Paris Bateau

In Paris, along the Seine and in the Bassin de la Villette colourful (not so petits) bateaux guarantee vivid city views on grey rainy days.

Imitation Games

When did I get into the fake business? I’d always thought of myself as an honest person. Imitation designer bags, shoes, belts as well as accessories like sunglasses and jewellery; counterfeiting of any kind ruins the (fashion) industry and I’d always promised myself I would never get into that kind of imitation game. 

Louis Vuitton raises awareness with brochures about the issue.

A little while ago, however, it all kind of changed. For months I’d been dreaming about the Dior Tribal Earrings. A nice piece of - what luxury brands make consumers believe - exclusive jewellery design. The double pearled earring is simply irresistible and original as it takes a new stance on „closure”. Before I continue be aware that the explanation is kind of technical; a pearl fixes the stud, which brings the focus to the back of the earlobe instead of the front. The result is amazingly cool and beautiful. Furthermore it’s clear that the Mise en Dior Earrings have contributed to the revival of pearl ear studs and that way have given a classic, stylish piece of jewellery yet another chance to conquer all (over again). 

In New York (last summer) I visited the Dior stand at Barneys, unfortunately the earrings were kind of expensive (as could be expected from such an high-end brand). Sad sad sad … Meanwhile fake ones (no Dior, false silver, synthetic pearls) were lurking at me way too many times in way too many shopping windows. Still I managed to resist. Until I discovered a set of double pearled earrings with an authentic nacre and sterling silver pearl. Couldn’t resist any longer. They were fabulous and I wouldn’t take them off. Besides the price-quality ratio was definitely okay. What was not to like about that? Why would one NOT buy these beauties, given the love and treasure hunt that had preceded the actual „discovery”? Next thing I remember is me paying for (and thus buying) the precious studs.

And that is how I got mixed up in counterfeiting. But then again: what exactly defines something as fraudulent imitation? Dior might have set the standard last year; my pair is brandless, doesn’t have a fake Dior logo and is made from genuine materials. I guess it’s simple: it’s about a set of very nice earrings that were created to share with the „working class people” the joy and happiness that brings finalizing all your outfits with it. Anyhow, this is one way (my way) of getting away with the guilt that sneaks in, at times, when I’m wearing my new pair of favourite earrings. 

P.S. Do you possess any imitation goods?

Coney Island

A permanent fair by the beach: a colourful skyline, happy faces and a smooth sea breeze. What's not to like about that? The joy, happiness and the ocean (Atlantic) offer the perfect getaway when you need a break during a NYC citytrip (especially in summer). It's only one metro ride away from Manhattan and you'll definitely return to the city all relaxed and happy. 

Matching

Rattan is like jeans. That is when it comes to combining multiple jeans/rattan products in one look. It’s simply tricky. It requires a certain „match making” skill and audacity because (speaking from my own experience) a combo gone wrong happens before you know it. What fabrics to combine (or not to combine) depends on various factors. According to me the opposite of the jeans principle applies to rattan; do stick to one colour. The golden rule for denim, on the contrary, is the more the merrier. One could blend fifty shades of jeans in one outfit and still look stylish for all I know. However, back to rattan. Apart from the tint, the thickness, weave and product design determine whether you have a match or clash of styles.

 As I like it cosy and warm rattan has conquered our interior. A Burmese weave seat is part of the lounge area. On the other side of the living room a picknick trunk (made from another type of cane) is integrated into the facebook wall. 

If you have to visit the loo you will notice a rattan palm shopping basket (the perfect hiding place for tissues, toilet paper, etc.). 

On your way to the terrace you will cross the bedroom, with its grey cane laundry baskets in front of the bed.

Outside a grey cane candle platter spreads a warm light over the table. In summer, when we have aperos in the „garden”, another platter (also grey cane) comes in handy to serve drinks and appetizers.

P.S.1. What would your perfect Easter basket look like?
P.S.2. Heaven on earth: rotan kado.

Deli pastel

The oxford dictionary defines pastel as "A soft and delicate shade of a colour". To me pastels are lovely, sweet, springish, delicious and delighting soft and delicate shades of colours. 

How do you like the La Durée box? It contains des Langues de Chat - they are at least as delicious as what the box looks like. 

P.S. What colours do you like best?
P.S.S. Did you already read the previous (colourful) blogpost?

Turquoise

Greenish-blue colour, summer breeze, fresh, sea, sun, beach, vacation, appealing ... It's all in a, well let's go Shakespearean, it's all in a name (and in the picture below). T.U.R.Q.U.O.I.S.E

Statement wall

After the Facebook wall comes the statement wall. A declaration of love.

The story behind the wall? More than 10 years ago the Italian label Diesel had a campaign that included this nice poster-brochure. At the time the fashion jungle seemed more interesting than the eco-declaration of love that was written on the back of the picture. As I knew the poster would come in handy someday I kept it, somewhere. What happened now: a few days ago, while looking for something - somewhere - I rediscovered this piece of wall design. My actual mindset being all about trying to live an eco-(fashion-)life I glued the poster (backside on the front now) to a white spot on the wall. 

The jungle I mentioned above

(via Breeze Me)

P.S. What kind of wall art do you like?