Don’t Forget to Smile

By Elma B.

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” -John Lennon 

Often we are subdued by what is missing from our life rather than focusing on our blessings, e.g., our family and friends. For starters, my focus constantly shifts on what I am missing in life rather than counting my blessings everyday. For instance, I was fortunate to have met some great people while living in London: one of them is Alisa–who I am happy to share has joined the Club Fashionista pack. She is our liaison for London now that I am no longer living there. 

Back to keeping a gratitude journal, to make yourself enjoy your life and divert your attention from your problems, make sure to pick-up a book, magazine or talk to whomever makes you smile. I am guilty as charged of failing to laugh and smile often because I am very much caught-up in my own daily grind. Also, another perk to laughter: it is contagious and extremely attractive. 

Below are some photos of this lovely Saturday that I was fortunate enough to share with people whom I care very much about. I have included some quotes to give you positive vibes this week. Until we meet again fashionistas…Signing-off from London…xoxo.

Piccadily Circus  in London

Goodbye Aspen

By Elma B.

Aspen is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the world because of its idyllic setting: the white peaks of its mountains, its friendly inhabitants (and visitors), and the variety of personalities the town attracts despite its minuscule size. This was my last day in Aspen, and I tried to capture some of the town’s scenic beauty. 

Traveling Tips: 

1. If you are on a budget, stay in Veil and make a day trip to Aspen. 

2. Some of my favorite places to dine in Aspen are: Ajax Tavern (for lunch), Little Nell (for apres-ski), Peach’s Corner Cafe (for casual daytime dining), and Takah Sushi for dinner.

3. For skiing, Aspen Mountain for advanced skiers, Highland Mountain for intermediate, Snowmass for beginners and intermediate skiers and Buttermilk for beginners. 

4. For shopping, you will have no problem burning a whole through your wallet with a myriad of luxury shops like Dior, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. For fashionistas on a budget, there are shops like Zadig & Voltaire, Kate Spade and Free People where it will not feel as painful buying a pair of pants or a little “souvenir” to remember your trip. 

Until next time, I will miss you Aspen! Xoxo. 

p.s. Outfit dissected: H&M oversized fleece; Burberry bright pink scarf; UGG boots; Intermix dress; Prada sunglasses; and Salvatore Ferragamo purse. 

Top 5 Fashion Pieces for the Cold Weather

By Elma B.

Aspen is gorgeous: picturesque, full of friendly people, amazing ski slopes and did I mention delicious food? Since I travel often, there are a few key pieces I always carry to stay warm in the cold weather. These key warm pieces are easy to pack when traveling and are quick to put-on when on the go and rushing out the door. Did I mention comfortable?

1. Beanie hat. Beanie hat is wearable during the chilly days of fall, winter, and spring. Styling tip: wearing the beanie upright is the new trend this season; beware: make sure wearing the beanie upright compliments your head shape. 

2. Faux fur. Faux fur is easy (and always fabulous) to wear over a dress or jeans during the chilly fall and winter days. You can wear it to work over a pencil dress or when out and about on a casual stroll with skinny pants. If you wear the faux fur, it is usually the best to pair it with skinny jeans or tighter dress to even out the bulkiness the faux fur creates on your upper body. If you are fairly slender, you can get away with wearing the faux fur with wide-legged pants or maxi dress/skirt; beware: your body will look shapeless. 

3. Long and bulky scarf. A long scarf you can wrap around your neck several times is always chic and not to mention warm. I recommend having a few so that no matter how monotone or conservative your outfit, you can always spice-up your look with a bulky and long scarf. 

Black Cashmere Scarf from Ann Taylor

4. Long boots (flats). I am a fan of the ones I am wearing that almost cover your knee. This style elongates your leg and keeps you very warm. Since the long boots are flat, you can get away with waring a shorter dress/skirt. Did I mention they are extremely comfortable so you can walk miles and miles? Stuart Weitzman has the ones I am wearing in brown and black suede. 

5. Lined Gloves. Many of us buy gloves yet our fingers still end-up freezing. I suggest buying lined gloves so that you will be able to carry your handbag without having your fingers freeze and maybe even feel pain. I bought UGG black leather gloves lined with cashmere, and I have been wearing them for three winters now. 

 What are your top 5 easy fashion pieces that keep you warm during the chilly fall, winter and spring weather? Leave us a comment below, we love hearing from you. Signing off from Aspen…xoxo.  

No Matter How Fast You Are Going, Always Eat Healthy

Leopard Print & Black: Perfect For All Seasons

By Elma B.

One of my favorite outfit combinations, whether it be the summer or the winter, is leopard print and black. The colors are very understated yet have proven to be timeless: glamorous throughout decades. If you have been reading my posts, you know by now that I adore the 1960s. 

American Royalty Jackie Kennedy in a Leopard Print Coat in the 1960s

In this post, I will take you through the time machine back to the 1960s with Natalie Wood, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor elegantly wearing leopard print and black. In fact, many of the Old Hollywood divas wore the leopard print coats and Kate Moss and Nicole Richie seem to have carried the torch of leopard print coats and black into the 21st century. For whatever reason, leopard print and black always exhume glamour and make ultra-chic statements. 

Me in Leopard Print and Black in Aspen

Another reason black and leopard print are a perfect combination: 

The two are easy to wear and do not require much thought. For instance, on this particular day when I wore black and leopard print, I was not feeling too creative and wanted look simple yet chic and fashionable. Voila, there you have it, my look of the day coupled with fashion icons, who always opt for a smart and quick choice: black and leopard print glam. outfit combinations. Until next time…signing-off from Aspen. Xoxo.

Leopard Print in the 1960s: model (unknown), Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor (from left to right)

Italian Godess Sophia Loren in Leopard Print

Modern Look in Leopard Print: Fashionista Nicole Richie

Kate Moss in Leopard Print Coats Throughout Time

Me: Modern Day Leopard Print

How to Dress for Freezing Weather Without Loosing Your Style

By Elma B.

I used to think because it was frosty outside that beneath all those layers of clothes your style would vanish. Worst, the puffy jacket that makes so many of us look like a marshmallow, wouldn’t it subdue your shape and make you look like you have gained a few extra holiday pounds? Not exactly…let me share some style tips with you:

Me: Location– Freezing in Aspen

1. Acessorize. Accessorize. No matter how puffy your outfit, your style will penetrate through with a statement hat (beanie or boho), sunglasses or even gloves/scarf. 

2. Contrast. Even though your coat is oversized, which is actually very in-season now, wear tights to show off at least a bit of your figure. So, yes, people will notice that you are not a “hog,” so to speak. 

3. Colors. Add color to your wardrobe. Just because it is winter, you do not have compromise color and look like you are going to a funeral all the time. Yes, you can toss away the black, gray and brown once in a while. Understand what colors look best with your skin tone and hair color.

4. Makeup. Since many of us are pale during the winter, add red (or another bright or intense colored) lipstick. Again, intense color contrasts well with your pale complexion… Avoid looking like Casper.

5. Belt your jackets/coats. Depending on the shape of the jacket/coat, see if you can belt it to give you give you some shape, i.e. show off your curves.  

I hope you found my tips useful. Please leave a comment below with your own suggestion, we love hearing from you. Until next time, signing-off from Aspen…xoxo.

In front of the Aspen Mountain: Ajax Gondola

Top 5 Reasons to Ski in Sarajevo + Amazing Personal Videos

By Elma Beganovic

Photos/Videos by Nerina Hodzic Poplata and Martina Saira 

I spoke with two local girls (Club Fashionsita correspondent Nerina Hodzic Poplata and a local celebrity-fashionista Martina Saira), both of whom are avid skiers, about skiing in Sarajevo. They shared with me videos and some personal photos.  Let me provide you with a brief background on skiing in Sarajevo, the international buzz began with…

In 1984 Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics, and received much deserved attention for its breathtaking white peaks and its abundance of natural scenery. The main mountain to ski in Sarajevo is Jahorina, which hosted the women’s alpine skiing in the 1984 Winter Olympics. Its highest peak is 6,276 feet tall, which makes it the second tallest mountain in Sarajevo and the paths very long (16 miles of ski trails). 

“It” Girl Martina Saira Skiing in Sarajevo

So, why choose Sarajevo as your skiing destination? 

Our Top 5 Reasons…

(1) For starters, there are a fewer crowds than on the Alps.

(2) The prices are much lower than the rest of Europe’s well-known resorts, e.g., ski and snoboard rentals are $14 per day.

(3) Both skiers and snowboarders are accommodated. 

(4) The locals are very friendly.

(5) The scenery is very authentic and all-natural, i.e. the opposite of commercial tourism. 

While photos are amazing to flip through, we wanted to provide you with a real review by recording a video from our recent skiing trip. Scroll down to see our experience. Until next time, XOXO adventure seekers and fashionistas… 

Early Morning on Ski Path Cetvorka (i.e.,Four) on Mountain Bjelasnica in Sarajevo by Martina Saira

Fashionista &”It” Girl Martina Saira Skiing in Sarajevo  on the Bjelasnica Mountain

Top of Bjelasnica Mountain by Martina Saira

Olympic Paths on Mountain Bjelasnica by Martina Saira

Martina Saira Powder Skiing on Off-Roads on  Bjelasnica Mountain

Club Fashionista Girl: Nerina H.P. Skiing in Sarajevo

http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/9BPJKLWgoBk&source=uds

Why I Love Aspen

By Elma B.

Aspen is an idyllic town, a sort of utopia where almost everyone is friendly, cheery and ready to strike a conversation. The ski paths (on Aspen Mountain, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass) are splendid because there is something for everyone: long paths which include green (for very beginners like myself), blue, black and double black diamonds. The staff on the slopes are amazingly friendly and go out of their way to make sure you have an amazing time. Moreover, for a little town, there are an abundance of shops (ranging from vintage to luxury stores, e.g., Dior, Fendi and Louis Vuitton), and art galleries. 

Me in Aspen

The cheerful mood of Aspen is reflected in my outfit: bright pink pants (GAP) and pink scarf (Burberry). The rest of my outfit dissected: BCBG Max Azria sweater, Coach boots, UGG ear muffs, Marc Jacobs watch necklace, Forever 21 long sleeved black t-shirt, and Via Spiga black jacket. 

Below in the photos, I have captured the streets of Aspen, its healthy food, and some of its very interesting visitors…take a look below to find out more….

On the Streets of Aspen

Vintage Shops in Aspen

Peach’s Corner Cafe: Healthy Food in Aspen

Interesting Visitors in Aspen: Two Leonbergers

Skiing on Aspen Mountain

Gondola Entrance on Aspen Mountain

Sunny in Aspen

Makeup: KIKO and Lancome

For the Love of Fashion: Braving the Cold in Aspen

Gentlemen’s Guide: 6 Tips to Turn Women On

By Elma B.

I was sitting by a window in a cafe, it was drizzling rain on a Sunday, when I observed an elderly gentleman with a cain walking around the car to open the passenger’s door for his sweetheart, his wife. (I noticed both had wedding bands on their hands.) Both were dressed-up; he had a tie and a blazer, and she had on a beautiful-silk-emerald dress. 

Vintage Romance…

Immediately, I thought of my generation, the Y generation.  Where had we gone wrong? Did some mothers forget to teach their sons chivalry? Or was it that we grew-up watching hip-hop and rap videos that referred to women as bit*hes and ho*s? In fact, today, it is much more likely to see a door slammed in a woman’s face than see a man from the Y generation hold it open. 

And to expect him to be dressed-up when he goes on a date with you? Phat chance! A wardrobe consisting of a wrinkled t-shirt and jeans for a man from the Y generation sounds just about right. 

I know enough of the criticism, what is a man to do? Well, here are 6 pointers for the men in the Y generation…

Gentlemen’s Guide: How NOT to Turn a Woman Off 

(1) Iron your clothes when taking a girl out on a date. Do not show-up like a doofus; look like you put some thought into your wardrobe. It says: I am not a slob. 

(2) Do not use profanity, whether on a date or in front of other women you fancy when out with your male buddies. If you see a woman you like, the surest way to turn her off and have her running for her life is to start cussing loudly. It is not funny or attractive when men are vulgar. Be observant and pay attention to the girl instead of being too busy making a fool of yourself by telling obscene stories to your male buddies about your hook-up the other night.

   
(3) Be a man. Take the lead by steering the conversation, opening the door, or not hesitating to pay for dinner/drink; in another words, take care of her. We want to feel safe with you, and not feel like we are out with another woman.

(4) Attitude. Attitude. Most women are attracted to attitude, i.e. your ability to take control and be confident. Like Sophia Loren said: “Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.” In another words, even if you are feeling nervous, act confident and like you are in control. There is nothing less attractive than an insecure man. Nervous?Just think poker face. 

Chuck Bass’s Attitude

(5) Hygiene. Even the least attractive guy can make himself more appealing if he and his clothes smell fresh. Oily hair, bad breath, and dirty clothes will have the girl running away from faster than you can count 1, 2, 3. 

(6) Pay attention to her. Listen: You will better understand her and her needs. Observe and be calm. Engage by asking her questions. Let her speak. Do not show your nervousness by blabbering on and on: keep in mind, poker face. We are here to chat, flirt, and get to know you. 

Finally, a bit of humor…

Until next time, Club Fashionista signing off..xoxo.

Why Living in the Present is Better Than Dreaming of the Future

By Elma B.

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today,” said Dale Carnegie. (If you have not heard of Dale Carnegie, please pick up the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, which was a life changer for Warren Buffet and has been read by millions of people.)

Often, we are caught dreaming of that life’s hallmark, whether it is our high school/college/graduate school graduation, wedding, or a promotion at work. What if it was all the life’s details that make up the bulk of your life rather than the hall mark moments, (which you can probably count on your fingers)? Would it not make more sense to enjoy the details that make up your life than to spend time waiting for the hallmark moments? Thus, savor each moment in your life and find pleasure in everyday moments, whether it is going out for a long walk, finding “feel-good” literature, shopping for vintage accessories or going to a spa. After all, as far as we know, we only have one life to live. 

Me Enjoying the Colorado Outdoors

For this mini-photoshoot, we decided to go to beautiful creek in nearby woods here in Colorado. The fresh air, the sound of the creek running, and the white snow were so refreshing and energizing. Nothing substitutes nature, especially not the concrete jungles of megalopolis cities (or even a therapist), and the feeling of joy it brings. As Dale Carnegie said this creek, white snow and enchanting forrest make up the roses right outside my window today, which I decided to take full advantage of and soak in the beauty that surrounds me.

(Outfit dissected: Banana Republic beanie; Michael Kors jacket; H&M faux-fur vest; Ann Taylor cashmere camel color scarf; Stuart Weitzman boots; Louis Vuitton speedy; and Zara green pants.) 

Red & Leopard Print: a Perfect Duo

By Elma B.

One of my favorite outfit combinations is this duo: (faux) leopard print and red. Countless of designers, e.g., Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors, have used this combination for their collections. Personally, I am a fan of red because I am a brunette and red’s psychological effects are astounding (e.g., it excites and stimulates the brain, and we associate red with power, energy, warmth, passions, love, and even danger). 

Me

Fashion tip: other great combinations with leopard print are caramel hues, black and jeans. For detailed instructions on how to match leopard print in 7 steps, see my previous style guide here. 

For the fashionistas, my outfit dissected: faux fur leopard print coat from Zara; boho hat and vest from Juicy Couture; sheer black dress from H&M; jewelry from Forever 21; suede boots from Stuart Weitzman; and speedy bag from Louis Vuitton. Makeup: eyeshadows from MAC and lipstick from KIKO. 

Outfit Details: Jewelry Forever 21

Lunch for That Day 🙂