Marketing Ninjas in Amsterdam

amsterdam canals

Spontaneous Trip in the City of Freedom

From one thing to another we found ourselves buying plane tickets and booking hotels for a city break in Amsterdam. Besides many indecisions because our timetable didn’t match we finally picked the dates and settled for this adventure.

Have I told you what great colleagues I have? I know I did! It was one of the best trips I have ever had.

We left on a sunny Saturday from Timisoara and got pretty lucky along the way. Even if the weather forecast for Amsterdam wasn’t very positive, we arrived in full summer. The sun was shinning and the average temperature was just right for a T-shirt and lightweight jacket.

The first day was all bout wondering these beautiful streets and getting used to the whole feeling of the city of freedom.

Sunday was reserved for more cultural activities. We went to Rijkmuseum and got a nice boat tour on the canals. Also tried the famous fries but was pretty disappointed about them.  In the evening we went to watch the game and dance. It was really fun!

So as probably expected, Monday was shopping day, but not only. We wondered around the tiny streets and found so many special offers. Too bad our luggage was very small because we would have surely bought much more. Having a small trolley is sometimes a good thing because most of the time you’d do some impulsive shopping when travelling. This time, and also in Berlin the week before I really behaved and bought very few items and all on sale. I must say I am proud of myself for this. We also visited Madame Tussaud’s wax museum but I was not impressed. Later, we went to a karaoke night and of course our colleague Emilia sang two songs on the stage!

Amsterdam is beautiful inside out. Amazing architecture, parks, wildlife, canals to very friendly and peaceful people. So many cultural mixes that you could easily feel at home anywhere. Great service and good food almost at every restaurant.

I can’t actually compare it with any other city I have visited so far, it’s unique. If it wasn’t on your wishlist until now, you should write it down!

 

vondel park amsterdam

amsterdam boat tour

rijks museum

amsterdam boat tour

amsterdam buildings to visit

amsterdam buildings to visit

13662439_1289952114367601_990277571_o (Copy)

13621648_1289952124367600_780608338_o (Copy)

heineken experience amsterdam amsterdam buildings to visit amsterdam buildings to visittrip-to-amsterdam

amsterdam-tripamsterdam boat tour breakfast in amsterdam

 

amsterdam buildings to visit canals in Amsterdam canals in Amsterdam buildings in amsterdam buildings in amsterdam canals in Amsterdam

canals in Amsterdam 13621926_1289952047700941_201382515_o (Copy)

 

White Sneakers Outfit

White Sneakers Outfit

How versatile are white sneakers?

You may notice that white sneakers outfits rule the streets every season, culminating in spring and summer. But when did these super versatile, extra comfortable types of footwear appeared?

If we search a bit through history, we can find their initial shape somewhere around 1830 when Charles Goodyear started experimenting with rubber soles on canvas shoes. The first to adopt these white sneakers were tennis players and you probably know that one of the iconic designs you can see on shelves today are the classic Adidas Stan Smiths we all love.

As the blue jeans, leather jackets and aviator sunnies, white sneakers remainded as true fashion staples throught history staying popular even nowadays. Designer try to reinvent these style while keeping the roots similar to be sure everyone can relate to them.

Like my favorite Adidas Superstars, the classic black and white design that because really popular after RUN DMC started sporting them. There are so many colors, metallic toe caps, prints and textures you can choose from, but the white and black stripe design is always a first pick. Versatile and very comfortable for a full day in town or traveling.  Love the dress and sneakers mix.

They are my first pick when I have to travel and even if they are not walking shoes, I walked for miles, and had no problem with them. You probably saw me sporting them through Amsterdam, Miami, Berlin, Tenerife and so many more trips.

White sneakers outfit ideas for any styles.

From simple, casual looks to somewhat more fancy mixes, yo can try them all and see what fits you better.

A perfect summer outfit is always revolving around something skimpy, comfortable and very trendy.

This lemon printed dress caught my attention! Perfect mix for hot summer day with my favorite white sneakers!

white sneakers outfit

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Dress: Zaful / Sneakers: Converse / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

lemon printed dress

hexagonal aviator sunglasses

lemonade dress

summer fruit printed dress

The classic jeans, T-shirt and white sneakers outfit we all love. This is surely the best mix for any day. I have to admit that this is kind of my daily uniform for going to work. I prefer being comfortable and this is the best mix for feeling great.

coatedj jeans and printed tshirt

You can achieve a more fancy mix by adding a sequined skirt to the look. I opted for a super casual top, but you can trade it for a simple silk shirt or top instead.

Colectia noua reserved 2016

A sporty chic look will be surely a cool tracksuit and some Superstars. Like I just mentioned before RUN DMC and the iconic Superstars. I am not a tracksuit kind of girl, but sometimes I love to keep it really comfy.

tracksuit fashion

The boyfriend jeans look can’t be complete without some white sneakers to complete the outfit.

Here’s a white sneakers outfit inspiration you can try out if you like the urban vibe more. Opt for a funny T-shirt and ditch the jacket if it’s hot outside. Such a versatile mix, right?

white sneakers outfit

Surely there are so many more ideas on how to create a cool white sneakers outfit but that is only up to you and you imagination. Experiment and try different styles to see what suits you more.

If you are thinking that white sneakers are very hard to maintain white, here is an article I wrote about how to clean white sneakers. Maybe it helps.

Sporty Luxe

sport chic look

Mixing sport with elegant styles

Two totally different styles that make this sporty luxe mix sit right at the edge of like or hate. It’s an intriguing combination that will make you feel that you are not very sure whether to try it or forget about it. At leas that’s what I thought about when I checked this trend out a while ago.

But what is Sporty luxe?

According to wolfandbadger.com “Sports Luxe is the definition of modern, comfy and cool. Think vests, bomber jackets and wedged hi-top trainers for a wearable look with a spirit of athleticism.”

And here I am sporting this luxe mix like it was my own. A mesh overlay on a sports bra mixed with a casual pencil skirt, a sequined jacket and some high heeled mesh sandals.

Styling it differently?

Surely this would look as cute with a pair of white Superstars but then it wouldn’t have been luxe, just sporty chic. Still, this is a mix you can easily play with. Trade the skirt with a pair of jogging pants, or the bag with a backpack or bum bag. Ditch the skirt and add tracksuit pants for the ultimate sporty-elegant look.

Tones of ideas starting from a simple yet very edgy(if you would ask me) outfit.

Talking about mixing and styling, I had a cute yet funny encounter with the Heidi Klum Esmara collection. I heard about the collaboration but haven’t checked out designs before they hit the stores, so basically I just saw them on display right at LIDL when the collection was out for sale. Simple, comfy and very versatile pieces that basically I already owned . I made this sequin jacket last year and worn it on many of my trips just because it looks awesome and feels great. Then, I saw a leopard printed jacket that looked very familiar, but even if the print is very very similar, I still love mine better.

Basically the new collection signed by Heidi Klum is a cool starting point for outfits similar to this one. Sporty luxe that incorporates versatile sporty items with more luxurious, elegant pieces to make your personal style a real statement!

So what do you say? Sporty luxe? Love it or hate it?

Sporty Luxe

 

Jacket: B.A.D. style / Sandals: GX by Gwen Stefani / Bag: Zac Posen / Top: Sammydress / Skirt; B.A.D. style

sequined varsity jacket

casual pencil skirt look

pravana red vivids sport chic look

sequin jacket outfit

black skirt outfit

2016 Retrospective

new year party

The Year I Traveled and Met Beautiful People

 

After a life changing 2015, 2016 was even more surprising than expected. I never planned anything in advance for 2016, but I feld like this was my year, and indeed it was!

It started like a plain, normal year with no interesting things under the horizon.

Then, in March it all started to escalate. We first booked a trip to London and met my life long friend Ale which just moved there from Aberdeen.

London trip

 

London trip with friends

Just before my High-School reunion, I went on a fabulous trip to Tenerife. The weather was great and I really got a new lust for travelling. If you have a chance, Tenerife is surely worth to be at the top of your list.

Santa cruz de tenerife

Tenerife costa adeje

Tenerife costa adeje

2016 was all about eating healthy, working out harder than ever and having fun with friends and family. I tried new and healthy recipes that helped me get in a much better shape than I was ever before. Of course extra exercises and pushing myself to evolve were as important as a healthy lifestyle.

protein icecream

healthy snack salmon

training hard

We got our first kayak and went on weekend rides that were actually very fun in spite of the not so delighted people that were trying to fish on the banks. We worked on the house a bit, renovation, decorations, trying to make it even more cozy.

our first boat

I spent much time with my colleagues and not only at work. I met new people that I worked with. Some got lost on the way, others stayed and completed the team. We all evolved into the powerful combo that we are today. #bestteamever #friends

my Bday party

colleagues at work

2016 was filled with fun projects and beautiful people. Diana is one of them and I bet 2016 was a great year for her too. So many events with her book launch and a well deserved vacation she is enjoying right now. This year was filled with blogger events and I must say I am happy that Timisoara is growing in this direction. I hope 2017 will be even better because the blogger community is rising and we can all make a difference in how our city is evolving. We have the potential, willingness and devotion. #letschangethegear Right girls? Laura, Miha, Rox, Cati?

imax in timisoara

fashion bloggers timisoara

Alin Galatescu

It was my first time at the Mercedes Benz Fashion in Berlin and I have to say it was truly a super cool experience.

We also had a fashionable event for the StylishCircle.de launch and I had the honor of meeting so many german bloggers that I still follow even today.

StylishCircle in Berlin

Trip to Berlin

Visiting Berlin

Berlin Fashion Week

After Berlin we packed our bags and left for Amsterdam, literally 2 days after. It was kind of a spontaneous trip that in the end we all loved and we’re planing on conquering 2017 with the same good vibes. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited and because I was so impressed I had to take my mom too later  in November.

trip to Amsterdam

Amsterdam trip

What to visit in Amsterdam

Just a few week after it was that time of the year again, and I am not talking about Christmas. TOR time!

I had so much fun in 2015 so I had to do it again! Marketing Ninjas crew with Ioana, Mihai and Emilia to the win. No, we didn’t won but we surely had a great time there.

team outdoor racing

TOR 2016

Team outdoor racing 2016

The best is yet to come… in August we flew all the way to Miami, Florida. I have to admit I never thought I would ever enjoy USA as much as I did. It was surely a grand experience for me that I hope I will repeat very soon. USA can’t be compared to anything I have ever seen before. It’s not as beautiful as Europe, but it surely is special.

Summer in Miami

first time in the USA

Miami downtown

trip to Miami Florida

And we found heaven on earth…. BAHAMAS, something I can’t describe in words. It was the most peaceful, blissful feeling I ever had in my life.

Bahamas dream destination

2016 was filled with music too. Unfortunately we missed Sziget festival this year because we were in the US, but I can’t say I regret it that much.

Joss Stone came to Plai Festival and she was simply amazing! I never thought I would have the chance of going to one of her concerts mainly because most of her gigs are not around Romania, but well, I was wrong and I am happy about it. After Joss Stone,  we left for Budapest to see Nickelback. Finally! We got tickets last year too but Chad had to cancel the tour because of a surgery he had. I was so sad…

Joss Stone Timisoara

Nickelback concert Budapest

Another highlight of this year was the launch of StylishCircle.ro. We really tried hard to make everything work around this project and because we were surrounded by beautiful people, it really was a success. I met so many amazing persons from which I learnt very much in those two days. I really appreciate each and every second you guys and girls put into this event.

Smartfit Timisoara

StylishCircle Launch

stylishcirclero event

Because winter was approaching, we flew away again back to summer. Malaysia and Thailand were on our list. Another great adventure I wouldn’t see coming at the beginning of this year. Will surely visit again, especially Thailand which is very beautiful. The perfect place to relax  and find your inner vibe.

Luala Lumpur twin twoers

Krabi beach thailand

Maya bay thailand

And last but not least, my mom’s birthday present: Bruxelles and Amsterdam. It was really cold and we were all wrapped up to be sure we don’t catch a cold. But you won’t find such a cool Christmas market in summer, can you? Beautiful buildings, great scenarios and a holiday feeling all around.

bruxelles

visiting bruxelles

beautiful buildings in bruxelles

We ended the year in style with a fabulous Christmas party at work. My super cool colleagues just below. I am grateful and happy to have them as friends because at the end of the day that’s what we all are.

stylish colleagues

2016 was a whole adventure with good and bad things, mostly just good actually. I managed to tick out all the plans I had for 2016 and even more. I am happy that I am surround by people that really have that great vibe that makes you want to grow in every way. For that, thank you! And, at the end of the year, I can cross two other things from my list:

Eat cupcakes made by Mihai and like a picture Gabriela posted on instagram. Oh, and yes, Mihai also has an instagram account, can you believe it?

Next on my list? Raluca with an instagram account ( at least for Susu) and a blog for Gabriela.

Do you think I will manage? Of course I will. 😉

2016 was probably my best year and it marked my biggest fulfillment so far. As 2017 is just around the corner, I can’t expect anything else than greatness because it will surely top 2016!

No resolutions! Just dreams that comes true if you work hard enough for them.

Ready for 2017?

First time in the States -Miami Impressions

Miami – The Eclectic City

I never would have thought I would want to travel that far away because you know about my travel-packing issues but as you get hungry while eating, I think I just got more comfortable with travelling.

This year was actually full with fun trips. From London, Tenerife to Berlin with StylishCircleAmsterdam and more to come.

how to dress in Miami

I found that stepping out of my comfort zone actually helped me grow on this level.
A 10 hour flight doesn’t scare me anymore, and when I say scare I mean getting bored fast. I take my laptop with me and I write or design. It keeps me busy while I travel and I love it. I actually wrote this post on the plane across the Atlantic.

It took me a day or two to actually realize that I was so far away from home. The jet lag didn’t get to me but every time I put my head on the pillow I fell asleep instantly and the rest was so good. It was the mos relaxing trip ever.

When talking about first impressions, I can say that Miami is really amazing! From the wonderful sceneries to beautiful buildings to the great weather( even if it was too hot).

I was very pleasantly surprised about how nice and helpful people were. Even if we would ask a random person on the street about some info, they would just gladly help. Like one evening we were looking for a place to buy some water and we asked a girl for info. She told us where the store might be and offered to give us the water she had in her hand. I thought that was really nice of her, but of course we didn’t accept it.

miami impressionsWhat I was not so pleasantly surprised of is that people don’t really know how to give directions and most of them don’t use public transport. They don’t walk, they just jog, bike or drive a car. Even two blocks is too far away and they would suggest getting a cab. We actually walked for miles everyday because this is the way we love to explore. Surely, we also used Uber and public transport but walking is the best way to see hidden treasures.

pravana purple and magenta vivids

 

miami fashion bloggers

C&A skull top for kids

 

Shopping malls( at least the ones I’ve visited) are not that big comparing to the ones back home. But they do have big shops like Burlington or Ross that are pretty big, like a warehouse full of cool stuff. I have to admit I expected them to be huge, like everything else is in the States.

PUBLIC transport tip: Have change because they only accept the right amount. Double, triple check routes and be sure you know where you want to go. Most bus drivers can’t help you if you need directions; it happened to us.

Street fashion in Miamai

 

summer hairstyles

 

cropp fanny pack

Use your credit card for payments but have a back up. Certain shops won’t accept several types of cards but this is not a general problem. It happened to us once or twice, so it’s not a big issue.

P.S Don’t forget about sunscreen and sunglasses!

Ray Ban wayfarer casual look