Shopping/ Humanoid

Well now I couldn't go all the way to Arnhem and not visit Humanoid could I? This amazing shop sells all my favourite brands including Acne and Isabel Marant of which I got a super-fluffy blue cardi and a simple white linen Tee. I know it seems silly to buy a warm knit when summer is upon us but honestly, with the low temperatures, wind and occasional snow (just kidding), it feels more like autumn here in the Netherlands!
Humanoid also stocks Aesop, an Australian cosmetics brand which uses plant-based ingredients resulting in some of the most lush smells around. As I will be in Venice all next week the travel kit and Ginger Flight Therapy seemed like a natural choice.

Pre-order heaven

I was browsing one of my favourite dream shops the other day half jokingly to see what the amazing Givenchy knee-highs would be going for when I spotted they were on pre-order. At a mere €1500, ahum, luckily my conscience took the better of me and I continued to browse on. Which is when a though hit me, for if Givenchy F/W 2012 boots were on pre-order, wouldn't my precious Isabel Marant white cowboy boots be too? The answer is yes. And now I will be counting down the days until shipping on 15 October. On another IM related note, if you look hard enough you can also get your hands on a pair of new season Beketts, Willows, Bazils or Birds (yes new names each time). My bet is on a black pair of Bazils or grey Willows.

Note how the boots have evolved from catwalk to closet. Much more practical I'm sure!

Images via the Marant Philes

Sale wishes

I had a right old grumble this week when I saw Net-a-Porter had started their sale (early I might add) but this month really doesn't allow any designer buys. Anyway, a girl can dream so here are my picks from the sale.

Clockwise from left: Maison Martin Margiela vest, Acne leather biker jacket, Jimmy Choo booties, Belle Sigerson Morrison sandals, Isabel Marant tunic, Proenza Schouler bag

I am of the opinion that sale time is the best time to buy investment pieces, focussing on basic items which will last (and a sneaky splurge item such as this Proenza Schouler bag which you will love for its uniqueness). How I never met this Margiela vest before is beyond me, but now I am in love. The Acne and Isabel have been long-term crushes along with the Choos. I need Choos in my life. I also need a new place to live so maybe stay away from anything to do with Choos, or shoes for that matter.

DIY Tie-Dye jeans

After spotting them on the Isabel Marant runway and seeing various tutorials around the blogosphere, I thought I'd share my colourful attempt at Tie-Dye denim. I took a pair of jeans that I had previously dyed from grey to red which meant the dye took forever to bleach! Also, I couldn't for the life of me find those big rubber bands used by postmen so I used string instead.

I absolutely love how the jeans turned out, even if they are more pink and cerise than red and white. How grungy does the leather label look now! I teamed them up with a number Tee and my IM sneakers the other day for that sporty look we've been seeing a lot lately but I think they'd pair up nicely with a simple oversized white Tee and some strappy sandals as a relaxed evening ensemble.
What do you think? Will you be bleaching out your old denim?

For a great tutorial over at thefashionguitar.com click here. 

Bring on the sun

Yesterday was the launch of the Fashion Against Aids collection at H&M, full of Aztec prints and party-proof outfits. I scored a pair of denim cut-offs and a reversible bomber which I intend to rock at some summer festivals. Also my latest Isabel Marant installment in the form of these sandals/booties. Sooties? Bandals?

Utrecht buys

Last image: Petra

After visiting the Centraal Museum in Utrecht last week, I decided to walk back to the station and find a nice little boutique to browse. I had almost reached the station when I stumbled upon what is now one of my favourite shops ever; Zolamanola. I was in search of a pair of black suede Acne boots, and the shop delivered on clothes, yet not on shoes. What I did find was the biggest collection of, you guessed it, Isabel Marant!

I'd had my eye on these shorts for a while and decided to try them on, alongside a few beautiful linen Tees and some sale items. After much hemming and hawing I took home the shorts, a bleached lilac Tee and a rocker-style anthracite top, oh, and a very big smile!

Zolamanola sells brands such as Isabel Marant (étoile), Acne, Vanessa Bruno, APC and Dutch labels Monique van Heist and Joline Jolink. I loved the shop's interior and styling as much as anything else, and the collection is huge!

Come home to mama!

Finally, after months of blood, sweat and almost some tears, the Isabel Marant sneakers have finally come home. I have never wanted a pair of shoes more than these babies (calling them the holy grail of fashionistas) and have never been through more trouble to find a pair. After my ordered pair were accidentally sold to someone else, the shop owner offered me her own spare pair, which I gladly took! Stay tuned for the first edition of Vogue NL which might just feature this actual pair!

New Shoes

When the weather's horrible and a new season is on its way, what better way to cheer yourself up than with a new pair of shoes?
I have been coveting the impossible to find Isabel Marant Becket/Willow sneakers for over a year now and had found a suitable (and way more affordable) alternative in Ash's Birdy kicks. Unfortunately, they had been sold out everywhere as well, so imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon these babies the other day at monshowroom.com! Thanks to a concealed wedge heel, they look like regular high-top sneakers, yet give you a bit of extra height which is never a bad thing if you ask me!

On a more ladylike note, I came accross these Chanel-inspired (or was that Isabel Marant again?) pumps at H&M the other day and couldn't resist. They're surprisingly comfortable thanks to a rather low heel, and they made me feel ever so elegant walking around Amsterdam!

 

High-top sneakers: Ash
Pumps: H&M Trend

A new year, a new wardrobe

Happy New Year everyone! After a two (or was it three even) week hiatus my fingertips have been itching to post a new, er, post. But what to write about as this new year starts? My new year's fashion resolutions?

1. Invest in some great pieces
2. Think before buying (will this go with anything I own, or merely force me to buy matching items)
3. Define my style
4. DIY more!

This would make a great DIY-project no? (Isabel Marant Etoile courtesy of Net-a-porter.com)

Looking forward to a new fashion season I'm already contemplating what I'll be wearing in the Spring (if it decides to come at all this year) and have decided on clashing pastels, pick'n'mix denim, and the hint of grunge I just can't live without.

On their way as we speak thanks to a genious Aunty M. (images: ASOS.com)

Left: Acne x Daniel Silver skirt (scored in the sale) Right: Jeffrey Campbell skyhighs (would go well with said skirt)

My weekend makes!

Stay tuned for more photos and tutorials of how to make your own glitter boots and bag, wrapped rope necklaces and cute colar necklace.

Embroidered Jeans

Isabel Marant A/W 2011

One of my favourite designers of the moment is Isabel Marant. I love the easy-going feel of her outfits, the silhouettes which combine slim-fit jeans and oversized sweaters and blazers. After stumbling upon a pair of knee-high suede and leather boots in the sale this summer I’ve been completely infatuated.

 

Unfortunately with designer style comes a designer price and I’m just not in the position to pay that kind of money. Luckily I’m handy with a needle and thread and after seeing these white embroidered jeans I was sure I could have a go at the Navaho print myself. 

 

 It’s my first embroidery project so bear with me, I hope to post some pictures of my progress soon as!