THE STYLING DUTCHMAN.

Kirilove SS12 and Inspired by Lana

2012-02-10T22:21:00.001+01:00

Boys and girls, last night I was invited to check out Tiany's newest sartorial baby: Kirilove part two! Miss Kiriloff brings us three lovely ranges: True Blue (focused around a strong shade of royal blue and primaries), Pretty in Pastel (slightly seventies in soft shades) and Prints Rock the World (featuring a beautiful, strong leaf print in re-imagined retro silhouettes - my fave!). I'm going to try and get my hands on the gorgeous leaf printed dress, go and find your faves and more info over at Belmodo HQ!

My outfit for the night was Lana Del Rey inspired. Yes, I'm totally into her right now. Here is my moodboard. Keywords: mary jane-esque shoes, long and pointy nails, retro make up, crisp white shirts, floral skirts and flower headwreaths. My inspiration for spring and summer, in other words!

My version isn't nearly as perfect (especially my hair, I wish I had her waves when I rolled out of bed in the morning!), but it still carried her aesthetic. So, see me partying and goofing it up in Lana gear! Btw don't worry, I'm going to write something more deep about miss Del Rey this weekend, this is just a taste.

Lana face, make up, and nails! But my ASOS tights were the star of the evening.

Me and Sabina

Amazing food was amazing. That pecan pie, mmmmmm. Also, gorgeous Paulien and Krizia!

Elien, me and Miss Kiriloff herself! <3 Thanks so much for having us, awesome lady!

Cutie Kim and me boozing it up

Blogger grouppic! We all so styliiiiin'. THIS IS THE FACE OF TRUE HAPPINESS PEOPLE. Also, I love how the flash makes my skin look so flawless and porcelain <3

When the party was over, we just kept going: after quickly shoving in some half time sushi at Paulien's place, we took our fab behinds over to Kipling's 25th birthday bash.

Gilles, my awesome leopard coat and me. My coat is totally Lana as well if you ask me. WE BE FASHION TWINSIES

Lemme tell you, these banana daiquiris where the proverbial SHIT. Seriously, SO good. You had to get past the occasional brainfreeze, but is was SO worth it. I could drink this every night, except for the fact that I would lose all my braincells and/or develop an alcohol problem.

My geriatric dance moves and some gangsta posing

MOAR COCKTAILS and then this happened omg

disclaimer: also Lana inspired

And after that my mind draws a blank so that's it.

Ok no I did not slip into an alcohol induced coma and that shit isn't even cool, I just got home and went to bed with my mister lova lova. Good night!

PS: how do you like my Lana impression?

PINK AGAIN

2012-02-08T22:15:00.001+01:00

sweater: Think Twice vintage - dress: Zara - tights: H&M - boots: Sacha

As you can see, I went pink again! After my first go at fluo pink, this time it's more of a dark fuschia. I got this color by mixing poppy red with a tiny bit of violet (both from Directions) and then adding a bit of conditioner to dillute the dye. I love how warm and rich it looks! Pinks are perfect for brunettes, lemme tell ya.

If you are thinking of adding some unnatural color to your hairz and you are some shade of brunette, I'd go for something in the pink-red-purple regions. Brown is actually in the same colorfamily as pink, or so I was told. Or maybe I made that up, I don't know, I think I heard it somewhere. TRUST ME

My outfit was inspired by awesomely stylish and equally smart lady Elien. Well, actually I put this together to show off my pink hair against the green, and then I realized it sort of reminded me of this outfit so I wasn't inspired but I did think of her <3

Also, these pictures are so oldschool! WAY back when, I used to take my pictures in front of this wall all the time. Fun, right? Same time two years ago, and the cardigan I'm wearing there is the same one I've been wearing a lot the last few days. My hair may be longer, but I'm still the same.

Last thing: notice my long, nude nails? I'm growing my nails long and pointy. I was already into it when I saw it on Gaga in the Judas video, but it was Lana Del Rey who pulled me over the edge. Her nails are wicked.

Flawless. Btw I'm preparing a post on Miss Del Rey and all the hate she's been receiving, so stay tuned ;-)

Snowleopard

2012-02-07T20:04:00.000+01:00

sweaterdress, tights, gloves, hat: H&M - cardigan, coat: Zara - boots: New Look

Aaaaaah, the snow! Friday it came down, finally, and it broke the cold that had been lingering in the air for days. I love how snow takes the edge off things: the freezing cold but also sounds, sensations. Looking up while the snow is falling, seeing the white flakes twirl around against the grey background of the heavens simultaneously makes me feel dizzy and weightless.

SO I threw on warm layers (two sweaters AND a faux fur coat + hat!) and ran out to snap some pics!

See my pink/purple ends? I don't know how it happened but when I did a strand test for my next coloring job, the dye ended up getting on the rest of my ends as well. It looks cool, right? I think I'm going to dye my ends all the way tomorrow again, it's time for some vibrant color. Yeay, exciting!

Bundle up for Warmth: TWO SWEATERS

2012-02-06T20:58:00.001+01:00

sweater, leggings, faux fur snood: H&M - cardigan: Zara - boots: Sacha - ring: Alex Monroe

My boyfriend basically ALWAYS wears multiple sweaters except maybe during the three warmest months of the year. I think he is slightly insane. Either that, or he does it to fake broader shoulders or something. Maybe multiple sweaters are the dude version of padded bras? But I digress. It has been SO cold outside that yours truly, master of wearing only tights on her legs even in the depths of winter, has ventured into whimp territory by wearing two wooly sweaters AND a faux fur snood, that's how cold it was. Strangely, it was a lot colder before the snow came down last Friday. Why is that? Why does snow make it LESS cold outside? TELL ME PEOPLE IS THERE A WEATHER SPECIALIST IN THE ROOM

PS: if you are a Belgium based Lady Gaga fan, please email me at thestylingdutchman@hotmail.com! I'm writing my thesis/dissertation on Lady Gaga and I need people to interview! Trust me, it'll be fun :-D And I might just buy you a hot cocoa.

Pistachio, Tartan and Pink

2012-02-05T22:39:00.000+01:00

sweater, coat: Think Twice vintage - skirt: gift, vintage - tights, hat, mittens: H&M - creepers: Sacha

I just about froze my fingers off taking these pictures, for real. My right hand was swollen and red and kept throbbing for hours after my short stint outside because the wind was SO sharp and cold. My camerabag almost flew away! I felt like a total idiot taking my outfitpictures in the cold and it almost made me QUIT OUTFITBLOGGING ALTOGETHER. Only for a few minutes though, chillax!

The colors here are weird but I really like them together for some reason. Not something I would put together in theory but in reality it works! Pastels + some darker shades evoke spring, even though it seems as if winter has only just begun around these parts.

I hope your weekend was lovely! We spent a fun afternoon with my sister and her boyfriend and just finished a late night dinner. Don't forget to check out my post about feminism and extremism, it would mean a lot to me if you'd leave your feedback too! :-)

FEMINISM 101: FEMINISM AS EXTREMISM

2012-02-04T20:32:00.001+01:00

First of all I want to thank all of you for leaving your responses to my post regarding some misconceptions around feminism. One common motif in your comments was the idea of feminism as extremism, something I pretty much expected since I encounter it almost everytime I "out" myself as a feminist. And even when I explain myself and my views, I still get the same old response: "I agree with everything you've said, but I wouldn't call myself a feminist." Right-o. Let me tell you something: most people are feminists, whether they identify themselves as such or not. Just ask yourself this simple question: do you believe every individual should be valued for his/her own merit rather than first being put into a gender binary category based on their reproductive organs before assessing their unique qualities? Basically every person in our Western society would agree, except maybe for some truly evil a-holes. If you answered the question with a yes, DING DING DING you are a feminist! However, only a small percentage of all those people would describe themselves as feminists.

For some reason, feminism has a bad reputation. Feminism isn't sexy, and attractiveness is a concept that remains central in many a woman's life. However, I believe it to be too reductionist to see this phenomenon as something only feminism has to deal with. I see this as a widespread fear of really committing yourself to any sort of cause and putting yourself "out there" that way: by choosing a certain political position, you open yourself up to criticism, putting yourself in the position to defend yourself and not everyone enjoys defending themselves as much as I do :-) And this is something EVERYONE has to deal with when they transgress certain established norms, whether they are feminists or vegetarians.

The reason this irks me so much when it comes to feminism is simple: 1/2 of the world is female, and 1/2 of the world is born with a disadvantage between their legs that only becomes a disadvantage because it is fixed as such in their minds and in society. To this you often get responses like "yeah sure women in third world countries have it bad, but feminism has basically done its job around here, hasn't it?". This is simply not true. Apart from the statistically significant difference in income between men and women (even when comparing part time with part time and full time with full time employment), we are also handicapped socially. I have read scientific studies proving that women get interrupted more than men, and that a message imparted by a woman isn't memorized as well as those imparted by men. Interpret it as you want, but equality is not a term I would use to describe the situation.

Don't get me wrong, I understand all of you when you tell me you don't want to identify as feminist. Once you open your eyes for all the injustice going on around you, it is impossible to close them again. And that's where simply being a good person comes into play. I want to make the world around me the best possible place it can be, and opening my eyes and heart to the undeniable gender based inequality is more than just being a feminist: it's about taking your responsibility as a human being. And if you take a look at recent history and the LEAPS we have taken in a few decades, it is obvious that a movement made up out of individuals CAN make a difference, so don't feel powerless. We are the people, we make history.

Why am I telling you all of this, or even lecturing you (sorry :D)? Because by repeating the discourse of feminism as extremism, you are disenfranchising the movement. Sort of along the lines of people who watch someone being bullied without stepping in being as guilty as the bully. Taking a stand doesn't mean you're obligated to fight the fight every single second of your life. You don't have to stand on the barricades. You can do all those things, but there isn't a certain "line" that needs to be crossed before you can be considered a feminist. Feminism is a disposition, the basis from where you live your life, something you carry inside you: your personal beliefs and views on the world. Revolution can take place in the mind.

I'm not here to force you to stop watching any sort of misogynist content, stop wearing bras or shaving your legs, and I'm not telling you not to either (to quote Mel Gibson: FREEDOOOOOM). No, I'm here to raise awareness, to make you think about your position in life. Next time feminism comes up in a conversation, I urge you to keep things simple. Tell them that yes, you are a feminist, and ask your detractors why they are against equal opportunity for every individual, regardless of the contents of their underpants. More broadly: please, don't be afraid to fight for your beliefs, to educate yourself, to think. Our ancestors fought hard to give us those opportunities. And don't forget: we are ancestors to be, and our decisions have consequences. No matter if you are a vegetarian or a feminist.

And for those who have lost the plot after reading my rant, I have three points to make:

Everyone who believes there should be equality of opportunity between the genders is a feminist (and yes, men can be feminists as well)
By denying your own position as a feminist, you are sustaining the dominant discourse about feminism being ridiculous/too extreme/irrelevant,
You shouldn't be afraid to take a stand about your beliefs. You have nothing to lose and everything to win. You have a responsibility.

Advertorial: Festival Chic

2012-02-03T20:49:00.000+01:00

I was contacted by Joe Browns' PR people to check out their selection and let them know how I felt about it, and GOSH the entire collection just SMELLS like bohemian rock festivals during summer: those long weekends where you get beer spilled all over you, wear flowers in your unwashed hair, stay up all night enjoying the warm night air with your friends, dance and sing along to your favorite songs and create memories to last you a lifetime. Of course, tunics and dresses are your way to go. Add some comfy, fun footwear (think converse) and some loose knits to keep you warm at night and you're good to go!

CAN I HAVE ALL OF THIS AND A SUMMER'S DAY PLZ

I also love that the store offers almost exclusively printed stuff. I'm telling ya, a print is always better than a solid!

And just to top it all off with a little touch of moi, here are some really dorky shots of me and two of my besties at one of my first festivals 7 YEARS AGO!

Thank god my hair and make up have improved since then. BUT MY KEITH MOON SHIRT WAS ALREADY ACE. This was the year when some hot Dave Navarro (but betterlooking) lookalike protected me in the Rammstein moshpit. Festival love! If you're reading this, cool guy, excuse me for disappearing right after the concert, I already had a boyfriend. If I hadn't I totally would have made out with you. PROMISE.

TV DEBUT

2012-02-02T21:23:00.001+01:00

I just made my tv debut last night, SO proud! OK so it isn't REALLY my tv debut since I once recited a poem on regional telivision for poetry day (Jabberwocky ftw!) but still yo. It's in Dutch, but lemme tell you: my voice sounds ENTIRELY different in real life. My boyfriend didn't even recognize me. And to those confused by my accent: yes, I can speak BOTH Flemish Dutch and Dutch Dutch, depending on the context.

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

MAJOR thanks to the AWESOME Inès who subtitled the video so my readers abroad can understand the ENORMOUS wisdom I imparted. Please pay attention to the amount of times I use the word "plezier" or "fun" in the description of my blog, ugh. Mind you, I absolutely said all kinds of intelligent things in the full cut of the interview but of course they had to edit it down to a few soundbites. You'll just have to take my word on that one.

Anyway: THANKS Vitaya and the Belmodo team!! I loved my little interview, and don't Kim and I look adorable? We were interviewed (AWKWARD CENTRAL, population: me) and got to put together some cute outfits in the Object showroom, and then we goofed around and took each other's pictures. I seriously kept doing the most over the top poses, I wish they had used that footage because it was HILARIOUS. Here's some pictures to give you guys an idea.


ELEGANCE MAIS OUI

The blazer was my favorite piece, very comfortable and stretchy and awesome, but I would wear both the outfits in a heartbeat. Also, lesson of the day: rust colored tights + brogue pumps go with everything.

And because I was feeling especially in the mood for some humiliation, I grabbed my mini laptop that has a crappy webcam and recorded this totally impromptu, out-of-synch, un edited, shaky and totally unfunny VLOG so you guys can FINALLY hear me talk in English, AND both Flemish and Dutch. I promise I'll do a better one soon! No idea how to fix the out-of-synch ness though, but if you keep watching until about 0:52 you'll have your sound align with your image.

gosh I might delete this later on, it really is an embarassment. And yes, I really didn't know it had already started recording, /facepalm

Summer Cravings

2012-02-01T20:59:00.005+01:00

even a longsleeve jersey, two wooly sweaters and a faux fur snood won't keep me warm these days

God it is ab-solutly freezing outside. Like, LITERALLY. I just about froze my thumb of taking outfit pictures, I feel so daft going out and exposing myself to the cold for some stupid shots of my stupid outfit GOSH. I was foolish for wishing to get some real winter over hiya just last week or maybe two weeks ago I don't remember. POINT IS I was foolish, and I'm cold, and I wish it was summer alreadz!

Stupid internet is tempting me with its sales and summer collections and I'm in that mindset again where you dream of rolling out of the bed with perfectly tan, smooth legs that won't need to be covered up with layers of socks, tights and boots. And it might just be me, but my hair always looks better in the summertime. It just DOES! When the sun is a-shining, my life gets like a bajillion times easier. Everything is fun during summer. Well except maybe for people who use redundant twitter hashtags like #fun, seriously people? Will you ever connect to other people just because you talk about #fun stuff? WILL YOU? WHO CARES YO

But to get to the point, I'm preparing my wardrobe for summer. I don't buy heaps of new stuff (since I ain't rich and I already have way too much crap) but I do like to buy extras of those things I know I can't live without during the warmer months: dresses and sandals. These are some of my sales buys to prepare me for summer: a denim dungaree dress, a grungy babydoll (both H&M), a retro floral dress (Mango via ASOS) and some basic, frumpy H&M sandals (I lurv frumpy sandals with my dresses)

disclaimer: I suck at photoshop

And now I'm drooling over these Carvela beauties:

GOSH so cute! But I could never ever pay 80€ for some plastic sandals, I mean SERIOUSLY talk about overpriced? I hope they'll go down a LOT and then I'll pounce on that shit like peanutbutter on jelly. Colorful flat sandals are utterly irresistible in my book, just imagine how cute they'd look with my Primark Lemon dress :(

But for now, summer and sandals are out of reach. So I'm just reposting these summery images, not because I don't have a new outfit to show you guys but because I really love these pictures and I wish it was summer right now.

D-d-d-d-don't forget to comment on my post about feminism, I need all the feedback/questions I can get for my feminism 101 post this weekend! :D

What do you miss most about summer? For me it's all about bare feet and legs.

Red, Polkadots, Brogues and MATTENTAARTEN

2012-01-31T22:14:00.000+01:00

coat, headband, tights: H&M - dress: Zara - cardigan, brogues: Think Twice vintage

Guysssss please go by yesterday's post to leave your opinion! The more opinions/questions I get, the better my post this weekend will be. You'll be helping me write an article!

I don't have too much to tell you guys today, other than that my ends having this colormix of lilac, brow and pink is making me very happy.

Ending with foodporn in the form of my latest obsession: MATTENTAARTEN! :-D A true flemish traditional and SO FRACKING GOOD! A bit of almond flavor, puff pastry, not too sweet: perfection.

I wish I had some mattentaart right now :( cryz

Winter Colorblocking

2012-01-30T20:47:00.000+01:00

coat: H&M - sweater, shirt: Zara - pants: River Island - boots: ASOS

A cold and dreary morning, an early exam and getting ready while it's still pitch black dark outside -> this hyperbright outfit. I usually prefer more harmonious colorcombos but well ya know ugh this is an outfit I'LL WEAR WHAT I FEEL LIKE WEARING GOSH (high five if you get the Napoleon Dynamite reference!)

I just had my last exam today, so now it's time to unwind a bit and prepare for my dissertation. Exciting times! On one hand I can't wait to lose myself in the writing and researching, but on the other hand I'm nervous. I really want to create something awesome you know, contribute something to the world... What if I get stuck? I'll totally get stuck. WILL I GET STUCK?

PS: guys I have a question I'd like to ask all of you. I've noticed a lot of people recoiling when I mention my feminism, and I was wondering why that is. So all of my readers, please leave a comment, tweet/mail me or contact me via tumblr answering the following question:

Do you consider yourself a feminist? Why (not)?

Please be as thorough as possible, that way I can adress some of the misunderstandings that seem to be floating around. I'll address this in detail this weekend after I've gathered some response!

Not Washing My Hair. Also, Rust and Blue

2012-01-29T19:33:00.001+01:00

dress: gift from Harriet, ASOS - sweater: ASOS - tights, headband: H&M - shoes: New Look - coat: Think Twice vintage

So, as you can probably see I have not been washing my hair much recently. Not like I'm making a statement about shampoo moguls and the environment (except for the fact that I totally am), but I HATE washing my hair and I'm anxious for it to stay presentable for longer than 2 days. I'm training it not to get greasy as soon is what I'm saying. Kim says I'm a weirdo for hating washing it but it's so much WORK you know? Shampooing, rinsing, shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, rinsing, combing, waiting for it to dry, GOD just typing this shit makes me tired.

I have no idea why I'm making such a fuss about it either, it's not like I'm that lazy in general! I just can't be bothered with my hair, even though I want it to look epic at all times. Maybe I'm not being fair to my hair, asking it to do all the work while I'm too lazy to wash it from time to time. Sorry hair.

No but seriously, we women get the short end of the stick ALL OF THE TIME. My boyfriend only really needs to wash his hair like once a week at the most because his hair is short and neat and doesn't need to do all these bouncy things our hair has to do. Also, he doesn't need to wear make up in order not to be considered frumpy or sad or have people ask you whether he's not feeling well. I mean I like doing my make up but I don't like feeling as if I don't have a choice! If I don't wear make up I look super sloppy, blotchy and tired so I really can't skip a day just like that, especially in wintertime. Lesigh, #firstworldproblems

Last exam tomorrow, w00t! Wish me luck! DO IT

Grungy Floral Comfort

2012-01-28T22:28:00.000+01:00

cardigan: Zara - dress: Think Twice vintage - belt: old - tights, socks, hat: H&M - boots: ASOS

Aaaah yes another studying outfit with layers, comfort and a bit of juvenile grunge attitude. No scrap that, I think it's way more juvenile to think that dressing subculture-y is confined to certain age brackets than actually dressing like a punk in your fifties. FREEDOM!

I've just been watching Easy A (yeah, I'm way behind on things) and it is awesome as FUCK. Totally up there with Mean Girls and Ten Things I Hate About You in the heavens of feminist inspired awesome teenage girlflicks, and lord knows I love those. I would totally put Legally Blonde up there too btw, totally underrated and all positive and anti superficiality/girl hate! If you have any more recommendations in the genre, let me know. I ADORE a good movie with a feminist inspired storyline or strong female characters. Also, Emma Stone is SO the type of girl who'd be my friend. I have this list of make believe girlfriends:

Debra Morgan (Dexter)

Veronica Mars (Veronica Mars)

Lady Gaga

Tavi Gevinson

Kirsten Dunst

and other awesome women I'm forgetting right now but believe you me, we would have awesome times together. Ah, virtual soulmates! Give me awesome imaginary ladyfriends over hot male celebs to swoon over anyday.

Enjoy your weekend dolls!

New Peter Pan Blouse = I DIE

2012-01-27T21:54:00.000+01:00

blouse: Oasap - skirt: Think Twice vintage

This blouse is definitely the best top I have added to my wardrobe in AGES. I'm really particular when it comes to tops as they never seem to fit quite the way I'd like them to: for some reason my broader upper half makes tops look rather square or bulky on me. Also, I either like my tops to be long-ish and loose fitting to go with shorts, short skirts or skinnies/leggings, or short and elegant to be worn with my retro dresses and longer skirts. So yeah, I'm really picky! But this blouse I got to pick out over at Oasap is everything I want and more, the more being that adorable double peter pan collar with the crochet detail. SWOON!

Also, the combination of navy and white is the base of my entire wardrobe. I just add something in the warmer color group like pink, red, rust or orange et voila, an outfit! :-D

If you're a blogger, be sure to check out Oasap, they have some sweet deals for fashion bloggers! And for those nervous about ordering from Chinese webshops: my item arrived slightly late, but it's just been the Chinese New Year so I can deal with that! Next on my wishlist? These pretties:

I could go on linking stuff but seriously, you should just check it out for yourself because there is SO much niceness on there! Price range is comparable to ASOS.

Advertorial: ghd Blowdryer and Hairstuff

2012-01-26T21:16:00.003+01:00

Guyz I was contacted by the pr team behind ghd to write something about their awesome new blowdryer, the ghd air. I enjoy it when brands are written in low case (so humble!) so I decided to oblige. Also, I sort of thought I broke my supercheap but cute (it's a pink red retro sort of deal) blowdryer when using it to dry a friend's dress we handwashed right before our NYE party but it started working again after a day and now I'm sort of scared to use it because that shit is unreliable and I don't want to burn my hair or die when my blowdryer causes shortcircuit (this is starting to become the never ending sentence) SO I'm on the lookout for a new hairdryer.

I hardly ever use mine, for one because I suck at blowdrying technique, but mainly because my hair gets mega frizzy when I use it. I thought that was just what blowdryers do to your hair, but apparently fancy ass blowdryers don't? Any experiences with that? I'd love a blowdryer that does what it's supposed to do without rendering my hair a frizzy helmet-esque mess. I haven't tried the new ghd air out yet, but it promises all kinds of awesomeness in the anti-frizz field. Especially the cool shot button and the ionic technology that seems to be all the rage in hairstyling land seem to promise a difference. My crappy old blowdryer sure don't have no ions or cool shot button. I'm thinking a good hairdryer might be key in recreating beautiful hairstyles such as these faves of mine:

and the most perfect hair (wig) in the world:

Aka the RIGHT kind of helmet hair.

Now I have some questions for you.

1) do you have fancy hairtools you can't live without?
2) is it possible for blowdryers to leave you sans frizz?

3) what the hell is ionic technology and how does it work?

4) I already googled that shit and apparently ions break down the water molecules in your hair which makes it dry faster and lessens the damage/frizz. Hey, if Hairdresser on Fire says it, I'm believing!
5) how do I make my hair look like those pics?

Peter Pan Collar and Tartan Tights

2012-01-25T22:11:00.000+01:00

dress: ASOS - tights: H&M - flats: New Look - headband: F21

A mini beehive and My Little Pony lilac pastel hair = looooove! I'm using my bumpit again. I'm still getting the hang of things, but this thing is absolutely perfect for those sixties hairdo lovers out there. And I love everything and anything sixties, as evidenced by my outfit! <3

God I've been feeling so uninspired lately! It's those darned exams, just rehashing stuff you've already been studying for an entire semester isn't that stimulating intellectually. Don't worry, I'll get over myself soon. I've been speaking my way too politically correct mind over here, scroll through to the comment section and look for me! :-D Feel free to let me know how you feel about the subject, I'd love to hear your opinions :-)

Rained Out Yellow Beanie

2012-01-24T21:10:00.000+01:00

skirt: Think Twice vintage - sweater: New Look - coat: Pimkie - scarf, beanie, tights: H&M - boots: Dr Martens - T-shirt: some alternative store selling band t's and badges and the like.

Thanks Paulien for taking my pictures! You know you've got it made when a hot model takes your outfit pictures instead of the other way around. Ok afterwards I took her pictures but that sort of ruins the IRONY of it all. Ok so a model taking your pictures probably isn't irony exactly but you know what I mean. STOP BEING SO DIFFICULT.

Difficult looks really strange typed in all Kanye-caps.

On topic (haha totally not on topic but I like changing topics by saying "on topic:"): my exam was HELLA easy and I aced it. Only one to go now, next week. I am determined to rock that one too!

I'm leaving you with a picture of me and Paulz being all sadfaced because of the cold COLD rain that made taking pictures a less than perfect experience. I'm doing sad Goofy, she's doing sad Smeagol.

I really want her beanie. Moar beanies plz.

Silver Shoes

2012-01-23T22:04:00.002+01:00

dress: Think Twice vintage - tights: H&M - pumps, belt: Pimkie - cardigan: F21

I used to have this huge thing for silver shoes. I think I still have at least ten pairs of silver shoes, but most of them were cheap crap so I don't really wear them anymore. WAY too uncomfortable. However, when getting ready I saw these silver peep toes I once bought in the sales for 7 euro sticking out of a shoe box and I was like YEAH those would look awesome with my retro outfit. Silver gives this old couch-like color combo of rust, lilac and mustard a right kick up the proverbial buttocks.

See my hair? It's going a dirty lilac with chunks of pink, berry nice. Directions Neon Blue is a total recommendation!

Now I'm off to relax a bit. I've got a popular culture exam in the morning and I'm fairly confident I will do well, but I'll still be anxious right up until I turn my paper and read all of the questions. You never know whether some evil twist of fate will cause the professor to question you on those tiny little details you failed to memorise. UGH

Woods and Cords

2012-01-22T21:03:00.000+01:00

trousers: River Island - jumper, beret: Think Twice vintage - coat: H&M - boots: ASOS

I know I know, I look like Urban Outfitters vomited all over me. AND I'M LOVING IT! Very British, androgynous and hipster-vintage in that whole "Oh these grandpa trousers? No not vintage, actually bought them new for way too much money last week" because yeah, that's what the Urban Outfitters aesthetic is all about. Not to dis UO though, that store has amazing pieces and styling, I just find the whole trend of old fashioned stuff you can find at thrift stores for a fiver being sold for at least ten times that amount at hip stores a wee bit ironic. Boys and girls: CHECK your local second hand sources, there are TREASURES to be found for next to no money, every piece is unique and you're not causing any harm to the environment: everyone's a winner. I saw sweaters like these being sold in the UO sales for 35 euros. Got mine for 2. Easy choice, no?

My favorite nailpolish trend these days is WITHOUT a doubt the glitter ombre. Easypeasy and hellacute. Gold and pink is a gorgeous combination but I'm keen on trying this cheapie chunky gold glitter on greens and blues as well. No reds though, or I'll just mourn the fact that Christmas will be gone for another year everytime I look at my nails :-(

STUDYTIME now! Lots of stuff to do. Hope you enjoyed your weekend! I sure did, most of my free time was spent cuddling and laughing with my boyfriend. Don't you just love those days where you feel like you're in the early stages of your relationship again? Ah l'amour!

Yeay for ugly gifs

Leopard and Burgundy

2012-01-21T20:42:00.000+01:00

sweater: F21 - skirt: DIY - tights: Pimkie - coat: Zara - boots: H&M - ring: Alex Monroe

I always love it when the temperatures drop down superlow, because that means I can break out my faux fur leopard coat again! Sadly our winters are mostly just chilly, wet and dreary over here so my vision of layers upon layers of knits, faux furs and boots never quite becomes reality. However, by exposing my legs to the cold with these crazy thin nylons and a short skirt, I can compensate for the overheating going on at the torso regioné, capiche? Excuse the Italiano, I've just been eating some amazing pizza.

I did look a bit like an NYC hooker with the leopard, fishnet-y nylons and heels but so what right. Hooker chic FTW.

Do you guys follow me on twitter, tumblr and facebook yet? I'm constantly tumbling, tweeting and posting stuff I read so if you enjoy my ramblings about feminism, racism and the like, be sure to follow me there and engage in the discussion! Or recommend stuff to me, I love being educated so EDUCATE ME PLZ

Hearts, Sequins and Pink

2012-01-20T22:24:00.000+01:00

sweater, skirt, tights, socks: H&M - boots: Asos

Some slightly crappy grainy pictures today because it was hella dark outside. Sad, sad weather. I threw this on to be comfortable while studying: much more "average girl" than I usually dress, but that's fine, THEY CAN'T ALL BE WINNERS AMIRITE

Besides, how can an outfit containing sequins, heart dotted tights, multicolor nails and pink boots be bad? No wai.

Also, I've been honing my make up skills lately and I'm totally proud of this face you see before you. Some darker eyeshadow in the crease of my upper eyelid and under my lower lashes, and some shimmery beige on my eyelid and just under my eyebrows. Finish off with a bit of pencil and mascara et voila!

Sidebun, Tartan and White Accents

2012-01-19T21:49:00.000+01:00

dress, boots: Think Twice vintage - beret: old - tights: Pimkie - ring: Alex Monroe

I've been wearing my hair to the side a lot lately. Sort of casual yet elegant, no? And the perfect way to show of my collar. I mean I love my long hair and all, but it looks sloppy when it's just down like that on a special collar. I did a super messy braid to the side and then just folded it into a bun and binned it in place et voila: CHICNESS! I need to learn how to work this long hair thing, as I've been a short haired lass for years 'n' years now. Last time I had long hair I was 17!

Haha I was such a cliché punk girl. This was at a wedding BBQ and I wore lace up boots with my pretty dress, apart from the stacked bracelets and festival bands of course. And no bra. REBELLE

Ah, the joys of maturing. Sometimes I wish I could meet my old self to tell her stuff about life. I would've probably rolled my eyes at my older, wiser self though.

Also, yep, another haistyle me and Katy Perry share.

Hers was styled way better though.

Advertorial: Shoeby Webshop

2012-01-18T21:25:00.004+01:00

Hi darlings! I'm sorry, but today's post will be geared towards my Dutch speaking followers. Come back tomorrow for regular programming! But if you want to see me today, just check out my guest post over at Virginie's.

DUS dames en heren, appels en peren: vandaag presenteer ik jullie een advertorial van Shoeby. Een nieuwe webshop, jawel, met kleding en schoenen voor volwassenen en kinders van beide geslachten. De keten is afkomstig uit mijn moederland (cue *Wiiiiilheeeeelmuuuus Vahan Nahasaue*) maar breidt sinds kort uit naar België, en combineert dit met een leuke actie: Shoeby heeft namelijk een eigen tijdschrift, en is op zoek naar een covermodel voor het Belgische Shoeby magazine. Deelnemen kan hier, tot 29 februari!

Hier zijn alvast mijn favorietjes van de webshop.

27,97

Levering kost 4,95 om je nieuwe shizzle aan de deur gebracht te krijgen door een hete man in uniform (mmmmmmm, postbodes! Nee? Nee.), maar je kan je gerief ook gratis naar de dichtstbijzijnde winkel laten transporteren. Ruilen of geld terugvragen kan gratis binnen de 14 dagen: basic consumentenrechten waar deze webshop gelukkig aan voldoet.

Voeg em toe aan je bookmarks!

Velcro Bumpit

2012-01-17T22:26:00.003+01:00

dress worn as top, tights: Pimkie - pinafore: H&M - boots: Think Twice vintage

Two things about this post today. Ok no three things:

1) This pinafore dress is one of my sales buys, got it for 10 euro at H&M: SCORE. I was actually looking for this one I saw on Emily a while ago, but I tried both on and this one looked better on me AND was cheaper so obviously this is the one I got. INNERESTING

2) Another sales buy: these boots. These perfect, immaculate, comfortable, elegant, leather vintage boots. Got them for 13 euros and I am INSANELY in love with them. The type of boot that is basically the holy grail of vintage because you hardly see this model in current versions anymore, yet all the vintage vixens have a pair AND I NEEDED MY OWN. I wear them all the time.

3) Notice the subtle volume at the crown of my head? NO teasing, just the velcro bumpit I ordered off of ebay! Perfect for those days when you want to evoke Brigitte Bardot, Zooey Deschanel or Anna Karina (like, everyday in my life basically). My review: super cheap but does the trick perfectly and is VERY easy to use, you just shove it under some hair and brush the hair over it et voila, stays put for hours and isn't uncomfortable or visible.

This is the result when not using a mirror or making much of an effort, so imagine how nice it COULD look! Taking it out is something you have to do VERY carefully though: the velcro can easily get super stuck in your hair -> major panicz. However, if you take it out slowly and carefully, or if your hair is coarse rather than fine like mine, it should not damage your hair ANYWHERE near as much as backcombing would. Super long hair might make it difficult to take out as well, so I wouldn't recommend it for you mermaids out there. So get it already!

PS: for those who aren't head over heels with Tavi yet, read this post. She is my absolute biggest girl crush and idol for all things blog- and life-related. Also, we agree on basically everything and have the exact same obsessions. I wish we were friends in real life, but at least I got to meet her once!

I Wear My Heart On My Nails (I'm So Witty)

2012-01-16T21:54:00.001+01:00

I love everything about these pictures: my purple hair, my sky blue dress contrasting against the warm brown in my coat and accessories, the light, the church and my awesomesauce nails. I saw this picture on tumblr and fell in luuurv with the retro classiness of this cute manicure. Totally something you'd see on Dita Von Teese, but still very wearable if you're not too keen on the super dressed up look. I just freewheeled it: starting with a base coat and adding the two arches carefully, after which I filled in the heart and filed my nails to a more pointed shape. A must try!

I might look like I'm strolling by the Notre-Dame all casually and retro-y, but this is just our local church. I love churches. If the beautiful architecture isn't enough, churches are always ridden with stupid birds. A dove was watching me and my guy while we were taking pictures, and it had the STUPIDEST look on its stupid face. Like for real, I couldn't get over how stupid it looked. I even did an impression of the stupid dove.

Let's go in for a close up.

Seriously, THAT stupid. But my face looks normal sometimes too, don't worry.

dress, coat, cardigan: Think Twice vintage - tights, belt: Pimkie - bag: Zara - shoes: swapped with friend - beret: old

BTW I did a guestpost over at Crimson Rosella about chasing dreams. If you like my writing, go check it out!

Lazy Sunday in Orange and Yellow

2012-01-15T20:36:00.000+01:00

cardigan/animal rings: H&M, pants: River Island, blouse: Zara, boots: ASOS

If you have to get up at 8 in the morning on a Sunday in winter, all you really want is to be comfortable and warm. However, we had a sort of festive breakfast to go to, so my pajamas wouldn't quite cut it. I settled for lots of color, some luxe leopard and comfortable, loose fitting layers and flats. I felt like a hungover rockchick and I totally looked like one too, but in a GOOD way OKEY

These pictures were taken last week, but my hair looks SO much more blue than it does now! The blue kept really well for quite a long time considering the fact that blue is a difficult color to have stay put on your locks, and now it is turning violet and it is awesome. I'll be showing some clear pics of the violet hair soon.

Right, I'm off to paint my nails and doze off on the couch because for some reason I am dead tired (must be the crap mood my boyfriend's in, has had me on my toes all day), catch ya later!

Go Go Girl, Zooey Inspired

2012-01-14T21:36:00.004+01:00

coat, top, shorts, scarf: H&M - flats: Zara - Beret: old - ring: Alex Monroe - nailpolish: Catrice

I'm really into sixties garb suddenly. It all started when I saw this lovely picture of Zooey Deschanel. Now don't get me wrong, I think she's adorable, but I usually don't find her personal style all that inspiring. Too twee and too all the way cute: nothing casual or scruffy about it. And I like my girly girls scruffy! But in this particular picture, she looked like a The Like bandmember <3

A strong sixties look, and yet this is a simple, comfortable outfit made of pieces most girls have in their closet: a striped top, some basic short shorts, black tights and a pair of cute flats. Seeing this picture ALMOST made me go and get my bangs cut on a whim, but bangs just aren't my thing :(

The sixties were basically the era when more casual wear became fashionable for women, which instantly upped their badass-appeal. You can't go picketing for peace in a corset, pencilskirt, garters and stilettos, now can ya? Short hemlines, loose cut silhouettes and flat shoes however: the perfect attire for girls and women about to rock the foundations of their nations (guess I'm totally into rhyme today). And I am that woman, so I love the sixties.

The Like breaking up makes me so sad :( I wish I was in an all girl rockband SO BAD but I can't play any instruments and my singing is only so so. Poo. But go check out their songs! Everything Mark Ronson touches turns into gold.

Leopard, Dots and Orange

2012-01-13T21:00:00.000+01:00

skirt: Think Twice vintage

t-shirt: old, don't remember

tights, blazer: H&M

flats: Zara

belt: Pimkie

Just a quick outfit before the weekend kicks in! Lots of stuff going on, just the way I like it. Very rockabilly too, more than usual for me.

See my hair? The blue is turning more purply every day, and somehow the fading turns it into my own haircolor? It's weird but I love how subtle yet distinguished it looks. I'll be waiting it out a bit longer, fading-wise, but I'm definitely repeating the blue. I love that color.

Have a lovely Friday night!

Sales: 2BRN2B

2012-01-12T22:20:00.001+01:00

My witty acronym title means "to buy or not to buy" and refers to the things I have been saving in my many virtual shopping baskets. Ah, sales, you are even more fun online! So, I thought I'd share some of my fave online sale finds with you guys. Since we probably have similar tastes and styles (why else would you visit my blog? STALKER), I'm guessing you'll enjoy this serving of eye candy.

9.99

12.99

19.99

12.00

30.05. Also in black with cream collar!

27.95

CUTENESS OVERLOAD

Have you bought stuff? Or have you just been stalking that one perfect pair of leopard ankle boots? I know I have :(

Station to Station and Ladette to Lady

2012-01-11T21:56:00.002+01:00

dress: ASOS

tights, coat: H&M

shoes: New Look

scarf: Think Twice, vintage

beret: old

Everyone who takes pictures at train stations always looks so fab but my station is dull as hell. Maybe it needs more props! Next time I'll bring some vintaaahge suitcases.

I've been watching a lot of anti-feminist programs lately. Especially make over shows really gets my engines revved up. Somehow watching stuff like Ladette to Lady gets me halfway entertained, all the way appalled. The show is basically about young women who are "promiscuous" (how can any adult with a good head on their shoulders still condone the "SEX IS EW" mentality?), too extroverted, too into going out and alcohol or just too WHATEVER ISN'T GIRLY AND SWEET.

I give the show one thing though: at least they're honest about the main deal being chicks who act like dudes (FYI: Ladette < Lad). And that's really all this is about: transgressing silly gender norms apparently makes us unworthy of respect. Seriously about every episode of this show revolves around the point that acting a certain "tacky" way gives others the right to belittle, disrespect and abuse you.

The sad thing is, these girls were just being taught to exchange one demeaning situation for a more socially accepted one: "Ladette" Nicole evidently came from an abusive home and had become a stripper. After weeks of telling her she should "cover up and respect herself" (I don't necessarily condone this message in general, but it might have been true for this particular girl), she had made significant progress and was supposed to be a host at a dinner party with some older upper class guys.

The "Gentlemen" were rowdy, downing alcohol by the pint: basically everything the girls weren't supposed to do. But to drive the point home even more, the men started making gross sexually demeaning comments a la "I'll use my horse-riding whip on her!". This triggered some trauma in Nicole, as she stormed out of the room speaking her mind about how those guys weren't gentlemen, and how were they supposed to be ladies when men weren't held up to the same high standards?

Yes, you would say the girl made an excellent point, no? A girl that didn't even finish highschool apparently had more rational, clear ideas about gender relations than the team of sophisticated ladies who were pruning the ladettes. However, the moral lesson of the episode ended up taking a whole different direction: Nicole should just get over herself because she was the hostess. She should have nodded and smiled, comply, play coy and giggle. Basically all the shit she probably used to do back when she "didn't value herself enough", while she was still "a slut". Message: you're only a slut if someone judges you.

Maybe I'm reading too much into a simple entertainment show, but I don't think I am. Popular culture is most people's main source of info regarding gender related issues, so I'm taking a stand. Ladette to Lady is ridiculous, genderbinary oppressive television. I'm rooting for the sluts.

Mo' Pink and Levis

2012-01-10T20:23:00.001+01:00

sweater: Vintage (Etsy)

shorts: Vintage Levis via Think Twice

coat: Vintage Think Twice

socks, tights, hat: H&M

boots: Pimkie

ring: Alex Monroe

Are you guys sick of me wearing pink yet? It's just such a delightful color! I sort of knew I was going to crush hard on pink during FW1112, so I ordered this sweater off of Etsy back in September. Pink just looks SO good with denim and the darker, murky shades we all seem to love during winter.

My first exam is up tomorrow. I'm not nervous or anything, but like every year I'm having a hard time imagining what the questions will be like. I'll probably swing by the shops to check out the sales again, I've been such a good girl not buying anything online! You should check out my sister's post about our soon to be born nephew and gender issues, I fully condone her opinions. I totally want my kids to have my last name. Also, more shots of that outfit you all loved on her!

Check Coat and Family Visit

2012-01-09T20:55:00.001+01:00

coat, skirt, shirt: Think Twice vintage

tights: H&M

boots: Pimkie

scarf: boyfriend's

ring: Alex Monroe

Yesterday, some of my family came over for a late New Year celebration and also because we really wanted to see our sister in law's pregnant belly! She's actually due on my birthday, how awesome is that? I'm super excited to become an aunt again, especially since the kid won't be all the way across the Atlantic Ocean this time around.

Anyway, we all went for a walk in the forest down the street to get some fresh air and work up an appetite (my sis and her guy had made some amazing soup), and of course I took advantage of the situation by asking my pro photographer sister to snap my outfit shots. I love the cold winter light and my violet blue hair!

After eating, our mom wanted us to pose for some pictures because like very mom out there, she loves pictures of her whelps. Silliness ensued, but we succeeded at snapping two sort of normal photos. I'm only showing one though, PSYCHE

Boyfriend Knit

2012-01-08T21:33:00.001+01:00

jumper: Boyfriend's

jeans: c/o Lee

boots: Sacha

hat: Think Twice vintage

ring: Alex Monroe

So what do you wear on a stormy, cold day while studying? Why, your boyfriend's jumper of course! Super comfy, edgified by pairing them with these skinnies and fun was edited with my reindeer print wooly hat and bubble gum pink boots. I love this outfit SO much, it feels like I've finally found a way to build a bridge between my love for that whole alternative grungy/punky scene (think beanies, Robyn and Gwen Stefani), and my hate for how downtrodden that path has become. Less lame, more me, ya dig? All black gets so boring and "angry teen" easily, I need to inject some fun and vintage into the look to let it represent me, and that's where the pink and the reindeer hat come into play.

ANYWAY I NEED TO STUDY SOME MO', hope your weekend was fab! Mine was filled with family gettogethers: part lovely, part tiring, but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Pink Purple Blue

2012-01-07T20:57:00.001+01:00

sweater: Zara (sales)

dress: Mais Il Est Ou Le Soileil

tights, socks: H&M

shoes: Pimkie

nailpolish: GOSH

Dude how girlie do I look today? All this pink, the bow printed velvet, and glittery nails to top it all off? I feel like a four year old. But it can feel so nice to go all the way with that fluffy cotton candy unicorn vibe from time to time, no? I guess I feel like I can go further with the sweetness because my hair is a strange color, even though the blue is very subtle in these shots. Yeay for blue hair!

The absolawesome Elien, one of my fave Belgian bloggers, did a little tribute post about me and two other bloggers and I absolutely love the collage she made to represent my style, so go check it out and send her my love. Enjoy your Saturday night! I think I'll study just a teensy bit more. Ugh.

Pink Stripes and a Jumper Dress

2012-01-06T21:27:00.000+01:00

sweater: H&M

jumper dress: Etsy vintage

blouse: Zara

shoes: Sacha

A simple, messy, casual look to go shopping. I took a break from my books to check out the sales two days ago, and I ended up with ANOTHER jumper dress, ANOTHER pink sweater and a pink cardigan. Pink is absolutely my current fixation.

And now a bit of cool news for my readers in the Ghent region: I'll be sharing the info I got in Dutch because this mostly concerns my Belgian peepz.

Think Twice, DE winkel waar ik 99% van mijn leukste stuks haal en waar ik elke maand gezwind binnenzwaai voor de uitverkoop aan luttele eurotjes per stuk, opent nu in Gent een PERMANENTE SALE SHOP LIKE WHUUUUT

Bij deze de mail die ik kreeg omdat ik uiteraard op hun mailinglist sta (VIP Yo)

**only SALE SHOP**

wat?: een sale shop betekent enkel altijd *SALE*, prijzen zijn de eerste dag max. 6€ en telt snel af naar de laatste dag naar 0,5€.
ZOTTE DINGEN DUS!!!!!elke 14 dagen dus new collectie met de maxprijs van 6€.

IEDEREEN IS WELKOM
op 16 januari 2012 voor een drankje en chipske.
WAAR? enkel in onze winkel in de Wondelgemstraat 48, 9000 Gent
ter verduidelijking even het systeem
16/01: max. 6€
17-18/01: max. 5€
19-20/01: max 4€
21-23/01: max. 3€
24-25/01: max. 2€
26-27/01: max. 1€
28/01 alles 0,5€
maandag 30/01 terug opnieuw met new collectionelke 14 dagen dus NC

Let op: op 28 januari sluit deze shop om 14u.

en ook: nu nog gewoon sale als de andere maar korter: dus vanaf 11/01 alls 3€, 12/01 alles 2€ en 13-14/1 alles 1€
Wees er als de eerste bij om jouw keuze te komen maken!
enkel in Wondelgemstraat 48, 9000 Gent

Ik zou er sowieso bij zijn als ik geen examens had, boe. Shop er eentje op mij!

Jeepers Creepers

2012-01-04T21:13:00.001+01:00

I'm aware of the fact that 99% of ALL PEOPLEZ will probably think I'm daft for having bought these shoes, but I absolutely love them.

dress: River Island

cardigan: H&M

belt: Pimkie

creeper brogues: Sacha

ring: Alex Monroe

I got them before the sales started but they were already marked down. Y'all know I've been looking for a brogue-creeper hybrid to suit my desires for a while now, right? Well, these provide the perfect balance between a statement and a basic, wearable shoe, AND they are real leather and look expensive and shiz. And they give my sweet retro outfit a kick up the butt into the 21st century. I love a good chunky shoe, but traditional creepers wouldn't mesh with my style, sadface.

I probably won't be posting tomorrow night as I'll be enjoying a birthday dinner with one of my close friends (her birthday, I'm a Jube baby!). So I bid you GOODDAY

Dark Woods and some Reading

2012-01-03T21:07:00.002+01:00

It was getting pretty dark when these pictures were taken, but I actually like how moody and grainy these shots are. Also, my last outfit from before I dyed my ends blue: THE END OF AN ERA

sweater: ASOS

skirt, beret: Think Twice vintage

coat: H&M

tights: Pimkie

shoes: Kimchi & Blue via Urban Outfitters

I've been reading a lot today during my study breaks, mainly about politics. I especially liked this piece, an interview with Chantal Mouffe and Ernesto Laclau about democracy and political activism. Not the most light or entertaining reading material, but very intellectually inspiring. If you want something a bit more easy to digest, here's a cute piece on gender. I'm totally pro unisex public restrooms btw.

Also, compare. Facebook won't remove rape-joke-pages but they do remove safe home abortion tips.

Some rape joke pages have been removed at last after months of complaints, and Facebook has issued an apology about removing the abortion tips, but this still totally squicks me out. Rape society at its best.

Rust, Teal and Burgundy

2012-01-02T22:40:00.002+01:00

sweater: ASOS

blouse, boots: Zara

trousers: River Island

coat, hat: Think Twice vintage

I know my teal hair wasn't popular, but I still think it looked beautiful. Reminded me of this Gaga look I ADORED. This outfit is all about autumnal colors and makes me look all Russian and shiz. I'm not sure about this coat: I'm really feeling the seventies pimp coat vibe, but I don't know if the brown works for me. Thoughts? Nothing's lost if it's a fail, I bought it for 10 bucks at T2 and it's real suede (SCORE).

I'm still majorly uninspired to write anything substantial. I always get like this during exams, sorry! I did make some awesome lasagna though, NOT ALL IS LOST

Also, I really want to go check out the sales, but I should be studying. Sadface.

NYE 11 12

2012-01-01T22:13:00.002+01:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVERS! Me and the boy are lying on the couch nursing a hangover, but our NYE lasted until 5 in the morning and it was splendid. And because I am a good blogger (GOOD blogger) I'm sharing my night with you guys. On the menu: smiley soup, Ariel's clam bra, cracker jacks, baby Jesus getting drunk, my boy's red suspenders, a yoyo and 4 hot chicks being all SEXY GLAMOURous. Also, a mini beehive. OK my hair failed on the beehive-ness but it still looked fierce. And a whoooooole lot of wine fueled goofing around in the kitchen while waiting for the roast beef to cook.

SUSHI HEAVEN

After the main course and a game of guessing-whose-name-is-stuck-to-yo-forehead, it was time for the countdown! Camille and me fell over hugging and kissing each other into the new year, but we landed softly. And then we all ran outside with champagne to see if anyone was lighting fireworks and took pictures with baby Jesus at the Nativity scene of our town center.

And then we ended up going inside, dancing and singing to Steps, Cotton Eye Joe, the Spice Girls and MANY MORE. This looks a hell of a lot more elegant than it was.

Just to provide you with a better look at my hair and make up, as this post was low on pictures (HA). I was wearing my highest heels and some back seamed tights. I did my nails in black and sponged on some gold and silver, ending with a top coat. My hair was backcombed ever so slightly on top, and then I just sort of folded stuff in place and bobby pinned it down.

And that's it! I hope you had a FANTASTIC New Year's Eve, and I wish you all the best for the new year!

dress, necklace: H&M

tights: New Look

shoes: Zara

shrug: Pimkie

Yes I was wearing something completely different in the end in front of the nativity shed thing but I had eaten so much my dress didn't fit me anymore and my feet hurt so I swapped in my chelsea boots.

Almost New Year's Eve

2011-12-30T23:26:00.002+01:00

I won't be able to post on New Year's Eve as I'll be spending my night with some dear friends, my sis and her beau and of course the light of my life, my lovaboy. We shall be cooking a multi course meal (everyone brings something and in the end it all comes together!) consisting of sushi, asparagus soup, roast beef + potato croquettes and home made apple pie with chocolate milk after which we will be getting shitfaced via champagne. Yep, we've planned it alllll meticulously. We're all dressing up and getting prettified. The dresscode is "SEXY GLAMOUR" (caps required).

Don't worry, I will be taking pictures to share my night and outfit with you guys!

But in the mean time, here is an outfit to keep you inspired (ha!). Just a mess of warm layers really from before I dyed my hair blue. Still have some lying around.

sweater, tights, hat: H&M

skirt: made it meself!

socks: River Island

boots: Texto

scarf: Pimkie

ring: Alex Monroe

Have a good one! Drive safely!

Blue, Leopard, Pink

2011-12-29T21:24:00.003+01:00

coat: Zara

jumper, leggings: H&M

boots: Sacha

Three of my favorite things the last few days are my new pink boots and blue hair, and my old leopard coat. They make me want to go be a semi-depressed mall rat and a rebel at a supermarket or something with my cool existential nineties punk friends and visit a rave that plays really loud Nine Inch Nails music when my shift ends and get into drug-related problems, THAT'S how rad I look. And at the end my character hooks up with an older guy! Oh wait, done that already.

Oh don't look at me as if you never imagine yourself to be a character in a movie! I do it all the time. I actually wore this outfit to go grocery shopping, subtlety and me don't travel in the same circles.

My Hair's Got the Blues

2011-12-28T20:29:00.000+01:00

Dudes, Christmas is over so it's time for a new haircolor. Those who follow me on twitter, tumblr or facebook already saw some of these pictures, but it ain't official until it's on tha blog! Christmas tree green is SO last season. I'm planning on working towards red gradually, but if you mix the remnants of my green hair with red you just get muddy brown. Soooo I'll get there in stages, and the first stage is blue! Yep, another color Katy Perry and me share. I really love it, it's subtle and shiny and reminds me of a starry night!

What do you think? GOD ombre hair is the best for experimenting <3 For a step by step explanation, just check out this post where I show you how I did my pink ombre hair but substitute the pink for this neon blue. Voici!

Label. Photoshoot

2011-12-27T21:34:00.001+01:00

dress, tights: Pimkie

coat: Think Twice vintage

boots: Doctor Martens

beret: old

Notice my AWESOME make up? I'd like to say I learned to do a professional face overnight, but I'm not nearly that dexterous. No, my awesome lady-boss from the internship that turned into more called in all of Label. magazine's contributors for a photoshoot. And professional make up was part of the deal, as were glühwein, Christmas carols and cookies!

We had a lovely afternoon, and Stéphanie and me popped out for a bit to take outfitpictures. Much hilarity ensued when we did our best to find the ugliest/awesomest Christmas themed front door, which we did:

Everything about this picture is perfect.

After my lovely day, my boyfriend and me went into town to enjoy sushi. The restaurant we were planning on visiting was closed, but due to a stroke of luck we ran into Paulien TWICE and she directed us towards her fave sushi place, Sushi Palace. And boy, were we glad she did. Amazing.

Antwerp is so lovely this time of year.

Milkbraid Christmas

2011-12-26T22:09:00.002+01:00

I've never met a holiday I didn't enjoy dressing for. I love a good themed outfit! I'll let you guess what inspired this look (tip: it has something to do with the most wonderful time of the year).

dress: Zara

cardigan: New Look

tights: H&M

boots: Texto

belt: Pimkie

beret: Think Twice vintage

White like snow, red like Rudolph's nose and green like holly: Christmas through and through. See my fancy hairdo? I've noticed my hair being ALMOST long enough to do a proper milkmaid hairdo if I start my braids just above my ears, yeay!! My boyfriend thinks it makes me look like Princess Leia but I take that as a compliment because bitch is fierce.

Every Christmas, town officials set up a nativity scene in the town center. I don't care that much for the Jesus, Mary and Josef statues, but I LOVE the donkey, calf and sheep that join them on Christmas eve and the first day of Christmas. We always go by to visit, pet and feed them carrots. My fave is Barney, the donkey <3 He's such a cuddly sweetheart! Of course we had to take a picture and share because this is the digital age.

Yeay! I promise I'm almost done milking Christmas, I just love it so much! :-D

PS: did you like me on fb yet? :-D

Pink Boots and Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T22:06:00.004+01:00

dress, belt: Pimkie

cardiga, tights, socks: H&M

boots: Sacha

I'm tired and stuffed and thoroughly content watching The Sound of Music (the "favorite things" scene is playing, my fave!) for the umphteenth time, but I couldn't wait to share my Christmas eve outfit, Christmas present and some of the lovely food we've been munching down, so here I am!

I usually hate wedges, especially the beige gummy kind like the one on these ankle boots. However, when these raspberry sorbet pretties caught my eye I was in love: NOTHING could make these boots better than they are right now. The bright color and shape remind me of Swedish Hasbeens or something Robyn would wear, two of MY favorite things!

Riiiight?

Also, when grocery shopping I spotted some Christmas decorations and my guy let me pick out a piece as another tiny present, since I'm always on the lookout for unique decorations. And this is the AWESOME piece we brought home. Brace yourself for epicness.

No words needed.

Let us end with a look at the bites of food we enjoyed: hors d'oeuvres and the entrée (puff pastry filled with goat cheese and honey). After these we had lobster bisque, fillet of sole with fries and apple pie. Safe to say I was bursting at the end of the evening.

Also, a pic of my adorable, messy haired boyfriend <3

We still have some pie left. I think I'll grab me a piece. Tell me what you had on Christmas eve, and what presents you got!

PS: you can see a tiny bit of dark blue on my ends, I tried the Neon Blue Directions dye on a strand and I love it. I'm probably going for blue tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:28:00.002+01:00

dress, tights: Pimkie

beret: Think Twice vintage

scarf: H&M

shoes: River Island

Hey guys! I don't think I'll be able to do a post tomorrow night since my parents in law are coming over and I'm cooking a multi-course dinner so I'll probably be dead tired when they leave (finally haha). But I don't want you guys to think I'm not thinking about you! Okey I probably won't be but that's because I don't know all of my readers, sorry! :-D But I am thinking of you right now and I'm wishing all of you a super duper merry little Christmas. I hope you get to enjoy these beautiful days with the people you love, the songs that warm your heart and the food that makes you salivate.

Also, maybe a present or two? Actually, we don't really "do" Christmasprezzie's in my family or my boyfriend's family, but my boyfriend always finds a way to get me something regardless around this time of year. This year he got me an AWESOME pair of pink ankleboots that I love with the fire of a thousand suns: best gift EVER. I'll show them soon, I promise!

The weather outside is frightful (10°C - ish, way too warm for Christmas, and raining!) but the decorations are so delightful: I'm spending these dark days huddled up on the couch, alternating studying with stuffing my face with foodz. I wish you the same, except for the studying of course. So many face stuffings to you!

Happy holidays!

PS: excuse my ghost foot in the first pic. It was moving.

Advertorial: Smartphone Musings and the Samsung Galaxy Note

2011-12-23T16:06:00.002+01:00

Looking for an original Christmas present for your blogging girl/guyfriend? Meet the Samsung Galaxy Note: a smartphone-tablet hybrid for updating your blog and/or social media regardless of where you are (no need to drag along that heavy laptop!) with an 8 pixel camera to snap and share away and loads of different creative outlets. This little vid demonstrates the possibilities at a zoo, but I bet you can think of a bajillion awesome occasions where this fellow would come in handy!

My boyfriend has been talking about buying me a smartphone but I've been holding it off: as much as I'd love a fancy smartphone, I don't think I could handle the monthly expense of paying the phone and internet bills. Major bummer, but I have to be practical from time to time, right? Or was I a moron for passing up on my boyfriend buying me a smartphone? How much do you smartphone owners pay a month?

I was a moron, right?

Fur, Floral and Shearling

2011-12-22T22:09:00.002+01:00

cardigan: H&M

sweater: Zara

tights, dress: Pimkie

boots: Tim's

coat: C/O Kirilove for Vero Moda

hat: Think Twice vintage

I REALLY need to touch up my ends, I imagine this light seaweed-esque color looking nice in summertime with pastels etcetera but not with the darker, richer shades I'm wearing these days. It just looks sad! I already received the new dye I ordered on beeunique and I can't wait to see how it looks.

I'm not in love with this outfit, the colors don't work for me. Kinda sad, right? Oh well I was warm and I dig my hat!

I don't think I'll be having a lot to tell you guys the next few weeks, my exams are coming up and I need to get some cramming done apart from the random debauchery that will be going on for the holidays, oy vey! So that's that.

Une Femme Est Une Femme

2011-12-21T20:22:00.003+01:00

OBVIOUSLY this outfit was inspired by Anna Karina and Nouvelle Vague. Nouvelle Vague girls are simply the best, I'll never stop trying to emulate their style.

I seriously ALWAYS do that silly walking pose whenever I wear red tights, I can't get this screenshot out of my head!

One day I want this hairdo.

You'd think the references in my outfit were pretty obvious, right? Red tights, midi skirt, a French beret, breton stripes, flats and tartan. And YET, almost everyone in my class told me I looked real Scottish. Seriously people? Get a CLUE, AS IF!

In fact, two grown ass dudes crossing me on the street muttered something along the line of "I guess it's Scotland theme-night", loudly to ensure I'd hear it. Come on, I expect shit like that from 15 year old testosterone ridden brats who want to compensate for their insecurity by making other people feel bad, but these blokes looked of age. And if someone is old enough to drink liquor, vote, drive a car and screw around, I EXPECT your sorry ass to be old enough not to express yourself like a teenage dirtbag, baby.

I sound more pissed off than I actually was but it was a serious eye-roll moment for me. If I hadn't been so hurried to get to class I totally would have told 'em off.

So, Scottish or French-sixties? Tip: you should pick the second option.

coat, sweater: Pimkie

tights: H&M

skirt, scarf: Think Twice vintage

flats: Kimchi & Blue

beret: old

Christmas Tree Shopping Street Meir

2011-12-20T22:43:00.001+01:00

cardigan: New Look

T-shirt: Pimkie

skirt: Think Twice vintage

tights, scarf: H&M

socks: River Island

boots: Tim's

I think I have been taking outfitpictures in front of everything slightly Christmassy over the past few days. EVERY bit of Christmas must be recorded! And the decorations in Antwerp are super pretty, I LOVE the leafless trees with the presents dangling around. And all of those lights, squee! How anyone can not love Christmas is beyond me. These days of sparkly lights, corny songs and merry times all around are basically the ONLY fun thing about crappy old winter. Bleh. Who even needs winter. HMPH. So I will revel in Christmas for as long as I can, prepare for more holiday appropriateness!

Printed Knit Leggings and Ruby Sweater

2011-12-19T20:40:00.003+01:00

sweater: Pimkie

denim shirt: River Island

leggings, socks: H&M

boots: Zara

ring: Alex Monroe

Ah, a very Urban Outfitters-esque outfit today! Hipsters in Antwerp all look like this, lemme tell ya. Except for the green hair because I am the only person in the world with hair as awesome as this, BOOYAH

These leggings are as comfortable as pajamas -> I love them. Especially since it's so dark outside these days. Makes me sleepy all day long. But every nadeel hep ze voordeel like we say in Dutch after the great Johan Cruijff, star soccer player, which means every downside has an upside: on one hand the lack of light saps my energy, on the other hand my cozy, relaxed evenings are super long now. I have little daytime but lots of nighttime! :-D

Ahh that's it for my super interesting daily blurb. If you want to think and voice your opinion, check out yesterday's post about fur. Enjoy your dark winter evening!

PS: do tell me how you feel about my new lay out! Not that I'll change it all if you hate it, I just want to hear how much you love it. God I can be so obnoxious sometimes.

First Snow! Also, My Position on Fur

2011-12-18T21:09:00.001+01:00

sweaterdress, coat, scarf: H&M

tights, boots: Pimkie

fur hat: Think Twice vintage

Excuse my stiff poses, one canNOT move at all while taking pictures at night if one wants their pictures to be sharp. Still, absolutely love the way the world looks so still and peaceful when covered in snow. I was giddy as a child when I saw the snowflakes falling down, I look forward to this moment every year since we don't really get snow here all that often. Most winters it's just a bit of melty snow that gets rained out after half an hour. And it only ever feels like proper winter when snow covers the ground, don't you agree?

I can't wait for the snow to get nice and thick so it will make that particular crisp sound when it gets crushed under my boots, rather than being all slushy.

I'm wearing my fur hat by the way. I can't help but not feel guilty at all, it's such an exquisitely soft piece unlike any faux fur I have ever touched. I do think vintage fur or even faux fur contributes to the glamorous appeal of real, new fur so I don't see its vintage-ness as an excuse, but I do think wearing fur isn't necessarily that much worse than eating loads of meat (seriously, as if animals are treated and slaughtered humanely) or wearing leather... The jury is still out on whether I feel guilty about all of those.

I do feel like I'd want to eat vegetarian more often and explore non-leather options to an extent, don't get me wrong: I have a conscience! However, I think it's a bit hypocritical to go all out against fur while you turn a blind eye to the origins of your shoes and food.

Velvet Skater Dress

2011-12-17T21:12:00.000+01:00

Oh hi. I bought this dress for 2 euro in the monthly Think Twice sales when it was still an ankle length dowdiness-fest and I hemmed it to mini length and now it is divine.

dress: Think Twice vintage, altered

blazer, coat, faux fur collar, tights: H&M

shoes: Kimchi & Blue

ring: Alex Monroe

nailpolish: Catrice

A thoroughly sixties outfit today, centered around the very two things I am obsessed with right now, stylewise at least: velvet and faux fur. Luxurious, soft, rich fabrics I want to coat my LIFE with <3 Also, this blazer is one of the oldest things I still wear to this day. I think I bought it when I was 15, almost ten years ago, WHOA nelly! It has this awesome laced detail at the back but of course I forgot to take pictures of it. Use your imagination! Or not, whatevs.

I'm going to watch some Sherlock now, enjoy your weekend!

Serious Saturday: Back in Time

2011-12-16T22:54:00.000+01:00

I don't know if any of you have ever checked out my chictopia or maybe even know me from when I first started posting outfits over there, but I went back there to scroll down all the way to the 17th of September, 2009. That beautiful, sunny day more than two years ago was the day I started outfit blogging. I wouldn't say that blogging has turned my life upside down because I don't think I am defined by my blog. I define my blog, not the other way around: if I hadn't started outfit blogging, I would probably have found another outlet for my creativity (but still have just as many pairs of shoes crowding my boyfriend's living space). But as things turned out, I started blogging. And I kept at it, developing my voice and aesthetic and sharing my journey with who ever was interested in reading me.

By sharing my coming of age with you (not just my readers but all the lovely people in my life) instead of experiencing it in the privacy of my own mind, I have been enriched, motivated and inspired. Above all, I know who I am better now than I did back then. I don't know if this insight is a product of my maturation or of me keeping a blog, but it's a sure thing that I have changed tremendously. My hair has gone from long-ish to short to long again, I have acquired a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and struggled through personal hardships.

All the while taking pictures of my clothes.

Let me share some of the past few years with you!

Very very first post on chictopia, back in October 2008 but I don't see this as the start of my blogging career because I didn't update regularly back then. Note the classy clutter in the background, and the fact that I'm taking a picture in the reflection of a window. Also, see that thing behind me? YEP, the infamous ugly grey wall in front of which I took most of my pictures the past years!

The outfit post that would launch a thousand outfitposts and the first time I made it into the Chictopia Style Gallery! This is my starting point. I still love and wear the glasses, dress and wedges I'm wearing here.

The first outfitpicture I was actually proud of was this one. Romantic and sweet was what my style was like back then, most of the time anyways. Vintage shoes and a DIY skirt, things that still exemplify what my style is about.

But I did the boho/tough thing as well.

I was a pro poser. Debut of my thigh high boots (that I still wear quite often):

Hooker boots, plaid and chains. Also, I pose awkwardly with a garden hose.

My first time doing a very Alexa-esque outfit, way before I even knew who Alexa was.

I wore these booties all the time back then. Totally still dig this grungy look!

Same boots, different hairdo. I loved this haircut but it's really not "me", I doubt if I'll ever go back to it. Here's another set if you want to see more of my short crop.

Growing out my hair, still wearing those boots. I wore this outfit to my Psychology exam, I remember it clearly. In fact, whenever I look at an outfit from my blogging history, memories ALWAYS come bubbling up. My blog is my external memory yo.

And my very first outfit on my own, proper blog, the one you're reading right now!

One of my favorite outfits, one I keep repeating over and over, and a human pretzel pose.

A crazy going out look, just because I can. Still love this one btw, would totally wear it again.

awful hair, great memories. I wore this to Gaga's show <3 Also, those boots. Srsly.

Retro, legs, prints, colors, girly with a bit of edge has always been my look I guess. Or has it? Check out this awesome picture tour through my childhood and teenhood, exploring my style.

You can check out the more recent stuff yourself! One thing's for sure. I've always been a bad-ass.

And a cutiepie.

Guess my style hasn't really changed a lot over the past years, but my hair has! And so have I. From a frustrated 20 year old girl working in a shop to save up for uni to a happy, fulfilled 24 year old woman working on her dissertation with a possibility of pursuing a doctors degree. I ALMOST get a little choked up. So much can happen in a few years.

Did you enjoy this peak into my style history? Where were you a few years ago? Are you happy with the changes you've made, or do you wish more had changed?

Lime Green and Cherry Red

2011-12-15T20:55:00.003+01:00

sweater: Think Twice vintage

jeans: c/o Lee

boots: Doctor Martens

ring: Alex Monroe

faux fur collar: H&M

I know these boots aren't everybody's cup of tea, but I really can't see why. People who hate these shoes are crazy in the coconut if you ask me. And my opinion is as good as any when it comes to something as random as fashion, no? So I've had enough, this is my prayer, that people hating docs are as crazy as my green hair /Gaga. My boyfriend thinks they look like clown shoes and I kind of agree, but in all the right ways. I just fall in love with them every time I look at my shiny red patent clad feet, and they look so damn FIERCE with skinnies!

I went for an a-typical color combination for winter with this lime green sweater and chalk grey denim. For some reason, the lime green makes my skin look sorta tan and golden, which is awesome. This outfit makes me feel like a bad-ass, the type of person who kicks cans along the road, blows bubbles with her gum and cuts her own hair at a whim. Talking about gum, some bubblegum pink hair would look awesome with this green sweater!

Once again, thanks to Elien for my pictures! We're a lean, mean, half green picture-taking team. DO check out her last outfit btw, SO gorgeous.

PS, I got my picture taken for one of our national fashion magazines' streetstyle section! Check it out here! AWESOMENESS

Christmas Cardigan and Blue Checks

2011-12-14T21:05:00.001+01:00

dress, boots: Pimkie

cardigan: New Look

beret: vintage

tights, socks, gloves: H&M

Exciting things have been happening in my life recently. Apart from the fact that I feel super swell about my dissertation, am sort of stress-less for the first time in months due to NOT postponing things for ages (srsly great tip if you don't want to spazz out just before a deadline! EUREKA) and Christmas is just around the corner, another cool thing came my way.

The super nice professor of my favorite course this semester contacted me because I had impressed him with my knowledge during class-debates (yes I am a total nerd). He told me he wanted to be my mentor and guide me towards getting a scholarship to pursue a doctors degree and become a real scientist and shiz! I'm super duper excited about this. I don't know why, but I never seriously contemplated it before but now this option has come to my attention as a real possibility, I suddenly feel like this is the way I need to go, my destination in life.

Excuse me while I keep rambling on about this, but how awesome would it be to be paid to do the thing I enjoy most: acquiring knowledge? It sounds like a dream. Too good to be true? I don't know, I just know I'm thankful.

Thigh High Boots and 60's

2011-12-13T21:23:00.000+01:00

dress: Think Twice vintage

blouse: Zara

boots: Sacha

coat: H&M

Ah, I love this outfit. I have been a fan of sixties-style for years now and I bought these boots 2 years ago when the thigh high boot just was having its comeback, but I am nowhere near sick of them just yet. An outfit like this one makes me feel like an awesome movie heroine kicking some Cold War ass.

In fact, I was inspired by pretty petite Elien. She hasn't posted the outfit I was inspired by yet (I've already seen it because I took the pics, oh yeah), but rest assured: it was 60's and adorable and awesome and featured a coat with fur trims and some thigh high boots and I totally ripped her off. Sorry Elien! I added a cute little Russian-esque fur hat to the ensemble to go get a bread from the bakery. Overdressing is my raison d'être.

By the way, in class I had a discussion with some friends about which girl from Sex and the City we would be. We really couldn't decide, but I told the rest that if I had to pick one of the characters from Desperate Housewives, I would totally be Bree.

Surprised? Sure, my edgy punk aesthetic and witty personality don't really scream "Bree Vandekamp". However, I definitely have it in me: striving for pristine detailling, the desire to become a first class baking queen and an overall, deep-felt need to be the most perfect human being I can be. A bossy knowitall with a holier-than-thou attitude, I'm not even denying that part of who I am. Why should I? It has brought me where I am today, it drives me to be a better person than yesterday and it gives me pleasure when I reach the goals I set for myself.

What Desperate Housewives character would you compare yourself to?

PS: Yeay for mega random blogposts!

PPS: I just bought a vintage fur hat. Does this make me a bad person? :(

Christmas Tree!

2011-12-12T20:32:00.002+01:00

Ok first of all, the outfit I wore when decoration the Christmas tree, and THEN the pièce de résistance: le tree. I was completely prepared for the task in my festive socks, white-red-green outfit and euhm overall holiday appropriate mood! The tree is a slow growth import from Denmark apparently. I have like zero arboratory knowledge, but I can tell you the needles are a lot longer, thicker and softer than the trees we usually bring in for Christmas. And it's purdy and shiz! My boyfriend didn't screw up like last year when we had to cut off a third of the tree just to fit it into our living room.

Anyway first my outfit! Feels very Scandinavian, which rocks. I love Scandinavian style, perfect Christmassy inspiration too.

coat, sweater: Think Twice vintage

dress: H&M

beanie, tights: Pimkie

boots: Texto

socks: River Island

NOW TREETIME! Keep an eye open for the various bird-themed decorations.

As you can see, I love a variety of different decorations. An OVERLOAD of different decorations to be more exact. Every year new things are added to my collection, and there's stuff in there from my boyfriend's parents too. Like those straw/wooden angels, you can hardly find stuff as authentic as that in stores these days. The more eclectic and over-decorated a tree, the better. That way, the tree really becomes an expression of your family's history. And family is what Christmas is about for me! So if any of my readers are looking for a present to give me: just buy me some sweet christmas decorations! Preferably one piece, no sets. Something to do with Santa or reindeers: tacky = love!

It wasn't always like that though, I used to be all about only silver/white decorations and simple trees when I was a teen. I moved on to ecclectic trees after that but still hated colored or flickering lights. However, my boyfriend got me a string of led-lights with different lighting settings and now I'm way into the twinkle setting (we didn't use it in the tree though, we decorated a desk with the lights). It's probably just a matter of time until I buy some multi colored blinking crazy lights to decorate EVERYTHING.

Have you put up your tree yet? How do you like to decorate yours?

Also, do you like me like me on fb? :-D

Green Hair Red Docs Pastel Collar

2011-12-11T22:25:00.002+01:00

This outfit is probably edgier than most of you expect from me, but this is just as me as any sweet floral dress. I am a multi-faceted human being! In fact, I feel as if I show more of my real personality when I wear something edgy like this. Not that my usual outfits are subtle by most people's standards, but a girly, cute type of weirdness still feels a lot more subtle than this rebellious teenager attire. Which I love.

Also, my boots are fierce as HELL. My outfit was inspired by Amy Blue(The Doom Generation), I guess. Her iconic punky tough girl style with the retro cat eye glasses has always inspired me to no end.

The Doom Generation is both pretty weird and pretty awesome. A trip of a movie.

sweater, coat, socks: H&M

backpack: River Island

boots: Dr Martens

shorts: Think Twice vintage, Levis

blouse: Vero Moda

sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

My babe-alicious blogger buddies Elien and Paulien already posted their outfits. We get together all the time to take pictures of each other. It's exactly as sexy as it sounds.

Christmas Fair and Lots of Lights

2011-12-10T22:10:00.003+01:00

First of all: don't forget to check out my giveaway!!

I'm not the biggest fan of glühwein and the like, but BOY do I love pretty lights. So whenever the Christmas fair sets up camp across from our door, you bet your ass I'll visit even the lamest ones just because of the pretty pretty lights. Christmas makes me so happy <3 We don't even give gifts in my family, I just absolutely adore the decorations. It's absolute magic when every bend in the road brings you new sparkly lights, Christmas trees and delightful kitsch.

coat: H&M

scarf: T2 vintage

beret: old

boots: Texto

And a fun bit of reading to enlighten us about the dirty truth behind the whole "boys will be boys" mentality and how it might affect our boys and men. Sickening. Especially when you consider the fact that just voicing your opinion on lad mags as demeaning or objectifying will probably just get you a reputation as a spoilsport or uptight bitch. F that shit, I won't be silenced by morons and assholes.

Fa lalalala

lalalala! :-D

Layering Cat Print

2011-12-09T22:41:00.000+01:00

I threw this outfit together on a cold morning before hopping on plains, trains and automobiles to get to class. OK no just a bus, a train and a subway, but still! When comfort is key I go for loose fitting layers and prints because solids always make me feel drab. To add some extra punch to my outfitz I stood in front of this bright tomato soup wall right next to the toilets of my one of my university halls. FUNKY NO?

dress, coat, scarf: H&M

socks, backpack: River Island

boots: Tims

cardigan: Zara

ring: Alex Monroe

I'll have more substantial stuffz to tell you this weekend, I promise you! I'm so tired right now.

Brown Plaid Skirt

2011-12-08T21:04:00.000+01:00

I bought this skirt at T2 during the montly sales for 2 euro. Anything plaid is a winner in my book I guess. I am totally uninspired today after writing papers and papers and papers and also making tomato soup with meatballs so I'm just going to share an outfit with y'all! This was the first time I tried to wear my typical vintagey style with my green hair and it worked, no?

coat, tights: Pimkie

shirt: River Island

skirt: T2 vintage

shoes: New Look

bag: Zara

beret: old

scarf: present

JANSPORT Huf Contest

2011-12-08T13:18:00.003+01:00

Hey guys! Just popping in early to tell you about a contest. Jansport is giving away a limited edition/collector's item backpack! Jansport's PR people contacted me to write about this and since I evidently love backpacks since I wear mine every single friggin day, I was intrigued. When I found out competitors also had the chance to win a duo of traintickets to travel Europe, I knew I had to share. I am going to compete, duh. I don't have any money to buy myself a trip even though I absolutely love traveling, so this is a great opportunity for me!

Go to their fb page to participate, and good luck! Contest is closed on january 16th 2012.

Katy Perry Ripped Me Off

2011-12-07T21:41:00.003+01:00

Bob, pink hair, blueish hair and cat eye make up, my smiling face, heart shaped glasses and my pin curls.

I seriously believe I deserve a percentage of her profit.

NOT CONVINCED?

I'm the best photoshopper in the world.

EDIT: I even forgot about the fact that we have the same bikini! I bought it and then spotted Katy in it a week later, for real.

I switched the bottom because I thought it looked too juvenile, but it's the same darn bikini since I also saw the pink version in store!

PS don't forget my giveaway!

Fairisle and Schoolskirt and hazing.

2011-12-06T21:23:00.001+01:00

Ah, my last set of pictures with my natural haircolor. THE END OF AN ERA. Until my green hair fades, that is. It's interesting to see how I leaned more towards rusty or 'natural', warm shades when my hair was still brown while I go for cooler, 'harder' hues right now with my green hair. Also, if I look tired, it's because I am. Apparently, your master's year at Uni is really demanding? Who'da thunk it?

My sweater is the bomb, I bought it for 3 euro. Anything fairisle is a win in my book.

sweater, skirt: Think Twice vintage

coat: H&M

tights: Pimkie

boots: ASOS

backpack: River Island

By the way: the Belgian government is proposing to form a law to prohibit hazing (ontgroening) at schools etcetera. I'm totally for it. Hazing is a horrible form of social pressure that often results in public humiliation at the least and physical and psychological damage at the worst. We have evolved past having to be put down by groups to fit in, at least I hope so. My opinion isn't exactly popular at uni with regards to this, but I stand by it. After reading about the amount of sexual degradation or even rape , gay-bashing and woman-hating going on during hazings, my views only solidified.

What are your opinions on hazing?

PS my mom got me this and I love it

Fairisle Mittens

2011-12-05T21:06:00.007+01:00

Temperatures are finally dropping over here (I want my white christmas!) so before class, I hopped by the shops to buy me some wool. Mittens, a hat, socks and a scarf. My hat and mittens happened to match my outfit perfectly, so I incorporated them into my look. This is probably what I'd wear on a skiing trip, if I didn't hate skiing that is. I tried it once on a school trip and I fell on my ass COUNTLESS times. Also, someone actually skied INTO my ass once after I fell on that ass. Not cool. Anyway here is my chalet-proof outfit! Lots of fairisle going on here. Paulien, who took my pictures, told me I looked like a chalet-Barbie. I can work with that.

I think I was pretending to be a pinguin here. SPOT ON right?

My green hair is already fading and it makes me sad. After all of my nagging I really fell in love with my hair and I'm pretty sure I'll dye it green once again after this, it's such a cool, unusual and flattering color!

sweater: Think Twice vintage

mittens, hat, legging, socks: H&M

boots: Pimkie

backpack: River Island

blouse: Zara

PS: Don't forget to check out my giveaway!

PPS: Leggings totally are pants. Screw those rule followers that nag you about how leggings aren't pants. As long as shiz is opaque, shiz is pants! EVEN if the bum isn't entirely covered.

case in point:

Sandy looked hot as hell. Even though she was probably unable to breathe in that tight little number. Fit, fabric and styling are everything!

Giveaway for a Good Cause

2011-12-04T20:11:00.002+01:00

First outfit, then giveaway! My outfit is the one I wore for an upcoming feature on national television and I'm super duper excited about it. I'll let you know when it will be broadcasted and hopefully provide you with a link! The actual outfit looked a lot better before the lights were turned off by the autumnal early evening, but you'll just have to take my word on it. The graininess is pretty annoying.
Also, I did a glitter ombre nail (just google it, hella easy to do) and I love it to bits.

dress: Chicstar.com

cardi: F21

tights: Pimkie

shoes: swapped with friend

NOW GIVEAWAY TIME!

When Dusana contacted me to do a giveaway offering one lucky reader an item from her no profit e-store, of course I said yes. I love handing out presents to people, and I love good causes. This time of year is the perfect moment to stop and think about all of the people who have less than you instead of just mindlessly buying stuff because it's the holidays. Not to go all granola-bar-hippie style on yo asses (you know I am though) but I am in awe of people who work for a good cause, who take their time to be selfless and make the world a slightly better place. It's not easy to make that choice, everything around us screams "work hard to get yourself places!" but hardly any of it tells us we should work hard to help others.

My take on volunteering and working for a cause is the way I want to use the knowledge and expertise I'm acquiring at university to be the best person I can be, to spread knowledge and insight and be an example for other people. It's a start, right?

Dusana told me about the mission statement behind her shop.

I want to enable local artisans in Mexico to maintain and thrive on their sustainable lifestyles and handicraft traditions by sharing their work with a greater (online) public. Ensure that these beautiful traditions are given the appreciation they deserve and are not lost in future generations.

100% of all profits will be reinvested into the rural, indigenous communities, and, depending on expenses, you can be guaranteed that at least 50% of your purchase goes directly to the makers’ communities.

This project/shop is something I’m extremely passionate about. It combines my many interests of sustainable living, fair trade, maintaining tradition and community (as well as building community through common interests and knowledge-sharing), travel, indigenous culture and their artwork and handicrafts (duh : ), and style, particularly creating your personal style with unique pieces you truly love, that didn’t go through slave labor and polluting factories to get to you.

Growing up in a home decorated with handmade textiles from Ecuador (my dad was a Peace Corp volunteer at my age), I’ve always felt an appreciation for these traditions, and became especially interested in the culture after working with Native American communities for my college thesis.

Inspiring, right? And the pieces are supercute to boot!

Seriously, how gorgeous is the embroidery on these pieces? Just imagine the experience, time and expertise that went into making the patterns. Not your average a dime a dozen H&M stuff now, is it? I imagine these looking stellar with denim shorts, bell bottoms, A line skirts and the like. Very authentic, very colorful, very Frida Kahlo <3

TO ENTER:

follow Dusana's blog (bloglovin or GFC)
follow me (bloglovin or gfc)
check out her store and leave me a comment with the item you'd like to win and a way to contact you
et voila!

This giveaway will run until the 11th of December 2011. Good luck!

Pancakes

2011-12-03T20:59:00.000+01:00

I made pancakes! My boyfriend and me had been talking about those mega yummy looking American style flapjacks/pancakes for days, especially at times when we were hungry and nowhere near food (we like to torture each other like that). So when it was time to decide what we were going to have for dinner this particular Saturday night, I said PANCAKES like a little kid who wants to eat sweets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I googled the recipe, we had fun at the grocery store picking condiments (we went with blueberries, apples, cinnamon, blueberry jam, syrup and a typical belgian variety of treacle: stroop) and then it was time to get the pans out.

What you need:

1 lb or 1/2 kg flower

3 eggs

1 pint or 1/2 liter of milk

3 teaspoons of baking powder

1 ounce or 170 grams of sugar

Preparation:

Whisk together eggs and milk. Pour the flower through a strainer to get some air into it and mix together all the dry ingredients. Pour this mix into the milk and egg mixture, mix and presto: batter up! :-D (yeay for puns). And then it's time to start the baking which is easy as hell: just pour dollops of batter into a heated pan with some melted butter and turn when air bubbles start forming on the surface of your pancakes. If you want to make apple or blueberry pancakes, just put the fruit on the pancake while one side is still "raw" and then turn to have it all mix in together. It's easier to do than to type out so DO it already!

YUM.

Have a lovely weekend!

Cuffed Skinnies and Docs

2011-12-02T22:15:00.001+01:00

When one buys docs, one is legally obligated to wear them at least once with some cuffed denim, proper punk style. I pushed the punk towards prep by going for a buttoned up shirt and a v-neck sweater to try and keep things wearable and not too "subculture-y", although everyone knows I secretly really totally love people who dress way subculture-y. I'll pick someone who dresses to express over someone who dresses to fit in with the fashion crowd anyday. And not just the cool kids like goths and punks, I absolutely adore square dancers and those rock'n'roll Hell's Angels types as well. NO FEAR! These badasses really wear their lifestyles on their sleeves and don't care if that will result in ignorant onlookers putting them into a tiny box. So yeay for subcultures!

But I'm not THAT hardcore and I don't want to fake it, so I'll have to create my own little niche! And since I love everything slightly collegiate, collegiate/preppy punk it is.

sweater: H&M

jeggings: Pimkie

shirt: Think Twice vintage

boots: Doctor Martens

PS Am I the only one who thinks punks and co are fucking HOT?

(one of my faaaaaave bands, The Misfits)

Baldylocks can totally come calling.

PS: to stay updated and interact with me, just like my facebookpage!

Jumping and a Brick Wall

2011-12-01T20:42:00.001+01:00

My sweet sister took these pictures last week when she came round to pick up the fake green doc martens I bought her as a bday present. The brick wall behind me is actually one of the walls of our town hall and while we were snapping shots, some goofballs from the café across the street came out to gawk at us. I just waved at them and kept going. I don't care one bit if people look at me funny while I'm taking pictures, I personally think it's way rude to go out of your way to make other people uncomfortable like that so F that.

My outfit is way cute though! Obviously a tiny bit inspired by Kerry (one of my faaaaaaave bloggers).

pinafore, shirt: Think Twice vintage

tights, coat: H&M

shoes: Kimchi & Blue