Shakti and Me

I'm Marta Oliveira, a portuguese fashion blogger based in London. Check my blog for more www.shaktiandme.com

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Massive Earrings

One of the big trends for this Autumn/Winter season it's definitely large earrings. With geometrics shapes, fringes, strong colours or big stones the most important is that they look massive.

This accessory will complement a look or make a look and truly is a statement piece.

Below you can find some of my suggestions so you can get some inspiration from.

For more informations please click on the images.

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Style Diary #001

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2hTkrLBtc4)

First video from Shakti & Me!! Hope you like it!

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Feminist

Spring is coming! You can definitely feel the temperatures rising in London. I love this time of the year. You have more daylight hours and London is so beautiful with all the flowers in bloom.

This Stradivarius jacket is amazing! I put it together with this t-shirt a red bag to give a little bit of colour contrast and I loved the final look. A very casual style but also a bit rebellious. Hope you like it!

T-Shirt - Stradivarius / Jacket - Stradivarius / Messenger Bag - Stradivarius / Jeans - Primark / Trainers - Adidas Originals

Photos by Dumitru Tira

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Statement Sleeves

This might be one of the biggest trends for this season. It was seen in different colours, fabrics and textures all over Spring/Summer 2017 fashion weeks, from New York to Paris. 

This season sleeves get focus. From super dramatic to small details, but they're definitely here to stay. It's the perfect way of adding a romantic feel to your look.

Below you can find some of my suggestions. Hope you like!

  Floral jumpsuit - Mango / Pink Top - Zara / Flared sleeve jersey - Stradivarius / Grey Sweatshirt - H&M / Top with full sleeves - Zara

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Not That Kind of Girl

These last couple a days I travelled to North Italy. I went to Parma, Lake Garda and Pisa. On our way to Milan we stop by a little village called Piacenza, where we decided to take photos of my look of that day. Btw, have you noticed my brand new Adidas Superstar with glitter? I found them in a store in Parma and I couldn't help myself from buying them. I just love them!

Hope you like the photos!

Hat - Zara / Fur scarf - Topshop / Jacket - Stradivarius / Jeans - Gap /  Trainers - Adidas

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St. Tropez Self Tan

We’re still mid Winter and I never felt so pale. I miss my golden summer skin. Specially since I move to London, sunny days are less often, so my natural tan doesn’t last for a long time like it used to.

Before I moved the thought of using self-tanning products never crossed my mind but now I use them more and more because lets just be honest, who doesn’t love a sun kissed skin?

After 3 years of trying different products finally I found a routine that works for me and believe me, I tried products that left me orange, with stains or even smelling funny. But right now I’m using these 3 products from St. Tropez and they give my skin the glow I always wished.

I prefer to use products that give skin a gradual tan, this way I can control how tanned I want to look like and St. Tropez formula gives skin a very natural and healthy glow. Usually I need to use these 3 products for 4 days straight to get to the colour I desire and them I just need to use it every other day or every 2 days to maintain it.

A day before I start my routine I exfoliate my body and face. After that I try to exfoliate once a week between applications.

Before I apply the self tanning product I always apply a normal moisturiser on my knees and elbows. The reason I do this is because the skin from these areas are drier that the rest of my body so this way I’m prevent that more product is absorbed leaving my elbows and knees darker than the rest of my body.

St Tropez Gradual Tan in Shower Lotion

This product is meant to be used in the shower.

After showering, the self-tan actives will naturally start to work, developing gradually and deepening with regular reapplication within the shower.

How to apply:

Fully cleanse and wash in a warm shower.

With the shower off, generously apply the product to wet skin in circular motions with your hands to create an even coverage. Wash palms after application.

Wait 3 minutes.

Fully rinse off with warm water only.

Gently dry yourself, before getting dressed.

  St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Body Lotion

How to apply:

Apply daily, or as desired, to clean, dry skin in an upward circular motion.

Ensure all areas are covered and lightly glide any excess lotion over your hands and feet. Wash hands after application.

Wait until touch dry before getting dressed. 

Allow 4-8 hours before getting wet.

  St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Face Cream

How to apply:

Apply daily, or as desired, to clean, dry skin in an upward circular motion across the face, neck and décolletage, blending into the hairline and over the ears. 

Wait until touch dry before applying make-up. 

Wash hands after application. 

Allow 4-8 hours before getting wet.

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Velvet

This season one of the most luxurious fabrics is velvet. It was one of the biggest trends seen at London Fashion Week, but it was also seen in Milan and Paris, as complete looks or just a few details and accessories.

Velvet is no longer considered the gothic and romantic preferable fabric and it doesn’t come in only dark colours anymore. This season you can see it in any colours, from the neons to the neutrals and it’s no longer something you only wear in the evening or for special occasions. This time velvet is meant to be worn during day with a more classic and smart style or a very casual style with a jumper and trainers. You just need to have a look at whom the influencers are wearing to seen how versatile this trend can be.

Below you have some of my suggestions of both total looks or accessorises so you don’t miss out this big trend.  

List of items from left to right:

Choker - Aldo

Blazer and Trousers - Be You Be Beautiful

Dress - Stradivarius

Boots - Public Desire

Shoulder Bag - Su-Shi

Trousers - Mango

Skirt - Zara

Jumpsuit - Kaoâ

Clutch - Maria Maleta

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Lisbon Calling

Holidays in Portugal! So obviously I had to go to center Lisbon.

I feel like Lisbon is getting more beautiful and modern. There is so many new restaurants, bars, stores and new sights. It's really seems like an amazing european capital to visit and live. 

On this day it was almost 40 degrees Celsius, so we had to stop in Magnum store. I loved the idea of personalising my own ice cream!

We also walked trough Baixa and Cais do Sodré and it's fantastic the amount of tourists and people you could see everywhere. I think all of this brought a new cultural dynamic to the city.

While we were walking through all of these places we took photos of my look and were you can see some of my favourites, so I hope you like them!

Top - Stradivarius

Cullotes - Stradivarius

Trainers - Stradivarius

Watch - Michael Kors

Choker - Cinco Jewellery

Photos by Dumitru Tira

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Bomber Jacket

The bomber jacket will still be one of the biggest trends for this season. But this time it comes in different patterns and in different fabrics and textures, from satins to sequins. All is allowed! 

Below you can find some of my suggestionsand also the direct link to each product. Hope you like it!

List of items from left to right:

Two Tone Bomber Jacket - Zara

Pleated Bomber Jacket - Zara

Bomber Jacket with Embroidery Jacket - Stradivarius

Camouflage Bomber Jacket - Zara

Embroidered Leather Effect Bomber Jacket - Zara

Sequined Bomber Jacket - Mango

Tropical Print Bomber Jacket - Mango

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Palmela

The wedding season it’s officially open. It’s so good to gather family and friends in such a special day. And who doesn’t like to wear a new dress and a more elaborate hair and makeup?

This wedding was super special! Seeing one of my best friends getting married was amazing! Everything was perfect! The place chosen for the party in Palmela was fabulous, so obviously I had to take a few photos. I hope you like them!

What about you? Have you been to a lot weddings this year?

Dress - Coast

Shoes and clutch - Aldo

Photos by Dumitru Tira

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Summer Favourites

Finally August has arrived, and with it the time to go to the beach. This is my favourite time of the year!

Below are some of my preferable pieces for this season, and they can be taken to the beach or, some of them, you can wear to a dinner just by the sea. The white playsuit that I suggest it's perfect during the day with a pair of flat sandals, but if you put it together with some stunning high heel instead, you will transform it into the perfect evening look.

This is the beauty of Summer, you can always look your best with less effort!

List of items from left to right:

Playsuit - Sabo Skirt

Hat - Elizab'hats

Swimsuit - Boohoo

Sandals - Havaianas

Basket - Rae Feather

Towel - Vertty

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Lace Bra - Gracedition

Denim Shorts - Stradivarius

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White Layers

White is one of my favourites colours to wear during Summer time. With the temperatures rising I always choose light fabriques with light and fresh colours. 

I decided to wear these linen trousers with a silver top and sandals. Because mornings can be a little bit chilly in London I completed my look with a white sleeveless jacket.

Trousers and top - Zara

Sleeveless jacket - Primark

Sandals - Daniela Catraia

Photos by Dumitru Tira

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Stripes

Stripes are now far beyond the nautical style. They were all over Spring/Summer 2016 runways in different styles. You could see them going horizontally and vertically; really tick lines or super thin ones; asymmetric dresses or evening gowns; trousers or shorts.

There’s an endless way to wear stripes this season. You just need to choose which one is your favourite!

List of items from left to right:

Striped Mini Skirt - Zara

Bikini - Mango

Knotted Sleeve Striped Maxi Shirt Dress - Bershka

Striped Cotton Espadrilles - Mango

Poplin Top with Knot - Zara

Striped Culotte Jumpsuit - Stradivarius

Striped Denim Top - Zara

Alga Tshirt - Carla Pontes

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Fairytale Trip

Recently, me and Dumitru went to Lake Bled in Slovenia to a friends weeding. It was the first time we went there so we decided to take a few more days off so we could relax and explore Bled.

This is one of the most beautiful places I ever visited. A fairytale scenery. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests and it has a small island right in the middle which you can visit by boat. It’s the kind of place you’ll see in the movies.

Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and the Adriatic Sea so its cuisine is a mixture of the Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. We tried amazing pastas, sea food and typical sausage from the Balkans. Everything was so delicious!

One day we woke up at 5am and rented two bikes so we could go around the lake to watch the sunrise behind the mountains. It was the most magical sunrise of my life and it was a really fun ride. I don’t remember the last time I rode a bike (besides the ones at the gym that don’t really take you anywhere).

It was a short trip, but it was really good to have a break from work. And I definitely recommend Slovenia and Lake Bled as a destination.

If you have any great locations you’ve been that you thought it was really magical, let me know in the comment section below. I would love to know where you like to travel.

 Photos by Dumitru Tira

Top and trousers - Zara

Necklace - Lovely Breeze

Sandals - Havaianas

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Quinta da Regaleira

I love Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira is one of my favourite places to visit when I'm in Portugal. The Palace and the gardens are so beautiful and the buildings style, the sculptures and the way the gardens are displayed makes you feel like you're entering in a place full of mystery and so romantic.

On this day, because I knew I would walk a little bit, I choose a casual and comfortable look. Just white trousers and a t-shirt, because it was a warm day, and my new platform shoes from Daniela Catraia. Despite being high they are really comfortable. 

T-shirt and Trousers - Zara

Sunglasses and Choker - Lovely Breeze

Shoes - Daniela Catraia

Photos by Dumitru Tira

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My Morning Beauty Routine

I am definitely a morning person. I love to wake up early in the morning, so I can do my workout, get ready and eat my breakfast calmly before I go to work.

During the week my alarm wakes me up at 6am. It’s time to put on my workout gear and do 40/45 min of exercise. After this is time to get ready, and also time for my beauty routine which is what this post is about. 

I’m quite OCD about my skin care routine. As a teenager I had very bad acne which left me with a couple of scars. Because I’m always doing skin treatments to help reduce my scars, I believe it’s really important to have a good beauty routine to complement, in order to have better and quicker results. 

I start by washing my face with the Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser. I wet my hands and face and them I squeeze a pea sized dot on my hands and massage over my face. When I feel my skin is clean I just rinse off. This is one of the best cleanser’s I ever used. My skin feels very clean and fresh. Because my skin is quite sensitive and this formula contains chamomile, I feel it’s not aggressive on my skin and calms down any redness. After I wash, I gently pat my face with a clean soft towel. 

I don’t like toners. Like I said, my skin is quite sensitive, and because a lot of toners contain alcohol, I never found one that feels comfortable on my skin. So instead of a toner I use thermal water in spray and my current favourite is the Avène Thermal Spring Water. It really helps to calm any redness on my skin, reduces pores and it’s so refreshing. I spray a fine mist over my skin and wait for 20 to 30 seconds until it dries. I also like to carry a small version in my handbag, so I can use it in the middle of the day or when the weather it’s a bit more warm or after exercise.

So now it’s time to use a serum and I use two. I use one for my eyes and another for my face and neck.

For my eyes I use the “All About Eyes” Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage from Clinique. It instantly refreshes and hydrates my eye area and because it contains caffeine and antioxidants, it helps to de-puff my eyes and brightens my dark circles.

For my skin I use the Truth Serum Collagen Booster by Ole Henriksen. It’s like a daily vitamin for your face. It’s loaded with antioxidants and concentrated vitamin C. For those of you who don’t know, vitamin C as a role in the collagen synthesis which is a protein produced by our cells that helps “hold” the skin together, keeping it looking younger and giving it firmness and elasticity. So by giving my skin this extra boost of vitamin C I’m helping my skin to regenerate faster. 

When I feel that my skin already absorbed the serum it’s time to moisturise my skin. I’m completely in love with the Lait-Crème Concentré by Embryolisse. It’s a creamy lotion that is really three products in one. It’s the perfect primer just before you apply your makeup, moisturises and works as a makeup remover as well. It has a combination of ingredients of natural origin, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Provides my skin with all the nutrients and hydration, accelerates cell renewal and it feels so comfortable on my skin.

I apply it on my face and neck by massaging it gently and leave it to penetrate into my skin.

Around my eyes I use the “Even Better Eyes” Dark Circle Corrector by Clinique. It brightens the appearance of the entire eye area. The hydrating formula makes eye-area skin appear less transparent and the cooling massage tip refreshes. I use this product twice a day, morning and night. I also have it with me during the day so I can reapply throughout the day when I see that my under-eye skin looks dry.

I gently squeeze a small amount of product and glide the applicator back and forth across my under-eye area. I use my finger to smooth in any excess. 

To finalise my morning skin routine, I apply the Carmex Original Lip Balm on my lips before I apply any makeup. This way it will moisturise my lips while I doing my makeup so when it’s time to put my lipstick my lips will look flawless.

This is my favourite lip balm. It moisturises dry lips with cocoa seed butter and includes broad spectrum SPF 15. Before I discovered this product my lips always looked dry and chapped but now with Carmex that’s all gone.

And that’s it! This is my morning beauty routine. I hope you like it and if you also want to share your beauty routine with me or if you have any questions, please leave it on the comment section below.

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