Allegra Caro

Brunch outfit ideas you will wear all Spring long

Brunch

noun [C] Perfect state of grace achieved by the successive viewing and consumption of a decadent feast, frequently composed of avocado toasts, benedict eggs and rosé on a glorious Sunday morning. Also refers to a general peaceful mindset.

Let’s talk about brunch. If by any chance you are a Gossip Girl fan (and let’s be honest, we all are, aren’t we?), you can’t help but think of perfectly arranged silver trays crammed with smoked salmon and ruby red fruit, people wearing white, and a pinch of snobbish tedium floating in the afternoon atmosphere. That is all well and good but personally, I am not that much of a Vanity Fair character: Once in my wild early twenties, I accidentally discovered that a quick shower followed by a sushi-based brunch was the best hangover fix and, although my party girl days were left behind, the Sunday brunch habit remained to this day.

Brunch is a natural way to recharge my batteries after a long week – a sort of regenerating ritual. Sometimes, I will simply tie my hair in a knot and wear sunglasses. Sometimes, I will enjoy the chance to dress up a bit. To me, it is all about having some quality time but I believe you don’t necessarily need to take style out of the equation.

I don’t consider styling (or even a fashion interest, for the matter), to be a synonym of high-maintenance. Instead, I see it as an integrated part of people who enjoys being creative through clothes. With the arrival of nice weather, dressing up is easier and also a bit more interesting, so I thought I could provide you with some basic tips on what to wear for a Spring brunch. Of course, none of these are completely fixed but general recommendations, rather than rigid rules.

Printed dresses (and yes, we can include Spring florals this time)

Generally, I am not the biggest fan of seasonal florals but I must admit they are quite cool for an early lunch date since they make you look fresh and cheerful. Let’s make a concession and welcome them to our wardrobe for once. In case you don’t like pastels or shiny colours, there are plenty of other options. Burgundy is timeless and a total winner for me, but any shade will do.

2. Blazers and cardigans

You can pair your dress with a nice chunky cardigan or a blazer to keep yourself warm and cosy. A favourite of mine is this lovely velvet private school-style jacket I got in Paris a couple of years ago. The main point about blazers is they make you instantly chic with about zero effort. Win-win situation here.

3. Comfortable shoes

You might feel like dressing up but Sunday should be a day of rest. Forget about those Blahnik stilettos and choose some flats instead. After a long working week, your feet will appreciate the gesture.

4. If you go for trousers, Capri pants are your friends

Not into dresses? No problem. Capri pants are chic, still comfortable. You can pair them with a nice white shirt or Breton top and get those instant Parisian style vibes. Untuck your blouse and enjoy that extra room for all the crispy bacon and dreamy bagels.

5. Keep make up minimal

There is no point in losing some precious minutes by applying makeup on a Sunday morning. In case you feel like using some of your favourite products, just tone it down. After all, it should be all about enjoying the off time to rest. Also, your skin will be happy to breathe for the whole day and take advantage of all the delicious nourishing food properties.

Thank you for reading my latest The Prêt-à-porter Series installment. The next episode will be opened for suggestions so, in case you are interested in any specific topic style-related, please feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

Let me know what are your personal preferences for a Spring Sunday brunch.

Dress: Vintage Chic for Top Vintage (sold out, pencil skirt version here)

Blazer: Axes Femme (old, similar here)

Handbag and shoes: Deichman/ Sunglasses: Vintage / Cuff: CHANEL

April 1, 2019April 3, 2019

Allegra Caro12 Comments

Personal Fashion pet peeves (which will make you burst into laughter)

A couple of weeks ago, I was having one of my recurring online cappuccino dates with a friend. While casually discussing trends, she told me she hates monochrome outfits with a passion. She confessed it was one of her personal fashion pet peeves, something which annoyed her so much, she would immediately scroll down on Pinterest when encountered.

I was quite curious about the fact she felt such displeasure and when she kindly asked me what were my own style pet peeves, I gave her an involuntary puzzled frown. The fact is, I never thought about it and couldn’t even tell if I had a thing about any trend at all. To be honest, my mind went completely blank, and we ended up shifting towards a different topic. However, I would not let go and spent the next couple of weeks raking over it. My brain did not cooperate and at the end of the day, I had to admit maybe I had no pet peeve of my own.

A bunch of days later, Sebastian and I were out for dinner and run into a colleague who was wearing a beautiful floral dress. Although the gown was truly beautiful, I found myself muttering afterwards. “Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking!” And there it was – I was like everyone else, after all.

A cascade of ideas flooded my mind in that very moment, the entire collection of my own personal style obsessions. And then, I concluded it would be nice to share them with you out of scientific curiosity if you please. Just to compare and check if it’s only me who cannot stand the points in the following list. So here you go…

My fashion pet peeves

(Disclaimer: these are my own personal opinions and they are meant to be read in a humorous tone. Please, do not take me too seriously.)

Trainers to tone down an all over classy outfit

I know I am probably alone with this one but really, NOPE. To me, sport shoes will never look casual, but sporty. That’s the whole point about them, isn’t it? So, when I see one of those very nice grammable photos in which the girl is wearing a perfectly polished outfit just to “tone it down” with trainers, I want to cry. Are you playing a tennis match or going to an opera evening? My robotic mind displays the Logic Not Found error message every time. Sorry. It is not about you, people. It is about me. Give me flats anytime, but sport shoes are my kryptonite.

2. Mixing patterns

Let’s. Stop. This madness. I still remember when I opened a magazine to see a street fashion shot of a woman who was wearing camouflage print and tartan on the same outfit. My eyes burn to this day. Just like Phoebe’s in that Friends episode in which she discovers Monica and Chandler affair. Please, if I can make a wish, let’s leave patterns separate and use solid colours instead. Thank you.

3. The tiny handbags trend

Excuse me, did I die and went to Hell? Because that’s the only way I can make sense of something this illogical. Carrying your stuff around is the purpose of a bag, so what is the point of a miniature purse which cannot even keep your car keys? Seriously. What is the point?! It makes NO SENSE (hyperventilates on a paper bag).

4. Clothes on the wrong size

Know your size people, pleasie, please. When in doubt, just ask the shop assistant or check the sizes chart. There is nothing worse than poorly tailored clothes. Too baggy? Awful. Too tight? Even worse. You don’t want to look like a tacky version of a Marvel superhero, right? Something like Captain Clerk, the unfortunate hero whose powers come from the second cup of morning Ristretto… I thought so. Well, I have written about this before, but you can totally drop your new suit to the closest dressmaker if needed. I promise it is worth every penny.

5. Nude dress, nude shoes, nude tights… nude you

To me, too matchy-matchy is an A category fashion disaster which develops into a hilarious mess when it comes to nude tones. Without a pop of colour, a head-to-toe nude outfit makes you look… yes, you guessed it: NAKED. Please, don’t show yourselves naked on the streets. It is bad for you, it is bad for me, it is bad for all those fluffy koala cubs out there. And you don’t want to hurt the baby koalas, do you?

And this is it, folks – my own personal nightmares fashionwise. Since I am a bit nosy, I would love to learn about yours too, so just let me know!

Dress: Poema (sold out, similar at Alexia Admor)

Pink Biker Jacket: Reserved

Handbag: CHANEL/ Sunglasses: Vintage / Shoes: Top Shop

Earrings: Vintage (similar at Miu Miu)

March 25, 2019March 31, 2019

Allegra Caro25 Comments

Is Louboutin Velvet Matte lipstick worth the price tag?

There seems to be something indefinitely mystical when it comes to high-end beauty launches – a certain feeling of excitement, almost the trance on oblation to cosmetic gods. When Louboutin announced the release of their lipstick range back in September 2015, it caused a commotion: from make-up amateurs to top influencers, everyone strived to bite the forbidden fruit. Wearing Louboutin iconic red on the lips? The concept was indeed very tempting.

I remember reading the announcement on Vogue, then enduring the same agitation. At the time, I spoke about it with every beauty addict I knew (I also told my siblings, Sebastian, and the window cleaner…), and we waited for weeks only to learn it would not be available in Spain. Oh, the disappointment! Buying online was not easy either, the product sold out in most European retailers immediately. I even tried to get the lipstick via my kind beauty mules flying from New York on Christmas but without any luck (once again, Velvet Matte was gone). As time went by, new launches overshadowed Louboutin’s and I gave up.

And then, during my last holiday, a friend of mine who works in the industry casually said he could send me some new products from their catalogue, which included Christian Louboutin Beauty range. (Just to be clear and, this is not a PR gift, but I purchased the items with a disscount.) No need to say I jumped out of my seat. And a few weeks later, when I finally opened the parcel in the most anticipated mail day ever, I got both the bestseller Djalouzi Matte Velvet and Lip Definer (and guys, I must admit I kind of experienced that vague sacred excitement I mentioned before by looking at the polished packaging).

Allegra Caro testing Louboutin Beauty — Lipstick Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte in Djalouzi, after first coat.

For a start, the presentation was as good as expected, if not better. The box is flawlessly designed but the real magic is inside – once you open it, you will find a golden metallic lip case which feels heavy and expensive. The pack also includes a little organza bag to carry lipstick in your handbag conveniently. Well, I am not going to lie: at this point, I was already sold on the concept. A lipstick that looks like a jewel? Where do I sign up?

Design and packaging: 5 / 5

However, a part of me was still sensitive enough to refrain early celebrations and wait to test the product quality. I tried it on my forearm at once. With the first swatch, I got a solid brilliant tone. By applying a second coat, you obtain a vibrant colour although slightly darker. I would say I was quite satisfied with intensity.

Pigmentation: 4 / 5

Obviously, next step was applying the product on my lips – the crucial test, if you please. Before I continue, I should disclose they are kind of dry (by this I mean Mojave Desert is wet, in comparison…), and this has always affected the way most lipsticks look on me. As usual, I exfoliated any dead skin in advance and applied a reasonable quantity of balm. Given the fact we are speaking about a matte formula, I was expecting the same heavy feeling I usually experience with similar lipsticks. A favourite of mine is Mac Diva but I only use it during weekends, when I know I will have the time to prepare my lips and touch-up, if needed. When first applied, the product is almost light. Once again, keep in mind we are not speaking about a sheer shade, but about a matte colour. Hence, I was shocked when I realised it felt even a bit nourishing on my lips! This is, in my opinion, its main strong point and what I like the most about it.

Texture: 5 / 5

Louboutin Lipstick Lasting Power — Lipstick Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte in Djalouzi, after a generous lunch. (I am afraid no decent closer photos were taken that day).

I decided to try it on a Saturday morning and I wore it for the whole day. Our weekend date consisted on a nice walk, followed by food and movies. Hence, I spent 7 hours out and about, approximately. Checking my lips after dinner, I noticed some wearing on the central section, so I can’t say the lasting power was impressive. However, my meal consisted on a giant brie and apple burger and some sweet potato fries (I girl needs to eat, ladies…), which most brands are no match for. Even so, discoloration was not that bad and I didn’t need to reapply immediately. The product wore out quite decently but it gets the lowest punctuation in this department.

Lasting Power: 3 / 5.

Once we got home, I noticed no major changes in its appearance: the colour was still there, although not as vibrant as in the first part of the day. I could easily remove it by using a little pump of my usual Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

My two cents

In general, my opinion is quite positive – presentation is flawless, pigmentation and texture are surprising. Its weak point is doubtlessly the lasting power but to be fair, it wasn’t designed for this specific purpose. Let’s go ahead with conclusion then.

Is Louboutin Velvet Matte lipstick worth the price tag?

The answer is yes, as long as you value design and comfort.

If you are looking for a morning-to-night product though, I would recommend to look for something specific. Personally, I would repurchase and I will probably try some of the other available shades (Sevillana, Rococotte, I am looking at you girls).

But what is the last product you have tried?

Would you recommend?

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019

Allegra Caro10 Comments

A Day in a blogger’s life: Expectations vs. Reality

Oh, the Internet! That little funny place where you can be whoever you want and share it with anyone, anywhere. Isn’t that magical? It’s 2019 now and we have got used to living online, almost 24/7. Pre-Instagram existence seems only a dream and sometimes, we can’t figure out how life was twenty, even ten years ago. This is how much our lives have changed.

Despite it all, there is a good dose of misunderstanding when it comes to the internet persona. Online identity is frequently misinterpreted. Hence, criticism turns out to be an unavoidable consequence.

When speaking about bloggers, the resulting reactions are quite obvious – the internet is packed with sceptical comments judging any kind of content creator, and even with hate forums (yes, I am looking at you, GOMIBLOG). But what are the origins of such a prejudice palette? Well, on the one hand, it could be argued that it is a brand new industry which has been out there for a relatively short period of time. Many people are naturally suspicious of non-traditional business, which makes blogging an obvious target. On the other hand, the editing work most creators put into their projects to make their content appealing can be seen as counterproductive. Some people misjudge it and think it is an accurate description of reality, sometimes based on the massive success of a little number of exceptional influencers.

Even before I started blogging, I was quite conscious about the intimidating number of comments you can hear and read out there. Bloggers, YouTubers, Instagrammers… they are all frequently accused of living according to privileged standards. Sometimes, on a total paradox, they are also called fake.

Well, this is the thing – many people will never understand online publications are no different from printed magazines or TV shows. We are talking about a marketing job. And marketing requires continuous edition.

With that said, it should be a no-brainer to understand that the common blogger living standards are just the same as everyone else. And even so, I stumble upon unrealistic misconceptions every week. Since I am a bit of a clown, I thought it could be fun to post a day in a bloggers routine, only focused on people beliefs compared to real life. So here you go…

A Day in a blogger’s life: Expectations vs. Reality
(Disclaimer: I am not responsible for bursting your bubble, sorry…)

Expectations: Monday, 9:00 AM (Paris, France)

The morning sunlight wakes me up in the room at the Shangri-La my kind sponsors have paid for. The first thing I see is the magnificent tour Eiffel silhouette greeting me on my first day in Paris.

Reality: Monday, 7.00 AM (My apartment)

My phone alarm rings a bit too early. It is still dark and I am sleepy. The first thing I see is a ghost. WHAT?! Why is there a sinister human shape in our bedroom corner?! I turn the lights on in panic, my heart about to explode. Oh… it was just the clean laundry pile on a chair, waiting for us to fold it. Holy crap. I need my coffee.

Expectations: 9:30 AM (A room terrace in the Shangri-La)

I just had the greatest hydro therapy morning shower. By the time I sit down in the sunny private terrace, the room service has already served a feast made of delicious butter croissants, pain au chocolat, strawberries, and coffee. They also brought me some fresh peonies. I take some quick Instagram snaps that require no filter. #awesome

Reality: 07.30 AM (Still, my apartment)

I leave the morning shower just to discover we forgot to buy real coffee. Again. Decaf will have to do. Such a lovely Monday start.

Expectations: 10:00 AM (Again in the hotel room)

While the very nice hairdresser finishes her work, I send a couple of agreement emails confirming my participation in a bloggers event tomorrow evening. My personal assistant will take care of all the details. Now, is this Oscar de la Renta skirt too dressy for a casual walk?

Reality: 07.45 AM

Where did I place the hair straightener? And my dress? Decaf is lukewarm now but at least I managed to click the “schedule post” button, so it goes live at ten o’clock. Should I re-check the spelling once again? OK, don‘t panic. I will be on time to the commute.

Expectations: 10.30 AM (Pont Alexandre III)

My car picks me up and drops me to Pont Alexandre III for the professional photo shoot. The photographer I always hire in Paris is very patient and knows my angles. It will be a relaxing fun morning.

Reality: 08:30 AM (Commute)

I am late, I am late, I am LATE. Did I really hit the schedule button this morning? I will quickly check on the phone. Why is there no reception now? Please, tell me I scheduled the post correctly… I would kill for real coffee, really.

Expectations: 12:30 PM (Café De Flore)

My fellow blogger babes gang welcomes me when I first arrive in Café De Flore. We are catching up a bit before moving to our favourite boutiques for a shopping spree. Our group picture hits 20,000 views on Instagram stories in about two minutes time. Isn’t this the best day EVER?

Reality: 09:00 AM (The office)

Well, it was scheduled correctly, after all. I will have to check the comments in the break and pray there are no typo mistakes in between. At least, I could drink a proper cup of coffee… Not the worst Monday ever.

Expectations: 13.30 PM (Avenue Montagne)

We are SO lucky there were special sales on Céline! I will make an unboxing as soon as I get back to the hotel. My Insta-stories will be on fire!

Reality: 14.30 PM (The office, lunch break)

Oh goodness! Do I need to update all the new post reminders manually on my lunch break? Didn’t the app do its thing? But WHY? Hello darkness, my old friend…

Expectations: 16:00 PM (31 Rue Cambon, Coco Chanel apartment)

The girls and I are having such a great time today! We enjoy our sponsored private tour while drinking some champagne. Once it is finished, we will take some more pictures for Instagram. Super productive Monday!

Reality: 18.30 PM (Back home)

Back home, finally! I make myself a cup of tea and and get ready to start the whole admin tasks on my pending list: comments, edition, pre-scheduling social media content for tomorrow etc. Sometimes, I feel as if 24 hours in a day aren’t enough to do all the things I want to do.

Expectations: 18:30 PM (Back to the Shangri-La hotel)

The room service brings me a tea cup so I can start writing a draft for my Paris city guide. No stress, though – my assistant already took care of all the heavy admin stuff, so I can simply focus on the creative part.

Reality (20:00 PM)

Done for today! Are those hunger pangs? I totally forgot to eat dinner (or drink any liquids, for the matter), thanks God Sebastian comes to my rescue with a quick spaghetti dish. Maybe I can quickly draft something for next week too?

Expectations: 20:30 PM (Kong restaurant)

The girls and I are having the most delicious dinner ever. Such a perfect end for a perfect day. We will leave the place early tonight, so we can all rest and meet again in the morning for the first day of Paris Fashion Week. #BLESSED

Reality (21:30 PM)

I suddenly wake up from a nap in the couch. When did I even fall asleep? Maybe, I should leave the laptop now and have an early night. Why is there a sinister human shape in our bedroom corner?! That laundry pile AGAIN. I really need to fold those clothes now. Oh, well… Let’s call it just an ordinary Monday. #DEAD

March 11, 2019March 11, 2019

Allegra Caro22 Comments

Five February Highlights

As February vanishes and March makes its entrance all wrapped up in cherry blossom petals and sunlight, we all awake to life. We are saying our farewells to pitch-black evenings and it feels so good, so refreshing, that we are prone to forget those little Winter highlights as well.

Personally, this makes me a bit sad. Don’t get me wrong, I am as glad as the next girl to welcome Spring (and by now you are probably so sick of me grumbling about the awfully long cold season, that it feels like a miracle you are reading this at all…), but I do appreciate every happy memory, including those from Winter. Hence, I thought it would do no harm to share some of the highlights from the month of February with you. Just so you know what I have been up to recently. Additionally, I find truly comforting to type about the sparkling little bits and bobs that put a smile on my face. So let’s stop the chit-chat and move on…

This is my February in a nutshell

Rediscovering the pleasure of cooking

(And food in general.) January felt like a never-ending succession of greasy takeaway orders and irresponsible meal choices. Partially, I blame the January blues and partially our laziness. After what Sebastian and I call The Month of Common Sense Debacle, February demanded the restoration of some basic adult cooking standards. Planning meals in advance was easier once we installed a couple of apps on our phones. We both started feeling less inclined to eat crappy food by simply planning ahead and organizing our groceries shopping over the weekend. Also, we started planning our food outings to healthy places with a more elaborate menu and actually discovered a bunch of new restaurants we love. In the end, it all came down to lots of delicious vegetarian curry dishes and stews. We are looking forward to all the lovely March cooking too!

Making some dreams come true

For some time now, I have been interested in taking a seminar to improve my writing skills, especially those connected with fashion and style topics. My main aim is to upgrade this site with a few new techniques and content ideas, as well as to enrich myself with a new vital experience. At some point last month, the opportunity knocked on my door and I decided to take it. So I am very proud to tell you I will be traveling to London in April to attend Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design! There, I will take the Fashion Journalism course I have been dreaming with since forever. Wish me luck!

Traveling

This was probably the main highlight in February. Sebastian had his usual semester holiday and we thought it could be a nice opportunity to go for a short city break. Well, I wrote enough about it already but let’s just say I would gladly book another Bucharest stay right now if I hadn’t to attend my duties.

Following the New York Fashion Week

Other people like to follow The Oscars but I am more into Fashion Week. I am not even referring to the hottest Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs or Anna Sui catwalk shows, but to all those glorious Street Style online pictures. I don’t mind if we are speaking about bloggers, actresses or anonymous walkers – I will invariably sit in the couch and scroll on my phone for hours, amazed by all the stylish people out there. Also invariably, I will sigh and repeat the same languid comments over and over to Sebastian despair: “But she is sooooo chic! Why can’t I be chic too? So Unfair…” Then I will eat chocolate, drink tea, rinse and repeat. I call it a normal February evening. Sebastian calls it Hell, though.

Setting a budget

A few months ago, I slowly started a shift towards the “more quality-less quantity” shopping ethics. I came to realize I’d rather get the best possible value for my money and started buying more style investment pieces I can mix and match. As a consequence, fewer clothes have been making it to my closet but the ones which do are truly loved staple pieces. I decided to set a budget for this specifically, making a bit easier to organize my monthly acquisitions and relieving any unexpected expenses from that side. So far, so good. Any day now, I will awake to be a proper grown up and all… Just kidding! Chocolate cake for breakfast, anyone?!

To summarize, I would say February was a much more productive month than January. Indeed, compared to the previous month, my life was much more organized and easy-going which kind of explains the late lack of anxiety or excessive worrying. February was the one month when I could actually start practicing that long (-ish) bucket list for my 2019 and guys, it feels awesome.

I would love to hear how was your February and any special plans you have for March!

March 8, 2019March 8, 2019

Allegra Caro18 Comments

Hello March: A transitional Winter to Spring outfit

If you are anything like me, there is a good chance you are kind of sick of Winter at this point. (And by that I mean if Winter was a person, I would probably punch him on the face.)

First, January lasted approximately 200,546,181 eons and then February was colder than a witch’s tit. In all honesty, at the time writing these words it is a gloomy Sunday morning and the prospect of yet another freezing walk is threatening my sanity. Suddenly, I find myself googling how many weekends in a row is it socially acceptable to stay indoors in pajamas. (Answer: as many as you wish, as long as you don’t admit it in public, duh…) But seriously, there is a point in which all the cozy and nice jumpers are not attractive anymore and you simply wish you could leave the house on a nice Summer dress.

And then, the city welcomed the arrival of March with a local festival last weekend. FINALLY! Oh boy, I was over the moon. I started anticipating the whole flowers blooming, Spring picnics and all the sunny outings… So of course, our friend Murphy’s law had different plans.

I must admit I was naively expecting about 15-20 degrees and a gloriously sunny day when I woke up on Saturday morning. And we actually got the nice sunlight. But that’s all it was, really. Temperatures, on the other hand, decided to fluctuate between 15 and about -1 million ℃ which made outfit planning, well… sort of interesting, indeed. But hey, sometimes you need to pick your battles so I thought I could make use of a transitional Winter to Spring outfit and get my way. As a matter of fact, I purchased these trousers back in the January sales and since then they have been sadly hanging in my closet, waiting for Spring to come. I felt bad for them, poor things, and decided to wear them at once.

Just to let you know, our first Spring weekend plans sounded great on my head. “Let’s play in the sun”, I said, “We will grab some coffee to-go or sit on a terrace sipping prosecco the whole afternoon, watching people pass by. Just the Parisian style”. Guys, I would slap myself on the face. I can tell you, there was nothing even remotely bohemian on the atmosphere of the day. One minute it was excruciatingly hot, and the next bone-chilling. Plus, it was windy. And I don’t mean the kind of breezy weather that you can easily transform into a stylish Nouvelle Vague-inspired photoshoot. No, I am referring to the kind that will transform you in a hot mess in about five minutes. Oh, and maybe make you get a cold too. Any fantasies of playing Anna Karina in a Godard film? Yeah, forget about it. At some point, I pretty much looked like a hangover version of Eliza Doolittle in the very beginning of My Fair Lady… Only with a BAD hair day. But I digress here.

By the time we arrived in downtown, it was crystal clear any terrace-related plans were out of the question. And after a quick cappuccino to-go and a very brief walk, we quickly moved on to the closest coffee place where we could stop fighting the elements and actually start enjoying ourselves.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a place where we had the chance to enjoy a proper Spring beginning?” I asked Sebastian with dreamy eyes, “You know? To enjoy the cherry blossom blooming and all that jazz?”

“Well”, he replied, “You would get the hay fever, anyway. Why worry then?”

And damn, he was right, guys. I guess it is not about living in a postcard, after all. Sometimes, you need to stop and smell the flowers (even if, like me, you get the hay fever…) So instead of feeling miserable, we went outside again and had some good laugh taking a few pictures. Then visited the closest bookstore and spent some time there, choosing our next read.

And you know what? It actually felt great.
After all, people at Nouvelle Vague films looked like a hot mess too and that’s totally fine.

Blouse: Metamorphose Japan (sold out, similar here)

Trousers: Zara (sold out, similar here and here)

Tote Bag: Ted Baker/ Sunglasses: Vintage / Shoes: Top Shop

Coat: Zara (old)

March 5, 2019March 24, 2019

Allegra Caro14 Comments

What to pack for a Bucharest weekend city break

I don’t know if this happens to me only, but every time I hear the words “city break”, I always think about Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. She is the perfect epitome of off-duty elegance in that film and for that very reason, I never feel satisfied with my own looks when on holiday. Yes, I know it sounds crazy and it is not something I do consciously but still, it happens. Every time I stare at my reflection in a hotel mirror I think “Hey, this is not Hepburnesque at all. Shame!” Now, I am obviously exaggerating here. (It is not like I am expecting to walk around head to toe in 1950’s Dior, right? Although, couldn’t we consider the possibility for a second? No? I thought so…) But the truth is, I tend to experience some dissatisfaction with my outfits choice when I am on a trip.

Frequently, I over-pack only to find out I have nothing to wear. And guys, I HATE that. This usually happens for a reason – I did not consider outfits. In the past, I found myself with a case full of dresses and skirts, and not a single outfit to wear. And here, as much I am hesitant to admit it, is where we should start discussing capsule wardrobes. First, I should state that in my (not very popular) opinion, capsule wardrobes are boring. OK, that is it, I finally said it. I can be officially expelled from the fashion bloggers club now. I will return my blogging camera and Starbucks membership at once…

But the thing is, I find they leave little room for creativity. However, there is one exception to this rule: they are really handy when it comes to traveling. Abroad, you don’t need 5,487,337 pairs of shoes. What you need though is a range of clothes you can mix and match. I must admit it took a bit too long for me to accept this idea, but it has proved to be efficient ever since.

Personally, I am more into skirts and dresses, and so is this capsule wardrobe. Also, I have decided to reduce the chromatic palette to three/four shades only which is, well… one of the main points when it comes to a capsule wardrobe, isn’t it?

Something you need to consider when traveling to Bucharest during the cold season is the weather. And I am going to tell you something, it can be FRIGID. Forget about light clothes and think about layers: cardigans, sweaters, coats… anything that can keep you warm enough. You should also add a scarf, a pair of gloves and maybe a hat or two. And please, don´t be afraid to pack some thermal tights too (and I am talking about 100 denier if you wish to walk around and enjoy your trip, so let’s be sensitive). Regarding shoes, I would definitely advise going for boots.

During our trip two weeks ago, we arrived on Friday afternoon and after checking-in, we went straight for a little walk and sightseeing just before dinner at our favourite place in town. I was far too tired to take any pictures but the jumper and skirt I wore were totally OK for the weather. Consequently, here you go my personal suggestions for a Friday afternoon and evening plan.

Sightseeing can be exhausting when you visit a big city. (I have got a shoes-related horror story from a trip to Vienna a few years ago and since then, I always choose my shoes wisely…) But Bucharest public transport is a great alternative to cover the biggest distances, don’t be afraid to use it. Personally, I prefer to add a pair of comfortable shoes to my luggage and I usually wear them for day tours, while I change from flats to heels in the evening. This tip also applies to shopping: please, do wear comfy shoes. You can thank me later.

Our Saturday was spent on some more sightseeing, food, and shopping. All followed by a late-evening concert in a town center club. Once again layering saved my life and let me enjoy the whole experience, so here I leave you some inspiration for your Saturday outfits both day and evening.

On Sunday we took it easy, had a late brunch and visited the old town to take our last trip pictures. Afterwards, we booked for a nice afternoon tea. Since usually, Sundays are the more relaxing day, I will suggest one versatile outfit which you could adapt to most activities on your last day in the city.

And this is pretty much it! I guess most of us will never look like Hepburn on Roman Holiday but that’s OK. It is not 1950 after all…

February 28, 2019February 28, 2019

Allegra Caro3 Comments

When blogging goes wrong

I am going to tell you something about nice sunny Winter days – they might be delightful and a great opportunity to be out and about, but in terms of taking outfit photos, they totally suck. (Yes, #firstworldproblems, I know.)

Like, can you see that slightly awkward expression in my eyes? It is all due to that ~~lovely~~ low sun we enjoy in the coldest months (hooray!)

In normal circumstances, I would have quickly returned to our apartment in order to pick up my sunglasses, but that was a bit inconvenient since we were about 500 kilometres away on a holiday weekend. Consequently, I spent most of our trip looking like a suspicious character from the Maltese Falcon (just for your information, my code name is Red Socks from now on. Remember that in case you need to contact me).

Even so, I could not really complain. I mean, I moaned all Winter long about the awful weather and the sun felt like a blessing after all. It was snowing for two months non-stop. And I am sorry but even after five years, I am not used to it. At ALL. (My usual hibernation strategy consists in hiding in a corner for the whole Winter feeling pity for myself and repeating “but it is SO unfair” on a loop. *Cries in Spanish*.)

So quite obviously at this point, it feels like a luxury to be able to have a long walk and not to freeze. As they say, it is all about the small things.

The day before these photos were taken, it was -5 °C and then Saturday was all shiny and reasonably warm. Hello, global warming! How are you doing?

Given the nice temperatures, we wandered around the Philharmonic House neighbourhood for a while and decided to go for afternoon tea afterwards.

Grand Hotel Continental is another Bucharest location which holds a special place in our hearts since it was where we stayed during our wedding weekend.

Everyday from 3 to 6 they serve a delicious afternoon tea complete with a lovely variety of delicious sandwiches and sweets. Unfortunately, at that point I was SO hungry I completely forgot grabbing the camera. And can you guess? I only came to realize once most of our refreshment was already gone (I can be a terrible blogger when it comes to food, folks). But OH MY WORD, it was absolutely delicious.

After that, the sun was mostly gone and the few attempts we made to take more pictures were pointless. In the end, I completely gave up and simply admitted the Internet would have to accept my awkward spy-face expression. Also, I slowly came to terms with a simple fact – sometimes blogging goes wrong.

You can do your best, surely: pick up an outfit you like, choose a nice location, shoot in the optimal daytime… And even so, Murphy’s law will be there to mess up with you.

If you are a perfectionist, there is a big chance you will lose your temper or resent your luck. But believe me, at the end of the day it is not worth it.

And hey, there are days in which is better to let go (and just have a spontaneous margaritas date with your husband). Did I mention how nice are cocktails when on a holiday?

Silver linings, people. Silver linings.

Jumper: Zara / Skirt: Chicwish / Bag: Chanel

February 26, 2019April 4, 2019

Allegra Caro15 Comments

Five awesome things to do in Bucharest

So, you finally decided it is time to take those well-deserved days off and have a little city break. In the meantime, you read something on the internet about the top five trendy European destinations and got really excited about the idea of trying something new. Then, you thought Bucharest sounds exotic enough and managed to book inexpensive flight tickets and accommodation.

(Congratulations! Let me tell you something: you are about to have a great holiday!)

But now you feel a bit insecure about what to do once you are in there. After all, no one you know visited Romania. And well, to be completely honest you are starting to panic a bit. Hey, it is totally fine. I have been there too.

When I first arrived in Bucharest in September 2013 I had no idea what the hell I was doing — I had no friends, I didn’t speak the language at all, and information about the city was very scarce back then. (For a while, I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.) Even so, I managed to put my %”$! together, totally fell in love with the city, and stayed for three years.

Luckily for you, it is 2019 now and Bucharest is becoming better known as time goes by.

Actually, I truly believe Bucharest is the new European capital of cool.

In case you are visiting soon and looking for some advice for a short relaxing city break, these are five awesome things to do in Bucharest.

1. Rediscovering Food

Maybe you don’t know about this yet but Bucharest is a paradise for foodies. And I am not exaggerating here — when I visited earlier this month, I gained three pounds in a single weekend…

The city is crammed with little coffee shops and restaurants where you can order anything from Romanian dishes to Nouvelle cuisine. Also, most places are of great value compared with other European destinations.

Thesee are a few of my favourite places:

Highlife

This restaurant definitely holds a special place in my heart, since it is the spot where Sebastian proposed on August the 18th, 2014. Everything is delicious there: the salmon, the filet mignon with green pepper sauce, the raspberries sauce duck… But oh my, if you ever go there, please don’t miss the opportunity to taste the triple chocolate cake. It is OMG! Like, I-died-and-went-to-Heaven kind of awesome.

2. Le Boutique du Pain

Are you into brunch? (I mean c’mon, who isn’t these days?) Then give Le Boutique du Pain a go. They offer a wide variety of sweet and salty options. Everything from benedict eggs to waffles, including a daily menu you cannot miss.

3. Stadio

I will say one word only — Papanași. They offer a delicious deconstructed version with a black and white chocolate dip to die for. (Seriously guys, I now dream of stealing the recipe. I am actually plotting an implausible as well as complicated Ocean’s Eleven style plan that might or might not send me to send me to jail… But I will keep you updated.) But whatever, just don’t think it twice and go.

2. Visiting the most beautiful bookstore in Europe

And once more, I am not exaggerating here. A quick Pinterest research will show you how stunning this place is. It doesn’t matter if you are a bookworm, the building is impressive enough to enjoy the visit. If you are a reader, also please consider they actually have a wide foreign languages section too and a nice little coffee shop in the last floor where you can actually sit and read.

3. Going on a vintage and antiques shopping spree

To me, shopping during the holidays never gets old. But I’d rather go hunting for antiques than exploring the same boring high street shops you can find in any other city. In this sense, the Romanian capital is absolutely amazing.

One of my favourite places is located in the 11^th of Doamnei street. The building used to be an university library but nowadays it holds the main antiques and handmade market. In there, you will find anything you can possibly imagine: old pictures and postcards, porcelain dolls, furniture, Soviet medals, and old passports. I never manage to spend less than one hour there, sniffing for bargains as a bloodhound.

If you are more into second-hand, just be attentive when you walk around. In no time, you will realize the city is full of little stores specialized in used goods, vintage and even second-hand designer items. Now, since the prices are very inexpensive when compared to other countries, be prepared for a proper loot (aye, captain!).

4. Exploring Little Paris

I have already mentioned the undeniable Parisian resemblance before.

In order to see it with your own eyes, take some time to peacefully wander through Victoriei area and discovering the Romanian Atheneum (which you can visit by simply booking a ticket and whose breathtaking hall was inspired by the Opera Garnier palace), the National Bank building, the National History Museum and many others. You can also visit the beautiful Passage Villacrosse, a lovely gallery built the Parisian style and full of nice little terraces where you can sit and smoke a Turkish pipe.

5. Having afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel Continental

Whether you make a proper stop for afternoon tea or simply to rest a bit, please make a stop at Continental Hotel. It is one of my favourite places to chill after a long shopping day.

And this was another installment of the Vintage Guide series.

I truly hope you enjoyed it.

Now, if you excuse me, I am going to keep plotting how to steal that legendary Papanași recipe. Please, pray for me and call a lawyer…

February 22, 2019February 22, 2019

Allegra Caro8 Comments

Why Bucharest is the coolest city in Europe

There are a few images I link to Winter-time — the smell of a log fire at my grandma’s place, the taste of herbal tea on a rainy evening, a cat purring on my lap while reading a book.

But Winter (and by that, I mean real Winter) was a notion I only understood when my husband and I arrived in Bucharest five years ago. That was when we first became familiar with snow and long dark evenings and started seeing through the eyes of all those classic Russian writers we love. I vividly remember the first time we saw people skating on a frozen lake, Shostakóvich Jazz Suite № 2 flowing on the crisp morning air, and came to the conclusion we were now living on our own version of Anna Karenina (well, maybe without the wonderful costumes and all the drama, but you get the idea, don’t you?)

We started spending every spare hour outdoors, wandering, discovering the beauty of all those abandoned white marble palaces shinning under the golden rose light, like a million candles, asking ourselves why barely anyone knew there is another Paris hiding in East Europe. Because the truth is only a few outside Romania knows Bucharest nickname is Little Paris.

And it is not only about the incredible French architecture they imported, or the joie de vivre you can experience on a sunny afternoon sitting in any downtown terrace, it is about that catchy spirit which seems to infuse every aspect of the city: From the delicious food (some more notes on that very soon) to the awesome underground music scene; From the city art galleries to the countless tea rooms, second-hand shops and antiques markets — the Romanian capital never stops shocking you.

So, when last month Sebastian asked me how would I feel about having some days off for a city break there (we are currently living in Timișoara), I could only paraphrase Hepburn by claiming that ~~Paris~~ Bucharest is always a good idea (also, I might have danced Don’t Stop Me Now around the house, but that’s another story for a different time…)

And finally, last Thursday we took a train in the early hours and arrived just on time for lunch. That was on Valentines Day, so on our first stop, we granted a visit to our favourite tea house. Bernschutz & Co. is based on a tiny Victorian house, located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods.

In Bucharest, it is not unusual to find the most charming and cozy restaurants inside renovated Art Noveau and Belle Époque buildings. It is awesome. Actually, scratch that. I mean AWESOME. Just imagine yourself having afternoon tea on the 19th-century old manor. You feel pretty much like a Downton Abbey character and that’s an experience I cannot recommend enough.

As I said, Bernschutz is my favorite, but options are countless: Casa Oamenilor de Stiinta (which used to be the home of the first worldwide traveler, the local Phileas Fogg, if you please) is an amazing Victorian house in the heart of the city, Hotel Continental offers a lovely afternoon tea with the same high quality standards The Ritz Carlton does.

Of course, we also spent some time visiting old town. The place is packed with some of the most beautiful buildings you can imagine, such as the National Bank or the National History Museum (in these pictures). Another national treasure can be found at Piata Victoriei, and it is the famous Romanian Atheneum (but do not worry, I am writing a little city guide and I will share it very soon).

Unfortunately, by the time we took these pictures it was kind of cold (and by that I mean it was about -5°C which made our hands to feel numb enough to finish the shoot abruptly and to run for our lives), so we decided to enter to the closest mall to warm up for a while. Probably, you are now thinking: “What! So, you are visiting the coolest city in Europe and you simply pop up to any mall? What is wrong with you?” And this is actually my next argument in favour of Bucharest — even the malls can be cool. We visited Victoria Shopping Center, a wonderful time capsule offering all kind of vintage goods: tailored clothes, new and second-hand jewellery, artisan gloves and hats… anything.

Now, I don’t need to tell you about how much I love vintage shopping again.

Bucharest might not be as crazy in shopping standards as Budapest is, but the wide variety of shops and markets is still quite amazing. So every time we visit the city, Sebastian is required to play his personal shopper/style consultant role so I manage to establish priorities and not to get aaaaall the goods… (Thanks, hun! You are so far the most patient of all my friends.)

So, long story short: If you are into beautiful architecture, awesome food, vintage and arts, please book your next holiday in Bucharest.

Now, tell me a bit about your last holiday.

Dress: H&M (sold out, similar here)

Scarf: Meli Meló (sold out, similar here)

Bag: Pinko/ Bracelets: Meli Meló / Boots: Deichmann

February 19, 2019February 19, 2019

Allegra Caro16 Comments

Brunch

Printed dresses (and yes, we can include Spring florals this time)

2. Blazers and cardigans

3. Comfortable shoes

4. If you go for trousers, Capri pants are your friends

5. Keep make up minimal

Let me know what are your personal preferences for a Spring Sunday brunch.

My fashion pet peeves

(Disclaimer: these are my own personal opinions and they are meant to be read in a humorous tone. Please, do not take me too seriously.)

Trainers to tone down an all over classy outfit

2. Mixing patterns

3. The tiny handbags trend

4. Clothes on the wrong size

5. Nude dress, nude shoes, nude tights… nude you

Is Louboutin Velvet Matte lipstick worth the price tag?

The answer is yes, as long as you value design and comfort.

But what is the last product you have tried?

A Day in a blogger’s life: Expectations vs. Reality (Disclaimer: I am not responsible for bursting your bubble, sorry…)

Expectations: Monday, 9:00 AM (Paris, France)

Reality: Monday, 7.00 AM (My apartment)

Expectations: 9:30 AM (A room terrace in the Shangri-La)

Reality: 07.30 AM (Still, my apartment)

Expectations: 10:00 AM (Again in the hotel room)

Reality: 07.45 AM

Expectations: 10.30 AM (Pont Alexandre III)

Reality: 08:30 AM (Commute)

Expectations: 12:30 PM (Café De Flore)

Reality: 09:00 AM (The office)

Expectations: 13.30 PM (Avenue Montagne)

Reality: 14.30 PM (The office, lunch break)

Expectations: 16:00 PM (31 Rue Cambon, Coco Chanel apartment)

Reality: 18.30 PM (Back home)

Expectations: 18:30 PM (Back to the Shangri-La hotel)

Reality (20:00 PM)

Expectations: 20:30 PM (Kong restaurant)

Reality (21:30 PM)

This is my February in a nutshell

Rediscovering the pleasure of cooking

Making some dreams come true

Traveling

Following the New York Fashion Week

Setting a budget

I would love to hear how was your February and any special plans you have for March!

Actually, I truly believe Bucharest is the new European capital of cool.

1. Rediscovering Food

2. Visiting the most beautiful bookstore in Europe

3. Going on a vintage and antiques shopping spree

4. Exploring Little Paris

5. Having afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel Continental

So, long story short: If you are into beautiful architecture, awesome food, vintage and arts, please book your next holiday in Bucharest.

Now, tell me a bit about your last holiday.

A Day in a blogger’s life: Expectations vs. Reality
(Disclaimer: I am not responsible for bursting your bubble, sorry…)