Shop A Holic

This is a confession of a shopaholic. During January, I splurged…I splurged and then I splurged just a bit more.

I would really like to say that I won’t do it again. But hmmm... I wouldn’t even believe myself. I’m now blaming my shopping habits on some feminine gen that is very present in my system.

Now, here’s an overview of the January sales purchases, and yes I am a bit embarrassed at the amount of clothes I shopped…Would it be okay if I saw them as an investment? And promised to shop less in February?



From left to right: 1.2.3 red shirt with detail on shoulders, Gerard Darel top (which I can wear aaaall summer by the way) , Olivier Strelli Blazer and Pinkie top.



Sandro skirt, Essentiel cardigan, Sandro jeans shirt (again, will last me all summer...)



Aaah, the shoes... Olivier Strelli & C&A

Give me some shoes!

Aaah, shoes… every woman (at least all the ones I know) dreams of a collection that could measure up with Carrie Bradshaw’s. And well, for shoes addicts, it’s going to be a good season.

Overall trend seems to be comfortable. Looks like shoe addicts and shoe designers finally made a pact to make sure our feet are not tormented in high narrow shoes. I cannot comment otherwise than: jihaaa!

Here are some of my favorites for the upcoming season… Saving has officially begun.




Well, the entire Prada collection for me please! A touch of retro, a comfortable fit and a splash of color: what’s not to like?
(I’ll be so blunt to answer my own question: the price…)




Dries Van Noten understands woman. We want gorgeous, relaxed, flattering shoes. So that is exactly what Dries makes. I just wish every man was a bit like Dries…




Marc Jacobs: great color (goes with eeeeverything) , great shape: great marc!

Topshop in Belgium: Whoop Whoop

Aaah, in these boring months (in general January and February are basically depressing) some good news to cheer you up!
Soon Topshop is coming to Belgium, sort of… Don’t get too excited, they won’t be opening their own stores (YET I might add…) but we will be able to shop at 2 selected stores in Belgium. Starting from February a part of the collection will be available at Ra (Antwerp) and Hunting and Collecting (Brussels). So done with the online shopping (or continue with it, but just add real shopping).
Guess who will be paying a visit to Ra veeeerry soon…

Forget Coats, get a cape!

One item I am determined to find during the sales period is a gorgeous cape. Coats I have plenty so I need something new to update my wardrobe. A Cape is practical, fashionable and flattering...so what's not to like. Oh yes and one more upside: a cape makes me feel like a superhero when I wear it.

Which one is your favorite?
If you spot any good ones during sales: let me know!!

Forget coats: get a cape! van Julietta25 met cape jackets

Ladies See by Chloe cream and grey knitted cape
285 GBP - josephm.com
See by Chloe coats »

A.P.C. / Cape Blazer
$392 - lagarconne.com
Wool blazers »

ELLE SHOP cape
47,250 JPY - hfm.co.jp
Fur coats »

Wickwar Military Cape
98 GBP - aubinandwills.com
Double breasted coats »

ASOS Ribbed Sleeve Cape Coat
$98 - asos.com
Cape coats »

Lisa Jayne Dann Cape Coat
$269 - asos.com
Cape coat »

Diane von Furstenberg Wool cape jacket
$221 - net-a-porter.com
Wool coats »

ASOS Casual Cape Jacket
$78 - asos.com
Cape jackets »

Chanel’s new it girl: Blake Lively

Gossip girl’s Blake Lively has seen a dream come true. For Chanel’s new Mademoiselle handbag line Blake was chosen by Her Karl himself. Now, we wouldn’t dare argue with Mr. Lagerfeld and are pretty sure Blake will be an excellent ambassador for the iconic brand. Ever since Gossip Girl Lively has seen her star rise and the fashion crowd loves her. The Chanel campaign will hit the magazines in april. Can’t wait to see the pictures… In the meantime: some of Blake’s best looks.

Shoppers attention SS 2011

I’m thinking you want to know what will be fabulous in 2011, so I was so kind to make you a little overview. (Tip: If you look for these articles during the sales period, you will not regret it!)

1. Anything you can put boyfriend in front of (boyfriend blazer, boyfriend pants…)is still going strong in 2011.



Vanessa Bruno



Dries Van Noten



DKNY

2. The 70’s are back this summer. We’re talking flared pant, big hats, plateau heels…splurge!



Marc Jacobs, he is in a veeeery 70's mood this summer!



Pucci

3. The new lenght this summer? Forget mini, we're going for half way the calf



Chanel



Chloe

4. Simple and clean white… add lace or feathers to that for the cute effect, but that’s optional.




D&G



Victoria Beckham

5. Color splash! Go for brights this season...



Jil Sander



Prada

New Year Resolutions

For those among you who care: my new year resolutions!

I just want to make sure I share them so at the end of 2011 someone can slap me if it turns out I didn’t keep any of them…

1. Run the Antwerp 10 miles (I promised a friend I would do it for the Cliniclowns, so sort of hard to bail out, I AM running them , even it’s at a truly embarrassing pace…)

2. Practice yoga at least once a week and try to become a bit good at it.

3. Eat healthy (so boring I knooow!)

4. Marry the man of my dreams (no worries, I found him and we set the date, so don’t consider this a hopeless man hunt…)

5. Look stunning while doing so (HA bought the dress and thanks to my great eating habits and sports resolutions this wil NOT be an issue, I am determined)

6. Succeed in my cooking class exams (can anyone else see how this is actually in contrast with resolution nr 3? Need to figure that one out…)

7. Only buy clothes I truly love.

8. Develop a fantastic career!

9. Keep writing this blog.


So what are your resolutions?? Let's talk again 31.12.2011...

Ready, set, SALES!

Today sales season starts. Here are some tips if you’re going into that jungle!

Make a list of what you need (want) before you go shopping. This
significantly lowers the risk of coming home with completely useless stuff.

Make sure you shop items that reflect your style, don’t just buy it because it’s on sale. Before you get to that counter: ask yourself these questions:
- Does it flatter me?
- Does it go with the rest of my wardrobe?
- Will I actually wear it?
- Does it fit!? (yeah, you’re laughing, happens more than you think…)

Select the shops you want to visit beforehand. (If you are really smart you’ve done some research before the sales period and you know exactly what you’re going for)
My shops to visit: Gerard Darel , Sandro, Maje & Thiron (great shoestore @ Antwerp)

This is the time to invest in some classic key pieces. Go for the leather boots, the great winter jacket that you could never afford at regular price…a stunning LBD. They’ll last you more than one season, so next winter you’ll still be thrilled you got them!

If you don’t have your mind set on anything particular and don’t really need anything, wait until the second round of sales (there’s a big difference between 30% and 50%....). Shops still have piles of stock, so there will be plenty of stuff left.

Be brave, it really is a harsh world out there…but think about your great buys.

Don’t get upset when somebody steels the last perfect size away right in front of you. Remember, they’re just clothes…

Finally: ENJOY! Have a cup of coffee in between, watch the crazy people in the shop, have a laugh and… be nice to the sales people…it’s a rough period for them too.