STYLE: One Dress Many Ways
We are both loving versatile dresses for summer. This way you can have a paired-down wardrobe that’s perfect for travel and still look ravishing. This Camilla Mikama piece can go from a sophisticated midi to a sexy drapey mini in a minute. The multiple snap buttons clip on the inside for subtle, unexpected transformations: think office to date night! To keep the dress simply stunning, I only accessorized it silver pendant earrings and a just-cut messy long bob.
PS. I wore this eco piece for a hosting gig and loved it so much, I got a red one for Viola (see it tomorrow) and instantly also ordered it for missqa.com. We’ll have it soon.
- Annabella, New York
BRIDAL: Custom Made Wedding Dress
** As Annabella’s lakeside nuptials are just six weeks away and we are in the midst of bridal bliss, we’ll bring you a fashion and beauty countdown to your Big Day! **
If you want a truly unique, custom-made dress, look for independent designers who specialize in bridal and can create the kind of feeling you are looking for. You will not only get personalized service and a one-of-a-kind dress; you will also save on buying a designer name right off the rack.
After I said “I do” and we decided on an American winter wedding and a summer blessing in Finland, I wanted a dress that would work for both occasions and exude romance, with a bit of a vintage feel.
My dream dress was the lace number by Oscar de la Renta featured on Runway to Green until I found Minna Hepburn. After multiple Skype consultations (Minna has a design studio in London), Minna custom created the patterns for the long train and deep V-neck and discovered the vintage buttons for the back and the peace silk that would line the Scottish lace. I got the dress hemmed and made slightly narrower by a local trailer and voilà! I loved every moment in that dress and I’m so blessed that I get to wear it again.
With love, Annabella
BEAUTY: Pink Nail Art with Priti NY
In tune with our week of bright, bold accents, nail art is another fun way to spice up your outfit. This look was created with Silver Flare Peony and White Ballet Dahlia by non-toxic polish Priti NYC. We can’t wait to try on more exciting looks with nail art guru Color Gangster this summer!
Nail artist: ColorGangster
Photographer: Evi Abeler
BEAUTY: Bright, Bold Natural Lipsticks
Inspired by Viola’s look yesterday, I had to find the most exciting bright, bold lip colors for summer. These colors are ideal for a stand-out-in-the-crowd beauty statement! When putting on bright lipstick, skip the eyeliner or add it thinly line right at the lash line, and go light with the mascara. You’ll end up with a gorgeously fresh look. I chose carmine-free products, which means they are also vegan.
Coral: Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze in Vixen by 100% Pure.
Pink: Mineral Lipstick in Party Pink by e.l.f.
Rasberry: Double Dose Lip Gloss in Acai Boost by Tarte.
Red: Creamy Lip Stain in Cosmopolitan by Christopher Drummond Beauty.
STYLE: Spice Up a Black Dress
All black is easy to wear, but a bit boring. Spice up an LBD with a bold colored accessory such as a bright red bag. Add on red lipstick and you instantly go from blah to glam! My boots are from Beyond Skin and the dress is from a clothing swap.
- Viola, Helsinki
PS. How do you spice up black outfits?
THE FIND: Chic Sunglasses
The Cannes Film Festival has gotten us dreaming of sunning on the French riviera just like our favorite muse Brigitte Bardot in the 50s. For today, we would pack wide-brimmed hats, floral bikinis and blue-striped tees, but also a few pairs of chic sunglasses. These “Monroe” bamboo pairs by Panda are our current favorite finds!
- Annabella & Viola
- Viola, Helsinki
PS. We are currently using Aveda’s heat protector. Which one do you love?
THE FIND: Belts
If you are looking take your wardrobe up a notch, there’s no better investment than a couple of belts. A belt will make any outfit look more put together. I recently found all the Matt & Nat belts on sale at ASOS (you can browse all non-leather belts) and ordered everything still left in my size. A good show tailor can fix those that don’t fit. For summer, try skinnier belts in bold colors. You’ll start getting compliments on all your outfits, guaranteed:-)
- Annabella, New York
STYLE: Ballerina Flats
The sun came out in Helsinki! As city girls, ballerinas are a must for both us. We often swap to heels for a meeting, but these Beyond Skin nude flats decorated with a bow are so chic, we no longer have to! I’m in love.
- Viola, Helsinki
PS. We are beyond excited that we are soon getting these ballerinas into our MISSQA e-boutique! For fashion alerts, sign up here: http://eepurl.com/kPek1
