For a true fashionista, her handbag is more than just a handbag! For me, it’s also about passion, the craftsmanship and a bit of fashion history. The relationship between bags and women is very special, isn’t it? Crazy that bags haven’t been around until only middle of the 1900s (when women started to work more and more outside their homes). Thats barely a hundred years… I still can’t really get my head around that fact haha!

Every fashionista remembers (or will remember) their first designer bag purchase.

Mine was an olive green-grey-ish patent Muse bag by YSL that I got in New York.
Which one’s yours? Or will/would be yours in the future?
Would be so much fun if you’d share it in the comments below!!

A designer bag (just like designer shoes) can really add something special to your personal style and take it to the next level. A great bag is the kind that fits almost all your outfits everyday.

Everything is more fun when there is a story behind it, so I did a bit of reading and found out a few interesting facts about some of the most iconic designer bags that I’d like to share with you here now: 

1. The very famous and classic Chanel 2:55 bag got its name from the date it was launched, in February 1955. (This is one of the first things I learned when I found out about the world of fashion and got curious about six years ago!) Something new that I learned though is that rumours say that the reason the insides of the most classic Chanel bags are red has to do with the fact that Coco Chanel had weak eyesight and found it easier to find her stuff in the bag if the inside was red.

2. The iconic Knot clutch bag by Italian Bottega Veneta takes 8 hours to weave the leather, a technique also known as Intrecciato (now try to say that out loud, I failed big time…).

3. Louis Vuitton has been around since 1854 (which is longer than bags in general, they started off with luggage as you may know) and the most iconic models are Speedy (which was one of Audrey Hepburn’s favourite bags), Locket, Noe and Keepall. Louis Vuitton is said to be one of the worlds most counterfeited designer in history.

4. When Nicolas Ghesquiere first came up with the design of the Balenciaga Motorcycle Bags, it was first dismissed by the corporate heads of the fashion company. Ghesquiere managed to convince them to let him produce a few samples for the fashion show so that the models would have something to carry. Kate Moss fell in love with it and it went to production and is now one of the most popular bags in the world and contains several family members such as the City and First.

5. The Kelly bag by Hermès has 2600 hand stitches and you usually need to wait approximately 18 months to get it delivered. I imagine receiving a brand new Kelly for a woman is pretty equal to when a man buys himself a fancy car. The story behind the name goes that when Grace Kelly was getting engaged with the prince of Monaco, a photo of the actress wearing the bag was released of her getting a taxi on 5th avenue in NYC. This made the bag insanely popular and Hermès changed the name of it (that used to be just H) to Kelly, in 1956. Just like the Speedy bag by Louis Vuitton the Kelly was one of Audrey Hepburns favourites and is also on the top list of the world’s most counterfeited bags. 

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Here are some really gorgeous designer bags worth investing in and that belong to the modern classics:

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♥ /Fashion Editor Sania Claus Demina

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The post 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Most Iconic Designer Bags appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Lots of sad things happening these days as we march into the holiday season from Paris to Kenya – the terrorist attacks have just been heart-rending. Thankfully, most of us are fortunate enough to have never had to go through such things, which makes it even more necessary to give thanks to the biggest yet unnoticeable happenings within our lives. If you haven’t already started thinking about what you’re grateful for this year, this week is the time to start and here are a 10 things you should be thinking about:

#1 Safety

Be thankful for not having to go out into the battlefield yourself just to stay safe and to have freedom. We never see it, but we feel our freedom and security every single day. Thank you servicemen, both old and new, for allowing us to sleep peacefully, go to work and return to our families safely, and for protecting us all.

#2 Good health

Last week, I was quite the klutz running into a metal pole and falling in the rain, which earned me quite a few painful bruises, scrapes, and scabs. Don’t even ask how it happened, but these little injuries slowed me down by about 50% – putting on clothes, trying to bathe, and washing dishes were all so painful and seemingly impossible. At that point, I really thought about the depths of which I take my fully functioning body parts for granted like my hands and my fingers. As long as something operates as expected, we don’t ever think about it so be grateful for healthy eyes, fully working arms and legs, and good health in general.

#3 Family

No doubt family is forever, but we all have the tendency to forget about our superhero parents (and grandparents) assuming they’ll be young forever when they’re aging by the minute and we don’t even realize it. Start showing them you’re thankful for them today by helping with little chores, going to a nice dinner, or just having a real meaningful conversation. They appreciate things like that.

#4 Good Friends

We all know good friends don’t come easily so if you have a few tried-and-true, do your part to make them last forever. Run a small get together (add some bottles of wine) and give out some handwritten thank you notes – it never has to be fancy, just meaningful.

#5 Dreams come true

Have you accomplished anything you’ve been working on year-long? Are you hyper self-aware and working towards living a life you want? Be grateful for that #girlboss attitude – it’ll lead you to much excitement and fulfillment.

#6 Dreams to come

Like #5, if you’ve already accomplished much, I hope you’ve already started looking out and planning for what’s to come. So many things in the works and you don’t even know it.

#7 Heartaches and lessons on love

People come and go, sometimes in the most painful manner and other times, almost unnoticed. If you’ve had to let someone special go this year, think about what you were able to experience and what you learned. Better you got to experience some of it than none at all.

#8 A job

Some of us complain almost regularly about our jobs – maybe we’re not happy where we are, but we should still be grateful for having something that generates income and brings us security. Whether it’s the people you work with, the flexibility, occasional free lunches, or even something as simple as the location, I’m sure there’s light somewhere.

#9 Good food

Good company is even more pleasant when accompanied with good food. Not everyone in the world is lucky enough to have easy access to this very basic need so stop being wasteful. And don’t just be thankful for the love-filled foods you get to consume, but also for the wonderful hands preparing them.

#10 Yourself

You are beautiful, you are strong, and most importantly, you are unique.

You’ve endured much and you have your own special talents, little quirks belonging only to you – be so ever thankful for that and always, be you.

Remember to count your blessings. Always be humble and always be grateful.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Melissa Green

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Lets talk ABS. 

Summer is on the way this side of the world and the great rush to sculpt a bikini ready body is on. Even If you’re further north and looking at the wrong end of winter there’s no reason you can’t have awesome abs all year round  

Adding a set of ab exercises to the end of a workout is great to not only work another part of your body but burn just a couple more of those pesky calories! 

Remember that killer abs are made in the kitchen AND in the gym so eating clean and healthy is a must. In keeping with the gym side of the equation, here’s an Ab workout to start building those killer abs. 

To keep it simple, we don’t want to just hit a bunch of crunches and be done, we want to workout our lower, upper and sides (obliques) evenly. 

Do the following three exercises 3 times:

20 Russian twists

6kg Medicine Ball/Kettlebell – sit on the ground next to your weight with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Grab the weight with both hands and lean back slightly until you feel your abs engage and take your feet off the ground. This is your starting position. Now lift the weight in a smooth arc from one side of your body to the other, just touching the ground at the end of each rep.

20 Sits ups

Lie on your back with your knees bent and you feet flat on the floor. Place your arms straight out so your fingers are touching your thighs. Activate/tense your abs and curl your body up as you slide your hands along your thighs towards your knees. Pause for a second then slowly lower down to the starting position.

10 Leg Raises

Lay flat on the floor and place your hands/palms down next to your bum. Engage/tense your abs and raise your legs while keeping them as straight as possible up to a 90-degree angle. Pause for a second and then slowly lower back down.

#TheHarperMovement

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

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Get Motivated

Banner Image: Elite Style 

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We’ve talked about coping with stress on a bad day, but what about pressure? Though we frequently use the two interchangeably, they’re not exactly one and the same.

Pressure stems from emotions…feeling fearful and uneasy because you believe you’re expected to achieve a certain result that directly impacts something or someone you care deeply about.

We feel pressure from ourselves, which is the root of us being extra hard on ourselves in order to attain certain goals. We also feel it from our parents and family as we have an innate desire to make them proud and from our peers – the expectation to keep up with what everyone else is doing. Although “keeping up with the Joneses” is never intentional, we can’t help but feel obligated to pace ourselves against the like-minded be it through education, consumerism, or whatever other measures prevail. And often times the pressure builds up too much and forces us onto one of three paths:

1. A breaking point where we either give up and sulk on like a complete failure, or
2. Persevere – fight the pressure (plus the stress) and propel forward, or
3. Let it go, own our mistakes, and rebuild from scratch.

Which path are you on? Hopefully #2 or #3 although it could very well be #1. Wherever you’re headed, here’s to handling pressure like a boss.

Drown out the noise when confronting the issues you’re facing today – you might be a grad/post-grad student miserable in your studies (and even reconsidering), a new graduate who can’t find a job or working one you despise, or a single 30-something expected to be married – whatever you are, strip away the excess. There are only 2 questions you really need to be asking yourself:

1. What do you want for yourself?
2. What do you need to do to get there?

Don’t worry or think about what your parents, friends, and family want or expect of you! We all know that’s just a disastrous path to unhappiness.

Instead, look at the demands of your situation and see how they compare to your personal goals and resources, which can be ever-changing. If all three still align, you’re in good shape to press on. Lighten up the pressure by visualizing a premier outcome (not the stress and everything in between) and then pour all your energy into performing your absolute best and focusing on the task at hand. Conversely, if your status quo, goals, and resources no longer align, it’s a major cue to let go and move on. The biggest dilemma we face daily is continuing something even when it’s time to stop. And the pressure we feel here is from failing – missing our shot to do something right – something we think we can control. However, what you should be doing is redirecting your energy to what you want for yourself and how you plan on getting there.

Giving up on something everyone knows you’ve been working towards hits your pride and ego hard, but working on something that no longer fuels your soul is even worse. It’s time to accept where you are, face the biggest factors making you feel like shit (could be a person or maybe yourself), move past the negative emotions, and restart fresh.

In the end, it comes down to how you measure your current situation against your worth – you can’t let it define you.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Honestly WTF, Ti-Bacio

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Feeling a bit flat lately which makes it tough to pour my heart into my blog. No one likes a complainer – and it doesn’t make sense to feel crappy after I’ve just enjoyed a tropical escape.

But here we are.

Guess this is a feeling that could take any of us – like PMS that just won’t give in. I’ve actually been here before  – feeling even worse. I remember a few years back I wasn’t myself for sometime and I was trying to continue my blog and everything I wrote was just so shallow. I was faking it – or just documenting my activities soullessly. I remember something simple like forgetting to reply to a text would leave me guilty and paranoid for days. Simple daily chores felt like climbing a mountain. Motivation zilch. It just doesn’t make sense! Thankfully going through that, I’m better equipped for when that grey cloud takes me again.

So I’m flying to London today, which I’m looking forward to because I always find a change of scenery revitalising. Next step is to do some exercise, get outside (hopefully it’s not raining too much in London!) and try and eat as well as possible. For some people out there, it’s not as simple, and that I feel for them because talking about mental health isn’t easy. All of you should have experienced some form of this stress once in your life so the stigma attached really sucks.

Anyway, I’m sure I’ll be back to my cheery self, tapping away my more positive thoughts and life updates really soon. Today isn’t that day so I though I’d broach something a little more serious.

If you’re ever suffering from any kind of stress or depression and it’s tough to cope, talk to someone. There’s support out there for everyone!

hat, Lack of Color

The post Blue Daze appeared first on Zanita Studio.

If today was the last day of your life, what would you wish you have done? That is what you should be asking yourself when faced with pressing decisions. We have the impulse to play it safe and stay in the territory we know, but it’s actually reviving to do the exact opposite.

This means treading the waters where people say it can’t be done, putting forth time into something that seems mindless, and repeating even when the outcome hasn’t proven any worth.

If you’ve been hesitating to put your first foot forward because of the risks that come with it, here are 5 reasons for you to take your chances now. Let’s get you moving in the the right direction.

#1 New Doors

You never know what opportunities can arise if you’re constantly looking in one direction. Exploring the possibilities outside of the life you know can bring you changes you’ve never even imagined to be attainable. It forces you to be different and makes you stand out – this means other people will notice you more than ever before…we all know sometimes it’s who you know that makes all the difference. It becomes your chance to meet someone who can open that door for you.

#2 Soul Searching

Risk also creates a kind of self-awareness you wouldn’t have developed on your own and with that comes much internal growth. You’ll become more in tune with who you are and what you want out of your own life.

#3 Life Lessons

But risk isn’t always associated with happy endings. Sometimes we take our chances and it turns for the worst but our poor decisions are usually the basis of our best life lessons. This wisdom pushes us even further in life as we act in retrospect and eventually takes us to where we’ve been trying to go.

#4 Raise the Bar

It forces you to a higher level of living. Once you see the benefits risk-taking has to offer, you will no longer be okay with what you once believed to be comfortable. You’ll find yourself constantly pushing the boundaries to see how far you can actually go. The highest standards become your norm.

#5 Live a Little

Falling into a daily routine is far from inspiring – you’re like a little robot going through the same motions each and every day waiting for a curve ball to react to. Why live like that when you could be on an adventure? Of course every day won’t be exhilarating, but when you start to make decisions that fall outside your ordinary being, you’re seeing life in a new way and taking a fresh approach on something you wouldn’t normally have – that’s what living life to the fullest really means.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Claire Alice Young, With My Woes

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The biggest shopping week of the year is right in front of us and with so many options plus great deals available, it’s going to be pretty difficult to refrain from swiping the plastic uncontrollably.

The masterminds behind these retailers step it up every single year, upping their impressive offerings and unbelievably compelling price points. And with e-commerce being the primary game changer in the retail landscape over the years, we’ve just become mad shoppers. Looking back 8 years ago, we hardly even knew what kind of sales could be realized…there was only one day Black Friday, which has really turned into a week-long situation. Then, we have added Cyber Monday – what does that mean anyway? The entire week is pretty much a full-blown shopping event that requires much thought and planning. If you haven’t strategized your buys this week, you might want to re-think it. Here’s how to spend and shop wisely on Black Friday.

– Plan in advance.

Most retailers have already posted their offers up at this point either that or they usually run a similar promotion to last year. Decide what you need and want, then plan around that – electronics first, apparel second. What stores will do you want to shop at most? Be sure to hit those up first because with limited quantities and sizes, the racks will clear out quickly. And don’t be so quick to rush everything on Black Friday; there’s still Cyber Monday.

– Set a limit.

To ensure you shop responsibly, put a budget in place and actually stick to it. If you’ve done the proper planning, you should have a list of everything a you are going to buy and the cost of those goods. Don’t waver from it. Nothing is worse than digging a hole you can’t replace especially when it comes to money – don’t make yourself a slave to it.

– Discern impulse buys.

Everything is going to seem a like a great deal and some of us are impulse shoppers, meaning we’ll want to buy everything we see. This impulsive feeling isn’t something we need to act on. If there’s no visible need for it or it doesn’t solve a problem we currently have, don’t buy it. And if you have something that looks similar or serves the same purpose, don’t buy it. As my dad has engrained in me from birth, don’t need it, don’t buy it.

– Purchase quality.

This would actually be a good time to buy better because the steep discounts really allow you to afford higher quality goods – things that could actually last a lifetime instead of enticing bargains that might fall apart after three months (especially in the case of apparel).

– Read the fine print.

Don’t fall into a trap of just buying things because of the low ticket thinking you can return it after realizing buyer’s remorse. Remember that some things can’t be returned, require return shipping fees, or restocking fees (especially for tech items. Just prevent the return process all together by not buying something you’re not downright committed to from the get go. Besides, who wants to go wait in the treacherous lines afterwards just for a return you could have avoided?

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Unsplash, Who What Wear, Who What Wear, Fashion Vibe

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In my opinion, and I’m sure in many other people’s opinion, a salad dressing can make or break any salad.

It’s about finding that perfect balance between tangy, sweet and salty. Thankfully I have made your job a lot easier and done all of that balancing for you. All you need to do is mix the ingredients together and you’ve got the perfect dressing!

Before we go any further I think that we should put down the laws of salad dressing. Here is what to do and what not to do when it comes to dressing your salads:

• Don’t over dress! I don’t mean clothing wise, but rather pouring too much salad dressing over your salad. You just want enough to cover your salad and not to drown it.
• Dress just before serving. And again, I’m not talking about dressing yourself with clothes. If you dress your salad long in advance, it will become wilted and flat. You want a fresh and crisp salad.
• Choose the correct dressing for your salad. You don’t want to have too many competing flavours. A simple dressing works best with stronger salad flavours and stronger dressing works best with weaker salad flavours.
• Make your dressing a day in advance. That way all of the flavours can marry together.
• Keep your dressings cool. The best place is in the refrigerator, that way it will last much longer.

Now I can tell you about these dressings below. Each one has it’s own unique flavour and works best with different kinds of things. There’s no need for me to type out the method of making each dressing. All you have to do is whack all of the ingredients into a jar and then shake them up.

Here we go:

Classic Vinaigrette:

This one is a basic dressing that works well with just about any salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs white wine vinegar
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sea salt
• pinch of black pepper

Maple Mustard:

This is my take on the classic honey mustard dressing. The maple adds a slightly sweeter flavour, which works vey well with the pungent mustard.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs maple syrup
• 2 tsp mustard
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbs white wine vinegar

Cheat’s Caesar dressing

This one’s a great cheat to making a quick Caesar salad dressing.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tsp mustard
• 3 tbs mayonnaise
• juice of half a lemon
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tbs water
• 3 tsp grated parmesan cheese

Spanish

This was when I started to get a little creative. The dressing includes paprika and orange juice, which gives it a sweet, smoky flavour.

Ingredients:

• ¾ tsp ground paprika
• 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• juice of 1 orange
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp sea saltChinese

Chinese

This has got to be my favourite! It has a sweet, salty and smoky flavour with a slight hot bite at the end from the siracha sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbs siracha sauce
• 1 tbs rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbs soya sauce
• 1 tbs sweet soya sauce
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

I made this salad using avo, grated carrot and the Chinese dressing.

I’ve been nominated for House and Leisure’s Rising Star of 2015. I would love if you could please go and vote for me! VOTE FOR ME HERE!

Happy Photo taking!

–Ben

 Instagram @benorkin + Blog  + Pinterest

Snapchat: @benorks

The post 5 Salad Dressings You’ll Need To Survive Life appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Can we be wine buddies? Please Amy!

I seriously can not get enough of Amy Schumer. The more I see of her, the more proud I am to be a woman and the more inspired I am to kick ass in my own life. Here’s 5 reasons why I’m totally obsessed with this woman!

She’s so freaking bad-ass.

This quote from her speech at the Gloria Awards: I am a woman with thoughts and questions and shit to say. I say if I’m beautiful. I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story — I will. I will speak and share and fuck and love and I will never apologize to the frightened millions who resent that they never had it in them to do it. I stand here and I am amazing, for you. Not because of you. I am not who I sleep with. I am not my weight. I am not my mother. I am myself. And I am all of you, and I thank you.

She’s totally unapologetic.

Amy is an oversharer, crossing the line and back again – why should guys get all the fun with the edgy comedy? Life can be crass. Women should be able to address all that’s foul, dirty and disgusting and make light and laugh about it. Amy says whatever she wants. Exhibit A: Her acceptance speech at the the Glamour Awards 2015..

She’s super honest.

Amy isn’t afraid to talk about taboo subjects like sex or abortion, breaking down the stigma and shame associated, freeing conversation. She stands up for these subjects through her hilarious comedy where people really tune in and take note. It’s the best kind of schooling!

She’s a feminist.

“I don’t try to be feminist. I just am. It’s innately inside me. I have no interest in trying to be the perfect feminist, but I do believe feminists are in good hands with me.” Schumer has always spoken up for feminism, going so far as to say that those who don’t support feminism are crazy: “Social and political equality for women. I think if you’re against that, you’re crazy. You’re a crazy person.” – Glamour Magazine

She’s a body role model.

Amy is an awesome example of how you don’t need to have a cookie-cutter physique to be known as a total babe and lady boss in the entertainment industry. She talks about her lack of body confidence and about finding it.  She’s out there talking about the body issues that we all go through – and how to handle them.

Hope you enjoyed all these reasons to love Amy! She might be controversial but she’s really out there standing up for a whole load of issues that are important to me and for women everywhere. She rocks.

image sources, bkmag, metrotimes, cnn, digitaltrends

The post Five Reasons Why We’re Inspired By Amy Schumer appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Streetstyle isn’t really the best description of the stylish fashion crowd between shows anymore. A more correct term I read somewhere recently would be Fashion Week Style. 

I would argue that fashion week style is a streetstyle fantasy.

The women during fashion weeks around the world that streetstyle photographers capture for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and so on, are almost equivalent to models on the runway, but with a different backdrop. Yes, these editors/influentials style themselves but their colleagues are stylists that have created the Chloé or Céline look, so again, in the end they all still got that great personal style and closet options of our dreams in common.

I was staying with Zanita (streetstyle darling to say the least!!) during NYFW in September and I really got an insight of how it really works. Always kept wondering how on earth these fashion week pros manage to look so fresh all the time. You know the feeling when you have been saving for a gorgeous let’s say new coat, and you get it and then wear it for the first time? That’s the kind of fresh I mean. That’s the kind of outfits they wear every day for a whole month. And I finally understand how its made possible.

We arrived a week before the fashion week madness started, partially to have some time to visit different showrooms to pull looks that the agencies then would send to the apartment. Some invitations to shows would come with outfit options even. Yes, like a dream come true. Surreal though. Which is my point.

I brought at least half of my entire closet to New York and still felt the need to sneak in Zanita’s part of our wardrobe space to be able to feel fashion week worthy.

It’s a lot of hard work though. I respect every fashionista who manage to cover all four cities and still wearing very inspiring looks the whole time. It takes lots of pulling, packing, unpacking, creativity, time, usually an intern or two, really good planning and outfit changes in several taxis while running across a million locations every day in big cities like New York (while trying to catch up with emails on the go). Also, it all has to be shot, selected, edited and posted, preferably as soon as possible. Lack of sleep is a constant issue. I’m sure you’ve heard this song before haha…but it really is impressive! The inspiration that is provided is essential to the whole industry.

Anywho, even though it might be unrealistic to keep up with this in real life, I definitely think there are tricks to apply when you want to feel like you’re on your way to a Ralph Lauren show in NYC on a regular Tuesday in your hometown:

• Dare to wear bold colours and fun patterns like yellow, red, florals… even white can seem bold in winter!

• Find a signature pair of sunglasses that represent you and wear them with everything.

• Great accessories are key. I really love fun shoes and bags, like the Chiara Ferragni sandals or a pair of Alice + Olivia pumps with faces on them that I got a few seasons ago. It can also be modern classics or the latest it-pieces.

• Wear your coat/jacket over the shoulders, the bag under the arm and juggle the phone at the same time. Make it look way more effortless than it sounds though ;).
• Layering is something a lot of fashion week gals do. It’s fun, creative and interesting. A whole post about the art of layering is coming right up, so stay tuned for that!
• Wear something monochromatic. It can be a colour, material or pattern. As long as it has a theme from top to bottom, you’ll instantly look like you came straight out of a Tommy Ton-shot.
• Wear a super basic look and add one super on trend piece such as lace up shoes or thigh high boots.
• Statement sweatshirts or bomber jackets are very popular among the streetstyle crowd and image slide shows. And its worn with everything from tight jeans and pumps, bare legs and boots or wide trousers with sneakers. Doesn’t really matter since all eyes are on the top.

Here are some awesome shopping tips I put together for you that will instantly add that Streetstyle (or Fashion Week Style) ness to your wardrobe, happy shopping!! ♥

As you guys know, Zanita has been shooting lots of streetstyle the past few years. I thought it would be fun to ask her about what she’s looking for when she shoots people on fashion week:

“When it comes to style style I always look out  for creative styling, pairing pieces together that really break the rules – and doing that with confidence!” – Zanita

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♥ /Fashion Editor Sania Claus Demina

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The post How To Dress Like A Streetstyle Star appeared first on Zanita Studio.

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.”
― William Blake

My freedom of expression is my own kind of meditation. To be creative, share ideas, dream up concepts – it truly gives me life. I’m delighted to share with you my dream for Giorgio Armani’s Si Parfums, photographed on magical Tokoriki in the Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.

The beauty of fragrance is how it can capture your senses in a  moment and return you again and again. It’s for this reason I love finding a new scent and saving it for the perfect getaway.  I love Giorgio Armani Si for it’s subtle sophistication, where once I loved watery and sugary scents – now I’m favouring those that represent my confidence and femininity.  These elements are also what inspired the mood and feeling behind this post. When the team approached me to create it I was thrilled, not only because I love Si for it’s beautiful scent – but because fragrance is emotional, you’re not really limited to any specific aesthetic.

So what would I dream up if I could become a fragrance campaign for one of my favourites? This is pretty much it.

Si to living your dreams. Si to being in the moment. Si to confidence. Si to creativity. Si to freedom.

Modelling, Concept, Editing – Zanita Whittington

Photography – Gustav Carlson 

The post Si to Freedom appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The resort collections 2016 have started to appear in store and even though we just got our fall trends game on, its already time to look forward and see what’s next.

Bare shoulders, the kick flare trouser, anything pleated and colourful stripes are 4 important trends you definitely will see more of the next few months. Having a personal style is not about following all trends though! Pick the one you like the  most and make it your own thing. You’ll find our best styling and shopping tips on each trend below. Don’t forget to let us know which one’s your favourite!

1. All Pleated Everything

The pleats have been around for a while but now they appear on everything. Skirts, dresses, tops, collars, as details…the list goes on. This trend is perfect if you like to look feminine, romantic but with a touch of drama.

Styling tips:

• If you like this trend but don’t want to have too much eyes on you, the black pleated skirt is a classic that looks amazing with any simple white t-shirt and a pair of fresh white sneakers. Put a little leather jacket over your shoulders + big sunnies and you’ll be ready to go.
• If you decide to go for a pleated dress it’ll probably be a good idea to keep the rest simple.

SHOP THE PLEATED TREND:

2. Kick Flare Trousers

A personal favourite! Many might think this is a very weird trend but how much more party can a pair of trousers get?! Gotta love them. Besides, they show off ankles which is sexy. Here are some styling tricks I’d like to share:

• Kick flares look great with the ankle boot trend we got going right now. No trousers will showcase your favourite booties better.
• Balance the volume by wearing volume on top as well. Knits, shirts or cool jackets will do the job best.
• Since they do cut off a tiny bit of leg, wearing one color from top to bottom will definitely help!

SHOP THE KICK FLARE TREND:

AND SOME GORGEOUS SHOES TO WEAR WITH THEM:

3. Colourful Stripes

Colourful stripes, the crazier combination the better. Perfect for the bold fashionista who dares to make a statement.

• Highest on the colourful striped trend list are the knit dresses, so look for those and pair them with any shoes that picks up colours from the piece.
• Wear a bag that has one of the bright colours on your striped clothes.

SHOP THE COLOURFUL STRIPED TREND:

4. Bare Shoulders

Aren’t bare shoulders the hottest part of your skin to reveal? I don’t know why but it really does look flattering.

• Make sure your posture isn’t revealing how many hours you spend on your laptop!
• This is the time for your statement earring(s) to shine. I prefer wearing off shoulder pieces with earrings over necklaces.
• Dress it down by wearing it with loose denim and a relaxed hairdo.

SHOP THE BARE SHOULDER TREND:

♥ /Fashion Editor Sania Claus Demina

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The post The Resort 2016 Trend Report appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It’s never a bad idea to look ahead, prep for the life you want, and think about where you’re drifting at the moment. And it also isn’t bad to reflect on your past so you can learn from your mistakes. However, it can become unproductive and bothersome when you’re so focused on where you screwed up or where you need to be that you’re not even aware of the present.

If you never learn to shift your focus away from your past or what’s to come, you’ll never be able to experience the sincere happiness that exists where you currently are.

There’s much neglected joy in the little things that subsist here and now, but we often can’t see it because we’re too busy lost in former moments or dreaming about how life should be. Oftentimes, it ends up resulting in our unhappiness. If this is something you’re struggling with, you might want to consciously shift the places your mind wanders off to daily as this “wandering” is a mere thief of happiness. Read below to see how you can do that.

– One thing at a time.

Stop multitasking. Take things one at a time. Usually, the minute I start attempting to do multiple things at once (which I usually think I am the Queen of), my mind starts going off on a tangent…I start worrying about many other things when I haven’t even completed the task at hand. To prevent yourself from deviating, try focusing on the one thing you’re doing and do it to the best of your ability.

– Let it go.

Accept where things are and move past them. Spend some time feeling the full extent of the emotions you’re feeling, saturate yourself in them for a few minutes and even a few days if needed, then leave them behind. By allowing yourself to fully feel the moment you’re living in, you’ll be able to forgive yourself (or someone else) and allow room for good things to settle in.

– Go slow.

Keep calm and slow down – enjoy the stillness in all the little things you do. I find that when I’m hasty and rushing, I’ll usually screw something up and end up having to go back to do it again. And this does absolutely nothing but create stress as I agonize over the endless to-do list before me. As expected, the result is my mind drowning in unnecessary worry.

– Count your blessings.

Take some time to reflect on the occurrences in your life daily and then think of 5 things you’re grateful for that happens each day. Tell them to yourself and even write them down. Focusing on the positive things in life really allows you to see the beauty of where you are. Remember, the grass is green where you water it.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Luke Schuetrumpf, Live as Born

The post The Importance of Existing Where You Are appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I collaborated with my pals at Topshop Australia to bring you a pretty honest version of what goes into my suitcase on a tropical holiday.  Hope you enjoy!! x

The post Video: Packing My Suitcase for A Tropical Getaway Like A Pro appeared first on Zanita Studio.

If you’re in any way a creative type, there’s no doubt you’ve met the inevitable mental block. You can’t just seem to produce anything worthwhile in this rut and no matter how hard you try, the creative within you won’t wake up – sound familiar?

Although the tips to conquer a mental block below might not summon your creative mind straightaway, you’ll surely be off the ground walking. Let’s get started.

#1 Move.

Change your scenery. We fall into patterns and routines so easily so something as simple as moving to a different place disrupts that banality. As a result, you broaden your horizons (just a little).

#2 Focus on the easy things first.

In the beginning, finding topics to write about was a fairly simple process because in the back of my mind, I had a log of topics that pre-existed. This meant I could just draw from it at anytime. Well that bank feels pretty vacant these days especially with me writing more frequently. And some days, it’s a painful struggle so while I’m clueless, I’ll spend that time focusing on the easier part of writing: photos that I can use. I’ll usually end up coming across an amazing image that triggers a topic or one that leads me to a place I can gain inspiration from.

#3 Do something completely different.

Drop what you’re doing altogether and go do something totally different. In my case, I’d drop the writing and go edit photos or run outside. The mind usually puts out the best ideas when you least expect it and you give yourself that chance when you stop focusing on it.

#4 Go to a flea market or vintage shop.

Strolling through nontraditional shops allows you to see all kinds of different things you’ve never seen before – pieces that hold a whole lot of history and character – this can really spark new ideas.

#5 Read a book.

Reading takes you away to nonexistent places that feel real in the moment. From those imaginary places, you might just find something you hadn’t seen before. And if you’ve never tried, you should read outdoors in the sun.

#6 Talk to people.

Conversing with people, especially those you care about, can easily sprout ideas. When you hear someone vent about their personal issues the light bulb can actually go off because you’re subconsciously looking for solutions to ease their pain. This is probably the one thing that helps me most.

#7 Collaborate.

Work with other creatives who excel in different areas. You’ll be surprised at the brilliant ideas they have to offer.

#8 Go to a museum, art show, or play.

These places are highly visual – there, you’ll see all elements of art, which really can really activate the artist in you. It’s also relaxing and we all work best when there’s less pressure, less stress on us.

#9 Travel.

It’s not within everyone’s budget, but if you can, I’d highly suggest traveling. Like the point in made in #1, you really open up endless opportunities and widen your perspective as well as outlook on life – on everything.

#10 Get started.

Contrary to the pointers above, you can just do it even if it’s not your best work. When I’m struggling with writing, I’ll just put my pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and jot down all the nonsense…anything that populates in my mind goes . It might not make sense initially (and most times it’s just bullshit), but I do eventually hit something good and take off from there. It does take a little more time than what’s ideal, but I almost always end up pleased with the end product.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – The Cool Hour, Studded Hearts

The post Tips to Conquer a Mental Block appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Its time for the most difficult fashion challenge of the year!

The cold is getting real. Especially up here in Stockholm where the temperatures this morning dropped to -5°C! Some parts of Sweden even already got snow coming down. Dressing warm and stay on trend or at least stylish isn’t the easiest task but still quite doable! I still struggle a bit every year but spending all winters (that last for about 6-8 months!!) of my life here definitely made me find ways to cope with the cold without needing to compensate on style, trends or fun shoes too much.

Layering

This is probably not news to you, but it can’t be stressed enough. Layering is the best way to stay creative when dressing up is more about survival than looking good. You’ve all heard about it before and thought we should take it to the next level by talking about how exactly the best ways to do it. Stay tuned for a separate post on the art of layering party people! Very excited to share some tips and tricks. Ok, moving on…

Choice Of Materials

Layering is awesome but sometimes it doesn’t matter how many sweaters you’re wearing. What really makes a difference is what thermal insulating value the clothes have. It’s all about how well a fabric you’ve put on can conserve your own body heat. Natural materials such as wool will keep the heat in place. Tweed is also great at conserving body heat and very on trend this season! Silk (especially mixed with wool) is another fabric that you should have in mind when dressing up for cold weather and it’s obviously very stylish! You should generally avoid synthetic fibers (there are exceptions though) meaning skipping polyester and nylon since these tend to suffocate your skin (which leads to sweats that in low temperatures probably will result in a flu).

The Best On Trend Pieces That Will Keep You Warm

Here is a list of the key pieces you should get your hands on if you want to stay fashionable, no matter how cold it is outside. Did you already check off the list? If not, I also attached some shopping tips, both from high street and high end brands!

THIGH HIGH BOOTS

“I was consulting a shoe brand on shoe trends a while ago. With excitement, I pointed out a pair of patent thigh high boots (presented to them by one of the factories they work with) and my clients reaction was a confused face and quote:…”

…read the full article about the secret to how actually style your thigh high boots HERE

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THE KNITTED DRESS

Wear it with your favourite sneakers or any boots and you’re good to go! Personally love this trend!! Got so many knitted dresses in my closet already, crossing fingers it’ll be around next year too! What do you think of it?

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FLUFFY JACKETS

The most casual way of wearing this would be with jeans. For when you plan on getting fancy just throw it over your dress and voilá! Warm and gorgeous!!

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COZY SCARVES

The bigger the better. If it’s not that thick, get two and wear them together. I’m obsessed with huge scarves and can’t remember there being so many good options in the shops before!

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KNITTED TURTLENECKS

These will definitely keep you warm & the more colour, the more fun!!

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7 More Hacks That Will Keep You Both Stylish & Warm

• Wear two scarves at the same time. Everybody will ask you where you found “such a big lovely scarf” !!

• Stock up on silk/wool blend stockings and tops for underneath whatever else you’re wearing. The brand Calida make really good stuff and I personally love this top for example. You won’t want to take it off when you get home haha..

• Platform shoes keep your toes away from the ground which usually results in less cold feet.

• Here is my favourite advice: drink tea in the morning before getting dressed. It’s common to feel cold and tired during winter mornings (which usually results in quite boring outfits) and so starting the day with a cup of warm tea definitely helps.

• Keep in mind that some jewellery is made of metal and metal conducts cold. I was wearing a pair of gold plated earrings the other day and it felt like my ear tips were gonna fall off… avoiding metal accessories in general and replacing them with cool plastic or glass pieces is a good idea.

• Find yourself some cool hats since (as you may already know) 80% of the body heat leaves via our heads.

• Wear a belt! It keeps the winds from sneaking in under your coat!

♥ /Fashion Editor Sania Claus Demina

Photo Credits: Adam Katz Sinding for Le 21eme, Raspberry & Rouge, Kenza Zouiten, Zanita Whittington

The post How To Stay Warm Without Compensating Your Style This Winter appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Meet Anna Flanagan, a Hockeyroo Star, Olympian and now a Nike Athlete. At the age of 23 Flanagan has already won a gold medal at the Commonwealth games, played at the London Olympics and in 2013 was named World Young Player of the year. So it’s fair to say Anna knows a few things about working hard and achieving goals.

Anna is hands down an inspirational Australian woman and an excellent role model. I wanted to know what it was that made her so damn awesome… so I asked her! Here’s my chat with Anna about what she get’s up to in her down time – oh and she gives us an awesome banana, coconut and peanut butter smoothie recipe

What does your morning routine involve?

I usually wake up as early as I can manage and make sure to get a good breakfast in. My nutrition is really important to keep me going and performing, but it’s also nice to have a quiet moment to think about the day ahead!

My first training session for the day is usually a two hour hockey skills session combined with some conditioning.

Everyone loves a good smoothie recipe, do you have a go to smoothie? If so can we have the recipe?

My friend and team mate Georgia Nanscawen taught me this one, it’s perfect for post-workout refuelling. She is the raw cook chef of the team.

“Super easy banana, coconut and peanut butter smoothie”

-1 1/2 large frozen bananas

-1/4 cup coconut milk (plus more if desired)

-1 heaped tsp peanut butter

-1/4 tsp vanilla extract

-mix of nuts/seeds/granola for topping

Blend banana, coconut milk, peanut butter and vanilla in a high powered blender until well combined. This mix will be quite thick, almost like ice cream. If you want a thinner smoothie, just add more coconut milk.

Pour into a glass and top with nuts/seeds/granola.

What’s your favourite city/town to visit and why?

I really love my new home city of Perth right now. Coming from Canberra, and having lived in Holland, I’m still having fun discovering Perth and everything it has to offer right now. I pinch myself almost every day at how lucky we are to have Perth’s beaches in our backyard.

What famous quote do you live by?

If it were easy everyone would be doing it.

What’s the most important life lesson you have learnt?

I’ve learned to take pressure and use it for something positive. It can help to keep you focused on your goal, because that pressure tells you that it means something to you.

I always know I’m going to be better for it if I look pressure in the face and use it rather than shy away from it.

What do you like to do when you’re not training or playing?

Balance is a really important part of what I do, so my down time is super important to me. If I’m not properly refreshed from a game or training, mentally as much as physically, I can’t perform at my best.

I love getting down to the beach for a sunset skate with my boyfriend. Skating gives me a feeling of freedom that I don’t get anywhere else. It’s still active and challenging, but so different to hockey that it helps me to switch my mind off.

What would you tell your 10 year old self?

I would tell myself to have more patience. Learning new skills doesn’t happen overnight, take the time to learn the correct way to do things—don’t take short cuts and form bad habits because later down the track they become hard to break.

If you had to go out for a meal which would you choose: breakfast, or dinner and why?

That’s so hard! There are so many amazing breakfast places in Perth, but I’d have to say dinner, because spending time with my friends and family really helps me achieve some balance in my life. To end a big day of hard work with a nice dinner with my friends, my boyfriend or my family is a great reward.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

It’s all about balance when you’re training a lot, so every once in a while a little treat is okay. My treat is ice cream!

What’s your opinion on authenticity on social media?

I have a really strong opinion on this, because I’m really passionate about promoting women’s sport and hockey through my own social channels.

I think it’s our responsibility as elite athletes to inspire other young women to pursue their dreams by showing the realities of our hard work, our goals and also the successes along the way.

Some of my own idols are other female athletes, and I think the way they interact with their followers in a really authentic way is so important to growing women’s sport.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learnt in your career so far?

I’ve learned to treat every training session and every game as an opportunity to improve. Thinking about what’s in front of me as an opportunity rather than an obstacle relieves some stress—I know I’ll be better for it.

What book have you read that everyone should read?

Harry Potter!!! I think everyone has read that, but I’m a big fan!

Other than hockey, what is a favourite type of workout?

I love running! I actually always wanted to be a runner, but hockey stole my heart.

It’s always fun (and important) to mix things up, so sometimes I’ll get on the Nike+ Training Club App and see what workouts other girls are trying or just try out a workout I’ve never done before. There are so many workouts on the app it’s not hard to find something new.

Thanks Anna for taking the time to chat to me about how important it is to work hard to achieve results.

Follow Anna Flanagan on Instagram

Article by Mon – M.B Harper

Get the Nike Tech Fleece Cape Here 

The post 13 Questions with Anna Flanagan appeared first on Zanita Studio.

“I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone around you.”

(Bill Cosby)

Ever think about how your decisions and choices are too often influenced by outside factors – the expectations from your family and friends, what you want people to think you are like, and what everyone else is doing. Though we’re usually in denial about this, subconsciously, there’s truth to it. You can quickly tell you’re headed in this direction if your inner workings, deepest desires are lacking fulfillment, you’re feeling discouraged and/or unmotivated to chase what you’ve been you’ve been chasing, or you’re just patently in despair. So what now? Sounds like you need to do some soul searching and focus on what matters to you most: Yourself. Here’s how to do it:

#1 Shed the Expectations.

The very first step to focusing on yourself is to stop worrying about everyone else around you. You need to accept that you will disappoint someone and people may look at you and think, “Geez, I never expected that to happen”. It is solely your decision to filter our these demeaning perceptions – you need to realize that your security comes from yourself and not the affirmations of those surrounding you.

#2 Separate Culture Clashes.

For a lot of us, it becomes difficult to focus on ourselves when there’s a clash of cultures and family values. Coming from a super regimented Southeast Asian culture that is highly influenced and grounded in family, it was extremely difficult to assimilate in Western culture (even though I was born in the states). Seriously, I could be whatever I want to be when I grow up? I should pick a path that makes me happy? How is that even possible when everything I did had to be done with my family and community in mind? The emphasis on family, its reputation, and image was the focal point of my decisions. It was so emotionally difficult to stray from a scholarly path. And then there was always the existence of comparison – constantly being compared to my contemporaries.

These influences will always be present, but it is solely up to you to allow that light bulb to come on and understand that 10 years from now, your parents, your community, your culture won’t bear the fruits of your success and happiness.

Yes, you must never forget your roots, something that never really modernizes even as times change, yet something that defines who you are. Adjusting is key here and knowing when to separate culture from your life and future will really allow you to sink into yourself.

#3 Be Honest With Yourself.

What you believe, you become so really take some time to think about what draws you in. What are you really passionate about pursuing? What makes your heart beat? Life is always in flux, but are you unwavering – are you who you truly want to be? Think about these things and who you envision yourself as, then build around that. Also, ingrain in yourself what you believe to be true, shift your perspective, and don’t be afraid to allow yourself to come through.

#4 Be in Control of Your Potential.

Take action. I was always told the sky is the limit, but really there is no limit except yourself. Believe that everything is possible for you have some control in that possibility and then go out there and maximize your potential.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – Park & Cube, Wachabuy

The post How to Focus on What Matters Most: You appeared first on Zanita Studio.

So often you don’t realise how much you need a summer getaway until you’re actually in the thick of it.

And boy, did I need this break. Not matter how much I might love my job, you can have too much of a good thing – and truly checking out and switching off was exactly what the doctor ordered.  Frankly I hadn’t stopped the high speed work train since the beginning of NYFW back in September and I was starting to go a little bit loco. Cue the maniacal laughter/tears. Escape essential.

So the irony of this post is I’m writing is from cold and dreary London town, where I’m in the tail end of a long work weekend cramming deadlines. It feels a million miles away and that’s because it kinda is – an eternity from my blissful pacific paradise. Gladly I have this photo series to remind me of what joy the sun can bring me!

Take me back to Tokoriki Island so I can eat pineapple slices, drink frozen margaritas and make friends with tropical fish all over again!

All clothing from Topshop Australia.

The post Give Me Endless Summer appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’ve all been there…healthy eating and fitness on track right before the holidays and then we suddenly have an excuse to loosen up a little often resulting in overeating. Portion control gets buried in the depths of our stomach somewhere and we end up with more-than-necessary rounds of dessert. Come the weekend and we’re caught in the frenzy of steep discounts and great deals – that shopping high also comes with much unhealthy food repercussions. However, now that the party’s over, we’re left sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable. But don’t panic – it’s temporary…you can easily rebound by following these steps:

– Commit.

The fastest and easiest way to getting back on track is getting your mindset in the right condition to commit to it. You should start as soon as possible to avoid falling into the downward spiral of eating poorly because you’re “already” on that route – that’s just paving the way to out of control eating. This commitment also means avoiding the leftovers. If it’s out of your sight, it’s out of your mind and you want to keep it that way. You’ve already had your chance to indulge in the goodness.

– Be well-rested.

We all know that getting an optimal amount of sleep allows you to make better sound decisions, which in this situation results in a higher chance of eating less and making healthier choices. Note how lack of sleep contributes skipping exercise and convenient eating (e.g. leftovers or take out). The first step to committing is actually being well-rested.

– Hydrate.

No matter how bloated you think it makes you feel, drink water and tea to help with the digestion process. I strive to drink 50 oz per day and increase it to at least 65 oz after a binge. The main thing is to avoid anything with sugar or caffeine.

– Eat better.

Yes, you know all those health foods fitness/nutrition addicts always talk about – eat those – dark leafy greens, whole grains, avocados, and lean protein. Again, avoid sugar, (bad) carbs, coffee, dairy, and gluten. Think whole foods only.

– Ease into exercise.

I’m not encouraging you to do high-intensity exercises immediately after that may cause you to vomit. It’s going to be impossible for you to burn every single calorie you ate over the holiday, but start light. This means go out for a light jog, power walk, or do 30 minutes of some bodyweight exercises. Once you start to feel better, you can hit the gym full-on as you normally would.

We usually go into the holiday season knowing we’ll overdo the food situation, but maybe we end up doing it a little more than we anticipated. It’s human nature – forgive yourself and let the recovery process begin.

XO,

– Susan

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Image Source Credits – VK Rees, Apartment 34

The post Curing the After Effects of a Holiday Binge appeared first on Zanita Studio.