Lady in red is dancing with me

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright
I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance
They're looking for a little romance ...

Because black is allways there, it's tempting to stick to that safe dark colour, but it's time for a change, make a statement and put on some red ( pairing it with camel). It will give you something extra, it will defnitely energize your style !

Talking about energy,  I am  a huge fan of British selftaught fashionphotographer Corinne Day. One of the most energetic women in the world, who died at the end of august after a long illness. She inspired me so much. The medical prognosis was eight years left to live, however she outlived that prognosis by over six years !!  She was known for forming long and strong relationships with her models, like Kate Moss, which resulted in gorgeous intimate portraits.
She will be loved forever.

Everyone, every day, can make a choice in how they want to live their life. xoxo

Goodbye summer

Fall has arrived.
Signs of fall are starting to show themselves in Belgium: rain, cold nights, red leaves .. it's time to pack all my sundresses, bikini's, shorts in the back of my closet.  I am sad waving goodbye to my summercoats:

But happy to welcome autumn,
weatherwise I hate this season ( I am more of a surfer, nice sunsets, beach kinda girl) but fashionwise it's nice, one word : layers !
So many options for autumn outerwear: trench coats, leather jackets, cover-ups and what about......capes?  Every autumn they are back on the agenda as a major fashion trend. They  look sophisticated and add a chic touch to any outfit (unless you are wearing a vampire cape).

Fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld once said : " An individual can improve her style, but it's better to be born with it "

I think Rachel Bilson, or better, her personal stylist, Nicole Chavez is born with it.  She manages to make Rachel look effortlessly cool in whatever outfit  (and it looks like she loves Belgian designers, wearing Maison Martin Margiela wedge booties, so we have to like her). Rachel looked amazing at DVF show last week and at the 40th anniversary of Roberto Cavali's label.  

That same Karl Lagerfeld said: " For a fabulous party you have to have the right people, the right place and the right reason ", Hmmm, I know the right people, no problem for the right reason ( I can find one) or the right place, but what about the right time ?  A Tuesday evening ?
 xoxo

Downtime

Get some downtime this sunday and cozy up :

Indulge your sentimental side and make an easy, heart-shaped brunch for someone you love..... Grab your best friend and watch Tom Ford's "A single man", one of the most visually stimulating films I have ever seen..... Check out Milan's fashion week where Belgian designer Raf Simons stole the show yesterday with a gorgeous, colourfull Jill Sander collection ......


Borrow your friends clothes for a total make-over, or like my 12 year old daughter did, steal your mum's clothes : (River Island T-shirt, Essentiel jacket, H&M trousers, Reebok sneakers)

or check out the cutest shop ever "Blossoms & Design" in Wilrijk (Antwerp, Berkenlaan 51)  from interior designer Vanessa Demeulder,
flowers, gifts, workshops and what is so good about it, open on sunday till 13.30 ! Yeah, we love shops that are open on sunday ! Kusmi tea, Aqua di parma, Eva solo, Kate n Jules, ......so much stylish stuff for a perfect gift.

So with other words, relax and have a nice sunday ! xoxo

It's all about red

Red lips, hot chicks...... 

They've been the ultimate symbol of glamour for decades and they're back in the spotlight for autumn.  You see them everywhere, especially after the Chanel and Dior Campaigns. 

Some of my friends are so devoted to their red lipstick, I don't even remember how they look without their signature red. They only feel confident with, and invisible without.

It's true that it is an instant glam trick and instantly makes you feel feminine, but be carefull that it doesn't look like you just walked of a stage (or like a clown).  I know it needs some courage and you ask yourself can I really pull it off ? 

You just need to find the right shade. And what about the kiss test ? It's nice to have irresistible lips, but what about your friends cheeks when you kissed them ?  

Don't worry,  get your weekend started and put on that red lipstick ! Tonight's gonna be a good night  !

xoxo

(Belgian topmodel Hanne Gaby Odiele:  she is  fab !)  

B's & B's

How to get the celebrity look?

Hmm, first empty your bankaccount, then buy the ultrachic Marcie bag of Chloe ... My favorite at the moment.
I love the one in phyton, ohlalala, pure perfection.  I am so tempted  ! But, since I am an oldtime lover of Balenciaga and since I am a loyal person ( and no money left), I guess I will stick to B forever   ....(I try to comfort myself by saying that a new handbag is not gonna change my life although mine could save a life: I carry plasters, phone, headache tablets, Letterman army knife.....)

A true fashionista is as well read as she (or he) is dressed. I am not talking about magazines, I know you all have your living room full of them, no, there are so many fashionbooks out right now : Alexander McQueen genius of a generation, Kate Moss by Mario Testino, Pucci, Blow by blow:the story of Isabella Blow, Norman Parkinson portraits in fashion  etc........perfect for a cold fall evening, with a glass of cava , of course.

To my dear followers, my favorite quote for this week:

"" THE WHOLE IDEA OF LIVING IS TO BELIEVE THE BEST IS YET TO BE "(Peter Ustinov)
xoxo

Have a happy monday

"Your idea of bliss is to wake up on a monday morning knowing you haven't a single engagement for the enitre week. You are cradled in white paper cocoon tied up with typewriter ribbon." (Edna Ferber)

If for you that is not the case and you have a full schedule ahead, a good way to start your week is to let your inner beast out by wearing some animal prints. Leopard prints were everywhere on the catwalk this season: dresses, blouses , coats .... It's difficult to resist this trend. I especially adore our Belgian designer Dries Van Noten 's gorgeous leopard coat.

If you are lucky and in Paris at the moment, don't miss his fantastic boutique on the Seine ( 7 Quai Malaquais, Paris) , named one of the most beautifull stores in Europe . The interior is based around his favourite colour, imperial yellow and differs from his store in Antwerp (also on top of every Japanese tourist wishlist)  

If you missed Swedish brand "Acne"'s fashionshow ( womenswear s/s 2011)  at Kensington Palace live on the internet ,  you can still watch their show footage at www.acnestudios.com or visit their store (at Lombardenvest ) in Antwerp. Acne is great for laid-back chic dresses, ideal to prevent a mondaymorning, what am I gonna wear, crisis (because I was on the internet all night checking out catwalks and catwalks .........)   

have a happy monday xoxo

Allmost weekend

My women/girl of the day is without any doubt french designer Isabel Marant. She has this coolgirl status.

She said about herself:

" I have a strong personality. So as a woman, I want you to be interested in me first- not my wardrobe. I also don't feel the same everyday, or every hour. but whatever my mood is, I am still the same person",

oh my god, this could so be me. ' It's like the wheredidyougetthat people who can hardly say hello before scanning you from head to toe. You need to check out her fab fall campaign with it-model Kate Moss.  

If you are looking for the perfect fall coat,  take a look at Christopher Raeburn's  ( Barneys NY) very cool parkas made from Eurostar uniforms and yes, old Belgian army tank suits or even retired hot-air balloons. I  love, love the picture of beautifull Blake Lively shot by Mario Testino . 

. 

 Remember this when you start your weekend, drinking an "apéritive" at Vitrine: " The most memorable moments in life can be enjoyed by doing nothing" xoxo

something for your mind

"4O is the new 20" ! What a great quote to start your week.  Question  : if you could talk to your teenage self what life lesson would you give yourself ?  The answers:  "Take risks in life", "Be bolder and have fun", "Don't mistake romance for love,  and most important "Don't worry about what other people think".
Question : If your ex-boyfriend is on the cover of all crappy tabloid magazines in Belgium concerning the fight between two wags, running after his money, what would you do ? Answer: I laughed my head off with my BF.

News from fashion week NY:  Gorgeous twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen postponed their catwalkshow of "The Row" because of a delay in sample deliveries. So instead of today, it will be shown during Paris fashion week.  Their luxury apparel brand is known for it's clean lines and perfect fit , say "new minimalism" ( like Cos but so much more expensive) , love it ! I can't wait to catch a glimp in Paris...

  Have a nice week xoxo

High-street shake up

English high-street fashion has arrived in Antwerp ! Their store opening VIP party last night at the River Island store , Meir 56, really turned up the volume, cocktails, fish and chips, fabulous gifts, DJ's ... what a night ! 

River island is known for it's stylish and affordable fashion, with great going-out looks, fabulous shoes and bags.  Their shoe collection was soooooo nice, so difficult to choose from ( not enough money) . Finally I ended up with beautifull beige wedges and  red cheeks (from trying on all their shoes). 

If people stop you and ask where are those fabulous heels from ? It's up to you whether to reveal your little high-street secret ......
 

Tonight is fahion's night out in NYC with celebrity-attented cocktailparties in Brooklyn, late night shopping, special performances in the shops, in-store make-overs. 

It's shopping for a good cause.

FNO is a global initiative, other countries like Australia, China, France, UK, italy , Spain ...are all coordinating their own events, they even call it a global celebration of fashion.

 So what about Belgium ? 

I am so ready xoxo

Ugly betty is hot

Don't stress about what to wear this autumn because it's all about a return to classics. Forget bling, bling. Think granny chic, or even better think nerdy !

The nerdy look is hot. Your key accessories are geek glasses and brogues.  Small buys with a big impact. Brogues are the formal converse for this season, the perfect partner for everything from a short skirt ( if you have the legs) to cropped trousers ( if you don't)  They look cute with colour ankle socks and bare legs, so don't be afraid to experiment. And remember : flat shoes make life so much easier ....... Run to the shops, don't walk ladies !

Since honesty is the best policy, I have to admit,  the geek glasses , hmm..... ok for me , the brogues .......  sorry, I'll be the only nerd running in heels, because day or night, I pretty much live in heels, towering heels
xoxo

Laundry day

Where is everbody today ?
Well,  the place to be is Antwerp festival "Laundry day ",
 it feels like Antwerp is burning  !!! (Ledeganckkaai) , 13 stages with more then 100 artists like Shameboy, Kid Rascal, Tlp .......check out the festival style and all-round coolness
or

be very festival un-like and sip a drink and have a 'tarte" while visiting Antwerp's  trendiest conceptstore "Ra" ( Kloosterstreet 13) , where you find new collections and vintage. A balance between music, art, books and fashion. (Today, for example, labels Inc and Ra presented a selection of fashion for sale, a second hand show) Definitely worth a visit.

I wonder : Do designers ever sit down and just relax  ? I don't think so,  prove is the latest new trend:  fashion designers doing hotels, think the amazing Armani Hotel in Dubai ( with a swimming pool shaped in a capital A ), DVF 's first major interior design project at "Claridge's" London, "Maison Moschino" in Milan and funky "25-hours hotel" tailored by Levi's in Frankfurt .

Hmmm, my little, old building downtown Antwerp, needs a little revamping to, think hotel heaven and catwalk-cool decor, so feel free designers, you can contact me on my cell.
xoxo

O what a night

Following the success of last year's event, Miele was partnering with even more Belgian designers to create a fashion night to remember on the avant-première of "Miele's Catwalk 2010 " last night: ... Just in Case,  Marie Jo, Anne Kurris, Tim van Steenbergen, Olivier Strelli, , Xandres, Mademoiselle Jean, Christophe Coppens ......fantastic red carpet event at Tour&Taxis Brussels ( with deliciously pralines from Neuhauss, who said the fashion crowd doens't eat ? ) .

Am still recovering, not only from the bubbles but also from the latest news that the collaboration between Lanvin and H&M has been confirmed, yes !!!. The new line will arrive in stores november 23.  And if by any chance you are in Paris right now, lucky you : Vanessa Bruno's pop up store opened (at the Rue Veille du Temple 81) till 30 september. Every gift is welcome...

Don't miss september's issue of french magazine "Jalouse"with the gorgeous Venturini twins, Giulia and Camilla  on their cover, photographed by famous J.B. Mondino.

After such an emotional day , my Quote of the day : "A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left. "( Marilyn Monroe)
xoxo

So many things to do..

Yep, there is no way back, september has started, what a day, sooo busy and sooooo many things to do this month!
Don't miss Constance Jablonski, my it-girl of the month, 20 year old french model with such a unique look, one of the most coveted faces in fashion, (walking 62 shows in NY, Milan and Paris for winter 2010 season, spokesperson for Estee Lauder ), in french Vogue  this month.

Dillema: my feet were freezing today while having a drink at Café Vitrine in Antwerp, so question : is it time to get rid of your sandals and put your boots on (that means goodbye summer) or leave them on and let your best friends soup warm you up ( that means  no I am not ready for fall yet)  ?

By the way the soup was fantastic.

Start this month with lots of love and friendship, so remember :  To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world (Brandi Snyder) xoxo