juliette-has-a-gun-mad-madame
By On In Shopping1,098 Comments

You know, after I published my post with that 5 piece French wardrobe update I realized that I totally forgot about the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag that I bought in March. So that makes seven purchases in the last eight months (excluding a few basics that needed to be replaced). But of course, there were also some items that didn’t make the cut:

– An Equipment cashmere cardigan which was on sale at Net-a-porter. I felt like upgrading my Zara cashmere cardigan but ultimately decided that the cardigan that I already own is perfectly fine. If Zara does another version this year, it’s worth getting!

– Ah, the A.P.C. half moon bag. I tried it on in Paris last year and then in London. But how many bags does a person really need? I keep coming up with excuses such as: I can’t wear my Céline trio bag when it’s raining because it’s too delicate, maybe this one will survive the horrible Dutch fall weather… So yeah, clearly still not over it.

– Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate. Wait, what? Yes, quite a mouthful. I tried it in one of their stores a couple of months ago, but it’s so bloody expensive. Instead I got myself a sample yesterday. Let’s hope it lasts a while.

– Juliette has a gun’s Mad Madame is an incredible scent but I’m afraid it gives me a headache after a few hours, like most perfumes. But I’m keeping the sample for special occasions #sampleabuser. Not a perfume is also nice by the way but I definitely prefer the somewhat similar Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules.

Is there anything you had on a recent wish list that you didn’t buy? Do share.

zero-stedelijk-museum
By On In Noteworthy76 Comments

Zero-stedelijk-museum
First off, the Zero: Let Us Explore The Stars exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. While the waiting line for the Matisse exhibition was at least two hours long, I only came across a handful of people in the Zero exhibition. Which is strange, because it’s one of the most beautiful exhibitions I’ve seen so far this year. Admittedly, I am a huge fan of modern and contemporary art after 1940, so it’s no surprise that seeing works by my favourite artists such as Hans Haacke, Jan Schoonhoven and Piero Manzoni gets me super excited. I might even go back for a second visit.

Next up is the incredibly lovely movie Begin Again with Keira Knightly and Mark Ruffalo. Honestly, I really didn’t know what to watch and just selected a random movie. But I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a feel good movie about a musician and a producer who are both going through personal issues and who decide to create an album together. It comes with an awesome soundtrack and great performances by Knightly and Ruffalo. Oh, and did I already mention that Keira’s outfits are A-MA-ZING!

And finally my summer jam: Jamie xx – I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times) ft. Young Thug & Popcaan. A friend introduced me to the song while we were on our way to the beach a few weeks ago. I haven’t stopped listening to it since. Unfortunately he wasn’t included in the line-up for the Lowlands festival where I will be working this weekend. But I get to see Kendrick Lamar, so it’s all good.

Have a nice weekend!

Pictures by Gert Jan van Rooij

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.

emmanuelle-alt
By On In Wardrobe68 Comments

I remember a time when I was lusting after every piece created by Isabel Marant. Clearly I didn’t have the means to fund an entire collection, but I carefully selected the pieces that worked for me. I spent days on Ebay trying to find a jacket or coat I missed out on (I should probably write a post on my IM coat collection, haha). But then, a few years back when the brand gained popularity, prices started to rise, designs became less timeless and more on trend and it became harder to find myself in her aesthetic. Regarding the prices, I will still make the occasional exception though. I’m more than willing to spend a little extra on a well constructed coat for instance, but I would never pay $500 for a simple, semi-shear dress. Trust me when I say that the range in quality can be quite shocking. And it’s very hard sometimes to tell which piece of clothing will withstand the test of time.

Acne Studios used to be another favourite, especially the knitwear. I’m glad I was able to get my hands on a few beautiful sweaters and cardigans before a lot of their clothes and shoes became insanely expensive and a little too extravagant for my taste. Without these two brands to fall back on, I seem to be reaching more and more for high street fashion because I no longer know where to shop. But even the quality of high street brands such as Zara has declined over the years, albeit in slow motion. I do have positive experiences with brands such as Weekday and COS, which is why I mention them on a regular basis. And sure, there are some other brands that drew my attention over the years, like A.P.C., but most of their clothes aren’t very flattering on my curvier figure. I’m also very interested in almost everything made by Everlane. But unfortunately they don’t ship to the Netherlands and I read a couple of bad reviews about the third party shipping service they recommend. So unless they’re going to start shipping their stuff internationally, I’ll just have to keep drooling from afar.

It sucks that I can no longer rely on my favourite brands. I’m looking for items that I can wear for a couple of years a least, preferably longer and sometimes it just seems to be hit or miss regardless the price range. I’m not sure where I’m going with this rant, because I obviously don’t have a solution. But let’s just say I’m open to brands that are actually worth investing in. So hit me up with your recommendations!

Tell me, do you have any go-to brands or designers and did you notice any changes in quality over time?