Hello my dear readers, I'm writing you from one of the lovely islands of Greece, it's the first time I'm trying such a type of holiday.Whenever I travel with my family, my aunt and uncle choose special cities to stop on our way to the final destination. Last year, I got to see Ljubljana, the Balaton Lake and Debrecen this way. This time we visited Veliko Tarnovo, a lovely Bulgarian city.

We chose this town because of its unique arhitecture and impressive heritage and history. In the main picture of this post you can see their famous Tsarevets Fortress. I loved this city and its peaceful tone, although the streets are quite dusty. Another thing I absolutely ADORED was our hotel: Hotel Real.  The arhitecture and the decor are astonishing, you'll notice most of the pictures in this post are taken in its various rooms, all decorated impeccably.

We were lucky to come across the Hadji Nikoli Inn, apparently this restaurant dates far back, I loved their Menu and chose a chocolate mousse, it was INCREDIBLE (see the picture below). I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to see such amazing places like Veliko Tarnovo!

“I'm not sentimental--I'm as romantic as you are. The idea, you know, is that the sentimental person thinks things will last--the romantic person has a desperate confidence that they won't.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, This side of paradise

I have been incredibly inspired by the work of F. Scott Fitzgerald lately. You know from my last posts I loved reading "The Great Gatsby" and "The beautiful and the damned" but in the last week I enjoyed another novel,  "This side of paradise" and I have discovered what I consider to be his greatest talent: writing short stories. I LOVE "Flappers and Philosophers", it's such a sophisticated compilation of stories and I can relate to so many typologies ( please read "Bernice bobs her hair" when you have time, you won't regret it!).

Just like I did when I deeply fell in love with J.D. Salinger's work, I chose not to look for any details on the author himself (I do know the basics though, it's common knowledge). It's so thrilling to think which parts of a character or a story actually reflect the writer's life. What is it with Mr. Fitzgerald that all the main characters have to be astonishingly  beautiful? Was he surrounded only by golden-haired girls and confident, witty boys? Was he a great fox trotter in real life? 

I chose to name this outfit post "Misty rose" because it's actually the color that both my top and a part of my skirt have. I'm quite unhappy with the results of this photoshoot, the skirt looks completely white, you can find the real version here. It is marvellous and I got it from Persunmall, I can't wait to wear it on the magical beaches of Greece!

I must be one of the laziest bloggers on Earth, I really want to blog but I get stuck in this holiday pattern: I'm watching various shows (I'm currently obsessed with House of Cards ) and when the night comes I usually hang out with my friends. Summer is here, in Romania, and I'm loving every minute of it!

Now, you might be wondering where is that 'touch of hippie' in my feminine and classy outfit? I believe it's in this marvellous Chicnova T-shirt. I don't know about you, but I don't pay a lot for a T-shirt. For skirts, dresses, even statement necklaces, sure! Still, I buy most of my T-shirts from sales because I need to own many and also because they strike me as a canvas where you express various thoughts. This Chicnova T-shirt makes an exception, I would have paid a lot for it! It has the perfect print, incredible colors and the best fabric you can wear on such a hot summer.

The photos are a bit different from what you are used to. A dear friend of mine, Cristi, took them using his awesome Nikon D5100. I say 'different' because when we finally had time to shoot these it was the worst light, we had to find corners with shadows or apply effects on the final photos. I like to keep my photos as natural as possible but I chose to trust him on the effects this time because he knows what he's doing. 

What do you think about the outcome?

This is one of those posts when I feel like analyzing every single detail. You might think I don't know how the aquamarine shade looks like, but that's not the case. I've struggled to show you how this dress actually looks but we had no satisfying results- we even took photos on two different days, and yet this shade of blue stuck, if you want to see the  huge difference, you can find the dress online here , it's exactly the shade you see in the 4th picture and I love it!  The dress is from Sheinside and my, how I love their shop, they make such perfect dresses, with a top quality and cut! (Remember when I was the Gatsby Girl? )

And talking about the dress, it took me quite a while to decide whether I should order it or not. How so? You must have noticed that I mostly wear clothes which emphasize my waist, because of my body type. I love the Empire effect, but I jusn't wasn't sure I could wear this type of dress. Still, I'm happy I took the risk, I feel so amazing wearing it, it reminds me so much of the elegant Greek goddesses.  As we're on the Greek mythology topic, I felt like naming my post after Penelope because ever since I was a child I've admired her strenght and determination to wait for her husband for so many years and I've always pictured her wearing a similar dress.

Now , the background you see, that's a whole different story- I wanted to pose in this enchanting dress  in the park near the Palace of Culture in Iasi, it seemed so romantic and right. Unfortunately, I got a call  and I had to take care of buying a gift for a dear friend. Imagine me, running around dressed like this and having no clue on what I should buy! Once I was satisfied with the gift, I ran to the park only to have the most unpleasant surprise- the sun was up! There were no shadows or places for a shoot in the park. I spotted this corner, a restaurant which was facing the Palace and I got an idea- use the mirror effect. In the end, I got my shooting at the Palace, right?

♪ Avicii - Wake me up ♪

This post's song sums up what I should do right now : wake up , because I've been enjoying and indulging myself too much lately, forgetting that I need to blog and pay more attention to a major thing I've started today.

It's just that it's all so wonderful, dolce far niente, that's what I love most about summer and I can't believe this is my last holiday before university!  Take these pictures for example: one month ago I was struggling to find a little time to shoot for my blog dressed in different outfits and now I have had them in my computer for more than a week. I've always dreamed of a maxi dress with a genius graphic print on it, it's just that whenever I found one, I didn't like the cut or how the tones matched my skin. Imagine my surprise when I found the perfect number at ZLZ, an online clothing retailer. And I say 'surprise' not because of the brand (mind you, they have an amazing selection, I could shop on their site for days), but for the fact that a couple of years ago, I would have never imagined I will find my objects of desire on a different continent and have them delivered to my house in such a short amount of time. I love the fact that the tan/nude shade I love so much is like a canvas, and the triagles frenzy begins from there and how easily you can match this dress to many colors.

♪ Beatles - Roll Over Beethoven ♪

I've always liked to learn about iconic movies, events, books, people and music, and that's why, as most teenagers,  I've been trying to assimilate important things from different cultures and historical events. Just like I know the emblematic songs of Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, U2, Elvis, Madonna , I have listened a fair share of Beatles. And, as much as I liked the lyrics and the beat I told myself: "They're great, but I cannot see myself going through a Beatles phase". I was, fortunately, wrong, because I can't imagine how I could have missed so many incredible messages and rhythms! I've been listening a little too much of their albums in these past few weeks, without being able to listen to anything else. How does one get out of a Beatles Phase? ( not because I've run out of songs, it's just that I miss going through all the charts - UK Top 40 is my favourite!).

And now- let's talk about the dotted presence in this post. I'm always on the quest for the right white shirt, as I have to wear uniform at school and as I happen to love wearing white. Somehow this number from Persunmall seemed like such a fun way to sport two trends of this season: graphic prints and black&white combination. The quality of fabric is incredible, and I tought I should make things interesting by matching it with my favourite mint-colored jeans and some nude accents.

The result? Well, you tell me :)

I'm one of those people who strongly believe in seizing an opportunity and creating valuable memories, but this spring was just too much! I can't complain, because so many incredible things have happened to me, but it has been too overhelming. So, in the past three months I had my own mantra: "Work hard now, wait for June". You see, I did the maths (that's the thing about a person who has so many hours of math per week: you start to calculate and plan too much!) and I concluded that I will be free this summer only 3 weeks of June and one in July. 

I found myself craving so much for time: and now that's June and I'm done with all my exams, events and trips, I'm not going to rush anything! I already started reading and I finally saw the HBO documentary: "IN VOGUE: The Editor's Eye" and two romantic comedies (I love a good and deep movie, but sometimes you need a little dullness and sweetness in your life!). Funny thing about these pictures, I wasn't going to publish them because they were taken in May, when I had a blissful weekend of slow living. I was reading and I had my Ipad with me (Whaaat? Don't you read best on the stairs? And how can I stay without my Ipad? )and when my mom saw me she suggested we should take a couple photos "for Instagram" - I know, I love her so much for her brilliant ideas and the fact she puts up with my perfectionism!

You can also see my beloved Chicnova tank top, it has the ideal fabric and the details are charming! This is a simple stay at home outfit and I decided to publish it after all because it matches my current state of mind and also because I wanted to show you that I don't wear feminine dresses and wedges 24/7.  Plus, when I see this look I think of the definition that Beth Meredith and Eric Storm gave for slow living:

" Slow Living means structuring your life around meaning and fulfillment. Similar to "voluntary simplicity" and "downshifting," it emphasizes a less-is-more approach, focusing on the quality of your life "

Still, there's one more thing I'd like to address in this post: my opinion towards the book I was reading at that time, "Can we still be friends?" , written by the editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman:

♪ Fergie- A little party never killed nobody ♪

1. Me and my best friend D. in our best friend's car / 2. Lunch with my best friends , had the best sandwich spiced with tons of laughter and joy / 3. My best friend M. just got her licence and she's a natural! / 4. Me and my best friend S. at a fabulous party / 5. Gifts I, my mom and sister got for my father's birthday / 6. New obsession- there's a new cake shop in town!

Photos taken from my Instagram: marymanaila

Oh well, my past two months were so intense I can't quite sum it up accurately for you. A lot has happened, school proved to be more difficult ( I still got one more important test coming up, fingers crossed) , there were lots of parties, trips, changes and even a public speech was involved (thank God I didn't embarrass myself!). Still, there's one thing I'm certain of : I feel thankful! Thankful I've been able to go through so many interesting things, thankful I have my best friends and such a supportive family. I've also come to realize that there's only one year left of high school, which is thrilling and frightening at the same time. 

Now, let us go back to the best friends label for a bit, because I've been promising to blog about it for ages. When I was little I found the notion of  a 'best friend' confusing. It felt like such a privileged and fancy title, such a weight on my shoulders to pick only one person who I can trust with everything.  But what happens when you find 4 girls who are equally trustworthy, fun , dynamic  and who you can completely trust and relate to?  You are once again, thankful (I know it's not Thanksgiving!), you don't question the reasons why you are so lucky, and just try to make sure they know how much they mean to you! 

Oh, and let's not forget an important detail: you have fun! TONS OF FUN! You create memories, you party, you watch all the good movies and discuss all the interesting books because your teenage years and magical and you have to remember them- even the drama, as "we are who we are because a lot of reasons", written  brilliantly in The Perks of Being A Wallflower.

I find fascinating how I have with different things in common with each one of them, and that's why I have to quote C.S. Lewis :  “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”

Do you have more than one best friend? Do you believe there is such thing as a best friend? And, if you finished high school , do you still keep in touch with your friends? 

♪ Hearts a mess- Gotye ♪

It's going to be one of those posts- where I actually stay focused on the main subject: the clothes I am wearing. I always plan to do this, but most of the time, my 'fashion blog' becomes more about blogging than fashion.  Oops, here I am, doing it again!

Emerald- I have mentioned this shade a couple times around here, I even wrote a whole post about it on TeenyStyle and I'm sure you know it is the color of year, according to Pantone. I don't usually wear green, but there's something about the lightness of this color that really got me! The idea of an emerald green statement necklace, a funky pair of flats or a party dress really appealed to me. I was lucky to find one thing on my wishlist: THE FLATS, in an unusual circustance. I was out of town and only brought one pair of nude Zara flats which killed my feet, so I decided I should buy a pair of shoes with the budget that I had for a skirt. I walked into the first shop, saw them in pink first and they were the most comfortable, which such a smooth leather! I wasn't sure about the color, but then I saw the emerald version and I didn't hesitate: match made in heaven!

Now, you must have noticed why I am wearing such a simple and casual ensemble: I wanted my new statement necklace to shine! I've always wanted something in this style, so I can wear it to both feminine and edgy outfits, and Chicnova is the best when it comes to making my dreams come true! Also, notice the matching bracelet I also got from their site, I loved its inscription:  "Never say never, cause never is forever".

Such a magical thing, how your shoes and accessories can change a simple outfit completely!

"I was crazy about The Great Gatsby. Old Gatsby. Old sport. That killed me."

"The Catcher in the Rye"- J.D. Salinger

 I've always loved F. Scott Fitzgerald's work and when I heard of the glorious movie in the making, with such an incredible cast, Prada outfits and the soundtrack by Lana del Rey, I couldn't wait for its release! The movie was artistic, with all the memorable quotes from the book emphasized, the opulence of the Gatsby-esque parties (okay, maybe Gatsby's house was a little too Disney Palace for my taste!) and with a Carey Mulligan who knew how to shape the affected, delicate yet shallow Daisy. I loved their take on Jay Gatsby, although it's not what I've imagined while I was reading the book. The end was a little too long and the use of dubstep and rap songs at the parties was certainly interesting, although I would have loved more music from that period.

I wanted to wear something which would remind of the fabulous period of flapper dresses, short hair always worn with extravagant tiaras and pearls as the number one choice in jewellery. I think I managed pretty well with my hairdo and that bracelet with little pearls. I love my new SheInside dress so much and somehow the pastel shade reminded me of the easiness in Daisy's life until she met Gatsby again. And while we're on dresses and Daisy, please search online (if you can't make it to the movie) all of her Prada outfits, Miuccia Prada will always be my favourite designer!

Now..why name the post "Gatsby Girl" ? Because while I watching the movie, it striked me that I had a few things in common with the optimistic, hopeless romantic Gatsby :
I'm a dreamer. I imagine so many scenes and I analyze the past events a little too much.
I'm ambitious- Although it takes me a great amount of time to decide what I want, once I set my mind to it, it's hard to stop me.
Perfectionist- Okay, I laughed a lot when Gatsby took care of the tea party where he was going to meet Daisy after almost 5 years- the macarons, the anxiety, the overthinking.
I don't like tragic ends in a book, especially when they happen to such an incredible character like Gatsby, but this book is one of my favourite ones and I felt like paying a tribute here.

♪ Lana Del Rey- My Best Days ♪

May has turned out to be the busiest month so far! I cannot even properly express my frustration towards the fact that I don't have time to post on the blog, read the good books I've bought lately and watch my favourite shows! Yes, that's right, I have tons of ideas to improve the blog (started to keep an actual diary about them ) and photos taken for the blog (remember how I barely found any locations before? Not the case, this spring!). 

I figured that since you can't actually see me and my style these days, I should at least show you how different are the things I fancy right now (surprisingly, not pastels, I'm almost over that phase, people!):

Flamingo Earrings - Fun fact about me, I don't like to change my earrings but this funky pair by Swarovski attracts me in such an impressive way! The unique rhinestones and the vivid colors would be so cool for this summer. And what's the first thing I did when I saw this perfect pair? I looked for a Swarovski Coupon and imagined a fun way to wear them , of course. Now that I think more about it, I actually understand how Swarovski is such a successful brand: it even got me thinking about changing my beloved gold earrings!

Yellow Bag-  it's everywhere in my Polyvore sets, from various brands, in various shapes, maybe the 'beehive' trend got to me in a twisted way? Then there's the Miss Dior Cherie Fragrance , I have to buy it someday. Oh, and a Topshop nail polish, I just love all their colors and the shape of the bottle. And let's not forget the floral printed top, I would be able to match it with all my skirts.

So, while I'm keeping my eye on a fabulous Swarovski Sale I found online, how about you tell me what's your current wishlist/ plans for this spring?