Comme Coco

Get carried away...

2010-08-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've never been a clutch-lover, there is something inconvenient about holding a bag all the time. Especially without a handle. But that argument fell flat when I first saw that picture of Mélanie Huynh, making her way through Paris during the shows in an oh-so stylish manner. Everything about this picture falls perfectly into place, the blinding rays of the wintersun accompanied by a cold shiver through your spine that even the sun can't shake; her leather shorts worn with high heels which would look trashy on most of us, but work for Mélanie in combination with ther functional parka. And last but not least, this outfit could be a little more ordinary if it wasn't for that extra 'zing' her clutch brings. That perfect contrast of her colourful, well structured bag against her loose-fitting parka brings this outfit to another level.
I wasn't very much impressed by Balenciaga bags when the craze around them started some years ago. It was then they became the it-bag of the season, worn by hippie-chic celebrities, each one bigger and bolder than the other. It was just too much ... baggage. Too much focus on the bag itself, rather than the added value it brings to the outfit and the person carrying it. It seemed in instant fix, but it isn't. A bag alone does not a great outfit make.
The craze didn't last and celebrities quickly hopped onto the next trend.
Although the craze faded and their it-value dissolved, the bag itself maintained a group of loyal followers (such as blogger Caroline Blomst, who has a created quite a collection for herself) , who have always recognized the chic vibe of the Balenciaga brand and its iconic bag. They have always been great bags, made of impeccable materials in a variety of amazing colours and now that less and less of the unfashionable of this world (keep away Paris H.!) are wearing them, their appeal is only growing. And what a colourful appeal, I might add.

* pictures are courtesy of www.carolinesmode.com *

Follow the leader...

2010-08-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

Elle's great taste is not only reflected in her very chic lingerie collection Elle Macpherson Intimates, it's also obvious in her wardrobe choices.
Here she is, leaving the Louis Vuitton fall 2010 show in Paris showcasing a perfect outfit for in between seasons.
While we are all dying to wear our camel-coloured coats this winter, the weather isn't up to it yet. It's a peculiar situation in which we are all longing for winter fashion, but are dreading the thought of winter itself!
Follow Elle's example in the months following September, when the cold hasn't hit us yet and our coats will be to hot to bear! Layer up on Isabel Marant's too cool Chanel-ish jackets, resort to Topshop or Belgian brands Chine and Essentiel for a great leather legging, put on a warm cashmere scarf and don't forget your sunnies! Winter will be here faster than you can imagine, so enjoy fall while it's still here (in a short while).

My love is being tested...

2010-07-29T23:49:00.000-07:00

Things that send me to fashion heaven aren't that rare, but they aren't that numerous either. Lots of items bring forward an excited 'oooh' or 'aaah', but fail to leave a lasting imprint on my heart. Only few items get my blood flowing everytime I spot them...

Among these, you will find Louis Vuitton's Stephen Sprouse scarf, which is so soft to touch and luxurious, it is the Scarf of all Scarves.

Second, there are those little pieces of art created by Christian Louboutin. How envious I was when I first laid eyes upon Elisa Sednaoui's shoe closet!

Third, walking by Hermes every day hasn't done me any favors and my longing for an 'H' bangle (preferably green or orange coloured and gold) is increasing daily.

I could mention some more (which items have that effect on you, my dear readers?), but they all fail in comparison to that one item that gives me a fashion O just thinking about it.

I am talking about the bag of all bags, the Quilted Chanel Bag.

The QCB was soon to be mine. I had finally managed to come to peace with its steep price (it is a classic after all!) and was looking forward to carrying Coco the QCB around town, filling it with my quintessential daily necessities.

My love (and my wallet, for that matter) is, however, being tested by a greater force: Karl Lagerfeld.

Karl much rather have his baby remain an exclusive item, so he decided to implement a worldwide price increase on all Chanel bags. The increase isn't small either, all Chanel bags (including my black caviar with gold hardware QCB) will become a whopping 20 % more expensive.

So here I am, debating my purchase and evaluating that ever present question: want versus need. Sigh...

Where do you all stand on the Chanel price increase?

No one does it better ....

2010-07-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

.... than Peter Philips for Chanel.

Yes, I know, I've proclaimed my love for his work many times before, but the girls at Chanel HC Fall / Winter 2010 looked so iconic, so chic, that I could not resist another Peter Post!

The already gorgeous Bianca Balti looked radiant and so did Ana, Freja and all the others.

With very little makeup on their faces except for Rouge Coco in Rivoli, the attention was not drawn away from the clothes. So it should be. It was Haute Couture after all!

They came across as empowered, modern women. They could hold their own in a though world, but have not lost touch with their feminine side. This woman is a glamourous one. She's not afraid to turn a few heads while she's at it.

I would like to end this post by saying that I love how this is just such a wearable look. Especially for Haute Couture! Yes, you will get some looks, but if you rock this look the right way, then they can only be good / envious ones. Who's afraid of a little attention anyway!

*the man in the first picture is not my sweet Peter, but the Haidresser with the Magic Touch, who perfected the Tousled Look, Sam McKnight *

The Talented Miss Lively

2010-07-06T08:39:00.001-07:00

From Surfer Babe ....

.... to über-stylish Parisienne

What look CAN'T Miss Lively rock?

Spotted in Paris while filming the newest season of Gossip Girl, the young actress - blessed with the most amazingly beautiful hair I might add- was wearing slim electric blue pants with sky-high heels, a white shirt and a very glamourous sparkly blazer/top.

As this look takes a lot of courage in real life, you can soften it by ditching the heels for tan gladiator sandals and pairing the tee with a camel blazer. You could also keep it edgy by pairing those magnificant blue pants with a though ankleboot, the same basic white tee and a brownish/reddish/copper-ish linnen blazer. Finish the look with a smaller bag and go easy on the accessories.

You will have to create gossip surrounding you for yourself, though that might not be a problem in an outfit like this!

I'm back!

2010-07-06T04:46:00.001-07:00

Dear readers,
after exams and a lot of changes (my boyfriend and I have moved in together) I can finally resume my posting!
My exams went well and I found out yesterday that I will be officially graduating with a Master-degree in September! It's a relief to find out that I have passed and I can focus on more exciting things from now on, such as more beauty reviews and thoughts about all things fashion!

2010-06-13T02:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I'm sorry for my continuing lack of updates! I'm facing one more exam and will resume my posting afterwards!

See you soon!

Meet me in Saint-Tropez

2010-05-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, Karl.

You made my heart skip a beat - yet again - with your beautiful Cruise collection.

What an ingenious idea it was of you to have the models walk as if they were wandering around Saint-Tropez on their private holiday.

Some in their Chanel bikinis, having just left the beach to get a menthe-à-l'eau, others leaving their yacht on their way to a dinnerparty in the sunset where they enjoy Ricard with their friends.

You also continued the mood you set in 'Remember now', the lovely short film you directed, starring Elisa Sednaoui, Pascal Gregory, Heidi Mount and Abbey Lee Kershaw among others. It was a great choice to let the true actors of the group have the leading roles and let the models have a smaller part. And yes, we will remember 'now', as you've shown in your film that icons like Bardot and Birkin are irreplaceable, but the present will provide us with new ones. And what a perfect setting for all this. Saint-Tropez. Where legends live and parties are 24/7.

Oh, and I also loved those sweet little cocktail dresses you showed! Hitting all the right curves on Crystal Renn, fitting perfectly on the tiny frame of pretty Hanne Gaby Odiele, you've showed that yes, Chanel dresses ARE for everyone!

And no Karl, I wouldn't mind being caught in one of them. So feel free to send over one or more items from your Cruise Collection. Or, you know what, all of them would be fine as well. I would be happy to provide a decent home for them. Especially the last one below, one that is similar to a blue and white Chanel dress worn by Keira Knightley, another one of your favorites, during her Atonement press tour. It's not hard to know why the model wearing this oh-so-pretty dress is beaming with joy. I know I would too...

*credit for the gorgeous pictures goes to http://www.nitrolicious.com/*

2010-05-21T06:07:00.001-07:00

Sorry for my lack of posts lately, I don't have internet at the moment (sigh), but that will be resolved shortly!

A Golden Bride

2010-05-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lara Stone and her new husband David Walliams!

The couple tied the knot this weekend in London after a short engagement. The model and comedian looked utterly happy on their big day with their friends and family present.

Lucky them, as they got to feast on a jummy wedding breakfast that includes lobster salad. Surrounded by tons of white roses, Lara said yes to David whilst wearing a gorgeous one-of-a-kind wedding gown that was designed for her by Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci.
Leaving everything conventional aside, she chose to wear a very sexy gold dress, that put a lot of emphasis on her legs and unignorable bust. She finished her look with soft waves and a smokey eye. Most of us would wear a dress like this for a party, but good for Lara for going all out and wearing something that makes her feel great! After all, it's her day and if she wants to look like a golden goddess, then yes, yes she can.
I wish them the best of luck!

A closet full of Louboutin and leather

2010-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

She is the newest fashion darling and the current sweetheart of Karl Lagerfeld and Diane Von Furstenberg (who wrote a great article about her for V magazine).
Her name is Elisa Sednaoui and she is a force to be reckoned with.
Born in Italy in 1987, this stunner has quite the international flair. She's lived in Italy, France, New York and has traveled the world since taking the modeling world by storm. She's also taking small steps into the acting scene and has just finished a french movie titled 'Neither before nor after'. You can also see her in some of Christian Louboutin's short films. She was a given choice for Mr. Louboutin as he is her Godfather. Yes. You heard me. Her GODFATHER! You're thinking 'Oh-My-God-Her-Closet-Must-Be-Filled-With-Gorgeous-Shoes-With-To-Die-For-Red-Soles' right? And yes. Yes it is. If you are dying with envy, but cannot resist to take a little peek into her (minimalistic downtown) wardrobe, go ahead and check the Youtube video I've linked.
After Karl's approval (she was his 'date' to the Met) and the personality that matches those looks, I have no doubt we'll hear so much more from her in the near future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwlSRJHcZ0M

THE MET

2010-05-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

When the first pictures of the Met's Gala popped up online, I was instantly captivated by Anne Hathaway's dress. She looks so sparkly, happy, romantic! She looked like a princess.
A princess adorned in Valentino clothes. What a perfect combination. Valentino always works for Anne. Maybe she could have put a little bit more effort into her hair, but this is just a minor comment. I love her entire look, glammed up hair or no glammed up hair.
To me, Camilla Belle in a spectacular red Jason Wu dress was a great runner up, followed closely by Kate Bosworth, also in Valentino. Kate always manages to pull off a great old hollywood hairdo.
All three girls were appropriately dressed to the American Woman theme and I thought Diane Kruger (not pictured) did an excellent job of doing so in Calvin Klein as well.

Who was your favorite at the Met?

Miss Bowler

2010-05-02T06:35:00.000-07:00

How fantastic is gorgeous Miss Donaldson looking in this picture!
I love how minimalist chic her outfit is.
She is a great example of how to only buy about ten key pieces and be able to put them all together in different outfits.
Am still envious of her great utility jacket and don't know where she got it. I am guessing Stella McCartney or Burberry, but I'm really not sure.
Love her little bowler hat with her soft, undone hair. For an everyday look that anyone could wear, change the high heels for black patent flats.

UPDATE

2010-04-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

it's been rather busy lately but I'll update soon!
Sorry for the lack of posts!

xxx

Pictures Phi trousers -For Sale- 185 euro

2010-04-23T11:25:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to post some pictures for those who asked me to.

Info on the pants is on the right.

They are jet black, but the lighting made them look slightly lighter on the pictures.

Enjoy!

FREE SHIPPING HQHAIR PROMO

2010-04-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick post.

For anyone who is mad about Hqhair.com and their fabulous products, I have a little gift for you! You can now order and have the items delivered internationally to you without paying any shipping fees! You have to spend over 40 Pounds and you have to enter their promotional code (INTERNATIONAL) when you proceed to check out. This promo expires 26/04 so hurry up!

PHI TROUSERS - FOR SALE - 180 euros

2010-04-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

I received my trousers from http://www.theoutnet.com/ today. They are so beautiful, so well made, but they are not 'me'. They are a little different than I imagened them, but great nonetheless.

It's just a shame I won't wear them so I've decided to sell them as someone else will love them like they deserve and they would only hang in my closet.

The tag is still on them, I've only tried them on once. They are obviously in perfect condition.

They run a XS / size 0. The material is 100% pure silk and very soft. I will include the bag they came in from theoutnet, which is a re-usable one.

They retail for about 1.013 euros, but I'll sell them for around 200 euros. Off course, you can always make an offer that is in that price range. I would not do returns or refunds that would make matters complicated and I am not an onlineshop, just someone selling something that I thought would be different.

If you like a harem-ish trouser, you'll love this one!

I will post some pictures tomorrow and if you are interested, just make a comment, your comment won't be visible if you don't want it to be.

ITEM OF THE MONTH - APRIL

2010-04-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

Go undercover like Miss Poly with the always stylish Ray-Ban Wayfarers.
Approved by Natasha ànd Audrey Hepburn? How could one resist!
Now that spring is finally among us, pull out your shades and transform an otherwise perhaps basic outfit into a very cool one. I am on my second pair. My first (a gift from my parents) got stolen. Yes, it is always so pleasant when someone takes something you treasure. My parents were so kind to replace them and now I got a pair in a classic colour (brownish shades). I am in love with them, they are so practical and I love how they've been around since 1952 (!) and are still considered very stylish ànd hip at the same time!
You can never go wrong with a classic.

*credit for the picture goes to www.shoothebreeze.blogspot.com *

Louboutin for 3.1 Phillip Lim

2010-04-19T02:13:00.000-07:00

Aren't these to die for!
I wish they were in my pricerange (they are not...), as I believe they would lift me to impossible spheres (aka heaven) while trying them on. These require perfectly pedicured feet and impeccably painted toes. And a big budget. And a stable surface to walk on or a cute boyfriend to hold on to. All fair conditions, no?

What to wear - on an airplane

2010-04-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

My parents just left on holiday. Yes, I am envious as they are going somewhere sunny and it is still quite cold here. Unfortunately, I couldn't join them as I am working on my thesis (which basically is a huge essay you have to write in your senior year in university), which doesn't exactly brighten my day or makes me jump out of my bed with exitement. But I am guessing the same applies to a lot of you who have to get up really early to get to work. I still have the advantage of being able to sleep in. But let's get back to my parents. I love going anywhere sunny. I do. I have grown to appreciate fall and winter (some of the best outfits are the ones where you go out all bundled up), but I still can't bear the cold. I will always remain a warm weather kind of gal. The only hazard, really, is getting there.

I love going on vacations and I adore drinking my fabulous mojito while eating sushi with my Ray Bans on, because you wouldn't be able to see without them as the sun is so blinding. But I don't like sitting on an 10-hour flight to get there. I don't think anybody does, unless you are flying first class and even then it's still a hazard. The food is horrible (in economy, my dears, a little birdie (aka my Dad) told me food in first class is really jummy), the person you are sitting next to is probably a real pain in the butt and watching TV for 10-hours is not the most enjoyable way to spend your time.

The only thing you can do, is dress well.
After having flown quite a bit, I have come to understand the best ways to dress for a flight. So here come my five rules for flying comfortably and stylish.

First, you have to be comfortable. Really. There is no point in wearing sky high heels during a 10-hour flight. You want to be able to crawl up in a bundle and fall asleep. Wear soft trousers, leggings or a long dress. Layer up!

Second, you have to keep in mind that you'll have to take a lot of items off during your check-in. So limit your accessories to the essentials, like your favorite watch and necklace or bracelet.

Third, wear flats. It is the best way to go. You can take them off really easy during your check-in and you'll be comfortable during your flight as well (if they are worn in off course). I highly recommend the London Sole / French Sole range. They are a bit expensive, but they hold up so well. I wore mine for two years straight on and boy, did they endure a lot! Rain, mudd, walking in the city non stop. They held up so nicely and if I had them fixed, I could still wear them. I have read some complaints online about them being really fragile, but I haven't had a problem like that at all. It might be that some shoes have a 3mm sole and others go up to 6mm (like mine) or even 11mm, so it probably is better not to purchase the ones with the 3mm sole. Also be really careful purchasing them online (http://www.londonsole.com/ for US customers and http://www.frenchsole.com/ for European customers) because their sizes are pretty strange, I bought an India in a size 39 in Miami, whereas I normally wear a 38. Everything considered, they are a great purchase and I highly recommend them.

Fourth, carry a big bag that can fit a lot of your essential items that you really want to have with you on your flight. You have to be able to pack a book, a dvd and a little computer, a water bottle, some snacks (because I am not kidding about the food, it is dreadful!), moisturizer, cellphone, ipod, socks (the airconditioning is a force to be reckoned with), a big scarf (again, the airconditioning), your camera, your wallet, your paperwork, etc. It's also best if you buy a product like Caudalie's Eau de Beauté, which you can buy in a travel size (for 10 euros) and is packed with some great essential oils and really moisturizes your face.

Fifth and final, pack your sunglasses. It's best not to wear any make-up as it won't hold up nicely, I don't know what it is, but after a 10-hour flight, you look like you haven't slept in days. It's best if you just don't wear any make-up at all, moisturize your skin to the fullest and still look fabulous wearing nice shades.

The best example I can give you of who does all this right, is model Miranda Kerr. I have no doubt in my mind she is an expert in flighing, so it won't hurt you to take a look at her outfits.
After all this advice, trust me, you are set to go and enjoy your flight supermodel-style!

Fresh like a Lily

2010-04-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Lily Donaldson look fantastic here, leaving the Louis Vuitton show in Paris?

Right on the utility chic trend, she is sporting a great parka (on my to-get-list for this summer!) and pairing it with skintight (leather?) pants, a simple and clean white tee, a furry vest and last but not least a statement necklace. And I didn't even mention those (I am not sure, but I am guessing) YSL booties!

Her make-up (from the Vuitton show) is gorgeous, very nude and natural, leaving Lily looking radiant!

For more inspiration for the utility chic trend, which is a more relaxed, softer version of the military trend, look to Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant. Think neutral tones, soft shades, like khaki and faded blue.

I am in love with this outfit and this trend, it's so spot on and just perfect for spring and summer. You'll look casual, but chic. It's much more wearable than the military trend, which can be a bit harsh and too much of a (iek!) 'trend', while this, I think, comes more natural to a lot of women.

For a great parka, check http://www.topshop.com/ or stop by your local Zara, where I am sure you'll find a great one for a decent price!

*credit for the pictures goes to: http://www.altamiranyc.blogspot.com/ and http://www.miamarionette.blogspot.com/*

Beauty according to Dries

2010-04-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

The beautiful clothes weren't the only thing I loved about the Dries Van Noten fall/winter 2010 ready-to-wear show in Paris. I was also very drawn to the almost nude make-up look Peter Philips (who else?) did on the models. The collection itself was a very modern one, for a busy woman who is always on the go. Peter probably thought is was logical to not give her a really busy make-up look that would take too long to achieve and instead he gave her a gorgeous complexion that is almost luminous. Fresh-faced beauty.

He also gave the models a really defined eyebrow, which gives the whole look some strength.

Hair was also kept really natural, really realistic. Slightly messed up, but not scruffy. Beautiful glossy hair that doesn't take too much effort, with a beautiful side parting. Just make sure your hair is really healthy, add some serum to the ends and spritz on some (not too much) gloss.

I love fashion and I love the special vibe a really over-the-top show can give you (like almost all the shows by John Galliano for Dior), but, at the end of the day, it's much more pleasant to see a picture of a show and think "hey, I could pull that off". I really believe women want that, they want to feel like fashion is attainable and they want to feel like what the magazines are telling them feels good and comfortable to them. And that is exactly what this whole collection did for me, including the make-up look. Sigh, the Dries Van Noten girl... what a perfect girl.

Boy meets Girl

2010-03-31T02:28:00.000-07:00

This picture of model Liu Wen is just instant cool.

After a hint of spring, it's been raining constantly, so this would be a perfect outfit to wear and face this horrid weather. Liu looks perfect, but not too 'done' and exudes a little bit of a boyish vibe, which in my opinion always lifts a look to a higher level. While I am not a total fan of the cut and fit of her coat, it all works very well together and I especially like those Chloé-ish boots she's wearing. If she would have put on high heels, it would have been an entirely different look.

Most importantly, she looks so comfortable in her outfit. She is wearing the look, not the other way around. Without a doubt she likes what she put on that morning and even if some people dont, everyone can acknowledge she's confident in what she is wearing. And that, my darlings, is exactly what makes or breaks a look.

*credit for the picture goes to www.altamiranyc.blogspot.com *

INSPIRED BY ... Frances Kwon

2010-03-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

"Wear what you love and don't make any apologies for it."

I would like to introduce a series of interviews, starting with the lovely Frances Kwon, creator of the blog http://www.pinkhorrorshow.blogspot.com/, the first interview of (hopefully) more to come.

Frances is the 22 year old creator of http://www.pinkhorrorshow.blogspot.com/, where she delights us with frequent posts about her life in New York. Her flair for fashion shines through in her photographs, which could easily come from an issue of ELLE or Marie Claire magazine.

This New York native has developed quite a sense of style, which is to be admired especially because of her young age. Her blog is very pleasant to read and I haven't been able to let it go since the first time I read it. The overall styling is so clean and modern. She keeps it very consistent, her main focus is her daily style, although we frequently get a glimpse of what Frances is like as a person.

She obviously likes fashion, but she likes to bake as well and seems to adore cupcakes (who doesn't!).

She likes to go out, eat and enjoy New York City at its best. In fact it is one of her favorite things to do in NYC since ""there are too many good places to go to and not enough time to enjoy them all". For those who have a trip to NY planned, head on over to Gramercy Tavern, Frances' favorite restaurant, which is located at 42 East 20th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway. According to her, the friendly staff serves the most amazing new-American food.

Last but not least, she loves her two loyal companions : Cake (her red cat) and Crumb (the black one). Let's not forget, ever since Grace Coddington wrote a book about her precious cats (Catwalk Cats), they will never go out of style and are therefore permitted to be featured on fashion blogs everywhere.

Frances' love affair with fashion started in her teenage years and she inherited most of it from her mother, who "was a very stylish woman". She has since learned the importance of fashion, saying it is "significant because it represents who you are and how the world will perceive you".

When you look at her pictures, she can not be perceived as anything other than stylish.

Her style could be described as classic, romantic, with a bit of edge.

She will wear a very elegant, soft, white blouse and pair it with leather (very short) shorts and the highest of heels. She will effortlessly combine elegant Prada heels with a rock and roll shirt and a vintage looking necklace. Most importantly, she will always make it her own. Some people throw on whatever is in and combine so many trends together, but if you fail to make it your own, you'll look anything but stylish. That's not the case with Frances.

New York seems like a great place to live. It combines culture, food and fashion. Is there anywhere else you'd like to live? "Right now I can't picture myself living anywhere else, but from time to time I'll watch a movie that takes place in California and everything looks so beautiful, the weather is perfect and sunny, no subway system with crazy people riding next to you haha. I look at that kind of life and sometimes think it would be amazing to take a break from NY and live somewhere in California.". She says she is lucky enough to have traveled quite a bit and pick up things here and there (like her favorite item in her closet : a collarless leather jacket she saw in a boutique in Korea a few years ago and instantly fell in love with) but will always love New York "because it's a giant melting pot of different styles", before adding that "French women always do have impeccable style".

So how has living in New York influenced your style? "I think almost everyone is aware of the "New York style" that includes a lot of black, refined and tailored clothing, but of course there's more to it than just that. When I moved here, I had more courage to wear things that I didn't before, more fashion forward items", she says, "I've learned more about the classic pieces that will serve both utility and style purposes because I'm walking around and carrying several things everyday.". You won't find any over the top pieces. Instead, you'll find lots of basics with a twist, which she glams up with thoughtful accessories, like this beautiful YSL ring.

Proving that simple doesn't mean boring (at all!) : Frances thoughens up a vintage dress with Zara thigh high boots and a Hermes belt.

It is obvious Frances loves accessories. She favours bold, timeless pieces that you can't ignore. Is there anyone in particular that inspires her? "Anna Dello Russo because that woman is FEARLESS! She epitomizes fashion-forward and I love that she lives in such over the top extravagance. She won't settle for one Chanel brooch, she needs 10. I clearly don't emulate her style exactly, but she inspires me to be indulgent and playful with my clothes/jewelery."

It's hard not to envy the upscale accessories in her closet. Would you rather save money for one piece you've wanted for ages instead of buying a trunk full of jewellery that cost much less? "I've made mistakes when shopping and now I know that trend items are not usually worth it because all this little money adds up and you're only collecting bargain quality items when you could have one really beautiful piece." Good advice, since you'll get a lot more wear out of something that's made out of quality material and not to mention is made with better craftmanship. Now that we're on the subject of jewellery, what's your favorite item that you cherish the most? "My Cartier love bracelet. It's classic, simple, and streamlined in design. Also the concept behind the Love collection is interesting. By "locking" the bracelet onto a loved one like a chastity belt, it's a little creepy!"

What I've noticed throughout her blog, is that she'll wear investment buys with items from Zara, J.Crew as well as vintage items (which she is trying to incorporate more into her wardrobe). This, in my opinion, is a great shopping mantra, as you only need to buy a few investment pieces that will last you forever and you can pair them up with less expensive things that can be more trendy and fashion forward.

What are the best investment buys a girl in her twenties should buy? "I'll admit, I'm a very fickle girl when it comes to clothes/accessories and I've made several mistakes in terms of what I've splurged on. Even now I fawn over impractical things but I've collected several staple items over the years. Booties have become my best friend. My simple black leather Pradas get the most use out of any shoe in my closet because like a good pair of jeans, they can go with almost everything. Platform shoes are also recommended because they provide more comfort, so if you like fancy footwear but can't handle heels, opt for a platform."

"For bags I really think two sizes are necessary for the average girl: one medium to large size bag that's easy to carry everyday items for school/work and a smaller more elegant purse for the evening. My favorite bag to go out with is a small Chanel 2.55 bag. A good watch is also a great staple item to have, I wear my Cartier tank Francaise watch for night and day because it works for both. Jackets/coats are important too, because they are the first thing people see in the winter! A well tailored jacket made of good material, not necessarily expensive, will last you a long time."

To finish up, a couple of final questions.

You won't leave your house without? "A bra. I think girls, even ones with a small chest, should not leave the house without one! Unless heavily layered with clothes."

Is there a certain trend you dislike and why? "Clogs...I just don't understand! I hated them when I was a kid too."

How would you define luxury? "Luxury can be frivolous, it can be meaningful, it can be extraordinary, or simple and understated. Luxury to me is definitely a form of extravagance but it can be anything from a first class trip to St. Tropez or a box of chocolate truffles from the grocery store."

And finally, what's your style mantra? "Wear what you love and don't make any apologies for it." I couldn't agree more.

*Frances is currently studying photography at Parsons (the New School for Design) in NY, something she has wanted to do for a very long time. When I ask her about her post-Parson plans, she is still unsure but has decided she no longer wants to pursue a career in photography. She does however want to remain in the fashion world and develop a career in the fashion and/or art industry in which she, withouth a doubt, will succeed. I wish her the best of luck! *

Spring has arrived ... in our wardrobes

2010-03-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know her, the stylish lady in the picture above is Hanneli Mustaparta. She used to be a model and currently works for MTV Norway. But the reason most of us know her, is because of her blog www.hanneli.com, where she delights us with her amazing eye.
Her photographs are spot-on. She seeks out the most amazing images in the fashion world.
It's great to see the world through her eyes. I applaud her creativity and her personal style, which is always daring, edgy and stylish at the same time.
I particularly enjoy this ensemble.
It totally embodies the modern Chloé woman and is the perfect spring outfit.
It's practical, light, comfortable, feminine, elegant.
It's perfect to wear to a job interview, to go shopping with your girlfriends. You can add some heels and enjoy a great dinner with your boyfriend in style or have a drink at your favorite bar in the sun, now the weather is finally "heating up" (A bit. I know. Wishful thinking.).
It's got a slight tomboyish vibe to it, which always makes me feel great. I like outfits that are feminine, but aren't too much.
Proving that you don't need to break the bank to look great ànd get some investment pieces, Hanneli is mixing Zara (the blazer, which I will be looking for), Mulberry (the bag, the Alexa to be more specific), American Apparel (the shirt) and Acne (the pants).
Killer style ànd budget minded, how can you not love her!

*credit for the picture goes to Hanneli herself, www.hanneli.com*

Chanel Rouge Coco

2010-03-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

"A girl can't read that sort of thing without her lipstick."

Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly sweetly asks Paul to hand over her purse, because a girl like her simply can't bear to read the bad news the note from her Brazilian lover has to bring without putting on some lipstick.

I found that particular scene so endearing. It's like the lipstick is going to hold her hand and stand by her side. Her loyal protector who is always there for her to rely on. During the good and the bad. It is always there for her to lift her spirits and put her in a good news, for even is she'll get bad news, at least she'll look good while she hears it.

Lipstick has always done that for women.

It's no wonder why lipstick is so recession-proof.

It won't break the bank and it will make you feel better, even without a closet full of clothes.

But the past decade or so, it seems my generation of women have lost their touch with this small companion. We have been the lipgloss-generation , a label Peter Philips has given us.

To me, Peter Philips is a genius. If I could interview one person about beauty-related subjects, it would be him. Why? Because he gets women. He understands what they want in terms of looks. He creates make-up women want to wear. He disregards trends and searches for items that will last, that women will want to keep in their purses and reach for in times of doubt, just like Holly Golightly did.

Philips is the global creative director at Chanel since 2008. Since then, he's released, among others, Le Vernis in Jade, which has been a global phenomenon, ranking in the most ridiculous amount of money anyone has ever paid for nailpolish : one hundred dollars.

This Belgian is also responsible for the development of the newest lipstick to hit the make-up counters : Rouge Coco.

Rouge Coco is meant to update the Hydrabase line and to "seduce women back into using lipstick". His main goal was to make lipstick accessible again for this generation of young women, who have never worn lipstick before and haven't dared to take the leap from lipgloss to a proper lipstick. Because even when we didn't wear lipstick, he still got the same questions over and over : how do you wear lipstick, how do you know when it's the right colour for you, etc. So Peter developed this new line, which fronts Vanessa Paradis as the spokeswoman.

Clearly, Vanessa is an obvious choice. For Chanel and for the lipstick itself.

To me, she is the ultimate Parisienne as well as the ultimate Chanel girl / woman.

With her pale skin, small and delicate features and beautiful lips, she makes for an excellent spokesperson.

Peter succeeded in his mission. I have never worn lipstick in my life and at 22 (almost 23), I thought it was a good time to try it out. And I'm so glad I did!

I didn't feel uncomfortable at all! In fact, it really did make me feel womanly and elegant. The fact that the packaging is so nice and luxurious is only a plus.

From what I understand, all the different shades differ in texture, if only a tiny bit.

They are all long lasting and very pigmented, so you only need one swipe.

There are 30 different shades, so there is plenty to choose from. I've seen all the colours and they are all showstoppers, each one is very different from the other and they are all quite wearable as well. The lipstick doesn't feel uncomfortable, even though my lips are generally pretty dry. It also lasts really long, so you don't need to reapply all the time. I put mine to the ultimate test: I kissed my boyfriend, sat through dinner and a movie with friends and even after all that, the Rouge Coco was still visible on my lips and hadn't run or disappeared into a small line.

So on to the shades!

It's not very practical for me to review them all, so I'm only going to include my favorites.

Rouge Coco in number 5 : Mademoiselle

Mademoiselle is the shade worn by Vanessa Paradis in the campaign. From what I've read this shade looks different on everyone. My friend, convinced by seeing Orchidée on me during our dinner, had to have one too and she bought this one. It really is a stunner! I tried it out too and it will be my next purchase. It's perfect for during the day, it makes your lips look fuller, it's just a nice colour all around. The texture is quite creamy so your lips won't feel dry at all. I would label it as a nude-pinkish colour. It makes your lips stand out in a subtle way. I would say this really is appropriate all the time. This is also a personal favorite of Peter Philips himself (although he confesses he loves all his "babies", as he calls them).

Rouge Coco in number 17 Orchidée

This is the shade I bought. It's quite bright, but not overpowering. It was too much on my friend, Mademoiselle suited her much better. It's a nice in-between shade, perfect for someone who has enough nudes, but isn't ready for a true red.

Rouge Coco in number 19 Gabrielle

Now this is a true red! Jen Brill (right, in the picture above), who is one of the beauty ambassadors of Chanel, is a loyal fan and wears nothing but this shade. I love this one, it's such a vibrant, lively colour. It's almost an accessory by itself! Just keep the rest of your make-up quite bare.

Last but not least ... Rouge Coco in number 29 Ballet Russe

This is such a beautiful, deep shade. It's the most purple one out of all the shades and I wouldn't say this is suitable for daytime, but it's certainly a great choice for a party. Again, it's probably better to keep your face quite bare for this one and let it stand out on its own.

*All swatches belong to www.temptalia.com*

Don't be afraid to mix it up and try a colour you haven't worn before. There are no strict rules when it comes to make-up, you should be able to have some fun with it.

Don't worry about the colour of your complexion, the colour of your hair and eyes, etc.

The main thing you should consider when buying lipstick is that when you put it on, it should make your features stand out, it should make you look fresh and awake.

If it wears you down, it is the wrong colour for you. It's that simple.

I also wanted to include this video. I figured it's nice for you to put a face to a name and when you hear Peter talk with so much passion about his work, you can't help but like him!

This video belongs to www.graziadaily.co.uk so all credit goes to them.

Chanel Rouge Coco is available for 26,05 € or 30 $. Yes, I know, it's not cheap, but it'll last you a long time. It's worth it. In the words of the Master himself : "Try it. It will make you feel beautiful.".

Fall-Winter 2010 - What to Wear

2010-03-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

My overall assessment concerning the fall collections for 2010 would be that most of them had a very feminine undertone to them.
After a few season with nothing but too obvious references to the (in my opinion hideous) Eighties, a lot of prominent designers made the very distinct decision to find their inspiration either a couple of decades earlier (the Fifties), a few decades later (the Noughties) or very much in the present (Dries Van Noten).

I've never really been a big Balmain fan. I can certainly understand their appeal, but I tend to find their designs a bit harsh, attention-drawing and not very ladylike. Thus it should not come as a surprise that I was pleasantly surprised to see designers like Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Miuccia Prada and Stella McCartney showcase clothes that make women feel beautiful. Their clothes had such an ease and freshness to them, they were soft without loosing that special something. They caught your attention, without looking like a Christmas tree with too many bells and whistles, which I find is the case with the recent collections by Balmain and the fall 2010 ready-to-wear collection by Pucci (I doubt anyone can pull off dresses THAT short...great legs or not).

So let us take a closer look at ....

Dries Van Noten

Fellow Belgian Dries Van Noten showed a collection in Paris that was very now, very modern, very wearable and extremely fresh. There really wasn't one piece I wouldn't like to get my hands on. His silhouettes were full of colour and a mix of lots of different prints, which seem to blend in together with such ease. The different hints of leopard especially caught my eye, as I thought they were a great way to add some detail and personality to an otherwise understated outfit. I also loved the impeccably made greenish coat (second picture), it looks like a great investment piece that you could wear for many, many years to come. Perfect to throw over any outfit, you can mix it with lots of different colours, it's a great alternative to the camel coat that we'll also be seeing next winter. To me, Dries must have envisioned this collection with a very busy woman in mind, who is always on the go and needs some really great basic pieces, as well as some eyecatchers to jazz up her outfit without it becoming too flashy, so she could still look professional and put together.
This is for a woman of all ages, who's main concern when it comes to fashion is to feel comfortable and be able to look great in any occasion whatsoever, be it at a private gathering or something work-related.
I can already see her running through the busy streets of New York, Paris or London, in a hurry to catch her subway train. In these outfits, I doubt any woman would mind...

Louis Vuitton

Prada

Marc Jacobs continued the Fifties throwback we've first seen at the Prada show.

There's been a lot of attention from the press to these two shows, mainly due to the fact that both Marc Jacobs and Miuccia Prada used somewhat healthier looking models. Some of the Victoria's Secret Angels walked the Prada show (Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio and Catherine McNeil), while Laetitia Casta, Elle Mcpherson, Bianca Balti and again Alessandra graced the Vuitton show.

I loved how the clothes at Prada contained such Prada specific qualities and elements, like that very recognizable print. The whole collection was beautifully done, but I prefer the Vuitton one to the Prada show. I found all the Prada silhouettes to be a little square shaped, while the Vuitton collection somehow elongated the models' bodies even more.

The shoes with the little bows at Vuitton were to die for! It was obvious Marc thought about a woman's comfort, as he included some kitten heels in his shoe collection. Sky high shoes make everyone gasp, yes, but this isn't necessarily always a good thing. Especially for the woman walking in them.

In an interview about his collection and his choice for a more ladylike silhouette, Mr. Jacobs said he was feeling tired with all the over the top trends we've witnessed the past collections and that he wanted to make something real women of all ages, shapes and sizes would want to wear and would look good wearing them.

Though this obviously isn't made for the office, there were certainly a lot of great seperate pieces in the collection that everyone could wear with some basic elements. This way, you give a small wink to the Fifties, without looking like you've just stepped of the Mad Men set. Think Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr. Ripley. And although you can't wear this every day, I guarantee you, you will feel like you are the most beautiful woman in the room when you do.

Stella McCartney

Stella kept to her usual clean style. The key word here is 'minimalism'.

It was almost too basic for Fashion Week, the models wearing very little makeup, wearing basic coloured clothes. But it was done with such craftmanship, it was like a breath of fresh air in the midst of this hectic, stressy week. Stella used an extremely neutral palette, but it was the detail that went into the clothes that set her designs apart. A great example would be the cut of the grey coat in the last picture. THAT is a perfect coat for fall.

This whole collection brings to mind Audrey Hepburn. Her wardrobe choices back then would certainly stand the test of time and still be relevant today. Ms. Hepburn's iconic outfits are all about timeless chic, which Stella captured amazingly well in her collection.

Not unlike the Dries Van Noten collection, this is a great choice of wardrobe for the career-minded woman, I would say not younger than thirty.

The recurring theme throughout these three shows, for me, is that these clothes really are made for women. These are clothes that, however different they may be, make a woman look good and (most importantly) feel great in an effortless manner. And isn't that what fashion should really be about?

* All pictures are courtesy of Style.com *

Les Fidèles - Part Deux

2010-03-16T00:24:00.001-07:00

"I sold my soul to Karl Lagerfeld"

Wouldn't you?

I blogged about Les Fidèles de Chanel in a previous post.
In the video below, Style.com's Derek Blasberg talks to the fashionable Chanel ambassadors on the launch of the new Rouge Coco lipstick.

ITEM OF THE MONTH - MARCH

2010-03-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

The fur vest by Isabel Marant.

Worn here by supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio while running around in Paris doing numerous prestigious shows and thus coming back to her high fashion roots.

The Brazilian beauty threw hers over a brown leather jacket, which I suspect is Balenciaga, whereas fellow VS Angel Rosie paired her with a simple vest.

The vest, which was featured on the Spring / Summer 2010 Ready to Wear fashion show, is now in stores.

I wish it was faux fur, but it appears it is made of real raccoon. I can't help it, I love animals and wish she had decided against using real fur but alas.

Personal fur-related opinions aside, this is a beauty.

Perfect alone, perfect over a dress for a more bohemian vibe, it makes for such an interesting and original investment piece.

It instantly adds such a splash of colour, you can't help but love it! It's so over the top, yet paired like Alessandra with simple pieces, it makes your outfit (and I imagine your mood as well) POP and stand out!

Boys will probably find it pretty odd (I know my boyfriend would) but at least it's soft and they wouldn't mind cuddling up to you, so don't let them hold you back.

This piece just exudes fun and happiness, without leaping over to the "crazy" side.

Nurture your inner (absolutely adorable) animal and let loose with this item of the month, now in stores at Isabel Marant stores.

* credit for the Alessandra picture goes to http://www.shoothebreeze.blogspot.com/ *

UPDATE

2010-02-25T02:37:00.000-08:00

I just wanted everyone to know I will be updating again soon. It's been rather busy and I haven't found any time to properly write something down!

xxx

Comme Julia

2009-11-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

I love Julia Restoin Roitfeld and her ultimate chic French look.
Even her beauty routine seems to be the total opposite of the American starletts nowadays.
The Shelby got a look around her New York appartement (what's an ultra chic parisian girl to do without a place on the other side of the ocean?) and I was blown away by how clean and modern it was. I could just see myself drinking some mint tea by her kitchen countertop.
Julia doesn't plaster on the foundation (as much as I love Lauren Conrad, she really needs to lay off the foundation...it ages her so much, there's nothing wrong with seeing some actual pores on a person's skin in my honest opinion) and sticks to the fundamental French make-up basics: a gorgeous red-but-not-too-red pout and a strong brow. She keeps her skin clean, soft and moisturized (I've read she uses baby oil as a make-up remover and cleanser, a must-try!), adds some definition to her brows (Bobbi Brown's Natural Brow Shaper works wonder and keeps all those little hairs in place. You can use a clear one or choose between a few colours. I highly recommend Rich Brown. This is also a great alternative for those who want a stronger (but not overpowering) brow but don't want to use a pencil. I don't either and resort to this lovely bit. Your brows are kept in place all day long, you can really define and shape them ànd if you use a coloured one, it fills in your brows nicely.).
Last but not least, for that jummy pout she has, beauty junkies out there should really check out Sérum de Rouge by Dior in Rosewood. Their newest addition is a very creamy, moisturizing, almost lip balm-like lipstick. The shades come out a little transparant, but very noticable at the same time. A very pretty and handy addition to your make-up bag (it will soon be in mine!). You can also spot some gorgeous nudes in the Sérum de Rouge collection.
Slather on that lipstick, groom those brows, snatch your little Chanel bag and put on those high heels.
Julia swears she never èver wears flats. She is, after all, from Paris and Parisian girls only wear high heels. Her words. Stop by your local bakery, get some macarons and face the cold, Parisian style.
As if there is a better way to start the day?!

Orion London

2009-10-24T01:02:00.000-07:00

A little birdie told me the gorgeous dresses by Orion London will soon be available in Belgium!

Adored by the likes of Cameron Diaz, Beyonce, Sienna Miller and many more, I am very happy I will soon be able to get my hands on one of their beautiful tie dye dresses, which are very feminine and can be worn during the day with flats or boots, with a stylish black blazer or a worn out leather jacket. Sigh...all I need now is a Marni S/S 2010 scarf to match them with!

check out orionlondon.co.uk !

Mad Lipstick

2009-10-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

After watching a new great episode of Mad Men, I could not help but wonder if Betty would frown upon our beauty habits.

I think she would.

Feminism brought choice and women today can be as career-minded as men. But it seems this revolution led to a dimise of femininity. A working mother no longer has the time to put the same amount of effort into her appearance as Mrs. Draper did back in the day. A few swipes of mascara and most of us are good to go. We would much rather get those ten minutes of extra sleep than drag ourselves out of bed just to put on our faces in a more precise way.

Understandable as this may be, it can bother me.

Walking down the street in the rain, seeing those make-up free faces, I sometimes long for that little hint of glamour women so treasured not so long ago. While everything around us is turning gray and cold, it could be so nice to be surrounded by a little reminder of beauty in our everyday life. We have reached a point where we just won't bother anymore and I find this sad.

The talented Peter Philips (who is doing wonders at Chanel) once said in an interview he used to watch his mother get ready to go outside and was mesmerized by her beauty ritual. He too expressed his empathy for a working woman who just wants to stay in bed an extra couple of minutes, but also wants to remind us of the overall effect that putting a little bit more effort into our looks has on our general wellbeing. When you walk around knowing you look good, you will feel it too. A Trinny and Susannah philosophy if you will, to apply to your beauty habits.

Philips also pointed out you don't need to loose sleep to look (and feel) better: there is no better or cheaper way to light up your face than with a beautiful red lipstick. Don't be frightened, a red lip needn't be old-fashioned. Just look at Karlie or Natalia, wearing nothing more than a few swipes of mascara and a gorgeous bright red lip, both looking very modern, practical and glamourous at the same time.

Head to MAC and check out these colours: Dark Side, Chili, Russian Red, Brave Red and Ruby Woo. On days when you're just not feeling up to it, opt for a very subtle and very wearable version of this tinted lip by wearing the MAC tinted lip conditioner in Plum Perfect.

It's time for a new revolution of the feminine kind.

Natural according to Stella

2009-10-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

Stella McCartney sent her models down the runway looking radiant, healthy (except for Anja Rubik, who is a shadow of who she was a couple of years ago) and most of all, happy. We even caught the super Natasha "the Walk" Poly giving the audience and photographers a supersmile! Enter the return of The Happy Model, as opposed to those stern looks on an army of anonymous models. Designers finally took notice and treated fashion the way it should be treated: as an escape from reality. Reality being economic crisis, escape being beautiful, happy people wearing gorgeous colourful clothes. Thank you, Stella.

Our favorite vegetarian looked very beautiful, glowing skin and all! I wonder if she treated the models with her organic skincare line Nude... You could not spot one girl without seemingly super soft skin. It was moisturized to the core! Hair was given a wash and did not need a whole bunch of product (hurray!). Lashes were curled (a beauty must! Get that Shu Uemura eyelash curler!). Lips were tinted with a light gloss (don't do overly glossy lips, you just want them to look moist and well taken care off). Cheeks were touched with an almost bronzy blush (a very sparkly, but very good highlighter is Shimmer Brick in Nude by Bobbi Brown, will last you a lifetime and you can use the individual shades for your eyes, they are very pigmented so you can layer up) and eyebrows were filled in a little bit.

Don't be fooled, this no make-up make-up look needs a tad of work, you want to look polished, but not overdone. Natural, but still with the help of a make-up brush. We are not all Natalia Vodianova, most of us need a bit of work. But that is, off course, what is exciting about make-up!

Our dearest Stella furthermore announced she wanted to return to easy fashion. Perhaps as a response to an overload of Balmain, shoulderpads and eighties fashion, she questioned a real woman's desire for the harsh fashion we have been seeing on the runway the latest seasons.
Hence, she wanted to make use of colour, flowy ànd flowery dresses. I love her new collection and look forward to seeing it on the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Bosworth.

Natural has never been so enticing.

Tim Van Steenbergen meets Paris

2009-10-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

It was a proud day for Belgium the 30th of September 2009.

Fashionwise that is.

One of its most promising export products Tim Van Steenbergen showed his collection at Espace Commines in Paris.

His prêt-à-porter collection for Spring/Summer 2010 was beautiful.

It was feminine.

Whimsical.

Colourful without being overly flashy.

The make-up was every girl's dream for summer and left the girls looking fresh with a hint of a tan. Wouldn't you want to show up to a party looking like this? The ladies looked their best with contoured cheeks and nude, pinkish lips. Girls from the city who look like they've come right off the beach.

The hairartists did a great job with the models hair slicked back, although the grey hair was a bit questionable.

His very Prada-esque collection was shown by various belgian models, which I personally think was a great choice on his part. It was a beautiful exhibition of belgian talent, in more ways than one.

Well done, Tim.

I Heart Poppy

2009-10-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Poppy Delevigne is the next hot thing around town, so watch out for her. A former London socialite (eat your heart out, Paris Hilton) and the daughter of Pandora Stevens (who holds a high position at Selfridge's), she is soon conquering the fashion scene as a model.

She does a great job at setting off her fresh face with a british quirkiness in the way she dresses, while still managing to look grown-up chic.

It is no wonder Karl Lagerfeld recently chose her among others to be brand ambassadors for Chanel.

I mean...what. a. great. job.

From now on my dream is to be Brand Ambassador for Chanel. Come on!

Karl, who probably is not unaware of the outburst of envy this has on other women, has even named his little group of five chosen ones "Les Fidèles de Chanel".

Too much. Can not handle this. They should give out membership cards.

But we have to give credit where credit is due, Poppy's general happy attitude combined with her flair for fashion and her proclaimed "love for Chanel" (Name one woman (ONE!) who would not happily proclaim her L.O.V.E. for Chanel. One.) make her an ideal modern muse.

FASHIONAIR agrees with me and made a little feature film about Poppy titled "Poppy hearts London".

Click on the link below and let Poppy be your personal tourguide and show you her favorite places in London.

http://www.fashionair.com/index.php?action=watch&itemID=410078

Boots

2009-09-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Debating over whether to buy these boots I found at Zara or not.

I think they are pretty similar to the ones Maryna Linchuk is wearing. The leather is amazing quality and the sole is pretty thick, which is necessary for someone who walks everywhere like me. For 100 euro they are a bargain in my honest opinion.

They slouch. Which...I like, but dislike at the same time. I like that they are so tough, but it's the girly part in me that is screaming "Noooo! Buy some heels!". But they are perfect for wintertime, so I probably will buy them anyway.

Plus the heels.

I can't help myself.

Sometimes a girl needs some options.

Bubbles! Nothing but Bubbles!

2009-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

UGH .
Are you all feeling the weather too?

I'm in my final year at the university of Ghent and it's all sniffs and snuffs during class. You've guessed it, a very bacteria-friendly environment. Nothing like a bunch of red-nosed coughing twentysomethings packed together in a relatively small space.

Great.

The only thing that kept me going during a gruelling class of over 4 hours (one can only take that much... eh....) was the knowledge that it would not take me that long once I would be home to fill up my bath and soak away in a blissful world of BUBBLES... Aaaah....

There's nothing like an hour of pretending the world does not exist and there is only...bubbles, glorious bubbles!

If you prefer oil to bubbles (I do too sometimes. It depends on how much I've been mentally tortured during class, I swear when my brain is FULL my body gets its revenge) I highly recommend Kneipp bath oil (the lavender one is AMAZING and the eucalyptus one does wonders during wintertime, say bye-bye stuffed nose) or Dr. Hauschka.

I put on a face mask and let my worries dissappear...

The Body Shop seems to be aiming at people just like me with their new line of aromatherapy products : I know for a fact you will feel like a million dollars after a massage from your boyfriend with their Divine Calm Relaxing Massage Oil (another to-do tonight, he just doesn't know yet. In my opinion it's just one of those Boyfriend Duties... after all, I listen to his endless car stories like a good girlfriend). But if it's just you tonight, reach for their Deep Sleep Comforting Milk Bath Float and treat yourself with their complementing body moisturizer.

Bye-bye thoughts of the not-so-pretty sight of my dearest costudents fighting off the Attack of the Germs,
welcome (!) Sweet Lavender Infused Dreams...

Operation Saving Your Skin

2009-09-26T02:29:00.000-07:00

You all know those days when your skin just. will. not. cooperate!

When I was in my teens, I used to have pretty bad skin, hormonal outbreaks and all the redness and spottiness that come along with it. I shudder looking back on it. The truth is that when you are in your teens, unless you are blessed with incredible genes, it's all part of the game and there is not that much you can do about it, really, besides just taking good care of it and not being too harsh on yourself. It's all hormonal.

It will pass though. I promise.

Over the recent years, my bombarded skin has changed into a delightful even-toned field of radiance. Apparently oily and olive tinted skin is one of the best to age gracefully. Lucky me.

But this does not save me from THOSE kind of days.

One of my dear friends recently asked me over coffee what to do when one wakes up and your face is just an angry mess and you need it, well, not to be by the next day. She has known me since childhood and has seen the improvement my skin has made (unfortunately she also has the pictures at hand to prove it....insert nervous laughter...) and knows I know about every solution there is for bad skin, since I have tried them all firsthand.

So here is what I do,

when you are about to go to bed and you find that your skin is acting up a bit, pour hot (and I do mean HOT) water on a cloth and steam your face with it. When the cloth is just right enough to touch your skin with it, gently (!) press it onto your skin for 5 seconds. You do not want to burn your skin right off (treat it like a baby's bottom, I tell you!), so wait until your common sense tells you to go for it. I find this opens up my pores really well (I also do a steam session once or twice a week, but that is for when you truly have the time for it, not when you are dying to go to bed and your boyfriend is hassling you about the time you spend in the bathroom).

I have read some experts believe the opposite is true : ice. cold. water.
You can try both for yourselves. For me, the harshness of the cold water just tightens up my pores and the tough love just does not do anything for me. Like I said, my skin needs some TLC once in a while. I just don't buy into the "suffer to be beautiful" mantra. There's nothing wrong with pampering yourself, dreading a simple skincare routine won't do you any good.

After that I wash my face with a gentle cleanser. I use the Clinique soap, but the softest one of the bunch. For a really cheap alternative there is a pink one by Nivea for sensitive skin (this is a great option for when your skin is acting out, most products that have a 'for sensitive skin' label contain calming ingredients) which works really well. Don't be a snob and get it, trust me, I've tried them all, from the superexpensive to the drugstore-cheap ones. If it works, it works. It's that simple.

Then, instead of using a toner I take a moisturizing or calming mask. Rituals makes a really great one with honey. Vogue US recently did a recession related article on skincare in which the writer proclaims pure honey as a cheap solution to thirsty skin. This is in fact true.

Now, the key to getting your skin back in shape in a short time period is simply to massage it. So instead of leaving the mask on and doing nothing, be active and massage until your fingers feel numb. This gets the blood flowing to your face and will leave your skin glowing with joy. No blush necessary anymore. This is actually more difficult with real honey, so just tapping the honey with the top of your fingers all over your face has the same effect.

Shu Uemura just came out with a product that also seems great for this kind of activity: Amino Massage Oil Foam. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Then take a washing cloth, make sure it is damp by using hot water on it and take the mask off.

One of the most hyped up products out there truly lives up to its expectations and rave reviews. I find that aside from the long-term effects it claims to have on your skin ( neutralizing (internal and external) stress) you really can see a difference in your skin the next day. I am talking about that Little Brown Bottle : Advanced Night Repair by Estée Lauder. I really don't get carried away by irrealistic promises made by skincare companies, but after so many years, this product still has an A+ rep. This is not a bargain, but you only need one drop a night, so it will last for more than one/ two years. It's a serum, so you need to put on a moisturizer afterwards (I find that any will do, no need to break the bank : Nivea night cream works just fine). Again, massage the moisturizer in.

Drink some green tea to get your toxins flowing and hit the sack, because we all know the BEST thing you can do for your skin is a good night's sleep. Wake up with model worthy skin. Hurray!

Light blue much?

2009-09-12T03:14:00.000-07:00

Many bloggers have been raving about Jade, the new nail color by Chanel.

Yes, I agree, the color in itself is fabulous, very fresh and clean and very pretty when worn on a well groomed set of nails.

The other requirement is a neutral palette of clothes. Too much of a good thing is .... well ... never a good thing.

I like Jade, but I would never wear it, even if I would fill in all the requirements above, I just would not wear it. The thought of sitting in a nice café and handing out the change to pay for my drinks and seeing the waitress looking at my blue nails while at the same time mistaking me for a twelve year old little girl is just not up my alley.

Yes, it is beautiful on the runway.

Yes, it is youthful and fresh.

No, it is just not me.

Call me old-fashioned (I assure you, I am not) but I'll take a Rouge Noir or soft pink shade above that beautiful light green any day.

2009-09-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome fellow bloggers and readers!
I have decided to start this blog and fill it with lots of beauty, hair, style and wellness news and thoughts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!