BFF

Big sweaters are probably one of my favourite fall/winter items. When you get one made from the right material, it's destined to become your breezy day BFF. Because it's (luckily) not freezing yet, I decided to pair mine with studded sandals and animal print pants to create contrast and make it more playful.

A red lip and statement jewellery bring a lux feeling to any outfit and are my go to option for a quick change from day to night. 

A few years back I came to a point where I finally decided to let some (carefully selected) people into my life. Before that, I had mostly fought my battles on my own and didn't honestly hold too many victories. It was in the first moments of opening up and being completely vulnerable with someone who I honoured and appreciated, that I found out the real power behind it. Up till that point I had often felt like I barely had my head above water and it never occured to me that it was a helping hand that I needed more than anything. These relationships have now grown to be my lifeline and one of the biggest strengths I possess. Yes, it's absolutely terrifying to let people so close, because it gives them the advantage of causing pain if they chose to do so, but the rewards completely overrule the risks and I've decided not to listen to fears anyways. The truth is I wouldn't be the same person, if it wasn't for them. 

For some reason I had believed a lie that to really be successful, you have to make it all on your own. Other people where simply competitors and we were all after the same price. The truth is that together we're able to succeed far beyond one persons effort could ever reach. What marvellous inventions and creativity we would have around us, if instead of working on their own achievements, everyone would pull on the same rope and work towards corporate goals together! I know this is starting to sound very much like a make-the-world-a-better-place lecture, but I'm hoping you see my point through all the princess dreaming and pink flower fields. I can genuinely say that since I invited people to do life with me, my personal growth has accelerated exponentially. I've already reached goals, that seemed way too far to be conquered in my own strength and I know that this is only the beginning. It takes courage and humility to step down from the "I can handle it all by myself"-throne and find people to partner with. Not only will your heart thank you, but we might actually reach beyond the stars.

xxx

Photos by Adriana Dobrin

Sweater: Zara

Pants: Zara

Shoes: Nordstrom

Bag. Michael Kors

Music Mondays

I got to see Janelle Monaé live for the second time this summer and I have to say that woman knows how to break it doooowwwn. She must have some extra lungs to be able to bust all those moves and notes at the same time! The moment she walked on stage the whole place was electrified and people either stood there paralysed with astonishment or weren't able to stop moving, left completely exhausted and sweaty after. I would call that a very successful show indeed!

Watching anyone who's exceptionally good at what they do, can make a regular fella wonder how on earth are they able to pull it off. I'll never forget watching Justin Timberlake's interview as the interviewer marvelling over how natural and effortless his performance was and Justin replying "Well you didn't see all the countless hours I put into making it look so effortless."
We rarely get a glimpse at what happens behind the curtains and most of the time we're presented with the perfected end results. Of course there's natural talent involved, but all of the greats we look up to used to be "regular fellas" who just didn't quit on their dreams and never stopped working on those talents they had been given.

What I've experienced is that the things I want most, the deepest desires of my heart are usually met with the greatest resistance. At times it has felt like trying to break through a brick wall. It's probably  the most scariest, painful and challenging path I could have chosen, but at the same time the most rewarding, fulfilling and joy filled. I've probably repeated these words over and over again in different ways in my posts, but I just can't emphasise it enough… Because I wasted enough time on not daring to pursue my dreams, not daring to be who I am created to be, I want to do my best to keep everyone else from repeating that same mistake.

Everything is possible to those who believe.

xxx

Snake Pants And Tiger Stripes

I love prints and patterns. These snake pants are not only a wonderful change to the basic jeans but extremely comfortable as well. I pair them with sneakers to create my go to travel outfit, but adding these lace up heels turns them into the perfect going out attire. Comfortable and fabulous, all at the same time!

Crop tops have become my obsession. Especially since our weather is getting colder every day so soon I'll have to leave them in my closet, waiting for next summer. Unless I figure out a nice way to make them winter friendly…hints appreciated!

As I've shared before, I used to struggle with quite some insecurities when growing up. Insecurities are often a manifestation of an unmet need and for me it was a lack of affirmation, feeling valued and loved, just the way I was. I grew up believing that only perfect is acceptable, so of course I fell short of that standard and ended up in the cycle of never feeling like I was good enough. When that mold started to break and my wounds began to heal by real love touching my innermost being, it felt like scales coming off of my eyes. Observing our world and thinking that there's only one perfect way to live or look is absolutely crazy. It's like saying tigers are the only perfect animal and all other (millions and billions of) creatures are not as good (even though tigers are pretty freaking awesome). So slowly I learned to appreciate the features in me that were different from others. My funky chin, loud laugh, family nose, love for Marvel Comics, the sound of my voice… They were my uniquely coloured wings, my patterned tiger stripes that set me apart from anyone else.

As I grew in my confidence, I noticed how I wasn't the only one who had been held down by the chains of insecurity. Our nation is still very young and it's identity isn't really established yet. It's not too long since we had to defend our borders the last time and finding oneself's true calling and place in life has been a luxury, especially for the older generations who's minds have been on survival. Even though this new generation has grown in a free world without any memories of wars, the mindsets of the past have continued in the family lines and are at times still visible. The poverty mentality, that my success is away from yours, and fear of breaking out of the social (safe) norm can be experienced quite vividly. When I became comfortable in my own skin, I noticed how it offended people around me. My first reaction was to tone it down, try to fit in without standing out too much, until I had enough of that crap. Healthy humility is a must, but holding down your greatness, joy or success because of the fear of offending someone is just plain stupid. If you have been given something good and healthy, what's the point in hiding it? That would only keep everyone exactly where they have been their whole lives, guaranteed safe and secure. Being free of poverty mentality is to understand that there is enough for everyone. One's success is not a threat but it can actually be a inspiration to anyone following the same footsteps, an indicator that it is possible for everyone else as well! 

Like I said, it's crazy to think that there was only one mold that we all have to fit in. Instead, I'd like to encourage you to be bold in the search of who you are and finding your hearts desires. And when you get to where you want to be, when you find happiness, don't hide it or hold it down. Your success will be mine and everyone else's success as well.

xxx

Photos by the amazing Adriana Dobrin

Shirt: Urban Outfitters

Pants: Zara

Necklace: Samsøe & Samsøe

Heels: Steve Madden

Bag: Michael Kors

Music Mondays

These past few weeks I've been bombarded with the reality of how blessed I am to have found the person to share my life with and whom I love with every cell of my body. It's easy to take it for granted in the midst of life, especially since I've had my special someone for eight (8) years now. Relationships are probably the number one joy and struggle this world contains. Love. The eternal subject of every human soul's search on it's journey.
I know I can't speak from the struggle of searching for the other half, because for some reason I was basically handed him before I even began my search. Actually he came at the moment I had decided to not let anyone in my life for years, to be exact. So I don't have the experience of the pain that it brings and all that battle holds, but the reason I'm writing this, is to bring hope.

Wether you've been looking for someone to hold your hand, been hurt by someone you loved or decided to give up on love all together, I want to release the hope that it is possible. No matter what media, society or your circumstances say, it's possible to find that one person who knocks your socks off, understands your hearts deepest secrets and loves you 'till the very end. Eight years isn't forever (yet), but by the way it's been going I can't even wait for what's still to come! And from that blessing I want to encourage you, that it is possible for you too.

Tori Kelly's Dear No One is probably one of the most beautiful and honest modern love songs I've heard in a while. I could go on about her flawless vocals and exceptional performance, but it's the pure realness that makes this song so special…and simply perfect.



xxx

Falling Into Seasons

Boots and cut off denim are a match made in heaven. It's a fun way of marrying my summer and fall wardrobes. Best of both worlds.

If you haven't heard of the Giving Keys yet, you should use your google skills right now. They are a wonderful brand, creating good by following their passions.

We had an extraordinarily hot summer and it was exactly what I was wishing for, I love the heat. Schools started this week and it's funny how right on time the weather turned into early autumn rains and thunderstorms. Because our summers are so short, there's this pressure of trying to do everything I can't do in the cold winter months (that last far too long) which makes me feel bad about sitting inside when the rarely seen sun is finally showing off her best. But with the cooler days of fall comes a new intentionality to start working, gaining new perspective and focus for what's next, leaving the lazy beach bum days behind, (sniff). Autumn gives me this feeling of new beginnings, even though it's the season known for natures preparation to survive the winter by shedding all excess and falling into a deep sleep. But I think it's exactly that…for new life to sprout, the old has to be discarded and give space for what's growing instead.

Prioritising is a vital habit of every effective person. Even though I sometimes find myself wishing for extra hours, the truth is that we all have enough time to do everything that we're supposed to get done. If I don't know what I'm supposed to be focusing on in this season, I will waste my time on something irrelevant and that's a fact (been there done that). The things is, that the irrelevant can seem like something very effective and productive, but because it takes my focus and time from the things I should be really putting my efforts into, it's not going to be life giving but rather something that I would have to pull along. Saying no to good things can be very hard, but it's the only way to be able to say yes to the great. I can't do all things at the same time, that's something that needs to be made peace with (especially if you're an achiever like me). Learning to value the season I'm in and being ok with focusing only on the most important, releases extra stress and pressure that doesn't need to be there, freeing energy to pursue a peaceful and truly productive lifestyle.

We all have enough time to do everything that we're supposed to get done, in this season. What season are you in?

xxx

Photos by Adriana Dobrin

Denim shorts: Vintage Hilfiger

Shirt: Zara

Boots: Acne

Necklace: Giving Keys

Bag: Calvin Klein

Music Monday

I had the privilege of attending the Flow Festival, one of the best event's in Finland and rated one of the best small festivals in Europe by the Guardian. It has become my favourite and must go for every summer. Instead of slushy mud fields and soggy fries, it's located at one of the most charming and captivating power plant areas called Suvilahti (translated Suvi bay or summer bay), infused with industrial design and ridiculously good food served by some of the best local restaurants and catering companies. The line up was inspiring and I think my Music Monday's will be heavily influenced by all the great music I got to experience.

So here's the first artist I want to highlight, Jessie Ware from the damp streets of Clapham, London. I had heard a few of her song previously and she actually replaced Charlie XCX who sadly cancelled. What struck me about her, was the deep confidence and peaceful atmosphere she brought the moment she walked on stage. I felt like I could have watched her for hours, soaking her beautiful presence. It came as a great reminder of what true beauty is…because at that moment she looked like the most beautiful woman in the world.

I've experienced that same feeling many times before and it seems to always happen when I see someone doing what they were created to do and feeling completely comfortable in their skin while doing it. As you can see in the video, Jessie is absolutely stunning on the outside, but what's on the inside is what elevates that to a whole other level. It's the inside that makes you experience the beauty not only with your eyes, but with your heart. We spend innumerable hours figuring out what we want to wear, how our hair is did and how we will be perceived, on the outside. Don't get me wrong, all those things are perfectly fine. You can ask my husband, I absolutely love taking care of my outer appearance. But what turns the copper into gold is what comes out of the heart. It's something that can't be bought or handed out. Something that needs to be fought for, the daily choices that lead to who I am and who I want to become. It's never the easy road, but it's the only one to fulfilling my destiny.

The strength of the chorus reminds me of the best power ballads of the 80's, the ones that make you experience a rainbow of feelings in only a few minutes. Jessie Ware's voice is like smooth satin and strong as iron, all at the same time. The black and white video accentuates the contrasts and makes it one pleasurable experience. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and are inspired to follow your own road of success, to becoming who you are created to be.

xxx

The Conquest

The heatwave doesn't seem to have an end and I couldn't be happier! This black romper is my go to piece for the days I know I'm going to sweat like in a Finnish sauna. A hot red lip, heeled sandals and minty pop of colour transform it from the beach to the streets.

After examining the people around me, I've noticed an interesting pattern. We are often the most afraid about the very things we feel called to do. It's not always an insecurity, but a lot of times there's is some kind of mountain before our dreams that needs to be conquered. I don't think it's necessarily easier for anyone, even though our starting points vary. It does seem like a longer road from a poor and orphaned Cinderella compared to the possibilities a wealthy heir with a loving family might have, but it's more about the life lessons and tools a person has gained (or has been handed down) than the external circumstances. We all face similar battles, but it's about what we do with them that matters. Do we give up right from the beginning or do we have the perseverance to walk through the fire?

I've always loved music. It's not just a love for it, but it's what makes me feel alive. When I get to perform and sing, I feel like the puzzle of my life has found it's finishing piece. At some point though, I began to believe that music could only be a hobby and that I needed to get a "real job". It wasn't until my later teens that I realised that becoming a medical doctor wasn't my dream at all, but actually someone else's dream for me, and music was the only thing that made sense in my life. Breaking out of that pre-designed mold of what was expected wasn't easy and took time, but it was the first step towards the conquest of my mountain. After embracing my true passions the real journey began. All kinds of fears and insecurities raised their heads to take me down and I have prevailed over many of them but I've also felt like giving up more than once. Right now I'm probably somewhere half way to the peak. There's still a long way to the top, but I have fixed my eyes on that misty crown and I won't turn back anymore.

What I've learned through the process is that behind my biggest fears usually lie the biggest treasures. It's like someone tried to disguise them so that I wouldn't find all that's meant for me to obtain in this lifetime. Fear often masks our greatest strengths as weaknesses and it's our job to reveal the truth. That mountain is waiting to be conquered.

xxx

Photos by Adriana Dobrin

Romper: Santa Monica

Shoes: Aldo

Hat: H&M

Crossbody: San Diego

Music Mondays

"If you believe in yourself enough and know what you want, you're gonna make it happen, make it happen! 

And if you get down on your knees at night and pray to the Lord, he's gonna make it happen, make happen!"

I love those words. I love this song. It has been one of my theme's for quite a while. Sometimes we need to be thrown to the edge of our being to be able to find the dedication to make it happen. I sure did. For me to really start pursuing my dreams, I had to be pushed way out of my comfort zone, to the utmost feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction. Only then was I ready to give up playing games and everything that was holding me back. That push enforced me to start taking the risks needed and press through the uncomfortable. With my back on the wall, going backwards wasn't an option so I began to move forward one step at a time.

When you wake up with that aching feeling inside of you, that you're not happy with your life and you feel stuck, it's not there to pull you down, but to be the force to take you to the next level. There is only a fine line between unhappiness and motivation and it's up to you which way you're going to perceive it.

I hope this song inspires you as much it has me. Living life to your full potential is not an easy task and I promise you, it won't go as you planned. But if you're dedicated and relentless, you will be surprised  by how extraordinarily things can work out.

xxx