OXYMORE PARFUMS: Luxury fragrances for Dreamers and Poets.

José Amorim
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OXYMORE PARFUMS: Luxury fragrances for Dreamers and Poets.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

While Perfumery stores are fully packed with fragrances that come and go, sometimes you meet a fragrance brand worth exploring. Here is OXYMORE PARFUMS. This new brand was created by Carine Lebrun, a perfumery professional and passionate by fragrances since her childhood. After working for prestigious fragrance houses on international projects for 20 years, the time has come for her to develop her world and propose her fragrances. Here is our full review of OXYMORE PARFUMS.

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A story of contrasts that make sense

OXYMORE PARFUMS is a brand of luxury fragrances based on unexpected and harmonious contrasts. Carine Lebrun got her inspiration from her life and things that have marked her career. 100% French-made, OXYMORE Eau de Parfum was designed in Paris and produced in Grasse, the historic cradle of perfumery. They are made of quality raw materials to achieve a balance of top notes to base notes. It is a conception of perfumery perceived as unique art. Carine Lebrun wants to surprise you with her amazing contrasts, a true olfactory oxymoron. You can read her exclusive interview by clicking here.

Oxymore-Parfums

OXYMORE PARFUMS: Three fragrances to make you dream

With her brand’s creation, Carine Lebrun wanted a personal story and a crafted creation with the very best ingredients. She worked with Fabrice Olivieri – Parfumologie. From this first opus, three new fragrances were created:

  • BLOND TENEBREUX
  • TENDRESSE CRUELLE
  • OUD ATLANTIQUE

With Blond Ténébreux, you will be seduced by this bright-dark story. The radiant bergamot and the incisive lemon, jostled by mischievous cardamom, reveal a slightly spicy heart of violet leaf and elemi, softened by the iris. A light note of baked apple announces the inevitably addictive side of the fragrance, which coils in the background in a blond suede enhanced with patchouli, haloed with a cashmeran accord, cedar, Tonka bean and white musk. The initial inspiration for this fragrance was a film character, playing on ambivalent contrasts. You will be surprised by this fragrance as you will feel like being in a movie. A complex story in which you know when it starts but you do not know where it will lead you to.

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With Tendresse Cruelle, it is a different olfactory film scenario. The comforting tenderness of heliotrope and the delicacy of magnolia are jolted by the scathing notes of aldehydes, pink berries and black pepper, before surrendering to an addictive base of amber and labdanum, refreshed with an enigmatic incense.

Oxymore-Parfums-range
Conception: www.vdemantke.com

Last but not least, Oud Atlantique is a story that will lead you around the world from East to West. The invigorating spray heckles the sparkle of cardamom, caressed by the essence of clary sage in its sweet aromatic freshness. The heart of spices, where pepper, nutmeg, and pink berries mingle, blows on the rosewood pontoon which brings us to the precious, oriental and mysterious notes of Oud wood, myrrh, gurjun and wood of Gaïac, warmed with absolute clary sage and patchouli, all wrapped in a cloud of amber and white musk.

With OXYMORE PARFUMS, you will discover three original olfactory stories. They are crafted as beautiful films that will lead you to new adventures, made for fragrance lovers. Carine Lebrun wanted to create fragrances that would not disappoint. From the initial first top notes to the base’s last accords, she wanted to offer fragrances that will tell the full story to the end. It is, for sure, a fragrance brand to follow. Do not hesitate to visit the official website. You can order a discovery sample kit and try the fragrances at home without a problem.
https://oxymoreparfums.com

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Exclusive Interview With Carine Lebrun, Founder of OXYMORE PARFUMS

José Amorim
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1
Exclusive Interview With Carine Lebrun, Founder of OXYMORE PARFUMS
Reading Time: 6 minutes

When you think sometimes that everything was already created-and-said in the Perfumery industry, there is always someone to remind you that creativity has no limits. Here is Carine Lebrun, the creative mind behind OXYMORE PARFUMS. It is a new perfumery brand launching now and Carine Lebrun, its founder, accepted to play our exclusive interview game.

(Version Française ici)

LuxuryActivist (LA): Dear Carine, how did your passion for Perfumery start? What are your influences and what type of perfumery do you appreciate? What are your first olfactory memories?
Carine Lebrun (CL): I am passionate about perfumes and smells since my childhood. I remember once putting my nose on a bindweed flower in the street. I was just old enough to know it was a weed, so I wasn’t expecting much from it. But when I dipped my nose into it, I was immediately overwhelmed. I could feel an unexpected smell of marzipan, and I stayed immobile on it for a while, incredulous.

My grandfather had a small rock garden, in which he grew thyme, which he did not fail to crush between his fingers to make me smell it. I continued with the thuja next to it, and took the habit to smell everything! Little by little, I began to make the connection between the smells, without having too much explanation of their common points at that time (rose and lychee, tangerine and thyme).

A little later, I collected the scent gums of our childhood, then the fragrance small samples, before trying my hand at formulation by mixing different fragrances, to which I added some herbs and cooking spices. The result was inconclusive, but it took more to discourage me! Each perfume has inhabited me and left traces, which emerge without my necessarily being conscious of it. I have the constant desire to innovate, but of course, the perfume culture that I have forged for myself impacts my creations.

Sensitive, I store references of all types (visual, cinematographic, literary, smells of everyday life, and people I meet ). I believe all of this is brewing in the corner of my head and spurting out as I create. I appreciate the original scents, which are invitations to travel, making you dream, with an assumed character, which tell stories. I like it when the notes “heckle”, jostle each other while registering in overall harmony. And beautiful raw materials are important!

LA: Today you are launching OXYMORE and its three Eaux de Parfum. What were your motivations for going freelance now?
CL: After 20 years of developing fragrances internationally on all types of projects, I have spent the last few years working more specifically on niche projects. I have been fortunate enough to create fragrances for great brands, and the urge to “make my babies” has grown.

Oxymore-Parfums

LA: How to describe OXYMORE, the creative process, who are the talents behind these fragrances, and what type of client are they intended?
CL: OXYMORE is a brand of luxury perfumes, alternative, sober and subversive at the same time, based on unexpected and harmonious contrasts. Regarding the creative process, for Blond Tenebreux for example, I was inspired by the ambivalence of a film character, and I developed it by focusing on a French celebrity whom I would like her to see wearing it. For Tendresse Cruelle, it was another film character that inspired me.

Regarding the Oud, I wanted to make a different Oud. Making an Oxymoron with the Oud was not easy; the Oud is conveying the notion of preciousness. I then looked at its origin, Asia Pacific, and decided to go to the other side of the globe, to design an Oud that would be Atlantic, and therefore marine! For the formulation of these three Eaux de Parfum, I wanted to collaborate with a talented Perfumer: Fabrice Olivieri – Parfumologie.

I remember our meeting at the beginning of my training at Cinquième Sens: I had a profound admiration of his excellent taste, and especially of his talent as a Perfumer: he made me feel some of his compositions at the time, so beautiful and original. that I still remember 20 years later. I appreciate his approach to perfumery, he is also a true perfume lover, and I appreciate his compositions’ timeless and qualitative aspect!

LA: We see that you immediately launched e-commerce along with your brand. Some brands have been slow to do this. Why was that important to you?
CL: We are witnessing a real boom in perfume purchases via e-commerce, and even more so in the current context. It seemed essential to me that customers be able to have access to Eau de Parfum in this way.

LA: What is your vision of the perfume market today, and how do you stand out with OXYMORE PARFUMS?
CL: The number of niche perfumes has exploded over the last decade to meet a demand from consumers tired of seeing too many “copycats” in traditional perfumeries and, seeing a “collapse” of the fragrance after the surge top notes. It was for these niche brands to offer more qualitative and original fragrances. Today, the same phenomenon is reproducing with the niche perfume sector, which is also saturated. With OXYMORE, my wish is to surprise, inspire dreams, and offer quality Eaux de Parfums. I want to create perfumes that tell stories, with pretty notes that don’t disappoint in the heart and the base.

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LA: Do you have any projects for OXYMORE in the near future that you can share with us?
CL: I would like OXYMORE to be established in Paris, in Province, in Europe, and elsewhere! In terms of product development, I have many ideas for the future, particularly creating an ingredients range that would include Oud Atlantique.

LA: What can we wish you for the future?
CL: For me as for everyone, a more lenient context. And I would like to continue to reach perfume lovers, aesthetes, enthusiasts, dreamers, poets!

Luxuryactivist warmly thanks Carine Lebrun for her time and wish her all the best for her future endeavours. Do not hesitate to visit OXYMORE official website: https://oxymoreparfums.com.

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Travelling & Vaping: The Do’s and Don’ts of Vaping Abroad

Carol Highland
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0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Everyone knows that traveling can be stressful. Getting to the airport, navigating the security queues, finding a space for your hand language, not to mention getting your hire car, and actually making it to your accommodation can all be difficult tasks. However, it could potentially be even worse if you’re a vaper and don’t know the rules regarding this popular activity in other countries.

Therefore, if you intend to vape whilst traveling and also when you reach your destination of choice, you need to know the do’s and don’ts of vaping abroad. Don’t worry if you don’t know the current rules and regulations; all you need to do is keep reading to find everything you need to know about vaping and traveling. 

Source: Pixabay

DO check the local laws 

If you are traveling to a foreign country, before you start packing your vape pen and juice, you first need to check the local laws and regulations regarding vapes. 

Depending on where you are going, you may find that some countries will not even allow you to enter the country with an e-cigarette. Find out the countries where vaping is illegal here. 

When researching the local laws, make sure you check an official government website rather than just a travel forum to make sure you have the most up to date information.

DON’T pack your vape in your suitcase 

There are very strict rules as to what you can and can’t take on an airplane, as well as how you pack them. When it comes to vapes, you should not pack your vape pen and juice in your check-in luggage but instead, keep it in your hand luggage or carry-on bag. 

You should also remove the battery from your vape if possible and pack it in a clear, plastic bag. Your tank should be empty also to avoid any leakage. 

Vaping-abroad-tips-travel
Source: Pixabay

DO stock up before you fly 

Although you can buy vape juice abroad, you may not be able to get the exact flavor that you like. Therefore, be sure to visit Vape CBD World before you travel to choose from an extensive range of popular and trendsetting flavors.

Currently, you are allowed to take 1 liter (1000ml) of liquid with you on a flight, but that includes all creams, toothpaste, aerosol, and any other liquids you want to take with you. 

DON’T expect to vape on-board

Apologies in advance to nervous flyers, but unfortunately, you are not allowed to vape when on an airplane. Furthermore, you should always keep your vape pen safely hidden away in your hand luggage to avoid any confusion over usage. 

It is worth noting that people travelling to countries such as Saudi Arabia have been arrested for attempting to vape whilst travelling. 

Ultimately, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy your vacation and indulge in your love of vaping simultaneously. As long as you gather as much information as possible before you travel and adhere to all local rule and regulations, you can happily sit back, relax and vape away to your heart’s content. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.
Feature image: Pixabay

Getting Nervous About The Big Day? 5 Tips To Keep Calm And Carry On

Carol Highland
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0
Reading Time: 5 minutes

A great deal of time is spent on detailed prep, like personalised wedding invitations, flowers and décor, leading up to the day that you wed your beloved. As your wedding day approaches, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious about the main event. 

When you’re consumed with concerns, it’s not possible to live in the moment and to savour and enjoy very aspect of the romantic and magical wedding day experience.

If your big day is looming, follow our 5 practical tips to ensure that you’re calm and able to carry on to celebrate the beginning of your happy life together…

1. Hire The Very Best

To ensure that you’re able to relax on your wedding day, it’s highly recommended that you hire the best team of vendors and suppliers to professionally execute it. If you can afford to hire the services of an experienced wedding planner, they will take good care of everything for you. Important wedding day tasks, such as organizing the catering, entertainment, photographer/videographer, and wedding venue décor will be expertly managed by your wedding planner so that you can calmly enjoy your nuptials.

If you’re getting hitched on a tight budget, make sure that you choose professional and experienced wedding vendors that are skilled and reliable. Ask a loyal and trustworthy friend to help you out, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of wedding planning and organising that’s required for you to have your dream wedding. 

Cover the possible small wedding emergencies that may crop up, on your big day, by having an emergency item kit available, and a to-do list that a member of your bridal party can take charge of.

When choosing personalised wedding invitations, and other items of chic wedding stationery, select the finest quality paper, card and design, to create a luxurious romantic vibe.

2. Prep Your Wedding Attire

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It’s absolutely essential that you ensure that you’re comfortable on your wedding day. The discomfort of new shoes, or lingerie that cuts into you, can ruin your enjoyment of the big day.

It’s therefore vital that you and your future spouse prep your wedding attire prior to tying the knot. Breaking in your elegant and stylish wedding shoes, by wearing them around the house in the weeks leading up to the big day, can minimise aching feet and blisters at your wedding.

If you’re wearing a stunning strapless wedding gown, and an ill-fitting bra that cuts into your chest, you won’t be comfortable or able to enjoy the experience of the first dance with your new spouse. Make sure that your luxurious designer lingerie fits perfectly and comfortably under your wedding dress by slipping on the ensemble for a pre-wedding dance around your living room.

3. Take Time For Yourself

Once you’ve mailed out your personalised wedding invitations to family and friends, the weeks leading up to your wedding day will disappear in a flash! To ensure that you’re calm and composed, and able to carry on with the myriad of wedding prep tasks listed in your wedding planner, it’s important to take time for yourself.

Managing-stress-on-the-d-day

Whenever you feel over burdened, taking timeout away from everything that is wedding related, can help you ground yourself so that you’re able to carry on arranging and organising.

On the big day, it’s a lovely and beneficial idea to retreat to your bridal suite, or a private area of the wedding venue, with your spouse to bask in the romance of newlywed bliss. Steal a smooch with your partner for the first time, while your wedding guests enjoy chilled champagne and canapés.

4. Have Some Coping Strategies        

If you’re prone to feeling anxious, it really helps to minimize stress by having some coping strategies in place. Before your wedding day arrives, take time to identify your anxiety triggers and needs. Sit in a quiet space and enjoy a cup of herbal tea, while listening to soothing music. Spend some time focusing on the little things that make you feel instantly calm, without worrying about anything else. On your wedding day, be mindful as you engage with the activities that you have planned and scheduled for your big day. Your coping strategy can include regular retreat ‘breaks’ away from the company of your wedding guests if you need time to regroup.

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Check-in with your spouse, to make sure they are also coping with all of the demands of your wedding day celebrations. Make sure that you don’t forget to eat, as feelings of anxiety and stress can be magnified when you’re hungry. 

5. Live In The Moment

Your wedding day is the single most important day of your life when you should relish living in the moment. Keep your emotions, and high expectations of the main event, in check by mindfully being present. Let your partner know how much this day means to you by writing them a little love note that they can open once you are married.

Guests who have received your beautiful personalised wedding invitations will be eager to join you on your special day. Whilst it’s lovely to be surrounded by everyone that you love, it’s important to remember that it’s not your responsibility to ensure that every person enjoys your wedding. Cherish the special moments as you mingle with your guests, and live in the moment as a calm, serene and deliriously happy newlywed.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

Working from home chic. 3 ways to always look great on those Zoom calls

Carol Highland
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2
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Messy buns, sweatpants, and questionable footwear. Working from home means you can enjoy hitting those targets and smashing those deadlines in your most comfortable attire, without having to worry about pressed shirts, polished shoes or where your handbag is. While it’s never a good idea to sit down to work in your pyjamas or your loungewear – at least not from a productivity perspective – we’re also not required to rock up to the living room wearing our best suit. 

Until we’re scheduled in for a team meeting that is. It’s difficult to know what to wear for these things, you want to be smart but casual, comfortable yet professional. After all, we still want to make the right impression and even come across as promotion material. So, what’s the solution?

Here we’ll take a look at how you can achieve a chic working from home look, and always look great, even on those unexpected Zoom calls. 

Eyewear is key

Eyewear at work isn’t just about correcting your vision. It should also be about expressing our personality and protecting your eyes. And with blue light computer glasses, you can have it all! Blue light blocking glasses are the best way to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to digital screens and the blue light they emit. This kind of light can lead to headaches, blurred vision and digital eyestrain, making blue light blockers the perfect solution. They’re also available in a wide range of stunning styles, colors and designs so whatever your personality or style preference, you’re sure to find something that will turn heads for all the right reasons – even on those zoom calls!

Keep your makeup light 

You’re working from home, so a full face of coverage isn’t what you need right now. Unless you’re feeling particularly fancy and want to keep those makeup skills up to scratch. For most days, however, a bright face with light makeup will leave you looking fresh as a daisy and ready to take on your next spreadsheet. Now is the time to work on your skin routine: boost your hydration, cleanse, tone and moisturise. A natural glow is always better than a face full of thick makeup.

Business casual is the best option

Workwear rules are somewhat relaxed these days, but as mentioned above you should always change out of your loungewear before you start working. A simple button shirt or blouse, a polo shirt, cami with a cardigan or light sweater will keep you looking casual yet professional. While it’s tempting to not put as much effort into your bottom half, it’s worth remembering you may have to stand to grab a file, stop the kids from crashing your call or get up to answer the door, so don’t be caught out in your PJ bottoms, or worse – nothing at all! 

Video-conference-call-guide
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay 

Final thoughts…

It doesn’t take much to look great on these digital meetings. Just looking well dressed and put together will make you look and feel great. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

How to Dress Like an Influencer

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Are you getting your fashion inspiration from Influenster these days? If so, you’re not the only one. Many women turn to influencers for guidance on how to wear and embrace fashion-forward trends, as well as spice up everyday outfits. Influencers have become increasingly popular due to their relatability and interesting take on fashion. Previously, celebrities and models were the ones people would look to for style advice, but influencers have offered a refreshing perspective and have shown women of all shapes and sizes that they too can take part in fashion. 

Whether you have a favorite influencer you want to dress more like or you want to create an effortlessly chic vibe with all of your outfits, this style guide will put you on the right track to becoming your very own fashionista. We will highlight all of the must-have garments and accessories you need to elevate your current wardrobe and create outfits that you’ll remember forever!

influencers-guide
Source: Creative Lab/Shutterstock.com

Identify Your Staple Wardrobe 

While influencers may look like they have a very unique style consisting of statement pieces, most of their outfits are just made up of basic staple pieces with a few statement accents and accessories. With that being said, it’s really important for you to have a staple wardrobe and go-to pieces that are basic, but look chic. The best outfits have a solid foundation, so make sure your closet is stocked with neutral colors and a lot of black. 

Monochromatic Statements 

Speaking of having black pieces in your wardrobe, it’s smart to have an all-black outfit on hand. Monochromatic black outfits always look sharp and expensive, and your favorite influencers love to wear them. If you’re having a low energy day or you aren’t sure what to wear, an all-black ensemble can make you look and feel like a fashionista without having to go the extra mile. All-black ensembles are an influencer staple–not only because they look good on everybody, but because they can be dressed up or down for any occasion. If you’re looking to take your all-black outfits and turn them into an influencer look, top off your outfit with a moto jacket, a designer handbag, a bold pair of sunglasses or a logo brand name belt. 

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Source: JKStock/Shutterstock.com

Wide Brim Hats

Whether you’re having a bad hair day or you need a little something extra to elevate your outfit, topping off your look with a wide brim hat is one of the fastest ways to look like your favorite influencer. As a rule of thumb, make sure the color of your hat ties in well with the color scheme of the rest of your outfit. Black, beige and white wide brim dress hats are great to keep in your closet to quickly give any outfit an edge.

Jumpsuits Are a Must

Jumpsuits for women are an influencer favorite because they don’t take a lot of styling or time to put together, but they are ultra-stylish. Whether you’re about to jet set or you need something quick to put on to run errands, you can easily dress a jumpsuit up or down for any occasion. What’s more, there are also so many styles of jumpsuits that could fit any occasion. For example, if you’re on your way to the airport, pair a jersey knit jumpsuit with a pair of sneakers. If you have a night out on the town with your girls, pop off your jumpsuit with a pair of strappy heels and a leather moto jacket.

The Moto Jacket 

Speaking of the chicest jacket of our time, every fashionista has a leather moto jacket in their closet. But what separates the influencers from the rest of the pack is the style of moto jacket they usually have. There are a lot of different styles and options out there and it may be hard to find the perfect one. When selecting your go-to moto jacket, find a cropped fit that falls just above your waist. Opt for muted silver hardware and a leather texture that’s soft and dull. You don’t want a jacket that’s too shiny or flashy as it could come off as cheap. Throw your moto jacket over any look to instantly elevate your outfit and achieve a cool girl vibe. 

Over-the-Knee Boots

Fall is every fashion blogger’s favorite season simply because of the fashion possibilities. You have probably seen your favorite influencer wearing a pair of knee high faux suede boots during this season. These boots are highly coveted because they instantly elevate and add extra dimension to any outfit. You can pair these boots with jeans or a high-waisted mini skirt and a turtle neck. 

influencers-key-accessories
Source: DKSStyle/Shutterstock.com

The Statement Bag 

No look is complete without a sharp statement purse. Whether it’s designer or thrifted, you’ll want a bag that can easily pair well with almost every outfit in your closet, but one that also turns heads. Whether it’s a dainty crossbody or a bold tote, your statement bag should bring your whole look together. 

Oversized Outerwear

Do you ever put an outfit together and feel like something might be missing? Very often, all your outfit needs is a piece of outerwear like a cardigan, flannel or trench coat. Your favorite influencers and bloggers always keep cozy cardigans or oversized plaid flannels on hand to instantly elevate leggings and a t-shirt or jeans and a sweater. When it comes to flannels, stick to a pattern and color scheme that easily ties into clothes in your closet. For trench coats, find a staple color like beige, black or brown. For a pop of color, keep a couple of bright cardigans on hand. 

An Athleisure Set 

Athleisure is a huge trend these days, and your favorite influencers are loving to wear their chic gym attire outside of yoga class. If you want to take part in the athleisure trend like your favorite blogger, find a matching workout set that serves as a statement. Whether you go for simplistic colors or you turn to bright neon green, the cohesiveness of a matching set will look special. You can always top your athleisure look off with a leather moto jacket like your bestie bloggers

key-influencers-best-looks
Source: DKSStyle/Shutterstock.com

Bold Sunglasses 

Do you want to feel like you’re incognito and running through the city streets like some of your favorite influencers hoping they don’t get recognized? Well then, you’ll need a pair of bold sunglasses! Find frames that complement your face and make you feel like a celebrity. You’ll feel like the coolest chick on the block. 

Now that you have these style tips, you can go forth confidently knowing that you can pull off any outfit while looking like the ultimate fashionista. We’re sure your favorite influencers would be impressed. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

How To Ensure You Get The Luxury Home That You’ve Always Dreamed Of

Carol Highland
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0
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Buying a house can be quite a stressful time, you want to make sure that the property you buy will be the home that you and your family are dreaming of. At the same time, it can be really hard to know exactly how a home will look and feel until you’ve actually moved in and started decorating!

It’s a really good idea to have a think about some of the decorative touches you could put in place while you’re still viewing prospective properties, to help you to better understand what potential they have before you commit to buy.

Garden

Gardens don’t need to be enormous to feel luxurious. By making a few simple choices you can absolutely transform the outside space in a property:

  • Adding ivy will give a sense of lushness, and it will also help to soften any stark surfaces. Plus, it will help to give your space a sense of history.
  • Investing in good-quality sun loungers and patio furniture will make your outside space feel lavish and will make it more comfortable to be in, to boot.
  • The addition of crushed gravel pathways will give your space a European feel.
  • Illuminating your garden is one of the most important things you can do to give your garden a sense of opulence. Be sure to highlight important features like plants and architectural features, as well as providing illumination for pathways.

When you’re viewing houses with gardens, think about some of the ways that you would add these features and see if you think the space has the potential to be the lush space that you deserve.

luxury-garden-guide

Kitchen and Bathroom

There are multiple things that you can do to make your bathroom and kitchen look costly and luxurious. For example, you might decorate with a lighter hue to convey an air of space, and be sure to replace aging cabinet doors. You can also make your room look fantastic simply by updating some of the fixtures and fittings.

Of course, the most important part of your kitchen and bathroom is the appliances and the bathroom’s suite itself. If you really want to convey an air of luxury then ensuring that these things are new and up to date is a must.

This is an important thing to consider when you are choosing your home. If you choose to opt for an older house, then you will have the additional cost of replacing the kitchens and bathrooms to bring them up to date. However, buying a new build property like those on offer from Linden Homes means that you won’t need to do this, because all of their properties come with brand new kitchens and bathrooms. Plus you won’t even have to redecorate!

Luxury-Penthouse

Lounge and Bedrooms

One of the easiest ways to give your lounge and bedrooms a luxurious feel is through the furnishings. A huge plush bed or an enormous squishy sofa just screams opulence, so it’s important that you ensure that the home you buy has enough room for the luxury furniture that you want.

You can further add to the feeling of pure indulgence in the way that you decorate by using lots of layers of fabric in a variety of different textures.

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

7 Luxury Home Features People Are Willing To Pay More For

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Are you looking to sell your house? Homebuyers consider a huge number of factors when making a decision about buying a house. Families look for friendly neighbourhoods with schools nearby. Young couples prefer good transport links and being near the city. Meanwhile, others might be more interested in low crime, rural space. But what about inside the house? According to 24/7 Wall St., people are willing to pay more for the following:

Fireplaces 

luxury-fireplace

Around 40% of buyers are willing to pay more for a house with a fireplace, meaning that if you’ve got this features, you’ll likely have no trouble finding a buyer for your house. A fireplace can add significant value to a home. To find out how much, click here for a free home evaluation to find out just how much your house is worth and what improvements you could make to increase value. 

As more of us move to tablets and e-readers for evening entertainment, there’s no better feeling than curling up next to the fire. Fireplaces – working or not – are a great home feature that adds warmth and traditionality to a house. 

Open plan kitchen and dining

Families are looking for a more open living space – especially in the kitchen. Family time is limited in the modern world, but sitting down for some conversation and a nice meal is still an integral part of the day for many families.  

A kitchen island

Is there anything dreamier than a kitchen island? Islands are perfect for adding additional storage within the kitchen, as well as providing more worktop space. They’re also great for casual dining and can easily be transformed into a breakfast (cocktail) bar.

luxury-kitchen-guide

En suite bathrooms

These are especially desirable in the master bedroom. Further still, ‘his and her’ sinks are another luxury feature people look for in the en suite. The master bedroom is a sanctuary for the homeowner, and part of this is being able to take a long soak in the bath, or get ready in their own time – without having to share the bathroom with the rest of the family. 

Hardwood floors

While older generations look for carpeted living spaces for better insulation, younger buyers are looking for hardwood floors. This traditional home feature is back in style, and buyers are willing to pay up to $2000 more for the luxury. 

Walk-in closet

Thanks to the likes of many fashion-centric reality shows, we now have much more insight into how the rich and famous live. In light of this, a huge 60% of homeowners say they are willing to pay extra for a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. 

While space is a huge factor for this feature, it’s also a sign of status for many people. It’s definitely one of those ‘I’ve finally made it’ rooms that would make anyone proud of their house. 

Walk-in-closets-guide

Pantry

Similar to the walk-in closet, a pantry is another sign of middle-class status. It’s also a great way of keeping the kitchen neat and tidy, while hiding away sweet treats, tins and household staples. 

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

AZ Factory: Welcome back Mr Elbaz. We missed you Amigo.

José Amorim
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0
Reading Time: 6 minutes

Alber Elbaz is back with his new project and brand called AZ Factory. With the first story called MyBody, Alber Elbaz reinvents fashion at the service of modern women. Alber Elbaz wanted AZ Factory to launch with a new digital, educational and entertainment-driven approach to fashion. After watching the show, Mr Elbaz has literally aged the fashion industry. Yes, Mr Elbaz, you have been missed a lot (really!). He took his time to fall in love with fashion again. He took a step back into the past, he looked to what was going on in the present and then he started shaping the future. And the future has arrived. Full review below.

AZ Factory: More Than A Fashion House, A True Modern Mission With A Purpose

When Alber Elbaz left fashion a couple of years ago, it was big news. As an artist, he felt it was the time to seek new horizons and free himself from the standards of an industry focusing more on business than on creation itself. We knew he needed some time but he would comeback to us. in a certain way he never left really as he multiplied encounters, collaborations and he travelled around the world trying to understand what was on women’s minds.

“We are on a journey to design beautiful, purposeful, solutions-driven fashion that works for everyone. We are life, not just lifestyle, a place to experiment and try new things, our way”. – Alber Elbaz

With AZ Factory, Aber Elbaz brings back to fashion two things that have been missed for a while: humour and innovation. By placing his new brand into a specific mission away from the good old standards, women will be able to enjoy amazing and clever creations to help them in their daily lives. It is about smart fashion that cares. AZ Factory design beautiful, practical and solutions-driven fashion that works for everyone. The brand positioning is clear. They want their products to be solutions to problems and create joy. AZ Factory approaches customers as if they would be good friends. The proposed experiences are intimate at scale and reflect Alber Elbaz creative angle of emotional intelligence, sense of humour, and story-telling. It is also a story about openness and transparency. In a way like any human relationship should be, right?

AZ-Factory-Alber-Elbaz
Images are AZ Factory property

What we liked with last night’s show is that we saw Alber Elbaz precise body lines and how to make a woman look elegant in any situation. The clothes structure is beautifully done, playing with originality, comfort, innovation and sexiness. At the end it is not about the dress itself but about the dress worn by that woman or that other woman. Different people and different stories.

Let’s take as an example, the MyBody Puff Shoulder Dress. It is an elegant and adaptable style featuring AZ Factory’s AnatoKnit technology. The sleeves slightly hug the shoulders, giving you the option to wear it both on or off the shoulder. Each MyBody dress is designed with AZ Factory’s AnatoKnit technology to smoothly hold the waist and backside and provide gentle posture support. Thoughtfully intended to look good on all body types, this dress comfortably hugs and shapes your silhouette while enhancing your natural curves. Brilliant!

AZ-Factory-Alber-Elbaz-2021-Mybody
All images are property of AZ Factory

The ambition of creating a dress that goes to all sizes of body silhouettes is a fantastic finding and probably will take the pressure from all women who feel frustrated when they gain or lose weight. This little miracle is possible thanks to what AZ Factory calls AnatoKnit. It is a new innovative knitwear technology that is basically almost invisible to the human eye and that works with the natural curves of the body. The fabric is made of ENKA® Viscose and Lycra. This combination of tech and specific fabrics allows breathability and comfortable movement. The result is a smooth, streamlined silhouette that simultaneously hugs and shapes you. I must confess this is mind-blowing.

What pleases the eyes is to see the Alber Elbaz style back. There is a structure, a shape, a line that will embellish the body and make you feel confident. If you feel comfortable in your outfit, you will be ready to move mountains. You can manage the daily challenges as well as special occasions. Mr Elbaz places the person who is going to wear his creations at the centre of all focus. The main goal is to please the client and empower her with a new look and new energy. This new collection comes at perfect times. While the world is suffering and everybody is doing their best to succeed in their lives, AZ Factory will provide the best fashion items as perfect companions of a busy life.

AZ-Factory-Fashion-reviews
Images are property of AZ Factory

Another highlight among highlights during the show is the “Pointy sneaks” presented. Honestly, in the beginning, I was wondering how this could look like but the end result is as glamourous as clever. We could even wonder why nobody thought this through before. According to AZ Factory, it is hybrid footwear that combines the comfort and function of a sneaker with the elongating benefits of a pointy-toe shoe.

AZ-Factory-Pointy-Sneakers
Images are property of AZ Factory

Living a strange life with the pandemics, we tend to experience similar activities on the same day. From a Zoom video call with work to a yoga lesson to groceries at the store and taking care of kids, fashion should help you manage all of these and even more. This unique-statement design pairs sharp edges and a pointed tip to elongate the leg, creating a sleek, lean silhouette. The curved arch accentuates the raised foot, further emphasising the illusion of a taller figure. 

You can visit AZ Factory official website for more information about the approach and watch the whole collection. You will be amazed by the colours, the fabrics and the creative intention.

Mr Elbaz, you have been missed but now we all agree to say: welcome back!

José Amorim
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.

8 Ways to Live More Sustainably In 2021

Carol Highland
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1
Reading Time: 5 minutes

We’ve long known the importance of living sustainable lives. The Earth’s limited natural resources are depleting faster than ever, while pollution is greatly damaging the environment, as well as contributing to climate change. This may lead to unrepairable devastating consequences if steps are not taken.

Over the years, many people have become more environmentally conscious. Many non-profit organizations working to protect the environment are conducting campaigns to make people aware of the importance of living a sustainable life. ‘Reduce, reuse, and recycle’ has been the norm for many corporations and many people have adopted this principle in their own lives. 

However, this is not enough. We should all make the effort to truly live sustainably to protect the planet. Here are some practical ways you can live more sustainably this year.

1. Use Reusable Water Bottles

Just about everyone carries a water bottle whenever they go out, whether to work, class, or when running errands. Many people find it convenient to buy plastic water bottles from the store on their way which they can use and easily toss out. However, these generate plastic waste and are an environmental nightmare. Though there are recycling plants that recycle plastic water bottles, they only recycle around 30% of all plastic bottles. Instead, you should use glass or stainless-steel water bottles that you can reuse, and reduce your dependency on single-use plastics.

sustainable-guide

2 Buy Food from your Local Farmers’ Market

Another way to live more sustainably is to buy fresh food from the local farmer’s market instead of buying it from big supermarkets which source food from distant places. Transporting food from their distant suppliers by airplane, truck or other means contributes to carbon emissions, thus causing air pollution and climate change. When you buy food from your local farmers’ market you’ll not only eat fresh produce but also reduce carbon emissions and support your community. It is a good sign that the farmers’ markets have increased over the past few years. That means that more people are doing their bit to protect the environment.

3. Buy products with biodegradable packaging

After we buy a product packaged in plastic, we come home and unpack it, throw away the packaging and this ends up in landfill. Though some packaging is recycled, it is much better to avoid creating waste in the first place. Instead, you should start buying products with reusable or biodegradable packaging made with materials like starch or mushroom fibres that will biodegrade naturally into the soil.

4. Use an Alternative Mode of Transportation

If you drive to your work every day, you emit a great deal of carbon dioxide, causing air pollution and contributing to climate change. You should look to use alternative modes of transportation, like cycling, carpooling or public transport. The latter two will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and cause less pollution. A bicycle is an entirely green form of transportation as it doesn’t emit any carbon dioxide at all. If you don’t have far to go, you can simply walk. This will not only look after the environment, but will also keep you fit. 

Alternative-transport-guide

5. Use LED Light Bulbs

Another way to be more eco-friendly in your daily life is to switch to LED light bulbs. These are energy-efficient and will reduce your monthly energy bills. LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than ordinary bulbs, as well as lasting longer, and so reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, LED bulbs don’t contain any harsh chemicals, they don’t emit UV rays, and are recyclable.

6. Use Eco-Friendly Materials for Clothing and Shoes

When you buy clothes or shoes place close attention to what they are made from. You should buy clothes that are made from plant-based fibers such as coconut, bamboo, and cotton. Most of the clothes you will find in cheap clothing stores are made of synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, as well as being very harmful to the environment to produce. On the other hand, sustainable clothing companies are now using eco-friendly materials to make clothes and shoes that will not only let you look fabulous, but look after the environment at the same time.

veja-sustainable-sneakers

7. Use a Reusable Bag

Plastic bags are one of the most damaging types of single-use plastics. Plastic bags generally can’t be recycled, and therefore end up going into landfill. Instead, always take a reusable bag made of fabric or canvas when you go shopping.

8. Reuse Take-Out Containers

When you order take out from a restaurant or online, you’ll usually get the food in take-out containers. We usually throw away these containers. Instead, you should reuse them. That way less of these containers will end up in landfills.

These measures seem to be insignificant, but if enough people take these small steps it will make a real difference. So why not adopt these habits today!

Carol
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. Featured Image by Bela Geletneky at Pixabay 

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