MASSIMO DUTTI: My top 5 products of the week

Taking into consideration the fact, that at the present moment I`m working for Massimo Dutti in UK, I thought it would be nice to show a little bit of commitment & appreciation  to the brand and start a weekly (or a monthly as I`ll see how it goes))  column: My Top 5 Products Of The Week, especially because there are really plenty of beautiful pieces (and now I`m tellin` that not as an employee, but just simply as an individual! )) .

I`ve discovered Massimo Dutti as a customer yet while I was living in Riga and I remember that my first impressions were highly positive: stylish & elegant clothes for affordable prices, made from good quality fabrics, and, as we all like to say "with all love", -  I wonder who wouldn`t like that?

That time I`ve tried this printed T-shirt (well you already know about my "love for prints" :), which made a wonderful duet with my khaki shades.

But at that time I didn`t know about this brand anything in particular yet. And if someone would have told me that I`m gonna be working in a fashion retail industry I would hardly believe that person! 

However now it`s not about my work or how dramatically my life has changed (in a good meaning of it) during the last couple of months :)

As this post is is about My Top 5 Products Of The Week, the list of my personal favorites, in other words, things, that I`d like to buy (or, in some cases, - have already bought)!

 So, my first place goes to ...

GASSED COTTON SWEATER WITH DOUBLE COLLAR

 

I knew that it`s gonna suit me as long as I notice it on the shop floor. It`s absolutely plain (which is good, as you`ll have enough space for accessories; and I bet it`ll work lovely with pearls), with only double collar detail that looks slightly cropped in life.

The fabric is 100% cotton, very soft to the touch. The structure, or, if you wish, the style of this top is very nice as you can choose the way you want it to look; let me explain now:
if you prefer it to be slightly more loose  (like on the model on the picture above) >> go for a bigger size (probably it might work if you`re tall & slim, as it will also be longer) or
if you like it to be more well-fitted, with length till the waist - choose a smaller option (that`s what I did, and what I`d recommend for short and not big girls, like me).

But what attracted me most of all in this top is its color! It is available in white & in esmerald green as well, but my favorite version is made in geranium red. It`s a pity the picture on the web page does not reflect whole richness of that color, just trust me, as it is absolutely beautiful!

My second place goes to...

BASIC SKINNY JEANS 

I`m quite picky when it comes to jeans, especially when they are not from well-known "denim-manufactoring" companies (well, you know what I mean: Diesel, Lee, Levi`s etc.), and finding the right pair,  with flattering fit, cut, fabric and shape is so hard, but I`ll tell you what exactly I liked in these skinnies:

• first of all, the price. Normally (at least as I`ve noticed), the price of the jeans in previously mentioned stores starts with 89 £ (I might be wrong, but last time I`ve been to Levi`s I think the price was approximately like that). In this case, I mean, - in case of Massimo Dutti,  the price of these particular jeans is 44, 95 £ only! Can you feel the difference? Yes, that`s exactly what I`m talking about ))
•  secondly, the cut & color, - both of them are exceptionally classy. These jeans are available in two shades: navy blue (on the picture) and blue, - both are nice, last might be better for summer. However if you want my opinion, -  I still prefer the darker version, as it is more multifunctional (you can wear them with heels, - it will help to lengthen out the leg very nicely, and with a nice blouse for a more dressy outfit, or with simple flats (by the way Massimo Dutti has nice ones :) ) and a bright top for more casual everyday look.
• and what I also really like about them, - is that there are NO extra details on the pockets, no ridiculous lines etc. They`re again, - very classy and elegant, with only a leather label with metallic brand logo at the back. That`s it.
  
  

 Moving on, my third place goes to ...

SNAKE CHAIN BRACELET

I`m a big accessory lover, so for me a nice piece of jewellery is a must! This bracelet, which on 32 % consists of leather, will make a serious fashion statement and will add this real stylishness even to the most casual look.

 

My 'Number Four" is a ...

 

CROCODILE PRINT MESSENGER BAG

This is one of my favorite bags from our store. It`s said that "There are the bags we love, and the bags we actually use - and then there are those that can be both". And even despite the fact, that this bag wouldn`t  be a perfect match in my personal wardrobe (just simply because I have a slightly different style), it is a great investment and a lovely item for a very reasonable price of just 125 £. The cow leather is so soft and it has a lovely crocodile pattern, it`s spacious enough but what`s most important, - not too baggy, and still remain it`s nice shape and form. It`s very warm color and style make this bag worthy of special attention.

 And last, but not least, my 5th place goes to...

JACKET WITH THREE-QUARTER LENGTH SLEEVES AND LEATHER PIPING

It`s reminds me of my PINKO jacket that I used to have. This particular straight-cut, frock-style with three-quarter length sleeves suits me a lot and I might consider buying it in future. The fabric looks very dressy, it has sparkly particles, which is perfect for night. And it has leather piping, too!

Wear it with a same-length (or shorter) well-structured dress or with skinny dark trousers, don`t forget your favorite clutch and red lipstick at home, enjoy your stylish look, drink champagne and celebrate the evening!, - that`s the way I see how it works. OR impress your colleagues in the morning with extra polished natural look, neutral outfit with crispy-white shirt and well-prepared for all challenges mind, necessarily with this jacket above, - that will let everyone know, that there`s something special about you ... and who knows what "just another day at work" may bring?  :)

So, my dear friends and precious followers, this was my personal quick list of Top 5 products from Massimo Dutti according to my taste and sense of style.

Don`t be shy and pop into our store, sure You`ll be able to find something beautiful, or make some tea & take a look online :)
PS Picture source: www.massimodutti.com

Also, I have some big news for you: I`m planning to start making video posts in the nearest future, hope everything will work out and I`ll be able to share them with you very soon!

Don`t forget to follow this blog on  Facebook & I`ll see you soon!

And now, ladies & gentlemen, as always,  - different music on the dessert :)
Lots of love and take care of yourselves.

JP

Danson park or my attempts to be closer to nature.

I`m often sad when I don`t share with you some pictures that was made at once, that`s why today I`ve decided to make a quick photo-post about our small journey to the Danson park.

It already became quite a nice tradition, - if me & O. are both free on weekend, - we enjoy visiting this park and feeding squirrels and ducks, especially now, when it`s warmer.

For me, the nature, with its rich colors & textures, is a great source of inspiration and energy. It helps to recover and to clear that space in your head for some new ideas and upcoming "fresh starts".

Today we even took some hazel nuts with us.

I find the next picture very dreamy :)

Tip №1: if you`re going to the park, make sure you` re wearing a suitable shoes, otherwise you`re risking to end up with ruining your smart ones. Easy to wash wellies is the best choice in this case!

I was quite surprised that swans (well, probably cobs to be more precise) are so aggressive! They literally are following and attacking poor ducks and other birds! Obviously they have nothing to do with tender "swan lake" image a all ))

The warmth is close.

It`s squirrel time :) It`s fun, cause you think that you`re observing them, but it seems like they `re definitely observing you as well ))

People are already sitting on the grass, and it`s a good sign, isn`t it? ))

But it`s still cold outside )

On the way home ...

Well, that was my really quick photo-post, and I`ll see you later!
Hope the spring is in your hearts & good thoughts are on your minds! Stay tuned!

Muriel`s kitchen - for those, who love food and details!

I continue discovering my very "own and beloved" London step by step, and lately I was lucky enough to find one more beautiful place, situated  in my favorite district, - South Kensington, and it`s called Muriel`s kitchen.

So, if you ask, what`s so special about it, I may start with the statement, that for me this place represent a perfect combination of consistent style, very warm atmosphere, certain attitude, high-level customer service and, of course, healthy and tasty food, - and this is a nice beginning, isn`t it? :)

The story of Muriel`s kitchen is finding it`s roots in a family, whose grandmother, Muriel (and her kitchen in particular), was a real soul & a heart of the home, and her delicious meals - best treats for all family members, from smallest to biggest.

So, in order to pay a tribute and to perpetuate her recipes, Muriel`s kitchen was launched in 2011 and it`s logo is madam Muriel`s real signature!

But back to present, -  Muriel`s now offers, what we call "fresh, healthy & organic" food, which is not only good, but tasty ( and I`m tellin` because I`ve tried ))! To provide us with beautifully made meals, Muriel`s kitchen`s owners buy only quality ingredients directly from family-run businesses  (when possible) and cook from "all the best" every day, which means you can be sure you won`t eat something that was made yesterday, everything`s perfectly fresh & juicy.

Here`s  a video for you, to have a better idea of how it looks like:

My first visit Muriel`s kitchen was in the middle of March. I remember it was a very cold day, when me and Kate still decided to go outside our houses for rendez-vous, to discover Science museum in South Kensington. Well, I did like Science museum a lot (however you know that I`m not into science that much, I`m more like a Penny from The Big Bang Theory )) However I think I`m gonna tell you more in detail about this museum next time, so we won`t  mix two different topics together. Anyways, below you can see some of my favorite pictures from there!

But back to Muriel`s kitchen :)
As I`ve already mentioned, interior is really warm, with lots of small & nice details.

It`s all about the details :))

At my first visit to Murien`s, I ate creamy cauliflower with saffron and parmesan soup.

And during the second time, it was pizza pie with feta, sweet potato, cashews, pesto and spinach.

And a dessert.

And please, ladies & gentlemen, pay your special attention to the dessert section :))

Besides food and interior, I liked the dishes (see pictures above) and a floor pattern in particular.

Well, that`s it for now about Muriel`s k.! I hope You enjoyed my short description and my pictures!
Visit this place (as you won`t regret! ) & follow them via Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Youtube or take a look at their Official page for more information.

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Also, in the nearest time I have plans to make a review on my new skin care products (and there`s something for hair, as well )) + I`m choosing my next foundation at the moment, so my thoughts on that are, probably, coming soon, too. On the picture below you can see what I`m gonna try:
CLARINS Ever Matte in three different shades , CLINIQUE Moisture surge & CHANEL Lift Lumiere

(everything starts with "C", lol )) + something that I`ve got today (Eau de Parfum WOMANITY by Thierry Mugler).
Do you, guys, have any references regarding these products ( I mean foundations)? I`m looking for something (as always) light-weight (but still strong enough, to cover the blemishes), with this nice "radiant/glowing skin" effect (but  still not too shiny, so I won`t need to use a powder on my T-zone) for combination skin. Any suggestions? :)

And if to speak about something more casual ... I`m so-so-so happy as the weekend is coming! Especially because I`m not gonna work :)) Hope You all are gonna have a wonderful weekend as well!

And last but not least ... I`ll share with you music, as always ;)
Stay tuned, enjoy life & don`t forget to subscribe to Helen`s life Facebook page! :)) I`ll see you there!