Olya Garkusha — A Diary of Inspiration

Hello everyone! How're your Winter snowy days going?

Personally I, love Winter — I love streets which are covered with white sparkling snow, love those cold evenings, which can be really cozy if you're at home with a cup of cacao or tea. But now I really want to have a little bit more colors in my Life, than just one Winter pastel palette. So, I thought it's a great time to create a guide on 'What to wear this Spring-Summer 2016 Season'. Because as they say — 'Don't have thy cloak to make when it begins to rain', what means that the best time to prepare your Spring wardrobe is now! So, keep reading to discover which wardrobe essentials you should have this S/S season.

Do you remember this a bit provocative trend of a lingerie dresses? Sorry haters, but it's back!

Silky & lightweight (well, yes) nightgowns were loved by a great amount of designers on a fashion Spring 2016 shows. These dresses are really great for Spring, cause they look so incredibly ladylike & unusual, that will attract Gentleman's eyes only on you, Ladies!

One more kinda lingerie trend is — silky robes.

And not only in your bedroom, right! This season designers decided to pay a lot of attention to the silk as a material, and to break our stereotypes about silky wardrobe pieces. So, it's official for this Spring — silky robes are allowed (and even encouraged) on the streets of big cities. So, hurry up, I'm pretty sure that these things won't stay in shops for long!

'Everything off the shoulder' — decided Givenchy, Jason Wu & Proenza Schouler, and no one argued with them.

Because, really, why not? Off-the-shoulder dresses & tops look absolutely feminine and so they're a brilliant choice for a Spring/Summer season. This silhouette is quite unusual for us now, cause it wasn't so popular last couple of seasons. But nevertheless, of-the-shoulder trend is really feminine as I said earlier and will be a beautiful accent of your outfit.

Whoever said that sequins & tinsel are only for a holiday season — was completely wrong!

For this Spring, sparkling outfits are just on the top of everything. Doesn't matter what piece of your outfit will sparkle (whether it's dress, blouse, purse or shoes), the main thing is that you should try to break your stereotypes (one more time, after silky robes, dah) and wear it in this Spring/Summer season.

After comfy 90's trend on a high-waisted jeans & trousers, here we have — low-waisted ones.

Pants, jeans & trousers with a low waist will make your outfits more effortless. And I think it really will be good for us after massive layered looks which we wear on Winter. So, if you are in a mood for more relaxed outfits, definitely try on low-waisted jeans this Season.

If some of the trends from the list above completely break my whole picture of a Spring fashion, this one is pretty obvious for this season (but not less loved by me).

Yes, it's time for all the romantic pieces, feminine blouses, lightweight dresses & trousers. For a flower prints, pastel colors, chiffon & lacy materials. In general, for all that girly stuff, for which we love Spring/Summer season.

Regarding colors for this Spring, designers decided to go with the win-win option for such romantic season — pink & all of its shades.

And if you'll combine pink with ruffles or chiffon — you will be on top, trust me. A great variety of pink shades that was on Fashion Weeks last Fall get anyone a possibility to choose a color which can satisfy personally you. From vibrant fuchsia to a gently pastel pink — don't be shy, choose the one you will like!

Thank you for reading, &
Make sure to enjoy your Friday!

Olya, x

What To Wear on Spring 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

While the 2016 is almost here (yay, only 3 short days left before it comes!), I offer you to make a little summing up of your own 2015, and also set new goals, plans & dreams to work on in a the next year. I have already done my personal summing up post of this year (you can read it here), and I should say, that it really helped me to put together this whole mess that was in my head, and to have to receive an inspiration to continue working on the dreams that I set for 2016.

So, I highly recommend you to read my tips down below, and then — to take a pen, sheets of paper, also maybe some beautiful stickers & a few markers, and to start a new, white & clean page of your life.

1. Sum Up
So, this is actually the very first thing you should do when starting something new. Take a pen and write down everything that happened in 2015. Good & bad. Write the names of people you have lost & also those you have met. All the places you were this year & food you tasted. All the hardest moments you have been through & all the happiest moments (or maybe days, weeks) that you enjoyed during 2015. Write down everything that worried you all these 12 months, or maybe something that still worrying you now. Don't hold anything in your head — put everything that comes to your mind when you hear '2015' on the paper.

And when you'll be done, read it through. Feel all the emotions once again — cry, smile, laugh, feel the tenderness or anger, anything. And then, just say 'thanks' to this year for being so bright, emotional, versatile, happy, instructive, dark, dangerous, useful and for many-many other adjectives that defines what was 2015 like for You. And after...

2. Let It Go
Yes, just let it all go.

You should understand that nothing of it defines you anymore, in a case if you don't want to. All the 'black days' of 2015 will be gone with it in just 3 days. Leave all the sorrow to this year, don't take it with you to the 2016. Keep only positive & warm memories, those that will inspire you for a long time. It's a time to be done with all the fears, insecurities, and past mistakes. You should be ready to something exciting that New Year will bring, so don't burden yourself with anything that can stop you from being someone you want to become.

3. Clean Out Everything

— from your room to your surrounding.

It's time to get rid of all the stuff that you objectively don't need anymore. Clean out your room, apartment or house from an old clothes that you won't wear, accessories that you don't really like, & all the trash which, I'm pretty sure, you've collected this year. Create more space for new brilliant ideas by giving your old stuff to charity or selling it online.

And same about people. No, sure, you shouldn't give them to charity or sale :) You just need to look at everyone who surrounds you, and to answer the question 'Is everyone whom I call a friend is a real friend of mine?'. If your answer is 'yes' — my congratulations, I'm really happy that you have great relationships! But if you've answered 'no' — it's absolutely okay. We all are people, and people sometimes make mistakes. Don't worry. You just should try to get out of those friendly or romantic relationships, that bother you. From those where you don't feel support, love, confidence and sincerity. It can be really hard, but you should understand that if you won't do it now, it will be a thousand times more painful later. So, just do it now. I believe, that you can :)

4. Set New Goals

dreams, plans & to-dos.

When you've done 3 previous points (or maybe you didn't), it's time to take your pen & sheet of paper one more time, and to set new plans for the next year. Doesn't matter how you want to do it — you can draw a 'wish board' to put it in front of your eyes in your room (I'm going to make a post about creating a wish board, so stay tuned!). Or maybe you will take a new planner and start making notes for 2016. Or it will be just a sheet of paper with beautiful stickers where you'll write your plans & dreams — it totally depends on you!

5. Start Doing
Yes, we're not living in a fairy world, where all dreams can come true if you only want them. And I should say, that people, who tell 'just dream, and you'll achieve what you want', kinda annoys me.

As I've already learned from my own experience — nothing will come true if you're just sitting on a couch, dreaming & doing nothing to achieve your goal. Don't misunderstand me, I do not deny the fact that miracles happen in our life, and sure I'm not telling you that you shouldn't dream. But I think that the right formula is: 'Believing + hard work = success'. While just believing makes you constantly irritable & dissatisfied person, cause you don't receive what you want despite the fact of constant dreaming. So, the most important thing you should do after previous points — is to start implementing everything you wrote or drown in a wish board. Understand, that our Life — is in our own hands, and we should work as hard as we can to achieve everything we want, cause it's the only way to make all our dreams true!

Wish you a holiday mood & a great Inspiration!

Olya, x

lifestyle new year psychology

5 Things To Do Before New Year

Monday, December 28, 2015

Hello, beautiful people! Yes, as I said earlier in a holiday gift guide for Her, I know it's almost Christmas, and I'm doing these posts only now. But I'm pretty sure, that lots of you (as I am, dah) kinda prefer 'running late' gifts & presents ;) Yes, sometimes we're just too busy to buy all the gifts on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, and we usually do it on the last days before Celebration.

So, for such Ladies, who haven't yet found X-mas or New Year's surprises for their Gentlemen, I offer to look at my tips down below, and hurry up to buy something from this list! All the things are under 50$, by the way! Enjoy Christmas shopping :)

1. Bow-tie

It may be strictly optional, but I think that bow-tie will always be a great present. Maybe, it's because I just prefer the type of men, who also think that way, or maybe it's just an excellent addition to any look — from classy to casual. But anyway, personally I was never wrong with giving bow-tie as a present, so I highly recommend you to look at 6 versions down below, and choose the one, which your Gentlemen will like! More cute bow-ties here.

1. Casual blue Bow Tie in polka dots | 2. Bow Tie in burgndy | 3. Bow Tie in black with silver triangles

4. Bow Tie with gold stud | 5. White Bow Tie in checkerboard | 6. Plain Bow Tie in a royal blue

2. Backpack

Doesn't matter what style does your Man prefer — backpack or rucksack will always be a necessary present. But looking at those 6 backpacks down below, I understand that this present can also be stylish and will become a great addition to an any look of your Gentleman. I tried to pick up 6 absolutely different styles of this important accessory to satisfy any your preferences! So, hope you'll find what you want to give your friend, boyfriend or father these holidays!

1. ASOS backpack with front zip in white | 2. ASOS Hype black backpack | 3. ASOS backpack in a camel faux leather

4. New Look faux leather backpack | 5. ASOS backpack with strap details | 6. New Look cord backpack in a royal blue

3. Planner

As I told earlier, planner is an amazing gift nowadays. One of the main feature of it is the fact that we're becoming a bit more punctual when we see a list of what else we should do today. Moreover, it also a great way to organize your thoughts & ideas in a one place, so you'll always have them 'right here'. One more great thing about planners & daybooks — is the fact that they also can be an accessory to your style and emphasize your individuality. Sure, if they have an interesting skin like those 6 babes do ;)

1. Ted Baker tweed notebook | 2. Travel Journal with pen | 3. Ted Baker 'Well noted' notebook with pen

4. Nuuna Been There Done That notebook | 5. Ted Baker brogue notebook | 6. Nuuna Japanese ivy notebook

4. Sets & Kits

Everything becomes better with it comes with a freebie on in a kit, isn't it? :) I also think so, and that's why I'm offering you to pay your attention at these 3 'gift baskets' underneath. They say themselves, so I don't think I should describe them now. Just click on the links under their pictures, and be sure, that your Gentleman will be really glad to receive one of those presents this Christmas or New Year's Eve!

1. ASOS watch and pocket square set | 2. Men's Society beard grooming kit | 3. ASOS watch and cardholder set

5. Sneakers

Should I actually talk about the fact why sneakers are a wonderful present? Considering the fact that sneakers now are not only a sport shoes, but an everyday footwear as well, the popularity of them have increased incredibly! So, I think, if your Man likes sport or casual style, he will be really happy to see a pair of new beautiful sneakers underneath the Christmas tree:) I tried to pick up the best 6 models under 50$, so you shouldn't worry about your budget!

1. Bronx minimal sneakers | 2. ASOS lace up sneakers in white | 3. New Look sneakers in a faux suede

4. Lace up sneakers in blue snakeskin effect | 5. ASOS sneakers in block red | 6. Firetrap sneakers

6. Watches

When I was creating these watch collages, I was ready to buy all these pairs for my own, despite the fact that I'm not a Man. But, really, look at them! These babes look incredibly fashionable, concisely and luxuriously although they all are under 50$! Oh, I'm in love with watches as accessory, really. This is THAT detail, that can bring your outfit from 'daily casual' point to 'incredibly stylish' one. It was pretty hard to choose just the 6 of them, but I should (cause it's a gift guide, not a post about men watches). And here they are — the best 6 pairs of Gentleman watches, that can be gifted as a really luxury present, despite their price (under 50$!).

1. ASOS watch with felt strap | 2. ASOS oversized watch in brown | 3. Limit black strap watch

4. ASOS watch with faux leather strap | 5. Reclaimed Vintage stainless steel watches | 6. ASOS watch with black strap

Happy late Christmas shopping, guys!
Olya, x

Christmas fashion gift guide Gift ideas lifestyle

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE UNDER 50$: FOR HIM

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Hello, my friends! I know, that I'm doing it pretty late, cause it's something like 11 days before Christmas, but it's better late, than never, isn't it?:) So, I proudly introduce you a big Holiday Gift Guide for Her under 50$! This will be already the second post about Christmas 2016. I've done a 'where to go on holidays' post in the beginning of December (click here to read), so gift guide will be kinda continuation of this holiday posts lane. So, I hope this post is where you'll find your perfect Christmas gift under 50$ for your beloved lady:) Enjoy!

1. Planner

As a working girl, and as a person who has a huge list of to-dos for every day, I have to say — planner is my everything! I don't know, really, how have I lived without it before. It's so handy, when you have a place to write your notes and important things to do. Where you can also make sketches and write your thoughts. Needless to say, planner — is really an indispensable thing nowadays. And sure, it should be beautiful to give you an inspiration to work every time you look at it! So, I chose the best 5 datebooks (that look like pieces of art). You can find all the links to them down below, and click here if you want more artful planners under 50$

1. Kate Spade black stripe planner | 2. Kate Spade gold polka dots planner | 3. Paper Source white flowers planner | 4. Paper Source brushstroke planner | 5. Cavallini Lime daily planner

2. Starbucks mug

If you're a traveler, or a working girl, or love Starbucks, or just adore beautiful things — in any way, this will be an amazing present. There're so many different unique styles of these mugs & tumblers — from ones in an absolutely classic Starbucks green/white design, to a really beautiful pieces of art with Swarovski crystals & golden details. You definitely should look for the best gift for Christmas in a Starbucks store! Click here for more unique drinkware from Starbucks under 50$.

1. Confetti double wall travel cup | 2. Stainless & ceramic turquoise mug | 3. Gold zipper double wall travel cup | 4. Red dots stainless steel mug | 5. Studded double wall travel cup

3. Jewelry

Sure, we, girls, do love jewelry! And I've never thought about jewelry as a 'boring' or 'stereotyped' present, as many of us do. I think, that a beautiful necklace, or a charming bracelet never will be a bad gift. So, on these holidays, I highly recommend you to pay you attention on a statement necklaces & rings sets as the most popular trends of a next year.

1. Faux stone statement necklace | 2. Etched flower statement necklace | 3. Floral faux gem necklace | 4. Faux pearl statement necklace | 5. Faux gem statement necklace

1. Twisted band ring set | 2. Faux gem ring set | 3. Faux stone ring set

4. Organic cosmetics

I'm pretty sure that your girlfriend or bff or mum will be glad to receive an eco-set of cosmetics or a skin care products. Organic, despite the fact that it's a top trend now, also have a list of a positive features — it's natural, it doesn't harm your skin as a regular cosmetics do, and have a great amount of benefits as well. So, if you're thinking about the best present for your lady, don't hesitate, and choose organic! All the products down below are under 50$.

1. Eco mattifying compact powder | 2. Eco care lipstick | 3. Eco high definition cake eyeliner | 4. Eco night repair cream {more of skincare products here} | 5. Eco blush brush

5. Nice little things

When I've found this site called Anthropologie, I was completely out of a real life for a couple of hours! It's just an amazing mini-world of a beautiful little presents, clothes, shoes, house decor stuff and many-many other useful & cute things. I'm sure, I told it before, that I have a weakness for a beautiful website design. And when I find online stores with incredibly designed websites and wonderful photos of their products, it's already a 70% guarantee that I'll buy here something! But these products are very cute itself, so a beautiful decoration is just a little addition to them. So, here're just 6 pieces under 50$ of all the wonderful stuff you can find on Anthropologie!

1. Monogram crest journal | 2. Show off hands manicure set | 3. Colorful shorty pen

4. Snowfall cookie cutters | 5. The Artist's studio Eau de Parfum | 6. Goldie compact mirror

6. Christmas decorations

In the continuation of a previous point about Anthropologie website, I should tell that I've found there really cute & wonderful Christmas decorations, which can be an amazing holiday gift as well. So, enjoy just 6 of them under 50$ :)

1. Happy Cat ornament | 2. Snowball string lights | 3. Jingling monogram ornament

4. Owl's forest snowglobe ornament | 5. Feathered Owl ornament | 6. Opalescent ornament

Happy Cristmas shopping, my sweeties!

Olya, x

Christmas gift guide Gift ideas lifestyle

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE UNDER 50$: FOR HER

Monday, December 14, 2015

{Photos were made in January, 2015}

And, I should tell it first — this was photoshoot was made last winter, but I haven't published it (~~I just don't know why I haven't, it's me, it's okay~~). And I discovered these photos yesterday, and understood how much have actually changed since that time. It's mindblowing sometimes, how much can happen for just a year. When I sent this photoshoot to my friend yesterday, she said me: 'You're completely different now. And only outside, not only your appearance has changed. You're acting, presenting yourself like in a completely other way. You should publish them for summing up this year'. And I'm really thankful Olya for this idea :) So, as 2015 is almost finished, I decided to publish these photos now, and to sum up this year a little and to set new goals for a new 2016.

For this year may say, that I've really cardinally changed my appearance. I made a new haircut and finally changed my hair color to the lighter one. I can call myself bronde now! And I really want to go on & to move to blonde!

This year was also pretty hard in many aspects. I've lost a lot of people of my past, but also found a lot of new friends. I've came through a few of really hard situations and moments, but no doubt, it made me stronger. I have revised my attitude to myself, and despite the fact that it cost me lots of tears & unpleasant moments, but I'm happy with the results. I'm continue working on being the kind of person I want to be. I have really grew up this year, as inside, so outside in my appearance as well. And I'm continuing moving forward :)

As for this December and 2016 as well, I have really big plans! Some of them can really cardinally change my life, and hope, to the good:) I also have huge plans on blog and Instagram, and some of them I'm bringing to life already now! But I won't disclose all the cards now — changes will be seen really soon! So, stay tuned in my Blog & Instagram: @olyagarkusha for more details. Something great is yet to come ;)

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MOVING FORWARD

Friday, December 11, 2015

What To Wear on Spring 2016

January Favorites

Merry Christmas!

Birthday Girl

Sweater Dress

Happy New Year!

5 Things To Do Before New Year

Holiday Sparkle

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE UNDER 50$: FOR HIM

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE UNDER 50$: FOR HER

MOVING FORWARD

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