Tuesday, April 30, 2013

NEVER MIND. It gets better.

I'm wearing:

1. Oversized jacket, Maison Martin Margiela for H&M.
2. Black and white plaid shirt, from Zara.
3. "Never Mind" sleeveless tee, from H&M.
4. Painted jeans, Maison Martin Margiela for H&M.
5. Gray creepers, from Kr3w.
6. Gold studded pin, from Stradivarius. 
Normally, I end the month's theme with the Stylish Dudes interview (it was Julian Seuffert, and he's awesome), but we're talking about ANGST here. Over the past few weeks I shared my current deplorable state of mind with you and I want to thank you because some of your comments here and in sites like Chictopia have made me feel like I'm not alone and I have a little support out there.

What I'm trying to say is that, even now that I'm not at my best, those angsty feelings (the 'mean reds' as Holly Golightly calls them) eventually subside and fade a little. It gets better, I think. And I'm sure it's a slow process but the important thing is to know that, I repeat: IT GETS BETTER.

I wanted to show an outfit full of light to finish this month's theme and move on to the next. Oversized garments make me feel protected and the white on my jeans is light; together with black, it creates beatiful shades of gray and that means transition. So, here's a shout out for all of you out there feeling angst: I know I'm not quite there yet, but it gets better. It has to.

// Normalmente, termino el tema del mes con la entrevista para Stylish Dudes (fue Julian Seuffert y está bien padre), pero estamos hablando de ANGUSTIA aquí. En las últimas semanas he compartido mi actual y deplorable estado mental con ustedes y quiero agradecerles porque algunos de sus comentarios aquí y en sitios como Chictopia me han hecho sentir que no estoy solo y que tengo un poquito de apoyo allá afuera.

Lo que intento decir es, aún ahora que no estoy en mi mejor hora, que esos sentimientos agobiantes (los 'mean reds' como dice Holly Golightly) eventualmente se calman y desaparecen un poquito. Las cosas mejoran, creo. Y estoy seguro que es un proceso muy lento pero lo importante es saber que, repito: LAS COSAS MEJORAN.

Quise mostrar un atuendo lleno de luz para terminar con el tema de este mes y movernos a lo que sigue. Las piezas sobredimensionadas me hacen sentir protegido y el blanco en mis jeans es luz; junto con el negro, crea una linda gama de grises y eso significa transición. Así que aquí va un grito de atención para todos ustedes que sientan angustia: Sé que aún no estoy ahí, pero las cosas mejoran. Tienen que. 
All my love, Hen.

Photographer: Chiu (he's back from Paris!).

Currently listening: Arcade Fire - Ready To Start.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Stylish Dudes: Julian Sebastian



For the last couple of months I've been interviewing some cool guys and sharing their thoughts on life and fashion within the Stylish Dudes section. Last month, the interviewee was French blogger, sports fanatic and photographer: Clément Lasserre. This month, I got the chance to interview one of my favourite guys from Lookbook.nu; meet the nostalgic, rocker and hat lover: Julian Sebastian.

// Durante los últimos meses, he entrevistado a chavitos buena onda y comparto sus ideas de la vida y moda en la sección de Stylish Dudes. El mes pasado, entrevisté al blogger francés, fan de los deportes y fotógrafo: Clément Lasserre. Este mes, tuve la oportunidad de entrevistar a uno de mis chavitos favoritos de Lookbook.nu; conozcan al nostálgico, rockero y amante de los sombreros: Julian Sebastian.

**La entrevista está en su idioma original porque no me gustaría modificar las palabras de los involucrados. Así que, como ya es costumbre (espero), tendrán que sacar su traductor interno.

Tell me a little bit about yourself:

I'm Julian, 19, and I study psychology at a noted German university. I'm originally from Southern Germany, where you can hardly find anything but misty woods and gaping mountains... So I spent the majority of my childhood on the outside and between my bookshelves. I think those days have put a great effect on my perspective on arts and fashion. I'm looking for the beauty in life, you know.

Describe an average day of your life:

I usually get up pretty early. The morning is my favourite time of day, so I try to enjoy it as intensely as possible. I take the tube to Uni and listen to the daily bunch of lectures (more or less awake). My free time is actually always filled up with taking photographs, reading, strolling through thrift stores, bookshops and Starbucks.

Since I've got the most amazing lady you could ever imagine by my side, I never have to worry about cooking. She's half-Italian, but in the kitchen (let me tell ya), she's obviously an entire one.

What are you really passionate about?

Shoes. Hats. London. Coffee. And Harry Potter, hahaha.

What's the fashion/arts scene for guys in Germany? Are you a part of it?

I don't like Germany's fashion scene that much. It's not very expanded and it actually agglomerates in the big cities like Berlin or Hamburg. The street style is not very innovative, people don't like to attract attention here. It's always the same boring mixture of overpriced vintage stuff and trend pieces. I prefer the alternative scene much more (though I am part of the fashion scene, as I model. My agency is modelwerk.de).

When did you become invested in fashion, how was that process?

Since I have a bigger sister, I've been in touch with fashion for as long as I can remember. She told me that fashion is a way to express yourself - I mean, we have to dress, so why shouldn't we have a little fun with it?

Well, I have to admit that it has not always been easy for a young boy in a small town on the countryside to wear fashionable clothing, you can't even imagine how cruel kids can be. But hey - I can be cruel too, hahaha. What I want to say within these words is that the most important thing is to do whatever you want to and, hell yes, never listen to anyone but yourself. I know that can be hard.

What's your opinion on blogging and blogging about fashion?

Well, OK, I really don't want to sound mean but I got a little sick of it. I only read a couple of blogs (fashion and photoblogs) which I really like and that I've been following for quite a long time now. Blogging has unfortunately become a very shot-lived trend. Blogs pop up one day and disappear the next. Everything's about getting followers, hypes or whatever and that makes me sick.

But don't get me wrong, blogging is generally a wonderful thing! I spend hours scrolling through Tumblr and Blogspot, searching inspiration for outfits and photography.

Why did you decide to do a joint blog with your girlfriend instead of having your own?

Frankly - I didn't want to be a part of that superficial community. But as I take tons of photos and have no place to show them, my girl convinced me (after years) to start a personal style blog. It's just nice to have more photos up, you know.
Your looks are always amazing, they have a nostalgic vibe, a little sadness (I love that). What's your main inspiration while doing your photos and; does anybody help you take them or you do it by yourself?

Thank you. I take all of the pictures on my own. My inspiration is varied, but I always refer to the dark side in some way: dark forest, night-time, loneliness, childhood, depression, silence, light... Anything that touches me.

Who would you consider a stylish person from this time?

For me, it's important to tell a story with your look, to show what inspires you and how you feel. For me, style means a certain line, a vibe, something that appears in all your looks and makes them fit together.

My favourite  bloggers are Violet Ell (surprise, surprise), Madeline Pendleton and Olivia Harrison. But there are also some models and musicians like Abbey Lee Kershaw, The Horrors or Cara Delevingne.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What will you be doing?

I will have finished my studies and I have absolutely no idea what will happen then. I guess I'm gonna work as a neuroscientist and therapisht. Actually, I don't want to stay in Germany, I hope it will be possible to move to England or France. But I had to learn very early that it's hardly possible to make long-term plans for the future, so let's just wait and see what happens. It's nice when life surprises you.
When you're feeling pressured or overwhelmed, what activity helps you re-find your center? (Mine is going to the park and swing 'til I'm dizzy).

Ooh. I have to try that swinging thing, it sounds awesome! I actually just try to get calm by taking some time for myself. I love to take long walks in the evening, through the dark silent streets. The twilight can be so beautiful. Reading is also very essential for me. For those who are rather the outgoing kind of person, try it with burning the furniture.

What are some of your favourite musicians, books, TV series and artists?

Oh, my taste in TV series is rather cheesy. I'm addicted to Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons, ahaha! My favourite models are Abbey Lee Kershaw, Cara Delevingne, Sky Ferreira, Freja Beha Erichsen, Cole Mohr...

I usually listen to indie music, brit pop, electronic. My favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Brönte. I also love Tolstoi, Shakespeare, Faulkner and, especially, Austen. Oh! And J.K. Rowling, for sure, hahaha.

What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?

Dressing can be so exciting. Just try whatever you like, it's you who decides how to present yourself! Don't listen to whatever anyone might say, just wear what you like and what makes you feel confident and comforted.
Thank you very much Julian! If you want to know more about this amazing, amazing guy, be sure to catch him on LookBook.nu, check out his joint blog with the lovely Laura Catoni and keep an eye on him, he's truly awesome.

Hen.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2013

I was invited to another cool in-store presentation. This time it was for Marc by Marc Jacobs held on their boutique at Antara Fashion Mall. It was a fun little breakfast (with tons of pastries and other comfort foods) with a bunch of other bloggers and a person from Marc Jacobs NY who came all the way down here to talk everybody through the ideas behind the latest collection.

// Me invitaron a otra presentación buena onda dentro de tienda. Esta vez fue para Marc by Marc Jacobs y sucedió en el Centro Comercial Antara, en Polanco. Fue un desayunín divertido (con muchos pastelitos y comidas reconfortantes) con varios otros bloggers y una persona de Marc Jacobs NY que vino hasta acá para hablar sobre las ideas detrás de la colección más nueva.

I absolutely loved this collection. The Marc Jacobs girl is definitely a girl I could fall in love with. There are tons of girly dresses with 1950's silhouettes, great patterns, textures and prints and an aura of sophistication instead of hotness (which you have no idea how much I appreciate).

// Me encantó la colección, en serio. La niña Marc Jacobs es, definitivamente, alguien de quien podría enamorarme. Hay muchos vestidos ultra femeninos con siluetas traídas de los 50's, estampados, texturas y productos gráficos muy buena onda que traen un aura de sofisticación en vez de "quiero ser HOT" (cosa que no saben cuánto aprecio).
Kelly Kreuz talked us through the entire collection while being very pregnant. She was AWESOME. 


Unfortunately, this store doesn't have a men's section (which is a complete bummer) but I analyzed the menswear collection too and it's quite something. The same idea of mixing two decades remain but I think that it's for a guy who is quirky and cool and isn't afraid to mix patterns and prints. 

// Desafortunadamente, esta tienda no tiene una sección para hombre (que es una desgracia) pero analicé la colección para hombres y tiene algo especial. La idea de combinar dos décadas permanece pero creo que es para un hombre que es buena onda y arriesgado y no teme combinar texturas y estampados.
Hope you enjoyed this. I certainly did.
Hen.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Cinematic.

I'm wearing:

1. Leather sleeves parka with faux fur, from Pull & Bear.
2. US flag t-shirt, from Pull & Bear.
3. Black super skinny jeans, from Asos.
4. Lace-up leather boots, from Asos.
5. 3-D Mermaid necklace, also from Asos.
Quite often now, I find myself envying novels and movies. Not every single one (Hannibal and The Hunger Games excluded, for example), but cool ones like The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, The Percy Jackson saga (which I swear is inspired on my life, minus being a demigod), or masterpieces like Great Expectations. I like those because, even when everything looks grim, the endings give hope or show fixed broken things [unlike real life (or, better said, my life)].

I wanted to do a post in which the photos looked like they come from a movie and I loved the effect so much that I'm thinking of filming something and doing screen captures with quotes that come from my brain, instead of Audrey Hepburn movies. 

My friend Clau helped me by loaning me her empty house (that you may recognize from the Cupcake Ok ad I made a few months ago) and her lovely pets came to see what was going on. It was a very peaceful, quiet, shoot that, I think, looks quite cinematic and the cat reminded me of CAT from Breakfast at Tiffany's and how much I envy that movie ending (the book wasn't as good as the movie, in my taste). So let's be cinematic and wear parkas with leather and faux fur and turn our kitchens into CRY ROOMS to express our angst <3

// Últimamente, he notado que le tengo envidia a las películas y novelas. No a todas (Hannibal y los Hunger Games están excluidos, por decir algunas), pero sí a las padres como The Perks Of Being A Wallflower o la saga de Percy Jackson (que juro está inspirada en mi vida, menos la parte de ser un semidios), u obras maestras como Great Expectations. Me gustan esas porque, aún cuando todo se ve sombrío, el final da esperanza o muestra cosas rotas arregladas [a diferencia de la vida real (o, mejor dicho, mi vida)].

Quise hacer un post donde las fotos parezcan sacadas de una película y el efecto me gustó tanto que estoy pensando en filmar algo y hacer capturas de pantalla con citas que vengan de mi cerebro, en vez de películas de Audrey Hepburn.

Mi amiga Clau me ayudó prestándome su casa vacía (que quizá reconozcan del anuncio de Cupcake Ok que hice hace un par de meses) y sus maravillosas mascotas vinieron a ver qué pasaba. Fue una sesión muy tranquila y pacífica que, creo, luce bastante cinematográfica. El gato me recordó a CAT de Breakfast at Tiffany's y cuánto envidio el final de esa película (el libro no fue tan bueno como la película, para mi gusto). Así que seamos cinematográficos y usemos parkas con piel y pelaje falso y convirtamos nuestras cocinas en CRY ROOMS para expresar nuestra angustia <3
I'll repeat, I'm like Cat, here. We're a couple of no-name slobs. 
Hen.

Photographer: Clau P.

Currently listening: The Cardigans - Lovefool.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Everyone's moving too fast (except me).

I'm wearing:

1. Fusion of two coats, Maison Martin Margiela for H&M.
2. Knotted long sleeve t-shirt, from Zara.
3. Super skinny gray jeans, from Zara.
4. Green sneakers, also from Zara.
5. 3-D Mermaid necklace, from Asos. 
Have you ever felt that the world is moving too fast? I have. The last few weeks have been rough for me, an emotional roller-coaster (thankfully there's been less downs than ups); and suddenly a thought hit me: I'm moving slowly in a world full of people moving quick and recklessly and that worries me.

And I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, it just makes me different. I don't rush things, I'm a platonist. Sometimes I over-analize, and I really like to make plans, like carefully planned plans; but since I'm slow and everyone's fast, I get left behind... I just want to find people who like to idealize things and wait for good stuff to happen, people with patience and (why not?) a platonic way of seeing life go by.

I think this outfit embodies what I said before. The coat is very strange but it has a lot of though in it; knotting my tee is a way to make its understanding more complicated and the colour palette is dark and angsty, fitting April's theme perfectly. The mermaid is there to remind me of fantasy and dreams and people who like to believe in those lonely deals...

// ¿Alguna vez han sentido que el mundo se mueve muy rápido? Yo sí.  Las últimas semanas han sido duras para mi, una montaña rusa de emociones (gracias al cielo, ha habido menos bajos que altos); y, de repente, un pensamiento me pegó fuerte: Me muevo muy lento en un mundo lleno de personas que avanzan rápido y sin pensar mucho y eso me preocupa.

Y no es que piense que eso es necesariamente algo malo, sólo me hace diferente. No apresuro las cosas, soy un platonista. A veces analizo de más y me gusta mucho hacer planes, como planes cuidadosamente híper planeados; pero como soy lento y todos son rápidos, me quedo atrás... Sólo quiero encontrar gente que guste de idealizar cosas y esperar que las cosas buenas sucedan, gente con paciencia y (¿por qué no?) una forma platónica de ver la vida pasar.

Creo que este atuendo comprende bien lo que dije antes. El abrigo es extraño pero se ve que hay pensamiento detrás de él; anudar mi playera hace que entenderla se vuelva más complicado y la paleta de colores es obscura y con angustia, encajando perfectamente en el tema de abril. La sirena está ahí para recordarme la fantasía, los sueños, y las personas que creen en esas solitarias ideas.
Maybe you and I can dance in very slow motion someday,
Hen.

Currently listening: Owl City - Take It All Away.

Photographer (DEBUT!): Ana Pro. 

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2013

I'm going to put the ANGST theme aside for 5 minutes and talk about Emporio Armani spring/summer 2013 in-store presentation. I was invited to a little press conference (that felt much more like an afternoon fun hangout with friends) held on the Armani store on Antara Shopping Mall. 

// Voy a dejar el tema de ANGUSTIA de lado por cinco minutos y hablaré de la presentación en tienda de primavera/verano de Emporio Armani. Fui invitado a una pequeña conferencia de prensa (que se sintió mucho más como una reunión buena onda con amigos); esto sucedió en la tienda que tiene Armani en el centro comercial Antara, en Polanco
 One of the most interesting facts about the menswear is the fabric. I think most people associate Armani with formal clothing and that's completely true. They're elegant for most of the time but the cool thing about this season comes in the form of lighter fabrics and waterproof materials. There's tons of surprisingly comfortable pieces that look really cool and a line with which Armani comes closer to a younger audience by bringing espadrilles and colorful oxfords into their mix.

// Una de las cosas más interesantes en la ropa de hombre es la tela. Creo que la mayoría de la gente asocia Armani con ropa formal y eso es completamente cierto. Son elegantes la mayor parte del tiempo pero lo padre de esta temporada viene en la forma de telas muy ligeras y materiales a prueba de agua. Hay muchas piezas sorprendentemente cómodas y una línea buena onda con la que Armani se acerca a una audiencia más joven al incorporar cosas como alpargatas u oxfords en colores brillantes.

The women's collection has a clear 1920's influence and inspiration... the Great Gatsby, the tennis matches. The shapes are more structured on the jackets and become lighter and flowy on the tops, dresses and trousers. The accessories were one of the high points on this collection, I really loved the colour palette (pink, cream, black) and the silhouettes that capture the structured and flowiness of the clothing.

// La colección de mujer tiene una influencia clara proveniente de los años 20's, el Great Gatsby y los partidos de tennis. Las formas están mucho más estructuradas en las chamarras y sacos y son híper ligeras y con vuelo en las blusas, vestidos y pantalones. Los accesorios fueron uno de los puntos más altos de esta colección, me encantó la paleta de colores (rosa, crema, negro) y las siluetas que resumen lo estructurado y lo ligero de la ropa.
I hope you enjoyed this little break from ANGSTY APRIL. Thanks to the Lenom team for inviting me and my good friend Fer for having a few drinks with me that day.

Hen.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Crafts & Honey (TitiMadam Collab Part 1)

I'm wearing:

1. Color block sweater, from H&M Kids.
2. Super skinny gray jeans, from Zara.
3. Black, white and gold sneakers, from Adidas.
April is ANGST and one of the main sources of angst is animal abuse. Especially if you think animals are your friends (well, most of them. Rats and other pests excluded). The thing is, abuse is reversed when people treat animals with care. And the chain goes beyond there, people need to start treating their friendships and other relationships with care. 

That's what titiMadam is all about. Of course, they're this incredible jewellery shop from the UK and Finland who take animals as their main inspiration. They have tons and tons of options and they let me choose my little zoo in form of necklaces; I can tell you that I picked a panda bear and a fox. The other half of my zoo will be revealed on my next post (:

I really, really loved their items. They're super cool, made in amazing quality materials and, most importantly, creative interpretations of animals. The two I'm showcasing here serve as necklaces and as mirrors (that's awesome). I took the photos in Coyoacan, one of the main cultural destinies in Mexico City, famous for producing crafts and great food.

// Abril es ANGUSTIA y una de las principales fuentes de esto es el abuso animal. Especialmente si ves a los animales como amigos (bueno, casi todos. Ratas y esas cosas no entran). La cosa es, el abuso se revierte cuando las personas tratan a los animales con cuidado. Y la cadena va más allá, la gente necesita empezar a tratar a sus amistades y otras relaciones con respeto.

De eso se trata titiMadam. Por supuesto, son esta increíble joyería de Finlandia-Reino Unido que toma a los animales como principal inspiración. Tienen un chorro de opciones y me dieron la oportunidad de elegir mi pequeño zoológico en forma de collares; puedo decirles que elegí un panda y un zorro. La otra mitad del zoológico será mostrada en mi siguiente post.

En serio, amo mucho sus piezas. Están bien padres, construidas en buenos materiales y, más importante aún, son interpretaciones creativas de animales. Los dos que muestro en este post sirven como collares y como espejos (COOLNESS). Tomé las fotos en Coyoacán, uno de los principales destinos culturales en la Ciudad de México, famoso por producir artesanías y gran comida.
Here I'm wearing:

1. Gray hat, from Zara.
2. Graphic tee, from H&M.
3. Fingerless gloves, also from H&M.
 For all of you, my lucky readers, titiMadam is giving you a special 15% discount and free international delivery so you can have a little zoo, like me. Remember: life's about being unexpected, expressive, original and extraordinary (even with the occasional angst).

// Para todos ustedes, mis suertudos lectores, titiMadam les da un descuento especial del 15% y envío internacional gratis para que también tengan su pequeño zoológico. Recuerden: la vida se trata de ser inesperado, expresivo, original y extraordinario (aún con la angustia ocasional).

Don't forget to check titiMadam's website and, if you like what you see, buy something. And since you're already here, give them a LIKE on Facebook.
Hen.

Photographer: Fer.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Is the glass half full or half empty?

I'm wearing:

1. Leather and knit bolero jacket, from Zara.
2. Gray t-shirt with drawing, from Zara.
3. Super skinny jeans, from Asos.
4. Gray creepers, from Kr3w.
5. Half full / Half empty bag, made by my friend Fer Stalder.
6. Oversized clubmasters, from Ray-Ban.
7. Keychain turned bracelet, Maison Martin Margiela for H&M.
8. Stone ring, from Asos.
If you're game, Fer can make you a bag too. Just shoot me an e-mail and we'll talk money.
Half full, half empty. It's a matter of perspective. Technically, the glass is always full 'cause it's 50% water and 50% air but, the reality is that this particular common phrase is used to measure your mood. Are you fine? Then it's half full. Are you getting bad? Then it's half empty. My glass has been half empty for a while and the hunger threatens to make it completely empty. That scares me. If you're wondering why I'm talking all sad and shit, it's because the theme of this month is ANGST

One of my best friends, and regular photographers, Fer made this bag for me as a Christmas present. I really love it. Black and white is one of my favourite color combos ever and... it's a moody bag, and I'm moody... a perfect fit. 

I wanted the bag to be the center piece of this outfit so I worked around it and added black & white's lovechild to the mix: gray. The bolero jacket works great 'cause it's light and flowy. I love the mixture between leather and knit, it's really cool. I paired that with a graphic tee, my always reliable black jeans and my awesome (intense love) creepers. The metal accessories garnished everything quite nicely. 

// Medio lleno, medio vacío. Es cuestión de perspectiva. Técnicamente, el vaso siempre está lleno porque es 50% agua y 50% aire, pero la realidad es que esta frase particularmente común se utiliza para medir el humor. ¿Estás bien? Entonces medio lleno. ¿Te estás poniendo mal? Medio vacío. Mi vaso ha estado medio vacío por un rato ya y el hambre amenaza con vaciarlo por completo. Eso me asusta.  Si se preguntan por qué estoy hablando todo triste y esas cosas, es porque el tema de este mes es ANGUSTIA

Una de mis mejores amigas, y fotógrafa regular, Fer hizo esta bolsa para mi como regalo deNavidad. La amo mucho. Blanco y negro es una de mis combinaciones favoritas y... es una bolsa con cambio de humor y yo tengo cambios de humor... engranamos perfectamente.

Quise que la bolsa fuera la pieza central en este atuendo así que trabajé alrededor de ella y agregué al hijo de amor del blanco y negro: gris. La chaqueta de bolero funciona bien porque es ligera y con vuelo. Amo la combinación de cuero y tejido, está bien padre. La combiné con una playera gráfica, mis siempre fieles jeans negros y mis creepers (que son amor intenso). Los accesorios metálicos adornaron todo bastante bien.
Now I ask you, lovely readers: How full is your glass today?
Hen.

Photographer: Fer.

Currently listening: La Roux - Tigerlily