Holidays shopping

Bonsoir mes amours,

just a quick post to tell you some news...

 After all the tests season's stress , I finally got to spend time with my family while we were out to do our Christmas shopping.

I do love going out with my family specially when we do it during Christmas season... All the lights, the cold, thousands of people walking down the street, even that special smell that comes along with Christmas! The atmosphere in general is just so fascinating and I completely adore it!

We had to buy some gifts for our family and friends but we also had to get our own wardrobes, let's say... "renovated".

I bought a few new things for myself as I will be travelling this year for Holidays and needed some new stuff.(I always do actually... No matter what time of the year it is. Pfffff!). 

We never have too many jeans!

Finally got myself a new (FAUX!) fur shawl/stole!

So  deeply madly truly in love with this jacket! 

Worst part of it? I still haven't got my NYE's outfit figured out. I hope I will get it done before leaving... (I hope!)

What about you guys? What do you think of Christmas time?
Have you figured out what are you wearing already? (:

Love,

Raquel

Decisions, decisions, decisions

No matter if they're as simple as "What should I wear today?" or more complex like 

"Should we buy a new car?"

decisions are made every single day.

Today, I want to share, with you, a decision that demands a lot of thinking, researching, discussing and planning...

"Which university should I apply to?"

Yes, in a year I'll have to apply to universities and yes... I'm already stressing (a bit) about it. 

I enjoy the idea of going to college, being more independent and all the stuff that come along with it. But, at the same time, I'm not sure about anything especially when the question "which university?" pops in my head.

 I'm sure that I want to study something to do with fashion!
  I love writing and communication so I have been wondering if Fashion Journalism wouldn't be the perfect thing for me.

  

The question is where should I go to study Fashion journalism? 

Big cities like London, Paris, Milan or New York are the right places to go because fashion industry is massive in those places but all of them are expensive cities and university fees...  well let's say they aren't bon marché, as we'd say in French . Same goes to Nordic countries.

Anyway, the only thing I'm sure of is that I want to study and work, even if Mum & Dad don't like the idea, because I don't them to pay for everything!

I feel like screaming now but I know that when the moment to choose will come, I'll be ready. And the truth is that I can't wait for that moment! 

What about you? Are you applying or have you already enrolled in a university? How did you make your decision? Let me know!

Love,

Raquel

     

P.S: please, notice that any pictures posted aren't mine. I googled them!

London is on fire!

This week, London is the city everybody is talking about! You don’t know why? British Fashion Awards on 1^st December, Victoria’s Secret show on 2^nd… still have no idea what I’m talking about?!

Let’s start with last night’s event…  

The British Fashion Awards is an annual ceremony, which has been held in the UK since 1989, and it celebrates the success and creativity of the most exceptional names on the fashion industry.

And this year wasn’t any different!

Here you have some of the winners:

Marques’Alemeida  is a very talented Portuguese couple, who moved to London in 2010 and have been present in London Fashion Week since 2010. They won the “Emerging Womenswear Designer” award . And I have to admit... I am really proud of them!

    

Alexander McQueen doesn’t need any introduction, I reckon. The luxury fashion house was the big winner of the “Red Carpet Designer” category, which is (let’s be fair!) more than merited.

Victoria Beckham won the “Brand of the Year” award. I must say her acceptance speech was so beautiful! She was in tears while she was thanking her husband David, her former band Spice Girls and the British public for all the support. You could see she was really grateful.

Cara Delevingne is another name who doesn’t need any introduction. The 22 years old model was chosen as the “Model of the Year” for her contribution to the fashion scene.

Anna Wintour, American Vogues editor-in-chief, won the “Achievement Award” for her extremely important role in the fashion industry.

Emma Watson, who is one of the most adored actresses of her generation, was chosen by the public to be honoured with the “British Style Award”.

But, British Fashion Awards isn’t only about the nominees and the winners. It’s also about the invités.

From Alexa Chung to Naomi Campbell, Harry Styles, Rihanna and Rita Ora… Seems like all the cool kids attended the BFA’s ceremony!

For now, I need a bit of sleep so...

xx,

Raquel

(All the photos are from BFA site.)

Dear Oscar

Who hasn't ever dreamt of wearing Oscar de la Renta? I think all of us have. 

Today is a particularly sad day for Fashion world as we woke up to know we lost one of our legends. Oscar de la Renta died at the age of 82, at his home, from complications from cancer. 

Famous for swathing women in silk-taffeta and chiffon gowns, he dressed many women from first ladies, such as Jacqueline Kennedy and Michelle Obama, to celebrities like Emma Watson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Oprah or Cameron Diaz.

When he was 18, de la Renta left Dominican Republic to go to Madrid to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando, which led to his interest in fashion design. He was trained by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Antonio del Castillo. In 1965, Oscar de la Renta fully launched his label and worked for Balmain and Lanvin. In the 70's and 80's, he helped New York appear on the fashion map in the 70's and 80's, alongside Paris and Milan. 

Many celebrities are paying tribute to this incredible artist, who definitely changed fashion world in many ways with his unique touch. 

This is my tribute to personally thank Mr de la Renta for helping women feel incredibly beautiful, for being so amazing as a design and man, for making the difference, for showing us that nothing is impossible.

Rest in Peace dear Oscar

xx

Raquel

Last Friday Night

Don't worry mes amours,

This isn't a video of me singing Katy Perry's song 'Last Friday Night'!

You might be wondering what is this post about...
Here you have some tips:

Italian food + nice outfits  + lots of fun + great time

=

ITALIAAAAAAAA!

Haha, I wish!
But no this isn't about my persona going to Italy... No yet! (;

Last Friday one of my dearest friends' had her 20th birthday party in a really nice Italian restaurant, which we have known for a long time but can't get enough of it. 

Food is great, waiters are always nice (let's not talk about their melodic Italian accent that makes me soooo jealous!) and we always have a good time when we go there.

But I'm not here to make a critic about the restaurant but to show you one of my favourite outfits so far. 

I  didn't know what to wear till last Wednesday when I looked at my black stilettos and thought: "I have to use you before winter comes!"
 It was then I knew what I'd be wearing for the party.

Since the restaurant place isn't either too fancy or too informal I went for something I like to think of as casual-chic.

I chose a red lipstick (Hot Tango - Sephora) and nail polish (Maybelline)

because red makes everything more glamorous, right?

 Details, details and more details!

Any opinions on this? 

Want more informations about my outfit? Just let me know!

xx,

Raquel

One week ago I was on holidays!

Bonjour, bonjour mes amours (:

Let's talk about... Going back to school! I'd be lying if I said that I'm not always excited about it. I do love the rentrée! You get to see your school friends (and crush ;) again, share your summer adventures, meet new people. Also, there are tons of new stuff to learn, going back to your routine and my favourite part new school supplies! Seriously, how can you not be excited about it?

At the end of July I'd had all my supplies bought! I know how crazy this sounds but this year I really need to be pretty organised and, as they say, the sooner you start the better! 

I wanted my stuff to be cool and cute yet I wanted it to have a personal touch and to be unique. I went for bright/pastel and cheerful colours so it would be a plus when it comes to inspiration and willingness to work (?!) No seriously, procrastination is my worst enemy so I thought that maybe my school supplies would help me fighting against it.

Yesss, I'm a big fan of TIOS, don't judge me! 

Got a new iPad! YAY!

Pink, pink everywhere!

It's been +/- a week since school started and I still very excited about it. 

Let's pray that everything will be ok and I'll make it through the year! :)

Back to blogging!

Hello,hello! 😃

Long time no see (again!), huh?

Well... the main reason for such a long absence is that I found a summer job (Give it up for independence! Yay!).

My time to write, correct and post was nonexistent since I had to wake up really early, go to work, and once I'd get home I'd fall asleep and wake up the following morning to go back to work. 

But it doesn't mean I had forgotten this baby. I didn't!

As you may have noticed, JS has a new face.
I have been working on it for a while and I really like the way it looks.
Want to let me know what you think? (:

In another note, there are a few posts I plan to write about my school supplies, my back to school shopping, and more... Much more. 

xx

Raquel

Ripped jeans can be smart too!

Hello, hello!

First of all, I'm sorry for not being regular on posting but lately school demands a lot of work and concentration. I promised that once exams are over, I'll take more time to come here and write a looooooooot of new messages!

Today, I want to show you one of my favorite looks...

It's a very simple one but it's the mix of styles that captivates me. 

The blazer, the mules and the bag kinda make it look smart while the ripped boyfriend jeans and the white t-shirt make it look much more informal and relaxed. I love the colours and the way they look together. 

As accessories I wore this very simple chain necklace and my gold (colour!) watch.

 Some people don't like the mixing between silver and gold but for me, in certain moments, both can be used at the same time.

If you want to know more about this outfit, just let me know!

xx,

Raquel

Back to the 50's

I feel so bad for posting this today when I should have done it on Friday night! The truth is that everything was ready to be post but I started watching "The Notebook" and well... let's say that at the end of it, all I needed was tons of chocolate and my warm bed. I always get emotional with that kind of film... but hey!It's not my fault! 

In another note... This was Friday's outfit! 

It was sunny and hot and I wanted  to wear something lovely and fresh at the same time, so I went for a white/transparent shirt, my light pink long skirt and very simple sandals. 

I do adore this outfit. Why? It reminds me of the 50's and I think it is perfect for those Summer days when we feel happy about everything and anything. (:

xx

Raquel  

That military shirt?

Hello, hello!

A very quick post tonight just to show you my outfit! It was raining today and I wanted something that was easy and comfortable to wear. My solution? A white t-shirt, dad's old shirt, black jeans and my lovely Italian shoes!

I have to admit this is one of my favorite outfits. Perfect for those days when we are terribly late or whether we are too lazy. 

xx

Raquel

It's been a long time and I'm 19 now!

Oh God, are you telling me that the last time I posted was on 18th February? You have got to be kidding me! Time flies! It really does because guess what? I'm 19 now! 

How did this happen?! It's my last year in the TEEN'S! 

Mum and Dad are always saying that seems like yesterday when I was born and now here I am... an 19 year-old girl. 

I can't complain about my presents. Seriously, I wasn't expecting so many things! 
I actually can't choose the most special one but I have to admit that my parents' was the most unexpected!

 They bought me a very, very, very cute sewing machine!
 I've been waiting to get one for so long and they surprised me. I couldn't believe when I saw it. They know how I love Fashion and that working on its "World" is my biggest dream. They are the best parents in the world and I'm so thankful for them being mine and for having them supporting me all the time! 

Can't wait to use it! 

 On Saturday, I went out with my friends for dinner, in a very cosy (yet elegant!) Italian restaurant. 

Food was just great and the waiters were so nice! 

My friends prepared the cutest of the surprises. And as I didn't expect that (and being as emotional as I am!) I started crying. 

They prepared a big box with photos of us on the cover. Inside of it there were a lot of papers and in between, there were 12 presents, I had to open each one of them by order what led me to this baby!

Fujifilm instax mini 8 is the new baby!

On Sunday, my parents invited a few friends over to a barbecue, to celebrate my birthday once again. I got a few presents as cute cards, money and two perfumes that smell like heaven!

Loverdose Tattoo by Diesel 

& 

L'eau by Nina Ricci

A very nice friend of mine got me red roses, my favourite ones! (:

I love being the Birthday girl... I really do! (:

What about you? 

Let me know what do you like the most on celebrating your birthday!

xx, 
Raquel

Sometimes, things don't go the way you want them to...

Hello beauties!

You probably don’t trust me anymore because well... I promised to do my best to update every week and I didn't keep my promise. I’m really sorry for it but these past weeks haven’t been easy at all.

 At first, I had to stop my dance classes because it was just too much with school. I had no time to study or relax. Since the beginning I had told myself I’d be capable to do it. And I actually managed to do everything for years, but now, it’s just too much.  You’re probably wondering what it has to do with me not posting anything. Well, I've been dancing since I was a little girl and it was (and still being!) one of my passions, and it was so hard to say goodbye to my friends, teachers and in a certain way dance itself.

I know I can always dance at home or at school but it isn't the same. I miss the dance studio, the mirrors and the way the music was around me. Anyway, it had been a really hard time for me, but it was a decision that I had to take. 

The second reason why I haven’t posted lately is because school takes a big part of my time and when I’m free, I’m either sleeping or spending time with my family and friends.

I’m really sorry for not keeping my promise. There are no excuses because a promise is always a promise.

Much much love,

Raque

ups... I failed!

Helloooooooooo!

How have you beauties been? Hope you're all good!

Today, I just want to go on a really quick “talk” about my last post which was about one of my New Year’s resolutions...

 I said I would try my best to write something new every week but it didn't happen last week. The truth is that I had neither time nor patience to sit in front of my laptop and write a new post. I just want you to know that I’m really sorry for not doing what I promised.  Am I forgiven?

As a “punishment” to myself I've decided that this week I’ll be writing not one…  but two new posts! 

Now, do you want to know what will them be about? The only thing you have to do is:

Add Jardin Secret to your favorites and come back tomorrow to read it! (;

Kiss kiss,

Raquel

New year, new me?

Hello, hello!

            Happy New year everybody!

            How's everyone? I hope you're doing well.

            It's finally 2014 and I'm really excited about it. Hopefully it'll be as good as 2013. I have so many projects, ideas and new things I want to do.

            One of my new year's resolution includes Jardin Secret.

            When I started it, I told myself that I didn't want to feel obliged to write a post every day and that it'd be more like a hobby. The new thing is that I will do my best to post at least once a week. I want this blog to be a bit more 'serious'.
            Now… I know it's already 8th January but let me know what your new year resolutions are! (:

Kiss,
Raquel