May 2009 « With Love…

30May/0917

Pink…

Hello Darlings,

Finding a piece that will take you from day to night, from fall to summer and from a mall to a night club... is what makes every girl's day or a even week.

Finding that perfect piece that you will never regret.That piece that will make you feel amazing every time you wear it ... that's what shopping is all about, for me at least

The moment I laid my eyes on this dress.... well, it was match made in heaven. Three days later and I am still totally excited about this find, especially since it was on sale from $150 to $70.

Yesterday I wore it out shopping and today I plan on wearing it out for a night on town.... we'll have to wait and see what I decided to pair it with or if I just completely change my mind. Dressing up is always sooo exciting and fun

I am wearing: Armani Exchange Zip Front Ruffle Dress ; Mackage Leather Jacket; Juicy Couture Rose Flat; Gustto Cokera Chain Leather Bag; Ray Ban Wayfarers.

My favorite part of this dress, well besides the color, is definitely the prominent zipper- something about it is sooo sexy. The zipper downplays the girlie-ness of the dress and makes it more interesting. The material is also fantastic...

I must admit at first I really didn't like Armani Exchange, it reminded me of Guess and Marciano. But I am totally loving it now. The pieces are simple but totally adorable and the quality is fantastic. Plus, they always have great sales on... both in stores and online.

P.S. I am slowly but surely replying to each and every comment and e-mail so please bear with me... Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me

I'm off to do more shopping...

I wish you all a beautiful weekend!!

With Love...
Marta

Source: wildfox; lolita

Tagged as: Armani Exchange, Gustto, Juicy Couture, Mackage, Ray Ban 17 Comments

28May/0916

Ukraine: Memories

Hello Darlings,

The only airline I trust, besides Air Canada.

I apologize for the lack of posts and replies, I've been in bed for the past three days because of jet lag.However, this morning I am feeling much better and ready to get back to my everyday life . I have missed this blog very much and was disappointed that I couldn't dedicate more time to it while I was away (as I planned).

I am back now and can't wait to catch up on my blog reading and reply to the comments that I am sooooo behind on ....

This is my last post that will feature images from my trip to Ukraine.

Lutsk Castle

The Gate Tower

For the past three weeks I have stayed at the city Lutsk, which is where I was born and raised. I haven't gone back to Ukraine in four years and this trip was filled with joy and sadness. To a certain degree it was emotionally overwhelming.

Lutsk is at least 930 years old ( at least I say is because there are records from 930 years ago, but historians believe that it is much older) and is one of the oldest cities in the Europe.

It features many historic monuments that depict its past, one in particular is the Lutsk Castle. It is one of the few medieval castles that has been preserved up to the present time (more than 80% of it is still in original form).

It's history counts back 600 years. Memories about the events of Lithuanian-Polish epoch, political and private life of people are kept in the powerful Castle's walls and towers.

At first the Upper Castle had the style of Roman Gothic architecture, but after its rebuilding in XIV century it acquired Renaissance traits. The main Gate Tower measures 27 meters in height and has been entered by famous people of the European history among many are: the Great Duke Vitovt ,Prince Yagaylo, the Danish King Eric, the Roman Emperor Sygismund, the Great Moscow Prince Vasiliy,Tatar Khans, the first printer Ivan Fedorov and the future Ukrainian Hetman Ivan Wygowskyy.

The Gate Tower with the views of The Roman-Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul as well as of Lutheran Kirk.

Inside the castle walls one can visit the Museum of Bells, which is unique of its kind in Ukraine. The exposition presents about 50 bells of XVII-XX centuries from different countries: Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Austria and Germany.

This bell is more than 300 years old and I found my name of in. MARTA actually means March in old Slavic Language.

The Museum of Bells is housed in the Bishops Tower which is 13.5 meters and requires a lengthy climb on the most claustrophobic stairs ever.... and then the creepiest wooden stairs.

On the territory of the Bishop's yard where the Poviat Treasury was built in 1807 is now the Book Museum.

"The Book Museum"

It features ancient books from XVI-XIX centuries. This part was especially exciting for me since I've never been to a book museum.

Walking Through the Old Lutsk

Walking through the Old Lutsk (the New Lutsk is features in previous posts) .....here are some of my favorite places and monuments.

The " Stalin Car"... ( the car is not a monument, but was there simply by chance) yup, this is exactly the kind of a car that Stalin was driven around in.Behind the car is a Monument to the murdered Volynians. On June 23, 1941, three thousand of Volynians had been shot without any court processes.After the war an Orthodox monastery was placed here.

Roman-Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul reflects the difficult historic epoch of XVI-XVII centuries. As the result of signing Lublin Union in 1569, the city was affiliated to Poland. This church was built in the early baroque style by the Italian architect Jacob Briano. The unique adornments of the church are decorated by wooden sculptures of St. Peter and Paul-the patrons of the church.

The Lutheran Kirk started on June 24, 1906 in place of the former monastery of Karmelits.
During the 1927-1928 the German community built two buildings here, where the administration, the pastor's dwelling and the school for 250 pupils were situated. When WWII began the German colonist were evicted out of this land and the Soviet powers used the Kirk as a storage for Volyn' regional state archives. Since 1990 the Kirk has been used by Evangelists.

That's it for my journey of the city that I was born in...I've definitely had an experience with my family that I will cherish forever. I can't wait to go back to Ukraine to explore farther.

Outfit Time...:)

Finding a good guide book and then tour guides was hard but finding an ideal outfit was even harder. The outfit for the day had to be simple but classy. It had to be appropriate since I was going to visit many religious monuments. It also had to be comfortable... and breezy ( it was really hot that day).
So, here's what I settled for....

I am wearing: BCBG Max Azria Blazer; H&M Top; J Brand Jeans; Bloch Flats; A.V.Max Cuff;Ray Ban Wayfarers.

As for now, I am off to unpack my suitcases...

I wish you all a lovely day !!!

With Love...
Marta

The information came from a Guidebook: "Lutsk- Walking around the city" by Kateryna Moysiyuk.

Tagged as: A.V.Max, BCBG Max Azria, Bloch, H&M, J Brand, Ray Ban 16 Comments

22May/099

Ukraine: Kiddie Fun

Hello Darlings,

In the past few days the weather has improved significantly. Perfect for exploring and spending the time out in the country (my grandparent own a farm few km away from the city).Also, I finally shed my cold weather essentials ....

Today, I spent the day with my niece(who is also my godchild) and her mom in the park. Followed by some grown-up time in the evening with some girlfriends.

As for the outfit, well comfort was key. Running around the playground called for comfortable footwear and stretchy jeans,lol. I pair of trusty Kors wedges, super-comfy Notify jeans and cute, open-back tee took me from a day at the playground to a night out with friends.

I am wearing: Club Monaco Cotton Top; Notify Jeans; Michael Kors Wedges; Ray Ban Wayfarers ( I've been living in them); A.V. Max. Cuff ( I am totally obsessed with it).

On Sunday, I leave for Toronto and this will be my last post from Ukraine. However, there are many more pictures to come. The internet is really slow and takes me forever to upload the images. I can't wait to have a chance to sit down for few hours and reply to each and everyone of your warm comments and e-mails.

I wish you all a lovely weekend!!!

With Love...
Marta

Tagged as: A.V.Max, Club Monaco, Michael Kors, Notify, Ray Ban 9 Comments

18May/0918

Ukraine: Exploring

Hello Lovelies,
I've been having a wonderful time exploring the city which I was born in. I am taking the time to wonder the streets, with the help of my trusty guidebook. Catching up with the childhood friends and spending much needed time with my family.

Volyn' State University with the Monument of one of the greatest Ukrainian poets, T. Schevchenko.

I was expecting the weather to be much warmer and brought mostly sandals and flats.Thankfully, I thought of bringing these Kors babies- they have served me well,lol. I really love that most of the women here wear heels daily... It still amazes me how different North American and European style is

Lesia Ukrainka Central Park.

I really hope that the weather gets warmer, so that I could finally take off my leather jacket and abandon my cashmere scarf. Despite the fact that these are some of my favorite pieces, I can't wait to experiment with summer clothe.

I am wearing: Abercrombie & Fitch Sweater; Armani Exchange Pants; Mackage Leather Jacket; Club Monaco Cashmere Scarf; Michael Kors booties.

As for the outfit, well I brought most of my closet favorites and have been having fun mixing and matching. Simplicity is the key for me, as many of you already know

P.S. In the following few posts I will include pictures of a breathtaking Medieval Castle which I have a guided tour scheduled for Wednesday; Art, Bell, Book, and Icon Galleries; Churches; and much more.

I wish you all a lovely start to a new week!!!

With Love...
Marta

Tagged as: Abercrombie& Fitch, Armani Exchange, Club Monaco, Mackage, Michael Kors 18 Comments

13May/0917

Ukraine: Freezing

Hello Darlings,
Well, it is as if I jinxed myself. Two days ago, the temperature was in the mid 20s and today it is so cold. Thankfully I thought of bringing my trusty Kors booties. I am finally getting over my jetleg ( Ukraine is 7 hours ahead of Canada) and enjoying every minute I have with my family.

I am wearing: Mackage Leather Jacket; Corpus Skinnies; Club Monaco Cashmere Scarf; Michael Kors Booties; Gap Leather Purse; H&M Bow Headband.

Today, I finally had a chance to pick up a guide book and slowly starting to explore the city. The beauty of the nature here is phenomenal, especially outside the city. The rolling hills, beautiful fields and unforgettable sunsets.

Me being an architecture and art freak,I have to make sure that I visit every landmark and museum ( sooo many churches to see,lol). The time if going my sooo fast. Although I am loving every minute here, I do miss the loved ones in Canada.

Time for me to go sleep, it's 2 am.... ZZZZzzzzzzz

I wish you all a lovely day!!!!

With Love...
Marta

Tagged as: Club Monaco, Corpus, Gap, H&M, Mackage, Michael Kors 17 Comments

11May/0915

Ukraine: Jetleg.

Hello Darlings,

It’s been a hectic week and my jet leg is driving me crazy. The best part of the journey, so far, is the beautiful nature of Ukrainian countryside, the amazingly warm weather and the charm of the city. I finally had a chance to take out my summer wardrobe and embrace the warm weather. I am slowly settling in.

I am wearing: Ella Moss Dress; Pretty Ballerina Flats; A.V.Max. Gold Studded Cuff.

As more time goes by and my exploration takes off, I will make sure to post more often. However, replying is still difficult since the internet connection is painfully slow. I would like to send out a HUGE thank you to everyone.

I wish you all a lovely day!!!

With Love…

Marta

Tagged as: A.V.Max, Ella Moss, Pretty Ballerinas 15 Comments

6May/0919

Airport…

Hello Darlings,

Me again.... After a crazy morning of last minute packing. I finally finished my duty-free shopping and currently waiting for my flight. I am pretty relaxed considering a fact that I am terrified of flying. First we are flying to Germany and then to Ukraine. This is going to be a hell of a long journey.

As for my outfit, well comfort came first and I decided to pick up a pair of Juicy sweats. I know, fashion suicide but they are so comfy and totally cute. There's not way that I was going to wear jeans for 12 hour flight.On the side note, it does not say "Juicy" on my behind, lol. Just a simple pair