IITTALA RED STICKER FAUX PAS

Dining with a Cheetah, Vogue 1960 Leombruno Bodi

#ETIQUETTE When it comes to being a lady and mastering the sophisticated etiquette – knowing only how to use right forks don't quite cut it. My detail orientated eye have been spotting this one minor error people tend to cultivate. Let me explain..

People in Finland love their Iittala dinnerware, glasses, plates and candlesticks (not my first choice but everyone has their taste) which is perfectly chic and patriotic, but most of these brand lovers are making a huge faux pas (false step, a foolish mistake). The red logo sticker. You can guess already – people leave that sticker on. Let me tell you why you should not do that.

Picture from Onska

If these label logos were intended to decorate your dinner plates or wine glasses they would have been printed, painted or carved to the items in a way they stay longer and bear the hard use of washing etc. But if they are made sticker style – well you can even assume with common sense that you are supposed to take them off. Another hint: they don't even have that little red sticker in commercial pictures nor images in their online shop displaying the design products.
You don't wear a jumper the wrong way round that the label tag would show, right?

And for those who argue that the logo sticker would hold items value - well no. Or that your children will appreciate it later, that's just plain foolish. Those are not Chinese porcelain, let's keep it real here.

SIBERIAN BEAUTY

#BEAUTY I'm obsessed everything that are related to home spa products – from shampoos to facial masks to body salt scrubs. Of course hair, face or body treatments you get in a proper salon is something else – a little moment in heaven – but I like to pamper myself at home on a daily basis with new innovative and exclusive beauty products. Exclusive does not always mean expensive. Products that suits you and take care of your skin can be affordable too – most of my favorite skin and haircare products are actually in reasonable price range and they do miracles!

Facials are one routine I've picked up during these last few years and they've became a weekly habit for me. I wear a lot of make up time to times and I feel like my skin needs a re-boost and relaxing moment of its own, so I usually have a green tea and tv moment once of week (or in two weeks) while having my facial on. I will post about favorite facials later and rank how well they work. Hair is another thing that now and then keeps me up at night.. In all seriousness I do stress about my hair a lot, I'm never completely happy with it not at least long term. However, experimenting with new products are so fun – and I keep finding new favorites as they replace old ones along the way. So now, finally I get to the point of this whole post: new exciting organic cosmetics brand from Russia – and I'm already making room to my shelf since I'm planning to buy all of their products from haircare to makeup!

"Natura Siberica is the first Russian brand of organic high-quality cosmetics" and is of course certified with EU standards and many other organizations. The brand has won numerous awards world wide as having the best products in organic, natural, green, effective and also baby proof categories. Natura Siberica is based on rare Siberian plants (and their amazing effect in skin & haircare) which they produce and grow in their own organic farm. The company also follows active social policy, which means they have helped communities creating jobs for people in need. Natura Siberica is mentioned and awarded many times in mainstream magazined and press – for their magical products and this amazing driving business sense they have. The prices are affordable and after the experience of testing their products I can honestly highly recommend to give it a try. You just might fall in love like I did!

Discover more about Natura Siberica and find what products would suit you. You can also read about wild harvesting and the organic farm! Go to the homepage by clicking here or www.naturasiberica.ru/en/ .

Quote (paragraph 3) from Natura Siberica, Our Story

NEW BEGINNINGS

#BEAUTYJUNKIE Recent years I've been a really private person in way that I've tried to control what I share with people – concerning everything. Now I feel like it's time to return to the roots of exposure.

I've written before that I would get more personal with my blog posts – but quite frankly I did not fulfill that promise. In the past I have kept a blog that was sincerely my confessional about everything – love, fashion, beauty and family. It did me no harm to share those deep thoughts, made me a little famous in my high school (wink) and was a place to pure my heart out. It was wonderful, so exciting and pleasing to write about issues worrying me, recommend products I felt deserved attention and of course troubles in paradise. I stopped writing publicly into my blog because lack of time – life was happening so quickly at that time, I lost the focus and direction which way to go with the content. Now, I think I'm ready to take another (or third) try.

What comes to beauty – one addicted junkie right here, hello! Everything affiliated with makeup, feeling good, feeding my spiritual soul and visual eye with beautiful things – I'm all about it. If it's out there, I'm pretty sure I want to try it, wear it and feel it.

So who am I? That's the question I think many of us form during our youth and may or may not find the answer at some point. As humans and our nature do actually change (a little) as we grow up, our character is affected by the experiences and life events we live through. That's is why I like to talk about who am I right now, at this moment. 

I love art and beautiful, spiritual, mysterious things – what ever they are; from makeup to paintings, urban legends, mafia history and foggy Sunday mornings in the city. 

I'm currently in university, working a little on the side and own little yorkie (she is my world, my baby). When I'm not doing homework I'm working on different projects, and enjoying good books about culture of organized crime.
Keeping this short, let's start! Hope to hear from you via comments and emails – your wishes about upcoming blog posts.

xoxo,
C.

#TALLGIRLSHORTGIRLPROBLEMS

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GIFT IDEAS: VILLEROY & BOCH

#SHOPPING My moms birthday was last weekend and I was struggling hard with my brother, what to give to her as a present – to a woman who has everything and is so picky when it comes to anything. Luckily I suddenly remembered that she wanted to get rid of her old collection of crystal champagne glasses and wanted to replace them with new ones at some point. What made this idea for a gift even better, was the fact that I totally remembered what it was she wanted: Octavie collection by Villeroy & Boch. A beautifully designed glasses with tiny but dominant detailing.
What's great about this brand is that when you register yourself to their webpage, you are able to discover all the collection, check the ones you collect – and if some things are getting out of production you'll be notified a year ahead so you're able to supplement your collection.
As my brother bought one glass, she now has two already and I think we are going to buy her the rest of the glasses for Christmas. I needed to be sure this was the collection line she wanted – and quite frankly it is stylish and glam. Find your own Villeroy & Boch store near to you or shop online here.
Villeroy & Boch Octavie champagne glass around 30,- (€)

"ART RULES" LAST TWO WEEKS LEFT: ART EXHIBITION IN TALLINN – EUROPEAN MASTERS OF 15TH–17TH CENTURIES

Photo from ArtRules.ee / J. Boets / Allegory of the Senses of Sight and Smell

#CULTURE #ART The women of Rubens are always curvy and you seriously need a good 15 minutes at least to get a grip of how amazingly detailed the Allegory of the Senses of Sight and Smell by J. Boets painting is (and it's huge too 135x200cm, oil on canvas). It was my first time in historic Tallinn Town Hall and luckily my friend took me there to see an exhibition Art Rules. It contains 90 works of art from private collections.

What and where? Art Rules exhibition; artworks from private collections by European masters of the 15th – 17th centuries. Tallinn Town Hall, Raekoja 1, Tallinn Estonia. From June 5 – October 5, 2015 (last 2 weeks now).

How to get most out of it? I would read a little bit about every artist before visiting the exhibition – or just google them at the same time viewing the paintings. Listen to music if you are anything like me and other people talking or coughing is disturbing your zen moment. Reserve time, ideally 1,5 to 2 hours.

Who: Abraham Danielsz Hondius, Adriaen Thomansz Key, Aelbrecht Bouts, Albrecht Dürer, Anthonie van Brossom, Batholomäus Sarburg, Batholomeus van Bassen, Benjamin Gerritsz Cuyp, Carl Borromäus Andreas Ruthart, Clara Peeters, Cornelis Saftleven, Cornelius van Bellekin, David Rijckaert II, Edwaert Collier Breda, Frans Snyders, Herman Saftleven II, Jacob van Hulsdonck, Jan Abrahamsz van Beerstraten, Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen, Jan Massys, Jan van Kessel, Jan Wellens de Cock, Laurens Craen, Marcellus Coffermans, Marten van Valckenborch, Paulus Bor, Pieter de Bloot, Pieter Huys, Pieter Paul Rubens, Willem Cornelisz Duyster, William Scrots, Adriaen van Overbeke and his workshop, Adriaen van Stalbemt/Jan Brueghel the Elder, Boets J., Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder, Frans Francken the Younger, Hendrik van Steenwyck the Younger, Jacob Savery the Elder, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Jan Brueghel the Younger, Jan del Uyl the Elder, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Lucas Cranach the Younger, Marten de Vos the Elder, Osias Beert the Elder, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Willem van Herp the Elder. 

"The exhibition presents original artworks from the great European masters of the 15th – 17th centuries. Works come from private collections from all over the world." – ArtRules.ee

Photo from ArtRules.ee / Jan Massys / Allegory of Charity

I have a dainty (picky) taste when it comes to art – while I'm only starting to learn about it, I instantly know if I like the painters style and do I find the artwork interesting and pleasing for my eye or not. This was maybe the second time I was truly amazed by the technique and detailing – and would honestly say to people that you really (really) need to see these paintings with your own eyes, close. Pictures do not capture the realness nor take your breath away in the same way. I am beginning to understand people who are art pilgrims and travel distant places only to see one particular piece of art. This was amazingly eyeopening experience – and truly once in a life time chance to see these paintings so close, without masses of people breathing down on your neck.

Photo from ArtRules.ee / Marten de Vos the Elder / The Last Judgement

EMBRACE YOURSELF, BALMAIN IS COMING AGAIN

#TRENDS Balmain is one of the hottest fashion houses right now and it's been that for a while now. Balmain was founded in France, 1946 by Pierre Balmain releasing the first collection in 1945. He was quickly to become a pioneer in haute couture and french fashion – having customers like Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardner.
Balmain fashion house has also been led by Oscar de la Renta as head designer in 1993-2002. Now, a new era of style and direction from Balmain is in the hands of Oliver Rousteing – as he has paired up with H&M and releasing #HMBalmaination aka collaboration collection this fall, available in November 2015 worldwide in H&M stores and online.

"I want to talk to my generation: this is my main aim as a designer. H&M allows me the unique possibility of bringing everyone into the world of Balmain get a piece of the dream and create a global #HMBalmaination: a movement of togetherness, fueled on a hashtag. The collaboration felt extremely natural to me: H&M is a brand that everybody connects to. It calls for unity, and I am all for it" Olivier Rousteing, H&M.com

It seems like the collection has pieces that capture the essence of what Balmain is today and trends that it has been promoting during the last years. The junky blazers that made everyone go crazy, combined with satin like bold colored items, wide belts and knee high sexy boots. I really thought I might be over the Balmain fuss already, but now when I think about it – to feel sexy, strong and powerful – that never goes out of style. Can't wait to see what else is on this menu!

PASTELS ARE BACK

FW 2015 pastels overview by christinewprivate featuring a red leather purse

#TRENDS Pastels are back again and that is perfect, since I haven't even packed nor given aways the pastel clothing pieces from the previous light colored season few years backwards. FW 15 (fall winter 2015) star was no doubt Prada, whose pink and light blue dresses have made it already to magazine covers, like Harper's Bazaar. Light colors towards winter for me is a tricky combination since I automatically turn darker, clothing wise, when the leafs come down. Supposedly I am just going to play it safe and accompany my camel jacket with some nude loafers, and maybe wear them with pastel shirt.. We will see. How about you, are you more pastel or darker tones kind of individual?

IT'S MONDAY & WE ARE LOVING LIFE

#ENJOY Mondays sometimes feel like the new beginnings. In fact, they are the start of a long, exhausting week before we can go and run free naked off to the sunset. Or maybe Monday is a symbol of chances, option to change, take up more or keep it steady as it goes.. your life I mean. I'm going to make Monday my new best friend who asks me every week how am I doing, have you been good and should we try harder or enjoy the stability we've created? As Sundays for me are always for pampering and for total coma (by choice) Monday will be sweet, carefully energetic and kind. Now, back to finishing my evening tea – I'm out of champagne, so I have to settle.

BADASS LUXURY: URBAN DECAY FINALLY IN FINLAND

#BEAUTY It's here, landed in Helsinki Finland, the brand we've all been waiting for: the edgy, fierce – Urban Decay cosmetics. I need to confess, I didn't know much about this brand before the launching event today besides that they have the Naked makeup line that every one of us dreams about. After this event, you can be sure that I will be taking home some products tomorrow – when they are open for business!

"Urban Decay is beauty with an edge. Feminine, dangerous and fun, it appeals to women who relish their individuality and dare to express it. From our insane range of velvety Eyeshadows—including the bestselling (and often-copied) Naked Palettes—to our award-winning eye liners, budge-proof mascaras and legendary Makeup Setting Sprays, we've been shaking up the industry for over 15 years." Urbandecay.com

The launch party was at Club Capital and beautifully arranged – we were able to explore the products, have some drinks and snack, enjoying the edgy music playing in the background. The perfect after work you might say and what better way to relax than get to know this brand that is loved and hyped about all around the world! The best news of course is that the products will be available for all of us, starting from tomorrow in Sokos department store in Helsinki and Tampere (Finland). Remember to check my Instagram for more photos and use #ubfinland tag if you were also attending the event, or like me, are hopefully tomorrow the lucky owner of UB makeup products!

Here is what we would want to find in our makeup bag, how about you?

Urban Decay – Private By Christine W: We want these! by christinewprivate featuring Urban Decay

CHANEL FALL 2015 READY TO WEAR: YOUR MOTHERS CLASSICAL SHOES ARE BACK!

#PRIVATEFAVORITES As we have witnessed by looking up our calendar, summer is ending and fall is – well, here when it comes to fashion. Fall 2015 ready to wear shows have given us a lot to think about, but luckily we are able to update our look pretty easily with few classic pieces. 

Chanel is always the one from where I start and this preview is no exception. Luckily the show is built around classical chanel look, tweed and those shoes that your mother or grandmother already has! There were many of them in the market – but I'm pretty sure after this the pre-owned designer websites run out of these fast, if they haven't done that already. Oh my satisfaction, when I get to say that throwing nor giving things aways is never a good idea because they might will be re-born as old new trends. That's why we love and hate fashion.

After this spectacle and walk down to the memory lane, we need to take a look of the outfit details. Too beautiful, too elegant and tasteful! Chanel never fails, and although this collection contained a lot of timeless pieces, these photos just melt our hearts.

Well? Any thoughts? Was I right or what? We adore the materials (so soft and fluffy) and the patterns of course, not to mention the color scheme! If this is fall, bring it on I say! All photos from Style.com where you can view all the images from this collection and details. 

(NEVER) ENDING SUMMER

 #OPINION Last month of summer, and although the sun is burning and the air is dry it reminds us that the amount of steamy, bright nights are decreasing and fall is coming quicker than we wanted. Guess it is always like that, these few months that we wait all winter (most of the year) are over sooner than we are able to pull out all our summer dresses and brand new bikinis. This is the scenario here at least, around northern countries like Finland and Estonia. It's the last change to hit the sales which is also kind of sad if you think about it – selling the summer cheap in the way of speeding fall. I feel sad for summer, her few minutes of fame truly are short. Freaking discount season.

Because of this sad phenomenon I'm going to dedicate this months posts to summer and taking it all in (for what ever it left from it)- And of course, we are going to honor the sales and jump right in also – hopefully making some good finds although hopes aren't high anymore.
However, this is how the Finnish summer looks like at it's best: from a sailing boat. Enjoy!

FACES TO KNOW: MARK-FRANCIS VANDELLI

#PRIVATEPEOPLE I'm not going to even start how I feel about the fact that it's Monday, you can all go and check the Instagram for that. However, I am going to introduce you guys this divine man, who´s just beyond handsome and notoriously famous of having the most amazing cheek bones of all time. TV personality and king of fashion Mark-Francis Vandelli. He is famous of course from the hit series Made in Chelsea, but also worked as an editor in a Insider magazine. Along that, he has a French atelier which supplies jewelry, for no other that Tom Ford, Goyard and Chanel. Mark-Francis (now 27 years old) has studied History of Art and is currently writing a book. He's busy being one of the most stylish men in the world, dressed always so flawlessly for every occasion and never making single fashion mistake whatsoever. Mark-Francis is an heir to his millionaires socialite and model (70s) moms fortune, Diane Boulting-Casserley who was the ambassador for YSL back it the days when it all started happening.
Mark-Francis is just really divine to look and, and some serious photo candy moments going on in his Instagram account. If you are not following yet, here you can and seriously need to do that right this second!

INSTA ADDICTION

#INSTAGRAM Remember to follow our Instagram account, since it is the most active player of all.

MAN OF THE MONTH: AVAN JOGIA

#MANOFTHEMONTH #PRIVATEMEN Feast your eyes people, here comes trouble. As it is the official and final summer holiday month, we are feeling still frisky, lusting for the warm moist evening sun to lick our tanned skin while have a glass of rosé or Corona. This is why it's the perfect time to rock that indie-bohochic-jack sparrow inspired look: both men and women.

While this man is somewhat stranger to most of us, he surely deserves the spotlight as our August man: just look at that hair, wandering gaze and confidence, not to mention how well he carries just that edgy I don't give a f'* look. Avan Jogia, now 22 years (born in February 1992) stars currently a TV mini series Tut which covers the mysterious life of most renowned pharaoh Tutankhamen. Mr Jogia is also known for his part in TV series Twisted, Victorious and iCarly, to name a few. We would love to see Avan in many more movies to come, playing that steaming hot lover who knows how to work the magic.
What do you think guys,  we do love the dark exotic vibe, don't we?

YSL EFFET FAUX CILS CRÈME D’EYELINER

#BEAUTY I'm seriously considering of throwing this cursed computer out of the window. After writing colorful product review and editing it, like an hour, where does this computer save it? Nowhere. So this post is going to be short because I'm angry at the world right now.

YSL Effect Faux Cils creme eyelines in no 6 jade black. What does it promise?

Intensify the eye with a spectacular, long-lasting line. The soft and silky texture draws on smoothly without skipping, and upholds on the eyelid all day without flaking or creasing! Smudgeproof. Waterproof. 24-hour wear. (YSLbeautyus.com)

Does it deliver? Yes. In my mind it totally holds up to everything it promises. It doesn't get messy, stays all day long and gives you very intensive and interesting look. Gel format is easy to work with and you can play with it – thin or bolder looks. Oh and the pigment is crazy strong. Totally moneys worth. 8/10

WHAT'S HAPPENING

#LOVE My summer days have been full of love, positive energy and long nights early mornings. With a help of my girlfriend, I went and got myself a yorkie puppy since I've been craving one from the day my previous soulmate passed away (over 3 years ago). This obviously brought some peace and harmony into my life and there have been only few times I've actually been even out in town, to see my friends. Mostly my weeks are filled with long morning walks (where I time after time realized how happy I truly am – the euphoric effect of the sea breeze), trying to teach my little Nefertari how to sit when asked, and give high fives of course!
Although I haven't been writing here much lately – like always when it comes to me – I'm gonna come back to my love, and try to post more ofter, more personally and overcome my fears of letting people in again (wink). Because after all, we are living the dream.

BIRD VIEW: TALLINN & PEFECT SATURDAY

#ENJOY Sunny, beautiful weather and Saturday – that is already the recipe for a perfect day. To top that, one should go for a helicopter ride and have some prosecco with pancakes and strawberries, before heading to eat in Noa in the evening. This is what we did and pretty sure there will not be such a great and amazing day ahead of me as this Saturday was! 

Pictures © Joona Savolainen 
Last picture from my instagram @christinewollmann (the video is in really bad quality because I had to crop it – since it was filmed with iPhone and not horizontally; soundtrack Eric Pryz – Shadows)

HERMÈS PEACE OF MIND

#ENJOY For all of you who are relaxing and enjoying your Easter holiday, here is a slideshow of beautiful Hermès ads – to get you into the elegant, quietness and Hermès-kind of state of mind. Enjoy fashionistas.

A SYMBOL OF HOPE, RENEWAL AND NEW LIFE

Happy Easter holiday everyone. Thinking about making a post about the famous Faberge egg and its history during this weekend. Although I am not ardor believer, and do not usually comment religious issues – this quote seems valid no matter what the day, holiday or decision – just related to Easter this time. Enjoy these resting days my friends, and eat lots of chocolate eggs!

Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.

 Janine di Giovanni