Something zesty for today

{mon egerie, loves fun}

Kick your left leg and clap your hands under your thigh, then repeat with your right leg.

Fashions, Make up, Hairstyle: So, how do you prep up for Summer?

Living in a place like Greece, somewhere warm and welcoming, one expects to be off the usual dress code, and that pulling yourself together can seem simple and easygoing. Trust me when I tell you, it is not!

When it comes to Greek women, I always admire the style of older ladies, and you can, too, when people watching in Kolonaki Square in Athens and Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki. 

Younger generations do dress nicely and fashionably, but may I say, they all look the same! And aren't you wary of women dressed up like teens when in their 30s? 

As far as I am concerned, I like to be polished. So a blow dry, a manicure and a pedi, especially in the summer months, when we may show some toe cleavage, are ESSENTIALS. 

A note, before we get to the main menu: Trust your mum!
My mother had this as a rule: perfect hair, perfect shoes and the rest may be excused!

Clothes

Being on the PLUS side, my two favorite shops, which you may also visit on-line, if you are visiting from around the globe, are Vertice Xl-Closet and Mat Fashion. Their lines are certain to flatter, whatever your size. And I do love harem pants in neutral black and navy blue. Good with sandals, too. Cropped pants for Plus sizes, unlike what you may be told, are a no-no. 

For my business closet, I like to shop from Marks and Spencer. Theirs are not by any means "fat clothes" and they produce good quality at fair prices all year round. Their swimwear line is great, with excellent quality and fit.
What I love most about them, though, is their Lingerie. It takes into account all shapes and sizes. Plus, M&S does not forget that Big Girls know how to have fun!

For many years I have been shopping Gudrun Sjoden. Her attitude is perfect for when I want to feel creative and inspired. I must also stress that the quality of Gudrun Sjoden is unlike any other. Yay for eco-conscious, fun, great quality clothing!

Mat Fashion

Vertice/XL closet

Marks and Spencer

Gudrun Sjoden

Make up

Summertime is good, and the living is easy, but who wants to feel suffocated under tones of make up? Not me! So, take a good look in the mirror and take care of your face. 

My two essentials for summer are sunscreen and lip gloss. 

For sunscreen I trust Vichy, Capital Soleil 50. It is light as a feather and it guarantees my fair skin gets trully protected. 

As for lip gloss, I adore Clinique for its chic colours. I have been a faithful of Clinique since the age of 14, and although I have switched my skin care regime with time, (of thet in a future post), I still recommend their 3-step program that saved my adolescent skin from many troubles other young ladies of my age faced. 

But for lipgloss, no one beats Lancome for its  always inspiring Juicy Tubes. I love Sorbet de Framboise. A summer must!

Hair

I have coloured hair. I have grey hair. I do not like salt and pepper hair. Maybe when I am sixty or seventy and look like Cindy Joseph.

I use Body Shop Coconut Beautifying Oil before washing my hair at home. But most of all I trust my hairdresser. So when she suggested I do a Hair Bottox, I went for it, and so should you! 

Extra Love

For happy nails,

Essie at the salon, is love! 

But when it comes to painting my own nails, I love Opi! Perfect fit for a mommy in a hurry! 

The Opi Hawaii range is perfect for summer!

My one stop summer essential, though, would definitively be Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. 

So, what do you do to keep yourself fresh and happy in the summer?


 {This post was inspired (but not sponsored in any way) by Ally Paige of Madison Reed, a hair care company that has created a hair dye free of gluten, ammonia, PPD and resorcinol.} 

At home with Ines de la Fressange

Sweet, sweet, sweetest of homes.

a delight.

From Vogue France

Have you seen my other posts on Ines de la Fressange's home?

Look 

here, here, and here

N.B.

You may want to know that Mme de la Fressanfe recently opened her real life as well as her virtual shop that you can visit here.

« Tout ce qui est beau peut cohabiter »-Ines opens her shop

L'ouverture d'un souk-concept

  Lunettes, carnets, bijoux, homewear, objets de déco

« Tout ce qui est beau peut cohabiter »

Allez,

Ines de la Fressange, 24 rue de Grenelle (7 ar. )

Read more:
here, here and here

And of course

inesdelafressange.fr

Taproot magazine

You know I am a big (huge) fan of Soulemama.
There are places that make you feel good.
Just because.
So I was moved by the subject of her new magazine issue,
Taproot: Wild

And applied for an issue.
But because postage is quite expensive and it'd cost me nearly as much as a subscription,
I applied for a subscription.
4 issues
Waiting
Waiting for 3 weeks for my first issue?
Long time?
I'll let you know if it is worth the wait.
Apply for yours right here.

Huffington Post:These Under-The-Radar Greek Islands Are Perfect Definitions Of Paradise

You've heard of Santorini and Mykonos, but these destinations aren't the only highlights among the more than 200 inhabited islands off the coast of Greece.

The lesser-known Greek islands are also bursting with culture and beauty. Most of them attract fewer tourists, so visitors have more freedom to enjoy turquoise water, lush hills and pristine architecture without thousands of other humans crowding around to do the same. Here are five islands worth a visit -- or a permanent stay.

1. Syros

Music echoes all over Syros: Visit the opera house on the coast, the open-air cinema and plenty of concert settings. Syros is known for its intricate neoclassical architecture. Of course you can dive in the water or go for a hike, too.

2. Amorgos

Amorgos strikes a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. After hiking to the shipwreck in the cove, wander island paths to churches with stellar sunset views. Mouros Beach has an impressive collection of sea caves to snorkel.

3. Astypalaia

So much adventure; so little time. Historic landmarks abound on Astypalaia, like a real-dealVenetian Castle and numerous churches to explore. Take a boat cruise, trek into a cave, go mountain biking, or simply kick back at the beach.

4. Kastellorizo

Near the coast of Turkey sits an island of colorful mansions and homes. Take a hike through the hills for postcard views of Turkey's coastal towns. Limited roads and cars means plenty of space for strolling from cafes to shops to the medieval castle on a hill.

5. Andros

Andros is a natural paradise that'll leave everyone impressed. Trickling waterfalls and sandy beaches contrast with picturesque windmills and low-key nightlife options. Sailing and windsurfing are big here, too.

{read more here}

Summertime Greece Best Deals

How do you imagine your Greek summer?

Simple

Elegant

Artsy

There is something to love in every corner of this blessed land

And while you are there get hold of something beautiful and original like the Salty Bag.

The Salty Bag people, accomplished Greek professionals with their HQs on the island of Corfu, -my personal heaven for many-many years-, collect discarded, retired and decommissioned sails and give them new life and new value by turning them into unique, elegant and long lasting items. 

(Click to view more here)

My favorite?

What's yours?
Enjoy!

xoxo

Make your bookings at extra special prices and great deals at ekdromi.gr

First Lady fashions

Surely, there is one First Lady that comes to mind with the term. 

However, with Ms Hillary Rodham Clinton stepping forward as a Presidential candidate, the title seems fitting and yet... First Lady President, might be even better!

I found this sketch of Ms, Clinton and I am sharing it with you along with two other favorites, one of, well, The First Lady, and the one of French former presidential candidate Ms. Segolene Royale. 

I absolutely love the look chosen for Ms. Clinton!

HILLARY CLINTON styled by Diane Pernet, fashion critic and founder of A Shaded View on Fashion blog, wearing evening ensemble by Rick Owens, shoes by Alexandre Birman, short cuff by Giambattista Valli, necklace and long bracelet cuff by 1-100 by Graham Tabor & Miguel Villalobos.

SEGOLENE ROYAL: Former Presidential candidate of France styled by Laura Larbalestier, designer womenswear buying manager at Selfridges, wearing dress and shoes by Dries Van Noten, tote bag by Celine.

MICHELLE OBAMA: First Lady of the USA styled by Sarah Easley and Beth Buccini, co-owners and buyers for the boutique Kirna Zabête, wearing dress by Proenza Schouler, shoes by Alexander Wang, bracelet and clutch bag by Anndra Neen.

To see more of Power Dressing for First Ladies and Women Politicians, click right here.

Guest Post: Creating the Ultimate Guest Room

Hello friends,

Let's give a warm welcome to Jane Blanchard who is guest posting today for the Happy Turtle. 

Jane works for Modernize.com, a new home design, decorating, and remodeling website.

 She has written for sites like The Huffington Post, About.com and Apartment Therapy.

With more people just staying at hotels these days, the art of preparing a proper guest room is practically lost. It's not as simple as making the bed or fluffing the pillows anymore. You must make the visitor feel special and comfortable with thoughtful items and arrangements within the space. Create the ultimate guest room with these bright ideas next time someone knocks on your door.

Offer Ample Cabinet Space

Even if your guest is only staying one night, they’ll want to have some privacy for their personal items. Clean out and line a sturdy cabinet or dresser. The cabinet interior should be free of all items, encouraging guests to "move in" temporarily. Definitely add some decorations on the cabinet's top surface, but still allow ample space for guests to lay down certain items. Keys, phones and other small items get lost easily if there's no clean surface to store them on.

Via Zillow Digs

Lay out the Ground Rules

Emergencies can happen at any time, even when guests are just visiting for the night. Provide a safety list in the guest room with all emergency exits clearly marked. Even provide some local emergency numbers in case of any issues. On a more casual subject, also include the home's WiFi password with this information. With today's technology relying heavily on Internet access, it's courteous to offer the password so the visitor doesn't have to use their data plan to check email and other accounts.

Provide Easy Access to Linens

Although this host added several pillows to the bed, you don't have to create such an ornate display. Add one or two pillows to the guest bed while storing away two other pillows in an adjacent closet. Point out these pillows and blankets when the guest sets their personal items in the room. They'll feel more at home if they know where these essentials are located. You don't want your visitors to be cold at midnight without extra supplies.

Via Zillow Digs

Install a Small Refrigerator

If you really want to create the ultimate guest room, install a small refrigerator. Although it may seem like overkill, this thoughtful convenience is appreciated by nearly everyone. Fill it with bottled water, juices and other goodies. The kitchen could be just down the hall, but finding fresh water in the middle of the night could be a chore for some visitors. For seniors in particular, cold food and drinks within reach are true luxuries.

Act like a Hotel

You can't get anymore convenient than this glass cabinet. Visitors will always be in need of certain items, including tissues, toilet paper and even toothpaste. Add all the essential toiletries to a basket or a cabinet like this one. Visitors see the items immediately, making them feel like they're at home. As a good host, you want to avoid making people feel embarrassed about asking for more toilet paper, for example. Offering your home to a person creates a bond that helps them feel more comfortable visiting another time.

Via Zillow Digs

 For more design ideas and inspiration, head to Modernize.com.

Shop Ines de la Fressange

From my perfect style icon ever...

(see here)

Now, 

shop on line 

her impeccable style, , 

right 

here.

xoxo