Casual Friday...

I know exactly what Casual Friday means to most people - a permission to wear jeans for work! I used to think exactly like that, I couldn't wait for Friday to arrive, not only for the obvious reason that it meant weekend was just some hours away, but also because it was the day I would wear jeans and most likely flats, the day I was allowed to dress as I would normally if I wasn't working. Well, things have changed - I now find myself rejecting more and more the idea of wearing jeans for work.

The way I see it, Casual Friday is the day when you are allowed to play a little bit more with your outfit, be a little bit bolder, push some bounderies, whilst still looking professional, smart and sophisticated!

So, here is my inspiration for this Friday -  a pair of loose, boyfriendish trousers, comfy but very elegant; a ladylike blouse with a beautiful neckline; colourful bangles and studs for a little bit of colour block and a fun vibe; gorgeous pumps that make you feel stunningly powerful; a clutch to contrast with the XL handbag you usually carry to work, and give a je ne sais quoi element to the whole outfit.


What I love most about this outfit? It is perfect for work and perfect for drinks with friends after work :)

Karen Millen Knot Neck Blouse 



French Connection Sophia Twill Trousers 

YSL Tribute Serpent Head Python Sandals 

Topshop Oversized Wavy Bangle Pack 

Topshop Orange Stud Earrings 

River Island Envelope Clutch 

Miu Miu...

Time for a little confession  - whenever I'm feeling a little bit down, uninspired, under pressure, there are a few things I always resort to in order to calm myself, think clearer or simply cheer myself up. One of those things, and I am not ashamed to say, is to surf through my favourite fashion websites - I just love spending some me-time looking at clothes, shoes, handbags, imagining all sorts of combinations I would do, making several wish lists, dreaming about my perfect wardrobe. Call it silly, shallow, childish, whatever you like, but it just makes me happy and allows me to empty my mind and start from scratch. And to tell you the truth, it is nice to take refuge in this shallow world and forget for a moment all the problems the real world has thrown at you.

Well, the other day I was having a not so good day, so there I was, scrolling up and down my favourite sites doing my thing, creating my winter shoes wish list, when I realised all my choices belonged to the same designer, Miu Miu.

Honestly, it's hard to describe how beautiful their 2011 Fall/Autumn shoe collection is - elegant, edgy, original, feminine, absolutely gorgeous. Those are the kind of shoes that will make you feel stylish, powerful, sexy and ready to face anything and anyone (yes, shoes can really do that for you ;)).

So, here are my favourite designs:

Glitter and suede peep-toe ankle boots

Bow-embellished patent-leather pumps

Velvet bow-embellished patent-leather

Bow-embellished suede peep-toe pumps

Bow-side wool-felt pumps

Muses Part I...

All my life I have been oh so lucky to be surrounded by gorgeous, powerful women, who have always been an inspiration to me - beautiful women inside and out, with different personalities, who always made me want to be a better person. They all see the world in different colours, but they are the living proof of kindness, friendship, love, loyalty :)

Why Part I? Because today I will show you some of my muses, the rest will follow in future chapters :)

This was a wonderful occasion - the birthday of one of my best friends :) And because she is very very special to us all, we decided to travel to Algarve for her Bday dinner, even if that meant going on a Sunday to get back to Lisbon on Monday morning. She sure deserved that, and let's be honest, we all had a blast, the whole weekend was absolutely great :)

And there we were, eating, drinking, talking, laughing, dancing, just having one of those moments that make you feel blessed :) And I just kept thinking, I must take some photos (better yet, Hubby must take some photos), it was about time I showed you guys where I get my inspiration.

So, just for you dear followers, my muses:

*Jacquie*

Believe it or not, at the time this photo was taken, Jacquie had given birth to the most beautiful baby girl just 3 months before - although you would never tell so by her amazing figure, right? What I love most about her outfit? Her perfect pair of jeans - we all love jeans, but let's face it, it is a bit of a struggle to find a pair of jeans that look just flawless, absolutely perfect in your legs, bum and even tummy :) The green top and the pretty orange sandals added an hint of colour, and completed the whole look :)

Blouse H&M| Jeans Pepe Jeans | Sandals Aldo

*Olga*

Guys, it is my pleasure to introduce to you my beautiful cousin - suffice to say that I love her style, but it is not a style everybody can pull off. Feminine, elegant, laid back, with a hint of boho chic, she always looks spot on! Plus, she has the most gorgeous collection of maxi dresses and little girly dresses. Case in point, this little black dress, perfect for a Summer garden party ;)

Dress Zara | Sandals Accessorize | Watch Swatch

*Cláudia, the Birthday Girl*

Or as I see her, my little Beyonce - she is gorgeously curvaceous with a tiny waist, and I love how she embraces her body and shows us her inspiring curves. Her style? Very eclectic, she will wear a body-hugging dress as easily as she would wear a loose shirt with jeans or leggings. Not much of a heels-lover, she is the proof that a woman can look chic and fashionable with flats :) And she loves colour, which is always a big plus on my book ;)

Dress Custo Barcelona | Ballerinas Furla | Watch Swatch | Bracelet Gifted

*Cristina*

You remember Cris, from my second post on Street Wisdom - tell me the truth, didn't she look absolutely beautiful? Well, she got engaged the previous night, so you can imagine how excited we all were. On Claudia's Birthday she opted for a beautiful girly colourful dress - she looked effortlessly stylish, and I actually love the fact that she didn't wear any accessories, it was all about the dress and the beautiful engagement ring :)

Dress Custo Barcelona | Sandals Mr.Cat