Is it a short or a skirt?

© Rumi Neely for Fashion Toast

Ever since I saw Rumi Neely‘s post on this Zara skirt/short the item has been on my wishlist. And now… it’s MINE!

I’ve been fantasizing on how I could style this skirt/short for a couple of weeks now. Because it gives the impression of being a short skirt (though it’s actually a short) there are multiple ways on how you can wear this piece. Some examples:

1. Skirt - Zara / 2. Jacket - Mango / 3. Blouse - Zara / 4. Top - 
Alexander Wang / 5. Top - Suno / 6. Top - 3.1. Philip Lim / 7. Flat 
sandals - AX paris / 8. Clutch - H&M / 9. Sandals - Alexander Wang

NEW IN: Sandro Jeans

During Easter Weekend I went on a short citytrip to Paris with my BFF. In spite of the cold and our sore feet & muscles, we had a BLAST! It was my fifth time in the city of blinding lights. Of course I had seen most of the touristic spots on my previous trips, so this one was all about what Charlotte (the BFF) really wanted to see (it was her second time in the city), some spots I had yet to discover and stores, stores, stores!

You may be surprised that after one day only, having seen cultural highlights such as Montmartre (Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre and Sacre Coeur) and all kinds of stores (Galeries Lafayette, Chanel, la Rue Saint-Honoré (Colette!)), we (Charlotte) only shopped 1 thing: an egg shaper! We had been very good girls! Until the second day at least…

Fashionata Ladies Night

Yesterday evening the first Fashionata Ladies Night took place at Renaissance, Antwerp. Fashionata blogger and host of the event, Sofie Valkiers, entertained her fans, friends and other fashionistas with some Piper Champagne, giveaways, workshops and a fashion show! And that all after a week of ‘fashionista war‘! Not everyone would remain this calm, kind, elegant and sophisticated (though a bit nervous ). Out of over a 1000 entries (you had to subscribe to be able to attain an invitation) I was one of the lucky ones to obtain a ticket!

In my opinion, Renaissance was the perfect location to hold this fashionable event. For those who don’t know the store: Renaissance is part of the ‘Princess‘ group and sells hot and trendy brands such as Victoria Beckham, Peter Pilotto, Alexander Wang and MSGM. The all white store just breaths elegance, pure perfection.

Maybe you’re all curious if I was one of the giveaway winners? Unfortunately I was not. One girl won a diamond (worth of € 950!) and another one (who was the fair winner for her impeccable red lips/high heels look) went home with a package consisting of a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, a headphone, Diamanti per Tutti jewelry and a free overnight stay at hotel Julien! Since I already won the Sofie Valkiers for Diamanti per Tutti Valentine’s give-away, it’s only fair someone else took home all of these must haves. Congrats to them!

For a lack of a decent camera, I took some pictures with my iPhone, so you can get an idea of the evening:

M.A.C. workshop

getting pampered at the MAC workshop

NEW IN: CRIME sneakers

Sneakers are currently very hot and trendy. Everywhere you go you see someone with Nikes, Pumas, New Balances or sneakers from another brand. ‘Sports(shoe)wear’ apparently has gained an important place in our ‘shoewardrobe’, a place just as important as a pair (a lot of) pairs of  sky high heels.

With Spring coming up and all of my old sneakers worn down to the bone, I was in some desperate need of a new pair. It needed to be a pair that I could wear Winter to Summer, with a bit of ‘fantasy’ and above all ‘comfortable’ for my BFF-trip to Paris (countdown!)!

Have I found them? DUH, the title says it all! These pretty and ‘a bit of everything’ (spikes, different fabrics, the worn look…) Crimes will be my ‘partner in crime’ (got it? ) the following months years!

Do you like them?

You can shop CRIME here, here, & at Olyslager Berchem!

xo

M.

Photo report: Washington DC

Can’t seem to avoid this Brussels Airlines advertisement? Well, me neither. But there’s a good thing about it! Seeing the ad reminded me of the fact that I still didn’t tell you about the final stop of my September roadtrip: Washington DC!

I’ve been postponing this post for quite some time now. The reason? I didn’t know how to put my ‘Washington enjoyment’ into words. I just liked it that much! Some of you may think Washington is boring and only fun for American politicians, well then you’re wrong. The capital of the USA has a lot to offer: gorgeous views, space, ease, excitement, museums, memorials (which make you’re eyes get teary), architecture, universities, some shopping, afterwork drinks (a word that is probably invented for Washington!), … It has something for everyone.

Well it seems to me that I’m still not able to tell you about what this city is all about, therefore: here’s a photo report!

SS13 – Paul & Joe Sister

This past weekend I was on the seaside. With all of the new spring/summer collections in stores (my ss13 wish list is coming up soon), I just couldn’t resist paying a visit to one of my favorite shopping addresses: Pied de Poule (remember this?!)! Leaving this store empty handed? NEVER!

I’ve tried on several dresses, but in the end I was in doubt about two. Which one did I choose?

Paul&Joe Sister or Ba&sh?

Hairdo Inspiration..*

What do you do when you have an appointment with your hairdresser? There are 2 options: you know what haircut you want and you even take a picture of it with you, OR you doubt endlessly and afterwards you end up with your old haircut, just a bit shorter. Currently I belong to that final group.

I have exactly 12 days left – I know, I’m thinking about it long beforehand – to decide which haircut I should get. You’re probably wondering: ‘Girl, what’s the big deal?!’. Well, I find myself in a dilemma. On one hand, I love long and wavy hair, which is why I have let my hair grown for quite some time. On the other hand, I’m crazy about short cuts such as Karlie Kloss’s. I’ve collected the ones that I’m considering:

Skiing essentials!*

1. Ski jacket - Roxy / Sweater - Kenzo / 2. Thermal underwear - Roxy / 3. Scarf - Abercrombie & Fitch /

4. Ski pants - Roxy / 5. Goggles - Roxy / 6. Ski socks - Wed’ze / 7. Skis - Roxy /

8. Snow boots - Sorel / 9. Toe warmers - Grabber / 10. Baggy Beanie - LN Beanies

Now my exams are finally over, I can start counting down the days to my annual skiing trip next week. Ever since I was 4 years old, I went skiing at least once a year. It’s always such a fun holiday! Our destination, this year, is the world’s largest (and my favorite) ski area: Les trois vallées!

Unfortunately skiing isn’t the most fashionable sport. The clothing is often shapeless, snow boots are unelegant, and let us not forget the hideous thermals you’re wearing to prevent yourself from getting cold. But with these skiing essentials all of those problems are in the past!

Dior Couture..*

As I announced this morning (here) I was looking forward to Dior’s Couture collection. As expected Raf Simons didn’t disappoint.

You may remember Simons’s first Dior Couture collection, the one for Fall 2012. The Belgian designer had the walls covered in thousands of flowers. Today, for his Spring 2013 Couture collection, the flowers didn’t decorate the room, but the clothes. Simons used leaves on dresses, peplum tops and corsets, as well as simple, adorable flower fabrics. This made his collection extra feminine and delicate.

‘The Impossible’ is possible..*

First things first: HAPPY NEW YEAR! I have been studying for the past few weeks, therefore I didn’t have any inspiration nor any subjects to write about. Only posting ‘Happy New Year’, would be a bit dull, so I waited until I found an inspiring subject. What I would like to wish you? Everything your heart longs for, a year filled with love, friendship, health & happiness and may you also experience luck…

Luck, one of the keywords that comes to my mind after seeing ‘The Impossible’, the movie on the Tsunami which hit Thailand (among others) in 2004. Some of my friends and my aunt adviced me to go see it. And so I did to escape my books (my first exam is on Monday, so you can imagine I’m already stressed out!). Never had I ever seen a movie that had such an effect on me. I was litterally blown away by this film. My friends warned me to take tissues with me, since I’m kind of a ‘crybaby’. Believe me, I needed them!

The Impossible

Goodbye Gossip Girl..*

For over 5 years we were intrigued by the Upper East Siders. Wealthy, gorgeous, fashionable, NYC-people that were ‘tortured’ by one thing: Gossip Girl. After 6 seasons, there has now (unfortunately) come an end to all of the drama and intrigues. I was and will always be a huge fan of the show, and therefore I couldn’t let the ‘farewell’ go by unnoticed.

I remember the very first time I watched Gossip Girl. Vijf TV, a Belgian TV-channel had bought the show and aired it in the summer of 2008. From the very first moment I had laid eyes on the show, the cast and the fashion, I became a huge fan! Unfortunately VijfTV had scheduled the show at a bad time in the evening and thereby it was ended only 6 weeks after their first broadcast. Totally ‘addicted’ I even sent the TV-company an e-mail to ask when Gossip Girl would be broadcasted again. Yes, I was a freak! They did respond quickly, but if it hadn’t been for online streaming the video’s I would have had to wait for over 2 years to watch the show! Of course I wasn’t that patient…

Look of the Week: Movember

1. Funny Moustache Sunglasses - Attitudeclothing / 2. Burgundy Moustache Sweater - hipvoordeheb/ 3. Watch - Asos / 4. Earrings - River Island (similar here & here) / 5. Bracelet - Asos / T-shirt Jessica Biel - Eleven Paris / 7. Mug – Etsy (similar here)

Last week, on the first of November, Movember started. During November, Movember asks men all over the world to grow a moustache. With this action they want to raise awareness for men’s health issues, such as pancreatic cancer. When the month is finished, they all can shave their moustaches off.

Unfortunately women can’t grow moustaches, nor shave them off (at least I hope you can’t..). Therefore I made a Look of the Week to support this good cause. By wearing one of the items above, you can raise awareness for this ‘special’ month. All of the items will pop in the eye and draw attention. People may ask you what you’re wearing and where you got it. That’s the perfect time to tell them about Movember, don’t you think?

Not a fan of having moustacheclothing or -accessories, but you do want to support Movember? Then you can always donate some money to this charity (here)..

xo

M.

Roadtrip Week 2: Las Vegas!*

After having spent 4 days at the (rainy and windy) Belgian Sea side and 2 days in a sports center in the small town called Hazewinkel, there is nothing I long more for than Las Vegas.

On our roadtrip we visited a lot of national parks, so the city of Las Vegas brought a welcome change. We stayed at the gorgeous and very modern Vdara Hotel. It didn’t have a casino, nor a club, but since Las Vegas has plenty of them , this wasn’t a problem. It actually brought a certain serenity to the Las Vegas liveliness. Our hotel wasn’t situated on the famous strip, but it was connected with the Aria Hotel and the Bellagio, which made it very easy to access Las Vegas Boulevard.

Las Vegas Boulevard

Roadtrip Souvenirs..*

Though not all of my roadtrip stories are published (yet), I couldn’t wait any longer to share my USA purchases with you!

Before my departure I had made myself a list with things I still desperately needed and wanted (of course..). And for the first time my list was completed at my arrival, back in Brussels.

Roadtrip Week 1: Monterey – Yosemity – Death Valley

Though I promised to write during my time in the USA, I was only capable of writing one post (here). In the mean time I’m (unfortunately) back in rainy, grey, little Belgium and I’ve only now found the time to tell you more about my roadtrip. After having spent two days (three nights) in San Francisco, our roadtrip officially started. The following days of my first week at the Westcoast, I’d visit Monterey, Yosemity National Park and Death Valley. Something I looked forward to!

It takes a little over two hours to drive from San Francisco to Monterey. This small town is known as the start (or arrival) of one of the most gorgeous drives along the Pacific Ocean. When driving South, towards Carmel, take the ’17 mile drive’. This scenic route takes you through Pacific Grove & Pebble Beach and passes by mansions (some of them worth over $24,000,000!) & several golf courses. There are plenty of stops where you can enjoy the magnificent and enormous ocean, the nature and wildlife and the white beaches of Carmel Beach.

Seals and sea lions

Roadtrip week 1: San Francisco

Originally I wanted to tell you about my first week in California. But I’ll have to split my story into two parts, since only San Francisco already takes a lot space!

It takes about 16 houres to travel from Belgium to San Francisco. You can imagine that at my arrival I was kind of exhausted. An eight hour flight from Brussels to Dulles airport at Washington, a three hour wait for our connection and afterwards the final five and a half hours to San Francisco. Though it was a long journey, the United Airlines service made our flights very pleasant. Before my departure I had bought four magazines to keep myself busy on the plane, but that wasn’t necessary at all. United Airlines provides their customers with the latest movies and series! Therefore I was allowed to watch movies on which I didn’t want to spend money such as: ‘What to expect when your expecting’. Definitely flying United again!

Pied de Poule..*

When the postcard above arrived in my mailbox this morning, it suddenly hit me.. I totally forgot to tell you about my new favorite store! I’ve been postponing it for quite some time and with my exams it also kinda skipped my mind, due to lack of time. BUT thank God, my re-examinations are over. I’m back in ‘holiday mode’ and relaxed! So… let’s meet PIED DE POULE!

Dior Addict..*

YES, SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED IN BELGIUM! Last weekend we had temperatures over 30°C and the sun has been shining ever since! Though we had to wait for it a VERY long time, I have been in a summer mood for quite some time. When Dior released it’s new ad campaign with the lovely Daphne Groeneveld, I immediately started craving for a summer in St. Tropez! Definitely my favorite add campaign ever (the D&G one with Matthew McConaughey not included, of course…).

Strawberry Pie..*

Ever since I bought my ‘wannabe’ Kitchen Aid, I’m totally into baking. When I’m invited by friends to come over for diner or drinks, I’ve created the habit of always taking something with me. It used to be a bottle or wine, or something alike, but lately it’s often something ‘sweet’. Some cookies, macaroons, cupcakes and last friday: a strawberry pie!

Though you can buy a strawberry pie at your bakery, it’s more ‘special’ when you’ve baked it yourself. It tells your guests that you appreciate them having you over & it’s polite, delicious and fun all at the same time! And more important: SO EASY!

This is what you need:

Breakfast Triffle..*

As you may have read (here), you know that I find a good breakfast every morning, very important. A glass of fresh orange juice is my immediate vitamin kick of the day. This accompanied with some yoghurt, muesli and apple OR oatmeal with dried fruit or blueberries completes my daily routine. But I have to admit that when I go out for breakfast, I can’t resist a big bowl of granola. So when I saw the ‘Homemade Granola‘-recipe on A Beautiful Mess, I just had to test it!

Road trip *

As some of you may already know: I am going on a road trip in September! It was a last minute decission but now it’s for sure: Westcoast here I come! After three years of spending my last weeks of summer break in NYC, spending my vacation on the other side of the USA will definitely be an adjustment. But I’m so excited! Unfortunately I have to retake two exams a couple of days before my departure, so you can imagine that I’m counting down the days. Despite of all the studying and summarizing, I still managed to put together my ideal road trip look.

Sunday morning breakfast..*

Attention all: new tea place to be! Antwerp is full of great ‘coffee houses’, such as Caffènation, Mademoiselle Moustache, Coffee and Vinyl and Vandoag Is’t. But what we don’t have, are a lot of ‘tea places’. Well today I discovered at least one: My Cup of Tea!