Top 10 Blog Posts of 2019

Following a recent poll on my Instagram Stories, the majority of you wanted a recap of the most popular posts from the past twelve months so I picked out the 10(ish) most popular ones and will be sharing them here in this post. Counting down from 10 to 1, with number 1 being the most popular, here goes!

10. The revolutionary 3D printed bags from Nilara's Aeternum collection have earned a well-deserved place in this year's countdown

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/12/nilara-launches-aeternum-bag-collection.html

Photo by Carlo Jourdan

9. Apivita has definitely been a hit with you all - remember you have until tomorrow to take part in the giveaway

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/introducing-apivita.html

8. Missed the foundation I had on for my wedding? Read all about it here:

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-favourite-catrice-cosmetics.html

7. This year I have discovered a new skin care technique which have revolutionized my whole routine!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/skin-care-diaries-gua-sha-and-its.html

6. Looking for a way to stay in shape and shed a few kilos? Nupo is the way to go!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/03/shake-it-till-you-make-it-nupo-malta.html

5. Travel is a subject most of you like to read about. My 30th birthday trip to Venice has definitely been a favourite...

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-weekend-in-venice.html

4. ...as has our honeymoon in Japan!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/09/places-to-visit-in-japan-part-1.html

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/places-to-visit-in-japan-part-2.html

3. Peeling feet most certainly didn't gross you out! Check out this wonder product from SVR for baby soft feet!

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/08/svr-xerial-peel.html

2. L-Għarusa is definitely popular with you guys! Reminisce about the last episode from the first season with this post

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/04/l-garusa-filming-of-scene-from-last.html

1. As expected, my biggest splurge this year, was definitely the most popular! Check out my 30th birthday gift to myself in this post

https://laraspintofstyle.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-birthday-bag-my-abc-dior-lady-dior.html

Thank you so much for all your support throughout this year and past years! Cheers to an even bigger and better 2020!

Nilara launches Aeternum Bag Collection

Being innovative in a world where fashion recycles itself time and time again is quite a challenge so I was really intrigued to see what the wonder woman behind Nilara brand was going for when I received the invitation for a lavish brunch at The Ballroom at the Corinthia Hotel & Spa in Attard to reveal the Aeternum Bag Collection.

About Nilara

Nilara has now become a household name with many ladies wanting to make an elegant statement with the clothes they wear, but the brand does not only cater for evening wear. They also cater for casual wear, business attire and accessories. But before I delve into Nilara's latest project, I wanted to share with you some very ambitious projects that the team behind Nilara are embarking on next year as well as their commitment to ethical fashion production.

Nilara is a registered Maltese Company with Nilara as a registered brand and has been in business for 5 years going into their 6th year. Nilara is a family company owned by Nilay Camilleri and Ivan Camilleri. With a fully functional production factory in Ghana, Africa. Nilara Ghana is run by Mr Camilleri being the brain and driving force behind the Ghana project, Nilara has managed to create jobs in Malta and also in Ghana treating all employees equally. Nilara strongly believes in Ethical Fashion that recognises that there are human being behind the clothes that we wear.

Nilara launched its online store www.nilarastore.com in November 2019, offering worldwide delivery and is in the process of launching an IOS and Android App, first week of January.

2020 is going to be a big year for Nilara where they plan to put Malta at the forefront of fashion worldwide as well as embarking on new projects such as debuting a skincare line with ethically sourced shea and cocoa butter, a homeware line, kids clothing and even menswear.

About Aeternum Bag Collection

Nilara, have during a brunch held at the Corintha Hotel & Spa, announced the launch of a new innovative product fully made in Malta. The collection of fully 3D printed bags, named ‘Aeternum’ which is targeted to challenge the perception of fashion accessories. 

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past year and today we are here to launch the ‘Aeternum’ Bag Collection. A project that combines designer knowledge with technical knowledge together with classic sewing craftsmanship to create the amazing 'Aeternum’ bag collection - all printed in 3D and all made in Malta, we are determined to put Malta in the world map as a producer of sustainable fashion brand fully registered in Malta” said Nilay Camilleri, CEO of Nilara during the brunch.

During the said brunch distinct guests and various other attendees were treated to an exclusive first look at the 3D print bags before they were made available for the general public.

DESIGN CONCEPT AND FEATURES

The Aeternum Bag Collection was created with the approach of a design with a modern vision, reimagining traditional aesthetics with an authenticity and innovation that is uniquely Nilara. The thought process also took into consideration the following factors:

• Green Concept: No material waste during production thus sustainable. No Animal Product or byproducts were used making the product fully making it cruelty-free and earth-friendly. 
• Recyclable: The material used is fully certified PETG with glass fibre reinforcement, the manufacturing process is very lean without any material waste, hence making it fully recyclable and environment-friendly. 
• Interchangeable inserts: Very functional, multi-purpose inserts for the ultimate comfort. 
• Sleek and Unlimited Designs: Printed on demand and a fully customizable concept. 

The brand is in the process of applying for to patent the Aeternum Bag Collection. 

The ‘Aeternum’ – 3D Print Bag Collection is now available online starting at €99. For more information please visit our online store https://www.nilarastore.com/collections/aeternum including free delivery available in Malta.

If I had to pick out a design, I would go for the trapezoid shape which is unconventional though very in right now. You may find all the bags on Nilara online shop too, just in time for Christmas!

Myself, Nilay Camilleri & Caroline Abela

What do you think of these bags? Are they something you would consider buying?

Photos by Justin Ciappara & Carlo Jourdan

Salvaged Beginnings | Parascandalo's latest collection

Even though winter has started to show its gloomy, cold, rainy self, the fashion industry is already in a more joyous state with Spring/Summer 2020 collections gradually being launched. The local fashion scene is no exception and last Friday I had the pleasure of attending Parascandalo’s fashion show entitled Salvaged Beginnings.

Hosted at the MCAST Paola campus, of which the designer himself is an alumnus, the collection draws inspiration from Marco Parascandalo’s hometown of Birgu and aims at reinventing the classics in his own, signature way.

The collection features a monochromatic colour palette with adventurous and strong accents of neon green and purple for the more casual pairings such as hoodies, mini skirts and sportswear. I was surprised to see more elegant pieces from Parascandalo and of course, they were my favourites. I especially loved the two-piece ensemble with the long skirt which I think of it as a modern re-interpretation of the evening gown. I love the way the fabric flows and the metallic accents which add allure to the whole look.

Other favourite pieces were the checkerboard skirts which I can see myself styling very easily and I was happy to see the iconic and much loved ‘faqa' OĦT’ logo make a comeback. Well done Parascandalo for putting together this collection!

Shoes for this show were from ALDO Shoes and sunglasses from Sunglass+Sunglass.

Hair was done by Lee Grixti from Lee's Hairstylist and his assistants and makeup by Elaine Galea and Jean Zammit. 

Catwalk photography by Mark Soler 

Cassandra Spiteri presenting the show, wearing Parascandalo - photo by Justin Ciappara

My outfit for the show, wearing Parascandalo

photo by Justin Ciappara

'Between the Folds' : Giving Plastic A New Life | Wearable Art by James Dimech

Last night, I was invited to the opening of local sustainable fashion designer James Dimech's annual wearable art exhibition at the lavish AX Rosselli in Valletta. The works of James Dimech are not new to this blog as I have witnessed his exceptional work in the past.

Model's portrait, ICAM STUDIOS

Between the Folds: Giving Plastic A New Life concludes 2019 for James Dimech where his expertise in architecture and origami really shines through, reflecting an exploration of form and structure. The collection of 7 garments was created in response to 'The European Week for Waste Reduction'. In fact, the fabrics used for this collection are made out of plastic bottles. Yes, that's right! From plastic bottles to flakes to polyester yarn, to ultimately, fabric, this is in James's own words, the material of the future. There are different textures and thicknesses of materials some of which even simulate fabrics such as silk.

The collection features some of these materials in what in my opinion is a love letter to sustainable fabric, a gigantic step in the right direction of we are to really start helping the dire climate situation our planet is in. The clothing industry is known to be one of the worst polluters of our planet with the trash produced, not to mention the exploitation of thousands if not millions of child labourers and adult workers in third world countries. I have to agree with Mr Dimech when he says that this is the way forward to reduce the use of plastic and recycle the plastic we use. Having experienced the fabric first hand myself, I could feel it is sturdy and durable, thus providing sustainable fabrics that will last.

The exhibition will be open to the public at the AX Rosselli until the 24th of November 2019 and I really encourage you to visit as artists like James Dimech and concepts such as sustainable fabrics made out of recycled plastic deserve all our support.

The Body Shop Christmas Collections 2019

It's officially socially acceptable to talk about Christmas, and what better way to start the festivities than with The Body Shop's Christmas releases and seasonal gifts?!

I was invited to visit The Body Shop's newly revamped store at The Plaza Shopping Complex in Sliema where I was given a thorough explanation of what to expect this year as well as experiencing some of the new releases.

This year's theme is 'To Dream Big' where the company has drawn inspiration from women from all around the world who have contributed to making the world a better place in different aspects.

I'm going to start with what you have all been waiting for, the advent calendars. They come in three sizes - small, medium and large and in fitting with the theme, each box in the calendar has an achievement by women printed on it.

Then there are the seasonal scents, and this year we have Juicy Pear, Rich Plum and Warm Vanilla. Vanilla always remains a favourite with me but if I had to pick another favourite, the accolade will go to the Juicy Pear range! I love how it smells fresh yet it has all the Christmas feels packed into it! Each scent has a range of products such as body mist, shower gel, bath bombs, etc and you can also find them in gift packs to suit any budget.

This year the packaging is very traditional looking yet it's still typical of The Body Shop with fun prints and colours all around. I think their seasonal offerings will make great gifts and stocking fillers anyone will be happy to find under their tree! As usual, all The Body Shop products are cruelty free and most of them are manufactured with FairTrade ingredients. There have also been some new makeup releases including a highlighter, red liquid lipstick and glow drops which you put under your foundation for a dewy finish.

Lastly, I wanted to talk to you about the Love Your Body Loyalty Program and it's benefits. 

♡ Basically, €10 are paid upon application and you get your loyalty card which entitles you to 10% off your purchases for a whole year. Each purchase of €20 of more, will also earn you a stamp (limited to 2 stamps per visit). 

♡ Upon collecting the 4th stamp, you are entitled to a gift worth €10 and upon collecting the 8th stamp, you will be entitled to a gift worth €13

♡ If you visit The Body Shop during your birthday month, you are also entitled to a gift worth €10.

Other perks of joining the Love Your Body Club include being the first to know about offers and new products from your favourite shop!

What are you most tempted to get this year?