Marzia Bisognin's Blog, page 13

OOH DEER!

January 27th, 2017

A surprise?

[image error]

The other day I received this on the mail, and already from the wrapping paper I got extremely excited.

Let’s open it up!

[image error]

It broke my heart having to tear that gorgeous cat paper, but when I opened the box, this little kitty was there again. I absolutely love Gemma Correll’s illustrations, and I actually have a patch, bough from the Ohh Deer website, that is identical to this.

Do you remember it?

[image error]

The website currently has a bunch of Valentine’s Day themed new things (and others, of course), and so they wanted to send me a few pins, patches and cards.

“That Booty” pin is hilarious to me, and the pug patches are so so cute!!

[image error]

And here is everything they sent, even a mug!

I am so happy to receive this gift, not only because I love everything, but also because Ooh Deer is a shop I truly like and buy from (I even included their notebooks into one of my previous boxes) . The fact that they took the time to send me something means a lot to me!

Have you ever checked out the shop? It has a bunch of cool stuff from different artists/illustrators.

FUTURE FABRICS EXPO.

January 26th, 2017

In London.

[image error]

Because of my interested in ethical fashion, I was able to attend this event.

Since I’m now developing the new Spring/Summer line, the invitation to go and browse through all the unique materials came at a perfect timing. 

[image error]

I got on the train in the morning, and I brought Emma along. We love to check out fabrics together, so of course I wanted her to be with me. Hanging out with her makes everything better, as it takes away some of my social anxiety, and turns everything into a fun little adventure.

[image error]

It was easy to get to the place. Being held on a photography studio, walking into the exposition was very cool!

[image error]

It was full of people, but in about an hour, we got to check every single piece of fabric being shown.

[image error]

I found it to be so useful to have so many choices available, when it comes to sustainable fabric, all in one place. Selecting materials isn’t as easy as it seems, so having all these info, was very helpful.

[image error]

Just look at this image, and tell me that doesn’t look like leather.

Now check what it’s made of: 100% mushroom.

[image error]

There were lots of other strangely interesting fabric samples, some made from apples, others from orange fibres, and so on.

[image error]

Overall I felt that it was very interesting, and I’m glad I went to check it out.

Other than the unusual fabrics I’ve shown in this blog post, there was so much to pick from when it comes to more common ones – just produced in a more ethical way – and so I got lots of photos for myself with contact details of the producing companies, so hopefully I will be able to get some fabrics for my own clothing line.

[image error]

Right after the expo we headed back. It was a quick stop in London, but I figured it would be worth talking about it since it was a really cool event, and it is still going on today, in case you are interested!

Have you ever been to anything like this?

Marzia.

MIU MIU.

January 20th, 2017

Unboxing a few things I’ve recently purchased.

[image error]

I’ve never directly shopped from this brand before, although I knew about it for a long time. I only ever had a second-hand eBay wallet, which I did like very much.

I came across the website, and fell in love with so many things.

Usually I would not post about high-end brands online, simply because I know some people may get a bit weird about it, but honestly I was so excited to treat myself to these 3 items that when the packages arrived I couldn’t help but savour the moment by carefully unboxing everything. And so I figured I would show you what I’ve got!

[image error]

Briefly, if you are not familiar with the brand, it is an Italian luxury brand, owned by Prada. Compared to Prada, I think Miu Miu is a younger, more affordable brand.

[image error]

The first thing I selected is this flat wallet. When I was younger, I used to carry around massive wallets, where I would end up collecting tons of change and make my bags weight way too much. With the years, I kept switching for smaller ones, till it got to the point that I wouldn’t use a wallet at all, as just grabbing my ID + card and some change was enough.

Eventually, it got messy, as I kept forgetting a few things, or maybe in some shops they would hand me over one of those “stamps” cards and I had nowhere to keep them. Not to mention receipts.

[image error]

So when I saw this one, I knew it was right for me. It’s flat, meaning that it will never puff up, and get too heavy, or not fit in a small clutch; but at the same time it has plenty of card space, a zipper in the middle, and a pocket in the front.

Just what I needed.

[image error]

In the website I also saw this adorable bag, which is going to be my go-to, for sure.

I like the size and shape, it has two zippers that open up two separate areas, so you can keep things organised, and the chain can double up (like a Chanel would) so that you can either keep it all the way down, long, or higher up. I like to have that option.

[image error]

It comes with a duster bag, which is always important, and the details on the bag are very nice. The only strange thing is that, online, the mint green appeared to be yellow. But hey, maybe it’s just my screen? Not sure. Either way, I love the colour combination so it doesn’t really matter.

[image error]

The final thing I’ve bought is a pair of shoes.

Now, this was a difficult choice, cause if you go to the website, you will see how many variations of this pair they have. You can pick between flats, heels, or pumps (like I did).

I originally really wanted the flats – I saw them on Instagram back in October and couldn’t stop thinking about them – but when I saw the pumps, I figured they would go better with my outfits, as I like that little bit of extra height lately.

[image error]

This particular model came in nude/pink, or black. I loved the nude ones, but I opted for black. When it’s an expensive purchase, I keep in mind how much use I want to get out of something, so black won this time.

I love the classy look, but the addition of mismatched laces to tie around your ankles give these shoes a bit of an edge.

They are super comfortable, and I can’t wait for the weather to get a bit warmer so I can start wearing them outside!

[image error]

So here are the 3 items.

I hope you didn’t mind this little unboxing/review!

Marzia.

QUICK & GLOWY MAKEUP.

January 17th, 2016

A simple look.

[image error]

You all know I love my cat-eye look, but many times, during the day, I don’t feel like putting on too much makeup, especially if my skin is doing well.

So I went foundation and concealer free, but still created a pretty, glowing makeup look that is easy to achieve and takes just a few minutes to apply.

[image error]

These are all the products I’ve used, which I don’t think is many, but they all work together well with each other. Also, many of these can be used in a few ways, so you may even skip some, if you feel like it: for example, the lipstick can be used as a cheek stain, and the eyeshadows as a highlighter, blush or even just as a light contour.

[image error]

Starting on the right, you will see the primer swatch; as you can tell, it has a bit of colour to it. It blends really well into the skin, as it’s very liquid, but because it has a hint of a tint, I feel like it helps with concealing some redness, which is why I felt okay going with a very natural skin. It’s by Honest Beauty, and it has hyaluronic acid in it, so it helps with blurring fine lines. I do not like the scent at all, but I do like the product in itself, so any time I apply it I just try not to breath in too much.

AH, CAMBER SANDS.

January 15th, 2017

I had been here a year ago, and decided to come back.

[image error]

A little village, nearby Rye.

Just about an hour and a half from Brighton, there is this little gem.

[image error]

What makes it special is the sandy beach. Here, in the south coast of UK, you usually come across pebble beaches, so when – last year – Felix and I discovered Camber Sands, we instantly knew we wanted to come back.

Maya and Edgar loved running around everywhere.

[image error]

There isn’t so much to do, in the actual village: you can see most places are closed, as they probably just open during the summer time. But coming here, for just a day, was what Felix and I were looking for.

[image error]

It was extremely relaxing, and anywhere you look, is absolutely stunning.

[image error]

All the houses are so cute, and make the village look so cosy.

I love walking around and seeing smoke coming out from the chimney, or at night, when most lights are off, but then you see one, shining bright, coming for a little cottage.

It warms my heart.

[image error]

In the evening, we drove up to Rye, where much more is happening. We figured it would be a sleepy town during winter, just as Camber is, but we were wrong: all the restaurants were booked (good thing we ate dinner at home) and the cinema, which we booked in advance, was packed.

We watched La La Land, which we both enjoyed very much, and then made our way back into Camber, where we spent the night.

[image error]

It was freezing outside, but somehow we managed to stay out most of the day, as it was so lovely to just stroll around.

I have also gathered a few clips, which I’ve just edited into a video that will go up later today – keep an eye out for that!

Marzia.

ALMOND CUPCAKES.

January 13th, 2017

And yet another sweet recipe. 

[image error]

Yesterday I bought some sliced almonds, and I had smooth almond butter laying around. I put two and two together, and ended up making some cupcakes!

[image error]

They look very cute, and I like the texture I gave them by adding ground chia seed, cinnamon and almond butter. You do not have to add the ingredients I just mentioned, and if you do want to skip them, you can follow the recipe I used as a base to create mine instead.

If you do wish to follow mine, tho, here is what you need:

[image error]

I didn’t photograph the milk, so instead I just wrote the text! I hope it’s not confusing.

The recipe I made will create 6 regular size cupcakes.

[image error]

Start by mixing flour and baking soda into a bowl. Set it aside.

In a different one, combine sugar and butter, using an electric mixer.

[image error]

Then add the almond butter, chia seeds, cinnamon, egg, and vanilla + almond extract.

Mix everything together well, and then go ahead, and add the flour as well as the milk.

[image error]

You will have a smooth consistency, ready to be poured into your tin.

[image error]

Cook in the oven for 25 minutes at 170*C.

[image error]

Now they are nice and puffy. Let them cool down, and if you wish, work on the icing.

I followed this recipe, it tasted absolutely delicious, but I may have added a bit too much soy milk cause the icing didn’t really hold its shape.

[image error]

Nothing too bad tho, as when you remove the paper from the cupcakes, the icing melts down just a bit, looking kind of cool!

PHOTOS FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS.

January 9th, 2017

Just random things I snapped photos of.

[image error]

Coming up with a title and trying to put a sense into what I want to share, at times, is difficult; mostly because often I just want to come in here and show you things that don’t really follow a thread. I hope you don’t mind!

Saturday 7th.

[image error]

Felix and I got back into drawing and painting.

[image error]

Whilst working on the canvas, we watched Anastasia. It had been so long since the last time I had seen it!

[image error]

And here is the outcome. We tried using acrylic paint but only having two paint brushes, which really weren’t the best, we didn’t get the greatest result. It’s still cute tho!

Felix had this idea of making strokes on the sky. I think it’s cool but a bit weird, so we aren’t sure if we should try to blend it yet (don’t even know if it’s possible now). Suggestions?

[image error]

Anyway, here is a blurry photo, taken during a walk with the pugs down at the beach.

Sunday 8th.

[image error]

It was Ulf’s birthday (Felix’s dad). Felix parents came from Stockholm to London to celebrate it with us, so of course we drove up to meet them.

[image error]

MY OUTFIT // Jaket: ASOS – Bag: SHRIMPS – Boots: ASOS

I’m not a big fan of the city, but I have to say that this area was very pretty. It was still a bit too chaotic for me, but the stunning buildings and cosy lights made it all better.

[image error]

Today.

[image error]

Felix and I went for a stroll nearby Preston Park (I blogged about this place before).

[image error]

What caught my attention, this time, was how pretty, unusual, and grand some of the houses around the park are.

[image error]

Also slightly creepy. Which I like.

[image error]

Because this post was all over the place, I’m not too sure how to end it.

Mmh. I guess that’s it!

TIDYING UP.

January 5th, 2017

Five days into the New Year, and I felt the need to start clearing up some stuff.

[image error]

Today, I choose to focus on my studio at home, which I have neglected and kept very messy for a while.

[image error]

This is the before. As you can tell there is no real space for me to work or study in. It’s way too messy to be able to create or make anything in there, so lately I have been doing lots of stuff from the couch instead.

It felt silly, since I have a whole room just for myself. And so today, I moved things around, cleaned, reorganised, and repainted the floor to make this area feel fresh again.

[image error]

And here is the result!

After studying Interior Design I definitely developed a different taste in furniture, and I feel like this decor is a bit too girly for me at the moment, but having a space that is all tidy, for now, is enough.

I would love to have a massive bookshelf covering an entire wall, and have a more minimalistic feel overall, but I will give it sometime as I feel like the way it is now is a good beginning.

[image error]

I do still need to figure out how to store a few things better, cause this is my working desk and it’s fully covered in supplies, but if anything, it’s all grouped together (for once).

[image error]

I removed the rug under the electric piano as it seemed a bit dated, and I would love to get a proper stand where to place it since right now it’s just propped on top of a storage unit.

[image error]

The final corner is dedicated to my sewing machine and items of clothing I made (+ the past collections I put out, displayed on the rack).

Nice and clean.

[image error]

I’m definitely a messy person, but lately I have been able to clean and organise stuff as soon as I realise they aren’t placed nicely: if in the past I could go months without caring, now I give myself a few days.

I find that tiding up, and cleaning as well, have a calming effect, as they free my mind.

And once you are done, it’s so nice to look at everything put nicely together, instead of having things everywhere.

So here you go. I felt like sharing some photos, as I spent most of my afternoon doing this instead of focusing on my assignment! Oops.

Are you messy? Do you enjoy tidying up? Let me know.

NEW CLOTHING LINE.

December 31st, 2016

After many months of work, it’s finally ready!

[image error]

You may have seen photos of it on my Instagram or my vlog already, but in case you haven’t, here I talk about the new clothes available on my shop!

[image error]

I posted this picture yesterday, and people loved the cardigan and turtleneck combo! I think the colours of these two together work great.

If mustard yellow is not your thing, salmon and white will be added soon for the turtleneck.

[image error]

These two both sold out already!

[image error]

The dress is my personal favourite. I can’t stress enough how amazing it feels, and how expensive it looks. I think this is the highest-end product I’ve ever sold.

Thanks to the thicker fabric, the skirt holds a fantastic shape on its own, and the thick lace gives it a wonderful finishing touch.

[image error]

The detailing was very important to me, as I really wanted it to be structured, and look great from every angle.

[image error]

Here we have the more “mature” look, I would say. I paired the velvet wrap top with a fitted pencil skirt.

[image error]

I see the top being a great option if you are looking for something a bit dressy and put together. I love the fact that you can wear anything under it and it will peak through a bit. I think it’s very sophisticated, and looks amazing with the white velvet chocker, which you can also get from my line.

[image error]

The skirt is this pretty mustard colour, and has a few details as well: the small slit in the front, that gives it just a bit of an edge, and the side pockets. I’ve kept it simple for a sleek effect.

[image error]

And finally, we have the overalls. These are sold out as well. They are made from double sided scuba fabric.

[image error]

They are extremely comfy and I really love how the pocket is of another colour.

[image error]

If you roll up the ends of the pants, the same colour will show up!

[image error]

And then there is also 3 vegan patches available, which I’ve drawn.

It’s always such a fun process thinking of pieces to include in the line, sketching them, selecting the fabric, getting the right fit… it takes months, but it’s an amazing feeling when it finally all comes together – even better if people really like what I’ve designed. It makes me incredibly happy!

As I wrote for my previous clothing line, prices tend to be higher cause I don’t produce in sweatshops. All the clothes are made in Canada and so, for an independent and small brand, unfortunately that means that production is going to cost a lot more, resulting in higher prices.

Also, sizing goes from XS to XL.

I’m now already putting down ideas for the Spring and Summer line, for 2017, so if you have any input, do let me know!

THINGS I NEVER TAKE OFF.

December 30th, 2016

The accessories I always get asked about.

[image error]

When, a few months ago, I wrote about all my accessories and how I store them, I forgot to mention the ones I have on me.

In this post I want to talk about them, and what they mean to me.

[image error]

Let’s begin with this dainty necklace.

The golden chain and the raw aquamarine stone were bought separately, whilst Felix and I were in Greece last year. It was our 4th year anniversary, and Felix noticed me eyeing this beauty from a small shop, so he offered to buy it as a gift. (We got the chain from a shop nearby).

I’m so glad he did, cause I love it, and I’m happy to always have it on.

[image error]

Now, I always layer bracelets, and unfortunately two of my favourites broke with time – but I’m keeping them safe, hoping that one day I will actually remember to bring them to repair – and right now I have been wearing these 5 for a while.

The crystal one on the left is actually fake, I got it from ASOS ages ago and adds a nice touch to the combination, so it will stay till it breaks (hoping it won’t).

The golden one, the one with the little tag and the heart, is a baptism gift I received when I was very little, from a cousin of mine. I started wearing it when I was around 15, lost it when I was 19, and found it again earlier this year, luckily! I don’t even know how it happened, but I’m so happy to be wearing it again. The tag has my name written on it, although it’s so worn out that you can barely see it. Still my favourite bracelet to this day.

The middle one, once again, I’ve got myself from the ASOS website, although the brand was another one and I currently can’t remember the name of it. It wasn’t expensive at all, but I love to have little stones on me at all times, so I simply bought it and kept it on ever since.

The fourth one, is a rose gold bracelet I was given for my birthday last year by a dear friend of mine, which I don’t get to see very often. We grew up one road away from each other – I’m sure you all have that childhood friend that is part of your life as you grow up – and so this bracelet is very important to me. It’s by Stroili Oro by the way, so you may be able to get one yourself!

The final one, the little star, was gifted to me last Christmas by Felix’s sister, and I absolutely love how cute and dainty it is. I was very pleased to receive it, as it makes me feel just a bit closer to Felix family.

[image error]

Onto rings, I used to wear “only” 2 till not long ago: in fact, this Christmas, Felix gave me the one with 7 diamonds. I love it! Please don’t be mistaken, it’s not an engagement ring, but an amazing gift still. It’s from Catbird, a NYC based website.

The eye one is from Mejuri, and it was sent to me to raise awareness about the campaign they were running, for women who live in third world countries. I got it back at the beginning of the year, and always kept it on both cause it’s beautiful, and because it’s a reminder to be grateful for what I have.

The final ring is the one I already wrote about, the first one Felix gave me, and it happened to be this year as well. I’m currently realising he has been spoiling me.