change. {Words & Photography}

I can't think of a word that holds as much power, has a bigger impact on peoples' lives, than the following: change. A few letters, which in reality, can flip your world around by taking the smallest step in a new direction, by choosing a different road or walking out of a door. Though change is inevitable in this crazy ride we call a life, most of us are afraid to face new situations, fresh starts or an uncertain future. Though there might be much better things ahead than the ones we leave behind, it scares the hell out of us, truly. Maybe it's the fear of losing something or someone we once thought would be everlasting, maybe it's the lack of comfort when we jump without knowing where this free fall will end and the idea of stepping out of our familiar environment, that holds us back. Perhaps we fear that moments and the people we share(d) these with become memories before our faces. Yes, it might hurt. The pain and suffering of letting go or turning pages might feel too much of a burden to see the benefit of stepping ahead. However, no one has ever grown into the person they need to become by staying in the same place where their story once started. Just like in fall, when the air gets crisp and the leaves are changing colours, there are times in life, when you might not know where you're going, but you feel like you are on your way. Leaving, letting go, falling down, chilled to your bone. And maybe you're already gone with the wind, but waiting for it all to make sense. Maybe this is when you gotta trust the magic of beginnings and let yourself slowly recover from the fading feeling of darkness, ambiguity and winter's cold. Perhaps, just like nature needs to die a little to come back even more beautiful in its everlasting circle of change, you will bloom like flowers in spring. Though we might not know where we're going, we are already on our way.

Love, Julie.

Wiener Wiesn Fest 2015

ENG: It appears, that following the friendly invitation by Purtscher Relations PR and the 'Wiener Wiesn Fest', once a year it's time for me to put on a traditional 'dirndl' and attend Austria's biggest Oktoberfest, located at the famous Prater grounds. What I really loved about my second visit at the fair was the beautifully decorated outdoor area, that I didn't get to see last year in the dark. The fall setting with little pumpkins everywhere meets kitschy Oktoberfest classics aka hearts and pretzels - all set up in what seems like a tiny hidden village with wooden huts and three huge party tents with live music. What else did I like a lot? Uhm, there's an Uhudler stand (need I say more??), a photo booth, vegan food (pictured below) and always a fun atmosphere with people going crazy for trashy folk music. But tables are for dancing, anyways, right? Oh, and how could I not mention the blogger crew? It was nice to spend an evening with Fanfarella, Pretty Curvy Secrets, Vienna Fashion Waltz & my friend J., who in my opinion has the most wicked sense of style - I mean come on.. see how badass she's rocking that dirndl? ;)

All early birds can already get their hands on tickets for 2016 around christmas time! Might be relevant for gift ideas, also.. 

Thanks for having me, Wiener Wiesn Fest! Always a pleasure.

GER: Einmal im Jahr scheint es an der Zeit zu sein, mein Dirndl auszuführen - und wo könnte das angemessener sein, als auf dem größten Oktoberfest des Landes, dem Wiener Wiesn Fest? Der freundlichen Einladung von Purtscher Relations und dem WWF folgend, verschlug es mich auch dieses Jahr in illustrer Runde in den Prater. Besonders gut gefiel mir bei meinem heurigen Besuch die liebevolle Dekoration der Anlage. Herbstliche Kürbisse treffen auf die kitschig-klassischen Oktoberfest-Elemente, wie Herzen und Brezeln, und ergeben gesamt ein wunderbar verwunschenes Bild, das einen durch den Aufbau des Areals an ein kleines Dorf erinnert. Ein partyfreudiges, zugegeben. Die Hütten und Stände haben Schmankerl aus allen Bundesländern zu bieten, wobei es mir - wie immer - der Uhudler aus dem Südburgenland besonders angetan hat ;) Als gebürtige Kärntnerin war es für mich auch amüsant, in der 'Kärnten Alm' umsorgt zu werden und zu sehen, was man sich dort vorgenommen hat, zu präsentieren. Die drei großen Partyzelte sind dank Livemusik immer bestens besucht, können tagsüber, abseits der Hauptacts (z.B. DJ Ötzi), teils bei freiem Eintritt genossen werden. Hin- und wieder hat die Zeltfest-Atmosphäre schon etwas sehr Amüsantes! Aber die Fotos sprechen ohnehin für sich; Highlights dieses Jahres waren für mich außerdem die Fotobox und veganes (!) Essen auf der Karte.
Wenn Ihr Euch frühzeitig Tickets für 2016 sichern wollt, könnt Ihr diese bereits zur Weihnachtszeit erwerben - was möglicherweise auch als Geschenketipp ganz nützlich ist.

Love, Julie.

Credit Group Picture: Harald Klemm

Fall Outfit: Burgundy Poncho

Now that fall is officially here, I'm happily layering again! This burgundy poncho was a random Humana bargain, which I haven't worn once in about a year. Considering how comfortable it is, I don't really know why, tbh! Oh, that favourite season of mine has already brought so much alteration, and just as the leaves are slowly changing, so is a lot privately. Sometimes, plans do work out...

...but sometimes, they don't. Sometimes, there's something getting in the way.

A little something called LIFE.

Love, Julie.

Poncho: Humana Second Hand, Jeans, Blouse, Booties: H&M, Fedora: Forever21, Bag: Bershka

Birthday Wishes #23

1.) Cardigan, flower pot & golden tray from H&M

2.) Mandala rug from Urban Outfitters

3.) Poetry 'The Pleasures of the Damned' by Charles Bukowski

4.) A concert ticket for the Vienna show of Of Monsters And Men in November

5.) Rattan stools from Ikea (or willhaben)

6.) Oriental rug from Möbelix

ENG: I don't have many material wishes for my 23rd birthday, for I'd rather collect moments & adventures with my loved ones instead of things. I mean, if someone wanted to give me a million bucks cash, I wouldn't say no either - I'm craving to travel the world so badly! - but I guess this is not a real life scenario. You can always put a smile on my face with good music and booze, as well. Just for info, you know ;)

GER: Ich habe nicht viele materielle Wünsche für meinen 23. Geburtstag, weil ich mittlerweile nichts mehr wertschätze, als Zeit mit meinen Lieben zu verbringen und gemeinsame Abenteuer zu erleben. Natürlich würde ich nicht nein sagen, wenn mir jemand eine erhebliche Summe Geld schenken wollte, da meine Reiselust wie immer im ganzen Körper kribbelt, doch davon gehe ich mal lieber nicht aus ;) Gute Musik und Alkohol kommen übrigens auch immer super an, haha.

Love, Julie.