What it was like to be me in 2016 // NaBloPoMo

Today's prompt from BlogHer is a tough one again. The topic to blog about is:

What was it like to be you in 2016?

First of all: 2016 flew by in lightening speed. Heck, it's November 14th already, and Christmas is just around the corner.

This being said, 2016 in a nutshell for me was: being homesick.

There was rarely a day I wasn't crying. My first niece was born July 2015. Now she's 15 months old, and still thinks her aunt is someone who lives in a phone or iPad. I haven't met her yet. My 3rd nephew was born just a few days ago. Haven't met him yet. And man, I miss my family and friends in Germany.



On another note: A good thing was gaining I'd say at least two REAL friends, and was especially growing a friendship with someone I actually and honestly HATED last year for several reasons. Now he's my go to person for everything. He was there when I was going through the PTSD after getting attacked, he's always there when I am down, sad, and homesick. When I feel lost in this bible belt. When I don't understand the "whys".

H&M Studio AW16 // Feminine Strength and Individuality

Emma Roberts, Ciara and Kate Mara were among the guests at H&M Studio AW16 show on March 2nd under the domed ceiling of the historic Bourse de Commerce in Paris, where the inspiration was strong women and the beauty of independent minds.

Models such as Amber Valletta, Jourdan Dunn, Freja Beha Erichsen, Ashley Graham, Soo Joo Park and Hari Nef appeared in looks that expressed a woman’s individuality, and the diversity of the female character. They walked a specially created runway that had the clarity and enchantment of a frozen lake, reflecting the influence of nature on the collection.


                                       H&M Studio A/W 2016 event film

The focus was all on the clothes, which mixed powerful tailoring with Swedish heritage and handicraft. There was a fresh interest in a feminine silhouette created by the shoulders and waist, with added drama and posture from gaucho hats and cowboy boots.

All images via Cision

“This collection is about the strength and beauty of women, and how we express that power through our style. I love the contrast of strong tailoring with handicraft touches of Swedish heritage and folklore,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s creative advisor.

Nicolas Godin of Air produced an original track “Mystery Lake” exclusively for the show, with a choir singing live at the venue to heighten the mood. 600 international editors and guests attended the show held during Paris Fashion Week, with a global audience watching live at studio.hm.com.

H&M Studio is the key seasonal collection from H&M, with its own dedicated design team. This limited-edition collection will be available in 200 stores, as well as online, from September 8.