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Posts Tagged ‘Oona Elena Kassila’

There are moments when you just need to slow down, even for a moment, let go of  every to-do -list in your head…  And if you’re really brave, you might even close your eyes and take it all in on a different level..

And I promise, there’s treasure everywhere.

Yesterday, I did just that, closed my eyes and let the feelings flush over me, in a special musical event here in Helsinki. And the treasure I found, when closing my eyes and letting go, led to such a flow of tears that I ended using every single kleenex of every stranger  around me.

And. It was beautiful and unforgettable.

But now, let me take you to another journey… That of a LadyBohemia business trip to the South of France.

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Once and again, I found myself utterly (and as usual, happily) lost this time in the beautiful ancient cultural city of Aix-en-Provence.
Without agenda or hurry, I stopped for a little cup of coffee… And closed my eyes, to take it all in.

And there it was. The most charming little fountain… Ancient buildings, medieval gates… A lovely art gallery… Not to mention the best croissant of my life.

AND a wonderous little boutique, full of tresors old and new, soooooo sophisticated and sensual, a real Aladdins cave for  LadyBohemia .

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And this I gotta mention… just look at the flow of this dress. It’s is a unique piece, a golden beige silk and lace dream, handmade with love by the wonderful designer Oona Elena Kassila of Moonalia Design. The skirt was originally planned to be worn at a wedding, by a guest, but sorry, I just don’t have the patience to wait for some of my friends to tie the knot..

And, I must say, we’ve already encountered the most memorable experiences together with this skirt.

I wore it yesterday, at the preview of the record to come, and I’m sure it has marks of my tears here and there… And in fact I welcome each and every one of them.

And then… As I didn’t plan it very carefully, I wore this dress when I needed to carry a two heavy suitcases to a boutique… As this lovely dress has a lace train, my two boys walked behind me, carrying my train. Not a word of complaint – they’re rather used to me.

Again, a moment never to forget. Probably to all the passers-by as well..

IMG_1154The brocante life in Aix… I just love it.
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You might come across an item that just says  WaaaaaOoooH take me home I’m yours… But in any case, you get to see pieces with hundreds of years of history, tradition, stories… If only they could talk.

I for one would listen.

*♥*

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A lesson learned at a yoga workshop yesterday.

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Getting ready and peaceful.
Photo Susanna Soikkeli.

My dear readers, I would love to share with you my experience of a full-day yoga workshop, held by a beautiful soul, the yogi Jack Boken. Although Jack had promised this would be a truly heart-opening experience, little did I know.

That morning I went to class feeling totally overwhelmed by the world, my mind in chaos, so sad. So much so that when Jack asked us one simple question “What has brought you here today?”, the tears just came and drowned me. During the rest of that day, I never managed to gather my poise but that’s just the beauty of yoga… Nobody’s poised and we’re not meant to be. People somehow find the strength to be honest and raw, compassionate and present. And during that day, with Jack’s gentle guidance, we confided in each other on a such a  true and real level, only to be welcomed by acceptance and compassion.

And later when the asanas got sweaty & physical, our bodies were as open as our minds.

Breakthroughs just happened.

For my part, I actually managed not one but five asanas I’d never dared to do before.

Like I pointed out in class, it was a very small step for mankind but a significant one for me – and especially so on a day that had begun with uncontrollable tears and feeling so blocked inside that I’d thought it would be better to give everybody else a break, and go calm down alone at home.

At the end of his classes, Jack asks each student to decide to give up something in their lives, and to commit to something.

Very concrete, very practical, very useful.

This can be something evoked during that specific practice, or anything that feels important. Key is commitment. Not just thinking how I’d like to be a better person but deciding exactly how I could achieve that.

Personally,  I realised very, very, painfully clearly that I need to give up the fears that control and limit my life on so many levels. Or, to put it in yoga terminology, acknowledge the existence of my fears, and then let them go ;). This was why during this very practice, it had been so important for me to battle and conquer my fears of handstands, headstands and other stands I’d never done before and the names of which I don’t even know. To trust Jack not to let me fall flat on my face and get hurt.

No, to just trust myself, no matter how much I was afraid, no matter how I was sure I COULD NEVER EVER DO IT.

Sooooooo liberating.

And if you can kick ass with your fears on the yoga mat, maybe in real life, you can too.

Only, in Jack’s class we’re not allowed any maybes.

There’s no trying.

That’s why I’m still, a weeks on…

Letting. It. All. Just. Be.

With such peace.

~*♥*~

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A fun event I visited yesterday… Thank you Elle Magazine!

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With the charismatic and gorgeous editor of Elle Magazine, Mirva Saukkola.

Ok, now heads up all you guys who read my blog… I know you’re out there… You can stop reading right about now.

This one is purely girly stuff.

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I’m a bit of a sucker for real romance, so I was pulled right into those wedding jitters when tears came to Chris’ eyes, as he watched Madeleine walking down the aisle towards him… Ok, at that point, he had me.

The dress I found conservative and… kind of safe. Lacking that uuuumph wow factor we’re so often treated with by her. That being said, Madeleine is the most beautiful princess ever. And how Chris looked at her – nothing else really mattered.

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Fine, that kiss wouldn’t make the knees melt, but he made up for it after, with the longest kissing scene in royal wedding history. Forgiven.
And again, so sweet that during the actual ceremony they held hands, Chris kept on fighting back tears, he asked her if she was tired, she checked if he was okay… So caring, so real. This wedding did it for me.

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Some serious analysis on the all of it, by Mirva Saukkola, Teri Niitti and Anu Laapotti. Anu had just the most perfect dress; it suited her like a glove. By H&M Conscious Collection. And I’m sorry, my photo doesn’t do justice to Mirva’s head piece or earrings…. Royal stuff.

After the Ja and the I will, we needed to feel the sun of our skin… So lovely how even eveningtime, you can just bask in the sunlight. Please please make this last…

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MY DRESS I’m so happy about. Never in my life have I worn anything green, but when I saw this beauty all my principles were out the window. This divine silk and lace dream is by Jasmin Santanen Couture.

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Burgundy heels Pura Lopez, tiny pearly purse Massimo Dutti.

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Stylish guests… Bellissima.

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My 1920’s inspired long pearl necklace, by Oona Elena Kassila. Emerald and diamond ring is a French family heirloom that has come to me after generations of mothers. I love the history it carries… Long silver and pearl earrings are an antique find from France, will get you a better picture later..

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Sissi!

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Okay once more… Just look at this artistry. All Jasmin’s creations are handmade, from the finest of materials, in Paris.

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Girlyest of all girly afternoons… And now this happy camper is ready to head home, to face all the testosterone waiting there in the form my three guys ♥.

~*♥*~

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Welcome warm summer nights! I’ve got just the lacy dream for dancing the night away.

Faerlia dressJust the softest, lightest hand dyed lace… Hugs the body perfectly.

Hemline has a faerylicious cut, sleeves open with antique lace trimmings. Beautiful and comfy, a bona fine princess dress.
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Faerlia dress 4This magical piece is artwork by Oona Elena Kassila, and it was inspired by and created in one of my favorite cities in the whole world: Barcelona.

And in Catalan, it whispers sweet nothings into my ear… An invitation for a tango, or a shot at flamenco… ♥.

~*♥*~

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My new treasures:

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~*♥*~

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A treasure box came from Barcelona, full of handmade wonders worthy of a Goddess…

Silver Mauve Shooting Star Feather Earrings

Silver Mauve Shooting Star Feather Earrings.

I was so excited that I didn’t even make it all the way home from the post office, had to open the parcel STRAIGHT AWAY… So we popped into a café nearby, hot chocolate for the kids and scissors for mama.

And WOW what the packet held inside… A golden beige Aphrodite lace dress…. A mauve lace faery dress (purrrrrrrfect with these earrings by the way) and many, many other dreamy treasures… I’ll photograph them for you later, promise.

I had to gather all my willpower not to start a fashion show right there in the café but we did make it home for that.. Boys were impressed by the fact that mama’s latest fashion statement  now is feathers in her ears 🙂 .

All the beauties in my parcel are handmade by the lovely and unique Faery Princess Oona Elena Kassila. You can find her treasures at Moonalia etsy shop. A new collection, Faerlica Alliance, a collaboration between Oona and her man Mo Puccino, is on it’s way… And you can just feel the love of these two people, in each of the pieces they’ve crafted together.

Beautiful, and beyond.

~*♥*~

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This one is pure girly stuff…

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My darling friend Oona Elena Kassila flew all the way from Barcelona to Helsinki for the last fitting of the Bohemian Princess Rose Cradle Dress I had requested her to design for me. The following day the dress flew to London to attend the London Fashion Week… AND got photographed by Vogue, among other adventures…

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Dear readers, welcome to the making of my most beautiful dress, ever:

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IMG_3928Mmmmmmm…. Some refreshments were required and shall I say earned, with all those sleepless nights spent while making this dress divine…

IMG_4042Oona worked on the dress for 80 hours, before she stopped counting… Every single silver chain, each pearl, every bit of vintage lace is personally sourced and chosen with love and care, then the dress itself… Handmade in Heaven.

IMG_4054Oona’s artwork. She rocks my world and you can see why.

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IMG_4083I can not tell you how much it means to me, how fortunate I feel,  to have been involved in such creative and artistic process – not to mention how much fun we had – but maybe these photos tell their story more poignantly than I could..

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IMG_3923 xDetails details… This dress is filled with secret details all around.

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IMG_4077Luxury dupino silk, French velvet in brocade as the slip… Too beautiful and absolutely unique.

If you’re into treasures and wonder, Oona’s clothing and her partner Mo’s jewellery can be found at Moonalia etsy shop.

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IMG_4101Life.

It can’t possibly get more Rita Hayworthesque than this…

IMG_4120 xAnd…. Swoooooooooooooooosh!

All photos by the one and only, Pipsa Lagus ♥.

~*♥*~

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February is hugely busy month for a blogger… There are photoshoots, fashion shows, discussions with magazines, fittings with designers, advertising and media agencies… A launch of something mindblowingly beautiful, yet very hush-hush, in the cards… And of course, the main event of the season; the London Fashion Week. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining.

I’m loving every second of it.

IMG_3730Yesterday, it was brainstorming at Godmother advertising with Godmother extraordinaire, Annika Di-Chiara, and the lady with magic on her fingertips; designer and artist Oona Elena Kassila.

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IMG_3780We got even Lele thingking…

IMG_3784_1The creative process absolutely requires cupcakes.

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IMG_3778With a happy full tummy, the ideas just swing & fly…

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Barcelona Ateljé! Workshops! Goddess Dresses! The magic of Oona and Mo.

IMG_3706The question of the day was: “What is your dream?

Once that’s crystal clear, the rest will come. Sometimes through nights of no sleep, tears, self-doubt, even moments of despair.

But it will come.

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And these boots… They’re made for walking.

Ready. Steady. And then Darling; Go.

Fly High ♥.

~*♥*~

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On Wednesday, I was invited to the movie premiere of “21 ways to ruin a marriage”. What a great evening we had… Movie was feelgood funny, new and old friends were all around – an evening of laughter and friendship it was.

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The dress code for the event was, of course, a wedding dress.

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The fairest of all the brides amongst the cast & crew was our lovely Duchess Hannele with her vintage inspired lace wedding dress, soft white Dior boots and a three-string pearl necklace.

Chic, sophisticated, feminine. Accessorized with the warmest smile.

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Make-up artist extraordinaire Hannele Herttua with a bona fide fashionista and make-up artist in the making, Jemina Pouttu.

The rest of us dressed up – or down – in a very unwedingly fashion. The queen of the fashionistas in attendance was, once and again, Heli Kajo. She had a quirky turquoise bag to go with her fuscia top and gold jewellery. Cool bold colors that I could never pull off… And Heli always does.

IMG_3495Black pailleted dress, Givenchy suede over the knee boots, vintage silver and marcasite earrings (a gift from Pipsa!), and a Chanel bag was as weddingly as I got.

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One of the truly lovely people I got to meet that evening was Laura Reunanen, who had just published her first album the day before! She was so kind and even gave me a copy of her cd – Café de Abejas: Mascot Moth – and I must say… I haven’t stopped listening to it since.

And could you imagine, this lady has actually composed “Les Fleurs du mal” by Baudelaire into chanson. My imagination wouldn’t ever have reached those highs… But in fact, my husband gave me that very book by Baudelaire for Xmas…  Now I have just the music to listen to, when I dive into his poetry. Incredible.

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True class: lace dress Zara, pearls Kristiina Metsi, lace cuffs Moonalia, boots Dior.

Then there was the afterparty…

With complimentary wedding cakes, perfectly styled for each of the impossible marriages of the film.

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Vesa Vierikko and director Johanna Vuoksenmaa having a blast

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426598_554278081256984_405393640_nThe cakes were too yummy… This is what the table looked like when we were through with them..

480887_554278347923624_538852940_nThe beautiful Jemina had real problems at the afterparty… There was such an interest for her phone number that our table was surrounded by quite a buzz throughout the evening… Not to mention the bombardment of text messages, after her number was discovered…

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Jemina’s shimmery Celine purse from Luxbag

Hannele and Torsti.

Such an aura of love there is, around and between these two… Just being around them makes one feel warm.

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Pipsa my lovely! The one, the only, the indomitable. The heart and soul of every party.

AND a shoulder to cry on when the world roughs a little person up and down and all around.

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Eeva Hautamäki & Hannele Herttua.

I get you, Johanna Vuoksenmaa. After this movie, I too wanted to kiss Armi Toivanen.

Or Riku Nieminen, if I’m quite honest… Never ever again will I associate that man with Munamies 🙂 .

Sorry dear readers outside Finland, there are things that just don’t translate…

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I’ll finish with this scene – one of the funniest in the movie. Sorry, no translation….

EILA: Mites isäs otti tän, kun siitä ei oo nyt kuulunu mitään? Se on yleensä joka kesä, kun mä oon vieny matot ulos, niin napannu ne ja pessy ne jossain vaiheessa, mut nyt ei oo tapahtunu mitään, vaikka ne on ollu siellä jo pari viikkoo.

SANNA: Etkö sä halunnu, että se jättäis sut rauhaan?

EILA: Ei nyt kaikkia traditioita tarvii silti katkasta! Vaikken mä isääs enää rakasta niin kyllä mä hänestä välitän”

~*♥*~

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kaisuetuosa111I am so excited, and so incredibly grateful.

Not only do I have I been invited to the London Fashion Week this February, but my friend and favorite designer Oona Elena Kassila has designed The Most Beautiful Dress in the World for me to wear during that hulabaloo.

This was the original sketch she showed me… As you might imagine, I fell in love with it the moment I first lay eyes on it.

If ever – no, WHEN – I get a little desk, a corner or a room to be called my LadyBohemia Ateljé, I shall frame this picture on my wall ♥. Such artistry, such beauty, such warmth of friendship it shines on me.

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Oona and I started our little fashion week project with a quest for the most beautiful silks, laces and rosies here in Helsinki, to be continued by Oona in the jewellery, fabrics and beads markets of Barcelona… She is working from her Ateljé in Spain, so she sends me photos and ideas of the work in progress at night time.

This is what I got yesterday.

A beautiful silver chain with charmingly faceted silver beads that shimmer with light… A delicate moonstone… I’ll be walking on air when carrying this dress. No, I’ll be dancing on roses.

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And this is where we’re at, two weeks before the event.

It’s so… poetically beautiful that I’m lost for words.

And next weekend my beautiful friend will fly over for a fitting… To make everything just perfect.

Oh, I feel just like a princess.

~*♥*~

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