:: Monmouth Coffee :

I have mentioned this coffee place before. (You can read about it also on this article). It’s THE best one in London.
 
(picture from their website )


:: James Smith & Sons :

I love speciality shops and my favourite one is James Smith & Sons . It is an umbrella shop. They have been making umbrellas, sticks and canes since 1830 for both men and women. The outside is stunning as it is a Victorian building; inside you can see a large range of products displayed in the original fittings. I can’t think of any better souvenir from London, where it rains *all the time*.


 

:: Belsize Park:

My last address in London – and definitely the most beautiful one. It’s quiet, yet very near busy Camden. There are great little shops and restaurants nearby; Primrose Hill is close with a fantastic view of London. Hampstead Heath Park and Regent’s Park are also very close (both very different and worth a visit). If you don’t have a clue about where to live in London. I highly recommend you take a look at this area.

(Dress: Bimba & Lola; Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jabobs; Sandals: Office)

:: Brixton Cornercopia:

If you think English food is only beans on toast and fish’n’chips…think again! I challenge you to get better English food than the one served in this restaurant. It’s inside Brixton Village. The atmosphere is very laid back, cool and simple.


 

:: Goodhood:

One of my favourite fashion shops in Shoreditch (East London).

(picture from their website )

:: Momo:

You can choose between the moroccan food restaurant, the café, outdoor terrace or basement bar/ disco. I love the live music in the basement.

:: Natural History Museum:

In my opinion the most beautiful museum in London.

:: Flower Market (Sunday):
My favourite market in London. Busy but absolutely amazing. Love the variety of flowers and the little shops along the road. On Sunday, go over there, buy a few flowers and have coffee, or mulled wine!


 

:: Viajante:

My favourite restaurant. It’s pricey but it’s worth it.

The chef is Portuguese and the food is a fusion of ingredients from his experiences around the world. It’s not a Portuguese restaurant. You’ll taste exciting and experimental flavours and a molecular influence from the time he worked at “El Bulli”.

:: Minamoto Kitchoan:
I love this delicious Japanese sweets called “Wagashi”. They’re made of natural ingredients and you should definitely have them with a cup of Matcha tea (purest kind of green tea).

After 5 years it’s not easy to make a list because there are so many other places I wanted to put in here.

I know I am going to miss London, but I can’t wait to get to know Sao Paulo and find amazing interesting places like these ones, or even better!

Would you like to hear more other tips about London? Feel free to drop me a message. I would love to hear from you!

Take care,

Caterine.

Last week New York Fashion Week kicked off another Spring/Summer Fashion Week. Before I get into that, here’s a treat to the eyes: Paris Haute Couture collection for Autumn Winter 2012. 

Couture is presented twice a year only in Paris and  only by selected designers. This is from last July and it is what I consider to be the best of.

(Pictures from Vogue website)

:: Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection was very exciting. Among Top Hats, decorative nets that reminded the hairnets worn by L.A. gangs and the 1920′s . Super dandy!

:: Christian Dior’s collection was presented in a flow of very wearable clothes, hourglass shape, celebrating the female body with beautiful embroidery work.

:: This time Versace’s collection was safe. Soft colours  and subtle prints and cuts as opposed to the usual bling.

:: Giambattista Valli’s collection was a blossoming of flowery patterns with a magical touch of real butterflies! “Couture is a moment when you go really far from fashion,” Valli stated, “It’s really another thing.”

:: Valentino showed once again how to create simple and extremely beautiful clothes.

:: Chanel’s collection orchestrated in way that makes you question how can something look so vintage and modern at the same time.

:: Armani Privé mastered once again the evening wear. I Particularly liked the dark blue used in the collection, the little hats and the veils that added a sexy mystery touch to it.

What do you think of it? Are you feeling inspired?

Take care,

Caterine.

I am originally from Venezuela (and Los Roques is in Venezuela). Even though I grew up in Portugal, I have strong feelings for this place. I spent many memorable days here with my family – and had the chance to see as many shades of blue as my eyes could possibly catch! Believe me, this is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is very wild with the most beautiful birds and fish.

I just came back completely re-charged, with a lovely tan and very inspired. So, this is my Los Roques moodboard.

Clockwise: Mara Hoffman – Maya printed katfan; Emamó – Denim-print triangle bikini; Tara Matthews – Turquoise braid-trimmed triangle bikini; Emamó – Denim-print silk katfan; Splendid – Playsuit; K Jacques – Sandals; J Brand – Shorts; Karla Colletto – Swimsuit; Zoe Karssen – Bat t-shirt.

And you? What’s your favourite holiday destination and where did you go this year?

Enjoy the summer days!
Caterine.

I love the matt finish and the texture of Suede. However, it is not the best material to wear in London. So, I usually save it for a dry day (unfortunately not too many days). Before I wear it for the first time I always spray a specific product to help protect it (don’t forget to let it dry completely).

And what about envelope bags? Soooo easy to wear.

Here are some of my favourite items. I like to clash the colours for a more exciting look.

Platforms – Marni; Envelope bag – Seize the bag (local designer, send me an e-mail if you wish to place an order or if you want more information).


What about you? What’s your favorite kind of shoe and bag?


Cheers,
Caterine.

This online boutique sells a variety of products for the home plus gifts and fashion accessories. I love everything!

This delightful place manages to bring together many cultures in one lifestyle boutique, as they bring you items made by people in remote parts of the world, prized for their artisan craft skills.

If you are a culturally and socially aware buyer and you want to know more about where things come from, this is for you.
The launch collection features products from Stoke-on-Trent to Brooklyn to Kathmandu.

I’ve selected a few of my favourite items just to give you a glimpse:

I highly recommend a visit to their online boutique. Don’t forget also to like their facebook page, and follow their twitter, pinterest and blog.

I wish them lots of success!

Cheers,

Caterine.

Sandals – Proenza Schouler; Jeans – Mango (from 2 years ago)

If you want to know where I got these beautiful sandals, with a massive discount, feel free to book a session. I’ll be delighted to help you.

For styling fees and other relevant information, pls have a look at this link.

Have a beautiful day.

Cheers,

Caterine.

Clu – colour block top; Madewell – Bamboula beach bag; Topshop – Shorts; Nixon – Watch; Eberjey – Bralete; Refinery29 – Shoes.

What’s your favorite color this summer?

I love going to friends’ weddings. It’s just so fun and special, especially when the weather is beautiful.

I flew from London to Faro on Friday and the wedding was the next day. Before the event I was able to spend some time at the swimming pool drinking mojitos and relaxing. When it was time, my fiance and I only had to walk 2 minutes from our hotel to get to the venue. This walk included crossing a train path so I asked him, as usual, to take a few pictures of my outfit. I mean, how often nowadays do I have to cross a train path to get anywhere? I just wanted to capture this magical moment.

This is what I decided to wear:

:: a Marni maxi dress – comfortable and elegant;

:: Carvela sandals – I chose pale pink to soften the print of the dress. High-heeled but VERY comfortable to dance with – no need to kick them off!

:: Aldo clutch – bright pink maxi clutch to brighten up the overall outfit. Here the maxi size works better to balance the outfit;

:: Simple hairstyle – a chose a simple bun as I thought it looked very light. Thanks salon 496!

:: Simple make-up – a bit of mascara and a bit of pink eye shadow;

:: Manicure and Pedicure – pink!



Here’s a zoom of the beautiful retro print by Marni. It reminds me of Ocean Drive, in Miami,  and the amazing Art Deco buildings:

When we got to the other side of the train path it was all about memorable moments, dancing, chatting, eating, taking pictures. We all had a great time.

Best surprise? The bride arrived by boat. How cool is that?



Dear I & R, cheers to you!

Love,

Caterine.

My favourite thing to do is to go to the nearest park and enjoy a picnic.

There are a couple of things that I always take with me; one of them is my favourite picnic basket from a Swedish Vintage shop – Beyond Retro. I also don’t forget my picnic blanket, my favourite hat – a classic Panama – a summer dress, my sunglasses, a pair of sandals and my sun block. I always have a pair of leggings in case it gets chilly.

The following pictures were taken at the Hampstead Heath Park, London:

My Panama hat has been in my closet for a long time and I never get tired of it! As a Personal Stylist, I think this is the best summer hat you can possibly have. By the way, did you know that the Panama hat is actually from Ecuador? In South America, during the 19th and early 20th century, most goods were shipped first to Panama before being sent to the rest of the world. That is why it is known as a Panama hat.

What about you? What is the first thing you do when the sun is out? What is your favourite Summer item?

Have a beautiful day.

Take care,

Caterine.

My choice? A pair of  Super by RetroSuperFuture. Very good quality lenses and hand made in Italy. My favourite style? Alicia, for sure. I love their round shape and the little cat eye detail on top that breaks the roundness. This touch makes the whole difference on my face. If they were completely round, they wouldn’t look nice on me.

I will have more pictures wearing them. But in the meantime, here’s a few other options to inspire you.

(All pictures from RetroSuperFuture website)

Remember that good quality lenses are extremely important, as they protect your eyes.

If you’re struggling to find a pair that looks good on you, feel free to book a session.

Take care,

Caterine.