Style playground

Shop til you drop!

2013-05-16T09:54:00.000+02:00

Is there any better way to fight the gloomy rainy weather than by going shopping? You know what they say, shopping cures depression!

barely there

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000+02:00

When it comes to nail polish shades, I ain't easily scared. I am tipically sporting a fun neon shade or an overly glittery polish but this season, I am going for something a bit different.

I am talking about nearly nudes, barely there polishes. With just a hint of color, these are my picks for the season.

Essie - Instant hot (here)

This Essie shade is the latest addition to my nail polish collection. While I believe this was limited collection as part of the bridal collection in 2012, I managed to track this one down over on beauty bay for a purse friendly price tag of 8€, not bad. This overly sheer pink color has just a hint of glitter but sadly it doesn't show on the nails. This color is so light that it actually appears a bit off white on my nails, which looks a bit scary on my pale skin but will look incredible with a bit of tan!

Pro nails - #249 (here)

This Pro nails shade has been sitting in my nail polish rack for some time now but somehow didn't really get a good try. This issue was solved when I painted it away on my nails a couple of weeks ago and found myself reapplying it for two weeks straight -exceptional enough to be mentioned. This shade is probably the trickiest one of the bunch though. The color is a nearly flesh tone which in my opinion is either a hit or a miss.

Essie - Sand tropez (here)

Essie Sand tropez is without any hesitation my favorite color of the bunch. This little bottle is well loved over here as it makes my nails appear much longer than they really are thanks to its incredible greyish nude color. The application is super duper easy thanks to the large brush (as for all Essie diffusion line nail polishes) and the color gets perfectly opaque with two coats. If you have to own a handfull of color from Essie, this is definitely one to pick!

Chanel - Tendresse (here)

Chanel polishes aren't the best one on the market in terms of quality but they sure are in terms of color choices! This tendresse shade is everything you could except from its name, it is a tender light, really sheer pink but you can get a good opaque color with 4 coats (er yes, four!).

Essie - Absolutely shore (here)

Another new addition to the collection is Essie absolutely shore. Just by reading the name of this shade I already knew that I was sold. In my eyes, it is the perfect mix between a super nude color and Essie mint apple candy. This pastel mint shade translate beautifully on the nails and is the perfect pick for a softer minty look.

Well I think that now a good episode of Revenge and a little at home mani session is on the menu for tonight!

oversized leopard

2013-05-13T10:25:00.001+02:00

When I first spotted this H&M jacket hanging in their shop on rue Neuve, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I am a sucker for anything leopard and this oversized jacket fits the bill perfectly. It looks great with any basics in my wardrobe and I think I will hold on to it for years.

This weekend, as it got chilly and a bit rainy again, I paired it with an all black look for an easy to go outfit. And did you noticed that I got a much needed hair cut? More on that later!

❤

Axelle

H&M trend jacket, Zara jeans, Repetto loafers, CC Skye bag, Forever21 top.

Glossed

2013-05-10T10:56:00.000+02:00

Clarins instant light natural lip perfector in rose shimmer, apricot shimmer & candy shimmer.

The most dangerous place on earth for me and my wallet recently has to be a Clarins counter. If you've watched my spring skincare video, you'll know that I went a bit crazy at their Printemps counter during my stay in Paris last March.

Now Clarins is a brand that I always overlooked for some reason. I used a couple of their products that landed on my shelves quite randomly and I could spend hours looking at pictures of the gorgeous Courtin-Clarins ladies but somehow, I never paid much attention to the brand. That was until recently.

I've found the perfect lip gloss. I don't even like lipgloss. Until I applied the instant light natural lip perfector in shade 02 apricot shimmer. Immediatly, I knew that I was in love.

The formula of these is simply unbelievable. It sits somewhere between a balm and a traditional gloss and goes on smoothly onto your lips. It delivers a sheer color on your lips (although the shade 05 candy shimmer -as seen on the photo above- is a bit more opaque) but leaves them looking flawless and shiny. Don't be fooled by their "shimmer" names, I can't spot any trace of the lsight shimmer. The formula is not sticking which is probably the reason why I now always have a tube in my bag (it replaced my well loved Revlon lip butters). No more hair stuck on the lips. Talk about a revolution!

Oh, and can we talk about the packaging for a minute? It has to be the most perfect packaging I've ever seen for a gloss. First, the tubes look gorgeous. Let's be honest here, I think we can all agree that a good packaging is what attracts us to a product in the first place and Clarins did a real good job here. These squeezy tubes are perfect to carry around with you at all times (truth is, I apply it so often that everyone around me -even boys- recognize them!) and their velvety sponge applicator make them easy to apply perfectly even without a mirror. And did I mention that they smell like vanilla just yet? I think I just got you hooked.

These Clarins instant light natural lip perfector are available in six shades , from any Clarins counter or online and retail for 16,50€

The Prada skirt

2013-05-08T10:25:00.000+02:00

This gorgeous Prada skirt is one of my favorite piece in my wardrobe. The fabric is amazing, it is stiff but light in the same time and the cut is to die for. Last weekend, I paired it with an all black look before heading out for lunch.

❤
Axelle

Prada skirt, Sandro top, Acne pistol boots, Alexander Wang Marion bag, Stella McCartney sunnies.

My spring skincare routine

2013-05-06T09:05:00.000+02:00

As the sun finally decided to be back in Belgium, it is time to switch things up in the bathroom! Out with the rich creams, in with the melting formulas and fresh masks!

Here's what made the cut into my skincare routine!

❤

Axelle

P.S: if you click "watch on Youtube" you'll find all the products info in the description box of the video :)

The spring update for your home!

2013-04-23T11:41:00.000+02:00

Spring always feels like the perfect time to add a few new things to our home. A new candle, a fresh bunch of flowers or a cosy blanket are amongst my favorites. I believe that the smallest additions can make the biggest change, here's what I am currently loving!

Lily Vannilli's sweet tooth book, 22€
Zara home blanket, 35,99€
This works deep sleep candle, 26€
Zara home slippers, 45,99€
Ikea vase, 1€
Zara home striped tumbler, 6,99€ and soap dispenser, 15,99€
Knock Knock note pad, 4€
Antropologie bowl, 12€
Zara home jug, 29,99€

Back to basics

2013-04-22T10:02:00.000+02:00

When a sudden heat wave hit Brussels last week (yep, that's right, I think 24° is a heat wave in Belgium!), I wasn't prepared at all. I always get cold so my closet was still packed with cashmere jumpers and heavy coats, while all my summer shorts and dressed where hidden in plastic boxes in our basement (I switch my clothes twice a year to avoid feeling depressed in the middle of February by looking at tank tops and denim shorts -plus, it saves space!)
So here goes the spring outfit with my fall winter basics: my favorite faux leather skirt paired with a slouchy top and my new Mango sandals (the only "summer" item) bought while I was in Paris.

❤
Axelle

H&M skirt, American Vintage top, DVF sunglasses, Mango sandals, Bag bought in Hastings (similar here), Cartier bracelet (similar here).

Shorts season is officially open!

2013-04-16T14:43:00.000+02:00

It seems that spring finally decided to join us in Brussels, and trust me I couldn't be happier!

The weekend went by so quickly: we celebrated the boyfriend's birthday with friends and family, went to the park with our little doggy and spent our Sunday sipping beers in the sun, couldn't have been better!

❤

Axelle

I am wearing a Zara t-shirt, H&M trend shorts (already seen here), Converse all star, Balenciaga bag and Stella McCartney sunnies.

Channeling my inner French

2013-04-09T09:00:00.000+02:00

Every time I wear a pair of shiny slippers and an elegant blazer, I can't help but think about a Parisian woman... So I played the game, put on extra large sunnies and my favorite red lipstick and voila!

I am wearing a Zara shirt and coated jeans, Repetto loafers, Michael Kors blazer, Delvaux handbag, Mawi for Asos necklace, Stella McCartney sunnies and M.A.C. lipstick in Ruby Woo.

Prime time

2013-04-08T11:20:00.001+02:00

Count me in when it comes to shopping for makeup. Gorgeous lipsticks, fun shades of nailpolish and shimmery palettes are like candies to me. But shopping for primers? It doesn't sound that exciting, does it?
But the truth is that a good primer can make a whole difference. It can minimize the appearance of pores, make your foundation last all day and even give you that healthy glow that we all want. After months of try and fail experiences, here are my current favorites...

First on the line up is the latest addition to the collection. Laura Mercier foundation primer (shown here in sample size) is quite the talk of the industry when it comes to no fuss foundation primer. This water based primer goes on like a dream as it feels almost wet, but don't worry, it dries within seconds. It leaves the skin incredibly soft and really helps your foundation to look flawless. The smell is pretty light but reminds me a bit of sunscreen. Next call is Philosophy the Present, probably my number 1 beauty product when it comes to love/hate relationship. When this little guy first entered my makeup bag, it was nearly a year ago. I had seen it popping on beauty blogs before, but I decided to get it while I was beauty shopping at Harrod's. The text on the tube looked promising: airbrushed skin, minimized pores? Sign me up! But when I first tried it, it was a disaster. It made my foundation look patchy and, worst of all, cakey! I tried it with nearly every face product in my collection and I finally decided to forget about my waste of money and buried the thing deep in my collection. But recently, I gave it another try and I now love it! I use it with Rimmel wake me up foundation and it gives me the most perfect complexion on mornings post insomnia. The texture sits somewhere between a cream and a silicone primer but the smells is just perfect -think lavender applied all over your skin. But I have to warn you on this one, it still doesn't work with some foundations (like with the Laura Mercier silk cream foundation -awful).
The third one is BareMinerals prime time. This primer came in a BareMinerals starter kit that I purchased while I was in New York and to be quite honest, it isn't something I would normally go for. This gel like texture feels like pure sillicone for your skin although it is packed with vitamins. It is fair to say that I've been impressed by this little guy. It minimizes pores like nothing else (expect maybe for the Clinique pore minimizer, coming up next), keeps your skin moisturized through the day and helps with uneven texture. It works like a charm with liquid foundation but it really does its best with powder foundations. This is my number one choice for a night out in the city as it will make my makeup lasts all night without any touch ups.The last one on the board is Clinique pore minimizer instant perfector, one of my personal cult products that I keep on repurchasing ever since I turned 16 years old (oh boy, it was a long time ago!). As you know, I have pretty dry and sensitive skin right now but it hasn't always been the case. As a teenager, I had really bad acne and overly greasy skin. I went against my mum's advice and treated it myself with the Garnier Pure range (does any of you remember the stuff?). And I basically killed my skin as I was scrubbing it twice a day! Ever since, I am left with dry skin and awful large pores. So, when I first tried this Clinique gem, I felt in love with it and it hasn't left my makeup bag since. It comes in three shades (light, deep and bright) and does wonders on my pores. I apply it on my forehead and on the sides of my nose and voila, my pores are gone! And it leaves my skin smooth afterwards, what's else is there to ask?

❤
Axelle

Worn out

2013-04-05T11:13:00.001+02:00

I think it is safe to say that a few items in my wardrobe are worn out. I can name a few -my beloved mouse flats from Marc by Marc Jacobs, my black Balenciaga bag or my prescription Wayfarers... It is easy to tell just by looking at them that I love them and that they define my style.
I've been thinking about these worn out items in my wardrobe while I was spring cleaning it last week (stay tuned for a massive -yes massive- sale on my Tictail shop) and I remembered this post that was posted by Sabrina on her blog AfterDRK.
My philosophy on this oh so important topic, could be this:
they're worn out because I love them and I love them because they're worn out.
The photo above was taken this morning. These are my Acne Pistol boots that I purchased a little less than a year ago (remember when you first saw them?) and I wear them nearly every single day. They got me through everything: a day of shopping in London, an impromptu walk in the woods and I even danced the night away wearing these babes. And truth is, I love them. I love every single scratch they have, I love that the leather is softer than ever and I love that the heels are riped, just because it reminds of so many things...
So, I want to know, what do you think about your worn out items? Do you wish they would have stayed as good as new? Or do you like their worn out look?

Je pense ne pas trop m'avancer en disant que quelques pièces dans mon dressing sont littéralement usées. Je pense directement à mes ballerines souris de Marc by Marc Jacobs, à mon sac Balenciaga noir ou à mes lunettes de vue Ray Ban- et honnêtement, je pense que ces pièces définissent à elles seules mon style ces dernières années.
Je me suis mise à penser à toutes ces pièces qui ne sont plus que l'ombre d'elles-mêmes la semaine passée quand j'ai fait un bon nettoyage de printemps dans mon dressing (en parlant de cela, préparez-vous à un arrivage massif sur mon vide dressing Tictail). Je me suis alors souvenue de ce post que Sabrina avait rédigé sur son blog AfterDRK.
Ma philosophie sur ce sujet de la plus haute importance, peut être résumée comme suit:
c'est usé parce que je l'aime et je l'aime parce que c'est usé.
La photo ci dessus a été prise ce matin. Ce sont mes Pistol boots de chez Acne que j'ai maintenant depuis un peu moins d'un an (vous vous souvenez quand je vous les ai présentées?) et je les porte pratiquement tous les jours. J'ai tout fait dans ces chaussures: une journée de shopping intensif à Londres, une promenade improvisée dans les bois et j'ai passé des soirées à dancer avec elles à mes pieds. Et la vérité est que je les adore. J'adore chaque griffe qu'elles ont, j'adore le cuir qui est maintenant tout doux et j'adore leurs talons défoncés. Et surtout j'adore les souvenirs qu'elles me rappellent!
Alors, je me demandais, vous en pensez quoi vous? Vous aimeriez que vos pièces restent aussi neuves que possible le plus longtemps? Ou bien vous les aimez encore plus quand elles sont usées? Dites moi tout!

❤
Axelle

How to style your bookshelves

2013-03-28T17:00:00.000+01:00

As far as I can remermber, I always loved to decorate my bookshelves. As a kid, I would religiously align all my Sylvanian families together. As a teenager, I mixed my favorite books (I used to be obsessed with Georgia Nicolson) with holidays memories and photos of me and my friends. When I moved to Paris and learnt how to live in a 25 square meters appartement, I also learned to do the most with my bookshelves. They were jam packed with fashion magazine, design books and random things that I didn't want to get rid of.

When we moved into our current appartement, we decided to add some bookshelves in our living room to display our favorite books and objects (you might remember seeing it for the first time here when it was still a work in progress). Today, I filmed a quick video showing you my tips to create a stylish and unique bookshelf!

❤

Axelle

H&M pants week - Look #5

2013-03-22T12:29:00.000+01:00

For the final look of the week using H&M pants, I paired this amazing pair of kaki trousers from the latest conscious collection with one of my favorite tops and my beloved pair of Lanvin pumps. And I love love love this combination!
How would you pair kaki trousers?

❤
Axelle

H&M pants, Bel Air top, Lanvin pumps, Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch, Michael Kors watch, Cartier bracelet, DVF sunnies.

H&M pants week - Look #4

2013-03-21T09:36:00.001+01:00

It has been love at first sight when I first saw this pair of pants... It is the perfect mix between a baggy cut, a crazy print and a light fabric, definitely something I would wear to go drink mojitos on a hot summer night!

I decided to add a few pink accents to make the print stand out even more, what do you think?

❤

Axelle

H&M conscious collection pants, Zara top, Sam Edelman sandals, Vero Moda clutch, Forever21 bracelets, M.A.C lipstick in naughty saute.

H&M pants week - Look #3

2013-03-20T09:52:00.001+01:00

For this third look using H&M pants, I decided to go for this pair of ombre pants that I mixed with a nude blazer and a gold jumper. I love the baggy cut of the pants while its ombre effect is what really sold me!

So, tell me, what do you think? Will you go ombre with your pants this season?

❤

Axe

lle

H&M pants, sweater and blazer, Delvaux clutch (vintage), Prada sandals, Yves Saint Laurent arty ring.

H&M pants week - Look #2

2013-03-19T09:17:00.000+01:00

For the second look of the week featuring a pair of H&M pants, I chose a pair of printed jeans that I mixed with neutral pieces. I love how the overall outfit looks like, it would be so perfect for spring as it feels fresh and crisp.

❤
Axelle

Jeans and shoes from H&M, Zara top, DVF mini harper bag, Primark earrings, M.A.C. lipstick in please me, Chanel nail polish in orange fizz.

H&M pants week - Look #1

2013-03-18T09:00:00.000+01:00

Good morning everyone!
Today I am so happy to finally reveal a cool collaboration I worked on with H&M. Every day this week I will share with you a new outfit featuring pants from H&M.
For this first look, I choose a pair of blue pants that will look incredible for summer!

❤
Axelle

I am wearing H&M pants, Zara top and vest, Asos shoes and a Delvaux bag.

Before Valentin Yudashkin

2013-03-17T17:07:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone!
I am finally back in Brussels for a little while after a wonderfully relaxing ski trip in Switzerland (picture me eating way to much cheese and sipping on wine on the slopes - heaven).
While next week I'll be sharing with you a cool project I worked on with H&M, I still have some photos from Paris fashion week to show you.
Here's a wonderful photoshoot I did with a talented photographer named Didi that I met right before the Valentin Yudashkin. And I have to say that I am amazed by the result!
So, tell me, what do you think?
See you tomorrow!

❤
Axelle

I am wearing a sweater, a hat and shoes from H&M, Metropolitan by Mexx coat, Zara coated jeans and a Delvaux Brillant handbag.

My makeup collection and storage video

2013-03-17T16:45:00.000+01:00

In case you were still in doubt regarding my mental health, here is something that will release any last doubt: my makeup collection and storage video.
So, go make yourself a cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine and get ready for an overload of lipgloss and eye shadows...

❤
Axelle

Leopard coat

2013-03-09T10:38:00.002+01:00

I literally just came back home from Paris but I am already leaving, which feels insane but in such a good way :)

I am leaving tonight for the Swiss Alps for a much needed ski trip, and I am looking forward to spend my day outside, eat way to much raclette and spend some cosy nights by the fire...

But anyways, back on the Paris fashion week topic. I obviously had an amazing time in the city. I saw some fabulous shows (Valentin Yudashkin, Jean Paul Lespagnard and Steffie Chrisitiaens were amongst my favorites), had great time with friends that I don't get to see that often and did a bit of shopping in between shows.

This is the outfit I wore on my second day in the city. All black with the leopard coat as the statement piece.
More fashion week posts are coming soon :D
❤
Axelle

p.s: I included some of my favorite looks from Valentin Yudashkin in this post! Tell me what you think!

Zara coat, sweater and jeans, H&M hat, Delvaux brillant bag and acne pistol boots.

Paris fashion week day 1

2013-03-01T12:17:00.000+01:00

The first day of fashion week flew by for me. I took the Thalys really early to make sure to arrive on time and spent my time on the train answering emails and working on my schedule for the week. Of course, I also enjoyed a powerful breakfast that was really needed after a 5AM wake up call!
After that, I jumped on a cab to head over to my friend Aurore's who kindly invited me to stay at her place for the whole week (now that's friendship!)
I quickly changed outfit and left to attend my first show of the season which was Moon Young Hee. I loved the way she worked with only a few basic colors - mainly black, white and beige- but created something absolutely original.
Then, I headed over to the Shangri La to attend the Steffie Crhistiaens show and let me tell you that I was blown away by the collection. It summarized everything I would love to wear: beautiful satin gowns, leather booties with wooden heels and sheer fabrics. After a late lunch and a quick stroll around Paris, I headed to my last show of the day: Aganovich. The collection wasn't really my style but I love the jewel tones colors that were used for the collection.
After a long and tiring day, it was time to head back to my Parisian headquarters to have some wine and a good laugh with Aurore!

❤
Axelle

I am wearing Zara sweater, coat and jeans, Filles à papa top and Atelier Marchal bag.

My make up must haves for fashion week

2013-02-19T09:00:00.000+01:00

With my Thalys tickets officially booked and the first invitations that landed on my desk, I am clearly in the mood for Paris Fashion Week. Although it doesn't start officially before Monday, my place already looks like a backstage chaos. Suitcases are half filled with clothes and shoes while my bathroom counters are stacked with my favorite lipsticks and skincare.
That being said, I thought it would be nice to share with you all those little things that makes my life during fashion week even more enjoyable. So here is the first part: my makeup must haves!

Packing makeup for fashion week means two things:
-packing light but wisely to create different looks (without a makeup bag that's the size of a Proenza Schouler bag)
-packing anti fatigue products as fashion week means parties, editing photos and no sleep!

1) Nars bronzer in the shade Laguna (buy here)
My go to bronzer that helps me to look sun kissed even in the middle of winter.

2) Mac lipstick in the shade Please Me (buy here)
A gorgeous matte pink lipstick that looks stunning during winter.

3) Make up for ever HD powder (buy here)
My all time favorite powder. It is so finely milled that it doesn't show on your skin but leaves you with a gorgeous finish (read full review here).

4) Bobbi Brown corrector in the shade Light Bisque (buy here)
This peachy toned corrector literally erase your dark circles, talk about something useful during this hectic time of the year!

5) Burberry lip mist in the shade Copper (buy here)
This luxurious Burberry lipstick goes on sheer while leaving the slightest nude shade, perfect for a no makeup makeup look!

6) Rimmel Wake me up foundation in the shade Ivory (buy here)
This is my go to foundation for those mornings when my complexion needs a little something extra to look nice. While it is a bit to glowy for my taste, I love the anti fatigue effect it gives to my skin.

7) Rimmel scandaleyes pencil in the shade Nude (buy here)
This is my secret weapon. This flesh colored pencil is a miracle to make your eyes pop and look wider. Apply a bit on your waterline and you'll see an instant effect!

8) Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (buy here)
Does this palette really need an introduction? I talked about its big sister here but this one might just be my favorite. With 12 neutrals shades from a shimmery champagne to a matte crease color, there are plenty of looks to create.

9) Bobbi Brown long wear gel liner in the shade Black Ink (buy here)
This gel liner is by far the best when it comes to creating to most perfect long lasting winged look. It goes on smoothly and stays in place all day, no matter what.

10) Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion (buy here)
This travel size eyeshadow primer is great to make sure that your eye looks remains the same through the day, no matter if you're stuck under the rain or in a hot show venue!

11) Mac cream color base in the shade Pearl (buy here)
This creamy highlighter is perfect to make those cheekbones pop and open up your eyes.

12) Rimmel lasting finish by Kate lipstick in the shade 110 (buy here)
This super bright coral lipstick is great to accessorize any basic outfit.

❤
Axelle

Sequins and messy hair

2013-02-15T10:06:00.000+01:00

This week has been pretty busy and stressful for me and I am looking forward for a relaxing weekend at the spa!

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's day! We spent our night making maki for the very first time and it was so much fun!

❤

Axelle

I am wearing a Metropolitan by Mexx coat, Les petites sequined top, Zara jeans, Topshop booties, vintage Chanel bag and Lanvin for H&M sunnies.

How I dress to fight the cold

2013-02-13T09:30:00.000+01:00

Not that I want to bore you with a weather report here, but it is freezing cold in Belgium. Like really really cold. So getting dressed in the morning is more of a challenge than the fun activity it should be.
That being said, there is something that feels so refreshing about a freezing sunny day... Don't you think? Sunday was one of these gorgeous days and we enjoyed a walk in the city center and manage to do a bit of grocery shopping at the Asian supermarket - yum!

❤
Axelle

I am wearing a New Look coat, Sandro denim shirt, Zara sweater and jeans, Bimba & Lola earrings, Acne pistol boots, Stella McCartney sunnies and Alexander Wang Marion bag.