All I think about is birdies and spring. So here are some things I love.
{ 1. Birds by Kristian Verdel / 2. Little America bird backpack Herschel via Restored / 3. Dress with bird print via Etsy / 4. Bird necklace via Bird on the Wire }
When I went to Meet the Tweet last Sunday (thanks again Nina, Rivka and Ria) it was actually one of our conversation topics: why post something about something when others have posted about that something. Is there anything you can add? I thought about that conversation while I postponed writing about MTT. You see, I was a little bit shy. Because how could I add something when so many attending had written so many good posts already? But then I remembered our conclusion: you always have something to bring to the table when it’s in your tone of voice or when it’s drenched in your particular ‘style’. And I remembered what I thought was the great positive about that Sunday: it was meeting so many talented and passionate Dutch ladies. I really was blown away by how amazing some of their products were. I have this awe for anyone with the creative gene, maybe because I lack it. So here are some examples of the talent of some of my (new) favorite creative ladies. In the little booklet Nina made all the attendees have written some quotes and blogtips. If you would like to get your hands on a copy, please do contact Nina.
{ Logo of Meet the Tweet / 2. Zonnende merel by Simone a.k.a. Miss Honeybird / 3. Card by Ocher / Baby emperor penguin by Ankepanke - isn’t it too cute? }
So I’m not going to rave about Badhu (where it all took place) which is great and really beautiful and I just know you already made plans to go there sometime, but I am going to insist you check out these talented entrepreneurs and lovely blogs right now:
I’m very excited for the next edition!
Last monday I went to the January edition of the Modefabriek in Amsterdam. I have been fortunate enough to attend the last two editions too, so by now I have a pretty good idea which areas I have to check out. I have to see MINT (with ambassador Egbert-Jan Weeber) of course and another area called Trash and Treasures which is pretty cool and a little bit edgy. I like the fair, clean and hip environment of MINT. Actually maybe it’s even my most favorite part of the fair. But I have to say I also get really inspired by the ‘Garage Sale Extraordinare’ where thirty sellers are handpicked to showcase (and sell!!) their handmade, vintage or young designer fashion and accessories. For me the Modefabriek was all about the details this edition. So lots of accessories and small details that caught my eye. I have posted some pics on Instagram too and will highlight some new brands the coming weeks.
{1. Modefabriek promo photo / 2. Options department store selection in MINT area / 3. *eco* People Tree dress designed by Peter Jensen / 4. *eco* Granny’s Finest selection of knitwear in MINT area / 5. *eco* O My Bag fair-trade bags in MINT area / 6. Kliek Uniek selected products / 7. Leon & Harper jeans dress}
Whenever I’m in Amsterdam I try to squeeze in as much quality shops in the (often) limited time I have. Every time I try to cover one particular area, such as the Pijp or Noord or center. I usually know exactly what stores I want to see and in most cases there even is a time plan involved. You could say I’m a little bit neurotic that way. The funny thing is I usually don’t prepare at all whenever I go and visit a foreign city. Foreign cities and their unknown treasures, the enormous quantity of must-see shops: they have a way of paralyzing me. “There is no way to see everything so I might as well just go and see what pops up.” is usually my city trip or vacation attitude. Since I had plenty of time to get to know Amsterdam (I was born and raised in Amstelveen which is kind of its suburb) I have conquered the paralysis as far as this city is concerned. I know it inside out (like my back pocket as we Dutch folk say). Last Saturday I went to Restored on the Haarlemmerdijk, a shop I wanted to see for ages (I already am a regular visitor of their webshop). Do make sure to visit if you’re in the neighborhood; that’s the good part me already selecting a couple of must-see shops in Amsterdam so you won’t wander aimlessly (as I’m prone to do abroad…). Restored is a beautiful shop selling handmade design, interiorstuff, bags, jewellery, fashion, gifts, ceramics and books. Well, you will just have to buy everything when you go there.
Christmas is upon us and I keep thinking about shiny golden accessories. We already had snow this year but it was a bit early, would be nice if we had a white Christmas though. I would like a bright blue sky with a bright sun and a snowy white world. It always reminds me of skiing (which I love). Just some things I love, next post will be more Christmassy I promise!
{1. Brass collar by Young Frankk // 2. White golden cups Pinterest via Sterling Style // 3. Words via Soleadusthere on Pinterest // 4. Boya lamp by Environment via Dering Hall //
Whilst browsing the internet I stumbled upon the beautiful colorful clothes by Mara Hoffman (she has a sale going on!). I love small independent labels, they just are so much more personal. Whilst researching her I saw these pictures of her fall collection 2012. Okay, so they are last year, but they are so beautiful! I couldn’t find a more recent campaign (except the one of the swimwear collection), but I do hope she will make more. I like this campaign, it’s abstract colorful and a bit dark and sinister with the crows (they symbolize death you know). I think it nicely represents those two sides in our personality: the sweet versus the mysterious. She makes amazing pieces! Please do make sure to follow her boards on Pinterest or follow her on Facebook. Fan!
{Photographer Olivia Malone // Stylist Richard Ruiz // hair and makeup Katie Wedlund // Jewelry Kria // Collage Kimberly Dulaney}
November already and it’s getting really chilly and dark outside. I don’t know about you, but I’m beginning to miss the sun… November gets me thinking about wooden cabins and a burning fire, warm sweaters and hot chocolate… Is it Christmas yet?
{1. Eric Bompard kashmere sweater / 2. Crocheted stone via Pinterest / 3. Wouters & Hendrix feather bracelet / 4. Tree wallpaper via Houzz }
Recently I visited the Pijp thanks to a great party I will blog about on another occasion. I got the chance to visit some great shops like Zublim and Cottoncake. I was particularly smitten by this last wee little shop. The interior was just so perfect and they served delicious home brewed coffee that came out of a grand looking coffee machine and the clothes and accessories they had were just amazing. My heart just skips a beat in such a perfect place. Just the right mix too between sweet and ‘stoer’. I bought a way to expensive blazer jacket in a beautiful matte green by Minimum. Sometimes you just have to splurge! And did you know their beautiful moth logo was designed by LaFarme? Please do make sure to visit if you have the chance!
I’ve been on holiday a couple of weeks and though I didn’t intend it, it became a short break from blogging too. We mostly relaxed and enjoyed the weather when it was good, read a good book or magazine when not, and really just tried to take things slow. Yesterday, to celebrate the end of my vacation, I went to the DaWanda design market at hotel Meininger in Amsterdam. DaWanda just launched a Dutch site and promoted it by having a design market with 100 handmade and unique DaWanda sellers. I was impressed by how good everything was organized. They even had somebody standing at station Sloterdijk to show people coming by train where to go, everyone received a really nice goody bag and there where beautiful flyers and floor plans. I was also honored as a blogger to be invited to the press meeting, but due to a grand logistic blunder I arrived too late for that! Such a pity, especially since it was a good chance to meet all the fellow bloggers again. A couple of weeks ago I was happy to receive a gift from DaWanda Holland. They sent this beautiful lasercut tree made by All Things we Like to hang your jewellery from. All in all I thought it was a great initiative seeing all the beautiful handmade items in real life. It’s always nice to see the person(s) behind the product and everyone did such a great job in transforming their hotel room in a nice shop!
{I Illustrations by Gemagenta - she also makes beautiful jewellery} {II Productdesign by Christine Wiegelman} {IV Illustration cards by Hellicopter} {VI sink filled with brooches by Van Ikke} {VII Jewellery by Liebelu} {VIII Hats & accessories by Jeonga Choi} {IX Illustration by Bird told me} {X laser cut tree by All Things we Like}
Also a special mention for the following shops, please do check them out if you have a chance!
{I didn’t credit two photo’s, because I simply forgot the shop / room I made them in! If you recognize (your) products please let me know and I will make sure to correct it}
Some things I love. Have a nice weekend everyone!
{ I Marie Piel swan necklace / II Le scriban desk Margaux Keller via Mocoloco / III Imm tea cups via Huset / IV japanese postcard via options}
