Category / Style

2016 style resolutions
By On In Style83 Comments

Better late than never, right? I almost finished this post a couple of days ago actually but then I had a momentary America’s Next Topmodel make-over breakdown because my hairdresser decided to cut my hair extremely short without my permission. So for the next few weeks I’ll be walking around looking like a Beatles member. But I do have to say: my new straight fringe looks really nice. So let’s forget about the hair drama and move on to more pressing matters such as my style resolutions for this year.

1) Be more conscious
Did you know that fast fashion ranks second in the worldwide production of pollution, behind big oil? Even though a lot of people seem to become more aware of the impact of fast fashion on the world through documentaries such as The True Cost and Sweat Shop, it hasn’t slowed down. In fact, H&M opened over 200 stores last fall alone. This year I plan on buying even less from stores such as H&M, Zara etc. which is going to be hard now that I have discovered & Other Stories but it feels like the right thing to do.

2) Spend/focus more on basics
Over the years I’ve bought so many basic t-shirts but the ones that are still with me today after countless times of wear are my two Isabel Marant t-shirts. Expensive yes, but worth the money. So this year I would like to invest more in quality basics. Especially jeans and t-shirts as I find myself reaching for these items on a daily basis.

3) Step out of my comfort zone and stop taking the easy way out.
In hindsight, I played it extremely safe last year as you can probably tell from my previous post. Lots of basic garments in black, grey and white. This year I would like to add a few statement pieces. Additionally, I need to stop wearing my sneakers on a daily basis and start enjoying the other shoes that I already own more often. Otherwise I might as well sell them.

4) Rethink the 5 piece wardrobe system.
This way of shopping has taught me a lot the past couple of years but it has occasionally become an excuse to buy things I didn’t need just because I was allowed to purchase five things every season. It’s a great way to start changing your consumerist habits but at this very moment there’s no point in adding a lot of new pieces. So I might change the rules a little along the way this year.

What are your shopping/style resolutions for this year?

By On In Style22 Comments

Although this is originally a Youtube tag, I’ve seen a few blogs do it as well. Just five simple questions about style:

1. Who are your style icons?
Okay, did I just say five simple questions? Let see, I get most of my style inspiration from blogs, Instagram and Pinterest but if I had to choose a person, I would go for Giorgia Tordini (picture) and/or Caroline de Maigret. The former sometimes a bit too feminine for my taste but I really love her use of basics. And who doesn’t want to be as well-dressed and gorgeous as Caroline in their forties?

2. What is your best style advice or tip?
Be yourself and be confident. Style isn’t just about the clothes you wear but it’s also a reflection of your personality and attitude.

3. What was your style like as a teen?
I used to spend all of my after school hours inline skating and skateboarding. So mostly a lot of oversized everything. What can I say, I was a tomboy and still am by heart. I stopped wearing oversized pants when I discovered skinny jeans. Lord knows what I would be wearing right now if it weren’t for those jeans.

4. What type of outfit do you wear the most?
This is easy! A pair of jeans with a jumper, blouse or t-shirt with sneakers, loafers or ankle boots.

5. Who is your favourite designer?
Phoebe Philo. If I could afford it I would be decked out in Céline, all day every day.

By On In Style635 Comments

Sophie41-1400x741

It’s hard to find a good high-waisted vintage jean. I only wear high-waisted jeans because I find them more flattering. I’m short, so they make my legs look longer. What makes this pair unique is the subtle shape of the flair, and the soft wash.

For me this outfit is the perfect example of a casual chic attire. A classic black blazer, blue jeans and heels. The high waist automatically creates the optical illusion of longer legs together with the subtle flair and the slingback kitten heels add just the right amount of elegance, femininity and a little extra height. The latter perfect for those of us who aren’t used to walking in 5 inch heels. Although I’m not quite sure this exact look would work for me (I’ve been wearing my skinny jeans religiously for the past 8 years), Sophie Buhai’s vintage pair of Levi’s jeans are definitely something to consider the next time I need a new pair of jeans.

Read the rest of the interview with jewelry designer Sophie Buhai here.

how-to-be-parisian-wherever
By On In Style655 Comments

The only upside to having a stomach flu is that you can finally catch up on all your favorite shows and read some new books. When you’re not crawling your way to the bathroom, that is. Number one on my reading list was ‘How to be Parisian wherever you are‘. Before I bought this book I read some disappointing reviews, but since I rarely rely on other people’s opinions on music, books or movies, I had to read it myself. I totally get the confusion, because if you’re looking for a style guide on effortless dressing etc., you got the wrong book. Yes, it does include a few useful tips on how to dress like a true Parisienne (if such a thing even exists):

You don’t have to spend a decade’s worth of salary on your wardrobe, or flaunt designer brands the whole time. All you need is one signature item: the one you wear when you need to feel strong.

But it’s mostly a very entertaining book written by four French women who like to poke fun at the stereotypes of the ‘Parisienne’, while discussing topics such as: motherhood, love, style and the city itself. Mind you, it’s all very tongue-in-cheek, so a sense of humor is definitely required (which some reviewers seem to be lacking). But if you just want to have a fun read, you can appreciate a little sarcasm here and there and you’re interested in all things ‘Parisian’, you will enjoy this book. The chapters and sections are short and you can easily flip through it and start reading wherever you like. What I like most about it, is that it finally breaks down the Parisian cliche. There’s no such thing as the perfect woman. Even the Parisienne has bad habits and has to deal with imperfections, just like the rest of us. But what makes her different is that she accepts those flaws and embraces who she is, which most likely explains her confidence. So maybe that French je ne sais quoi isn’t so difficult to explain after all, hmm…

Despite all these routines, the Parisienne retains her little imperfections, cherishes them even (the gap in her smile or her slightly crooked tooth, her prominent eyebrows or strong nose): these are the signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect.