Take me Home

I probably do not need to explain what Zalando is all about – I’m sure you guys all now it’s this massive online shop with loads of pretty clothing and shoes, from basic brands to luxurious designer items. But besides yet another cute shirt or party dress to adorn your closet with, you can also order fun gadgets and pieces to decorate your home with. My wish list is ever-expanding, but I managed to make a small selection of things to Holiday-proof my place. Here's my new stuff, One Direction themed, because well, why not?

December issue of British Vogue - One Direction shot by Patrick Demarchelier

A candle with my initial on? BOOM, gotta have. I love candles, and in addition to the personal touch with the monogrammed E, this one smells amazing. I was a bit surprised by how small the candle actually is – let’s just say it looks miniscule for almost €15. But what do I know about the price of candles; I usually buy mine by the dozen at IKEA. Must admit this one smells pri-tty awesome!

December/January issue of Teen Vogue - this is the Harry cover

Union Jack printed doormat by GiftCompany – I’m a sucker for all things British (especially boys with English accents obvi) so this item doesn’t need much of an explanation.

December/January issue of Wonderland - One Direction and puppies!

Hipsters I met and liked. I’ve spotted variations of this notebook on various blogs and in different magazines (Lovers, Shopaholics, Designers I met and liked, …) but I think this one is particularly funny. For reasons unknown I have a weak spot for notebooks. I have tons of them waiting to be demolished by me and my terrible handwriting. This would make a fun Christmas present as well, wouldn’t it?

V is for Velvet

Suit Up

look above - zara 

A thing for suits. How cool is this full-on tartan look from the December lookbook of Zara? Very pretty, if you ask me. Get yourself a matching jacket and trousers and wear them together for a classy but cool look (Barney Stinson agrees). Tartan, paisley, brocade, graphic, floral … all patterns are suitable (eheh) for the suited look. What’s your favourite?

 1A: ASOS Blazer in Art Nouveau Print 1B: ASOS Trousers in Art Nouveau Print 2A: ASOS Blazer in Stain Glass Print 2B: ASOS Trousers in Stain Glass Print 3A: Sessun Blazer in Liberty Floral Print 3B: Sessun Trousers in Liberty Floral Print

Simple comme Bonjour

I showed you the pics of my day in Paris, and here's the outfit to go with it. Nothing special, just black jeans and sweater to keep me warm, a parka with leather sleeves to add some detail and my Nike dunk sky high's to walk around the city. Simple comme bonjour.

Wearing: sweater and wollen hat from H&M, jeans by River Island, Lavand scarf, Balenciaga bag and sneaks by Nike via Spartoo schoenen. Pics by Polienne.

On Parisian Style & Parisian Streets

A multitude of blogs has been dedicated to Parisian style and entire books have been written about that certain je ne sais quoi, so it’s safe to say the women in Paris know how to dress. The Parisian style is simple, monochromatic and effortless, yet at the same time appears elusive and hard-to-get for those not wandering around Les Tuileries on a daily basis.

My view on Parisian style done right:
 

Featured above: Emmanuelle Alt, Géraldine Saglio, Capucine Safyurtlu & Claire Dhelens. Pics via Style.com 

Experiencing the shopping side of Paris through the eyes of a local was something I was truly interested in, so it was a delight to have Eléonore Chedeville, personal shopper and Paris connaisseuse, as our guide during a full day of Paris exploration. We city hopped from one hotspot to another, drooled over the amazing luxuriousness that is Hérmes, visited the epitome of French style in Isabel Marants first store in Le Marais and pigged out on an incredible (and very misplaced as it’s by far French cuisine) cheeseburger at Les Parisiennes. Wishlists were replenished, piggy banks were plundered (I’m looking at you K) and elaborate life plans of running of to Paris were hatched. On to the pics then?

The only way to start this early morning trip: Starbucks!

Dramatic Parisian skies

Queen Elien on her throne in the Thalys

Walking the streets of St. Germain

Kim and I were very on trend with our matching parkas with leather sleeves.

Delicious chocolate cake at Les Parisiennes

Visiting the amazing Ralph Lauren boutique hotel. Seven stories of prep!

Photo shop as it should be.

Paulien's cheesecake for dessert.

Shopping snapshots. How cool is that wallpaper from Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek? Love!

When in Paris, do as the Parisians do.. And so Kim did!

Kim and I may have matching coats, but the rest of my outfit was the exact copy of Afrodite's. 

Black top, black denim and Nike sneakers. We so original.

iPhone snapshot of our riding diner on the Thalys. Delicieux.

I also managed to catch up with friend and former co-worker Carlijn, who’s currently living and working in Paris for a year. It was lovely to see you Carly, I’ll be back soon! X

Most of the pics by me but also some by Paulien, Kim and Afro.

Happy Camper

Maison Martin Margiela with H&M

Woah, just got back from the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M presale event, which was by no means less crazy than previous actual launches of the infamous H&M collabs. Those who had their hearts set on scooping up the gorgeous wedge heels, glitzy silver leggings or cute-as-a-button candy wrapper clutch apparently succeeded, since none of those items were to be found when I arrived. Those early birds and their worm-catching.. So my advice to everyone who’s eager on getting some H&M x MMM goodness: grab your coat, fill up on coffee and go camp out at your nearest H&M store in like now. Oh and do let me know if it was worth it!

aaaand the dress I tried on (and then proceeded to not buy *good girl*).

Bows & Kneesocks

Life Feed | #14

Bonjour mes chéries! I’m moments away from leaving for a camping trip with friends after having had the busiest of weeks, so an instagram-based recap of this week’s activities is in its place. Besides mandatory hours in the library there were also lots of sartorial adventures: I checked out the new s/s13 collections at the Oona HQ (love the Hudson jeans!), the full report on my shopping trip to Paris is coming up next week ànd I’ve been shooting my outfits with Paulien all day the past week, so lots of looks coming your way. Gotta go let my inner boyscout out now, enjoy your weekend!

Outfit: I Heart Trees

Currently Loving

Ahh, Carrie Bradshaw and I no longer have nothing more in common than our disastrous love-lives. MijnNaamketting was kind enough to gift me with this pretty little golden necklace. The perfect accessory for many a drunken night (bc you’ll never forget your name with this one, righhhht). Fancy your own personalized jewel? Visit the website here (and add the code KADO for a 10% discount!). I went for this style - understated but really cute. It's the perfect present for the upcoming Christmas holidays! Also comes in handy when the barista at Starbucks asks for your name. 

My Ray Ban collection is my daily partner in crime, so I'm glad to welcome this new pair into the family. Slightly oversized, tinted shades and a matte black frame: these frames are bad-ass. Perfect to protect both eyes and skin from a harsh winter sun, you will be seeing these a lot from now on.

Foreeeeever young, I want to be, foreeeeveeer young. Eternal youth is what it's all about with this serum from YSL and although I'm not really in dire need of anti-aging serums at my mere 23-year old age, this product does work its magic on my face. Flawwwwless! Next to it? Only the best lipstick ever! A glossy finish and long-lasting formula are guaranteed to get you through the night. I'm not much of a lipstick expert, but I can vouch for this particular lipstick with both hands! From left to right: Forever Youth Liberator Serum and Rouge pur Couture Vernis a Levres by YSL.