nedjelja, 29. siječnja 2012.

Tea - It Makes Life Better!

"Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage."  ~ Catherine Douzel



I love coffee, I love tea!

I love tea! I can't imagine life without tea. Coffee is important, but somehow life without tea is not something I want to imagine. So here I'm going to reveal many of the reasons I love tea; the ways that I think the world is a better place because of it!

Drinking a cup of tea provides an opportunity for quiet contemplation or shared moments of intimacy with others.
I'm going to share with you photos of my cups of tea.
Enjoying... Zen chai is my favourite green tea.
I just have to have a cup of tea first thing in the morning. Please don't talk to me before I've had my cup, or at least got the water boiling so I know it's on it's way!
If you need to take a break, relax, unwind, take time out from whatever's making you busy and stressed, have a cup of tea! If it's a chilly day, warm yourself up with a nice hot cup of tea. If you're too hot, have a refreshing cup of tea, hot tea or iced tea, both seem to work!

Drinkin' a cup of Darjeeling tea on my balcon and reading a book about Marlene Dietrich!

The art of tea or tea in art, either way tea is a wonderful feature of many artworks. From an artistic portrayal of a teapot, teacups, samovars, or the tea itself, to pictures of every kind of person sitting with a cup of tea, tea is just a fine addition to the best works of art!

Now, doesn't the tea just make her look elegant, intriguing, and wonderful!

In the end, my favorite tea is green tea...never enough of it!

Hugs,

Idda van Munster

My old family photos tell stories

Old family photographs are a treasured part of any family history. Many of them, unfortunately, do not come neatly labeled on the back with names, dates, people or places. The photographs have a story to tell...

Just sharing some of my really old family photographs! I hope you enjoy them!

My daddy

History begins at home. I love old photos. Perhaps it's because they give us a glimpse of what people thought was interesting or important at the time they were taken. As soon as I step into someone else’s house, I start sniffing for them.

Aunties

My daddy (1st from right), the most beautiful soldier EVER! On the back of the photo: 1959. Korčula.
See how the ladies at the top stare at the soldiers and sailors.
My dad (1st from left) plays guitar and sings. Year: 1965.
I like the effect of this photo.

I spend a lot of free time doing family history research. If you have old photos, don't leave them in shoe boxes. Scan them!




Lots of love,
Idda van Munster

srijeda, 25. siječnja 2012.

Even in the middle of a war, a Bosnian woman holds her head high and never gives up her beauty. Never forget! (1992-1995)

 “I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”
Coco Chanel

The spirt of women from Sarajevo: keep your swagger at all times!

Photo Tim Stoddart: Even in the middle of a war, a Bosnian woman holds her head high and never gives up her beauty.
When Americans saw this photo, they thought this was Sophia Loren.
She was so beautiful and is also today. Her name is Mrs. Meliha Varesanovic, lives and works in Sarajevo and is my neighbor. Can't wait to do an interview with her.

At her young age


The entire Balkan region is known for its divine female beauty, but Bosnia and Herzegovina stands out above all. It is a multiethnic country whose women are now all across the world bewildering the international public with their attractiveness. During the war, the women wore makeup and refused to be brought down to a lower standard of living.


But the surreal elegance defies the reality of survival in a city where running water has been an intermittent luxury; where electricity is supplied sporadically; where simply being clean entails hauling water jugs from central pumping points in the city and, until only the last few weeks of a cease-fire, exposing oneself to shelling and snipers.
During nearly two years of war, appearing elegant has been a sub-battle of the cosmopolitan women of Sarajevo--a move of personal defiance against the often baffling powers that surround their lives. Here, women cling to the wish to look their best, groping for normalcy in a city pocked by mortar fire and constrained by an uncertain future.

Women fight in this way - be always beautiful no matter what...


With love,

Idda van Munster

nedjelja, 15. siječnja 2012.

The most popular Germany Schlager Songs 1950's - CD cover me

Hello,


50 of the most successful hits of the years 1950-1957 and all that on a double CD series with me on the covers.

I'm so so happy, my face is all over Germany!




and the series 1955 and 1957:


A musical journey through time in the early fifties. Another part of the new CD series "The hit of the year." An absolute must! By: Lys Assia, Peter Alexander, Vico Torriani, Friedel Hensch and much more. By: Casanova, Two Tracks in the snow, Yellow Rose of Texas there, The moon keeps his watch and much more.

Love,
Idda van Munster

srijeda, 11. siječnja 2012.

TV interview about my gloves

Hy ladies,

here are some photos from my TV interview about the gloves I love. The gloves are still a symbol of elegance.


Do you remember seeing old movies that show ladies wearing gloves when they drive the car? Or gloves when they go shopping? I think it makes them look so dignified and elegant.


Always wear gloves in a restaurant, in a theater, when you go to lunch, or to a formal dinner, or to a dance. Always take them off when you eat. A lady never takes off her gloves to shake hands, no matter when or where, and never apologizes for wearing gloves when shaking hands. The only exception is when she is wearing earthstained gardening gloves, or possibly golf or riding gloves, which might seem marring to the hand or the fresh glove of another.‎..

With love,
Idda van Munster

subota, 7. siječnja 2012.

One of my favorite blogging duos: the ladies of Bright Young Twins! Enjoy the interview!

Hello dear ladies!

Harriett & Aimee: "We believe that women should support other women in this world, and wish we could all work together to reach our goals!"

Here are Aimee (Brunette) and Harriett (Blonde), the sweetest double-act you could ever imagine. I started following their blog a couple months ago and I am addicted to it. They have a blog called Bright Young Twins, where they blog about their adventures and outfits. I truly envy the beautiful vintage pieces they manage to unearth and weave into their creative looks. I check everyday to see if there's anything new on their blog, I love to learn more about their lifestyle, the lifestyles of the past and what the future has to offer for it.
 http://brightyoungtwins.blogspot.com/

I decided to do an interview with these lovely ladies, so enjoy...


Thank you so much for doing this interview! I love your beautiful photos and vintage style; how would you describe your style? What is your hands-down favorite era or style from the past? Who inspires you style-wise (contemporary or past)?

Aimee: I don't really know how I'd describe my style. I've been asked so many times and its still a head scratcher. Maybe nostalgic, a handful of glamour and a pinch of macabre. 

Harriett:  Again I always find this question very difficult to answer! I aspire to look quite romantic and soft, almost ghostly, but always with an eccentric edge. There is also an element of the macabre involved. Think Miss Havisham or a 1920's fortune teller.

Aimee


How old is your wonderful "Bright young twins" blog? Have you found like-minded friends, learned new things, or achieved anything else through your blog?

Aimee & Harriett: I think our blog is about a year and few months old. One of the best things about the blog is meeting fabulous new people, we'd never have met Jessica, Sophie and all the fabulous vintage mafia girls. There's so many ladies around the world that we're hoping to meet from the blogging community too, from Miriam and Betty in Sweden, to Twila and Solanah in America and Andi in Australia. It goes on and on!  Reading blogs has definitely taught us lots about old fashions and the like. I think as far as achieving goes, the fact that people read it never fails to amaze us and we're really grateful. 


What made you interested of this style to begin with? How long have you been going for this look?

Aimee: I don't completely know where it came from. I donned the simple pussybow blouses, seamed stockings, pencil skirts and red lipstick from when I was about fifteen. But it really escalated when I started going to 60's psych clubs,  I still wanted to be different so I started wearing 50's clothes. Soon after that I started looking into forties and then thirties. It just kept going.    
Harriett: I have dressed differently from a young age. I started of wearing second hand clothing at around 13, my look was very eclectic mixing 1960s and 1980s pieces with genuine vintage. In my late teens it was a more polished 1930s look, but I found this to restricting. Now I have just started my 20s I feel I have really developed and found my own personal style. I think my interest in period clothing is something inherent to my character, for example you can't really explain why you like the taste of a certain food, you just do! Thats how I feel about vintage.

Harriett
Where do you find vintage-inspired clothes and accessories? Would you agree that in the past things were better quality, made from purer materials and with higher standards?

Aimee: Charity shops, antique shops, vintage shops and antique markets. Maybe, I can't really afford high quality clothes from good brands so I can't really know. As for materials I find that's my main problem with high street and reproduction brands. Great designs, but poor materials. Again, I compare really I have no money for 'Miu Miu'! 

Harriett: I'm a big fan of antique stores or markets for clothing. Often you can find a real bargain. As a seamstress I would agree the quality of the clothing pre 1950s was much higher. The British high street was born in the 1950s/1960s with the introduction of mass production items and synthetic materials. Although high end brands of this time generally kept up certain quality levels which continues to this day. Working for a fashion magazine I often get to handle high end and couture clothing and the craftsmen ship of many items is beautiful. 



Style icon that inspires you?

Aimee: Ginger Rogers, she was all kinds of fabulous. Jane Russell for her sexy messy hair.
Ginger Rogers & Jane Russell
Harriett: Theda Bara, Anna Karina, Gabrielle Ray, Jane Birkin, Isadora Ducan, Leila Waddell.
Gabrielle Ray
BYT in one German magazine


What is your message to all of us?

Aimee & Harriett: Don't be afraid! Self expression is so important, whatever you want to wear, do or think try not to be concerned with other peoples opinions, do
what makes you happy. If that means wearing your bright pink 1950s prom dress to the supermarket, then do it! A lot of time and effort is wasted trying to conform 
to what society deems acceptable. We also live by a strict no 'Girl Hate' policy. 'Girl Hate' (When ladies hate on other ladies) can stem from a whole bunch of things,
jealousy and competition seem to be the main factors. We believe that women should support other women in this world, and wish we could all work together to 
reach our goals. So we just want you to know that you are all beautiful unique stylish people, and whether you are male of female, we send much love your way.

Thank you so much!
Lots of love,
Idda van Munster


utorak, 3. siječnja 2012.

Hooray for Royal Blue and my Carnet de notes products!

Hi all!

“Sit in reverie, and watch the changing color of the waves that break upon the idle seashore of the mind”  – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

 

Royal blue is easily my favourite blue. There is nothing that I love more than a dress or skirt in classic royal blue. Not only is it a great pop of color, but it offers a sophisticated flare. Over the summer, Kate Middleton was photographed wearing a gorgeous cream pleated skirt on her trip to the United States (which sold out right after her photos wear released). Since then pleated skirts have become really popular again. I’m such a fan of 50′s style clothing so I’m really loving that pleated skirts are back.

I love wearing pleats and have been adding more to my wardrobe. They suit every season and occasion if worn right. I probably have close to 15 pleated skirts in my closet now and I guess it’s time to stop adding more. I la la love pleated skirts, especially at a nice near-the-knee length!

 

 http://www.cmp-paris.com/ 

I'm on the cover of Carnet de Notes products (photo album, umbrella, notebooks) all over France & Belgium.

                                                   


 All my love,

Idda

ponedjeljak, 2. siječnja 2012.

FACETOFACE Magazine: Interview

Hi all!

My interview for FACETOFACE Magazine is out, half in English, half in Bosnian.


FACETOFACE Magazine is the first online magazine in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offers information through
interactive articles and multimedia content.

Watch! Listen! Read! Get informed in every way!
http://www.facetofacemag.com/



How would you describe your style? Is there a certain era you focus on?
Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to look like the actresses of old Hollywood. I watched black and white movies and my favorite childhood TV show was „The Munsters“. I was fascinated by Marilyn Munster, the sweet, glamorous girl I always wanted to look like. That's where part of my stage name comes from, and it perfectly suits my personality. I have bookshelves full of old family photo albums, and I was always fascinated by the woman in those photos. I love to wear every piece of clothes from the 1920's to late 1950's and my great inspiration for my look is a working wartime lady.


Style icon that inspires you?
When people talk about vintage style icons, a few obvious names come immediately to mind: Louise Brooks with her trademark black helmet of hair, the ultimate 1920s flapper; Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, the epitome of 1950s elegance; Jean Shrimpton and her work with David Bailey, defining mod style in the 60s; Twiggy bringing thin to the forefront in the 60s and 70s. These women defined entire eras in fashion. But while I admire the prevalence of iconography, I’ve always found inspiration in someone else: Legendary silver screen star Elizabeth Taylor. Fur, pearls, eyeliner and bright red lipstick. That's it!

All my love,
Idda

nedjelja, 1. siječnja 2012.

New year, new start, new goals!

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”  Neil Gaiman

Yesterday 31st December:  
NEW YEAR VINTAGE LOOK WORKSHOP by me!

The day started with doing make-up and hair to my lovely brother's girlfriend. She is so cute! I love her!
Brother's gf and me
Together we went to cafe Zlatna Ribica (cafe Golden Fish), where I organised my vintage workshop. Here are some photos of this magical place (enjoy):

A Sarajevo cafe with great atmosphere

It was wonderful, all day long!
The class was fun. We rolled, we teased, we sprayed, we learned. "Getting ready for New Year's" - I've done the make-up & hair to all the ladies. We also had our Tea Time!
The flyer for my workshop
Getting ready


Last night was absolutely great. I spent the last few minutes of 2011 kissing my boyfriend and with some of the best people I know.
My darling


I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Reflecting back on the year 2011, I’ve realized that I accomplished a lot, which I am so very thankful for. Many ups and downs, but at the same time, much knowledge learned. Many good memories and many bad (I wouldn’t change a single thing that happened because it made me who I am today), most of which will never be forgotten. Thank you 2011 for giving me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and still keep in touch with old friends. 2012 will definitely witness a new beginning for me. There are plans in the works for some huge, amazing changes.

Welcome 2012! Goodbye 2011!

Idda van Munster










   

The porcelain skin

Hello fabulous ladies!


Everyday I get a lot of messages with questions: “What does your beauty regime look like and what products do you use?”, “Best makeup tip to achieve this look?”, “Any special tool or technique?”…
I decided to write you my tips & tricks:
I literally have a shower, dry and do my hair & make-up, get dressed and thats it, i’m out the door! The only things I do is listening to music and have a cup of green tea drink while im getting dressed! As I am a model my skin condition is very important and must be maintained, I am constantly complimented on my skin, and youthful appearance - I have been using Avène products for over 6 years. I’m using Avène’s spring water spray and all products for my skin type.
I love my porcelain tan and I never go on the sun.
It really depends what I’m getting ready for. Sometimes I can be ready in 15 minutes. I could take as long as 1 hour if I want to look my best for a night out, or if I’m getting ready for an important shoot/ interview or meeting. My make-up usually takes the longest. Clothes and hair are super quick. But, never too busy to be beautiful!



Avene products I'm using: Gentle milk cleanser, Cleanance anti-shine purifying lotion, Cleansing and Make-Up Remover Micellar Lotion, Cleanance K, Hydrance optimal Legere, Ysthéal emulsion, Gommage doux purifiant (piling) & thermal spring water spray

The skin needs to have a matt porcelain finish look. Define your eyebrows with an angled brush and use an eyeshadow a few shades darker than your hair color. Apply a black liquid eyeliner close to your upper eyelashes starting from your inner corner towards the outer corner and of course use fake eyelashes - this way your eyes will appear more sensual.

Any special tool or technique?
Always finish my make up with baby powder for extra whiteness.

Here is the photo of my face, make up by me with the names of the products I use:
Lipstick: Revlon (Fire&Ice)
Foundation/powder: Avène mosaic couvrance powder & Couvrance Foundation Porcelain fixed with baby powder
Blush: Bourjois Rose d’or 34
Eyeliner: Bourjois (black)
Eyelashes: MAC fake; fixed my natural lashes with Clinique mascara
Eyebrows: Essence eyebrow pencil (dark brown) 

All my love,
Idda van Munster