Kick Off the Holidays with a Pair (or Two, Nay, Three!) of New Shoes

All the fabulous shoes on this even more fabulous list were most definitely not made for walking (except maybe for one lonely pair of flats, but even those are way too fancy and hence I wouldn’t dare to walk in out of fear of getting them dirty)

However, who cares if these shoes were not made for long hikes or an afternoon of frantic Christmas shopping (i.e. my forte)? After all, isn’t the only walking activity you will be doing on Christmas simply wobbling from the kitchen to the dinner table? Surely you will be able to manage that in these high-heeled beauties? So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and buy them!

If my words for some odd reason haven’t convinced you to buy a pair of awesome shoes, maybe these pictures will be able to persuade you. (Btw, for once I tried to remain realistic and listed only those shoes that are actually affordable. So no designer shoes this time, but splendid beauties from Asos and Topshop that will only set you back for a maximum of 100 euros! What a bargain!)

These are from Asos:

These are from Topshop:

And for those women who get soar feet merely from looking at these pictures, there is always this option:

Pretty Plum: My New Favourite Fall Colour

Since autumn has now officially arrived, I believe it is only fair to start talking about what to wear this fall. Whereas I would normally bombard you with different trends and micro trends, I will now stick to the essentials. Because let’s face it, there is only one thing you really need to know about the fashion for fall 2014…and for once, it is a trend that is easy to remember:

WEAR PLUM

Seriously.

This has got to be the most beautiful colour on the planet.

So no matter whether you’re going for a gypsy look, French avant-garde chic or sporty nonchalance, it will always look 100 per cent fab if you wear it with a touch of this dark red/ deep purple plum.

Here are a couple of my favourite plummy things:

This gorgeous Giorgio Armani bag is just to die for, both figuratively (because très pretty) and financially (because très expensive).

Or what do you think about these sandals by Tod’s? Just wear them with some opaque panties or some cute socks and you are good to go!

Or you can go for this more affordable version at Topshop

A plum felt floppy hat is at the top of my wish list at the moment.

Plum is also a great colour for men’s clothes as well! A plum suit has got to be my favourite male look for this season, so if you guys want to get my approval (and a possible sexy glare): put on a plum suit.

Just sayin’.

And if I would have to name one ultimate plum accessory, without a doubt, it would have to be the plum lips. Could there possibly be anything sexier than those deep red lips, looking all shiny and rich as if you’ve just drunk an entire bottle of red wine?

Ha!

Every designer label has its own plum lipstick version, but if you are looking for a more affordable version: the Infallible Lipstick by L’Oreal in Persistent Plum is pretty perfect too.

But if you’re ready to go all out and spend loads of money on lipstick: buy this Bruised Plum lipstick by Tom Ford. It looks expensive, it feels expensive, it is expensive.

But hell, it makes you look like a true femme fatale meets powerful business woman, so I really don’t know why you’re not running to the shop as we speak!

Splendid Summer, Splendid Shoes: Preparing for Cannes

I am leaving for the glitz and glam of Cannes in a couple of days – *feel free to insert an envious grunt*– and since Cannes is famous for being all classy and glamourous, it is essential that I look great. (Obviously.) So no white socks in crocs for me. (Not that I would ever wear white socks… or crocs… or wear both of them together… I would rather die… but you get my drift)

Instead I’m spending a lot of time these days selecting the most fashionable of holiday wardrobes. Not just funky dresses and chic jumpsuits, but fab day outfits as well that will turn hiking into an ultra-posh event.

And with the right outfit go the right shoes. From comfy but bold to sky high and fabulous, there is one suitable pair for every occasion! Here is a list of all the types of shoes I would ideally like to take with me to Cannes. But since I am neither rich nor famous, I will always suggest a more affordable alternative as well. 😉

1) The thrill of the espadrille

A couple of years ago, these type of flats would have been “not done” in fashionable Cannes, but nowadays the classic espadrille has become so immensely popular that even the rich folk on la Croisette can no longer ban so much cooldom in one shoe.

For the rich and famous:

(by Stella McCartney)

For mere mortals:

(both from Asos)

2) Extravagant pumps or sandals…

… preferably with some transparent detail.
If you want to ooze confidence, glam and an I-don’t-need-a-sugar-daddy-to-make-me-happy spirit, these are the shoes you need to wear!

For the rich and famous:

(by Christian Louboutin, sigh.)

For mere mortals:

(by Asos, hip hip hurray!)

3) As brogue as can be

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, you will have noticed that women suits or hotter than hot. What used to be a solely male garment has now entered a woman’s closet as well and is regarded as the best thing since  the push up bra (or is that just me?) . The same thing can be said for the shoes that usually go with the male suit, because the so-called brogues are my favourite It-shoes. Not only does it look fab under a suit, but it is also a cool option for your summer holiday, because it is comfy and way more original than those boring ballerinas. (yawn!)

For the rich and famous:

(Louboutin, again.)

For mere mortals:

(Asos, again. Thank God for Asos!)

Game Of Shoes: Kit Harington is the Face of Jimmy Choo’s New Men’s Collection

Rejoice, dear Game Of Thrones fans and shoe shoppers! Jimmy Choo, our favourite shoe brand, has named Kit Harington, our favourite Game of Thrones hotty, the face of its new men’s collection!

Game Of Thrones fans all over the world were already in a state of utter oblivion when the new trailer of season 4 was released a couple of days ago and this exciting news will probably only add fuel to the fire.

Why?

Well, because it’s Kit Harington! Wearing nice shoes!

Duh!

Now, before you start thinking: “This is all very exciting and all, but I just don’t really care about men’s shoes…”

Think again! Because Jimmy Choo’s men’s collection is pretty awesome. Here is one of the campaign ads for his Spring/Summer 2014 collection:

Nice, huh? And if you still aren’t sure why you should be jumping around out of pure joy, maybe the words of creative director Sandra Choi will convince you:

“Kit has a natural and alluring masculinity and an effortless sense of style. His cool attitude and smoldering sensuality belie a true British gentleman.”

Amen!

To conclude, I think it is needless to say that I am going in complete Kit Harington overdrive right now. Game of Thrones… Jimmy Choo… There is only so much hotness a girl can handle!

PS: In the very rare case that you should not be drooling over your keyboard at this very moment, here are some pics of his latest movie Pompeii.

You’re welcome! 😉

One Christmas Outfit and a Pre-Christmas Dinner

As you may guess, I’m spending most of my time in the kitchen today. I’m in charge of creating the most ridiculously delicious but oh so easy appetizers and will bake the showstopper of all showstopping desserts: a moist chocolate raspberry and champagne cake served with champagne and raspberry jelly.

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. There will be champagne in everything. (It’s Christmas so everything is allowed 😉 ) I will try and post about the crazy food I’m cooking as soon as possible, but please don’t be mad if it will take me a couple of days. (Given the celebratory mood and the amount of booze I don’t think I will be in much of a mood to write.)

But before I treat all of you readers with my Christmas culinary creations, let me first give you an account of all the things that happened yesterday.

On the 23^rd of December most people go crazy. They still have to do some last-minute gift shopping, are on a mission to find the perfect turkey or are stressing over the appropriate Christmas table decorations.

Not me.

I spent the 23^rd of December watching television, putting together my Christmas outfit while singing along with Mariah Carey’s greatest Christmas hit and cooking some insanely yummy risotto.

You see, dear readers, I am a compulsive planner and control freak. Most of the time, this results in uncomfortable situations and anxiety attacks, but when it comes to Christmas Eve, my tendency to plan everything far ahead is actually incredibly beneficial. I had long finished all of my Christmas shopping and had put together the coolest decorations  weeks ago. Hence, I could now sit back with a cup of coffee and an entire plate full of Christmas chocolate truffles and enjoy my day without having to stress about a seemingly endless to-do list.

I’m not trying to make you jealous or anything. I’m sure you had a lovely time shopping at the department store, filled to the ceiling with sweaty people all looking for that perfect Christmas gift.

Anyway, let’s get down to business.

I would like you to meet my Christmas outfit: A classy black and white jumpsuit, gold embroidered high heels and a fabulous roaring twenties headband.

We always celebrate Christmas with the family and since our family is really small, it is completely bonkers to opt for a breathtakingly beautiful night gown worthy of the Oscars ceremony. (Much to my dismay) So in goes a classy yet casual jumpsuit.

What do you think?

The only thing I am slightly worried about is the fact that taking it off to –let’s say- pee, takes rather a long time. (So maybe I should limit my alcohol consumption in order to avoid spending the entire evening in a tiny bathroom? Ah, who am I kiddin’. No champagne on Christmas is like a trip to Italy without flirting with a handsome Italian stranger: impossible.)

On to the pre-Christmas food. Last Christmas I was so pre-occupied with the food I would be serving on Christmas Eve, I almost forgot to eat. Not this year. I conjured up an incredible vegetarian risotto yesterday. A sweet paprika and harissa risotto with courgette and fried halloumi. Heavenly.

Ingredients:

• 300gr risotto rice
• 2 round courgettes( one yellow and one green), finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 long sweet red peppers
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1  ½ tsp harissa
• 125 ml white wine
• Vegetable stock
• 300gr halloumi cheese, cut into 0,5 cm slices
• Fresh basil.

Method:

• Put the sweet peppers, harissa, smoked and sweet paprika powder and garlic in a blender and mix until you get a smooth paste.
• Sautee the onion in some olive oil for one minute and add the rice. Fry for a couple of minutes.
• Stir in the sweet pepper mixture and add the glass of wine. Stir until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
• Add the chopped courgettes and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the stock, one ladle at a time and continue this process until your risotto is tender but not mushy.
• Fry (or grill) the halloumi.
• Stir some fresh basil through the risotto.

Christmas Cravings

The season of celebration is upon us once again, dear readers.

I’m decorating the Christmas tree, listening to Mariah Carey and drawing up lists of all the things I would like to bake and cook for the big Christmas dinner.

Christmas is a time of showing  the people you love how much you care about them, which means that you will spend the next month running through town like a frantic shopaholic in search for those perfect Christmas presents.

One of the benefits of Christmas, however,  is that there is no reason why that spirit of giving shouldn’t extend to your own closet. We’ve all been good this year, so I think we deserve to be smothered in a little bit of luxury. The following list is a very thorough description  of all the material things a girl secretly desires. They are things no one can really afford- unless you’re a billionaire or married to one- but still it’s nice to at least hold on to those things in your dreams.

And who knows, maybe your dreams will come true?

PS: To all my friends and family members reading this: I really want those Elie Saab dresses 😉

CHANEL CHIC

Although Mr. Lagerfeld tends to give me the creeps (Have you noticed how his hair doesn’t move? It’s downright eerie!), I have to admit that I have a huge soft spot for Chanel make-up. I mean, look at the new exclusive edition for Christmas: it’s practically impossible to think of something that is more diva-esk!

THE YOLO DRESS

Forget the LBD. This year it’s time to be bold and beautiful. No more blending in. No more playing safe. For once it is all about standing in the spotlights. It is your time to shine! And what better way to shine than with these stunning Elie Saab dresses?

(I simply cannot decide which one I like most. You know what, I’ll ask Santa to bring both)

LOUBOUTENSION

I’ve been waiting for a pair of Louboutins to appear in my Christmas stocking since I was two. Enough said.

A BRAGGING BAG

This red velvet jewel-embellished Charles bag from Dolce & Gabbana is so in your face pretty it will make your head ache! (But don’t worry, the bag is big enough to carry your Advil in case you can’t handle so much prettiness)

CHRISTMAS CARTIER

“Pearls and diamonds shimmer and sparkle in a display of voluptuous curves…” Merely reading the description of these Paris Nouvelle Vague earrings by Cartier makes me drool!

The Thigh is the Limit: Spice up your Winter with Thigh-High Boots

Imagine it’s winter. Snow is twirling lazily about in the wind and you’re on your way to work/school/shopping mall. You’re wearing a fabulous carmine red lipstick (preferably Dior Rouge), a black faux-fur hat (Anna Karenina-style), an off-white belted cape (look at Kerry Washington on Scandal for inspiration), black skinny jeans (the one that makes you feel like a million dollar bill) and last but definitely not least… a magnificent, provocatively beautiful pair of black suede thigh-high boots.

With an image like that in your head, it is practically impossible not to look forward to winter! The key to totally rocking the above look are the boots. Yes, the outfit would look smashing with just a pair of pumps , but it is the up-to-there (yes, there!) pair of boots that will truly make you shine. And let’s admit it: in a time in which everything is covered in a veil of darkness, it is bloody wonderful to be a sparkling light of sunshine!

Thigh-high boots were a big hit on the FW13 runway:

Balmain opted for suede versions that seemed to reach really really really high…

Chanel opted for a kinky version with chains…

Donna Karan went for sleek chic with thigh-highs in combination with an oversized jacket…

And Pucci drew the sexy card by mixing thigh-highs with an alluring stylish-but-very-short dress!

If you call yourself a fashionista, you will probably know a fashion show isn’t the actual stage where trend battles are fought. If you truly want to know which trends are hot –and which are not- you have to look to the streets.

And looking at the wardrobes- or should I say: shoerobes– of all the celebrities that have walked the streets these couple of months, it is safe to say that the thigh-high boot is here to stay.

Miranda Kerr killed it in this sublime outfit! Remember the cape-thigh highs combo from the imaginative outfit at the beginning of this post? Well, this is what I was talking about! Classy, stylish and ravishingly awesome!

Victoria Beckham opted for a kinkier version ( it was obviously still summer back then). If you want to make her outfit more wearable on a day-to-day basis, just wear some black stockings underneath the dress and you’ll be fine 😉

Kylie Minogue– here wearing fabulous Louboutin thigh-highs- demonstrates that thigh-high boots can be demure and very chic in an all-black combination with an elegant black jacket.

I know that some of you are still very skeptical of thigh-high boots. No matter how cool and utterly stylish they may be, many people still associate them with provocative S&M games or cheap hookers (think: Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman or Angelina Jolie’s naughty leather outfit in Mr. & Mrs. Smith)

It is therefore advisable not to go for the Miley Cyrus thigh-high look…

Unless you want drivers honking their horns or creepy guys waving one-dollar bills in your face…

But we’re all classy, stylish and elegant fashionistas, so –obviously!– we don’t want that.

So what do you think, ladies? Will you try the thigh-high?

Should you still need some convincing, here are some fabulous thigh-high boots that might get you running to the store.

 

(DKNY)

 

(Casadei)

Because Shopping is Cheaper than a Psychiatrist: Brand New Outfit, Brand New Confidence

Women love to shop. It is a truth as uncontested as the earth spinning around its axis. It is what unites us, women, and creates this instant bond of mutual understanding. Like a Sisterhood of Shopping Addicts. Men, being the dumbass morons that they are, don’t seem to comprehend this necessity of needing to buy new stuff. They think our love for shopping simply goes back to a desire to spend money- their money- and define the act of shopping as a superficial waste of time. They couldn’t possibly be further from the truth. When guys say such denigrating things, I really want to stab with a fork, or kick them in the head with my purse, or both. (Maybe I should let them choose my weapon of assault, although I cannot fully guarantee I will acknowledge their preference 😉 )

First of all, let me start by saying that we don’t spend your money. We’re independent, smart and self-reliant enough to be able to afford our own clothes, thank you very much. And secondly, shopping has as much to do with the desire to spend money as American politics has to do with basic intelligence or competence. Shopping is about yourself. About how it makes you feel. Regardless of age, lifestyle or salary, every woman will chirp once her eyes fall upon that perfect pair of shoes and every woman’s heart will skip a beat when she sees that that beautiful purple dress is on sale.

Moreover, shopping for new clothes doesn’t have to be expensive! On the contrary, it can even be more exhilarating to get hold of a bargain, than you would get excited over plundering your bank account for an expensive pair of designer jeans. Take my brand new outfit for instance. I was looking for some new clothes inspired by this fall’s Balmain collection (Those of you who visit my blog on a regular basis will know that I completely adore the combination of super tight waists with fluffy sweaters and classy-looking harem trousers! For a reminder, click here) but I was utterly convinced that I wouldn’t be able to find something similar in a slightly more affordable version… But guess what? I most certainly did! The trousers and sweater (isn’t it cool and adorable?) are from River Island. The expensive-looking fancy necklace is from Zara and the shoes are from S. Oliver. It’s not exactly the same as Balmain, but still, it comes close 😉 And you may have noticed that the outfit has some cobalt blue accents as well! So I’m kinda hitting two birds with one stone!( Or should I say two trends with 1 outfit?) How convenient and incredibly fashionable is that?

However, we should be careful not to overdo it and completely lose ourselves in the wonders of shopping malls and fitting rooms. We’ve all seen “Confessions of shopaholic” and if there is one thing we do not want, it is to turn into a completely bonkers, shopping addicted bitch that needs to attend secret meetings in order to get rid of her lust for shopping.

Having said that, there is nothing wrong with listening to the Rebecca Bloomwood on your shoulder once and a while…

….just as long as you’re not going completely bankrupt. Treat yourself, ladies! You deserve it!

Catchy Cobalt: Feeling blue was never so fashionable

First of all, I would like to say that I truly hate the term “the new black”. Fashionistas and fancy magazines all over the world use it to emphasize and give merit to a certain colour trend, not realizing that they –by using such a cliché- completely destroy the possibility of said colour to conquer the world of fashion. “Green is the new Black!”, “Nude is the new Black!”, “Red is the new Black!” or “Metallic is the new Black!”: no matter how unique the newest fashionable colour may be, we always want to compare it with the all-time classic, sophisticated black; a comparison that is both incredibly cliché and incredibly inaccurate.

Why do we keep using that phrase? Why do we keep measuring a colour trend’s popularity by referring to its conservative, timeless alternative, which technically isn’t even a colour to begin with?

I understand that magazines first introduced the term to accentuate the classic elegance of a ‘new’ colour. They want us to believe that this ‘new’ colour has all the qualities of becoming a wardrobe staple, like black, all the while not realizing that this colour actually wants to be bold and stand out in its uniqueness, rather than just sit in your closet as a safe alternative. Black was, is and will always be the new black. Nothing will ever change that, and nor should we want to.

Colours are supposed to be bold, bright and beautiful. “Classic elegance” doesn’t come in the form of a colour, the shape of a dress, or the hemline of a skirt. Elegance isn’t a type of fabric. Elegance is an attitude. It is a quality that a woman brings to her clothes. Only she can make something look elegant, whether that’s a new shape of trousers or a new bold type of colour.

So having said that, I do not believe cobalt blue is the new black. Cobalt blue is cobalt blue. Nothing more. Nothing less. Should that make it any less beautiful? Of course not! Cobalt blue has the ability to turn your dark winter wardrobe into a feast for the eyes. It is bold, vibrant and incredibly cool in its own unique way.

It is by far the most perfect combination of trendy swag and sophisticated chic. A combination that is so unique even ‘Kaiser’ Karl Lagerfeld felt obliged to use it in his fall collection.

Apart from Chanel, designers like Victoria Beckham and Valentino decided to jump on the cobalt blue band wagon as well!

 

However, we all know that if a colour trend is to be truly successful, it needs be available in shops everywhere, and not just shown by haughty designers. Luckily for all of us, there are more affordable alternatives out there than those pricy designer clothes! Clothes that won’t make you feel like you might need a triple bypass because your heart (and bank account) has just suffered a major cardiac arrest after seeing the bill. Here’s a selection of my favourite –and affordable!- cobalt blue items.

This cobalt blue dress with Peter Pan colour from Asos is incredibly cute and suitable for many different occasions.

Cobalt blue works really well in print patterns: try this stunning skirt from River Island!

Alternatively, buy cobalt blue accessories! Shoes, handbags, necklaces,…the electric blue will turn your outfit into a real eye catcher!

 

Dating Tips from Disney: A Guide to Your (Not so) Happily-Ever-After

First: yes, I’m 22 years old.

Second: Yes, I’m going to write a post about Disney flicks.

Conclusion: Who are you to judge me for that? 99% of people love watching Disney. The other 1 percent are either lying or don’t have a heart.

However, this is not a post about all the oohs and aaahs in Disney movies. On the contrary, this post is a cynical analysis of all the weird dating advice Disney seems to give its young audience. Although I absolutely love everything about Disney(Should I be telling you this?) and know all the Disney songs by heart (Okay, I definitely shouldn’t be telling you this!), I strongly believe Disney’s advice on love and relationships is kinda fucked up. No wonder I have such completely misguided representations of what love is supposed to be!

Damn you, Disney! Damn you!

So here’s a list of Disney’s very superficial dating tips:

1) A woman’s ultimate goal in life is to get married and have babies.

Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, the Little Mermaid and yes, even 101 Dalmatians:  Disney’s female protagonists seem to have only one personal goal in life: to get married and have lots of children (or puppies). Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a Disney movie in which the female lead wants to become the first female President of the United States? Who knows, maybe Sleeping Beauty wanted to become a veterinarian or a communication strategist before her dreams were shattered by her father and the ostensibly “good” fairies…

2) Men don’t care if you’re smart, funny or a fucking Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian. They just want a pretty girl with a lovely voice.

That is my conclusion after re-watching The Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty last weekend (Yes, you’ve read that correctly: I attended a Disney marathon with my friends. Deal with it!). In Sleeping Beauty baby girl Aurora is blessed with the gifts of beauty and song…

Superficial much? I mean, what happened to “intelligence”, “creativity” or all the other traits that are far more important?
Not to mention the Little Mermaid! Prince Eric falls in love because she can bloody sing!

Hell, if I were a Disney character, I would be doomed! (Every time I try to sing, it sounds as if a cat is dying inside my throat!)

3) Wearing the right shoes is vital to get yourself a prince charming.

Ask Cinderella, she knows all about it!

Don’t get me wrong: I love shoes. I love having a lot of shoes and I love wearing the most ridiculously high stilettos imaginable. However, I like to think I’m wearing them for me, not because I want to get myself some fancy husband.
On the other hand, this might be the perfect excuse to justify your shoe frenzy. You have to buy those shoes! Think about your happily-ever-after, dear readers!

4) Blonde is beautiful. Green is mean.

Oh yes. Our favourite Disney heroines all conform to the typically Western beauty ideals: golden blonde hair (Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella,…), blue eyes (Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, … The list is endless) and a killer body (everybody!).

However, if you happen to have green eyes, I’m afraid you’re doomed to be seen as “the evil one”. Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella’s Stepmother and a whole bunch of other evil creatures have green eyes!
How weird is that? I personally think green eyes are sexy as hell!

See? 😉

5) Hakuna Matata

If this list makes you kinda depressed, don’t worry, everything will work out in the end! Just relax and… HAKANA MATATA!

Because in case you can’t find the love of your life, you can always go and live in the jungle together with a meerkat and a warthog, eat gross insects and get hit with a stick by a crazy baboon!

Jeeeeez, the future looks so bright!