for this week's edition, I've left my 'usual' zone and re-visited a brand that I started loving  back when I was 18 and maybe actually that's why I had bypassed it of late.....I had simply given it too much love in my life already :) Now, time to stop rambling and talk about the shop and ladies and gents (yes we've paid attention to the men too this week) - I present to you FOSSIL at Sunlab (The Point).

After examining the new collection of Fossil products, I feel that the brand has retained the quality it was always renowned for but I also feel that it has grown up a bit, the majority of the styles feel a bit more refined, a bit more chic & stylish and possibly a little sleeker.

Check out these pics and see if you agree - oh and this week's edition is special - I made the hubby (Kurt Paris) come to Sunlab and take the photos and we incorporated selfie-style pics into the equation..truth be told I was hoping he would also buy me those earrings in the third pic..but no such luck..*sigh* ...maybe he reads this ....

Not actually sure which of these I like most

please ?

A gorgeous bracelet to wear to a wedding /formal do

LOVE the cute charms

Kurt posed as well !!! :D for meeee...ay this is the best photo ?

He also snapped some merchandise pics in the Sunlab store too and these are on my facebook page right here.

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Simshar : My Top MALE Looks at the Red Carpet Premiere

 By: Unknown    00:11  No comments

This week has been red carpet frenzy over here with lots of time spent pouring over pictures, discussing outfits with various people and just talking about the clothes in general. The last red carpet post for the week is to list my favourite male looks from the night - again please do remember that this is just MY OPINION.

First up we have Carlton Agius (vip), Charles&Ron's assistant who looked great in his Dolce and Gabbana shirt, black suit, Prada shoes, and Charles&Ron bag

I can't recall this guy's name (simshar audience) so leave me a comment if you know him - Topman jacket, Springfield shirt, Zara trousers, new look shoes ..loved the mix of colours, patterns/beard ...cool look

Ernest Camilleri (vip) - the man responsible for all the Simshar costumes - loved his patterned shirt

Neil Falzon, the human rights lawyer and Roderick (simshar audience) ...they were my absolute favourite of the night ....patterns, textures, bow-ties, colours...everything about their outfits rocked.

Journalist Iggy Fenech (simshar audience) - Sef Farrugia bow tie, velvet blazer, gold brooch---super 

Peter Carbonaro (vip) -the host for the night .. in a Hugo Boss suit and Aldo shoes and a brilliant tie pin that's apparently one of his signature looks.

Designers Charles and Ron (vip) - I loved Charles' textured suit and Ron looked great in his blazer and bow-tie.

I can't recall this guy's name (simshar audience) so leave me a comment if you know him - ZARA. NOTE * Mystery man identified - Malcolm Sciberras

The last three men are a bit tongue-in-cheek.....below is my hubby Kurt Paris, (photographer for the night)...obviously I might be a teeny bit biased but the truth is I didn't choose his outfit at all, was too busy thinking about myself..but I was really impressed with it and think he deserves a mention - Zara hat, Steel&Jelly Top, Aldo bow-tie

Now these last two (vip) I am definitely biased as I styled Ryan Gatt (responsible for Simshar press) and Mark Mifsud (one of the main male actors) in Tommy Hilfiger..but well obviously since I styled them I like them :) and thumbs up to Ryan who really didn't want to wear that bow-tie but wore it anyway :)

See yesterday's post with the top FEMALE looks and for more red carpet pics follow this link

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Simshar : My Top Female Looks at The Red Carpet Premiere

 By: Unknown    23:01  No comments

Let me start by giving my general thoughts on the style and fashion of the night. 

First off, there were some really beautifully dressed individuals both men and women, both VIPS and general audience, of course some VIPS over shone the other guests but I did spot some really cool outfits from both areas.

However, speaking on a general basis, as far as female fashion went...I was very happy that most people did get dolled up and there were very few faux pas but I had hoped to see some more women, especially some VIPs who I expected to really go all out, play it a little less safe, I feel like a lot of women were happy to simply 'wear a dress' without experimenting in some way with maybe a different hairstyle, bold colours or striking accessories. Now the men, that's actually a different story...there were many stylish men, some wearing contrasting colours or clashing patterns, bow ties and other adornments - thumbs up to the men..I was very impressed.

I think Maltese women in general need to start being a little less conservative and experimenting with style a bit more, whilst there will of course never be anything wrong with a pretty dress, at the end of the day, unless the dress is some elaborate couture design that speaks a million and one style words, I think it might be a good idea to start looking at adding that something special that gives an outfit your own personal touch because otherwise you're just another girl wearing another pretty dress.

Now as regards to who I liked most please remember that this is just MY OPINION but for what it's worth here goes....

American Ambassador to Malta Gina Winstanley (vip) looked fabulous in a layered dress and crop top outfit - her crop top is by Greta Wallace of SimplyGreta (New York). Unfortunately she couldn't recall the exact name of the boutique from where she picked up her fabulous necklace. 

I loved all the ilsien in-nisa girls (vip) and they all get a huge thumbs up but Moira Delia gets extra bonus points for her menswear inspired outfit that was original, extremely flattering and just oh so cool.

Karen Borg (simshar audience) looked lovely in her her vintage inspired gold dress and lace bag, loved the minimalistic accessories and red nails too!

Of course, one can never say enough words about Clare Agius (vip) and how lovely she looked. I loved the hair, the makeup, the dress by Charles and Ron ....stunning

When I first met Sef Farrugia (vip) she had this thing whereby she would produce a whole collection for a fashion show and then walk out at the finale not wearing one of her own designs (because she didn't have time) ....finally, she seems to have wised up and good thing too because in this look she is one of the best self-adverts she could possibly be...the dress is amazing as are the shoes she paired it with and of course her trademark hairstyle.

Unfortunately I am unaware as to who this beautifully dressed woman is...leave me a comment if you do.... also, these photos don't do this dress justice as the back (backless with a knot but cut beautifully) was the best part...she looked fabulous though. NOTE * Mystery woman identified - Margaret Seguna

Noelene Miggiani (simshar audience) gets a big thumbs up for pairing a black catsuit with a gold knit cardigan that I loved and conveniently kept her warm in the chilliest of nights..... and LEOPARD print shoes.

 

Pianist Giselle Grima (simshar audience) caught my eye for her choice of colour and the lovely shoulder design on her dress, she looked great!

Makeup Artists Tamara Burr (simshar audience) shows us how vintage should be worked- as always she looks fabulous, a perfect mixture of cool,trendy,stylish , quirky..loved it!

Actress Laura Klepo (vip) wowed from head to toe in her outfit (in a design by June Shop Paris, tailor made by Nelly (a French stylist)) that combined different textures and patterns....and with her 8 month baby bump nonetheless, a fashion inspiration too all expectant mothers-to-be.

And of course ..last but definitely not least ...the brains behind this movie Rebecca Cremona (vip)...in a Sef Farrugia custom-made gown and amazing antique gold filigree jewellery (GABA Jewellers) that I was tempted to rob her of.

Check back tomorrow for my top MALE looks and for more red carpet pics follow this link

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Shopping Post : L'Atelier Paris

 By: Unknown    07:28  No comments

For this week's edition of Caroline hits a  shop and shows you their stock, I'm transporting you to Paris, to a delightful little shop I found in the Latin Quarter of Paris on rue Mouffetard L'Atelier. A shop selling the most exquisite handmade jewellery and some of the most stunning hats/ gloves and shawls I have ever encountered.

Immediately upon entering the store, I knew I had found a 'treasure'...the hats were what drew me in, well lets face it I am a hat person and there were so many beautiful ones, each one different, each one having something unique and original ..but when I was in there thee were so man things that drew my eye.. I couldn't leave.. I think I drew the poor woman mad..trying on hat after hat (and she patiently adjusted each one and showed me different ways to wear them) and picking up different things.

You can check out their website L'Atelier but if you find yourself in Paris, do hunt this shop down - you won't regret it.

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