Quick Recap: in part 1 of the interview with Miss Irena, we found out about her life, and living in Vienna as it relates to career, lifestyle, and opportunities. In part 2, we find out the juicy!
SEX & RELATIONSHIPS
Lola: Do young people hang out separately or in groups?
Miss Irena: Mostly in mixed groups with both guys and girls.
Lola: Around what age do young Austrians start getting into love relationships?
Miss Irena: Hm.. I like the question. In “my time” it was around 15-16. Now it is around 14.
Lola: What about sex?
Miss Irena: It seems as if the age is lowering. I would say the average is around 16.
Lola: Is sex becoming more casual?
Miss Irena: Yes, although I think that’s a trend in developed countries in the past few decades.
Lola: How is the marriage looked upon in Austria?
Miss Irena: As the divorce rates are high, marriage is not very praised. However, people still do get married and prepare extravagant weddings. Those living in smaller cities get are more likely to marry compared to Viennese.
Lola: What are the weddings like?
Miss Irena: Some people make smaller ones, some prefer something more elaborate. The preparations start at least six months in advance. Most popular weddings are held outside the city, in the castles, gardens, etc.
Lola: How is cheating looked upon?
Miss Irena: People are quiet and calculating where cheating is concerned. Everyone is bothered with it, and no one wants to experience it! My opinion is that it happens, but it is not talked about. One never shares their dirty laundry with the neighbors in Austria. Everything is discussed between four walls. I cannot speak for every couple in the intimacy of their home, but the statistics are telling us that infidelity happens often, and both men and women cheat.
Lola: Do couples tend to stay together after a huge disagreement or is the divorce the route most taken?
Miss Irena: As I’ve mentioned, the divorce is a regular occurrence. Austrians are less inclined to compromise, and sacrifice, and will often go for something different, or a solo life, if things in the relationship start to bother them.
FASHION
Lola: How important is fashion for women in Austria?
Miss Irena: It’s very important, especially women from ex-Yu who dress really well. Austrian women like to get dressed up as well, but more casually. Still, when something is fashionable (trend for this winter was black fishnets, black shorts, and high heels), the entire city will go out and buy it. This of course is true for women who like fashion. Alternative girls, and girls who do not care about fashion (there are a lot of them in Vienna), are completely un-phased by these things. I am speaking here for Vienna, as I do not know about other places.
Lola: How is style different in Austria and other parts of Europe?
Miss Irena: There are a loooooooooot less stores here compared to London, Paris, New York, and “real” world metropolises. It’s not that there isn’t a choice, everyone can find something that looks good on them, but in the end most girls wear the same things that they bought in similar stores. Everything is uniformed this way.
Lola: Your fave designers?
Miss Irena: Roberto Cavalli, and Versace. Affordable: Zara, Mango.
Lola: Fave Austrian designers?
Miss Irena: I cannot give concrete designer names as Austria does not have a very big fashion scene.
Lola: What accessories could you not live without?
Miss Irena: Earrings, and bags (big and small).
Lola: Fave mag?
Miss Irena: Biggest magazine for women here is WOMAN. I like Cosmo, but Croatian rather than German edition.
Lola: Let’s say you have only $200 budget for wardrobe for the entire next year. What do you spend it on?
Miss Irena: A good pair of boots, few shirts, and accessories.
Lola: Advice for fashionistas?
Miss Irena: Do not run after every new trend as some clothes are not good enough even though they may be popular that month.
BEAUTY SECRETS
Miss Irena: Regular face cleansing is a MUST! I never go to bed with makeup. Regular caring for the face is also important, with creams that are good for your skin. I go to a cosmetologist who prepares my face cream. Try to stay away from over-the-counter products that you can get at drugstores as the quality is low. Use something you would find at a dermatologist/cosmetologist’s office. High quality makeup is crucial too. I realized it is better to have 10 pieces of high quality makeup than 50 of half-good quality that one ends up throwing away because it went bad. I love peelings (both face and body). It is important to drink a lot of fluids, and to exercise (although I am not very disciplined there).
Lola: Cosmetics recommendations?
Miss Irena: My face cream is Chris Farell – Purell Skin Balancer. It is a cream for oily skin, it smells divinely, and the texture is wonderful. For body, I use Dove. As far as shampoos, I buy professional ones, for quality. I like brands Bonacure, and Loreal Professional. I use different kinds of makeup, although I love Biotherm, Clinique, and Dior. Loreal is also good. Overall, if you do one good thing for your face, it would be to have a consultation with a dermatologist or a cosmetologist.
FINAL WORDS FOR READERS
Miss Irena: An individual needs to feel hope, love herself, and work on herself throughout her life. Those three things are key! Satisfaction with oneself is the most important thing in life, as without it, one cannot succeed in a career, relationship or a friendship… a person, then, cannot succeed in any social field without it. You need to be your own best friend, and strive to know yourself. I have also come to a conclusion that nothing is eternal, both pain and happiness come, go away, and return again. Life is not one straight line: sometimes you fly, while sometimes you fall. Truly: life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll get. It is up to us to learn from our mistakes, and to try not to repeat them. I believe in justice, and that everything in life – good and bad – comes back. That is why you shouldn’t ponder “why is this happening to me?” because every event has some meaning. With everything we experience we come out smarter, different, and stronger. Be honest with yourself, and listen to your inner voice. Mine never disappointed me!
Awwwwwwww! It’s easy to love Miss Irena! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did. Please feel free to comment!
<3,
Lola
Tags: Interview(s), WOW