Goodbye, Successful 2013! Hello, Ambitious 2014!

Oh, 2013, you were so amazing!

I don't even know where to start... I visited lots of new places, met lots of new people, and had so many new experiences, both good and bad. The year always feels like it goes by really fast, but stopping to reflect, it reminds me that a lot happened too. A lot always happens, it’s just hard to remember all of it. There were more good things that happened this year, but the bad was still there.

This was my first official year of being in business full time and working hard for myself: freelance as make-up and hairartist, modeling and acting. I cooperated with amazing brands such as Max Factor, Collectif Clothing, Playful Promises, Seifen Atelier Helena, Glitter Paradise, Avène, Bésame Cosmetics, What Katie Did, Recollection by Sandra Murphy, Ella Gajewska, Anya Caliendo, BHtelecom... worked with the most talented photographers: Claire Rosen from New York, Tom Maurer from Germany, my friend Nadja Berberović, Maja Topčagić Angelica Photography, Nina Mašić, Safet Hadžimusić, MMS studio for wedding dresses Destiny by Merima Halimanović-Bravić, Hana Pašić Arwen Photography and many more. I had my first role in a music video in 2013 for our most popular rock band in Bosnia & Hercegovina - Emir & Frozen Camels (here the link to the song called "Ters Bosanka" (meaning Moody Bosnian Girl). Emir & Frozen Camels ft. Mirza represented Bosnia with their "Ters Bosanka" song in final of Turkvizyon. I was also on stage with the band in front of 300 milions of audience. The contest is an inaugural competition, and was held in Eskişehir, Turkey. For me this trip was really exciting, because I was in Turkey for the first time in my life! I fell in love with Istanbul. If you are interested - I can make a post with lots of photos from my Turkey trip. Emir Bukovica (if you are reading this post) - big big thanks for everything you have done for me!!!

I went to Germany this year too: had a wonderful time in Berlin! 

The special highlight of 2013 goes to my cooperation with Irregular Choice Balkans and shop Metaphysika in Sarajevo which is one of Irregular Choice top ten shops in Europe. My engagement with this team of people has been very inspiring and there are some really great plans and commitments ahead of us for 2014. Indeed I remain to be Irregular Choice biggest fan but also you will see me this year working for them even closer.

I am proud to be part of passionate, professional and creative team, always working hard individuals to achieve the best results in such lovely and friendly atmosphere. Big big big thanks to my dearest friends Adnana Handžić and Nađa Berberović!

I have ended the year feeling stronger, empowered and more self loving than ever before and this itself makes the year 2013 worthy in every single minute. There are many people in my life today who deserve much credit for keeping me balanced, grounded, inspired, motivated, encouraged and happy. Thank you, and I do sincerely appreciate your continued support.

Now enjoy the photography taken by Nadja Berbefovic Photography we made for Irregular Choice Balkans.

Happy New Year, Everyone. Thank you for your continued support. I wish you all the best for 2014 and beyond.

Shoes: Bloxy Irregular Choice

Fascinator: Blackbirdfield Beograd

Blouse: Playful Promises

Corset: Ava Corsetry

Shoes: Warm Rays Irregular Choice

Hat: Ella Gajewska

Dress: Stop Staring

Shoes: Abigails Party Irregular Choice

Hat: Ella Gajewska

Skirt and cardigan: Vintage

Shoes: Warm Rays Irregular Choice

Dress: by Sandra Murphy

Jewellery: Glitter Paradise

Hat: Ella Gajewska

Shoes: Bloxy Red Black Irregular Choice

Corset and lingerie: What Katie Did

Shoes: Patty Bordo Irregular Choice and Baby Beauty

Blouse: Vintage

Hat: Blackbirdfield fascinators Beograd Serbia

With love,

Idda van Munster

Happy Holidays Part I: Hello! Is Santa there?

Dear readers,

Christmas/New Year feeling came to me unbelievably early this year. 

Holidays are coming… Get that special gift for loved ones right here!

I'm wearing What Katie Did lingerie and the amazing Irregular Choice shoes...

I’m wearing the Bullet Bra (http://www.whatkatiedid.com/product/847/bullet-bra) from Lulu collection(http://www.whatkatiedid.com/products/gold-label-lingerie/131-lulu-lingerie) by What Katie Did(http://www.whatkatiedid.com/). 

The Bra is made in a fabulous 1950’s shape and features spiral stitching. It is decadently made in red organza with a black rose overlay. 

I’m also wearing the Raw Silk Morticia Corset in Claret(http://www.whatkatiedid.com/product/508/silk_corset), it’s definitely my favourite shape from What Katie Did. 

It dramatically takes 4-5 inches off the waist. I’ve teamed up with What Katie Did to offer you 20% off, just enter the code ‘vintagechristmas’ at the checkout. Offer ends the 8th of December midnight!

Model / Styling / Mua - Idda van Munster (Aida Đapo) - me

Shoes Irregular Irregular Choice u trgovinama Metaphysika u Sarajevu, Dot. concept store u Podgorici u Deva Ars u Beogradu

Photo / retouch - Nadja Berberovic Photography

Shoes: Irregular Choice Balkans / Irregular Choice

Corset and lingerie: What Katie Did

Setting / props - Zeusove Kceri - Adnana Handzic for Irregular Choice Balkans

Blogpost about Irregular Choice shoes for Christmas/New Year soon on my blog...

Love,

Idda van Munster & team

Metaphysika Irregular Choice: Combi and Hook Line & Sinker

Hello dear readers,

As soon as I saw these shoes I fell in love. The shoes are soooo amazing, unique, colourful and I want them all!

They're called Irregular Choice because they are just that - irregular. The designers for this place must just have a field day as every shoe is so creative and fun. Everyone shoe-lover should have at least one pair of Irregular Choice shoes in their collection.

What more can I say about IC shoes they are outstanding value for money, always go with anything you wear and are surprisingly comfortable.

Very pretty shoes and I get a lot of compliments on them.

If you live in Bosnia - you can shop in the store called Metaphysika Sarajevo. I always enjoy visiting that wonderful place. It's a little shoe heaven.

For this post I have choosen to show you the Combi shoes in royal blue color.

The are so elegant and comfortable.

My first IC shoes were these - but I have the red ones.

In my next post you will see me wearing Combi red.

The second pair of Irregular Choice shoes choosen for this blogpost are

Hook Line and Sinker in green.

Perfect shoes for autumn days.

Just like Birds of a Feather. These cute shooties are mid heel height, with an oversized bow and cut out front.

Photos by Angelica Photography / Maja Topčagić

Do you like Irregular Choice?

Lots of love and thanks for reading,

Idda van Munster

My collaboration with Bésame Cosmetics Europe

Dear readers,

It's official - I am cooperating now with Bésame Cosmetics Europe. I have been dying to try Bésame Cosmetics ever since I first heard about them. I fell in love with the elegantly vintage styled packaging and the vintage inspired lipstick colors and the idea of brightening violet powder.

I´ll do workshops in whole Europe to train you the usage of Bésame Cosmetics based on the beautiness of stars that you all love.

For bookings please direct contact me on my email:   aidadjapo@hotmail.com or at 

 Bésame Cosmetics Europe facebook page.

I had my 1st test workshop in my hometown Sarajevo yesterday. It was a fantastic day - learning all about this brand and sharing vintage makeup tips and tricks. Bésame Cosmetics are a vintage inspired brand that use natural ingredients to provide high quality makeup. Created in the US, not tested on animals, made from natural ingredients and organic oils, pigment rich and based on vintage packaging, colours and formulations. The first thing that drew me to the products were the packaging... but... these cosmetics look as good on as they do in their packaging! Very reminiscent of 1920's-1930's makeup packaging. Gold plated (real gold!) with delicate flower etching. It’s a bit of everyday luxury, and very affordable compared to “big” brands like Chanel or Dior. 

This is really the most gorgeous range of makeup a vintage loving gal could wish for! I'm in love with the lipsticks. All of the colors are just beautiful. Highly pigmented, long lasting, non drying. The texture is creamy and goes on like silk. I can't believe how long the color lasts. Red lipstick is a tricky one. Your skin tone, condition of your teeth, and of course hair colour will all play a part in determining what colour red looks best on you - if you are interested I can do a special post about all the shades (with photos and details)... let me know.

I absolutely love the compact poweders, brightening violet powder, crimson rouge etc. etc. 

Here are some photos from the workshop - telling a little story:

I'm wearing my new favorite shoes by Irregular Choice CHEEKY MOOSE. Find "Metaphysika" on facebook and shop there! The new collection autumn/winter 2013/2014 is amazing!

and the final photo (a part of us):

I'd like to say a giant thank you to Mija Burazerović for taking these wonderful photos. Thanks to the best place on planet Earth - caffee Zlatna Ribica!

Thank you girls for being a part of my little vintage party!

...and in the end: BIG BIG thanks to Besame Cosmetics Europe.

Love you all,

Idda

The History Behind Sugar Skull Face Painting: Dia de los Muertos

Hello readers,

hope you all had a wonderful October! 

I had an amaaaaazing photoshooting with the the best team ever: my lovely photographer Nadja Berberovic Photography, the very talented make-up artist Naida Make up and Artwork and the kindest hairstylist I have ever met Ensar " Hair with charcter ". I always enjoy working with them. Such talented people!

Did you recognize me? You like it?

EntMag has published our Dia de los Muertos editorial - so I decided to share with you the interesting article: The history behind the sugar skull face painting...

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday that has been celebrated in Mexico for centuries, and has spread to other parts of Latin America as well as the United States and Europe. It is believed that on the night of October 31, the gates of heaven are opened and the souls of angelitos (children who have passed) roam the earth for the day of November 1. Then, on November 2 the gates open once again and the souls of adults who have died visit as well.

Photo/retouch: Nađa Berberović

Hair: Ensar Dervišbegović https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ensar-Hair-with-charcter-/130967143626856

Make-up: Naida Đekić https://www.facebook.com/pages/Naida-Make-up-and-Artwork/126464104080124

Model: me / Idda van Munster https://www.facebook.com/pages/Idda-van-Munster-Aida-Đapo/164571333656649

Petticoat: Lolim Pop - Nermina Trbonja

Corset: What Katie Did http://www.whatkatiedid.com/ 

Shoes: Metaphysika / Irregular Choice 

This holiday is celebrated in various ways according to location. Many celebrations involve going to the graves of passed loved ones, setting up altars (at home and at the graves), and sharing memories of those who have died. The altars can be decorated with photos,

favorite items of the dead, food such as pan de muertos, flowers, and decorated sugar skulls. People often spend the day cleaning and decorating the grave, having meals together, and remembering loved ones. The skull is a commonly recognized symbol of the holiday--not just the intricately decorated sugar skull we all think of today, but traditional skulls too. They can be made of chocolate, sugar, or even worn in mask form. While this sounds morbid to some, it is actually all done with a beautiful lightheartedness, with bright colors and a sense of positivity that is unique to the holiday.

It is from this skull tradition that the increasingly popular sugar skull face painting originated. Celebrators wearing masks during the holiday has evolved and grown into actually painting their own faces. It is seen as a chance to overcome your fear of death, and get in touch with a darker side of yourself. This has often been the role of masks throughout history in every culture around the world--if your real face is hidden, you become a different version of yourself not normally seen. All types of skulls have long been an element used in art, especially tattooing, and the sugar skull is growing in popularity as a tattoo motif as well. Artists explore the meaning of it while the designs become more and more intricate and beautiful.

Many people object to the mainstream, widespread use of sugar skull motifs. They see it as cultural appropriation of something that is part of a sacred holiday, and if you don't belong to the culture or celebrate the holiday then you shouldn't participate. As face painters, this is not a view we quite agree with. While we firmly believe that use of motifs from other cultures should be done with a healthy dose of respect and knowledge of the history of the symbols, we do not think that because we aren't of Mexican heritage that we cannot explore the culture and art. Attitudes like this just promote ignorance and intolerance--education and knowledge are the keys to tolerance. Understanding the traditions of other cultures allows us to connect to others on a human level...

Hope we haven't scared you off? Let me know about your thoughts!? Do you like it?

Lots of love,

Idda van Munster & team