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One Year Anniversary

First of all: Muchas gracias for reading our blog! We had a magnificent first year and we're so glad you keep coming back to read about our antics. 

#Antwerpfashionfestival2013

Time flies, especially when you're out exploring Antwerp and meeting up with friends. If there was any doubt before, now I'm 100% sure my next residence will be located in A-town. A month ago (yikes) my beloved city organized a fashion festival. We can only applaud a weekend filled with fashion and friends. Many thanks to Marnix & Ally for all of their hard work and for inviting us to the chic kick off of the festival. If you want, because what else is there to do on a Sunday evening, you can read some top-notch reports by my fellow bloggers: The Ginger Diaries, Archistas, Bags & Chocolate, Golden Mirrors & Pink Bows, Anouk meets Fashion, ...

What about my report? I decided to talk a little about two (jewellery) brands that stood out for me. Don't worry, I also included a dozen of pictures.

Denim dip-dye.

Casual power dressing.

The Big You IV

This was already the second time we were invited for The Big You and now at least one of us was in the country, we be jet-setting all the time. So while Sabrina was living it up in Venice, I was finally enjoying everything that UPR had to offer. I'm sure you can expect some belle immagini coming your way in the near future. 

The event. We were welcomed in the beautiful loft were it all started for UPR back in 2001. I definitely wouldn't mind placing my desk down there. It was very nice to finally meet the faces behind the weekly press releases ☺.

The seaside.

White x silver.

This outfit includes two new items: my white blouse from Urban Outfitters (here) and the silver shoes from Zara (here). Both very comfortable and wearable. Some of you know I'm a sucker for black because it always shows some elegance in your outfit, it hides the bad parts and maybe unconsciously because my hair has the same color?! The detailing in the white blouse convinced me immediately, especially the little black linings on the wrist and the little black buttons are adorable. When it comes to shoes I do like thinking outside of the box. When they're shiny, full of glitter or when they have a striking color it's jackpot for me and this pair of brogues meets my criteria no doubt.

It's weird to go for an outfit without any statement jewelry or delicate rings that's why I've chosen this mint green nail polish because it does somewhat get noticed. To come back to those delicate rings: I've been gazing for a little while on some lovely silver rings from Wouters & Hendrix, yes I'm making room for some silver jewelry as well! 

Sabrina, x. 

Knee-deep in pastels.

Oh my silver goodness!

Wauwsieee hide my wallet. Last time I showed you my pink galaxy cravings well now I've got some silver goodness for you. I'm on a rooooooll or I just have a big interest in fashion ;-)!

I've put another outfit together but this time there are some items that I've already purchased, such as the black Vero Moda pants and the white blouse from Urban Outfitters. Yesterday was a day of 'celebration' because 1. my dissertation came to an end (YAY!) and 2. my parents 29th anniversary. Because of the first reason I really wanted to get out of the house after so long and I decided to browse some shops in Antwerp, hence the white blouse for example ;-). To be quite honest, white isn't really my favorite color but this item seemed well enough for me. It has a little see-through effect which makes it romantic and sexy but still sophisticated enough, I liiike.

The silver Zara shoes are truly adorable and have the same sophisticated edge I'm going for with this outfit. Shoe-addict is one of my middle names so it's my duty to buy them (yes, duty!). As I'm always aiming for gold accessories it's good to have some silver items as well, don't you think?!

I can totally imagine myself wearing this outfit with a donut bun! It's something I wanted to try for ages and even more from the moment I saw one of my best friends doing it. It's absolutely pretty and so easy apparently: perfection!

What do you think of the outfit: too much or good enough :-)?! Honest opinions are the best!

Bye for now!
Sabrina, x.

Bubblicious pink.

Warning: This outfit post contains strong colours and fashion references from the outset and throughout. 

Gold digger.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters necklace / Nümph dress / YSL ring / Zara flats

How do you like my new bling-bling? I've been spoiled rotten this month by my loved ones. The flamingo necklace and dress are probably no strangers to most of you - scroll down if you want to be up to speed - but they are just my go-to pieces this summer. I wore this outfit to attend the Club Monaco x Belmodo VIP shopping night in Knokke. Yes, I had to bring out the big guns. I've coveted this arty ring ever since I first laid eyes on it a couple of years ago. Seeing the ring everywhere lately didn't change my mind, I just wanted it more. It feeded my desire. And now this ring even has an important meaning to me: two years of kitten love (read: an intense and deep romantic attachment, typically associated with two close friends who fell in love)!

When I was lightly forced to buy this dress by a certain redhead, I never thought it would stay white for so long! I still don't trust myself enough to buy a lot of white pieces but I can draw courage from this success story. Maybe I'm even turning into a proper lady, ha! The shopping night really made me realize (once again) that from time to time I need to invest my clothing money in quality pieces. Note that I say 'from time to time', I'm still a student and I have a long-standing relationship with the high street shops. 

Now I'm going to indulge in some drama: PLL-time!

Cheers!

Naomi, x.

Accessorize it.

This shoot failure was taken a long time ago by the look of the leafless trees. The lack of pictures just says enough but I did love the little combo of accessories I'd chosen that day. The gold touches in my outfits aren't something new but that's getting pretty obvious by my past outfits this year. The vest is a treasure - in my opinion - I found at Massimo Dutti 4 years ago. It was only a 2 min. walk from my dorm to the center aka the shops, so I did a lot of window shopping in Leuven. Of course there were many times when the urge to buy something was bigger than the discipline to abstain. Well.. what can I say? Girls just wanna have fun aka girls just wanna shop.

The lining of the jacket is blue/white striped and gives an extra touch to the vest. It's not that clear on the pictures but I've got another evening outfit in mind and I'll make sure to make some good pictures of it if I can find a photographer that can bare my insecurities. I wore this classic thing with some good old grey all stars. Those sneakers just go with everything. LOVE THAT MUCHO. If I would be a rich girl there would be a little dressing on the side for all the all stars I wan't to buy, in every freaking colorrrr!

Sabrina, x.

Reunited and it feels so good.

Wearing: Gap sweater & striped top / Simple comme Bonjour heart ring / Levi's jeans / Converse sneakers

I'm back home! I spent the past couple of weeks in lovely Scotland for my never-ending thesis. How I missed everyone at home, my furry cuties in particular! If you haven't noticed yet: I'm a cat lady to the bone. Now tell me, how can you not fall in love with these furballs? 

The outfit is laid-back as can be, I just wanted to wear my new wicked soft sweater & striped top. In Scotland there were already sales on every corner, aah how it makes shopping more fun, especially when you can share them with your visiting mum. The Gap really surprised me, I didn't think too much of the shop in NY, but this time I scored some good basics and a dashing printed shirt. The heart ring is one of my current favourites; subtle & elegant. I feel like a classy lady when I'm wearing it. Intriguing how such small details can make the difference. 

Now I'm off to eat some pickles crisps. Don't judge me.

Cheers

Naomi, x.

Eco-friendly Fashion

Since I've started studying Biology almost five years ago - I can feel the wrinkles creeping up - I've become increasingly aware of the environmental state of our planet. In case you didn't know, it's ridiculously alarming. Whenever I see initiatives that are concerned with environmental issues or try to create a sustainable project, I'm all ears (or eyes in this case). It won't be long before I'll star as an eco-warrior myself! ;)

So what's new in fashion world? Because above all I'm delighted when I see eco-friendly projects coming from an industry that isn't very compatible with the environment at first sight. 

Tiany Kiriloff hands out tips for second-hand shopping 

Tiany with her second-hand catch

Thousands of heavenly designer pieces await you lovelies. Miss Kiriloff has been second-hand shopping online for several years and oh boy has it paid off, literally! On the 2dehands.be website you can find over 675.000 clothing items daily, so are you ready to dig up the designer gems? If you're not quite sure how to get started, here you can read Tiany's tips and tricks. Buying new clothes is so old-fashioned. There are some things, however, that you better buy first-hand.

Amazonian Wild Rubber Collection

The Lily Cole collection

Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, the first environmental issue I remember being taught. Nowadays it's still a big issue and several organisations, such as Sky Rainforest Rescue, are delivering hard work for the protection of the remaining ecosystem on a daily basis. Since this week you can support the world's most important rainforest by buying a piece of fashionable (and sustainable!) rubber. Stylist Pick is the site to be! But which piece to buy, what would you pick?

Angelheart

For sale on Astrid's website

You can never have enough jewellery, especially eco-friendly jewellery. Angelheart donates some of its annual profits to the Save the Rhino project. Last year more than 668 rhinos were killed in Africa, the species is getting more endangered every day. Several (Belgian) celebs were already spotted with an Angelheart necklace, will you be the next? You can find the collection in Lila Grace (Antwerp); Bleu, C'est Gris (Ghent); Bush Bazar (Hasselt),...

I hope I inspired you to do some eco-friendly shopping yourself!

Cheers

Naomi, x

I spy with my little eye

I thought, instead of uploading things I wish were in my closet when I'm strolling around town, why not make a post of it? So I did, obviously. I'm always drawn to prints, animals and colors. I'm pretty sure it shows. I already bought some of the items in my list here -woops- can you guess which ones? Free hint available here.

Get it while it's hot!

Hunkemöller - €9,99/scarf

Urban Outfitters - €10/each

Why stop with the popular flamingo glasses, when you can have an entire safari park residing in your cupboard.

Zara - €16,95

River Island - €33

Zara - €25,95

I would totally see myself wearing this as an outfit; sitting on a pier, surrounded by a white beach, sipping on a Lazy Red Cheeks.

Urban Outfitters - €40

Because it's funny, and because I believe that the heart does go on.

Zara - €27,95

I'm really digging these sandals; minimalistic, shiny and just plain pretty. If you want some outfit inspiration to go with it, Lovely Lucy to the rescue.

H&M - €2,95

We all knew after the Patrick Star ring, it couldn't be long before Squidward Tentacles hit the stores. 

H&M - €7,95

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Sorry I couldn't resist.. Nothing better than a tropical fruit to rest your caboose -haha- on while soaking up some much needed sunshine.

Veritas - €24,95

I love me some metallics this season! Also available in pink & gold. 

Urban Outfitters - €51

Do you like this kind of post? I've got a lot to show you here in Edinburgh, I'm talking Primark & Topshop baby!

Cheers bonny lassies

Naomi, x.

Do I hear Espadrilles calling?!

Pinterest.com

Like Naomi already told you lovely ones: we're crazy busy and with that, I'll be writing once and a while this upcoming month because I've got a major tight schedule which is a big priority for me at the moment. I'll be musing on new subjects to write about after finals.

But for now, let's talk espadrilles. Thinking of them brings me in an immediate summer mood. I'm already dreaming of a summer outfit with some espadrilles, the biggest cocktail you can imagine, lots of tapas, music on the background and enjoying the sun. Ahhh...

 

I'm a true shoe-lover - having over 40 pairs I think?! - and I'm having a kind of espadrilles galore right now so that makes me in dire need of them. A couple of weeks ago I bought some for an awesome deal on ASOS for only 10EUR.

I've noticed in designer world that it's a kind of 'survival of the fittest' - I'm using a biological term Naomi, what about that ;-). First the Chanel espadrilles and when I was ready to purchase them they were all sold out. Then some real love-at-first-sight Kenzo's and boom they were gone as well. I told myself when there is a next love-at-first-sight moment: do not hesitate anymore. For sure. But I still have a budget to keep in mind so I'm not going supah wild with my credit card. 

Missoni - Christian Louboutin - Salvatore Ferragamo

Because showing only espadrilles may be somewhat boring, I've styled some in a total look. Give me some opinions ;-)! With what would you style them?

The denim look. It's easy and casual, just the way I like it. The combination of red and denim is just adorable. Top it off with Beatles inspired sunglasses and a straw clutch to match the espadrilles and you're ready to spend a day with your girls or attend a bbq in the most fashionable way. 
 

Espadrilles - Valentino / Lace bandeau - Charlotte Russe / Denim shorts - Own the Runway / Denim shirt - Miss Selfridge / Straw Clutch - H&M / Sunglasses - Raen Optics / Ring - Wouters & Hendrix

The Girly look. This pretty thing is inspired on the colors of the United States or the United Kingdom, it's up to you. I do love this combination. I wrote a post on Ballet inspired outfits a while ago and I'm still looking for the perfect tutu for upcoming summer. I can totally see myself wearing this outfit. Glitter espadrilles, funky glasses, nails that got Marshmellowed and a see through clutch, ow yeah baby!

 
Espadrilles - Jimmy Choo / Nail polish - Essie Marshmellow / Como Shirt - Wolford / Perspex clutch - Charlotte Olympia / Sunglasses - Asos / Tutu - Pettiskirt

For those that have a day off, enjoy it A LOT ;-)!
Sabrina, x.

Leaving the house and what goes along with me.

You're probably not that interested in the contents of my shoulder bag? For those who are: et voila :-). Due to the lack of time I had during the weekend I couldn't muze on inspirational things nor did I have the time to take proper pictures, saaaaaawwy for that! But this is the result. 

This is my Mango shoulder bag I got for my birthday. My previous one was actually the same but in dark burgundy. It was so worn out or in la mama vocabulary: throw that old thing away, please. I'm very happy with it, especially the size is perfect. Not so big actually but you can stock it endlessly. My last one came so in handy for festivals: umbrella or poncho, even a sweater and then of course the usual things like a wallet, mobile phone and deodorant.

Ok, back to the what's in my bag. I don't carry the same things all the time, it depends on my mood or the place I'm going to. The things you see above are my essentials, what others maybe call 'junk'. Anywhoo.. Let me guide you in Sabrina's bag:    

• Mango wallet. I'm not a matchy matchy person when it comes to           handbags and wallets but this one was pretty and I bought it afterwards.
• Blackberry 8520. No iPhone for me, it's just too expensive for what my wallet can handle at the moment. 
• Garnier Mineral deodorant. 
• Topshop Lipstick. It's very dark/bright pink and goes by the name of it's all about me. 
• Pen. That's a real essential. Stupid but true in my opinion. 
• Keys. Ok, I'm going to confess: I lose my house key a LOT except for my dorm/car keys. I don't like to hang them on 1 key chain because losing them all would be a major crisis. Seriously, can't capture the logic of it but house keys are just not my dearest friends. My parents keep several spare ones and go loco when I'm only saying ehm daaaad... You know those 10 stamps and the 11th is free? Yep, guilty. 
• Mentos chewing gum.
• Korres Japanese Rose lotion. It's amazing I tell ya! It smells very fresh and a little tiny bit sweet at the same time.
  
• Zalando sunnies (c/o Oona). 
• Eau so Fresh by Marc Jacobs. Can't live without it, so yes it has to go everywhere I go.
• Xmini-speaker (c/o Belmodo). The beats that come out of that little thing AMAZING.  

That was it for now! Bubyeeees! 

Sabrina, x.

Cat eyes everywhere.

Those cateye sunglasses are poppin' up everywhere lately. Makes me instantly think of Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Amazing fashion icon and a lovely movie if I may say. Besides her, fashionista Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with these sunnies. A true inspiration from the 1960s...

Don't judge me but if people can watch Astrid in Wonderland, Geordie Shore or Jersey Shore, I'm fully allowed to watch The Kardashians. The boyfriend sighs and laughs at the same time when I ask if that's on tv, but I don't care. Why do I watch it? That's just my non-thinking me-time. The eldest sister Kourtney was wearing them a lot in the episodes of Kim and Kourtney take Miami and in my opinion those Dita Savoy sunnies fit her perfectly. 

Cateye sunnies turned celeb-world upside down because lots of fashionistas are wearing them. From actors to models: Anne Hathaway, Miranda Kerr, Rihanna, Olivia Palermo, Nina Dobrev, LeAnn Rimes, Emma Rossum, Ashley Olsen, Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and I can go on..

Personally I don't easily buy lots of different sunglasses. Reason? Belgium knows only 20 days of sun during the year and sunnies can be so fragile that I'm afraid of losing or breaking them.. Sometimes my mom surprises me with things I don't like to spend money on and her argument is that I have to invest in a couple of expensive things instead of buying a bunch of cheap things that I will eventually lose, break or throw away. I fully agree on that but for now - as a student - I can't always afford that, so that will be for sure a thing I'll start doing when my account says KATCHIIING or in other words: when I have an actual job ;-). Less buying but more investment pieces. What do you think?

pictures by Justjared.com & thetrenddiaries.com

 

In february I got a pair of sunglasses and a coincidence or not, they're kinda cat eyes shaped but very subtle though because they're quite oversized. I wore them a couple of times now and I'm happy about them. But I must admit that aviators are my all-time weakness :-).

What are your favorite shaped sunglasses? Cat eyes, aviators, oversized, wayfarer, semi-rimmed, ..? Because let's be honest, it's not a must to follow the celeb- or fashion world in everything, right?!

Bye!
Sabrina, x.