Rote Lippen Soll Man Küssen...

The title of this Post is in German because it's basically a quote from a popular German folk song. It says "Red lips ought to be kissed". I totally agree even though I've never been one to care much for lipstick. In fact I neither owned nor used any. I was very satisfied with my transaprent lip glosses. In my defence I have to say that I hardly put on much make-up during the day because I aim for a more natural look. Until just now, that is.

At the same time as I started growing tired of seeing the same old me in the mirror every day I noticed more and more girls wearing bright red lipstick (preferrably with an all black outfit) during the day. Me - still not entirely convinced - got intrigued and went to the nearest Douglas make-up store to have an SA put some color on me. I left the choice of brand and shade up to her. She picked a Benefit lipstick in the color "Flirt Alert". Oh, how I like the sound of the name.

At first I was a bit shocked when I looked in the mirror because it so looked like ... well, not me. But isn't that what I wanted? I left the store telling the sales girl that I needed some time to think about it. She totally understood but assured me that the color suited me. She also gave me the advice to try to leave it on for the rest of the day And that's what I did. At first I felt a little uncomfortable especially after ordering a soy chay to go from Starbucks and lost half of the color on the to-go cup. One of the disadvantages of lipstick, I thought. They just never stay on....

But the longer I had it on the more comfortable I started feeling. Even my friend - who I met to go for a walk that day- noticed my bright red lips. That's when I made my decision to go back to the store first thing in the morning to buy the lipstick. And that's exactly what I did. And I haven't regretted it since.

What is your favorite lipstick (color) and why?

Green Tea Latte

Everytime I'm in New York I indulge in pretty much everything that I don't usually get at home. And that's quite a lot. Be it brownies, cupcakes or (veggie) burgers; I can't help thinking about food 24/7 when I'm in the Big Apple.

I must admit that there aren't really any drinks that I look foward to drinking. Most of the espresso specialties sold at coffee shops such as Starbucks I can get over here as well. And there is too much sugar in soft drinks for my (European) taste. However, one drink that I can't get enough of (and is almost impossible to find in Germany) is Matcha tea. I usually shop my Rheon Café on Spring Street when I'm shopping in SoHo because that's one of the few places that offers a Matcha tea latte. I always order mine with soy milk and add a little honey to it. Yum.

While browsing though Pearl River on Brodway and looking for some gifts for my friends I accidentally found a small box of Matcha green tea powder to bring home to. It's very small because the tea is one of the most expensive ones and usually used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Unlike regular greet tea match consists of powder and not leaves.

It's definitely my newest addiction. Luckily my health will benefit from the consumption at the same time. And the green color looks so fresh and springy.

What do you indulge in?

Definition: Matcha (抹茶^?, pronounced [mat.tɕa]^[1]) refers to finely-milled Japanese green tea. The cultural activity called the Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. In modern times, matcha has also come to be used to flavour and dye foods such as mochisoba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of wagashi (Japanese confectionery). and

Blends of matcha are given poetic names called chamei ("tea names") either by the producing plantation, shop or creator of the blend, or by the grand master of a particular tea tradition. When a blend is named by the grand master of some tea ceremony lineage, it becomes known as the master's konomi, or favoured blend.

(Source: Wikipedia.com)

Michael Bastian for GANT

One place that inspires me the most is definitely the Big Apple aka concrete jungle aka New York City. I have the urge to visit the city at least one time a year and it always gives me a break from my everyday life in Hamburg.

I've always wanted to go there for Fashion Week but never made it. But then again I don't have any friends who work in the fashion industry who could have gotten me in. So I was happy and excited when my friend (journalist and former PR manager) told me that I could have his invitation for the GANT fashion show which took place on Sept 15. Luckily and coincidentally, I had already planned my vacation wround the same time as Fashion Week.
I was thrilled to attend my first real fashion show. And it was everything but disappointing.

If you think every fashion has to have a runway with models walking up and down while trying to look as bored as possible, you are on the wrong foot. What I actually saw wasn't much different from an art exhibition at a fasionable NYC venue. No catwalk but installations with different scenes and models in various outfits posing and moving (yes, also laughing and having fun). You could basically walk around and look at all the different setting while sipping on your glass of champagne and exchanging thoughts with the fashion crowed.

1950s meets classic American: I really enjoyed it but I have to say I do like the fashion from the 50s and 60s in general. You are absolutely right if you think it's all been done before and there is rarely a new take on retro fashion. True but somehow designer Michael Bastian managed to let his line look new and fresh. Up until now he has only created fashion for men. The GANT collaboration was a very good opportunity for him to start designing an entire collection for women as well. And I'm so glad he did. My favorite was the movie scene and the partly lace sweetheart dress. Definitely a classic piece and very wearable.

Let the pictures speak for themselves ;-)

NEW DIRECTION

Ok, tough decision. I noticed that nobody was actually reading this blog (hence no comments) and I blame this on the crappy camera that I have - but currently no money to buy a new one- and the lack of people with photography abilities in my life. But then again there are numerous blogs who do depict bloggers' daily style with arty pics. So I was torn between shutting down this blog for good or changing the direction in which it is going. Before finally giving up I though I'd give it one last try.

And here it goes: I'll post everything that comes into my mind which may or may not be fashion related. But it will most definitely be life(style) related. And I'll try to post regularly. If you happen to like my posts, please give me some kind of feedback so I know that you out there are actually reading it. I'll keep posting in English so that everyone can actually understand what I'm talking about. Maybe I'll post some sentences in German here or there. Not quite sure yet. We'll see... .

So, enjoy!

Oh Fall, Where Art Thou?

Felt a little uninspired lately. I guess that's because of the summer - fall - transition. I just don't know how to dress. It's not summery warm here anymore but not cold enough for fall clothes either. The Ann Demeulemeester lace up boots are perfect for this kind of weather. Even though they are boots they are open-toed.
Details

• shirt: Rick Owens
• cami (underneath): H&M
• skirt: American Apparel
• blazer: silence & noise (UO)
• leggings: Wolford
• boots: Ann Demeulemeester
  

Come Fly With Me...

Oasis

Topshop

Acne

Burberry F/W ´10

It might still be summery and hot in your part of the world while it seems like fall is about to arrive over here very soon ( if it hasn't already). After a few weeks of breezy flower patterned maxi dresses and denim shorts it's about time for a more appropriate attire. Last year was all about the leather biker jacket. It seems like this year's new trend is a further development of last year's wardrobe staple: the aviator jacket (also called the "flying jacket"). It's basically a biker style leather jacket with a sheepskin or fur collar. Sounds like a great item for an easy transitition from the fall into the winter season.

Burberry started the trend but with 2K and up it seems like it's out of reach for most of us. Acne's model is pretty close to the high end designer style but with 800€ not really affordable either. Thank god highstreet stores pick up on trends fast these days. Topshop offers usually good alternatives but 300 pounds are not easy to shed either if you a poor student like me. I just saw an affordable 150-pounds-version at Oasis and Asos.

I guess there is something for everyone out there price range wise. So start investing asap even though you might not be able to wear it for another few weeks/month. They are guaranteed to sell out fast (the Burberry one has already sold out on NAP). Long before you probably start worrying about your fall '10 wish list.

What do you think about the trend? I'd like to know.

High Season .... Low Budget

It's been unusually hot here for the last couple of weeks. Not that I'm complaining (I love the heat and sun) but I noticed that I don't have too many summery clothes in my closet as we hardly get these high temperatures in this part of Europe. The few that I own are at my mom's house which is a two hour train ride away and I don't think I'll get to visit her before the end of the month.

So I went looking for some lighter clothes I could add to my wardrobe without having to rob a bank first. I must admit that I rather invest in clothes I can wear all year round and summers are either non-existent or very short over here. I was lucky that I found something that I actually really like.

I had been looking for a flapper dress for ages and now found this at H&M reduced to 10 Euros. It comes in white and black as well. The thong sandals I found at a super cheap shoe store that I would never enter because everything is tacky and pleather. These sandals, though they are not real leather either, look more expensive than they actually are and only cost 9.95 Euros. I guess they won't last too long but at least I have something I can wear in these high temperatures.

I also bought a rose patterned maxi dress at Urban Outfitters and a sheer breezy high waist skirt from American Apparel. Pics to come.

Is it as hot in your city as well? What do you do against the heat? I like going to the local botanical garden as it's not far from my neighborhood and there are benches, trees, a rose garden and ponds with ducks. Took some pics so you get the idea.

Enjoy the sun!

Shoe lust/love

I received my new babies in the mail yesterday. At first I wanted the swallow platform mary janes but they sold out within seconds on net-a-porter and I haven't seen them anywhere else. I definitely wanted a platform pair instead of the high heel version. So I posted them in the "Help me find..." thread on tfs and a member from Switzerland told me to call the Miu Miu boutique in Zurich. And that's what I did. Turns out they only had the cat prints in store but when I was told it was the two-tone platform version I was sold. And here they are!

Carrie on ... once again!

Patrica Field "The White Dress"

Halston Heritage dress

As an avid viewer of the TV show "Sex and the City" (I'm also writing my Phd thesis about the show as part of American Quality TV but that's another story) I was more than thrilled when the "Sex and the City- The Movie" came out last year. Styling wise it was a little over the top with that Vera Wang wedding dress and high-end designers only. It had nothing of that vintage-y vibe of the (esp. first seasons of the) series - a style that Patricia Field became known and famous for. With the sequel finally coming out in less than two weeks I can't help but wonder: What will the oufits look like this time?

According to the trailer and pictures that came up there'll be influences from the 80s as well as vintage (at least looking) dresses. I did a little web research and found out that there will be a lot of Halston Heritage. Wihout actually knowing that before I had already been drawn to their flowy evening and cocktail dresses from the current spring line that are both fab looking and affordable at the same time. I saw them on net-a-porter and other online retailers and was considering buying a piece (namely the pink one shoulder dress that Carries also wears in the movie) for a while.

Now with all the promos most of the dresses have sold out and I wish I had been a little faster. Especially after seeing that white Halston dress Carrie wears on the poster. It incorporates everything I love in a dress and want for spring/summer: the color- a crisp white, the shape - vintage, the length - just above the knee, the material - a soft jersey, all without breaking the bank account.

As I'll probably not get my hands on the Halston (because it's pretty much sold out and unlikely to be restocked) I found a good alternative on the Patricia Field website http://www.patriciafield.com . It's called "the white dress" and looks basically the same, only it's not made by Halston. With $199 it's also a little cheaper than the origional. It's not in stock right now but will probably restocked soon.

Hopefully just in time for the start of the sequel on May 27th. See you then ;-)

P.S.: For those of you who are looking for the Carrie necklace or just some books about the show or Martini glasses, check out http://store.hbo.com/?g=1&v=hbo_shows_sex-and-the-city

What's in a bag?

They say you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. I say, you can certainly tell a lot about a woman by (the content of) the bag she carries. I'm personally a firm believer in bag rotation. And as I have far too many I try to give them equally as much love as possible.

Lately I've been carrying my PS1 a lot because it so convenient. I can wear it messenger style across my body and have my hands free for my soy chai latte and other things - namely (shopping) bags. And it's great becuse it fits all of my daily things due the three compartments.

I usually carry a book or magazine because I like to read while I'm waiting for the bus or on the subway. In this case it's my kindle from amazon. It's thinner and lighter than some of my books.

Also in my bag:
- Balenciaga wallet
- facial tissues
- hand lotion
- hand sanitizer
- C.O Bigelow mentha lip shine
- Ga-Jol sugar-free licorice drops
- Chicza organic mayan rainforest chewing gum
- hand-made mirror from Lebanon (gift from my friend)
- my iphone - can't live without it!!!
- headphones - I like listening to music on the go
- pocket size umbrella - the weather is unpredicatble and it rains a lot here

What' in your bag? I'm curious to know!

Dress for less - Oasis

Oasis by Velony on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Oasis Leather| Bright Blue..., 150 EUR
Oasis Boots| Black Roxy..., 106 EUR
Oasis Leather| Dark Grey..., 100 EUR
Oasis Partywear| Black..., 62 EUR
Oasis All Dresses| Deep Blue..., 56 EUR

I've only recently come across the UK brand Oasis and its online store. The concept is pretty similar to Topshop only with a slightly higher price point and a more mature style. They have both trendy items and basics, shoes, jewellery and handbags. I like that some of the items look pretty expensive. You can also find designer inspired items. I found a Balmain-esque dress with shoulder pads, YSL tribute knock offs, KJL-ish ring, Phillip Lim inspired ruffle cardi, a faux suede and shearling drapy jacket in the style of Rick Owens and the denim blue suede biker jacket somehow reminds me of Alexander Wang.

If you live in the EU, you can easily order from their website. Shipping is only 10€. While most of the online stores are based in the US and shipping fees are high plus you get charged customs fees, this is a great alternative and also a nice change from Topshop.

Outfit post

I was looking for a high waisted pair of suede shorts for quite some time now. I actually thought the perfect pair would be vintage but it's kinda hard to tell how they fit from pics alone and not having the chance to try them on in person doesn't really help (I'd have to buy them online). So I was very happy when I found these Weekday ones for a very resonable price too.

I can already see many different outfits. They would look good with a blazer and boots.
details: striped shirt: H&M, cardi: Express, shorts: Weekday, tights: Urban Outfitters, sandals: Divided Exclusive

Pick the bucket!

This type of handbag is anything but new. In fact there are several vintage styles of this around atm. Chanel's bucket bag might be the most famous. I've noticed that they've made a comeback. I've seen everywhre from Urban Outfitters to ASOS to Miss Selfridge.

All of these bags are slouchy bucket styles with a drawstring. Thye seem so versatile. While they are big enough to hold everything from make-up bags to wallets, they are not too big and can easily transition from day to night and function as evening bags aswell.

Here's a selection to choose from. It's entirely up to you if you select a classic black one or a cream one with studs all over. The options are endless.

pics from: ASOS.com, urbanoutfitters.com, missselfridge.com

Zebra on the loose...

I made a pleasant discovery this morning. I went through my closet and found this dress I had almost forgotten about (I hardly wore it. At least I don't remember wearing it often). It's like going shopping in your own closet without having to spend any money.

Animal prints are still big right now so I don't have the feeling that the dress is outdated or anything. It's 100% silk from Zara. I like the A-line shape and bell sleeves. So mod. As it's too cold to just wear it like that I put over a cashmere/silk mix cardigan and suede boots.

I'm sure I'll get much more wear out of this dress now even though it's almost winter.

Did you ever find anything in your closet again that you'd already forgotten about?

fur over leather? how about yes!

Well, a leather jacket is too warm to be worn during the summer, that's for sure. But what if the fall season is already pretty cold and too cold just to wear a leather jacket over a shirt? Here's my take on the leather jacket in the fall/winter: simply wear a (faux) fur vest over it and you are good to go and sure to stay warm.

Details: leather jacket: Rick Owens, faux fur vest: Zara kid's section (from last year), striped shirt: H&M, boyfriend pants: Eryn Brinie, lace ups boots: Marc Jacobs

Ahoi!

Balmain

La Rok

Alice and Olivia

Don't we all remember the iconic chrystal-embellished admirals' jacket by Balmain that came out this spring? It was insane with all its jewells and gems but also insanely expensive retailing for almost 8,000 €. Celebs like Rihanna and Beyonce made it even more famous.

I always liked the idea of a military inspired jacket but with a twist so you can wear it for a night on a town but also during the day with a nice pair of jeans.

I found two affordable alternatives by Alice and Olivia ($550) and La Rok ($368). I actually tried on the first one when I was in New York and regretted not getting it right away because when I returned to Saks the next day it was completely sold out. I checked with the A&O store but they had sold out even months ago. So I kinda gave up the idea until I came across a similar style by La Rok. It's even a little cheaper.

While some may think this jacket is too trendy, I regard it as a timeless piece that is worth to invest in because you'll wear it with everything from denim shorts to evening dresses and for years to come.

pics: Balmain: net-a-porter.com, A+O: chickdowntown.com, La Rok: shopbop.com

What to pack... when going on a trip?

Departure time is almost there. I'm going to the Big Apple tomorrow :-) I've been there so many times but every single time I have to think about what to bring and what not again and again. I think it's good to get organized ahead of time so you don't have to worry about forgetting anything or stress out. Make a list - ficticious or real - if it helps you. I lay every single item on the bed and try out different combinations. Pack only half of what you think you need (especially if you plan on shopping). How many times have I only worn half of the content of my suitcase.

I checked the weather forecast and it's supposed to be cooler (around 18 degrees C) and rainy. That means to take any umbrella and closed shoes or booties. I know I'll be walking around a lot and although I do love my heels I pretty much only packed flats. I'll probably buy one or two nice pairs of heels anyway which I will need when we're going out. For that case I also packed some dressier pants that can easily transition from day to night and sequin leggings and skirt.

My color palette seems pretty plain ranging from heather grey to black but it will be much easier to combine the clothes that way. I took cardigans to wear over dresses for when it's a little cooler. And a must is also a trench coat. Mine is from Polo by Ralph Lauren in a dark blue color. I think every woman should own one as it's a classic and will never go out of style. It will keep me safe from the rain and also warm without being too hot and sweaty.

Shirts are of course also a must. Mine are a bit longer so I can wear over leggings. I'm not a big fan of jeans in general as they are usually too tight and squeeze my tummy but I packed one pair of plain skinny jeans by J Brand.

I'll also take my LV leopard scarf on the plane because it's always chilly with the AC on and I don't want to get sick. It's jst big enough to wear as a pashmina over the shoulders.

What's your travelling wardrobe like? Do you have a favorite piece that you always take with you on your journeys?