PARTY

Where do i begin...To tell the story of how great love...scratch... party can be. I'm just back from university, where i had a chance to select proper pictures from last night and now i`m looking at them and trying to remember every tiny detail of last night. Ok, let's make it chronologically.

Venue/Act #1: "Grand opening of "Fashionguide.lv outlet"

As we were writing before, we were invited to a grand opening of some new outlet shop. I`v arrived to the place a bit earlier than Girl, and had a chance to investigate what it's all about. During my investigation, i met Olga Kolotova, the fashion editor for L`Officiel Latvija, who told me, that she was expecting to see clothes, not a podium and random people. We'v mingled a bit and i continued my research. As i was done with it and i`v realized that Mrs Kolotova had a fabulous outfit, which was more than worth picture taking, she escaped...Actually that was the end of the investigation and the verdict is obvious: the opening is a subject of suspect. 

Gee (super-duper producer, ) with Joel, the owner of the shop

Luckily, there was plenty of A champagne and i`v grabbed a glass, while Girl was on a line. Few minutes later we were drinking A champagne and asking ourself, where are celebs and are there any hobnobbing objects. Counting the amount of crystals on ladies, and holes on men's jeanses, we came to conclusion, that there's none, when all-of-the-sudden show began.

Girl, maybe you can help me, but i can`t recall, who's collection was the first - either Mors.ee vintage show or Raigo Randes Supernoova. I reckon it was Mors.ee vintage show with Latvian beauty contest semi-finalists as models. Let pictures speak for them selfs.

Then we had a break, where Girl and I had another drink, our favorite G&T. Without any possibility to dry out our glasses, the second show followed. It was Latvian Michael Kors, but in-latvian-boring-gray-violet-bordeaux palette Alexander Pavlov's brand FRAZZO catwalk with semi-model-semi-finalist of that beauty contest. By the way, where was Mrs. Fogele?! I actually liked few pieces, however, i believe Girl will give a proper review on it.

Finally, after finishing our second G&T, we had a change to move back to 90's or 00` with a help of time machine created by designer Raigo Randes Supernoova (now I understand where that cosmos related word comes from). Despite the fact, that everything looked really haut couture, i could not get rid of a feeling that i saw it all before when i was in 8th grade - torn jeans, lather jackets etc is might be still popular in Estonia, the origin of that designer, in Latvia is almost a fashion rudiment. 

Intermission 

On the way to Cosmopolitan party Girl and I inspired by Estonian fashion popped in to my place for a shot of traditional Estonian liqueur Kannu Kukk. 

Venue/Act #2: Cosmopolitan party

When we arrived there, Girl and I delight our thirst of celebs and hobnobbing. Yes, K.I.D. restaurant, where the venue took place, was stuffed with all different kinds of well-and-not-so-known people. Also, there were some people, who, to mine concern were looking stylish and photo flash worthy :D. For example, Maija Silova, the TV diva with a big D, had a brilliant sequin dress (pity that my build-in flash is so crappy and sometimes refuses to participate in a good picture taking), perfect hair (i have no clue, what that Lady does to her hair) and radiant smile. By the way Ms Silova is not only a diva, but also a very nice person; or Liena from BikBok was absolutely firsthand; or Gita a girl, who lives in London in her striped dress.

Also there were few musicians - Markus Riva and Jānis Strapcāns, who's also a TV presenter (Kinomānija at TV3) . Markus gave a really good performance. There was a huge argument between my friend regarding Markus Riva, and yes, dear friend if you were at Cosmo party you would understand why i like him - live performance with a lovely-sweet voice (in a good meaning). Plus Markus was wearing a shirt by SALT, which i love. I was writing before that I'm going to get some stuff from award-winning designer Indra Salceviča. 

Also we met Dace Krievina, the fashion editor at Cosmo. Doh, she is the fashion editor, she knows dos and don'ts. 

Intermission 

Venue/Act #3 Chopstick at Salt'n'Pepper 

Yes, we were there, at Salt'n'Pepper bar, the official and hottest pre-party place in Riga, which actually is perfect from parties as well. And it`s not only us who thinks so. Gosh Dj Chopstick was spinning great tracks and mixes, whatever it's called - i'm not good in music. As long as you can dance along it it's super. And I'v danced a lot - pity that i had a class at university next day, so i had to leave. Oh yes, by the way Chopstick is quite a star. Google him. Oh yes, Dj was wearing American Apparel tee, I have it too :p My favourite. 

I guess Girl has something to shear with us - like a banknote hahah. 

Final Act - i had a dream, i was in London with my friend. We were moving to a new fancy dorm at Piccadilly Circus. How fabulous! May be it will become true someday. Yes, Sebastian, it we were together cleaning our new dorm. 

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Haha, that was one interesting night! First of all, grand (khm khm) opening of Fashionguide.lv Outlet was, well, not grand. I was almost one hour late and when I got there I was surprised that there were like only 30-40 people. Literally! Huh? Ok but maybe it’s just me but I absolutely didn’t feel comfortable there… And if I’m going to the opening of the store then I wanna see a real stuff that they are going to sell not one completely empty space. Well, I’m not sure if I ever go back there to see what they’re selling. First impression, you know… 
Talking about fashion shows – I thought that first show was something vintage (then it could be pretty cool) but actually it wasn’t. Aghh I can’t tell anything good, I just didn’t like it – some random pieces put together with no sense. 

Frazzo looked more like a complete collection however it didn’t blow me away. I didn’t see anything unique or something to remember. It could be any other brand/shop presentation – grey coats, dark dresses and trousers, knitwear; one thing I liked was accentuated waistline but I guess that’s it. And the last show was (khm khm) tasteless, bad interpretation of Ed Hardy… Comparing to this Ed Hardy is the king of style (and I’m definitely not a fan of Ed Hardy haha).

Cosmo party was better, restaurant KID was full. I guess there were a lot of Cosmo readers/ girls and their punished boyfriends :) 

We also met president of Baltic Fashion Federation Elena Strahova (thanks for lovely RFW) , Gee and TV diva Maija Silova - I can only agree that she is one super good looking and, yes, super nice and sweet person as well. 

And then came handsome musicians… :) First of all – guys who wear SALT are awesome in the matter of style :) and if they can sing live is definitely a bonus too. So, clappp, clapppp (applause) to Markus Riva. Btw Boy and Girl are just baaaad at singing; don’t even ask to do that… However we are singing a lot when working at the office, mostly Lady Gaga, Britney and Madonna’s infamous yeaaaaaaaaaaah from Celebration. 

I didn’t spend a lot of time in Salt’n’pepper, so I trust Boy if he says that party was good. But while I was there we met Aisha who didn’t look very happy (don’t trust pic), but Dj Chopstick was good.

Aaaaand… When I finally got home I found out that after partying I still got 20Ls in my wallet (wow that's good) BUT somehow there was a big hole in the middle of the banknote? How??? Not sure if that was also a reason why my taxi driver didn’t wanna take it (however he said that he just doesn’t have a change but who knows?) I guess I should start a new Facebook group called Unknown Money Injuries or check if there’s a monster living in my wallet… :) haha

Glühwein with a Jamaican twist!

Christmas is known not only for presents, santas, ginger bread, and annoying children choir, but also for a mulled wine. This Christmas's traditional beverage is popular, i guess, everywhere. There's a special word in any language, till exempel, in Scandinavia it`s called Glögg, in German-speaking countries - Glühwein, in Latvian - Kartsvīns, in Russian Глинтвейн. 

Riga, especially old town is stuffed with different kinds of Christmas markets with traditional seasonal crap. Walking around, we Girl and Boy, have noticed something outrageous - Jamaican bar Coco Loco, which has mulled wine too! And guess what, they make it with rum. Doh, Jamaican mulled wine without rum, wouldn't be Jamaican!

The beverage is delicious, has a nice after-taste and makes that all rainy/foggy days more colourful. Price: 1 LVL. Location: The Dome square. 

By the way a journalist from German TV channel ZDF was interviewing local Santa. I can't find that report, must be post-production...

Ok, i have to go now. Just a little teaser: tonight Girl and Boy are going to attend 3 venues - fashion magazine party,  store grand opening and radio program's 6th anniversary with a special guest Dj Chopstick from Berlin. 

 

 

COLLABORATION

What a lovely word, in my universe it has two associations - business and fashion. No, actually 3 - have you heard of Google WAVE?! It`s a new collaboration/communication tool by Google. Ok, now back to fashion. I might be wrong, but i guess H&M were the first one, who has brought high fashion and style guru into mass market. It all began in 2004, when H&M has announced, that collection AW2004 will be done by Karl Lagerfeld. Company claims that i was a huge success and the whole collection was sold out within an hour. In November 2004 i was in Warsaw, on the way to polish clothes industrial city Lodz, where i have participated in international young designers contest, and actually was recognized by a jury (i'll look up in my archive for photos). So in Warsaw i saw that collection by Lagerfeld and to tell the truth, i wasn't really willing to buy anything. By the way, Lagerfeld's assistant recently revealed the ins and out of working with Herr Lagerfeld (there is a book about it), and one of confessions was, that Karl spent 3 days only on developing sketches for H&M and got 1 million EUR from the company. The rest work has been done by his creative team, which received nothing, but "thank you".

The collaboration followed with launching Stella McCartney's collection in November 2005. I was in London in December 2005 and saw only few xxl sized tees with McCartney's logo on it. Apparently that collection had a great success too. A year later, in November famous and cutting edge dutch designers duo Viktor&Rolf presented their view on H&M. 

I believe, that there's no field of life, which Madonna hasn't interfered with. Madonna: "Doh, H&M, why i`m not in there"! Joke! But in March 2007 everyone had a chance to get a piece of Madonna, namely jumpsuits, penskirts, etc. Year 2007 for H&M was also significant with other pop star Kylie Minogue (there was a great launch in Shanghai) with her swim wear collection and pop designer Roberto Cavalli - which was quite a hit, all that skinny male bitches fashionistas were crazy about it and there was nothing left for me, at least in Düsseldorf.

Winter 2008 at H&M was full of Japanese fashion. Yes, that awful crap was designed by Comme des Garçons. SS2009 at H&M was blessed by Matthew Williamson, who created exclusive collection (and great TV ad, down there). When i saw in on line, i fell in love with one suite. I`v asked my friend, who was going to U.S. to get me this suit size 46 (i knew, if I had waited longer, i wouldn't get any). Eventually i got it for my graduation. Girl and I were the most fabulous pair at our graduation, right!?

This November you can get well known British shoe and accessory brand Jimmy Choo's collection, but not only shoes and clutches, but also men's and women's clothes. I`m not aware of sales report, but i far as i`m concerned they are not doing well. 

Finally, now starting from December 5th we are lucky to get closer to Sonia Rykeil pour H&M. They had a great collection presentation in Paris and Grand Palais just yesterday.

 

 

P.S. also i love that sense of H&M's humour. You don't know what I'm talking about? Here are H&M ads. Enjoy!  

 

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H&M is absolute leader in collaborations however I don’t have even one piece of all those collaborations. For me it’s not really the same if it’s Karl Lagerfeld as himself or Karl Lagerfeld for H&M. And it doesn’t even feel like second collection like K by Karl Lagerfeld, it’s somehow not that REAL. But I don’t have anything against H&M and I kinda like the opportunity to buy designer piece for highstreet price even if I don’t use it.

Right now it feels like every more or less successful high street brand has at least one collection made by some famous designer or celebrity. And for sure it gains a great publicity.

GAP teamed up with 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners: Alexander Wang, Albertus Swanepoel, Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava. These designers presented their very own reinterpretation of GAP’s classic: the Khaki. Here’s the result:

 Very recently Stella McCartney partnered with GAP to design a capsule collection for GAP Kids and Baby GAP. The collection includes items like supersoft cashmere blankets for newborns, Fair Isle sweaters, brushed cotton blazers with silk lapels, and wool military jackets. AGHHHHHHH how cute are those kids :)

Mango had collaborations with Penelope&Monica Cruz, Adam Lippes, and Paolo Coelho.

Target got McQ Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui. Btw the exclusive Anna Sui for Target collection draws inspiration from the four main female characters on The CW Network phenomenon, "Gossip Girl."

 Actually, Target is partnering A LOT!!! On Dec.20 Rodarte’s line for Target will land in stores. Yappp and we know what comes after that - the next high-end designer to hit Target is New York darling Zac Posen. Ohhhhh how cool is that??? J

Don’t forget Topshop which has collections by Kate Moss and Christopher Kane (and his infamous prints of scary animals).

Btw next spring Converse will partner with Missoni and there are some rumours that one day Missoni will do H&M too… Will see… :)

and…and…and… there are lot more. So I would love to hear your favorite collaborations or the ones you would like to see in the stores.

 

Foggy Shopping

This winter has started not with lavish snow, but with foggy and rainy weather - feels like you are being sprayed with EVIAN Brumisateur all over your body. Christmas is coming and all of us have to think of presents for our friends and relatives. I know that it's unpleasant to walk around Riga under mentioned weather conditions, but Girl and Boy have done some work for you, dear followers. We have discovered a lovely Latvian designers boutique in the very heart of Riga. Let us introduce Tējas Roze boutique, where lot of different stuff, like accessories, clothes and home garments are available at good price.

When i came in, the first thing, which has attracted me was ginger bread and slices of pie accessories made out of felt. They are marvelous - will fit any look and any this season's venue. Cost around 8 LVL

Also there was a wide range of cotton bags -eco/bio/organic trend, of which i`m not fond of, but still it`s comfortable and you can carry there even a laptop. I`v bought one with stars for myself just for 2 LVL.

Speaking of home accessories there are lot's of Christmas themed trifles - angels, bells and other x-mas décors.

Everything for reasonable price and after shopping there you`ll have a warm feeling of helping Latvian economy and doing something against recession. Happy shopping!

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I can agree that Tējas Roze is one nice place where is interesting to shop and there are unique presents as well as things for your self. Some of them are pricey, some aren't . My absolutely favorite were brooches – lips, super cute accessories with that trendy 80s/ disco feeling...

And for all vintage lovers – If you' re looking for a new glasses -  you can find there frames a la grandma (I'v got a feeling that some grandma is left without any, and now she's completely blind) :)

Also if you' re looking for a fake fur coat (I think that's what everybody doing right now), then you can find one made by Kupiansky. Price tag – 60Ls.

Hou-hou-hou 22 days and Christmas is here :)

Lotions and potions

Christmas madness is coming - lot`s of charity, social and fashion related events will be present this month. And of course all of us wants to look more than good and radiant - it's Christmas, all about miracle and magic. And there`s not magic without lotions and potions. To achieve an optimal result you have to apply all that chemicals for a while. So, I the Boy was in few beauty shops recently and got few things, which are essential for any guy (at least for ones, who wants to look "healthy" in winter time, when there`s no sun)

Essential thing #1: Purifying.  

Facial cleansing gel PASSION FRUIT by THE BODY SHOP. Honestly I`m not into that eco/bio/organic trend, but actually THE BODY SHOP is really responsible company, for instance that facial cleansing gel's bottle is made of "100% post-consumer recycled plastic" , other reason to use that gel if because it works (and smells really nice). I`m really mad about passion fruit. Pity that you can't get any passion juice in Riga (and when i`m abroad i`m always buying few liter of that juice to bring it home), but i have a passion cleansing gel now. Price less than 4 LVL at any THE BODY SHOP store 

Essential thing #2: Detoxing/matifying/scrabing

All that features you may find in one product - DIOR HOMME DERMO SYSTEM Detoxifying matifying mask. It`s not cheap - 28 LVL, but it actually works. I had it last year and that tube lasted for a year, so not a bad investment at all, especially when you can see and feel the result after first application. Available at Douglas. (Don`t forget to ask for a special DIOR loyalty program)

Essential thing #3: Energizing     

I`v tried many product and my favorite skin energizer is from CLARINS MEN, but this time bought energizing face care by JEAN PAUL GAULTIER MONSIER men's skin care. I have no clue, what has been added to that cream, but it makes you skin glow. Skin energizing is really vital after and before partying! Trust me :D. I bought that creme in Las Vegas at Sephora for 35 USD. If you won`t find any JPG MONSIEUR replace it with CLARINS MEN revitalizing gel or BIOTHERME HOMME aqueapower (really good stuff)

Optional thing #1: Cheering up

Kännu Kukk. This potion comes from Estonia - a 45% vol. liqueur with sugar crystals on a bottle's bottom. Excellent on the rocks and with sparkling wine.

Treat yourself with that lotions and potions or other stuff, and as a result you`ll get healthy looking face as a Christmas present. What do you use? 

P.S. Sorry, dear followers, that we were silent since NOV 25, but there are many post to come, all about x-mas and tips on presents. 

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80ties are coming back not only in fashion but also in your bathroom bottles :)

I honestly love perfume/make-up/body/bath/hair cosmetics etc. shopping. I don’t know if it’s lipstick effect or what but right now I’m definitely spending more on glamming/aromatic things than on clothes. However it doesn’t mean it’s any cheaper. Have you ever thought how worth is the content of your make-up bag? Foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliners, eye shadows, powders, blushers, bronzers, billion of lipsticks, lip balms, lip glosses, don’t even talk about face creams, eye creams, masks, body lotions, hand and foot creams… and then come all hair products…

Ok let’s get back to BodyShopping – The Body Shop has announced it is bringing back some of its most popular products from the 80s for a limited period. Anyway, old favorites such as Fuzzy Peach shower gel, Banana shampoo (is there Banana conditioner too cause the shampoo smells divine?), carrot face cream are all present and smell gooooooooooooood. And for me the aroma is one of the most important factors when buying TheBS products. Who could possibly resist Banana shampoo or Peach shower gel? Carrot cream is good too, it even gives a bit of gloving tan effect.

Talking about tanning – I’m looking for the perfect self tanner, I’ve never used one but right now I’m kind of scared of tanning beds/skin cancer things that I need new tanning solution… Help!!! :)