Thoughts

Anastacia from Owls are Awesome talks to ATELIER-MAYER.COM about how to stay stylish and warm this Christmas and her what she's asking from the Fashion Santa...

How are you spending Christmas this year?
First of all I'm from Ukraine, and mostly people are orthodox christians(so am i and my family) that's why we celebrate it in January. We have a tradition to get together in my parents' house and have lots of tasty meals and talks about time we spent together. But this year, since I moved to capital of Ukraine, I'll spend Christmas Eve with my boyfriend suppose but still undecide where.

What's are you asking for from the Fashion Santa?
Lots of things! really, I'm obsessed with clothes and accessories so much lately, like I never been before. Some jewellery with spikes and vintage-styled necklaces, bracelettes, and rings with animals or birds. Also I'm a big fan of feather-jewellery. I love both with real feathers and mettalic ones.

What's your fail-safe Christmas party outfit?
Firstly, it should be warm and fun. Some cute warm leggings + oversized print tee + wool cardigan(for being sure I will not get cold). It is the cute one for home-party. Add some bracelettes, vintage necklace and earrings, use eyeliner+bright eyeshadow, don't forget wedge boots - and you are a party star! I just don't like glitters, so you never can see me in some shiny dress or shoes, even at the party.

What are your top 5 ATELIER-MAYER.COM gift ideas?
Cute vintage necklace with fruits
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/1960s-fruit-charm-n...

MCM bag is so-o-o bang on trend!
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/accessories/bags/bags-day/mcm-1980...

YSL silk top (it can be a good team with the bag above)
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/yves-saint-laurent-...

Silver abstract cuff
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/jewellery/bracelets/1960s-silver-a...

Bottega Veneta bag
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/accessories/bags/bottega-venta-197...

Which are your favourite Autumn/Winter trends this year?
I love that color-blocking is still with us, but not so bright and fresh like in summer, but more deep colors burgundy, navy, dark orange and purple. And wedges. It seems to me I'll never be tired of wedges. Already ordered three pairs of different shoes and boots, all of them with wedges.

What are your tips for staying warm but stylish this winter?
It's probably a cliche - but I still don't know what can be better than layering. Combine maxi skirts with shirts and wool sweaters. Cable-knit cardies, midi dresses and super-warm tights. If you want to add some accent to your outfit you can always wear a bright thin belt and massive rings or bracelettes.

I would pick dark maxi skirt or jeans with thin contrast belt, beige or pale-pink longsleeved shirt on top. You can add a jacket or cardi, wear a huge super warm scarf. If you'll wear scarf inside(in case it's chilly inside) you don't need any necklace, but you can add some rings and a watch to bright up your outfit. As for shoes - they should be made of real leather or sude and have warm lining. Now you can choose among lots of designs flats, heels, wedges - for the outfit described above I would pick wedges or heels.

What are your favourite websites and blogs to visit?
You know, we got fashion bloggers in Ukraine, so everyday I visit their blogs, f.e. TotallyBlond.com and AnnetStelmakh are my favorites. Also I'm a big fan of FashionnotFashion.ru it's a blog by russian girl Anastasia Kuzmina. She is awesome, but unfortunatelly don't post very often. But her blog is a total inspiration for me. Also I never miss updates at Kayture, Stylescrapbook and The BlondeSalade.

What's the defining "It's Christmas" moment for you?
It's when there is snow behind the window, I sit on the sofa, all wraped in a blanket, drink hot tea, watch Harry Potter movies. City is full of lights, Christmas and New Year's songs, lots of people with huge bags with probably presents for their families. And sales everywhere

Best Christmas song/carol?
Christmas is all around by Billy Mack.

What are your top tips for Christmas pampering?
First one: relax! it's Christmas already! Take a bath with lots of bubbles and use some tasty scrubs.
Second one: have any face problems? fix them with masks and pillings. Third one: treat you face&body with delicious lotions & creams. If you really want to feel christmas coming put some tangerinas, cinnamon and candles near your bath and have at least an hour of relaxation in hot water. Ahhh... awesome.

If you could spend Christmas anywhere where would it be?
New York!

What would be in your Christmas hamper survival kit?
Few bottles of red wine, basket with various fruits, some chocolates and turkey sandwiches(yeah, I know it's weard, but I love sandwiches with turkey

What has been your best New Years and why?
I even don't remember. Each and every one is good itself. They are all different and can't be compared.

From the ATELIER-MAYER website, what would you choose to wear for:

Christmas Drinks

I'm up to a little color-blocking game here.
Castlecliff Collar
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/castlecliff-1960s-g...

YSL Top
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/yves-saint-laurent-...

Red Wool Skirt
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/skirts/1950s-red-wool-skirt

MCM Bag
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/accessories/bags/bags-day/mcm-1980...

The Office Party

Chic and Elegant
White peek-a-bo dress
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/dresses/day-dresses/1960s-cream-pe...

Chanel Earrings
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/chanel-1990s-small-...

Sophie Gittins Shoes
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/sophie-gittins-plum...

Pierre Cardin Bag
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/accessories/bags/bags-day/pierre-c...

Christmas Lunch with Loved Ones

I can be bright, gorgeous and cosy at the same time in those dresses I can't decide between these two dresses, they're amazing!

Celine http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/dresses/day-dresses/celine-1981-br...

YSL Dress
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/dresses/dresses-day/yves-saint-lau...

And a simple necklace:
http://www.atelier-mayer.com/products/all-collection/1960s-fruit-charm-n...