Dolce & Gabbana for Vogue Germany - Wilting Flowers

Spring is in the air. All the sunshine and patches of green grass have clearly gone to my head since as soon as I see a new photo spread with a flower theme, I feel compelled to blog it.   

These beautiful images created by photographers Daniele and Luigi + Iango make me think of the doomed queen Marie Antoinette. The gowns and hair are very à la pre-Revolutionary France. 

Publication: Vogue Germany April 2014

Models: Meghan Collison, Sophie Touchet, Steffi Soede, Xiao Wen, Holly Rose Emery & Codie Young 

Photographer: Daniele and Luigi + Iango

Styled: Patti Wilson

Hair: Luigi Murenu

Make-up: Virginia Young

Art of Fantasy by Jeff Bark for Porter Magazine

This beautiful fashion spread reminds me of Pre-Raphaelite art and fairy tales. So I had to share it with you. 

Publication: Porter Magazine #2 Summer 2014

Model: Karen Elson
Photographer: Jeff Bark
Fashion Editor: Anthony Unwin
Beauty: Rick Gradone

Long Time Away and Back to the '70s

Well, it's been a while since I wrote anything on this blog. School, work and other things completely took over my life. But now I'm back. Sort of. At least I'll try and write more from now on.

I've been a bit ill so I've been watching a lot of That '70s Show, so this post is dedicated to all the '70s stuff I love.

The cast of That '70s Show.  

Another one of those faux '70s things. This is the Brady Bunch Movie from 1995, which is based on the series from the '70s but with a quaint '90s twist. It's like nostalgia for nostalgia. 

Nothing is more seventies than Star Wars.

And don't forget Wonder Woman played by the lovely Lynda Carter.   

Farrah Fawcett is quintessentially '70s. And absolutely gorgeous.   

The dark ladies of the 1970 cult classic The Vampire Lovers.

Riscilsoie eye makeup ad, 1974. Very understated.  

Barbie is so chic in her 1970s sticker book.

I think these cute outfits are from 1974. But I can't be sure.If anyone knows the source, please let me know. 

Sears catalog from 1973. Love the pattern dress. Not so sure about the shoes. Too clunky.  

Gorgeous 1970s caftans photographed by James Moore.  

I think I might do a whole separate post on the 1970s makeup and fashion. Now back to watching That 70s Show. I still have 5 season to go.    

Medieval Fair at Hämeenlinna

I'm back! Sorry for neglecting my blog, but this summer turned out to be very busy: trips, events, crafts and school took over my life. But now I'm back with a new post on something recent and very fun indeed.

Last weekend I went to Häme Medieval Faire, which is a Medieval festival held at the Hämeenlinna's castle. Like all such occasions this one had food, mock fights, vendors selling everything a history enthusiast could ever want and lots and lots of rain and dirt (this is Finland in August, so that's to be expected), which made it feel very authentic.

A pig roasted on a spit may look horrible, but tastes great.

Barbarians arrived to show us some impressive horseback rindding stunts.

Vikings fought Saxons.

Saxons won.

Though most of them got killed.

I'm not at all an expert on medieval dress, so the fashion show was a real eye opener.

A little child was put in charge of a catapult.

My friends and I went dressed up, though we sacrificed historical accuracy for the sake of comfort and fun.

I have some great photos from the Times & Epochs festival in Moscow, but I still need to sort through them. So that's for another post.  

Moscow Treasures: Arkhangelskoye Estate

Arkhangelskoye is a beautiful estate located about 30 min away from Moscow. It was originally built by
Galitzines in 1703 and was later purchased by the Yusupov family, who owned it from 1810 up until the Revolution of 1917. The grounds are really gorgeous and are somewhat reminiscent of Versailles. In front of the palace is a regular park with neo-classical statues sprinkled here and there. The park leads to a sanitarium built in 1930, and down the slope from it there is a lovely prospect on the Moscow river and more extensive park grounds.

It's very unfortunate that the palace and most of the buildings there are in a dreadful state of disrepair. The palace is undergoing renovations and there are only three small rooms open to the public. The grounds, however, are divine and very peaceful. As we went on a weekday, there was hardly anyone there, and we could stroll among the shrubs and sculptures undisturbed by shrieking children or bustling tourists.

The Grand Palace of Arkhangelskoye

One of the main rooms in palace. Most of it is closed for restoration.  

Arkhangelskoye gardens

The Colonnade, the tomb of the Yusupov family. No one is actually buried in the tomb. Today it's used for performances and exhibitions.    

The Moscow river

Catherine II monument 

The church of Archangel Michael. This church gave the name to the estate. "Arkhangelskoye" means "Archangel's".   

That's me in front of the Small Palace known as "Caprice". 

It's definitely a great place to visit. You can check out their site here (sorry, only in Russian).