Time to grow up {and move on}

Hi you girls and boys,

maybe you're wondering why I haven't written for so long ; well, actually I have but not on this platform. I guess it was just about time to make change and grow up, blog-wise that is.

I've made an effort to recreate a new blog with a proper .com name ; no more blogspot.com anymore from now on.

Also, I had so many people asking on my Instagram account, why I did not blog ! I guess I was just a bit fed up explaining that I do have a blog, with a different account name .. do you here me coming ?

So from now on, please click the following website/blog and if you like, follow me here ..

marble is the new black 

It's a lot easier now both IG and blog names connect and are simply the same.

No fuss.

Another change I made, I'm currently blogging in Dutch/Flemish as most of my followers on IG are Dutch-speaking people.

However, if you guys would love to see me write in English, French, German whatever ..

please let me know ! 

I'll gladly add an extra column on each post.

Thanks so much for being such loyal fans of this site.

Alas, all {good} things come to an end and make space for something better.

Hope you all like the new website/blog.

Please share and let me know. I'd love to hear all your feedback. 

Halloween make up not wasted

I am currently working a lot in the studio so make up and styling is very important to have a perfect final result ; my images and those of my fellow colleagues need to be perfect in the end.

As Halloween is approaching I was thinking to buy some darker hues for lips and contouring as this could be a perfect subject for our next assignment .. dramatic photography with a resplendant touch.

The role Carice van Houten is playing in Game of Thrones might just be the perfect example of what I am thinking about. We might just use the newest products by MAC and (newcomer in Antwerp) 

Wycon. 

I've had very nice results myself with their compact creme powder ; it's light and does not look caked like some other brands do. My trick is to apply it with a wet sponge : better to put it on layer by layer, not creating a brickwork of make up that looks too much and greasy.

Cheekbones can be accentuated naturally with MAC's studio fix perfecting stick ; oh yes I know, it's actually a concealer but comes very close to their previous contouring creme which is not available anymore in the Antwerp store.

Again, I'm applying this in a modest manner ; it's better to use it carefully than OTT.

My current compact foundation is by Wycon, as I told you guys already above ; my skin is still a bit tanned from the holidays, that's why I pick the 02 NATURALE for my complexion.

Lips are accentuated with the newest Wycon set n° 12 KIMONO KISSES and it's matching lipgloss N° 12 HOT & KISSES. This particular lipgloss/stick shows a golden shine once it's dry. Very spectacular I must say. For a more demure dark red lip, I advise you choose MAC's HE SAID - SHE SAID for lining and filling up your lips. Personally I mix it with my Golden Vintage Art Deco lips (the Dita von Teese set) n° 36.  This is as close to perfection a lipstick can get !

So while you're still thinking what to wear for Halloween, stack up your lipsticks and compact cremes today ; there are a million tutorials online on 'how to' apply this or that make-up.

I'm pretty sure series like Game of Thrones will provide you with lots of ideas for October 31st !

set n°12 by Wycon

compact foundation 02 natural by Wycon

Out of Fashion ? I don't think so.

Hi guys ! Finally Friday again. Have been looking forward to this weekend  because it will be a lazy one. Next week I'll be headed for Barcelona, so I'll catch up on reading all about the hot spots to be discovered out there. Meanwhile I found this great bag by O'ren today and I wasn't even looking for a bag. I guess I'm just a sucker for a great bag with a funny statement ! 

O'ren is a Belgian brand, known for it's cute glittery sweaters and chauvinistic slogans. Oh yeah, I know we Belgians are quite demure and shy and will hardly ever brag about any achievement, but this label mostly shows the opposite and to be honest, I LIKE THAT !

Found this army green O'ren bag at Café au Lait in Wijnegem Shopping Center.

You can also order it online here.

phone case Bershka

coat (old) Isabel Marant 

Out of Fashion ? I don't think so.

Hi guys ! Finally Friday again. Have been looking forward to this weekend  because it will be a lazy one. Next week I'll be headed for Barcelona, so I'll catch up on reading all about the hot spots to be discovered out there. Meanwhile I found this great bag by O'ren today and I wasn't even looking for a bag. I guess I'm just a sucker for a great bag with a funny statement ! 

O'ren is a Belgian brand, known for it's cute glittery sweaters and chauvinistic slogans. Oh yeah, I know we Belgians are quite demure and shy and will hardly ever brag about any achievement, but this label mostly shows the opposite and to be honest, I LIKE THAT !

Found this army green O'ren bag at Café au Lait in Wijnegem Shopping Center.

You can also order it online here.

You MAY never have to worry about too many sneakers

loving these babies ; click here to purchase online
photo credit Golden Goose

Although sneakers may be on their way back to be overthrown by heels again, I just can't let go of yet another crazy cool pair by Golden Goose. I get it that we've seen too many Stan Smith sneakers by now so why just not go out for a quest of a more original model and colors.

When you see too much of the same thing it's just not alluring anymore and no one wants to feel like a sheep in the herd or even worse, a late bloomer when the biggest hype is already over.
I had the same feeling with the Made by Bernadette cardigans or the Lewis & Melly sweaters with the sparkly sleeves at a certain point. Also, when 13 year old girls want to dress up like adults in oversized cardigans and Stan Smith's, that's the deal breaker for me.

But anyways, I've just ordered these pretty metallic babies for this season ; can't wait for the UPS guy to deliver the box !

photo credit : Golden Goose website
Model wearing the MAY sneakers 

The picture above shows the sneakers on a complete outfit ; totally loving the styling. I could really see me wearing it just like this example. Plus, don't you just LOVE that tiny star bag ?

A friend of mine has the larger black one and I'm besotted by her bag ; just can't remember when I had a large and heavy tote on my arm ! Small (cross body) bags rule ! 

We are the Champions my friend

close up of my first Fall outfit for September

The latest hype ; a statement sweater by Champion. As I already own so many grey sweaters and hoodies, I did not hesitate purchasing this particular jumper in black. I've always had a fondness of mixing night blues with black .. makes it somehow looks more 

chic and less boring.

My bomber looks a lot like the one my husband has from ACNE, minus the exuberant price tag. And Other Stories have a great selection in bombers ; nudes, black or navy .. all great basic hues are available at a reasonable price. The quality is really great and doesn't look tacky or cheap like some other high street brands using plain satin fabric. 

bomber And Other Stories

sweater Champion at Renaissance (or online)

bag APC
t shirt Isabel Marant étoile 

Isabel Marant t shirt can be found at Graanmarkt 13, Antwerp

Solitude and working alone

Feeling a bit lonely lately ; have tons of work to do but all my assignments are not people-related, except for the models I work with on Wednesday night in the studio. 

Luckily, Antwerp has a lot of great spots to have lunch or a coffee to enjoy in- or outside. For me, this is the best time of year. Weather is still very nice but not heavy ; you can start wearing some of your new Fall essentials without sweating like a horse. I will be posting some outfits pretty soon so you can see what I preferred best out of all FW 2016 collections.

Teasing you already with one picture with my latest cross body bag by A.P.C. ; the half moon bag has been on my list for some time but I never found the right color in it (remember I was looking for a cute little burgundy bag like forever ) ?
It's somewhat funny I eventually purchased it in black .. been liking the tan one very much but I just know it will be stained within the week as I am a very careless person with bags and shoes. 
To avoid any headache about the bag, I decided to go for the black version in the end. 

Am not to unhappy about it. 

D.I.V.E.R.S.

Heard so many good things about Divers ; it just opened a week or 2 ago and I immediately fell for it's clean interior and concept. Finally a foodie bar with some healthy bowls and juices ; sometimes a girl just does not need another coffee bar in her hometown.

Today I tried the Hulk bowl filled with a healthy fix ; banana, granola, almond milk and spinach ! {flexing my biceps haha} 

Now I've tried one, I must admit they taste amazing and fill you up but in a nice way. Lately I have developed a dislike for excessive meals, too much meat and potatoes or pasta. It makes you puff up like a blowfish. So I'm changing my eating habits into healthy fixes, preferably with lots of green veggies ! Yum !

Absolutely Fab !

** shown in red on the CC website 

a couple of years old but still pretty amazing
brand Mellow Yellow

Even though I'm melting away right now, I did buy some AW 2016 collection last weekend ; September and October are fully booked in our agenda's and Mr C and I needed some new clothes for upcoming parties, fare well drinks and a Fall wedding.

We are also headed for Barcelona next month, another engagement we need to attend looking sharp and nicely dressed. 

Mr C is a big Paul Smith fan, so this wasn't too difficult finding him a nice travel suit and some quirky accessories to team it. 

I'm always getting a bit nervous what to wear to formal occasions ; I don't want to give up on comfort, want my clothes to survive a whole day without creases and wardrobe fails. 

On top of that, I'm a bit of a chauvinist and try to buy as much Belgian  fashion as possible. #ikkoopBelgisch

The people of Renaissance know me pretty well ; never giving me that awkward feeling I have to buy something (perpetually a waste of money and ending up on a yard sale 6 month's later) but actually listening to what I want, what suits me best without losing on quality.

Sasha made me try an amazing skirt from Belgian designer Cédric Charlier ; a navy blue wool wrap skirt** with bow and I fell in love immediately ! We actually found the nude t shirt I was wearing perfect to match and we both agreed a bomber jacket (he knows I LOVE bomber jackets) would team it beautifully. 

Lately, Other Stories sells amazing bombers ; I already own a few but never had a navy blue before. Remembering they just launched a series of bombers, it did not take me long to find the perfect bomber jacket in the right color.

OUT magazine with an amazing spread on the Ab Fab movie

In between all these dates and events, I hope to get a chance to see the new Absolutely Fabulous movie ! So happy Patsy and Edina decided to make that movie ! 

Did you guys get the chance to see it already ? 

Thoughts ?

HM Studio 2016

I happened to get in time in store this morning for the HM Studio AW collection 2016 ; what a beautiful collection it is. Very boho-inspired, loved the wine red hues and applications and the crisp white shirts. 

Unfortunately, I own already SO many white shirts I forced myself not to buy it and went for the black lace blouse instead. I know for sure this lacy beauty will be perfect for a Christmas or New Year's party pretty soon. After all, time flies so fast I just know December will be here in a snap !

For now, still enjoying this Indian Summer vibe and sunny weather we are (finally) experiencing.

What did you guys get from this collection ? 

So curious to find out and see all your pictures.

Coffee break

don't you just love reading a nice magazine and enjoy a good cup of coffee ? 

How to ...

How to ... by pomeline-duchesse featuring a pink t shirt

Eat. Sleep. Rave (but in a good way). Repeat.

Ibiza has some great beaches ; the best are actually small and sometimes well hidden, some became popular must-see spots through the years. 

When I purchased Anne Poelmans guide for Ibiza last year, I followed many of her advised hot-spots but the one that really stood out for us was Experimental Beach. And once again, it did not fail ; this must be one of the most beautiful places near Las Salinas. 

My pictures have the most amazing light and colour ; we are truly in love with this fabulous place.

On top of that, they offer a nice variety of well made cocktails ; what's not to love about this place ?!

It can be quite crowdy during the high season so if you can, try and book your stay in May or September (or even October) ; it will be easier to backlog a table for lunch or dinner (anywhere).

I forgot the name of my cocktail (right) but I'm pretty sure it has vodka and lemon mixed in it. Anyways, try whatever you like, you won't be disappointed !

During the day I always try to find a beach that's nice and deserted ; even during our (high season) stay in August, we managed to find the cutest pebbled beach ever. It's situated in the South-West of the island, namely Cala Moli. I already mentioned the beach is filled with pebbles (no sand) so you might expect some difficulty getting into the water ; bring along water-sandals and your day can't go wrong ! 

this cutie kept us company

Platges de Comté was also on my list after seeing it on a Dutch documentary about Sunset Ashram ; unfortunately, cars were lined up so far on the road, I actually called it quits and made a U-turn. This is the result of being a hype and luring tourists into a place that once belonged to the original hippies ; I actually felt a bit ashamed. The spot was so overcrowded it almost felt like disaster tourism.

I'm glad we did discover the whole island by car, so we can think about where to live in the near future.
We are planning to move abroad for some time now and in about 3 years time this is actually going to happen for us.
So, we might as well be thoroughly prepared before making the actual move.

next blogpost
mixing new collection with your tan and Summer accessories 

Ibiza 2016 - tips & hotspots

Many people text or send me a message whenever I come back from a trip or holiday, asking me about hotspots and places to see. I just came back from another Ibiza trip and I must say I enjoyed it - once again - SO much ! 

When I booked my flight, I also got the chance to book a car at an interesting rate and on top, they would deliver the car of my choice at the hotel. As I don't like to stress about anything on holiday, I was very happy to experience a correct deal with the people of Sunny Cars. The car was delivered on time at our hotel so we could drive off about 10 minutes later. I just LOVE exactitude so much I literally started clapping hands when reception called me at 09.59h.

One of the places I want to recommend is The Giri Café in the village of San Juan ; discovered it just by driving around, stopping by because its public square looked so pretty and my curiosity led me to the back of this beautiful café into their garden.

Such bliss !

People mostly recommend La Paloma in San Lorenzo - I totally understand, it is an amazing spot to eat - but I'd like to keep my eyes and mind open for undiscovered gems.

left : I took a salmon bruschetta - right : the amazing view of the garden

The food at Giri was honest and made with love and the garden is absolutely pretty and chill ; the perfect place to stop by and enjoy an afternoon lunch. Please order a glass of their white wine .. it's dry and fresh and amazingly good. 

I literally left this place with such a great feeling ; it amazes me sometimes how way more popular restaurants or bars attract so much people while service and friendliness are beneath contempt and make you wanna put a gun to your head (excuse my French). 

Normally I would not spend energy on dragging a place down but when you expect everything and get sh*t instead, I just can't help but warning you guys, what to expect.

I booked a table at Es Torrent 3 weeks before date ; I booked it because I read so much about it, it was even recommended by chef Sergio Herman (the owner of The Jane in Antwerp). I admit we were a bit early but this has never EVER have been a problem anywhere in the world, as we wanted to enjoy the scenery with a glass of wine (it was apéro-o'clock after all) so we could wait until our table would be ready. 

We were banned to the 'salon'  .. we had to fetch our drinks ourselves at the bar  because they did not serve at the salon (a mere 5 feet away from the tables) : when we asked if our reservation was actually confirmed, the guy at the booking desk reassured it if there would be a table free before our booking time, we would get it. 

And so we waited and time went by, we saw total chaos and empty tables .. but no one took the time or energy to ask if we were ok. At this point we started to get that awkward feeling 'this is never going to turn out right' ..

For the record .. I'm not a complaining person, I'm actually very patient and sweet and will give everybody the benefit of the doubt .. but .. this was booked by me for our 10 year wedding anniversary  and when you get that awkward feeling you are just a number and they just don't care and sentences fly around like 'the waiter is the boss', ' your reservation is actually a table on a waiting list'  .. 

I'm like .. ok thanks (in my head I said fuck you very much, talk to you never) 

My point is, when a spot gets so popular & the people who work there are just robots and you get treated like poop  .. I wanna run, real fast. And so we did. 

Why am I telling you guys all this ; the island has some AMAZING unknown spots yet to be discovered, where the food is brilliant too (or even better) ; I love the feeling when I wanna hug the waiter because he/she was so sweet. Avoid popular and overrated places and discover small/new eateries instead ! 

Next up :

Experimental Beach cocktails

the cutest beach in Ibiza

Best book to discover Ibiza 

Just a quick photoshoot of my new fluffy knitwear sweater ; I really love the loose knit and color here. It makes me crave Autumn - my favorite season - although I still need some vacay badly.

For me, a holiday is the best time to resource and reinvent myself ; new ideas come more easily when  distant from my daily routine. September 1st is to me what  New Year's day is like to other people - it's the perfect moment to reboot myself, start with a fresh slate, sharpen my pencils.

So, I'm very much looking forward to catch some extra sun and energy but also can't wait to 

restart the new year.

What about you ? When is your perfect moment during the year ?

Lace & Mohair

I've finally found a discrete but very nice bustier to protect my modesty underneath my bridal dress next week. We are planning to renew our vows with our 10 year anniversary ; I've found the cutest midi dress but have to admit, it's quite bold. It has a plunging neckline and although it stays nicely in place, I'm not that confident it will hold during the day. I'm quite an expressive person with my arms - imagine Italian gestures and shifting from left to the right in a split second - we don't need nipple slips or other embarrassing moments .. :-)

& Other Stories has a very nice underwear range every season ; they have the most perky choice for their FW16 collection and I was lucky to find this lacy bra in my size. Couldn't also resist to ferret around the store ; the grey mohair knit seen in the picture above .. OMG, it was love at first sight ! Just can't resist a nice knit in any shade of grey.
I plead guilty ; this is my first Winter item and it's not even September yet !
I'm pretty sure you guys would love to wear this chunky sweater on a silk(y) long pencil skirt !

bra Stories

knitwear Stories

team it with 

long silk skirt H&M

well hello sailor

Our harbor has been overmastered by tallships this weekend ; what an opportunity to visit these ships and their crew. Needless to say I'm a huge fan of striped tops and clean crisp white trainers.

Marine outfits are a perfect inspiration for any Summer outfit as we all know.

You might click on the following link to check out a nice summary of maritime fashion items.

click here 

Bij ons in the Jordaan ... (inside joke only the Dutch will understand)

Hi you guys ! Extremely happy with my present today !

Although I would've waited to get to Italy to buy these Gucci loafers, hubby gave them as a graduation present today ! Hurray !

My absolute n° 1 faves where the fuchsia metallic ones but unfortunately these weren't available anymore at our local Gucci store, so I went for the black ones as they were just back in store.

My first ever Gucci loafers were the 1953 horse bit ones but when the Jordaan loafers emerged on the fashion scene a couple of seasons ago, worn by it-girls Alexa Chung or Sienna Miller,  I always felt a craving to go for this particular model too. I particularly love the longer nose of the shoe which the classic loafer has not.

They look more preppy and very Italian, a bit more boyish what is absolutely not the case with the Jordaan's. The leather is smoother and the model itself way more elegant on the feet.

So here we are, super happy with my present and even more happy to show them off once in Italy.

Who knows, I might find some other metallic Gucci shoe ; I even want to consider the granny ones with the block heels. Granny shoes are the next thing as I've seen them already for Fall designed by Prada and Dries van Noten.

I'll leave you with some inspirational pictures, shot at different street style occasions such as PFW and MFW. Hope you'll enjoy them and get inspired too.

photo credit Pinterest and seen on people like Louise Redknapp from
astylealbum-blog

it-girl Alexa never fails 

the classic 1953 horse bit Gucci loafer seen on Charlotte Casiraghi

photo credit styleandminimalism-blog

Sienna wearing classic granny shoes .. love how she teamed them with this simple but chic blue look