Silver spiral cuff

Got some silver ear jewelry to play around with. Ideal since it doesn't involve any needles so you can place it wherever you want. I've had that place pierced once but it just wouldn't heal, so this ear cuff comes in handy. I simply have a thing for ear decorations and piercings, as long as it remains classy... So far I have regular ear studs, a second ear stud next to that on my right ear, an inner conch in my left ear (showed it here) and a tongue piercing (showed it here). In a week or two I'm adding something new to my ears, not sure what it will be yet... any suggestions?

A little bit of everything

I'm spending the day glued to my bed/on the couch, accompanied with a fever (hence the crappy webcam pic) and had some pictures left I took this week. I'm playing around with a different picture sizing, could you let me know if they're too wide for your computer screen or not?

1 On the couch, with my favorite scarf
2 Beautiful, rich eye shadow at MAC presentation
3 Going through old family pics makes me happy. This is me and my twin brother in France (I was working the chunky knit trend years ahead of time)
4 View from my parent's place in Amsterdam during Christmas brunch
5 Could use one of Lily's cupcakes (old pic from Angie V event)

2010 overview: my own who, what wear

With just three paper pages left to rip off this year's calendar, I felt the urge to compose a little 'Who What Wear of 2010'. This year has treated me well and I like the place I'm in right now. And I couldn't be more excited for a year with new adventures.

Blog-wise my highlights were visiting Amsterdam Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week (a lifelong dream), attending big events like the ELLE Style Awards and meeting fantastic people in the industry like bloggers, photographers and PR people. And of course, seeing old and new readers catching up to This chick's got style means a lot to me, so thank you for that!

And on a more personal level, 2010 was big as well. I got my Bachelor's degree in Science of Communication, did an internship at Grazia magazine, co-wrote a book about branding strategies (more on that later), made new friends, went on a 3 week road trip through the USA. And I'm thankful for another year with a healthy and happy family and a great, supportive boyfriend.

So tell me... what were the highlights in your year? And don't forget... 2011 will only be better ;)

Fluffy and furry

When you're tired and cold, there's not much more comfortable to wear than a fluffy faux fur jacket that apparently doubles as a blanket at the movies - or on the couch, as I'm typing this. Easy to throw over any holiday outfit or casual shopping ensemble like above.

And thanks for the sweet Christmass wishes in the comments. Whether you're celebrating or not, I hope you're spending these days with the people you care about most :)

(h&m t, ikks jacket, asos ring, ibana rouge bag, teeez nail polish)

Mixing things

Two nice examples of mixing fabrics that pretty much everyone has hanging in their closet. A plaid or denim shirt, knits and leather. I like it! And after an intense month I just handed in my last paper for a while, which hopefully means I'm back to a more normal social and blogging life ;)

pictures via studded hearts

Celine for everyone: DIY

The DIY- pics aren't mine! From blog chic-steals

Usually when a catwalk collection sparks a wave of inspiration for high street brands and self-sewing projects, it's the more subtle details like this that are copied. You can count me in for leather details on pretty much anything, so a tutorial on chic-steals that just involved 1)measuring 2)cutting and 3)sewing, surely caught my attention. Unfortunately my skills with needle & thread go about as far as adding a button (I wish I had a sewing machine to practice!) So if you're not the crafty type - like yours truly - Zara created a version as well. And although it's a little more plain and a little less in quality, it sort of does the trick.

pictures: zara / style.com / a pair and a spare via chic-steals.com

In the archives

I'm in the library as we speak, locked myself up here yet again. As much as I wanted to give you a new outfit post to look at, I simply can't because of these university deadlines. Sorry, it's 4 more days :(! In the mean time, I was browsing through my old laptop files and found a lot of older outfits (yes, I have trouble focusing today). This one reminded me I should wear this jacket again, it has the coolest paneled sleeves, one half is ribbed and the other is satin-y, I love things like that.

Au revoir, Carine

part 1 of CNN documentary about Carine Roitfeld


Carine Roitfeld has anounced to leave Vogue Paris. After 10 years of bringing us the best shoots, the most drool-worthy shoes and the most gorgeous models, she is ready to face new challenges. I guess even those with the most coveted and powerful jobs crave doing something different after a while and I'm curious to see who will be the new leading lady and what that will do to Paris Vogue... Who would you suggest? Rumor has it Carine will be involved with Tom Ford, I can't wait to see how that turns out!

Oh, Chloe

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony is probably my favorite celebrity line - not that I'm fully educated on most. Usually they stray far from what I could see the actual celebrity wearing or I wouldn't want to look like them in a million years, but with Chloe's collections it just makes sense. These boots are exactly what I wish I could buy in the Netherlands. A bit more quirky than Burberry and more elegant than the famous Jeffrey Campbell Lita's.

pictures via Opening Ceremony

Seven spring styles at H&M

Remember when I visited the H&M showroom to have a peek at the Lanvin collection here? I found a few gems browsing through their spring/summer collection and immediately cursed myself for my new shopping vows. Not everything was hanging in the showroom yet, but I could already tell it is a promissing collection with items that suit my aestetics extremely well.

So far these are some favorite items. The jacket is my absolute number one and I've been dreaming about it ever since. I just haven't seen anything like it yet and I can't wait till it's in stores.

Q&A: the personal questions and unseen USA pics

Do you plan on becoming a designer or something fashion related? And what do you study?
Recently I got my Bachelors degree in Communication Science and now getting a Masters degree in Corporate communication. Writing and branding both appeal to me strongly, especially when it is fashion related, so I’m trying to create a path for myself in that direction. My blog, education, job and internship at Grazia have helped me in that sense and another big dream will come true in two months… stay tuned!

Your first job was in Grazia? What was your biggest fear on your first day of work?
Other than working for my father's communication company, it was. I interned for four months as a copywriter and I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined :) Seeing what it takes to produce a weekly magazine, how decisions are made, how to interact with collegues, celebrities and getting to write a lot. Of course I was a little nervous, mostly about if my articles would be good enough. Luckily the team is incredibly sweet and welcoming and it all worked out great ;)

How tall are you?
1.62 or 1.63.

Do you believe in God?
No. I think I’m a bit too down to earth and non-traditional. It’s a personal opinion but to me there are just too many things that don’t add up :) Religions can provide examples for how to be a good person but I myself only believe we have this life – right here, right now.

What’s the nicest place you’ve ever been? What countries have you been?
I’ve travelled a lot and I’m thankful for that. Besides visiting countries in Europe, I’ve travelled through Thailand three times, Vietnam, India, Laos, Cuba, Cambodia, Mexico, Indonesia, China, and the United States and Hawaii. My 3d trip to Thailand when I was 18 was special because I was all by myself and pretty anxious. And the road trip my boyfriend and I did last summer was simply fantastic! You told me on Twitter you wanted to see some more unseen pictures, so here we go ;)






What's your zodiac sign?
Twins… And I used to think (ok, I still do :P) that was the coolest thing because I’m an actual twin as well.

How long have you and your boyfriend been together and do you see your future with your boyfriend? Does he like fashion too?
We’ve been together for 3,5 years and have known each other since the very first day of high school 10 years ago. I’m not one to plan my relationship 20 years ahead, I think people can change and grow over time – either bringing you closer together or drifting you more apart. Right now, things are going really great :D

Haha, well, he likes to dress nicely and knows a thing or two about trends but obviously he’s not in to it as much as I am. And I constantly bother him with fashion things and wish lists and I’m always surprised by the patience he has with that ;)

What was your first job and can you describe it and yourself at the time?
I started working at my father’s communication company Michels Communicatie around age 14 and still do. We writes articles and my dad has written many books about communication and branding which are actually best sellers in the Netherlands.

Which music do you like?
I like listening to something like Leela James, Erykah Badu,John Legend, James Morrisson, John Mayer andfor fun old Janet Jackson, Beyonce and Gaga and for beautiful lyrics I listen to bands like Coldplay and Keane.

How do you have the money to buy such lovely clothes? There is no way I could afford those brands-- I'm a college student too!
Working for it and making the right choices on how to spend your money. I try not to buy too much stuff just because it’s cheap, 20 euro’s here and there easily add up. Look at your favorite designer items and try to find a similar feel at H&M, Topshop, Zara, COS or River Island or on sale. If those are still a bit above your budget, scout flee markets, try Ebay even for high street finds; particularly Topshop and H&M have a lot circulating on Ebay. And I’m lucky enough to sometimes receive clothing.

How do you feel about tattoos?
I love a pretty tattoo and there are so many I wouldn’t want on my body. I’ve thought about getting one for years, but I’m still not confident with putting something on my body for life.

Do you have pets or do you want any?
Nope, they wouldn’t fit in my life right now. When I was a kid I’d always wish for a puppy for Christmas though.

Your hair colour is beautiful, is it natural or do you get some highlights in it?
Thanks! Naturally I have a lot of different shades of blonde in my hair and it’s darker at the bottom. I added some high lights to create more depth and light.

Which camera do you use?
A Nikon D60 with a 50 mm lens.

How do you stay in shape?
I wish I worked out and used to dance a lot but I currently don’t have (or don’t make) the time. My bike is my nr 1 way to get around Amsterdam though, so that keeps me moving. And I try to eat healthy but am addicted to Dorito's and stuff Maltesers. Luckily I don’t gain really fast.)

Are you Dutch or do you have another origin?
100 % Dutch!

Which hair products do you use and how do you style it?
My favorite shampoos and conditioners are by Joico and a more budget friendly favorite is the Royal Jelly line by Gliss Kur.

Do you have a life motto?
Not necessarily a single line, but more like a ‘life mindset’.
To me it’s important to dream big and believing in my own strength to make them a reality. It's about being the best version of yourself, not just career wise, but also in terms of being a positive and compassionate person.

If there was a zombie apocalypse and you only had one of each,
what would be your weapon, theme song, and sidekick?
SUCH an awesome question! Weapon of choice would be those cool sticks with a chain in the middle, theme song is some old James Bond kind of thing and as sidekick… I'd pick James Franco as Harry Osborn from Spiderman because we’d be an evil and very hot duo together, muahahaha (*practices evil laugh)

What is your bad habit?
I’m not super patient and if things don’t turn out really well, I can get freaked out or stressed. I think I want to prove myself or my capabilities but I’m starting to let loose a bit. Turns out; everything is still fine if you relax a little :)

What’s your favorite movie?
Not sure I have one in particular, but it would gravitate towards something a little dramatic with a sense of reality. Recent examples would be The Reader, A Single Man, or Million Dollar Baby, the Departed. Another good movie I recently watched is The secret in their eyes / El secreto de sus ojos, now also nominated for an Oscar. Also, I´m addicted to Louis Theroux documentaries, National Geographic´s Locked up abroad and Cold Case and Law & Order. Yes, I have a crime obsession, always had. And on a lighter note, I nearly died laughing when watching the Hangover and I like romantic comedies if they’re not too lame (aka Catherine Heighl is some uptight girl, meets a rude guy and they end up together).

Would you like to work as a fashion editor in Vogue or something like that?
The magazine world has appealed to me ever since I can imagine. Actually, working for an American magazine is one of my ultimate goals / dreams. For now I would prefer working for Teen Vogue.

Lovely

via fashionologie

Three designs from Pamela Love's 2011 collection. Gorgeous, natural materials and shapes and I think it won't be long before we'll see those metal cuffs popping up everywhere.

New River Island

Recently I had a preview at the River Island collection for upcoming spring and summer. The overall feel was romantic and vintage inspired, with maxi dresses, lace, blouses and I also found quite a few modern and bold pieces. My personal favorites are in the shoe section... I can't imagine my spring wardrobe without the first pair of red/pink bow heels (I'm telling you the truth when I say I'm obsessed) and those sky high leopard wedges.

Red brick wall

Minimarket wedges / Zara leather jacket / H&M trend jumper, biker leggings and cuff / Asos rings


My winter uniform pretty much consists of knits and thick leggings. Whenever I see a pair of leggings with interesting details - like this one with padded and stitched knees and sides - I fall for it immediately. I layer them over tights, throw on a top and a jumper and I'm out the door! And yes, I caved and also got the silver version of the jumper I wore in black here. Do you also buy things you really like in multiple colors?

Perfect Preen

via style.com

Even though I probably wouldn't copy these exact outfits head to toe, I really like looking at these fresh, slightly messy looks from Preen's Resort 2011 collection. Preen is one of my all time favorite brands and this collection is a bit more androgynous than I'm used to seeing from them. It's lovely and I personally even prefer it over their minimal (but also stunning) Ready to Wear collection.

You want a bite?

I'll be honest with you, I have a weird appreciation for things that are executed in mini versions. What can I say, 3 tiny burgers just taste better than 1 big one, right?! ;) I'm now hooked on de Burgermeester and their chicken burger with mango chutney is insane. High quality and surprising - even vegetarian - burgers definately make it one of my hot spots (see my complete list of Amsterdam hot spots here) and too good not to share with you even though it's not fashion related.

ps. the winnners of the Ydeltuyt give-away are randomly selected. Congratulations to Laura v. L. and The Trendy Fashionista!

Camel coat

I've officially stored away my shoes that leave a bit of skin peeking out. Amsterdam has reached its freezing point and will slowly turn white with snow. On a positive note, I get to pack myself in winter's wonderful jackets like this belted camel coat by Style by Marina. A great match, since I have a thing for camel coats and boyfriend jackets with lowered shoulders.

Style by Marina jacket / H&M long blouse and shoes / Pieces jeans / River Island cardigan (not seen)

Playing favorites

H&M trend blouse, dress / Primark denim shirt / H&M printed pants & sweater Zara knit / Style by Marina coat

December is going to be insanely busy with 2 huge exams, 2 research papers, a driving test and then there's work and blogging (I hope I'll have enough time!) and my personal life... Honestly, it's giving me a total brain freeze. So I took one more free day before working non-stop at university by cleaning my room and closet, because it's easier to focus in a peacefull environment. I re-organized my clothing rack with some of my favorite items. Hanging stuff on there is very effective to find new combinations and discover what I have (which is very much in line with my last post). These are my current favorites and I'll show you this new Style by Marina camel coat as soon as I can!