what-to-wear-for-christmas
By On In Outfit1,499 Comments

Or any occasion you want to dress up for really. Although I’m not quite sure if the term ‘dress up’ is appropriate here, because I always feel put together to some extent. But a few minor adjustments such as a pair of pumps with a mid heel (I can’t do anything higher than 7 cm) and a classic set of pearl earrings can elevate any look. Nevertheless, it remains a fairly uncomplicated outfit. I could easily wear this to work but it’s still chic enough for a night out or a lovely Christmas dinner.

From left to right, top to bottom: Uniqlo fine merino sweater (€20), 3.1 Phillip Lim tapered trousers (€370), Tiffany pearl earrings (€250), Kiki de Montparnasse lace bra (€170), Valentino Tango pumps, Chanel Rouge Noir varnish

what's underneath
By On In Wardrobe1,436 Comments

Just last week I threw away some old underwear which was in a pretty sad state to be honest. I kept remembering that one thing my grandmother always tells me: “What if you have an accident and you end up in the hospital with your worn out underwear full of holes. What will people think of you?” I figured she’s probably right and I would hate to leave an awful first impression even though this comes from the same grandmother who refused to take me anywhere when I was a teen and wearing my oversized skater outfits. So obviously I had to wear my most atrocious outfit every time we were supposed to go somewhere just to freak her out. Sweet memories!

But anyway I digress. Even though I have always settled for the most simple and comfortable underwear, I recently realised that I don’t have to compromise when it comes to looks or comfort. So I developed a light obsession with lace bras and their delicate and feminine look. It’s a bit strange actually, because I can buy the most awful looking thing as long as it’s utterly comfortable (you should see the slippers I wear at home), but when it needs to look good, I become extremely picky. So it took me a while to finally find the perfect bra. But let me tell you: even though it may not be visible, lingerie is definitely worth investing in.

Speaking of underwear, have you seen the new & Other Stories lingerie campaign? With their A/W collection the brand wants to show us a more natural kind of beauty. None of the models have been retouched, thus showing us scars, tattoos and birth marks. Another great initiative is the What’s underneath project by StyleLikeU; a project that is meant to show that style isn’t about the clothing you wear, but what’s underneath. If you have a little time to spare, it’s worth checking out some of the videos here.

 

ONLINE FAVOURITES:

Heidi Klum Intimates ($63), Simone Pérèle ($105), Kiki de Montparnasse ($175)

the things we do for fashion
By On In Shopping377 Comments

This weekend I was catching up with my favourite bag forum and my jaw dropped reading some of the stories on the Hèrmes forum. Now, I’m not even into anything Hermès (I don’t even know how I got there), so that might explain why some of the things that were discussed are completely foreign to me but still, I’m surprised by the things we sometimes do for fashion. For example, who knew that you have to spend thousands of dollars on all kinds of accessories to earn the trust and respect of a sales assistent in order to finally get your hands on the iconic Birkin bag? Or that women actually wait in line for several hours, day of after day, during their stay in Paris because maybe you’ll be one of the lucky few today that will be offered a Birkin? Admittedly though, I’ve done some silly things myself in the past.

I have done things such as setting my alarm clock at 6 in the morning hoping H&M would finally restock that coat that I had been lusting over for weeks. Another time I sat behind not one but two laptops and the app on my phone when the H&M x Isabel Marant collection launched. It was impossible to get onto the website, so I finally ordered over the phone. And let’s add the purchase of my Mansur Gavriel bucket bag as well. I spent an entire day refreshing their website to order said bag. Oh, and I paid an additional $100 for international shipping. Seriously, what was I thinking!?

The examples above are obviously shopping related, but let’s not forget the physical pain that some of us put ourselves through for the sake of fashion. Granted, that’s nothing new because women have been suffering for style ever since the early Middle Ages; foot binding, corsets, heels that are much too high etc., but it never ceases to amaze me that we continue to think that it’s okay to be in pain as long as we look ‘beautiful’ or ‘fashionable’. Personally, I think the best way to look good is to feel comfortable with yourself and the clothes that you are wearing. Nobody needs a pair of sky high heels to look gorgeous.

Any thoughts or embarrassing stories you would like to share?

the-art-of-giving
By On In Shopping815 Comments

This gift guide may seem a bit early for some, but not for us Dutch people who also celebrate Sinterklaas on the 5th of December. I always enjoy the festive stuff that comes with the holiday season. The food, decorations (can I put up my christmas tree already?) and gifts of course. Above you’ll find a few things that I wouldn’t mind receiving, so consider this guide a personal wish list as well. Some items are affordable, others a bit more expensive. But you should be able to find something similar for a much friendlier price.

1. H&M paddle hair brush (€7,99). This hair brush comes in two sizes. The smaller one is perfect for carrying around in your bag in case of emergencies. If you have a little more to spend though, you can never go wrong with the iconic Mason Pearson brush ($190). 2. Diptyque Scented Oval ($45). I’m sure most of us are familiar with Diptyque’s scented candles and perfumes, but why not take it a little further to your closet or drawer? 3. Byredo Gypsy Water oil roll-on ($78). That’s a lot of money for such a small amount right? But with perfumed oils a little goes a long way. Fresh yet woody, this oil is inspired by smoky campfires and pine forests with hints of Bergamot, Amber and Vanilla. 4. Yves Klein framed art print ($236). Allposters.com (or .nl if you’re from the Netherlands) offers a wide range of posters and prints. My personal favourites are the art prints, such as the one above. It’s so easy to order a beautiful print and frame it yourself. 5. Various Projects key tag ($15), for the best selection of clean and simple key tags. You can choose from an endless amount of options but you can also customise your own tag.

6. Fashionology tiny silver hoop earrings (€10). I’ve said it before and I will say it again; I love delicate jewellery. I’ve been wearing the same silver studs for over 4 years and these hoops would be a nice change. 7. A.P.C. room spray ($35). Perfect for those of us who are not that much into candles (or are likely to burn their house down). Toumbac is my preferred scent of the four options with fleur d’oranges as a close second. 8. Smythson Panama notebook ($80). A great gift for him or her. A luxurious leather notebook with embossed gold lettering. It doesn’t get more extravagant than that, I guess. Of course Moleskine offers great and practical notebooks for just a fraction of aforementioned price. 9. Fashionology tiny tag necklace (€50). A solid sterling silver necklace for everyday wear. 10. Comme des Carçons leather wallet ($197). I’ll be the first one to admit that it’s a hefty price tag for a wallet. But trust me when I say that these are indestructible and will last you many years. I already own the one pictured above and I highly recommend it!

Do you have anything on your wish list for Sinterklaas or Christmas?