Tell me about it stud!

Oke I will be honest - the title made me chuckle. Yes laughing at my own jokes and then outing myself on the never-ending internet - sad I know.

Source: valentino.com

So unless you have been blind - you will have noticed the stud trend and personally I think Valentino started it all. I fell in love love love with a side studded handbag and have now seen clever and thrifty (my catch phrase of the season) at Zara.

Source: valentino.com

But this season Valentino upped the game with the beautiful mixed versions. So you can be a hard punk rock fashionista with the Noir collection.

Source: valentino.com

Or a soft on the inside hard on the outside fashionista with sweet coloured studs.

Source: valentino.com

Source: valentino.com

And it you need to be a little flashy you can go a little pave. So if you are thinking of going the studded route, consider an investment piece from Valentino all to be found on valentino.com online shopping but also try my-wardrobe and luisaviaroma.com.









Hope in true Grease style if makes you feel like Olivia Newton-John in skin tight leathers....

A sucker for a bangle

My latest obession - bracelets!

Source: jcrew.com

Lots of them, as many as possible together without looking like a total idiot. In my fav blog term 'A true arm party' and if you are a cute bangle you are so invited!




So I had a look around the internet to give a clue as to what is excited my right now!

Source: zara.com

Source: Shourok mywardrobe.com

First off in line with the embellished trend - I love sparkle. In fact I am surprised to find that Zara has been helping me indulge. But I also some amazing ones on my-wardrobe.com So here are few to get you drooling...



Then there is an unexpected newcomer in the field that I honestly wasn't expecting : J.Crew. I love Jenny Lyons with her quirky style and the fact that on their website they do Styles we love which even if it isn't exactly my sense of style it does make me think out of the box and rethink my wardrobe ... being a bit more creative...

Source: jcrew.com

Source:jcrew.com

So here are my fav picks from J.Crew ... They have fab bangles in leopard, fushia, cobalt blue oh my but also a pave link bracelet that does uptown chique in a new and quirky way.






For me jewellery let's you re-invite an outfit each and every time. In today's world, being thrifty and clever is important so taking your fav black pencil skirt and work white, crisp shirt from last season to being completely up to date - is as simple as finding some super bangles. A smart investment that will work with lots of your favourite outfits - ohhhh and do let me know how you get on!
Am curious to see x

The best moments ...

Sometimes when you are glum it helps to remember you favourite moments and try to recapture how you felt right then and there in the moment. For some it is a much needed girlie lunch, or the day you were proposed to but for others it is just a walk in the park with a loved one. So I tried to really think hard about a top 10 list (obviously the fact that there was far more than 10 moments to choose from made me feel so fortunate)… Maybe this inspires you to do the same.

1. My Mint Green & White Princess Dress
My grandmother had the habit of bringing clothes from her favourite children’s clothing shop to us when she came to visit. And my 6^th birthday I remember so well. We still lived in Germany and I was in Holland to celebrate my birthday it was just before we were to move to America so it was an extra special birthday and I had seen THE dress. I imagine this is what brides feel when they meet THE dress but this was my moment. It was a princess dress that my mother would hate and I loved it. So thanks to my granny I was given the dress. And to this day I will be ever so thankful

2. The 9 year old Saks experience
As a little girl we would go to Chicago for December 5^th (a holiday Sinterklaas in the Netherlands) and would always do a spot of shopping. I think this instilled the need for shopping at a young age (I blame my parents). On one occasion in the children’s clothing section I think my father just couldn’t be bothered so he simply sent the sales lady on her way to pick the best of the bunch and my sister and I spent hours trying and twirling I was in heaven (not realizing she works on commission – the greedy reality of the world). I will never forget the pinstriped YSL navy dress I came away with. I felt special for moments to come.section I think my father just couldn’t be bothered so he simply sent the sales lady on her way to pick the best of the bunch and my sister and I spent hours trying and twirling I was in heaven (not realizing she works on commission – the greedy reality of the world). I will never forget the pinstriped YSL navy dress I came away with. I felt special for moments to come.shopping at a young age (I blame my parents). On one occasion in the children’s clothing section I think my father just couldn’t be bothered so he simply sent the sales lady on her way to pick the best of the bunch and my sister and I spent hours trying and twirling I was in heaven (not realizing she works on commission – the greedy reality of the world). I will never forget the pinstriped YSL navy dress I came away with. I felt special for moments to come.

3. My first designer handbag

My mum has always been a handbag fan (as has my grannie maybe its in the genes) but all those tiny lady-like variations. Me I like my handbags BIG, voluminous and with enough space to carry silly things like my filofax, 2 blackberries, make-up, a camera and a brally (in some case a plant, light, measuring tape but only if a spoon full of sugar is in the picture). So there she was a classic Gucci black bamboo handle hobo with my name on it and one sale so the dream could become reality. I had just been given a EU subsidy for EU students studying abroad and it was immediately put to good use. This is now 12 years on and I still adore this bag and just yesterday was complemented on it. Bless.

4. The Madeleine / L’Opera debacle
My first year away to university, away from home in Paris with the most charming of Frenchies and yes a little homesick when my at the time 16 year old sister came for a much needed catch up trip. There are two classic moments from this trip (see number 4) but when walking through the streets of Paris specifically down Boulevard l’Opera and standing in front of the Madeleine only to look at my sister and say look here is the L’Opera will in my family remember a classic.

5. These boots are made for walking
We did huge amounts of walking that first sisterly visit in Paris and obviously needed a theme tune (doesn’t everyone – think Ally McBeal). Ours for that trip was the Nancy Sinatra classic. It kept us happily stomping away to the Les Bains, visiting the Louvre and to this day is my sister and mine favourite karoke tune. The song has brought us a long way and I smile each time I hear it.

6. Christmas – Home where my mum’s tree is

I am sure everyone feels this way but as a child we had the most beautiful Christmas tree. With glass balls and wooden figurines from Germany. When we used to decorate the tree my sister and I would tell each other stories under the watchful eye of our mother. The queen figure lived high in the tree in the shiny beautiful ball and the rest of the tree was the village. Accompanied by the required Christmas Carols I can now wow you all with my rendition of "Do they hear what I hear?" . To this day I search the tree to find my favourite baubles and still (yes even now) find my mother’s Christmas my favourite Christmas – even in comparison to my own.

7. Grown-up Dinner Date with Dad

During my first year in Paris at university I lived with this terrible French family (a feeble attempt by my father to teach me French but I do speak it now so maybe he was on to something). On one occasion my dad came to Paris for work and I met him after school at Café de la Paix and felt so grown-up having a pre-dinner drink and then followed with Fruits de Mer. It was such a lovely time. I have the fondest memories of Paris with my father.

 

8. Windows of the World
When I first moved to London, my sister was first to visit. We met on November 5th a few days after her birthday at the London Park Lane Hilton at their bar all the way on the top floor and had an amazing view of London. All the better that it was Guy Fawkes night and all over London you could see little fireworks scattered about. Magical.

9. The BIG 3-0 and 29+2
I really lived up to the moment of turning Dirty Thirty and wanted to do something with friends and family separate. So the weekend of my actual birthday I flew my grannie (81) and mum to London and all the usual suspect things – high tea, dinner here, drinks there but for my birthday itself we had dinner at the Oxo Tower restaurant thanks hugely to my sister working there and us being able to get a discount otherwise it might never have happened. The was an amazing night, and all the better for having my family there with me. 31 was funnily enough an equally brilliant birthday with post bday celebrations in Holland with my mum in grannie at my grannie’s favourite restaurant (where she wined and dined with my grandfather). I am silly in that I get very excited about birthdays (yes still) and truly enjoy each and every one for very different reasons.

10. Lying on the beach with dear, dear friends
Cannes is very special to me and every year I return. It started as a girlie holiday for partying and now has transformed to a girlie holiday for nice wine, good food, glorious sun, a bit of pampering and much needed catch up with friends. I think you can make Cannes as crazy as you want but I love the city for its glamour and laid back-ness all in one. I have the best chats with my girlfriends on the beach and come back inspired, recharged and ready for the next visit. My dream is it to own a little haunt of a flat there with balcony and crisp white sheets to grow old with the heavenly drops of Cotes de Provence rose at my finger tips.

Get your Studio 54 on!

When I was a little girl I used to love playing dress up - my granny had the best dresses, nightgowns, bags, sequin little jacket that in fact I now loving keep in my closet.

So when I saw these shoes and dreses all courtesy of Topshop - it was just too much to take not to share the love. So if you arent feeling the Saturday Night Fever by the of this post - please run out and rent the flick, turn the music loud and boogie the night away.

Here we go...

The Velvet Collection
Velvet is soft, seductive, lush and glamorous so these numbers capture that feeling completely.

This mini dress in a jewel colour is stunning and seriously sexy.

The Maxi version is a little more conservative but by being floaty it has that reserved seductiveness to it which I love.

And the velvet trend even continues on into shoes. These platform bootlets are definitely set to flaunt your pins and give you the height for maximum impact.

 The Metallic Collection

Shining, blinging and utterly reflective. Either in the sparkly form or straight up dripping liquid mental. Such as this scalloped toplet to combine with your favourite skinnies to take the world by storm.

Or these college style platform heels that just begging for a boogie.

If sparkly is more your thing but not in the sequin bang on trend style. Check out these Miu Miu inspired bootlets that are to die for!

 Our these lace sparkly shorts that will show of killer legs.

 And finally the dress that just translates to any decade - 70's, 20's 30's you can make it all your own. Totally adaptable and stunning... asking for a little twirl.

So I hope all these Topshop examples have gotten your taste buds jumping because what little girl (and maybe even just the mental kind) doesnt love dressing up!

FURocious

Source: netaporter.com

I am blaming the September issues... it all started with the Donna Karan ads. I saw a coat - so smooth, so warm, so unattainable I was in love. Then it was everywhere - fur - faux and not so faux. I was torn and adoring all that I saw. In the past I have really thinking it through - how does one do non-bulky fur? Is the style? The type of fur? The length of the item? So many questions and no idea where to begin. So I did what any resourceful young lady with the internet at her finger tips might do. I scoured the internet in search of all that was furry and good. Here are my to adore finds - hopefully they will inspire you...

Source: Netaporter.com

Source: Reissonline.com

This is gilet has a lovely high collar and in the light grey colour will make a great combination with ton sur ton options. I love this length because it gives you the chance to belt it or wear it loose bohemian style and if if you are a twiglet over a blazer and layer things up. But you can also find a true treasure in the more affordable ranges - such as this find from Topshop. I think it has that retro French feel to it that makes it truly cool.

Source: topshop.com

Source: Topshop.com

I also love the full-on coat look - think less Dynasty and more soft, buttery and lean - such as the versions on Netaporter. But if you are thinking of giving it your best Crystal flick then Topshop has a faux fox that might leave you and Blake feeling Carrington-like foxy.

Source:Topshop.com

And if it all just to much - maybe just stick to a collar which can smarten up any coat. I have even been fortunate even to have inherited a few from my grannie - can I say the ones that had the potential to talk to me, bite me or worse were kindly declined. How did women back then wear those things and think they were the height out fashion? That said I had purple and green striped Espirt leggings in the 80s that I thought totally rocked. Hmmm all is relative. So even with the fur trend this season I think the key thing - is keep warm. If the New York blizzard is anything to go by it will get cold soon and that is no reason not be fashionable.

The Perfect Black Court

Along with the nude court (or pump you pick you favourite word) for spring/summer the black court is the must have for autumn/winter. Not to say that you shouldnt mix it up with bootlets, boots, ballerina's galore and not to mention your heel options. But let's be honest ladies, who has more than 5 pairs of black courts in their wardrobe that all fulfill a separate and equally valuable contribution to your look. (Yes the shoe's contribution should never be underestimated - did I mention I am only 1.63 m i.e. 5"3 so I need to compensate)

Now I have gushed about this shop before but if it is good enough for Kate Middleton it is definitely good enough for me. I call LK Bennett (lkbennett.com) the real girl's Jimmy Choo because for us real girls we cant all have a closet full of the priciest of designer finds. So here are my favourite picks for this season... all courtesy of LK Bennett ...


This is the Sledge which rose to fame in nude on the Duchess' feet but in patent black it still is stunning.

This loafer with a heel is so great for this seasons 60s and 70s fashion take. Call the Maida it comes in a range of colours to help you add that finishing touch to any look.

 This is the new Madie wedge heel which covers all fashion bases as well as being ueber stylish. Personally I feel that a shoe needs to have UMPH from the back view. A person behind you will see you shake it and let's face there is no denying the sex factor so make sure the shoe you choose makes you feel just that - sexy.

And if you want to glamify it ... so it in satin or lace. These two examples do a classic court with point and heel but add that extra something in the details. I love the combination with the gold and lace. Just stunning...

Hopefully all these examples will help you find that one missing pair that will just make your wardrobe... let me know if you succeed x

Par-i(s)nspiration



Source: zazzle.com

Last weekend was amazing - the last little gift from the summer goddess (yes in my book summer is a women not sure why) ... cafe in the sun for lunch, dinner outside under dangling lights, a gusty Mistral wind (no idea how that got to Paris) and ... wait for it FIREWORKS.


But what I love best about a change of scenery is the fashion inspiration and what better place than PARIS. The city that prides itself in cafes galore all there to watch the world (and fashion) go by. Yum!

Now I am no expert photographer so I have to do with words and in this case here are the details:

Thursday: a welcome drink and much needed recovery time, in what felt like the gay male runaway - love how the Marc Jacobs fans put it all out there, followed by thai dinner, seated next to a lovely couple where she had a sheer pussybow blouse on, coifed chignon in a laisse-faire kind of way, with dark eyes and red bright matt lips. Wow with her dark hair and olive complexion - I was jealous. But then I saw her date ... why was a woman that lovely with him and all he did was talk about his ex. (note boys - not appropriate date behaviour)

Friday: lunch at BON - love love love the interiour service rubbish but the interiour. Followed by a spot of shopping on Rue de Passy. Rediscovered 2 things 1) my love for black and 2) my love for COS. Watch out next pay day. I loved the mix of posh put together ladies, the boho chique (sauvage) look tweens and everything in between. Not keen on the fighting for a seating with the older chique ladies from the 16th but then I always think. You know you speak the language when you can argue.

Saturday: girlie lunch at Place Victor Hugo (who was a famous writer - who knew so thankfully for Parisian street signs to educate the uneducated) followed by roaming the avenues for shopping inspiration. More black and more inspiration. Love how the ladies all where the little bracelets (hmmm by a new one everytime, every single time) and the lucky alhambra necklaces (http://nataliehoegen.blogspot.com/2011/08/iconic-jewellery.html). More envy. Dinner under the stars at Le Clocher du Village on a little square with lights dangling a hidden gem in the 16th ... and to top it off the largest fireworks in Europe ... with 31 degrees that day it was a perfect summer end to a wonderful summer.

So Sunday was back in the rain but with fashion ideas, magazines at the ready and a need to wear black ...

Iconic Jewellery

Maybe you have noticed by now ... I have thing for jewellery and accessories and although I try to upload the rule of remove one item (not clothes boys) before leaving the shoes sometimes they are just all so lovely that choosing just isnt fair.

So I went back to thinking where did my love of sparkly things come from. Maybe it is genetic like all girls love for pink? I think in my case it comes from my mother. After all she was working as a sales person at a high range jewellery store in the Netherlands when she met my father (I know it would have been much more musical had I written - working as a waitress in a cocktail bar - sadly that is not true). My mother has a brilliant understanding of jewellery notices little details that I over the years have picked up on. With this background knowledge... I have a love for iconic jewellery and here are some of my favourites...

Cartier Love bracelet - I love the idea that you shouldnt buy it for yourself and that your loved on has the lock to put it on. But surely to love and appreciate yourself jusifies being able to buy it for yourself one day? No?

There is something enchanting about the quatre-fois. It is used a great deal in Arabic buildings and in the Moorish Alhambra. I love the Van Cleef & Arpels use of mother of pearl. A true classic.

As so many fashion forward women the male watch is the one to have but if I get to dream as much as I love the Ballon from Cartier or the Submariner from Rolex (especially the Oyster band) it is the Royal Oak from Audermars Piquet that makes quiet in appreciation.

Not sure which came first - but I love thin, fine jewellery and this Love Paloma Picasso for Tiffany necklace is a symbol of just that.

Finally keep it simple - diamond studs, diamond solitaire you get the idea. Diamonds by the Yard another Tiffany classic now also comes in sterling silver with 1-3-5 diamonds bracelets and necklaces alike. Bringing the dream closer.

Happy Dreaming

Cannespiration

I do it everytime - no matter how smart I hope to be with my lists, planning, thinking I still always pack too much. It is hard work - planning my beach outfits, my dinner outfits, shoes, bags oh my ... it is enough to stress any traveller let alone the seasoned traveller. I tend to put it down to needing a bit more help than the average stunning 25 year old (are there average versions that is?) But still I dont quite master it.

Nonetheless when in Cannes I see all these things, people, items that just are lovely. I dont know if it is the sun in my eyes or the warmth on my skin but it just is such fun...

So here are som of the items that caught my eye and sent my heart racing...

Fine, fine, fine diamond rings
Yes we all love stacking rings and I was lucky enough to receive Daisy Stacking Rings for Christmas http://www.daisyjewellery.com/ but I have been noticing during trips to visit my sister in Paris that single thin eternity rings are the trend in Paris. Problem ... 850 euros does require some serious saving. But no fear I know of a great alternative... Amanda Wakeley Designs for Ernest Jones. Stunning and at 150 pounds an accessible dreamy alternative. Plus they come it lots of colours - black, brown diamond, emerald... the list goes on that it makes it tricky to decide.

Source: Toy Watch

Colour Watches:

Source: Triwa Watches

When the sun is beaming down nothing looks as lovely against tan skin as a colourful watch. Obviously the trend is catching on because Toy Watch has just opened a new shop in Cannes on Rue Cdt Andre (my favourite first stop when in town). But there is a Dutch brand that I love for their creative take on colour. Triwa Watches are quirky, stylish and a great size for any fashionista.


Dinh Van - the original


I feel like years ago it was Dinh Van that started to get us wearing ribbon bracelets with gold or silver circles. I have loved the clean lines ever since and still admire each collection. This year I saw a collection that reminds me of the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra. Really pretty and in turqouise perfect for summer .




Bathroom Grafitti

This shop has been thrilling me since I first went to Cannes. Sometimes with insane items but sometimes with clever items that are perfect for the summer. Like this beach bag... now if only it said Cannes instead of St. Tropez (I mean really).





Finally I do it every year... I head to Monoprix to stock up on French treats like Nuxe or Ushuaia ... heavenly and personally I blame my 4 kg of excess luggage on my need for French skin products. Thankfully a friendly chat (in French), a smile and apology means no charge for the lack of talent in the packing department - can I save thank yet again...

So thanks for the memories Cannes - see you next year for more inspiration.
love ...

Spring Confusing...

This happens to me every begin of spring - all these questions, with or without tights, blisters how to avoid them, too soon to wear white, all white and how to mask those bright lights legs without going too fake tan frenzy-ish. See too many questions to even begin to know what to do with.

So my only hope... inspiration - anywhere I can find it, flicking through magazines which only gets me distracted by the amazing new skin or hair on the models or the latest IT bag that has me at a loss for words and still no closer to find that ideal balance of light, bright spring wear but still suitable for work. Its tricky - but this year I am excited. I have done the research and think I am work spring wardrobe savy and here is the plan...

1) Colour blocking

great colourful dresses that I can combine with a colourful jacket for work and take off for after. The colourful jacket then also works amazingly well with neutrals that I still have in my closet

2) Maxi's

No hiding the light bright skin under bad 3/4 leggings that are just wrong in some many ways. Floaty skirts and dresses here I come. Now finally my lust list item from March is available so online shopping here I come.

3) Nude heels

Beautiful palettes of nudes lengthen leggings, flatter anyone's leggings and arent meant to resemble 2 weeks in Tenerife but rather be elegantly honey kissed

I hope with these few tools to hand I can survive the first few days of spring and then just go for white. I mean really I live in Holland - let's embrace the sun whens its there oh and dont forget sunscreen ...

All images source: http://www.asos.com/