By On In Shopping559 Comments

For the longest time I have been searching for the perfect flats. So you can imagine how excited I was when I received an email from MyTheresa that their Repetto classic black ballerina’s were on sale. I had my eyes on them for so long but always found them a bit too expensive. Years ago I tried on those timeless nude/black flats from Chanel. Obviously they were much cheaper at that time but at €450, I didn’t dare spend that much money on a pair of flats. Don’t ask me if I regret it, LOL. Anyway, they’re even more expensive now than they were back then, so I don’t even consider them an option anymore.

The search continued and Repetto caught my interest. They ticked all the right boxes; classic, elegant and I’m a sucker for heritage stories. These would be it. Well, they arrived last week and I feel disappointed. Worn, they look delicate and dainty. The overall fit is lovely. The leather feels wonderful and the sole feels nice and sturdy (I have read complaints about the thin leather soles but these are a newer version with rubber soles).

My one and only issue is that toe cleavage. I didn’t expect the vamp to be that low. I looked up some images on Instagram and read a few reviews before I ordered them but none of them mention the low vamp. Any readers with Repetto experiences? Is there any chance of getting rid of that toe cleavage once the leather softens up? I don’t want to send them back but I have to be realistic. If this is how they will look, it is very likely that it will continue to bother me.

Maybe I should rename this blog: the chronicles of a fastidious shopper.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

By On In Small Luxuries509 Comments

Isn’t it funny how we are willing to spend a lot of money on clothes, André Andersen gambling and shoes on a yearly or even monthly basis but not on something as in your face and important as a pair of glasses? Most people own just one pair of glasses which gets worn every day for sometimes years on end. My current glasses are almost three years old and I had been on the lookout for a new pair. The frame has lost its shine and both glasses are lightly scratched. I had to decide between two pairs (see below, I went with the first frame in olive-gradient) but to be honest, I might get them both because they are so reasonably priced and it might be nice to be able to switch pairs every now and then.

While I usually opt for a subtle pair in a dark color, I wanted to do something a little more bold this time around. What makes it difficult though, is that I’m a -7,75 which means very thick lenses with distortion. You can get them in a thinner version but the person looking at me will still see a distorted image on the outer sides of the lenses. D. says he doesn’t notice. But what has been seen, cannot be unseen so it bothers me. The only solution is a smaller frame but those don’t suit me and make me look older, not to mention nerdier, than I am for some reason. Trust me, picking the right eyewear is much harder than picking out your daily outfit, haha.

Luckily you can try these for 30 days and if you’re not happy, you can return them and get your money back or choose another pair. If you are not into glasses you can take a look at dailies total 1 lens. With glasses it is just a matter of getting used to them because my previous glasses were all so safe and the distortion was always there anyway. I hope so. You may wonder why I don’t invest in a pair of designer glasses. I did that years ago and those didn’t last me any longer than these will. And quite frankly, I get bored with them after a few years, wearing them day in, day out, so it’s not worth the cost to me.

Do you wear glasses? Would you rather play it safe or go crazy with your frames?

for the love of prints
By On In New in, Outfit158 Comments

If there was ever anything lacking in my wardrobe, prints are it. I love prints but they rarely look good on me. I have never given up though. And so two of my most recent purchases are colourful printed items. Quelle surprise! On the right, yesterday’s outfit consisting of a checkered blazer (sold out), a merino wool long sleeve, a vintage leather belt, a pair of black flared jeans and my beloved chelsea boots. I try to stay away from trends as much as possible unless I can see myself wearing something for a longer period of time. I think I’m safe with this blazer.

The blouse on the left is the newest addition to my wardrobe. Ganni did a similar print last year in a bright green but that wasn’t my cup of tea. I like this colour combination better. D. was very impressed by it. And let’s be honest, when is a guy ever impressed with a piece of clothing? He liked the blazer as well and told me I should be happy with my purchases because I really needed some new clothes. Say what?

He’s probably right though. I’ve been wearing the same clothes for months with little variation. All of them the most basic of garments, even the ones on my wish list. For instance, I had my eyes set on a silk blouse from &Other Stories – a high street brand but their silk is excellent for the price – in a classic creme. But why not go with something a little less expected for a change? Needless to say, both items seamlessly fit in with my existing wardrobe and are already spring favourites.

Thanks for all the wonderful feedback on my Oldies but Goodies series by the way. I feel much more content with a combination of old and new things on this blog. 

Shine bright like a diamond
By On In Small Luxuries40 Comments

I have never been a fan of statement pieces when it comes to jewelry. Well, maybe except for those few years when I was a teenager and stacking up rings on each finger was all the rage. Until I got stuck behind a door handle in a hurry and almost tore my finger off. That was the end of it LOL. After that I didn’t wear jewelry for years.

Geraldine Saglio of French Vogue sparked my interested for dainty, delicate jewelry. Or bracelets, to be more exact. I spotted a street style picture of her online in 2011 and loved the fine silver bracelet in combination with the knitted sweater she was wearing. I was able to find out that it was from Tifanny & Co, Elsa Peretti’s Diamonds by the Yard collection. I’ve mentioned that I bought it in 2011 to celebrate my first job and how happy it made me. And then, I lost it. It’s been two years and I’m still upset about it. I know, it’s just a simple silver bracelet with a small diamond. But I loved how delicate and understated it was. It was also such a nice reminder of my accomplishments thus far. I own the necklace as well, but it’s not the same.

I had several moments the past couple of years where I was already at the counter but couldn’t bite the bullet. The current pricing is ridiculous. And yet, I won’t settle for anything else. I’m not opposed to buying things second hand but in the case of this bracelet, it doesn’t make a big difference, in terms of pricing. So I’d rather have the experience of buying in store. If only I could make up my mind…

Do you think I’m crazy for considering this bracelet once again? Have you ever purchased the same thing twice after you lost it the first time?