#stylebysyraluna

Fascinators: Fun, Fashion and Fancy

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

Fascinators have always been a “must-have” accessory when attending aristocratic events, weddings, in particular, royal weddings in the United Kingdom. They have signaled the height of fashion. A level of elegance for many. And an element of fun with their unique shapes, colours, and textures.

Fascinators have sporadically made their way to the US with events like the Kentucky Derby, tea parties, and church ( if you know, you know). With the popularity of the Bridgeton books and Netflix series, fascinators have made a resurgence in the fashion realm. Growing up in England and the U.S., I’ve always been fond of fascinators and how they elevate the most classic looks. Fascinators can be a conversational piece with their unique shapes, and colours with displays of lace, pearls, flowers, or feathers

I recently had an event where I needed a fascinator and of course, I didn’t want anything mass-produced. Hence, my good friend Traci, owner of Chapeax by Traci, quickly started brainstorming and created two beautiful works of art that captured the moment. Each fascinator was designed with the unique personalities of me and my sister in mind.

Women of all cultures have adorned their hair with scarves, feathers, gold dust, or detailed hair pins. However, the fascinator as we know it was introduced in the era of Marie Antoinette. French fashion had a huge influence within Europe making the fascinator an “it” piece among British elites. The fascinator had its moment of influence in American fashion especially in the 1920s among flappers and again during the 1980s, especially with the fashion icon Princess Diana. The fascinators are now seen as “the statement” piece that is worn to English weddings, high teas, and other events where fascinators are “encouraged” to be worn.

Be intentional and get your Pink Back

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

Happy New Year! Many of you know that I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions but I do set goals throughout the year, which I find easier to achieve. I had set the goal of being more intentional in my life. For example, I am more mindful about what I consume, how I spend my time, and who I am spending it with. Many of you know that I love fashion but few actually know that I love history and learning interesting facts about nature…this has a connection, I promise. While scrolling on TikTok, I learned a very interesting fact about my favourite animal..pink flamingos.

TikTok has been instrumental in me being intentional in my life. It has challenged my perspective on life in general. I follow, Shawnda, on TikTok and she shared that female Pink Flamingos lose their pink over time while caring for their young; they lose their pink to the point they turn grey or white. Flamingos’ colour can fade or disappear for many other factors as well such as environment or food but I find it fascinating that Pink flamingos are pouring everything that they have such as energy and food into their young and you can physically see the drain on them.

The creator poses the question “What is causing you to lose your “pink?” Who or what are you pouring into that is draining you of your energy, your inspiration…of your “pink.” Shandra then follows up the question ” How are you going to get your pink back? As a lover of all things pink, I had to make a post on this intriguing topic.

Personally, I realized I was losing my pink when I was over-extending myself. I would always say “yes” to my friends and my family even though I was beyond exhausted. I was the only one working on my marriage pouring everything I could into a relationship that was beyond repair. My environment was pure chaos and I felt pure exhaustion every time I would walk into the house. I literally could not heal and be productive. I had lost my pink.

Now I’m getting my pink back, literally and figuratively. “No” is a complete sentence. If at any point, I feel that I’m overextending myself and my pink is starting to dull, I step back and course correct. It’s been 2 years since my divorce and I started to get my pink back when I realized that I really did everything I could to save my marriage before signing the divorce papers. I have been very intentional about my environment; I’ve literally surrounded myself with pink. My bedroom decor is in pink, my bathroom is pink, my kitchen accessories are… you guessed it..pink.

I truly believe that everyone looks amazing in pink and it gives you an instant glow, even if you’re going through difficult times. So, I challenge you, to identify what is draining you of your pink and what are you going to do to get your pink back?

Happy New Year and get your pink back!

Malibu Barbie Cafe: Chicago

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According to my mother and Nordstrom, I’ve always been obsessed with pink and of course, Barbie! With the world premiere of the Barbie movie and a collaboration with pretty much every major brand, and now the launch of Malibu Barbie Cafe” I am truly a Barbie girl living in a Barbie World.

Every year, my family vacations along Lake Michigan, and this year it was in Racine, Wisconsin. I quickly learned that it is a 2-hour drive to Chicago, where Malibu Barbie Cafe is located. From start to finish, it is an experience. First, you must make a reservation via bucketlisters.com where you have the option to have bar or table seating (pricing will vary). Then you select your entree off of the menu which is included in the ticket price. I opted for the “Pacific Paradise Rainbow” pancakes and my dad, who was my date for the event, opted for the “Beach Burger” which was served with this flavorful “secret sauce” which was amazing. Drinks are ordered once you are seated; they had pink-themed cocktails, beach-themed teas, and non-alcoholic drinks. I opted for a “big splash soda” (coke).

Once you enter the cafe, you have stepped into Malibu Barbie’s World and you are surrounded by beach themes and pink! The cafe has a gift shop where you can purchase Malibu Barbie dolls and other Barbie accessories. Then there is the bar which is decorated with surfboards and accents of pink, even the cocktail napkins were..you guessed it pink. The waiters were all dressed as Ken dolls all wearing pink short sleeve button-down shirts…classic!

Throughout the cafe there are many photo ops from the pink phone, to the boom box and of course a life-size Barbie box. There was an outside area where you could eat, take many more photos, and for a $1 donation, you could rollerskate. Unfortunately, it started raining so we stayed inside. Looking around I saw so many moms there with their daughters and experiencing Barbie’s world. If you loved Barbie growing up (and still do as an adult) I recommend the Malibu Barbie Cafe Experience, you will be in great pink company.

The Malibu Barbie Cafe pop-up is in the following cities: Austin, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco. Unfortunately, they don’t have plans to come to the Washington D.C. area ( I asked).

Be Intentional and Celebrate the Everyday

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

It is so easy to get wrapped in the routine of everyday life and overlook the beauty that can be found in the day-to-day. These last two years have challenged so many of us to reexamine our daily lives and learn to really appreciate what is important and to be really present in the moments that make up this journey called life.

Turning 40 has changed my perspective on many aspects of life and choosing to be more intentional about my daily life has become a focus. I first wanted to be intentional about my personal space and this meant moving into a luxury apartment and creating my ideal oasis. Before furnishing any other room in my new space, I made sure to create my dream bedroom. Those that know me know that I’m obsessed with pink. I opted for a blush pink duvet set by Pottery Barn Teen (yes it’s teen but everything I wanted) and complemented the room with blush-coloured accent pieces and curtains that created my pink oasis.

I’ve moved a lot in my life and every time it is a reboot in my life and this move was filled with a lot of emotion for many reasons but it has really encouraged me to unplug and enjoy my space with a bubble bath or an amazing view of the sunrise and sunset.

My time in Spain taught me that meals are more than just eating food; they are an experience to celebrate the many events that makeup life. Meals are so rushed in the U.S. that we neglect the beauty that meals bring: time with loved ones and recapping the day, celebrations, or just a break throughout the day. Sandwiches are a snack, meal or an extraordinary experience. I’ve always enjoyed sandwiches, they’re simply easy to make yet delightfully satisfying with simple ingredients like PB and J to a classic Turkey and Cheese, the options are endless. I came across a flavorful sandwich made of chewy ciabatta bread, smoked gouda, smoked turkey breast, sweet honey mustard, and crisp sliced apples combined to make an amazing food experience. I found myself reveling in the exquisite taste of this one sandwich that has become a staple on my menu. This is more than building an incredible sandwich; it was about savoring an experience, combing different ingredients, and sharing that with my family, (who also love it, including a vegetarian.) Not only have I elevated the ingredients for the most amazing sandwich I have ever assembled. I’ve even elevated the dishes to the Aspen Collection from Crate and Barrel, to serve all of my meals on and create a daily culinary experience of excellence.

Being intentional will elevate your daily experiences but it will also encourage you to be patient and appreciate the process of becoming a greater version of yourself. Now go and celebrate the “every day.”

Hello 2022

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

2021 is coming to a close and I know that I have M.I.A but with good reason. This year has brought so many challenges for many but it has also brought many blessings. As promised, I want to share with you why I’ve been M.I.A.

Around this time last year, I learned that mom has a brother via AncenstoryDNA who looks like he could be her twin. We have a new uncle! it has been exciting getting to know the latest addition to our family. In June, we finally decide to meet in person, choosing North Carolina as our meeting spot because it was the halfway point between Maryland and Florida. It was a powerful, emotional, and insightful reunion that is blossoming into a beautiful relationship.

2021 was also a time for personal reflection and growth. I moved which helped change my perspective on many issues in my personal and professional life. Moving and decorating have allowed me to express my style in home decor. I love expressing my personal style fashionably but being able to express your style throughout your home is happiness and creativity on another level. One of the most important things that I’ve learned this year is that your environment has a direct correlation to your personal growth and healing. Of course, there are many books, blogs, and videos dedicated to this topic but to experience that peace is incredible.

As we approach 2022, I personally want to approach the year with intent. I want to be intentional about my time, the people I choose to surround myself with, and what I spend my time on. So in 2022 be happy and be intentional.

40 and fabulous

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

As I counted down the days to my 40th birthday, I naturally found myself reflecting on the past years of my life and I quickly decided that I was going to embrace this next decade with the things I love most, my baby sister and photographer Michelle, fashion, glitter, pink, chocolate, and elegance.

I opted for a 40 and Fabulous photo shoot to celebrate such a milestone birthday. I rented a room at the Omni Hotel in DC where I gave myself the gift of luxury. I planned my outfits for many months selecting pieces that I felt forty represents: fabulous, fun, flirty sexy, and spontaneous.

I had an incredible time celebrating me. My day was filled with luxury, dramatic garments, great food, and best of all I was able to capture it all with my bestie. Yes is great to feel special on your birthday but every day is a special occasion, so dress accordingly.

Eloquii blouse, Fashionbombdaily Skirt
Eloquii mini dress, Ann Taylor shoes
Eloquii Sequins Dress
Just Fab Shoes

Modern Lusso: The Pop-up Event

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to fashion, I adore the uniqueness of boutique brands; they have a way of capturing and promoting quality and culture within a label. Niko Kokkinos, creator of Modern Lusso frequently visits Greece, collaborating with local Greek designers bringing their hand-crafted creations to the US market with the e-commerce boutique.Niko is back from Mykonos bringing with him several inspired pieces reflecting the culture of Greece, from the azure blue of the waters to the meandros or Greek key design stamped on the sites attributed to Greek mythology, love, and moral virtues. A taste of Greece was showcased in a private outdoor event, presenting the latest collection and a preview of what’s to come from future pop-up shops.

The event held at his residence had a couple of tables set with Greecian wares. The slowly setting sun glints off the hand-crafted jewelry while the Mediterranean scents of the candles danced through the evening. Clients perused stone-washed tees, hand-woven clutches, and other Great finds while sampling the traditional orekitkó (Greek hors-d’œuvre).

Until the official pop-up shop, you can shop the latest collection at http://www.shopmodernlusso.com. Photography by British Neko

Modern Lusso
J Brothers(coming soon)
Stories2Wear
necklace by Stories2Wear
JourNaper Athens
Argalios Woven Clutch
Natalia Ntefa
Devine Reed Defuser by JourNaper
Themis Greek Key Drop Earrings

A day in M-day, a German brand

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One of the most beautiful things about social media is connection. Connection with family, and friends that I’ve met throughout my travels, and exposure to different cultures, fashions and ways of life across the globe. With my daily visits to TikTok, I am getting to know incredible designers and stylists. One, in particular, is M-Day , a German brand with edgy classic styles. As soon as I saw this, pink striped long cardigan (pink is my favourite colour) I had to have it. Naturally, I made the international purchase and added it to my wardrobe…Vielen Danke. I will be returning for more pieces. Check out their website for some very cute and must-have items.

Strickmantel Länge Maxi beige mit pink MG-999

59,99 €
Knitted coat length Maxi beige with pink MG-999

59.99 €

Experience Modern Lusso: Greek Culture and Style

~ Syraluna ~ 1 Comment

The pandemic has changed many aspects of life including my shopping habits. I still love my favourite brands but I’ve focused my attention to smaller boutiques that really focus on quality and lifestyle. One in particular is Modern Lusso, a European brand that focuses on Greek life, culture and style, based in Annapolis, MD.

Modern Lusso was developed by Niko Kokkinos, who spends his summers in Greece and wanted to bring his love for his country and culture to fashion conscience individuals in the US. You can shop the latest Grecian inspired products on the redesigned website: www.shopmodernlusso.com.

I recently met up with Niko to chat about the progress and future of the brand. Last time we spoke, we were nine months into the pandemic and the brand’s production was at a temporary standstill. Though we’re still in the pandemic restrictions have been lifted and Modern Lusso is able to bring Greek fashion, culture and style to the American market again. The most recent collaboration is with Amigis Greek Olive Oil and I must tell you, it is a smooth, rich and full flavored olive oil. I bought a bottle for my dad, who is Greek and an olive oil connoisseur, he was very impressed with the selection of olive oil.

Calypso hoops

One of a kind jewelry statement pieces really complete any look and to find such unique pieces shop Stories2Wear. Each piece is inspired and hand-etched with ancient Greek patterns. Just look at the the delicate details on these earrings. And what makes them the perfect accessory (for me) they’re pink! The Calypso etched hoops are the perfect statement piece to complete your summer look.

Modern Lusso plans to collaborate with more Greek brands while expanding the in-house brand that is Modern Lusso. Niko has a vision of more in-house designs, expansion into swim wear, Luxury Travel while embracing the European way of life…quality over quantity. The e-commerce boutique has been able to bring a sample of Greece to the states with success. His immediate future plans include pop-up shops in Annapolis and the Washington DC area, giving shoppers immediate access to Grecian style. No matter the look you’re striving for, there is a unique piece that will fit your personal style. Now go and experience the culture and life style that is Modern Lusso.