Camel coat


I've officially stored away my shoes that leave a bit of skin peeking out. Amsterdam has reached its freezing point and will slowly turn white with snow. On a positive note, I get to pack myself in winter's wonderful jackets like this belted camel coat by Style by Marina. A great match, since I have a thing for camel coats and boyfriend jackets with lowered shoulders.

Style by Marina jacket / H&M long blouse and shoes / Pieces jeans / River Island cardigan (not seen)





Playing favorites

H&M trend blouse, dress / Primark denim shirt / H&M printed pants & sweater Zara knit / Style by Marina coat

December is going to be insanely busy with 2 huge exams, 2 research papers, a driving test and then there's work and blogging (I hope I'll have enough time!) and my personal life... Honestly, it's giving me a total brain freeze. So I took one more free day before working non-stop at university by cleaning my room and closet, because it's easier to focus in a peacefull environment. I re-organized my clothing rack with some of my favorite items. Hanging stuff on there is very effective to find new combinations and discover what I have (which is very much in line with my last post). These are my current favorites and I'll show you this new Style by Marina camel coat as soon as I can!


Cutting down


I think every girl goes through a phase where she tries to buy as many clothes as she can - I see you nodding yes from behind your computer - simply because it's all so beautiful. So did I, and being a blogger makes it even harder to resist the urge to come up with something new every time. However, I've decided that I will try to make a change in my buying 'system' for a while with less shopping and higher quality fabrics. Maybe it suits me, maybe it doesn't... time will tell. These pictures from Jak&Jil already have me inspired for fall's luxurious wools and (vintage) sequins. I'll get back later on what my new life plan is when it comes to buying things (at least if you're interested ;))


H&M opening & Lanvin shopping


With Andy & Sabrina

pic by Jamie

H&M's flagship store opening in Amsterdam was everything I expected it to be and more. It was kicked off yesterday with a huge light spectacle that was projected on the (6!) floor building. And after walking the red carpet I got even more excited... Everyone could shop the Lanvin x H&M collection before it was in stores! I don't think I need to tell you how hectic the Lanvin area was! There were girls handing out discount coupons, candy and champaign and with lots of clothes, blogger friends and good music it has already become my favorite H&M store in Amsterdam.

I'm wearing: Zara jumpsuit / IKKS leather chain belt / H&M rose clutch / New Look suede pumps



In ink


Illustrator Nancy from NHM Illustrations is a Lanvin lover - as am I - and after reading This chick ♥ Lanvin she drew me in one of my favorite Lanvin creations. It convinced me even more to go for this one (hmm.. or the yellow one?) when the collection comes out in just a few hours.

After seeing quite a few fashion illustrations I'm still fascinated by how much real talent there is in that area. It's so interesting to see how each illustrator interperates a certain trend with nothing more than paper and ink. I'll be making some changes in my appartment soon and think three framed illustrations in my hallway would be a constant and subtle reminder of the fun you can have with art or fashion.

ps. are you getting anything from the Lanvin collection or not sure yet?


Clicked home


Forgot to show you the ASOS accessories that I clicked home a while ago. (Too bad I ordered it right before their new discount code went online!) You could already see the big ring in my previous outfit post and it's exactly what I needed after losing my favorite rings in California.

armor ring - claw ring - leather gloves


Winter's wonders


Every season it's one of my little pleasures to discover the new trends. By now we're all familiar with the camel coat, 50's length skirt and big knits, but what to pair our fashion favorites with? I've listed three accessory styles that make my heart beat a little faster when well executed: the messenger bag, hiker boot and boyfriend belt. Each in their own right they're ideal to spice things up within any price range.


1. Aubin & Wills via Net-a-Porter, € 477
2. Mulberry Alexa via My Wardrobe, € 940
3. Oasis via ASOS, € 47
4. Forever 21, € 24
5. Rag & Bone, € 598
6. Alberto Fasciani, via Luisaviaroma, € 801
7. River Island, € 12
8. Day, Birger et Mikkelsen via My Wardrobe, € 83
9. ASOS, € 21


Pop up


This Italian Vogue shoot kept buzzing in my head because of the fresh pops of color and use of Dutch models (pic 1, 3 and 4). Move over Brazilians and Russian beauties; Dutch girls are hot! And when I ran in to it again on VanillaScented I fell in love even more so I had to share it. Which look would you copy?

Vogue Italy October 2010 via Studded Hearts


Q&A answers part 1: Personal style & fashion

Q&A Answers edition 1
Hope you enjoy the answers to your lovely questions! The personal, random and work/blog related ones will come up later so you can still add questions about that.


My icons, personal style & fashion

Who is your style icon?
I love looking at models off-duty and the head-to-toe perfect ensembles of magazine editors. So I’ve made a little collage above! There’s too many to name but here are a few. And my all time favorite girl: Carrie Bradshaw. Nobody does miss-matched like she did!

Never talk again or never have new clothes again?
Never new clothes again for sure! I’m way too chatty :P

Does your boyfriend like your style? You have some unique pieces like those Acne wedges, what does he think about that?
My boyfriend actually likes that I dress up and experiment a bit. Usually he’s very positive about what I wear. And when I show him an item and he’s not in to right away, I usually convince him when I tell how I’ll style it (with all my enthusiasm) or when I put it on.

What’s your favorite to relax in, to hang around on the couch?
I definately have a chill-uniform! It consists of plain black leggings, a longer T like American Apparal v-necks or another plain color and a knitted cardi. Incredibly comfi and it actually looks ok too. And then when I go out to get groceries I put on black low All Stars plus a big scarf.

How do you get inspiration?

Inspiration, or where it comes from, is such a difficult thing to put your finger on (at least, for me it is) so I always find that a hard question. To get ideas I turn to a lot of other blogs, style websites like Jak&Jil and Style.com and Dutch and English/US magazines. But what my parents taught me is that inspiration is really looking at ordinary things with an open mind, which can make them extraordinary. Does that make sense?

Which item would you absolutely love to have hanging in your closet at this moment?
Call me cliché, but I’m dreaming of a silver hardware Chanel 2.55. Perfection in a bag.

What do you consider a key item that everyone should have in their closet?
I actually have a few and even though it’s different for everyone, I couldn’t do without: a black leather jacket, black blazer and black leather ankle boots. Simply because they are suited for all four seasons, are easy to combine and you’ll be able to wear them for years.

You see a very very very beautiful dress and you fall in love with it. The price is good as well. But when you try it on, it's soooo uncomfortable. So, do you prefer comfort or beauty?
I’ve done both; buying something that was uncomfortable and hanging something back for the same reason. It depends on the occasion; for Fashion Week I’d be more willing to hurt a little, but for daily wear I want to be more comfortable. However, I do wear heels a lot because they finish an outfit, even though flats are obviously more comfy.

Which was your first designer item?
I’m not sure, it depends if you also count brands like Acne! My first big designer item are these S/S10 Prada heels that I got on holiday in Los Angeles this summer.

What’s the first fashion related party you’ve ever been to and how was that?
Gosh, I don’t remember exactly but my first big event were the ELLE Style Awards. A good start, right?! I was over the moon to take part in something like that and impressed with everything I saw. And a little nervous to tell you the truth; I had no idea how it worked… do you talk to strangers, where do you leave your coat, do you need to thank the person that has invited you, things like that.

Which make up or body products are your essentials?
I can’t go without mineral powder by i.d. BareMinerals for some light coverage and super black mascara.

What would you suggest to those who haven't found their style yet?
Start with building a basic wardrobe, with more timeless pieces that fit you well, and build from there. What that means can differ, but to me a guideline could be a black leather jacket, black blazer, grey / black skinny jeans, loose white T, knitted jumper or cardi, daytime dress, leather or printed skirt, a silk blouse in a neutral color. And then add pieces that stand out or are more trendy from there.

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction? How did you deal with it? You bet! Sometimes I’ve stepped out in an outfit that seemed marvelous in front of the mirror but made me feel stupid once I enter the street. (You know that feeling?) What to do… suck it up I guess or remove the item that doesn’t work!

Are the H&M heels you wore to Paris Fashion Week true to size?
Yes, they are! If you’re doubting, go for the larger size.

Where do you buy your jewelry?
For more trend sensitive pieces I scout H&M and ASOS or Ydeltuyt. And the items on Fashionology are simply amazing. Also, I like collecting silver items from my trips all over the world and I love getting jewelry as a gift from someone close. I remember being 12, about to turn 13, and I was dying to have a silver medallion necklace after reading a certain book about it. My twin brother bought it for our (haha!) birthday with a little help from my mom and whenever I look at that, I remember being a kid and getting my first ‘real’ piece of jewelry. O, how grown up it made me feel!

How and why you became interested in fashion?
I think it’s partially something that you either have or you don’t and partially something that grows on you. Having access to my mom’s fashion magazines like ELLE, always playing dress up with her old clothes, going to stores for inspiration as a kid and teenager and being in a creative environment from an early age on probably also made me appreciate fashion.

Never heels or never flats?
Ohhh, that’s a tough one since I’m obsessed with heels and wear them as much as I can. If my feet need a break I’ll just wear wedges then ; )

I love how you put your outfits together. And I envy your talent. I've just moved to the Netherlands from Malaysia and I'm having problems with dressing up for autumn and winter because it's too cold. What should I put on to keep warm but not bulk up? What should I invest in? Hope you can help!
One of my problems too! We should just move to California where you don’t have to worry about freezing ;) I think one or two knit jumpers – like the one I showed last week – are key to survive and you can use them winter after winter, so they’re worth your money. I usually wear two pairs of black tights, which is very warm, or tights under anything really. Also a big scarf (H&M has good options!) and adorable leather cloves (with bows perhaps) are nice. And I layer tank tops by H&M underneath everything for some warmth. (Layering is key; wear a daytime dress with tights, a cute cardi or knit. Maybe with a thin waist belt to create some silhouette, and then a leather jacket and gloves and a chunky scarf, for example)

Who are your favorite national and international bloggers?
I have about 20 and I keep finding more! Check out the “I ♥ blog” list on the right side of my blog : )

Which fashion book or film would you recommend?
Haven’t seen them all but these are my favorites or on my next-to-watch list:
“Marc Jacobs + Louis Vuitton” (I’m crazy about Marc), “Signe Chanel”, “The September Issue” (if you love magazines as much as me), “Secret World of Haute Couture” (a BBC documentary), “Viktor & Rolf - Because We're Worth it", “Seamless” (about what it takes for young designers), “Valentino: the last emperor.”

Where do you cut your hair? (I love it!)
For 10 years now I’ve been visiting my hair stylist Miriam in my birth town Eindhoven, she is beyond good and very sweet. In Amsterdam I think everyone at Rob Peetoom is really talented.

Do you keep the latest trends in mind while shopping?
They’re always in the back of my mind, but I try not to be guided by them completely and look for items that will last longer than a season and that suit me above all.

How did u learn to walk on high heels?
I started practicing with my mom’s shoes when I was young, they always fascinated me. Start with wedges and a thick heel in the beginning and try on loads of heels. Once you’ve found the right fit, it’s doable!

When do you feel prettiest and when do you feel ugliest?
Prettiest; when I’m comfortable on the inside, when I’ve slept well, when everything (aka skin, hair, etc) works without having to do anything about it, when I’m wearing a fabulous (new) outfit. Ugliest; all the above but then insert the word not ;) Especially when I’m tired or stressed out.


Changes

A little notice that you can also find my blog on www.thischicksgotstyle.com. Much easier and shorter without the 'blogspot', right? ♥ It would be great if you could take 15 seconds out of your time to change your links to the new adress

If you change your link to my blog and want the RSS feed to work do not include the www. So the link will then be:

http://thischicksgotstyle.com


In print


Throughout pretty much any season, printed pants are a great way to be a little bold and incorporate a trend into your outfit. These are tribal/leopard/modern print all rolled up in one and really, what more could a girl ask for? I'm coming across so many interesting pairs of pants lately and all I want is to try them all on and play dress up!

H&M pants, nail polish and sweater / New Look pumps / Zara jacket and bag - ASOS knuckle ring





I want you

Shoe styles that were on fashion lockdown for the past few years are coming back in a big way. Pointed toes - thanks Isabel Marant - are back and better than ever, an so are shoes with a wink to the Nineties. Even Palladium opened a new store in Amsterdam. (What's next, waiting lists for bedazzled cowboy boots?) All jokes aside, I'm sort of warming up to the 90's comeback for shoes. It usually equals simplicity and a little quirky round shapes. Exactly what made me fall for these Topshop boots and all I can say is I'd trade them for my modern lace ups or wedges any day of the week, traitor that I am.


Bundled up


I've long been a fan of big jumpers to cozy up in when it gets colder. The challenge however, lies in finding one that doesn't pill, wear out or lose shape. And although this grey number has already loosened at the wrists, it's safe to say it's one of my favorite items to get me through the winter ahead of us.
ps. I cut my hair a little shorter, feels so fresh!

Minimarket wedges - Zara jumper - H&M cuff (in stores soon)





This chick ♥ Lanvin


When Lanvin for H&M started to buzz on the internet, I only hoped it was true. Visiting the H&M showroom yesterday, my expectations were exceeded: the colors and cuts were simply amazing! Picture overload, but I imagined you'd be as curious as I was! My favorite dresses are number 1, 9 and 13. To me they're the perfect summer cocktail dress, birthday dress and cheer up dress (imagine hanging that last one on the side of your closet or just dancing around in it in your room!)

(note: the loose threads on the yellow dress are on purpose. It's very well executed. The same, exaggerated loose threads are created on a blue trench - to create a messy effect.)


A new season at Spice PR



Giving you a peek in my week; the press days at all the big PR agencies in Amsterdam are in full swing. First on the list was one of my favorites - Spice PR - which represents brands like Acne, Monki, Claes Iversen and United Nude.
I can say, making this scrapbook out of 100+ pictures wasn't easy! It was all so good... Remember those Acne armor jeans that Kylie Minogue once wore? BA-NA-NAS. Gosh, I go straight to shopping mode seeing all these S/S11 clothes. What's your favorite?

Clockwise:
1 Claes Iversen prints
2 Monki knit
3 Acne armour jeans
4 Acne red oversized jumper
5 Monki tan blouse
6 Claes Iversen mini
7 Monki clutch
8 United Nude heels (there's a winter version of this hiker shoe that I'm dying for)
9 Ready to Fish marble print blazer
10 Kipling clutch


Gloomy

As you can see, the weather is so gloomy here in Amsterdam. Such a downer, if you ask me. I say it's time to move to sunny California... anyone from LA wants to adopt me? ;)


Blazer style jacket - Queens Wardrobe
Panelled pants - Zara
T - LF Stores
Pumps - New Look
Bag - Ibana Rouge



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