Passion for Best Memories of 2014

Wow another year has just passed by, it seems like only yesterday I was writing my Best of 2013 and yet the time has come to look back at make a recap of my 2014 highlights. For me 2014 has been a year of many changes, but most importantly this year has made me realize what my goals are and I feel more determined to make them happen. I have realized that if you stay focused, work hard and believe in yourself, good things will definitely happen. It is never easy but it is definitely doable.

In the end of 2013 I had set a goal to launch my project which is Passion for Greece a social travel platform designed to share remarkable travel stories with like minded people. My patience and will was tested a number of times throughout the year but finally this project went live on 6 October 2014. This was my greatest accomplishment for 2014 which I am looking forward to growing in the New Year. I am thankful to those who stood by me and helped me in making this dream come true and those who tested my will likewise.

In April I traveled to Italy and explored Tuscany by train which I have crossed off my bucket-list being one of the trips I wanted to take. I also went out of my comfort zone and lived on the island of Crete for two months which was a truly remarkable experience. I have learned to love this island and met some wonderful people there.

For the first time this year I attended TBEX which was held in Athens in the end of October, falling on my birthday which I celebrated in Athens for a change. For those who have been following my adventures know that I have a tradition to celebrate my birthdays in different cities each year.  On this occasion it was an opportunity to combine my birthday celebration with the Passion for Greece launch party. TBEX was a lifetime experience where I met some amazing people, and this is where I also received a great birthday present, meeting a totally awesome New Yorker named Marissa Tejada who has written a fabulous chick lit called Chasing Athens. Given my obsession with New York, meeting a New Yorker living in Athens was definitely a great sign. Marissa and I have been working hard on a few new projects which we can’t wait to announce in January 2015.

Speaking of meeting inspiring people, you might have noticed that the photography on Live Your Passion has taken a whole different level. In the beginning of 2014 I started a new collaboration with Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography who is not only one of my favourite people to work with but she has become a good friend that has supported me throughout the year. Thanks to Rania I also met Vicky Bouzouni who is the Founder of Style-Rules and we have worked on the holiday special Hotel Blogger Experience photographed at Grecotel Pallas Athena. We have more projects in the making. I feel 2015 is going to be the best year yet!

Wishing all my readers a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! Thank you for reading and for following my adventures. xoxo ES

Passion for Naomi, Kate, Cara...

As the year is coming to an end, here is one more forgotten look from the Hotel Blogger photoshoot. Casual, boyfriend style jeans, a t-shirt that says it all and a fashionable turban. Keeping things simple and less complicated. What do you think of boyfriend jeans? Comfy no? Until next time, enjoy the holidays! xoxo ES

 Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography

Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist

Passion for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas

The one question that daunts us girls is what will we wear on the night of Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve per se. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Life is all about decisions, but in order to make your life easier we have come up with a few outfit ideas to make you stand out and shine bright like a star. So whether you are a dress kind of girl or maxi skirts are your cup of tea, Fashion in mycloset has all sorts of inspiring creations for you.

I personally went for a black jumpsuit with lace sleeves, giving it more of a holiday spin, classy and stylish. Enjoy our styling tips brought to you by Style-Rules. Until next time, Happy Holidays. xoxo ES

Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography

Make-up: Maria Dioti 

Location: Grecotel Pallas Athena 

Passion for The Grand Entrance

 September seems like not so long ago, but I guess with all the projects going on lately I have been delayed on updating my blog. Please excuse me for the silence. I have two more looks to share from our Hotel Blogger Concept that was taken at the Grecotel Vouliagmeni Suites before we go on to the new Holiday Season updates. Until next time, let me know what you think of this look. xoxo ES

Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography

Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist

Passion for "Time Waits for No One"

“Time can tear down a building or destroy a woman's face

  Hours are like diamonds, don't let them waste” Time Waits for No One, Rolling Stones

My dear friends, the message is clear! Make the most of your time, chase your dreams so that one day you will not regret the “things you didn’t do”. Happy Monday and stay inspired! Until next time. xoxo ES 

Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography
Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist 

Passion for the Adam & Eve Restaurant at Vouliagmeni Suites

Good morning fashionistas! Did you sleep well? Back to the photoshoot for the Hotel Blogger Concept for Passion for Greece as promised I am brining you more looks. This is my scene at the 'Adam & Eve' Restaurant at the Vouliagmeni Suites hotel, which is ideal for a light lunch or dinner. The restaurant gives you a warm feeling of being in a homey dining room but at the same time the mosaic like window creates an aura of bluish reflection setting a tone of water like atmosphere. I guess you have to try it in order to understand it. The menu offers Greek traditional dishes prepared with a creative and modern twist, and of course you can also find fresh salads if you are looking to have something light.

I do tend to wear a lot of black lately, and as I read this article recently where Mark Zuckerberg explains why he is always keen on wearing his grey t-shirt which of course he owns in big numbers, he correctly explained that he wanted to make his dressing decisions less complicated. And I guess if you think about it, it makes perfect sense, because when you are so busy and preoccupied with making many career decisions, the last thing you would want is to complicate your life with your dressing decisions. This is why a lot of successful people usually keep their colour coordination simple and stick with the same colours. Makes sense, no? Until next time, stay fabulous. xoxo ES

Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography
Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist 

Passion for Spiros Stefanoudakis - 16th Athens Xclusive Designers Week - AXDW

Spiros Stefanoudakis is a relatively new but up-and-coming designer who has launched his brand in 2012. The designer has been well known for his collaborations with many Greek artists, stylists, TV shows and magazines. In his SS 15 Collection presented at the 16th Athens Xclusive Designers Week, the designer showcased pieces that I am sure Beyonce would be envious of. The Collection is all about generous cuts, feminism and sexy dressing. Embroidery and sequin highlight the Collection presented in various lengths and styles. The designer also presented his Bridal Collection which consisted of delicate handwork and fine detail. What did you think of this Collection? Until next time, thank you for reading. xoxo ES

Passion for Notis Panayitou - 16th Athens Xclusive Designers Week -AXDW

Notis Panayiotou is a Cypriot born fashion designer, who is also one of the Founders of the “Cypriot Fashion designers Association” where he holds the position of Secretary. During the 16^th Athens Xclusive Designers Week, Notis Panayiotou presented his Spring/Summer 2015 Collection inspired by striking metallics with the kind of “all eyes on me” outfits both for his female and male fans. Lace detailing and pussy bow blouses were also strongly present in his Collection, paired with a maxi skirt for a grand yet tasteful effect. The tuxedo style is back with a strong influence on the catwalk, where the classical elegance meets powerful sexy style, with a unique twist from the designer. Let the collection speak for itself through these images straight from the catwalk. Do share your thoughts on your favourite pieces by commenting below. Until next time, I will be back with more fashion. xoxo ES

Passion for Glam It Up

When it comes to dressing up, accessories do play an important role, and are essential to making any outfit stand out! Accessorizing is a lifestyle and I am sure that many of you will agree that investing into the right ones is vital to make you look and feel good. During the Hotel Blogger photoshoot this is what we wanted to do, play with the accessories and capture them in different areas of the suite. You may read the whole story here. Until next time, enjoy your Saturday! xoxo ES

 Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography
Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist

Passion for Jumpsuit Stories

Its official my secret project is not so secret anymore! This explains my disappearing act from here darlings, but I am back and extremely please to share my pride and joy Passion for Greece, which is a social travel platform for all who love to travel. One of the sections of this website is dedicated to the Hotel Blogger Concept which I am going to be sharing in four separate posts as it incorporates, fashion, travel and style. For the full story and the review of the Vouliagmeni Suites hotel, you may click here. Looking forward to receiving your feedback. Until next time, enjoy your weekend. xoxoES

 Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography
 Make-up: Maria Fanourgaki Make Up Artist

Passion for "30 Days of Dress for Success" - Day 4

Today I had a lunch date with my friend D so for my outfit du jour I decided to incorporate a few of the colours which are currently trending. The classic black and white as always, and the burgundy or the ox-blood as some like to refer to it, which is totally the “it” colour right now! 

Passion for "30 Days of Dress for Success" - Day 3

How is your Monday so far? I must confess I sort of had a lazy weekend where my work is concerned. I caught up with a few of my friends so there was plenty of socializing. What did you do guys? As promised, I am back with my 30 Days of Dress for Success, and for Day 3 there was no colour palette. 

Passion for "30 Days of Dress for Success" - Day 2

Casual Friday look! As I continue with my 30 Days of Dress for Success, for my second look I went for something more casual. For everyone, dressing for success might be different. If you are working in a corporate environment then of course you would consider whether to walk into your office wearing a pair of ripped jeans, in my case since I am my own boss, I dress depending on the occasion. 

Passion for "30 Days of Dress for Success"- Day 1

Happy Thursday fashionistas! With Fashion Weeks kicking off at the moment, and all the street style inspiration happening all around, I was encouraged to do something slightly different so I am going to start my 30 Days of Dress for Success. It’s a good motivation to dress up, and try something new every day, to be creative and bring out some old clothes, that are actually back in fashion. Since these days I am mostly stuck behind my computer, working intensively on the launch of my #passionforgreece project, I tend to wear shorts and t-shirts. But since my office is mobile, I worked from my friend’s office today, thus it was a good opportunity to start my 30 Days of Dress for Success.

Passion for Agios Nikolaos, Crete

Happy Tuesday darlings! I am back with more travel stories to share about my time spent in Crete. In my previous post I spoke to you about my day trip to Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and the Spinalonga Island. Since I have so many photos to share, I decided that Agios Nikolaos deserved a separate post, so here we go. Agios Nikolaos meaning Saint Nicholas is a coastal town, located on the east of Heraklion which is the capital of Crete. Agios Nikolaos is best known for being a tourism town that serves as a hub to the twenty or so small villages and farms that make up that part of Lassithi. Its main tourist attractions include the small lagoon called the Lake Voulismeni where you will find traditional fishing boats, ducks, pigeons and many small cafés. There is also small beaches in the town, the tiny island Agioi Pantes, the archaeological museum and numerous fairs that take place in the area. This place became well know in the 1960’s when it was “discovered” by famous cinema directors such as Jules Dassin, Walt Disney, BBC producers and many others.

In the evening we came back to Agios Nikolaos after visiting Elounda and the Spinalonga Island, to have dinner at a restaurant that was recommended by a friend. The place is called Maistrali it is a family owned fish tavern located by the sea, serving traditional Cretan Greek cuisine. After dinner we walked around the town so that I could take a few more night shots of this place for my up and coming project #passionforgreece. Until next time, thank you for reading. xoxo ES

Passion for Arkadi Monastery, Crete

I appreciate great architecture, and my…was this monastery something else! The Arkadi Monastery is found in Rethymno, Crete and it is one of the Eastern Orthodox Monasteries underlining the catholicity and universality of the Church. It has unbelievable natural beauty, once you find yourself inside you feel total serenity, like you blend in with the environment. This monastery is very rich in history and each year it receives many visitors and pilgrims from around the world. Here you will find your own unique experience, at least I did. Until next time, be inspired and count your blessings. xoxo ES

Passion for Elounda and Spinalonga Island

I’ve been hearing a lot about Elounda and over the years having cooperated with a number of luxury hotels in the area, it was only natural to be curious about this famous place. So we decided to take a day trip from Rethymno go all the way to Ag. Nikolaos which about a two hour drive (yes Crete is big) and then stop over at Elounda and perhaps also visit the famous Spinalonga Island which you have probably heard about from Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island”. 

Once we reached Elounda we decided that since we came this far it would be a pity not to cross over to the Spinalonga island and since there were boats heading out every one hour it was a great opportunity to discover this place. It is approximately a 15 minute ride from the port of Elounda. In the 20^th century the island was subsequently used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. It is notable for being one of the last active leper colonies in Europe. Today it is a very popular tourist attraction in Crete. There is no accommodation on the island, nor any coffee places so you might as well take some water and refreshments with you. In the evening we drove back to Ag. Nikolaos for dinner and then back to Rethymno. I will be sharing more updates about Crete in the posts to follow. Until next time, have a great day. xoxo ES

Passion for Falassarna Beach

You are probably thinking, what is this girl doing? Has she taken all the beaches of Crete by storm?! Not quite! First of all let’s cheers to September! What are your September resolutions, other than updating your wardrobe for Fall? Since my time in Crete was very busy and I was terribly late at updating you with my posts, you will be seeing a few more of my Cretan adventures before I finally decide to put some clothes on. Ok let’s get serious, but not too serious. So back to the subject of September resolutions, well my list is full, so full that I feel totally chained to this computer. Ok enough with the blabbing, as I have mentioned to you a couple of times before, I am working on launching my big secret project #passionforgreece which I am planning to have up and running the latest end of this month, so yeah I am pretty busy!

Now let’s look at the pretty photos. Here I am enjoying the most magnificent, breathtaking sunset and a cucumber cocktail at the Falassarna beach in Chania, Crete. This beach has won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is in the list of the top 10 beaches in Europe. A long coastline of sand and crystal clear blue water. What else do you need in life? An easy recipe on becoming a beach bum! Until next time, lots of love your way. xoxo ES

Passion for Preveli Beach

Here is one random fact about me, I’m terrified of heights! This fear suddenly appeared in my life back in 2007 when I decided to salute the glorious Eiffel Tower. So when my friend Maria told me that there is no way in the world I will miss visiting the Preveli Beach, I had no choice but to kiss my fears goodbye! This magnificent beach is located on the south coast of Rethymnon town, where the steep Kourtaliotiko Gorge meets the Libyan Sea forming a cool lagoon and the famous sandy beach of Preveli. This beach is also very famous for its palm forest which consists of the precious type of palm tree known as Phoenix Theophrasti, a rare species which is under extinction. The palm trees have graciously grown along the river which leads to the beach of Preveli where you will find a miraculous heart shaped rock inside the sea. To get here you have to walk downhill for about 15-20 minutes. The view is extraordinary but getting back up was quite a challenge for me as my fear of heights crept up on me on the way back. Fear or no fear I am glad that I did visit this beach and recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in Crete!

In the evening on our way back we had dinner at a great taverna called Pyrgos which is surrounded by the mountains. If you manage to come here just before the sunset you are guaranteed to enjoy a spectacular view and delicious Cretan cuisine. Until next time, see the beauty around you. xoxo ES

Passion for Elafonisi Beach, Chania

Looking at the photos you might be thinking that I jumped on a plane and escaped to the Maldives! This heaven on earth is actually found on the island of Crete. Elafonisi is one of the most amazing, picturesque beaches that you will ever see. It is actually a tiny island located on the southwestern corner of Crete and on days that the weather permits you can walk to the island through the shallow water, carrying everything on your head! Part of the beach is organized therefore you can rent an umbrella and sun beds, but if you are an adventurer at heart you will definitely decide to spend the day on the tiny island under the burning sun! That’s what we did and it was worth it. Here you will the find the most crystal clear waters and pink sand.

The drive to Elafonisi which is part of Chania was a long one especially coming from Rethymnon, it took us about two hours to get there, but it is an experience of a life time. Until next time, enjoy the view! xoxo ES

Passion for Margarites Village in Rethymno, Crete

Happy Sunday fashion bunnies! It’s been a while I know, but life on the island of Crete moves to a different rhythm. The project I have been working on for the past two months, at the Be A Model Academy which took place at the Grecotel Creta Palace has come to an end. A total of four weeks of fashion, beauty, catwalk and lots of photo shootings, is over for now.

During my two months spent here on the island, I have greatly enjoyed agritourism which is all about bringing the visitor close to nature and to discovering the local way of life, traditions and gastronomy. In this post I would like to share with you one of my visits to the Margarites village which is located in the West of Rethymno in the foothills of Mt. Psiloritis. Margarites is one of Crete’s four main pottery centers, here the tradition of pottery making goes back many generations. In total there are 23 potters in the village.

I was very fortunate to visit a traditional Cretan pottery, one of the finest in Margarites, called KERAMION which is operated by George Dalamvelas and his family. George showed me the techniques of how the pottery is produced and all its stages of making from gathering the clay (which is done during the winter months) to the pottery firing process. George uses traditional techniques which go back to Neolithic period to create ceramics which are very useful in our modern lives.

In the evening I had the unique experience of a guided tour to collect chicken eggs and milk the goats. This trip was organized by George’s brother Pandelis who will be appointed President of Margarites and 9 other villages as of this coming September. To end this exciting day we had a home cooked meal at Pandelis house, where I must note that Irini, his wife is an exquisite cook and makes the most delicious goat milk cheese from their little farm. Anything that she cooks is yummy! My friends if you ever find yourselves in Crete, do make sure to check out this village and also visit their small monastery which is located on a hill overlooking the village.  Here you will discover a serene garden in full blossom, banana trees and peacocks, definitely a site you must not miss. Until next time, I will be back with more tales from Crete. xoxo ES

Passion for Zeus + Amalthia Sky Bar Restaurant

As summer continues and I am still spending wonderful days here in Crete, I would like to share a few more photos which were shot at the brand new Zeus + Amalthia Sky Bar Restaurant at the Grecotel Creta Palace hotel. The view here is spectacular and the cocktails are just sunsational! If you find yourselves in Rethymno this summer, make sure you check this place out. Until next time, enjoy! xoxo ES

Passion for Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort -Video

Happy Sunday fashionistas! How is August treating you so far? Here is the final video of the Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort campaign which I took part in a little while ago. You will see me in the pool scenes and the Jacuzzi. Let me know what you think darlings. Until next time, have a fabulous Sunday. xoxo ES

Passion for Black Diamonds

Geiasou, as they say hello here in Greece! Here are a few shots from a video campaign which was filmed last week at the Grecotel Creta Palace. I couldn’t get enough of the black diamonds which I got to wear for the filming. And the skeleton diamond watch is to die for. I was crazy in love….lol. Until next time darling, enjoy! xoxo ES

Photography:Pikon PHOTOGRAPHY by Pantelis Konsolakis 

Passion for Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort - behind the scenes of the video campaign

Happy Sunday fashionistas! On Friday I had the chance to participate in the new video campaign for the brand new Caramel Grecotel Boutique Resort, my role was to chill by the pool on one of these amazing leaf creations. Life is good right! We have the next Grecotel Model Academy starting tonight, so stay tuned for all the updates. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Until next time, big kiss from sunny Rethymno! xoxo ES

Photography: Pikon PHOTOGRAPHY by Pantelis Konsolakis

Passion for Life Lately

Hi loves! I am terribly sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have been better in posting on my instagram account. Life has definitely been hectic lately, I also managed to fall sick and miraculously get up and running again in only a day. The first Grecotel Model Academy finished this last Saturday where our little fashionistas received their Graduation kits. It was a really fun but very busy week with very little sleep. We have the next Academy starting this coming Sunday, so we get a few days of “less” hectic schedule to prepare. Here is a recap of some of the photos which I have shared on instagram, make sure to follow @ElenaSerg for live updates. Until next time, lots of love from Crete. xoxo ES

Passion for the Black and White Theory

Life has been interesting lately, different! First of all I would like to with Happy 4^th of July to my American friends! Back to the subject of life, as I have mentioned to you in my last post, I moved to Crete for the summer and tomorrow we will be celebrating our first week here, time does really fly. I am here working on a very interesting project called Be A Model for A Day which takes place at the Creta Palace hotel. The first day of the programme will start this coming Sunday so we have been busy setting up and getting ready. Those of you who follow me on instagram have already seen some highlights of my time spent here, if you are not following me yet, it’s better late then never right?! :) (@ElenaSerg is my instagram account).

This is a look that I shot with my lovely photographer whom I will not have with me here in Crete. A simple black and white look, and matching accessories! As you have seen from all the last looks, I have been wearing shorts a lot! Well it’s summer after all. Wishing you all a fabulous weekend. Until next time, have fun! xoxo ES

Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography

Passion for the Sunset, the Aegean and Me

Happy Friday fashionistas! Anything exciting planned for the weekend? I m already sitting on my big suitcase as I will be moving to Crete for a couple of months this summer. New beginnings and new untraveled paths are waiting for me. As they say we must get out of our comfort zone in order to face the future and to make things happen. So here I am, making my way to Crete! So make sure to follow me on instagram  @ElenaSerg to find out all the up to date happenings. And if you find yourself in Crete this summer, do let me know. Until next time, thank you for following my journey. xoxo ES

 Photography: Rania Gallianos Divajo Photography