Two Hundred and Eighty-Three Days

Winter / spring

2012-02-17T09:10:00.001+01:00

Without trying to sound really obnoxious, I have really grown tired of all my winter clothes. That feeling like there isn't a single thing in your closet you'd like to wear, I've been having it for a couple of weeks now. This winter has been so tedious. While it hasn't been cold that much until recently, I have been wearing my tights, dresses and coats since November. That's why I am more than ready to move on to spring: wishlists have been made, shopping trips scheduled, now everything is up to the weather! These streetstyle pictures reflect how I'd like to transition from winter to spring in somewhat non-chronological order (in other words, they're basically pretty covetable). How about you? - x

P.S. I will be in Riga for the weekend with Chloé visiting our friend Sofie, who is the bestest. Time to get out the thermal underwear and hiking boots once again!

Le Shack

2012-02-12T18:40:00.001+01:00

(via NYTimes.com)

It's sort of ironical to talk about indian summers right now but I came across this article from 2011 a while ago and I could not not share it with you. Aside from the aggravating title (I can't help but roll my eyes when people add le before any random noun as if it makes the word très chic, major pet peeve), it did stick in my head for days.

First off, Jérome Dreyfuss, designer of my dream handbag, and Isabel Marant, designer of just about my dream anything, are apparently married! Obviously they are a match made by the gods from above. Secondly, they have the most adorable kid together named Tal! Awesome people tend to have awesome children as a rule. What does that make my Mom?

But the most wonderful thing that resulted from their very fortunate union is perhaps this little summer house they share somewhere in the countryside near Paris. I could muse on about the wonders of the simple life but basically what it comes down to is this: if you could think of any place where you'd love to spend your summer, a place like this probably comes to mind. I am lucky enough to have a place like this of my own right outside of Ghent city. I wrote about it a long time ago here. In these pictures, you can see Griet and Luc's garden, two of my favourite people in the world, but ours is next to theirs and the atmosphere is very similar. Only a couple of years ago, I was always very relucant to join my parents there for some improv barbeque but now I can't wait for it to be summer and spend my evenings round the fire under the stars. - x

A day in Amsterdam

2012-02-06T14:37:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, my niece, mom, grandma and I took a 5-hour train ride to Amsterdam. It probably would have saved us a lot of time had we taken the Thalys but you do sort of get the feeling as if you're in your own little novel: endless snowy fields when you look out of your window, stopping in every city: it's all terribly romantic.

Upon arrival, we explored a little before heading over to the Hermitage Museum. I had never been to Amsterdam but I knew what to expect, the infamous canals and the bikes just about everywhere. Even with this weather, people braved the snow on their bikes. I had been dreading the snow on Friday but it just made the city all the more idyllic. Besides, I wore my hiking boots. It may not have been a pretty sight to see and many UGG-wearing Dutch girls gave me the stink eye but at least my feet were warm and comfy.

After the Rubens exposition at the Hermitage, we had dinner at the Rembrandtplein and Catherine, my niece, and I decided to explore the 9 Straatjes on our own for a while. Before we had to meet up with my mom and my grandma, we grabbed coffee at Screaming Beans.

My pretty niece (can you believe she's only sixteen?) bought some great stuff at Monki and COS. I on the other hand only bought the Diana camera bag at the Lomography Store. It was on my Christmas wishlist but I got it as a little exam gift to myself. I had such a lovely day but I couldn't have been happier crawling in my bed that night, ready to sleep in for the first time in two months. - x

Aubin & Wills

2012-02-03T19:11:00.003+01:00

Aubin & Wills Spring 2012 from Aubin & Wills on Vimeo.

Today I took my final exam, which was French Lit, and now I'm ready to do absolutely nothing but read, sleep and bake for an entire week. And of course most importantly, blog! Updating just for the sake of updating seems pretty redundant when you don't really have anything to share but now that I have nothing but time on my hands this is too lovely not to share.

When I was fifteen, I used to be in awe of Irina Lazareanu (and if I'm being honest, her hair). She's absolutely stunning and 'hors catégorié' in a way. Maybe it's all the French Lit still stuck in my head at the moment but she always seemed more than a model to me.

She is featured in the Spring campaign of Aubin & Wills alongside Alex James. Irina Lazareanu + London + reto filter = I'm in. I don't know Aubin & Wills that well but the clothes are right up my alley. Honestly, so many new things have been added to my never-ending wishlist.

And I sort of miss London. Like a real tiny little ache in my heart. But I'm heading to Amsterdam tomorrow so all's well. Lots of love - x

Two thousand twelve

2011-12-28T20:53:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all the best during the holidays (or has that ship already sailed?) and in the impending new year. May all your new New Year's resolutions last longer than the ones from last year. Two thousand and twelve. 2012. Looks pretty enough in writing but God, I feel like I'm getting old. Nineteen already in July, dang.

I'm currently holed up in my room, studying and I don't think I'll update often until February. But here's to good books, Isabel Marant sweaters, great new hairdos, cross-continental roadtrips, amazing time with friends and life! I'll drink to that!

These pictures were actually taken at a lomography workshop I attended with my friend Julie. While the results weren't all too overwhelming, good or bad, I definitely learned some things. Like, what pinhole actually entails...after two years...really...true story!

Thank you for reading and commenting on this ole blog o' mine. It really means a lot - x

New in

2011-12-22T12:21:00.000+01:00

ASOS embellished dress and chunky Zara knit

Yes, it's mine. I blogged about this stunning dress in November and after it went on sale in December, I finally racked up the courage to order it. I cannot describe how beautiful it is in person. It flickers, 'nuff said! And the knitted sweater might even be a better purchase right now. I've already worn it with a very hoochy leopard skirt and cuffed black skinny jean with ankle boots since I bought it on Monday and I'll probably be living in it until February.

Jeffrey Eugenides - The Marriage Plot

I read a lot of great works this semester, from Balzac to Shakespeare and back. While I thoroughly enjoyed most of it (The Faerie Queene = no me gusta, at all), I haven't been able to read a book on my own for months now. My mom and I picked up 'The Marriage Plot' on Monday and I couldn't be happier about it. It almost trumps my new clothes. First off, I love Jeffrey Eugenides. It's about an English major at Brown in the 80s. I'm an English student!? How more perfect can things get? 'The Marriage Plot' will be my best friend during breaks of what will be non-stop revision from Saturday onwards until February. - x

More than a photo, less than a video

2011-12-16T15:56:00.000+01:00

(source)

I stumbled onto these beautiful cinemagraphs last week. Photographer Jamie Beck and visual artist Kevin Hung introduced this wonderful new form of photography in the beginning of 2011. They manage to capture stolen moments in the most nostalgic way. There is no doubt that every of these beautiful little cinemagraphs were conceived after an endless amount of preparation but that certainly doesn't lessen the magic of it all. Really, I could look at these for quite a while. Jamie Beck has a brilliant blog, From Me To You, where she features all of her cinemagraphs, photographs and travels. I myself am especially fond of her tales about her hometown Savannah. Please, someone, anyone, take me there on a roadtrip soon! - x

Plaid + prep

2011-12-11T22:28:00.000+01:00

(Plaid Zara coat and ankle boots, A.P.C. sweatshirt and vintage plaid shorts)

Channeling my inner Cher Horowitz yesterday. Finally an outfit with the single most awesome piece of clothing I have ever owned: this brilliant A.P.C. sweatshirt. I love how college prep it looks. A pair of shorts and some saddle shoes and you're good to go on summer days. But during this current pseudo-winter, double plaiding will do. Ironically, I managed to get turmeric stains on my sweater later on that day. Funny thing about turmeric stains: they don't go away. Life = bitch (at times)! One thing's fore sure, I'm never eating chicken again! - x

Wishmas

2011-12-08T09:55:00.000+01:00

Diana F+ camera bag via Urban Outfitters, A Very She & Him Christmas,

Madewell charm necklace and counting clouds hat, COS zip leather gloves

Hi there - I'm sure you all picked up on the Christmas tree analogy (of which all credit goes to Madewell) and already know what time it is: gift list time! I have never made any kind of Christmas wishlist, so I definitely feel like a special snowflake today but if I got any of these things on the 25th, I'd feel extra special. It's all very colour-coordinated and season-appropriate but that's half the fun, ain't it? If by chance, any family member would be reading this, please note that the camera bag and gloves are at the top of my Christmas list food chain hierarchy. Just thought I'd point that out...very subtly... - x

P.S. I think the title refers to a Fairly Odd Parents episode. Now that was a cartoon with educational value and philosophical wisdom!

Changes

2011-12-06T09:22:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday I redid the blog a little. A new header and some little changes here and there. It's not entirely finished and I plan on adding some pages as well, but I'd love to hear what you think of it already! I love the lay-outs over at Miss Moss, WishWishWish or 70% pure (I basically worship the ground they walk on, to be honest) but they're a bit too advanced for my skills. I'm no good at this at all but I actually quite like it. But please, any feedback, even very negative one, would be much appreciated.

My 10 am English Literature class just got cancelled and now I'm left with nothing but time on my hands.
I guess I'll just stare at this dress a little while longer in hopes of it falling in my mailbox, like, right about now. Sounds perfect! - x

The winner takes it all

2011-11-28T14:10:00.000+01:00

(via Vanessa Jackman and Turned Out, in reverse order)

ABBA nostalgia and the finest of all streetstyle blogs on a Monday. Nostalgia for many things actually. For the time that this blog felt relevant to me personally. For my former Chungesque bob. For the silk blouse that ended up with all the other laundry and now is no more. But in the end nostalgia isn't that bad when you nails are currently painted with pink glitter - x

You are the space in my bed

2011-11-20T18:20:00.001+01:00

(H&M trench coat and dress, Zara tights and wedges, A.P.C. tote bag)

This is an outfit from a few weeks ago that didn't look too good at all in hindsight (hence the very legit black and white effect). I'm wearing the Zara brogues that were on my wishlist somewhere in August. You might recognize something else off that list in a slightly different version. I did in fact buy the 'fruity sweater' from A.P.C. and I am still madly in love with it. It's brilliant and deserves a post of its own soon. The funny thing is, they also gave me the exact same bag to go with it. Of course, I don't wear them together at the same which requires careful planning as I daily use the bag for my school books. Okay, not exactly rocket science but still, it would be sort of off, wouldn't it? - x

P.S. I scored tickets for the Florence + The Machine gig in March so I'll probably be in a state of euphoria for another day or two. Let's celebrate with song titles!

Listomania

2011-11-01T21:42:00.002+01:00

(Sandro sweater, Petit Bateau marinière, Topshop Adorn boots)

I'm craving for simple things right now. Sweater, black skinny jeans, a pair of ankle boots, red lipstick and you're ready to go. I'm no pro at Parisien chic or five-piece wardrobing like Kimberley from heart in a cage (which is now sadly a little defunct) but you can never own too many breton tops, right?

I managed to cross most items off my last wishlist and I'll probably burden my sister with the task of photographer duty one of these days. Now if only those Topshop boots weren't sold out in my size...they are all delightful and snazzy but alas, a girl can't have it all.

But in the end I am a dresses girl. If I'm torn between two things I will always, and I mean always, go for the cutesy, pretty dress. And this ASOS dress is like the epitome of cutesy, whimsical and all those other adjectives people like to use to describe dresses like this. The price tag is a bummer though but something tells me I'll be indulging in a little whimsicality soon. (or probably not but I wish, as is often the case with wishlists) - x

I am tired!

2011-10-01T16:00:00.000+02:00

National Geographic

"I am tired!
I am true of heart!

And also:
You are tired!
You are true of heart!"

- Dave Eggers

I used to have this Dave Eggers quote up on my blog back in the very beginning but this one has always struck me as well. I don't know. I started my first year of university on Monday. I'm studying French and English. This entire week has been terrifying and exciting at the same time. I quite like it.

It's you, it's you, it's all for you

2011-09-16T16:01:00.000+02:00

I've got a mad love affair with Video Games and all other songs by Lana Del Rey at the moment. Lulu called her beautiful but I don't give a damn about that crazy face of hers. What a voice, that suave, sultry singing! I haven't been this excited about a song or artist in a long time. I forgot what hardcore stanning felt like (amazeballs, obviously) (of course, I will always be a hardcore Britney stan, ten years and counting) (yes, I'm not kidding) (enough with the brackets already) Listen and love - x

(Tumblr)

Nighttiming

2011-09-11T21:52:00.000+02:00

Sofie and I took these in July. Like the amateurs we are (and I will never pretend to be otherwise), we wanted to try out writing and drawing with light. I can't help but like the way they turned out. Too bad we both only got them developed after she moved away. The old sport will be living in Riga this year. When she comes back, we'll learn how to skateboard together.

How do you like these? Any Lomo experts with brilliant tips on light writing? - x

IKEA Days

2011-09-03T23:58:00.000+02:00

I started my job as a dishwasher (sounds like lots of fun and it is, aight?) at the IKEA food court here in Ghent on Thursday. It's not that bad. I mean, you have to work really hard for eight hours a day but most of my coworkers are nice (we're one big IKEA Family, okay?) and when you're on break, you can stuff your face with all the food you like. You know what I'm talking about. Svenska köttbullar, all day long. As a bonus, you're reminded why you enrolled at university on a daily basis. No, it genuinely is a nice place to work and I have immense respect for the people who do this throughout the entire year for I couldn't do that.

In my days off and even before then, I've been wearing nothing but this dress. It's quite true to the wishlist in my last post and true to how I feel like dressing as of late. Simple and sweet. From age six to twelve, I was basically covered in H&M all the time. In the last couple of years I hardly bought anything there but in the last few months alone I've picked up four items that I'm absolutely fond of. I don't know whether it's H&M stepping up its game or me being more of a thrifter/selective person but I'm thrilled!

Their pre-fall collection has all the kinds of mustard sixties frocksto woo any girl's heart but I'm content with one dress from this collection as I've still got my wishlist (minus a few changes) on my mind. I've never been so focused to stick to it as I am now. It might have helped that I saw one particular fruity A.P.C. sweatshirt in person, but, hey, what gives? - x

Wish wish wish

2011-08-20T23:56:00.000+02:00

(Zara wedges, ASOS bouclé swing dress and A.P.C. sweatshirt)

Now that I've found a job for September, I've allowed myself to make up a teeny tiny wishlist. Every year I'm suddenly craving a new Winter wardrobe halfway through August. I've got my Fall uniform all figured out: a camel coat, dark grey tights and a proper scarf (perhaps this one? Pretty please?) to keep me warm. I can already see myself running around university in cute sixties-inspired frocks but to be honest, my mind gets carried away easily. - x

Maryna Kochetyga

2011-08-11T13:26:00.000+02:00

(via maryna_kochetyga)

I don't know much about photography and the Flickr community but when pictures like these pop up on my Tumblr Dashboard, I know it's time to delve into it a tad bit. Maryna Kochetyga is, in my opinion, a very talented Ukranian photographer. I love how she combines soft colours with strong emotions and expressions. That is such a cliché thing to say but it beats my usual 'look, so very pretty'.

I'm going to Feest in het Park, a local festival Friday through Monday. I wish you all a lovely weekend - x

Feelin' goooood

2011-08-06T12:36:00.000+02:00

(Vintage Hermès scarf, my mom's denim jacket, thrifted Mango dress and Massimo Dutti ankle boots)

As you can tell from the title, I felt pretty damn good wearing this outfit yesterday. I wore my Hermès scarf for the first time. Despite all the Cartes à nouer I consulted, I'm not very good at knotting it yet but I quite liked it and I will definitely wear it again soon. I bought the Mango dress from a pretty Urban Outfitters salesgirl at a flea market here in Ghent. Best four euros every spent. I love the pleats all over and the way it flows when you wiggle around a bit. These boots are obviously the poor man's version of the Isabel Marants. They are my favourite pair of shoes as they are so comfortable and seem to go with everything, really.

Last night, my friend Celeste, Florence and I went to see 'Sous le sable' projected on a giant screen at DOKstrand, an artifical beach they created in the docks of Ghent. In September they are launching a drive-in cinema with a Grease sing-a-long programmed somewhere mid September. How cool is that?! Now, where do I find me a car by then?

Whistles

2011-08-05T09:59:00.001+02:00

Whistles sort of reminds me of Madewell, albeit the more British version. Correct me if I'm wrong but for me the analogy is as follows: slightly overpriced (or over my budget) good quality shirts, dresses and coats Yours Truly would die for. To be honest, I have never visited a Whistles store whenever I was in London so I can't really back that one up with a pinky swear. When I spotted this video for their A/W collection I quickly did the maths: hauntingly beautiful scenery + clothes to lust after and decided I had to share it with you guys. Enjoy!

Red and leopard spots

2011-08-02T13:44:00.001+02:00

(Thrifted red top, Zara denim shorts and leopard loafers)

The observant reader may be questioning my gender at this very moment. I really should have worn a belt there but aside from that one little mishap, I'm quite fond of this simple summer outfit. The weather is glorious right now after the dreariest July in history. I've got nothing planned for the day but Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami will keep me busy. Love, Lies

Sundays

2011-07-31T13:11:00.000+02:00

(COS dress, Monki parka, Swedish Hasbeens sandals, ASOS sunglasses, vintage bag and ring from Zoot)

Here are some of my Stockholm purchases in live action. The pictures turned out kind of iffy. We have this plain, basic digital camera and I have no clue how to take proper pictures but still - something's a bit off, isn't it?

I scored the parka at Monki at a major discount and I'm sure it will be my favourite coat coming Fall. The dress was a gift from my Mum. I love the stitches on top of the buttons and the neat little collar on it. It's the perfect sweet, little outfit to spend the day with my grandmother and all the aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, I hope. xoxo

Six things

2011-07-28T16:48:00.000+02:00

1. Dreamboat vintage dress at Revu

(via Miss Moss)

2. Submarine, the new 500 Days of Summer (?)

(via IMDB)

3. Ridiculously handsome teenage couple in the seventies, shot by Diane Arbus

(via Google)

4. Jeanne Damas and her Jacquemus jacket

(via Jacquemus)

5. Grinda, one of the archipelago islands around Stockholm

(via Flickr)

6. Eefje de Coninck x my undying love for The Vamoose

(via The Vamoose)

Stockholm syndrome

2011-07-25T19:04:00.001+02:00

Hejhej! I returned home from Stockholm on Friday. The four days I spent there were some of the most brilliant in my admittedly very short life as a young adult. As the Zita Swoon song goes, I feel alive in the city. Stockholm was burning, burning bright and I felt so good there. It was just me and my Mum and we had such a lovely time together. She is my supreme shopping buddy and we get along so well.

I'm no trained big city girl but the nature and peacefulness in Stockholm really caught me off guard. I could live there, really. There's just one thing that puzzled me: every Swedish girl seems to own the same pair of white Converse. Here are some of the things I brought home with me:

- a cotton candy pair of Swedish Hasbeens, shoes I've been longing for for so long now. I don't think the name's a self-fulfilling prophecy but only time can tell.
- Lula issue 12 which I read every night in Stockholm before falling asleep.
- Beyond Retro tote bag (and now I should probably go hide in shame because I have to admit I bought it only for the sake of owning it - yes, I am like that) and this amazing necklace which you can hardly see with my crazy vignette-effect that I bought at Beyond Retro a.k.a. the perfect excuse to justify buying the tote bag.

This paragraph makes no sense at all.

xoxo

I am going to Stockholm and I am taking...

2011-07-17T15:46:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow I'll be in Stockholm for my first visit ever. I've been looking forward to this for months now. Now, where should I go and what should I see? I have been making endless lists in my head but I want to know what you guys loved so much about Stockholm and maybe discover another side to Stockholm than the one I have in mind. Lots of love, Lies

Forever Young

2011-07-15T11:29:00.000+02:00

My friends and I dreamt of organizing our school prom for a good year before reality finally started kicking in. I could talk on and on about this eventful year, all the craziness surrounding the prom committee, all the deadlines, all the frustration. But in the end none of it matters anymore. We had our prom and it was amazing. It's not magical. There isn't anything remotely magical about a high school prom held at an overcrowded, dirty nightclub. But there was something magical about the night anyway. We accomplished something. It didn't hurt that I had a blast but still, we did it. Dutch readers might notice that Tony Star was our headliner. Very classy, I know. But he was actually pretty brilliant and very nice. Although, I now remember he promised to take a picture with me and never did grmbl.

So, now you may be wondering what my part in all of this was. My friends and I sort of were the creative team, if you could call it that. We came up with the concept of 'forever young'. Presenting our idea to the committee was one of the most nerve-wrecking things I ever had to do. We talked on and on about the design until we came up with the idea to make everything Polaroid-themed. The entrance ticket looked like an actual Polaroid. We looked for the ideal faces to cast for the 'shoot' and woke up on a Saturday at 6 am to get the pictures taken. We designed customized buttons for every senior at our school. We cut out a life-sized Polaroid for our photo booth. There's a lot of 'we did' in this paragraph and I'm so proud of that.

Here are some pictures of the actual night. Don't mind the pouty faces, they annoy me as well.

And that was that. I hope you all have a great day! Harry Potter, aaaah! Cannot. Compute.

Off you go, young Padawans! Wait, wasn't that another series? I kid, I kid...

Photo Booth diary

2011-07-14T20:18:00.000+02:00

Do these types of posts beat the thought of no updates at all? I'm pretty sure they don't. But as a surrogate post, you can look at me posing quite ridiculously with the help of prom props or witness how I fail at knotting the vintage Hermès scarf I received for my eighteenth birthday two weeks ago. I was in France then but I'll be in Stockholm soon. I'm beyond excited for that one.

Tomorrow: Harry Potter, Agnes Obel and Angus & Julia Stone! The weather might blow but life's good.

Endearing Erin

2011-06-23T11:25:00.002+02:00

Photos via Tales of Endearment.

I am in love with Natalie Joos and no, not necessarily in that way. She grew up where I'm still growing up, Ghent, Belgium. Fourteen years ago she packed her bags and headed for New York. Poof. This may sound a little cliché but I have immense respect for her. If you want to become someone in the fashion industry as a Belgian, she has already paved the way for you. Her website, Tales of Endearment, is pretty much the best thing out there right now for me personally.

So when Natalie Joos decided to cover Erin Fetherston's (!) vintage treasures, my love got a little out of hand. I just had to dedicate a post to it myself. Natalie Joos and Erin Fetherston are like synonyms for vintage and whimsical. Two notions your average fashion loving teenage girl, including myself, lives on.

As usual, I'm not too good with all the reviewing: basically, I could live in this place full of little treasures and fun quirks and her collection of vintage dresses is enviable to say the least. Maybe I should stop shopping at Zara for a while and get my thrift back on?

P.S. In an hour I have my final high school exam. English. Shakespeare. Lots of words, words, words. Fingers crossed!

Calgary

2011-06-06T16:49:00.000+02:00

Flower, via Tumblr.

Dulcinea II by Lita Cabellut, via Tumblr.

Natalie Joos, Tales of Endearment.

Dominique Gaucher, via Tumblr.

Lake in Austria, Park & Cube.

These photographs reflect serenity, beauty and happiness for me, the three things I want to feel and encounter on this gray Monday afternoon. My final exams start in three days and then I'll be done with high school. So basically I've been doing nothing but studying and/or baking brownies and cupcakes.

I bought pionies for my Mom and white roses for my boyfriend on the market yesterday. It's not the sort of thing I usually do but I love having fresh flowers around the house and I think my boyfriend liked them a lot.

Sorry for the rushed post and the non-cohesive paragraphs but that's life during exams, I suppose. Love.

Lomography part two

2011-05-31T17:44:00.000+02:00

Here they are, the second batch of my Lomo photos that I got developed last week. I used actual film from Lomography this time and I think you can notice a difference when you use Fujifilm for instance. Now I no longer have random pink spots on my photos. Anyone noticed that too?

Pastels

2011-05-28T12:39:00.000+02:00

Source: unknown, let me know

Now, this is supreme colour blocking to me. I know we're all supposed to dive into neon colours and wear as many as possible at once this summer, but I prefer subtle outfits like this one. Don't get me wrong, I like bold colour blocking outfits but when your local Zara has turned into a Teletubbies costume party, you know it's time to sit back and let the phase pass a little while.

Beautiful girl, beautiful smile, beautiful skirt (!) and she just nails it - the pastels.

Could I be her for just one day?

Lomography

2011-05-26T20:46:00.000+02:00

I've had my Diana F+ camera for about a year now, but I've only recently started to love taking pictures with it. I took it with me to France and to Greece, to school and on lazy Wednesdays sitting by the water.

And here are some of the results.I don't really care whether they're any good or special, they and the memories that surround them make me smile and I dearly treasure my little photos.

I'll probably do a post on the second batch in a few days. Lots of love

P.S. My lovely boyfriend pops up in a few photos. I can remember writing about our very first weeks together, almost seems so long ago now.

To Andre or not?

2011-05-22T12:04:00.001+02:00

Please help me out here. I'm still a bit uncertain about this pair of boots from ASOS. I love them and they will come in so handy next Fall but I'm still having some doubts...what's your opinion? Love

Summerproof

2011-05-14T02:52:00.000+02:00

H&M jumpsuit, hand mirror Princesse Tam Tam bikini, Zara silk shirt, H&M lace shorts, Zara leopard loafers, Zara leopard loafers

The horrible quality of this picture aside, these are some of the things I've bought lately. I'm in love with the bikini my mom got me.

Sunnies, sequel

2011-05-08T09:40:00.000+02:00

Over a month ago, I said I'd post a photo of my glorious pair of sunglasses from ASOS. Next to me is my friend Chloé, behind us you can see the gorgeous view from Nafplio, Greece. It was taken during our senior trip with school, an epic, glorious time. I'll probably have Danza Kuduro on repeat for the rest of the year. When's that reunion coming up?!

It's Mother's Day today! I have to run out and pick up some flowers for that wonderful mom of mine. Have a lovely Sunday!

Santa Monica dreaming

2011-05-04T18:09:00.003+02:00

Ph: official Facebook page

On Monday, I went to see the Stone siblings at the Royal Circus in Brussels. My expectations were pretty high but they even exceeded them. I cannot recall any concert that I've been to where the music and the musicians radiated so much genuine joy. I've been to so quite some lovely concerts, from Au Revoir Simone to Taylor Swift and back, but this one was different in a way.

For me, it was reminiscent of the one time I caught Bon Iver live three years ago. Justin Vernon left similar impressions on me (and the fact he signed my shirt didn't help my tendency to fangirl). But what's that to you? If it's your type of music and you get the chance, go see them. Julia Stone is an elfin-like goddess. Too much stage presence for her own good. Angus Stone is err...Angus. He hides behind that caveman beard but he's equally endearing. They may have come pretty far, but they're still genuine and humble musicians. I've got my tickets for July 15 booked.

Sun = sunnies

2011-03-26T10:41:00.002+01:00

After what seems like an shipping odyssey and a delivery of the wrong sunglasses, the kind people over at ASOS have shipped this precious pair my way. I've been wearing the same green oversized sunglasses since I was thirteen, time for a change. Fingers crossed.

P.S. Still no new layout. Plenty of ideas but no time to execute them.
P.P.S. Spring, don't ever leave me again. xoxo

Step one

2011-03-15T20:18:00.000+01:00

I finally got my hair cut. Blow dried to an extreme in the first picture and with a less pouty face three days later. Next up is a new layout. These updates are greatly irrelevant for you guys but it's my attempt at ending this on and off hiatus. I don't know if it's the weather but I'm suddenly excited to blog again.

Nowhere

2011-01-30T17:02:00.000+01:00

Failed attempt at witty title # 1754. I saw Somewhere at a screening in October. I had mixed feelings about the film but the overall mood that Sofia Coppola created could never disappoint. Why aren't I more like Elle Fanning? Sofia Coppola created a website that gives you an insight in the inspiration behind the film. The storyline was sort of mediocre but I could watch that trailer for hours on end.

Blogging wise, I've been out of the loop for months now. But I'm going to try to post more regularly again, for myself personally. First up's a new new, cleaner layout. Next up a new haircut, back to my bob. Due to lack of funds and inspiration, I passed winter rather dully. But as of late I'm really looking forward to Spring dressing. Let's hope this vague weather passes soon!

Back to the future

2011-01-09T13:53:00.000+01:00

So apparently it's 2011 already? Why not kick it off by posting the first outfit since October or something. I got this glorious velvet Etoile Isabel Marant dress at half price in November. My choice of shoes was rather unfortunate in hindsight so that's why there's no sign of the bottom half today.

I wish you a happy new year and many lovely things (and dresses) to come. Or is it too late for that?

A single (wo)man

2010-12-25T20:05:00.000+01:00

I watched A Single Man on Christmas Eve.

Today is a good day. It's Christmas and I received some lovely books. I bought tickets to the Angus & Julia Stone show in May. If we're referring to the title, I myself am no longer a single woman. Karma, please continue to be good to me. I wish you all a lovely Christmas.

My first crush

2010-12-12T10:54:00.000+01:00

This animated film by Julia Pott has always been my absolute favourite. I don't know, I've always thought it was incredibly endearing how she picked animal creatures to talk about their first encounters with love and heartbreak.

So apparently this is my one hundredth and yet I'm still posting the most generic stuff ever. And I still haven't come around to taking some pictures of my new Isabel Marant dress. Soon, soon, I promise but I've been so busy with my exams. But now I have to return to my books, only 7 minutes till my scheduled studying session begins. Hooray!

On the road

2010-12-05T13:50:00.000+01:00

Facehunter

I've been enamoured with this Karla Spetic skirt for a while now but now that it's starting to pop up on street style blogs, it's only getting worse. Of course it's sold out almost everywhere, as are all good things in life, but it was slightly above my budget anyway. Still, what a skirt. It's probably one of the most ingenuous pieces of clothing I've ever seen. But it's not like that's significant, coming from me.

I haven't posted in forever - literally - but I haven't really felt like it. For once, I've been too caught up in my own life. And when the weather is like this, I choose comfort and practicality. Bummer! I did score an amazing Etoile Isabel Marant dress at a sale and went to see Lady Gaga and Beach House. Good times, good times.

Tsumori Chisato x Petit Bateau

2010-11-21T11:51:00.000+01:00

As usual, I'm all sorts of late when anything remotely cool happens in the fashion industry. Add up the fact that I've been storing this posts for a weeks now and you get a recipe for disaster. Still, I felt the need to update and this baby was lying in the archives and the clothes are too good to not post, so here we are.

This amazing collaboration between Tsumori Chisato and Petit Bateau was released somewhere in October. Tsumori Chisato has been my favourite Japanese designer for a while now because her designs are chock full with bold graphic prints and life, instead of minimal and avant-garde. That's a nice change sometimes. But now, here's the downer: that dress, basically the culmination of all my childhood dress fantasies, was made for kiddies. Am I getting too old for clothes like that? Probably.

Luckily, the Interwebz helped me find the perfect alternative: these mind-boggling (yes, that's the word) graphic tights by, yes, Tsumori Chisato. They could be yours and/or mine for a mere 85 dollars. The chances that I'll ever own them are pretty slim but still, nothing will ever trump the fun of making imaginary wish lists in my head for me.

Starry eyed

2010-11-13T20:34:00.000+01:00

(source)

This awe-inspiring, breathtaking popped up on my Tumblr dashboard several times now and I am still in awe. People like to call stuff like this whimsical, but I for one will never entirely understand what one means by that. Trust me, I've googled it. I'd like to think that whoever edited this had some glitter and stars lying around and those just happened to get stuck to the pictures. Such a brilliant little touch.

This has to be one of my favourite editorials in a long time. Isn't Courtney Vogler's cotton candy hair too brilliant for words?

Wonderland

2010-11-10T14:17:00.000+01:00

tfs

I like Chloë Grace Moretz. She picks intelligent roles and has mastered the art of stringing more than two sentences together. On the other hand, she's still fun and bubbly and basically too cool for her age. Kick Ass, anyone? She also owns the Greta mary janes by Topshop. Respect, sister.

I've been to busy studying, sleeping, being in love, receiving pretty cards from nice boys and trying to plan an unforgettable plan to update.

(source)

I just ordered myself a copy of Fifi Lapin's style guide, 'What Shall I Wear Today? Style Secrets of a Furry Fashionista'. Let's hope it will arrive soon! Bisous!

Spring in Paris

2010-11-06T22:32:00.000+01:00

It's not even Winter yet and I'm already thinking of outfits for those very first days of Spring. I'm sure you can bring to mind that feeling after a long and tiresome winter, when you walk out into those first genuine rays of sunlight. If I could pick a place for that moment right now, it'd be somewhere in Paris. I'd take the subway to a remote, quiet park and just sit there. I'd probably need a jumper but after a while I'd be relishing in the sunlight. I'd bring one of my favourite novel, for what better time is there to reread those much-loved novels than Spring, when everthing is born again. Sounds like quite a lovely day, indeed.

London calling

2010-10-31T10:14:00.001+01:00

Source: Google

Today I am leaving for my absolute favourite city in the world (thusfar, I may add). My dear grandmother is taking me there for my fourth time. Since I'm going with my grandmother, the only things I'm packing are sensible and warm things: my A.P.C. wool coat, cotton dresses, knits and most importantly, no heels.

I have been making a to do-list for a couple of days now. Which museums this time? Do I want to see the changing of the guards again? Will my grandma dig the Tate Modern? There are so many things that one has to keep in consideration. She has explicitly told me that we won't be doing a lot of shopping, but Topshop is non-negotiable. If you go to London but not to Topshop in Oxford Circus, which is like the mothership, you might as well not go to London at all. That's not very true, but you get what I'm aiming at. Still, I'm not giving up and I've made up lists of all the other cute stores I have to visit this time.

I plan on taking home:

- one copy of the new issue of Lula
- a box of macarons at Ladurée
- gifts for my sister, mom and friends
- a Topshop jumper
- a pleated leather skirt by Zara

That's about it. I don't plan on raiding Topshop and bringing back tons of dresses, but I'd rather bring back a lot of lovely gifts for all the lovely people in my life. I'll see you in a couple of days! To all the Belgian girls who are still in high school like me, enjoy your Autumn break! xoxo

Serious style crush: The time is grey

2010-10-30T19:23:00.001+02:00

(source)

I'm not quite sure who this girl is but she looks like a grown up version of Sarah Crewe. By that I mean, cute, classy, girly and whimsical, all in one. Basically the perfect girl for some Saturday evening inspiration.

Greta

2010-10-25T18:24:00.000+02:00

I ordered these babies yesterday and am currently anxiously awaiting their arrival. Let's hope they arrive before I leave for London on Monday. You're probably contemplating the use of ordering them online when you could have waited a week to actually try them on at the store. I just had one of these moments. Just had to press the 'Add to basket' button.

Peace out and à bientôt!

Vanity

2010-10-23T17:47:00.000+02:00

Now what do you know. Yours Truly in a magazine. Okay, it's not Lula or Vogue, not even close. It's this week's issue of Flair, probably one of the most read womens magazines in Belgium. I went to Antwerp three weeks ago and they came up to me while I was shopping. I was all flabbergasted but they managed to take a pretty decent picture of my face, given the circumstances. Another funny thing: I actually know the woman next to me in person, what a coincidence.

Apparently I also have to mob my floor more often. But that's an entirely different thing. xoxo

Tenuousness

2010-10-16T16:58:00.001+02:00

(Vintage Scapa coat, COS dress, Modcloth ring and Deena & Ozzy ankle boots)

Whenever I get tired of my own closet (which happens on average about three times a week), I can resort to my mom's closet. In this case, both the dress and the coat are hers. We scored the Scapa coat in Antwerp a couple of weeks back. It has this small houndstooth pattern on it and it's just too pretty. Sadly, I have to keep telling myself it ain't mine.

It's mid October and even my prettiest winter coats aren't keeping me warm, good heavens! What's up with that? I'm going to Normandy with school next week. Will I have to pack moonboots by that time? Let's hope not! Now I'm going to listen to some pretty music and write a dissertation on in-vitro fertilisation. Don't you just love school!

Le Mont St Michel ♥ Das Pop

2010-10-12T17:36:00.000+02:00

Le mont Saint michel fall winter 2010 from adeline mai on Vimeo.

This is what happens when a fine French label teams up with an average Belgian band. Luckily, the frontman himself dresses rather phenomenally. And he's the one who helped design Le Mont St Michel's first male clothing line. You've probably heard about the launch already, but the video is full of hot boys, übercool French chicks and retro-coloured goodness.

I have a ton of homework and I think I might have lost my star connector ring. Pause for an exasperated sigh. I'm actually quite sad about the ring. Good thing it's True Blood Marathon Tuesday!

Where's the outrage?!

2010-10-09T12:40:00.000+02:00

Source: Studded Hearts, Souvenirs, MoMu

Today I feel like this, if that makes any sense at all.

Oh, Alexa

2010-10-06T21:22:00.000+02:00

Carolines mode, Stockholm Streetstyle

Just when you start to think she might have lost it, girl walks out in an outfit like this. I, for one, will never get over those Chanel shoes.

Yesterday

2010-10-05T20:12:00.000+02:00

...I looked like this.

(COS clownesque shirt, Zara striped blazer, BDG cigarette jeans and Deena & Ozzy ankle boots)

Here you go, photographic evidence of me wearing lipstick, for those who were wondering, it's called Retro Matte Ruby Woo. Quite fancy, right? My stepdad remarked I sort of looked like a pierrot, with the clown collar and the lipstick. No hard feelings. A little boy made the exact same remark but I guess that's just men, right?

I'm wearing a pair of suede ankle boots I got at Urban Outfitters at the end of August. I love them but I definitely wouldn't recommend them to anyone, as the tassels loosen and unwind pretty easily.

And I'm off again, it's True Blood Marathon Tuesday. Kidding, I just made that up. See you soon!

A gift from and to me

2010-10-04T17:12:00.000+02:00

On Saturday and today I splurged a little on stuff I didn't need. No, I did not get an A.P.C. bag but it came with the dress that I'll show you later this week. I tried on the Madras one I showed you a couple of weeks ago but they no longer had it in my size and it didn't give me the luxurious feel you expect when you're spending money that you shouldn't be spending. So I bought a straight plaid cotton dress instead.

Then I hit the M.A.C. store today and left with a gorgeous red lipstick and a concealer. I used to be all make-up free but that's changing at a rapid pace. I've never worn lipstick and it makes me feel all awkward when I move my mouth but I love it, the texture is really creamy and it doesn't wear off too quickly. Although, I could probably use a new layer, since I just drank about a gallon of Nesquik...

A bientôt,

Lies

Playing favourites

2010-10-03T19:50:00.002+02:00

Rochas S/S11

Jonathan Saunder S/S11

When fashion month comes around, you're bound to love too many shows to even remember. But there are always those shows that you fall instantly in love with. Jonathan Saunders was my man in London and for now, Rochas has been the best thing to come out of Paris. Rochas was often all boxy and loose fitting, but the stunning colour palette and florals prints turned every single look into something I'd love to own. And talking about colours, Jonathan Saunders was spot on, definitely with the button-up shirts. No throwbacks to past eras, no exploration of the woman's masculine side, only gorgeous dresses for gorgeous women. I was also a big fan of Dries but he deserves a post of its own, actually, anyone who uses ombré effect does in my book.

In other news, I went to Antwerp this weekend and attended the Stephen Jones exhibition which was amazing but not too overwhelming. I also got myself a little present and some other exciting stuff happened on which I will elaborate further tomorrow.

Have a great Sunday night, my dearest readers. I have to go babysitting and perhaps I'll watch an episode of True Blood afterwards. It's my latest obsession and it definitely one-ups the Twilight Saga big time. I love me some Vampire Bill and Sookeh Stackhouse. Who else watches True Blood here?

P.S. Follow and I'll love you forever. I try not to, but I really want to hit one hundred followers...

Yours truly,

Lies

L'amour fou

2010-09-27T22:09:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow, I'm going to see Yves Saint Laurent - L'Amour Fou, the documentary about the legendary designer, narrated by his lifelong partner, Pierre Bergé. To me, this is a rare insight in the life of of someone who has left us such a legacy. If it hadn't been for him, pantsuits and safari jackets wouldn't have such iconic pieces. One might even say we as women wouldn't have been the same. I'm obviously not an expert, but I'm indescribably excited to get a glimpse of his life, from his time at Dior to his retirement, up until the sale of his estate. Watching this trailer already sends shudders down my spine, the actual movie will obviously be off the hook.

And so I leave you for tonight. I'm terribly out of the loop. I'm way behind on other blogs and even my own one, that's starting to die a slow death. I don't particularly mind. Lots of love, Lies.

I'd rather be a forest than a street. Yes, I would. If I could, I surely would.

2010-09-22T21:24:00.003+02:00

(Dress bought at Topshop, Rules by Mary jacket, Zara brogues, Arctic Monkeys tote, assorted rings and necklace on loan)

So what do you now, today I happened to be wearing the same dress as in the pictures I posted earlier. A little boring, I reckon. I bought it at Topshop in London almost two years ago now. It's not by Topshop though, I remember that it was fashion week and they featured a lot of smaller London labels and designers on the ground floor. This one's Ci Ci or something, I believe. Look at the details of my necklace below, all these precious little charms, pretty amazing right? I borrowed it from a friend of my mom who has the most jaw-dropping closet you have ever seen. It's not entirely filled with designer items. She's one of those people who just has an eye for details and quirky things, who spots the real gems at dingy fleamarkets from miles away. For instance, she also leant me a navy cardigan with pencil sharpener buttons! Yes, pencil sharpeners! My life is complete.

P.S. Vote for me here and I will love you forever. Just fill in 'Lies Verboven'. Thanks a lot!

Please vote for me :)

2010-09-22T15:49:00.000+02:00

It would mean the world to me if you could vote for me in the Elle It Girl by Mango contest. I sent in two pictures and they chose the second one to feature on their website, in rather horribly quality for some reason. I took them with my mom last week when I was ill so that explains the face.

Anyways, how can you vote for me? This is probably mainly aimed at my Belgian and Dutch readers.
Go to the Elle It Girl page and click on 'Quizz mee'. Next you have to enter my name: Lies Verboven.
If you want to have a look at all the contestants, go ahead, I'm nr. 111. Then you have to fill in some personal information, and voilà, I'll be sending you cupcakes, love and rainbows through telepathic communication.

Dus, voor de Nederlandstalige lezers, ik zou het echt super vinden moesten jullie stemmen. Of niet, maakt niet uit. Ik verwacht niet dat ik win, als ik zo eens naar alle andere deelnemers kijk maar het is zeker een poging waard, niet?

Please, please do vote and lots of love! Lies

What I'd wear today

2010-09-19T12:15:00.002+02:00

Etoile Isabel Marant Baki jacket, A.P.C. Madras embroidered dress, suede flats and cable knit tights, The Cambridge Satchel Company red bag, Linda Farrow Luxe sunglasses

I might not be used to the chilliness yet, but autumn is definitely kicking in and as many others, I'm so excited for warm coats, knits and cosy scarves. This is definitely the perfect outfit for this time of the year, very cute and girly. I actually tried on the Etoile jacket and it was sort of heartbreaking to leave it hanging there at the store, but when I reasoned how many reasonably priced dresses and shoes I could buy with this one coat, I couldn't buy it. My mom's disapproving glare when I informed her of the price might've also been a factor. Alas, all's forgotten but I still dream of this coat sometimes. Who knows what the sales in January have in store for us? No pun intended with the 'in store'.

Now I have to focus on Latin verb morphology. Have a great Sunday, dear readers.

P.S. So apparently the US Urban Outfitters ships to Europe now? Hooray! Who's with me?
P.P.S. I love love love what I've seen of LFW. Even Henry Holland was quite bear- and wearable :)

New York, I love you (a little bit) part 2

2010-09-18T20:06:00.003+02:00

Et voilà! Jill Stuart was, in my opinion, perfection in its entirety as cohesive a collection. The clothes and shoes are just beautiful, no other words needed, and stuff I'd throw on any minute, for a fancy outing of course. Karen Walker never disappoints me with her quirky but traditional prints-infused design.

New York, I love you (a little bit) part 1

2010-09-18T17:42:00.000+02:00

Two of my favourites from NYFW. I'm so behind on everything: absent-mindedly browsing through style.com, saving dozens of pictures and making them into crappy collages, but this is the first batch from the New York collections that I liked. Coming up are Jill Stuart, Chris Benz, Vena Cava, Cynthia Rowley and Karen Walker.

I'm not good at reviewing collections. To be honest, I don't really have an opinion on colour schemes, cuts and patterns. I know what I like and I save it to my hard drive. The prettier, the better. Some things that I do know are: Rodarte and Marc Jacobs were a letdown, so was Erin Fetherston. I miss her Zooey Deschanel-aesthetic.

I guess I'll continue dabbling in Photoshop a little before I go to the Ode Gand festival tonight. Music in open air and fireworks by the water, count me in.

Diana F+ summer memories

2010-09-11T15:15:00.000+02:00

I just got my first roll of film shot with my Diana F+ developed. *huge smiley face* *apparently I'm one of those people who use asterisks to express their feelings* As always, I was putting this off but I'm so glad that I finally got off my lazy ass, thanks to a kind reminder by the lovely Fauve. I'm quite pleased with the overall result although I obviously went a little crazy with the multiple exposures. They're probably complete rubbish but the Diana F+, or the analogue feeling gives them an undeniable charm.

I took all of them while I was in Italy in July and around my hometown, Ghent. That's why basically every single person in these is family. Pictured are my mom, my brother Jan, my step dad and my step siblings Maur and Louisa. That's such a negative word because I love them all equally, more or less...

Although it looks like I'm sort of friendless (which is, in a way, sort of the case), I just haven't taken my camera with me when I met with them. I'd feel like a little douchebag. But, my next roll will be filled with joy, rainbows and cupcakes for sure.

P.S. Check out this supersweet post that Marie of Ruinée mais stylée wrote about me. I actually squealed with joy when I read it. No one has ever written anything about my blog so this basically made my day. I feel so honoured to be even considered. Thank you, thank you, chère Marie!

Sailor at heart

2010-09-08T18:27:00.001+02:00

( Topshop wool coat, Zara dress and loafers, ASOS tights, vintage belt and ring)

As many of you probably are, I've been in love with all things nautical for a couple of years now. It began with a vintage wool sailor top thingie, followed by some others, many striped tees, bows and necklaces with anchors and even one of those typical yellow raincoats, of course with an anchor emblem. This coat easily surpasses all the aforementioned things, it truly is the cherry on the cake. Or pile of items. You get what I'm saying.

Fun fact: my brother is actually studying nautical sciences, in hope of becoming a captain one day. He gets to wear a uniform every day and this magnificent Number One uniform and navy cap to oral exams. What a lucky bastard. When he graduates, I'll wear a fully nautical themed outfit, that's for sure. He'll just have to stand the embarassment :)

Now I'm off. Revision for my French test tomorrow. The weather has been quite dreary here today so let's hope tomorrow will contain a lot of sunshine and lollipops. Skip that last one and eat an apple instead. Lots of love, as usual.

Hair- and papercuts

2010-09-04T15:18:00.000+02:00

Thumbs up for my hairdresser, hooray! I have to admit that I arrived there prepared, armed with a documentation folder full of Alexa pictures. It's basically just a bob but I like it so it deserves a nicer name, like 'the Alexa'. Bad suggestion...anyways! Moving on :)

I've spent today buying school supplies and using our Label Maker to label binder tabs (lol). I picked up the new issue of POP. Such an amazing read and I have only barely glanced through it. A lot of late picture and article analyzing will ensue... I've been a Britney Spears fan ever since I was eight years old or something so of course, that's an added little bonus! Those supercool stickers on the inside will be used on many of my school books, thank you POP!

Now I'm off to the library, business and pleasure. I'm going to pick up Norwegian Wood, which I've never read and get a jumpstart on all my reading assignments for the year. Cicero or Caligula, anyone?

The Graduate

2010-09-03T19:18:00.001+02:00

I watched The Graduate last night. Can you believe I had never ever seen this movie in my entire life? Boy, did I miss out on something all these years. Dustin Hoffman is hilarious, so are his parents. I got so much secondhand emabarassment from those two. To be honest, Mrs. Robinson really scared me. On the contrary, I was completely charmed by the delightful Elaine Robinson.

She is quite a style icon in her own right. I was enamoured with her wardrobe choices all through the movie. Her style is very laidback and fresh, very age appropriate. Typing this practically sends shudders down my spine but it's true, and meant entirely postively. While her mother dresses with an ulterior move, all made up, Elaine her style oozes youth and freshness. I wish I could pull off those awesome camel coats and turtlenecks she sports throughtout the movie. Let's have a look, shall we...

(image source)

P.S. I got a haircut and I love the way it turned out. Very Alexa Chung 2008 but it actually suits me, surprise, surprise! Pictures tomorrow

P.P.S. Senior year is not yet living up to my expectations :(

New layout

2010-08-29T23:58:00.000+02:00

I slightly altered the layout because I was really tired of the old one. Improvement or not? Is it better or worse? Please tell me. If you think that anything could be improved, really, don't hesitate to comment. I like to keep things simple but perhaps it's a bit too bland now. I don't know... I want to improve this blog but I don't know how. I'm not inspired enough to improve its content and as far as outfit shots go, I don't see those evolving in the future. We'll see :)

I'll leave you with a song that makes me happy. I'm sort of excited that school's almost back on. I'm a much better person with some more order and regularity in my life. Good night!

New order

2010-08-26T12:26:00.000+02:00

A turquoise ring and a star connector ring by Jutka & Riska and initial earrings by Urban Outfitters.

You might have seen the connector ring on the fabulous Lore of Lore's Fashion. The jewellery stand is a gift for a friend lol, but I thought it would come in handy for these pictures.

This amazing clownesque shirt by COS.

Deena & Ozzy suede ankle boots. I have been looking for a pair like this for a while now and these

are just utterly perfect (although you can't really tell by the crappy lighting).

After being in shoe limbo for what seemed like forever, I have already bought three new pairs in less than three weeks. Strange. Now I have to go mend my failed cheesecake. First time trying out a new recipe is always stressful, but today it was just fatal. No dessert for tonight's dinner party, I guess. Well, better luck nex time....talk to you soon xo

Fragments

2010-08-25T22:10:00.000+02:00

This last week I got a pair of loafers as a gift from my mom, I - or, if I'm honest, my stepdad - finally finished my diy birdcage and I stocked up on some magazines. Alexa is looking all glum and pale because I used her as a mouse pad and discovered too late that you shouldn't use magazines as mouse pads. And so a ongtime mystery was solved as I had noticed the same thing on several of my books, coincidentally also used as temporary mouse pads. Listen carefully, kids, books are not to be used as mouse pads!

I also went swimming at the lake with my little sister, went to see Inception with friends (and I want - no, have - to see it again), ate a lot of cheese cake, reread Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close and did many other little insignificant things.

As for today, I went shopping in Antwerp with my friend Sofie and we both went on a little spending spree. I'll dwell on all my purchases and the lovely time I had tomorrow, I'm rather tired now. xoxo

Sessùn AW10 Lookbook

2010-08-21T17:28:00.000+02:00

I've been sort of MIA lately but hey, here's a little update. I've been window shopping a lot lately, making little lists in my head of how many dresses, shoes, wonderful knits and coats I can afford when my paycheck arrives. I have such a list for ASOS, Topshop, Zara. My dream purchases are this too amazing for words coat by Isabel Marant and a pair of suede boots by Madewell.

But, moving along to the point! Today I went for a short window shopping session with my little sister and I spotted the new Sessùn collection at Cream. Although it's usually not entirely my cup of tea, Sessùn always has a very lovely and affordable - well, not in my budget but everything's relative, right - collection. Especially they seem to be spot on when it comes to this fall's trends. You could basically buy your entire fall wardrobe at their store. I might have to add a new wish list to my imaginary catalogue of wishlists..

Yesterday I finished working. My colleague Frank was also going on summer leave, so he brought along a bottle of champagne to celebrate his and my last day at the office. We all drank the champagne from paper cup - hey, Death Cab song reference - and had an allround great time. I have said it before but these people, so different on so many levels, were some of the most lovely people I've ever had the privilege to associate with and I will miss them dearly.

Tonight I'm going to see Inception, is it as good as people say it is? Let's hope so!

I hope that you will too have a lovely Saturday evening!

143

2010-08-16T14:29:00.002+02:00

My mom is in France for the week and she took the camera with her so I had to resort to other ways to show you my outfits. Enjoy this clip of me being all clumsy and making a fool of myself. I think it's rather funny.

The upside of her absence is the fact that I get a chance to try on some of her shoes. When the cat's away, the mice will play and all that. Like these slightly massively whorish boots. They look fine on her but on me, they again look very inappopriate. Might have something to do with those knee highs, huh? Don't worry, I only wore them to take my dog out for a walk in a nearby park so no creepy pedo stares this time.

And Cody Simpson playing in the background? I just can't help it, I'm sorry. Future voice of a generation. Move over, Biebs.

And mommm, if you would read this, don't worry, I didn't wear them for long. I promise I usually never wear your shoes behind your back. jk jk

Sunday blues

2010-08-15T12:38:00.000+02:00

(source)

I'm not feeling very well today. I just drank gallons of tomato soup and I'll guess that I'll just rest and watch silly movies for the day. Any suggestions?

After that I'm going to reply to some unanswered comments because they're all so very sweet. Thank you so much and have a wonderful Sunday!

Etsy finds: tapestry bags

2010-08-12T15:21:00.000+02:00

(Liebemarlene, Karla's Closet)

For a while now I've been looking for the perfect floral tapestry bag. The perfect ones are pictured above. Given the opportunity, I'd snatch these two purses right away. Not really, but these examples definitely are the starting point for all my Etsy searches. So far I've come up with these four favourites.

(Eras, CecilandCo, Fancy Lucky Vintage and Persephone Vintage)

And whilst we're at it, browsing Etsy pages and all, I wouldn't mind these two absolutely divine pairs, handmade by Goldenponies.

Now I have to get going, it's time to leave for work. Another couple of hours cleaning offices and dusting off ugly cow figurines, hooray. Luckily my colleagues are the most cordial and wonderful people you'll ever meet. Have a nice day!xo

Look up if you like me

2010-08-10T21:32:00.000+02:00

(Camilla Norback dress, thrifted belt, my mom's necklace and Zara shoes)

So this is what I wore today, more or less. I changed into something a bit more comfortable for work. I'm rather tired and I really don't have anything cute or interesting to say other than that my dress looks rather odd in that last picture. And I need a haircut! Posing like Quasimodo isn't flattering! And so the list goes on...self-conscious rambling with exclamation marks of outrage.

Tomorrow my brother returns from India so I have to get up at six to go get him at the airport. Eating chocolate in front of the tv and then straight to bed sounds like a great plan! xo

Born free

2010-08-07T20:27:00.000+02:00

Say hello to my first new pair of shoes since March (!) from Zara.

I saw the phenomenal M.I.A. live in concert last night. What a woman!

Hearts attack

2010-08-04T14:31:00.000+02:00

My ASOS order, these supercool heart suspender tights, arrived on Monday and today I put them on for the first time. I love them but even though they make me feel very inappropriate. Still, with the right dress, a cute winter coat and some Mary Jane flats, I think these tights will look fantastic.

I'm a self machine

2010-08-01T15:36:00.068+02:00

Some inspiring pictures on this dull and grey Monday morning. Please click through for the original sources. Self Machine is definitely my jam of the moment, amongst all the pretty cool new music that Corline recommended to me. I'm now once again up to date with my indie hipster music. Hooray.

Thank you for all your supersweet comments on my last post. They really brightened up my day.
And also a big thanks for everyone who's following, 71 is a pretty big number in my eyes.

Today is my first day of work. Pause for anxious squeal. Enjoy these pretty pictures, I'll see you tomorrow with a brand new outfit post!

Alas I cannot swim

2010-07-30T13:42:00.000+02:00

(Turnover blazer, COS tank top and skirt and Essentiel strappy heels)

Before I decided to wear this tank top for the umptieth time, I tried on two other combinations. Both were greeted with a definite 'no' from my mom and sister. The rejects were the black silk Dries Van Noten blouse that I scored in June ("Too winter-y") and a denim shirt ("Just plain ugly!") from Zara. I really liked how both looked but I guess I'm too scared to take some more risks when it comes to dressing up. Hence, skirt and tank top for today. Yawn.

Interesting fact of the day: when you look at my knees in the third picture, they sort of look like little faces. My friend Sofie and I used to hold knee conversations during gym class. I'm not kidding. Doesn't that sound like an awesome GIF in the making?

Those Opening Ceremony boots in the sidebar? A girl can dream.

Monki World

2010-07-28T14:28:00.000+02:00

There's a slight slight chance that I might be going to Amsterdam at the end of August. As you all probably know, Monki is opening up a store there in that same period. My overeager self couldn't help but make a list of all the things I'd love to buy, if I were to go to Amsterdam and the Monki store would've already opened by a stroke of luck. Sadly the two things I want the most, the black dress and the leopard coat only arrive in stores in September. Still, I'd love to finally see some of this fine Swedish export in person.

I ordered a pair of snazzy tights on ASOS, prompted by this post on Bonsai in a bug's world. That will keep me satisfied for a while. My birdcage diy project isn't finished yet, I'm in a tragic state of lethargy!

I hope you all have a great Wednedsay..

The Greatest

2010-07-26T15:30:00.000+02:00

( Vintage dress and Zara sandals)

When I think of my ultimate all-time undefeated favourite dress, this one immediately springs to mind. It's positively the most gorgeous vintage dress I've ever acquired for the reason that it feels so very right now. It has been mine for more than two years now, bought for the purpose of wearing it to prom. You might think that it's not very prom-like but I'm not very prom-like either. And it's not like prom is anything more than a glorified party where everyone dry humps in a suit and tie. Obviously I attend every year. So yeah, that was an attempted joke, dry humping and the like really scares me.

Back to my whole philosophical talk about the ultimate dress, I sort of lost track again. I wish I could write as eloquently on this topic as, for example, Madelene from Le Portillon. She creates an entire philosophy behind the act of dressing. I'm probably too much of a simpleton. I devour her words and get lost in the world that she creates with those words but when it comes down to it, a dress to me is just a dress.

That's it for today's ramblings. I need a haircut. Again. Tomorrow I'm going to turn a birdcage into a modified birdcage lampshade, a diy project that has been long in the making. So basically I'm going to add a lightbulb to the whole ordeal but it sound cooler that way, don't you think?

It's been a while since I thanked everyone who comments, follows or visits this blog. I'm not going to call you my 'readers' or 'lovelies' but I sort of love you for taking the time do to this. The next post will be about my diy adventures, I guess.

Peter Pan

2010-07-24T18:34:00.000+02:00

(tba dress, thrifted jacket and Topshop oxfords)

Today I wore my tba dress and this amazing jacket that I thrifted. I still have to take it to my seamstress because it's a obviously a tad bit oversized at the moment, and not in the good way. These pictures definitely don't do it justice, so expect an outfit repeat somewhere in October - with tights! I miss those.

I haven't taken too many pictures with my Diana, other than cheesy snapshots of pink Vespas and the like in Italy but still, every time I pull down the lever, my heart flutters a bit. Needless to say, I'm very excited about the outcome of all this lomo fun.

Seventeen and going nowhere

2010-07-23T01:31:00.000+02:00

As you can tell from today's title I'm having a little existential crisis today. This is what I wore to meet up with my friend Julie. We went to the Gentse Feesten, a ten day long festival here in my city. It's full of little festivals, street theatres, public drunkenness and Dutch tourists. As I live in the middle of all of this, I sort of have a love-hate relationship with the Feesten.

Anyways, only fragments of my outfit but you can imagine what I looked like, can't you? The jacket's by Rules by Mary, shirt by Zara, jeans by H&M, the rings are from all over the place and I've been wearing those Converse since I was twelve. Good night!

I feel old. But not very wise.

2010-07-21T14:45:00.000+02:00

Yesterday night I suddenly got the stomach flu. I'm feeling a lot better now but I spent all of yesterday lying on the couch with a - literally - empty stomach in severe pain. To take my mind off things, I watched 'An Education' with my mom.

What a stunning piece of cinema. The movie in itself is almost hauntingly beautiful. Those clothes, the interiors, the setting. If you ever wanted to live in the early sixties, watching this movie will only make that desire worse. The oh so lovely Carey Mulligan portrays the saucy little Jenny perfectly. The story was beautiful, even though I wasn't very crazy about David from the beginning, and it has a nice little moral in it after all. Not that we care much about such things, do we, but like The Duchess from Alice in Wonderland said, everything's got a moral, if only you can find it. To be honest, and this is sort of spoilerish so stop reading if you still need to watch it, it seems highly unlikely that she gets into Oxford after everything. But I'm not complaining, I love a good happy ending. I'm going to take a long bath and shoo off the last remnants of my stomach flu.xo

Olivia

2010-07-17T19:35:00.000+02:00

Today I bought this amazing ivory lace jacket by the Swedish label Rules by Mary after eyeing it for the last three months or so. It even has a name, how much more perfect can a piece of clothing get?

It seems that I can't stop buying pretty dresses, leading to the point that I'm buying things with the money that I'll earn in September, mommy gets to play Visa card, much to her dismay. Yes, I got the job I applied for before I left. I'll be cleaning offices and toilets for a couple of weeks. Not the most glamorous job but I wanted work (read: money) and I wasn't in any position to be picky.

Italy was dream. We went camping in Le Marche and stayed at Podere Sei Poorte, which is basically a Dutch enclave. The only people there were from Holland. You can imagine the mood when Holland lost the World Cup final, I mean, even I was teary-eyed. Still, you got to give credit where credit is due, the Dutch do it best when it comes to campings. I also sort of had a major crush on a very pretty Dutch boy who was my age but due to my shyness I never progressed much further than "Hey, how are you?". I'm still a little blue about all of it, but alas, it's my own damn fault. And why do I think that any one wants to read about this stuff? Okay, topic closed. I'm excited to do some outfit posts with all my new things. Talk to you soon xo

Wishful thinking

2010-07-07T14:24:00.031+02:00

This was actually supposed to be a scheduled post but since it didn't appear I might publish it now.
A little wishlist of neutral colours goodness.

All that glitters is not gold

2010-07-04T18:27:00.006+02:00

Véronique Leroy bold gold dipped necklaces, Drizzy, pastel hair, Illuminati

I like, I like.
Sources: Studded Hearts, Zanita, Tumblr, Fashion Gone Rogue, style.com

Seventeen

2010-07-01T18:24:00.000+02:00

I went shopping in Antwerp today and returned with these babies. I'm sorry for the crappy quality but my mother took the camera to Italy, so PhotoBooth was the best I could do. I actually had a pretty hard time trying to get them into the picture, whilst trying to keep my MacBook in balance. Anyways, I'm totally in love. I had wanted the tba dress since February and that sequined dress is the one I was all mopey about just a little while ago. Both were reduced to a rather nice price and I just couldn't resist.

I didn't buy anything else. I tried out these insane Zara wedges but they were just too high. Not in an age appropriate-way, they were just too high. I wouldn't get enough wear out of them, meaning I wouldn't wear them at school. I don't want to spend money on shoes that are to die for (and they were, in fact, to die for) but that are soon collecting dust in my improvised shoe closet, also known as my ladder.

If you'll excuse me, I'm going to Mad Men Myself for a moment. I'll see you back somewhere mid July, I scheduled some posts but not many (read: two) Enjoy your summer!

Birthday presents

2010-06-29T10:07:00.000+02:00

So here are all of the presents that I got from my friends on Wednesday. Almost none of them read (or know) about this blog, but thanks again so much! I just love all of them. They're perfect for me. I got amazing books like Taschen's London and The Girls' Book: How to be the best at everything. In an completely different direction, I also got pencils with little animals on it, or a facial mask. Or a supercute umbrella with a matching something (can't come up with the name). So thank you, thank you! I love you girls!

Why don't I show you some pictures of the party - or more befitting, small-scale gathering - while I'm at it? Now there's a good idea.

Not exactly a raver, am I right! I have to be going now. I'm so excited for the sales that start on Thursday. I counted all of my coins and made wishlists in my head whilst browsings the websites of COS and Urban Outfitters, my main targets during sales season. Maybe there's a happy end for me and my black sequin dress after all. Only time can tell. I also have a job interview on Thursday, fingers crossed! xo

I want to be seen with a fresh pair of eyes

2010-06-26T15:15:00.000+02:00

(Thrifted skirt, Turnover cardigan, COS tank, Zara sandals, ring and necklace: gift) - photos by Louisa Derycke

After two weeks of what seemed to be this High School Musical scene on repeat, these past three days passed with the speed of lightning. Between holding an early birthday party, going swimming at the lake, attending prom and being miserable the day after, there wasn't a lot of time to update.

Who wants to dress up fancy when it's excruciatingly hot during the day? I know I don't. My outfits are usually pretty basic and this one definitely isn't an exception. I am madly in love with my new ring that I got as a present from my dear friend, Julie. It's a strawberry cake. On a ring. I mean, what else could one ask for? My little giraffe friend was also a gift, this time from Heleen. We've been inseperable since Wednesday. I got so many supercool presents. Now I remember why I used to hold birthday parties in the first place. I'm going to take pictures of all of them and do a post on it tomorrow.

Doesn't my little sister look supercute in her shorts from Zara? Those legs! It's a sad thing that we don't share the same genes. Now I have to see a man about a horse. Always wanted to use that one in a sentence. Have a great day!

An ode to...I'm actually not quite sure

2010-06-19T23:33:00.000+02:00

(source)

I had never actually visited Kennedy's blog, 'Lay me in some tall grass; let me do my thing', when this picture popped on to my Tumblr dashboard, but I'm pretty sure that from now on, I'll be checking it out daily. This outfit sums up basically everything that I aspire to dress like. Thrifted items, like that gorgeous jacket, combined with fresh, new elements like the bright tights.

I'm obviously never going to pull off the Swedish blogger-look. Shoes like the Acne Atacoma's will never look good on me. But as Regina Spektor says (again with all the references), it's all right, it's all right. That's just not me. But all of the vintage dresses that I own also don't feel like me anymore. They feel sort of dated and one-dimensional now.

Lately I've been scoring some amazing things at thrift stores and less typical vintage dresses. I'm trying to reach some kind of conclusion here, but as I type, I'm under the impression that there isn't really any conclusion. This post is basically a love letter to an outfit. I guess that now you can conclude that I've completely lost it.

What I'm trying to say is that my approach to dressing (up) has changed entirely lately. I'm trying (and failing) to dress a bit more creatively and to buy things that are a bit more versatile. Just my regular Saturday night musings. Probably more something to write to my good friend 'Diary', but since I don't own a diary or anything of that sort, it ended up here. Thanks for reading and I'm sorry for the high nonsense level. Sleep tight! x

Almost, but not quite six things

2010-06-18T23:27:00.001+02:00

I wish my tights and/or hosiery store looks like this. Including the Miu Miu socks. (source)

Moments of mother-daughter dressing that seem to be missing in my family album. (source)

Godga. No further comment needed. Yes, still a little monster. (source)

A song that is both winter and summer by the band Amatorski, who are also from Ghent. Lovely guest vocals by the immensely talented Bony Bram.

Here is Bram performing in the Ancienne Belgique 'studio'. Accompanying him on the piano is his longtime girlfriend Cleo, someone who I've known for all my life. Click that link. Be wowed.

This is the third 'Six things' I've done and it seems that the lack of cohesion between the things that I post is even bigger than with the first two ones. But these really are some of the things that kept me awake or made me smile or whatever this past week or so.

Today I went shopping but I didn't buy anything. I tried on a pair of Swedish Hasbeens at Urban Outfitters and I fell in love. Literally. Not only do they look stunning, they feel that way too. The wooden heel and the the leather are amazing. I'm not getting my hopes up that they'll be marked down by July, thank you, helpful sales assistant for another disillusion!

But the highlight of my day took place at COS. It was a black dress, elbow length sleeves, cinched at the waist, with quite a flowy skirt that fell to my knees. But that's just boring descriptive stuff.

It was entirely covered in sequins and I felt immensely pretty and classic - or classy, I'm not sure - in it. Classic, not retro. Think Mad Men in sequins. As I want to save my money for when sales actually start, I didn't buy it and I regret it deeply. 125 euros is just a bit too much right now. And how many occasions pop up annually where it's suitable to wear a fancy sequin dress? One springs to my mind. Yes, Prom which is seven days before sales commence. Of course. I know money won't buy me happiness but it can buy me a whole lot of dresses and I want this particular one so badly.

That got me thinking about all those dresses that I loved but didn't buy over the years. As I am now, I was probably a little sad, or better gutted, at first but then I saw something shinier and better and all was forgotten. Is that the same thing with you?

A lot of text and not a lot of substance for today. Now I'm off to sleep, goodnight. Have a great weekend! xo

Total slam dunk

2010-06-15T11:24:00.001+02:00

(Isabel Marant dress, Mango coat, thrifted necklace and Camilla Norrback wedges

Shopping-wise, these past few days have been a total slam dunk. On Sunday, I went to a clothing sale held by a couple of friends, acquaintances of my mom. But they weren't just any ol' regular friends, they were friends who didn't mind parting with a pair of Miu Miu's or an old Lanvin skirt. In the end, after careful deliberation, I ended up with this gorgeous linen Isabel Marant dress, a belt and a silk Dries Van Noten blouse for the meager sum of fifty euros. Result!

I wore it for the first time yesterday and apparently you can completely see through it? Didn't catch that. Don't care. It's way too pretty. And don't mind the face, please, exams seem to equal a lack of sleep nowadays.

You're young until you're not

2010-06-12T18:53:00.002+02:00

(Thrifted blouse and necklace, Zara purse and sandals, H&M jeans) - photos by Louisa Derycke

Yesterday I thrifted this amazing blouse and today I picked up the most amazing cropped winter coat, both at Think Twice. This store is quickly becoming my favourite secondhand shop. Not only is it a part of Humana, meaning that all the proceeds go entirely to charity, but there are also many branches all over Europe. This allows them to completely change up their stock every six weeks. How many vintage shops can say that! And when they do, they hold the most crazy sales. In the end, everything gets sold at 1 euro. You should definitely go check them out when you're in Ghent or more likely, in Antwerp.

I got both the necklace and the way too oversized pseudo-cluth in Portugal two years ago. Beautiful boys, beautiful country and beautiful language, what else can I say. I wish that this purse were a clutch, it normally has straps attached to it. But after carrying it around for a while in this manner, I don't get why anyone would ever buy a clutch. Sure, it's pretty and elegant and yada yada, but it's highly unpractical.
I want to expand my ring collection but the secondhand offer in Ghent is quite meager. I want Forever 21's, full of cross connector rings and I wish that Old Gold Boutique didn't have the most insane shipping rates. Or I could stop whining, hey, that's a thought.

I've been listening to Regina Spektor all day. On The Radio is such a cute song but nothing will ever beat her rendition of John Lennon's 'Real Love'.

That's it for today. In the spirit of yet another amazing song, I send you all my love.

Ch-ch-changes

2010-06-11T15:56:00.001+02:00

No updates for an entire week? Outrageous! Why not debut my new 'do then? (don't you hate it when you read stuff like that!) I literally just returned from the hair salon, conveniently located at the street where I live in. Although it's way too poofy, I rather like it. I was so tired of my old long hair, that after all didn't really suit me. My inspiration was the ever so pretentious Charlotte Kemp Muhl, but hey, girlfriend has great hair. Nice pimple there, it definitely draws your attention lol. Ah well, puberty.

Today I leave you with quite a befitting song, some good ol' 2Pac. I hope my outfit will be interesting enough to go out and take some pictures tomorrow, will definitely need a break from all that Vergilius. Yes, Latin on Monday. Yay!

Spin city

2010-06-04T23:42:00.000+02:00

Shot by Hans Feurer, (source)

I'm a faithful Teen Vogue reader. Although Disney starlets seem to be permanently fixed on its cover and they have basically had three kinds of lifestyle articles on repeat ever since I started reading it, I always look forward to their cute photoshoots with fresh-faced, young models. Today the June/July issue arrived. And look at that, just the amount of cuteness that I wanted. Don't you just want to copy-paste yourself into these photos?

But I still haven't talked about the best thing yet. The patchwork cardigan that fresh-faced model #1 is wearing. It's Comme des Garçons and page 124 tells me it costs about $ 1,060. Forget that wishlist I posted on Wednesday, fuck it, this is all I want for many Christmases to come. Pardon my French.

Expectations vs. reality

2010-06-02T14:30:00.002+02:00

(From left to right: Miu Miu ruffled sweater, Karen Walker sunglasses, Chanel earrings, Miu Miu cat-print blouse, 3.1 Philip Lim bandeau bikini, Yves Saint Laurent ring, Mulberry Bayswater bag, Jeffrey Campbell Mary Roks wedges, Stella McCartney underwire bra, Liberty boater hat and Restricted 'Scrabble' oxfords) - although that may not be from left to right in the correct order

Yes, I'm one of those people that worships the ground Zooey Deschanel walks on, but seriously, how could you not? (500) Days of Summer really was one of the best movies I've seen all year. The 'expectations vs. reality' scene was one of the most heartbreaking things I'd ever watched. I'm experiencing one of those moments right now. Not that I expect that Miu Miu sweaters and Chanel earrings will fall out of the sky anytime soon. Still, this is definitely a look that I'm aiming for this summer. Sof and breezy materials. Tan and pale pink colours. I'm not very good at using adjectives like whimsical in the correct way so I'm going to shut up now.

The Karen Walker sunglasses are just an extra to roughen up the sugary coating of this inspiration board.
My goal in life is pretty much to own a pair by her (or those Sretsis daisy sunglasses). I doubt that it will be the X-Ray Spex but I'll settle for this amazing tortoise pair. I'm going to give my nails another minty coat and study for my exams. Love, Lies.

I wanna be where your heart is home

2010-05-30T18:49:00.000+02:00

(Topshop dress, Sergio Rossi heels, vintage blazer and bag, Etsy necklace) - photos by Louisa Derycke

Today was spent watching a two-hour live streaming Gaga interview, rewatching the Eurovision Song Contest and baking what could possible be the most amazing thing ever. Raspberry cheesecake brownie, a recipe from my newest cookbook, The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. We still have to put the finishing touches to it but it already looks pretty awesome.

I love this dress. And those shoes, but they're actually not mine so I almost never get to wear them. Look at how I subtlely placed my hands to try to get you to notice my mint and peachy nails.

You might notice that that last picture is, in fact, not, you know, me. That is my little (well, she's as big me) sister, Louisa. She never complains when I bug her to go out and take some pictures. You also might've noticed that we look nothing alike and that's because she's actually my stepsister, but who cares about that stuff nowadays?

I'm going to add the final layer to my master piece, a raspberry-whipped cream topping. Lots of love, Lies.