words from the west

Robbie Williams x Marc O'Polo

2017-09-07T11:18:00.003+02:00

Not a lot of you know this, but actually I'm a big fan of Robbie Williams. It started when I was a child and one of my friends told me that my father really looked like the English singer. I already liked his music a lot, but now I had another reason to be an even bigger fan ;)...

For the 50th birthday of Marco O'Polo, the brand partnered up with the ex-Take Thatter and his wife Ayda Field. Together they created a little collection, mainly existing of cool, baggy sweaters. For the ladies, the sweaters were a bit cropped, which I like for a t-shirt but not really for sweaters... Therefore, I preferred the men's collection from which I now how two sweaters; one in white and the other one in pink. Indeed, you are reading this well, Robbie decided to integrate a pink sweater for the men as well, as according to him 'only real men dare to wear pink'. Who of my male readers wants to take on this challenge?!

If you really like the sweaters, hurry up because they are already in shops from mid August and appear to be very popular!

Rainbow colors #rediscovering

2017-07-31T22:57:00.001+02:00

During the summer period, I love to dive into my closet from time to time to rediscover some of the pieces that are - quite hidden - in there. The photos below picture the colorful treasure that popped up recently. As this season pleats are still totally hot, it is not at all a fashion crime to put this thing on again! Doesn't your mother always tell you that eventually everything will come back in fashion??? Oh yes she does... and she's damn right! Hang on to your clothes long enough and maybe one day you can give them a second life, just like I sometimes do!

Outfit: dress Tommy Hilfiger - loafers Cos

Bisous

2017-06-14T13:57:00.001+02:00

Essentiel's latest summer collection again contained a lot of cool eye-catching items. One of the prints that I preferred were these red kisses (as well as the white on blue polka dots, more on this in one of the following blogposts!).

This dress has just the right cut as well as the anno 2017 very trending butterfly sleeves. I must admit I'm not a huge fan of such sleeves, but it totally fits the joyfulness of the dress!

Having that casual look is something that I love, but like any girl I like to dress up from time to time. Luckily, this dress can handle both: on the first picture you see it being combined with a high heel, while below I wore some leather woven derby shoes. What do you guys prefer?

A stroll down memory lane...

2017-05-17T08:03:00.000+02:00

This week, I accidentally bumped into some pictures that were taken during my summer school in Fashion Management from already more than a year ago. I then realised that I never really talked about it or posted any images on my blog of that wonderful time. Therefore, I made this belated diary of my period there, partly in Antwerp and Paris. The first picture was taken at the fashion museum in Antwerp (MoMu) where we got the chance to take a peek in their huge archives, full of amazing clothes (dress on the picture from Dior). Then you can also see some pictures from the Institut Français de la Mode in Paris, where some of our classes took place. Of course I also experienced the real Parisian lifestyle, enjoying 'du vin, du pain et du boursin'! Enjoy!

Leather

2017-04-27T18:49:00.002+02:00

For a very long time I've been looking for a leather skirt. But I just didn't find the right one: wrong color, too long, too short, too tight, too loose... I like leather as a material, but yet it sometimes has this wrong vibe over it when it is transformed into clothes (if you know what I mean). But lately, in some winter collections, beautiful pieces can be found. Are you guys fan of this kind of skirts or is it just not your cup of tea?

Outfit: skirt Vila - sweater Vanessa Bruno - shoes Atillio Giusti Leombruni

Quadrangular

2017-03-20T20:05:00.000+01:00

A statement coat can literally break or make an outfit. But there is a rub: we all have that one fashionable piece in our closet, where you've spent a fortune on, only wore once and that is now collecting dust in storage... So this season I really wanted to invest in myself and not in my closet! This jacket with quadrangular print fulfilled all the criteria: fashionable, unique, classy and... cosy!

Outfit: coat Scotch & Soda - sweater &Other Stories - blouse Essentiel - bracelet Mya Bay

Diana: Her Fashion Story

2017-03-13T18:40:00.000+01:00

About a week ago, I could enjoy a couple of days off... And what better place to be at than in London?!

Just before I headed there, a new exhibition about Lady Di got opened. Princess Diana is known because of the tragic car accident that ended her life very abruptly, but also for her amazing fashion sense. It was said that the exhibition exposed the evolution of the Princess's style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life. This was definitely worth a visit!

Rumour had it that there was a huge interest in the event, which was rapidly confirmed on the website: tickets could no longer be purchased. What a pity! Still, I decided to actually go to Kensington Palace and try to get my hands on some tickets there. If not, a wonderful walk through the Kensington Gardens & Hyde Park would be on the program that afternoon. But luckily I managed to get in!

If you want to go and visit the exhibition yourself, you still have a lot of time left. I can only say the clothes were very nice and well-exposed: you can really see the change Lady Di made from a shy little girl to an overtly glamorous woman. Below you can see a sneak peek of the exhibition, but I would recommend to go yourself when you're visiting London in the near future.

Fine jewellery #ANNA+NINA

2017-02-15T18:58:00.001+01:00

Since a couple of months, there is a Sissy-Boy store located at the old post building in Ghent. There they sell - of course - the Sissy Boy brand, but also other nice things such as these earrings from ANNA+NINA. This is a fine jewellery brand, named after the Dutch based female founders and creators. Besides earrings, bracelets and necklaces, the brand also has pretty interior goodies and a nice range of accessories and gifts in their collection. The earrings immediately caught my eye because they are fashionable yet very timeless. This kind of jewellery can really add that extra touch to your outfit.

Outfit: earrings ANNA+NINA - scarf Tommy Hilfiger - coat Scapa - shoes AGL - bag Essentiel

Kenzo World and its ridiculously good short film

2017-01-15T15:38:00.001+01:00

During the latest holiday season, again a lot of perfume ads popped up on the television screen. I think I can speak for most of when I say that those ads look nice, yet they have this pretentious vibe over them. When thinking of perfume campaigns, we think about a pretty girl with a bottle. This is clearly something that Kenzo wanted to avoid with its new fragrance, Kenzo World.

The brand created a short film called 'My Mutant Brain'(click here). It is directed by Spike Jonze and consists of four minutes of expressionist - really expressionist - dancing by Margaret Qualley. Everything about the movie is just right: the music that is super catchy and stays in your head, the wonderful venue where the clip was shot, the gorgeous emerald-green evening gown Qualley is wearing... YES YES YES!

The short film perfectly images the Kenzo girl, who likes movement and speed and the way things shift, slide and collide in real time. She is ~~never blasé~~ and enthusiastic at all times. She stands out from the crowd.

Although the clip has been released a while ago, I made a post of it today as the Kenzo World perfume was lying under the Christmas tree a couple of weeks ago...

P.S. 1 - After watching the clip yourself, you will not be surprised that Ryan Huffington, responsible for the 'Chandelier' music video for Sia, is the choreographer.

P.S. 2 - Something very crazy yet breathtaking is the fact that during the movie you NEVER see a camera in the mirrors (mind blown!)

Hubert de Givenchy * To Audrey with Love

2017-01-02T14:18:00.005+01:00

Hubert de Givenchy... Hopefully this name rings a bell. This man is known as one of the leading fashion designers of the 20th century. Since the 26th of November, The Gemeentemuseum in The Hague houses a prestigious exhibition on de Givenchy, created hand in hand with the French couturier himself. It is presented as an homage to his muse, Audrey Hepburn, but overall its a grand retrospective of his career.

Hubert de Givenchy - To Audrey with Love gives a unique insight into his career, which spanned a period of half a century, from the opening of his fashion house in 1952 through his retirement in 1995. As already mentioned, a big part of the exhibition focuses on his unique friendship (and collaboration) with the - born in Belgium - actress Audrey Hepburn, known from the movies 'How to steal a Million' and of course 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. Next to that, you can also set your eyes on pieces created for Jackie Kennedy and the Duchess of Windsor.

This living legend in the history of haute couture really impressed me and I can honestly say that this exhibition blew me away. The way in which the creations were presented was absolutely beautiful, accompanied by drawings, design sketches, photographs and film stills. If you still have time before the 26th of March, please free some space in your agenda for this must-see! But in anticipation of that, enjoy some pictures below!

JACK*IT

2016-11-25T15:56:00.001+01:00

Today must be one of the most beautiful, yet coldest days of the year. Time to get that cosy fluffy winter jacket out! I've always been a fan of parkas, both for males and females. It gives an edgy cool touch to your outfit, without creating that 'hi guys I'm going to do some survival in the mountains' kind of vibe. But if you know that the parka was invented by the Inuits, originally made from caribou or seal skin and used to go out hunting and kayaking in the frigid Arctic, you can understand where this vision comes from? Still, I don't think that way. For me the parka is perfectly wearable each and every day. Who's agreeing?

So now that all are fluffy duffy winter garments are out, I'm waiting for those other winter essentials... Can't wait to see those Christmas lights and decorations again!

Outfit: parka Scapa - handbag Essentiel - key chain used as an accessory for handbag Essentiel - sweater & Other Stories - blouse Essentiel

Sun kissed

2016-09-28T13:04:00.000+02:00

While winter is coming, I'm still thinking about those beautiful summer days... This outfit is already a couple of months old, but I still wanted to share this one with you guys, just for the sake of fashion!!! What I love most about the look is the combination of a simple pair of shorts with a top that has that 'je ne sais quoi'-vibe over it. I don't know if you remember last summer's campaign of H&M, with the beautiful floral and southern inspired clothes? I just looooooooved it! This is a top that I scored back then. I know, it is not wearable everyday, but from time to time I think a bare shoulder is allowed ;) What do you guys think?

Outfit: Top H&M - shorts Zara - sandals Essentiel - glasses Emporio Armani

Cécile deux #twin-set

2016-08-08T16:11:00.001+02:00

When you're a frequent reader of fashion magazines like Elle, Feeling, Weekend Knack... you just can't pass around the fact that one of thé it bags this winter is the Cécile deux from the Italian based brand Twin-Set Simona Barbieri. What started as quite a small company specialized in knitwear, turned out to having its own strong position amongst the accessible range of luxury brands.

But what is so special about this specific bag? For me, the design is something that I haven't really seen before, but yet it has this classic vibe around it. Also, I like the colors where you can choose from, especially the pink and the ocher. For myself, I've chosen the ocher, because I think this winter it will fit perfectly with colors like grey, brown, blue... and actually every other possible color ;)! The bag is also multifunctional and can be used on a casual outfit, but also for a fancy dinner or even a party. I'm already convinced of this bag's potential! What do you guys think?

Outfit: sweater and top Essentiel - skirt Sandro - bag Twin-set

and the top job @ Dior goes to... a woman! #mariagraziachiuri #glassceiling

2016-07-11T13:00:00.003+02:00

Last weekend, there was some humongous fashion news. Finally Dior announced the successor of Raf Simons, since he left the famous couture house in October last year: Maria Grazia Chiuri.

Sidney Toledano, the CEO of Dior had his eyes on the talented Chiuri for quite some time, and already asked the Italian fashion designer to join the company a couple of years ago: he wanted her to take the accessory department under her wings. She then politely declined the offer, saying that she only wanted to work for Dior if she got the whole package. Quite courageous and fearless to say, don't you think? Hats off for this lady, as today she eventually gets what she initially asked for...

Today we see that still a lot of the leading positions in companies - not only in fashion related companies - are appointed to men. But for me, this is very striking in the fashion industry. Don't you have a brother, a father, male friends... who just hate thinking about what they should wear today or walk away every time you want to go shopping with them? I know it is quite stereotype to say that all men do not have any interest in fashion, and I absolutely want to make clear that this is not what I'm trying to say. But it is just so striking that most of the creative directors at the big (and even smaller) fashion houses are men: Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel), Nicolas Ghesquiere (Louis Vuitton), Jeremy Scott (Moschino), Demna Gvasalia (Balenciaga), Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy), Olivier Rousteing (Balmain), Christopher Bailey (Burberry)... I'm just relieved that finally this position at Dior goes to a woman. It is the first time in the label's 69-year history that a female creative director is appointed. Hurray for breaking the glass ceiling a little bit more!

Chiuri is 100 % Italian and has always worked in the city of Rome. Also, during her whole career she formed a team with Pierpaolo Piccioli, first at Fendi, then at Valentino. Her first collection must be ready for the fashion weeks of September... So it's going to be a busy summer (but I personally think she doesn't care ;))!

Summer blues?!

2016-07-05T09:14:00.000+02:00

Everyday when I wake up and open my curtains, hoping for some morning sunbeams, I am disappointed that there aren't... What is it with this sad sad summer in our small Belgian country? Only two months left to wear our summer clothes, but with this weather we can leave them in our closet. I already had one week of vacation at a sunny destination and took the chance to make some sunny blogpost pictures for you. These are the first of many and I hope I can continue with it in Belgium. I know talking about the weather is quite cliché, but really, now I'm getting annoyed by it and I think you guys agree ;) Please sunshine, give us the chance to parade with our lovely summer outfits for just a couple of weeks!

Outfit: Top Pinko - skirts Sweewë Paris - shoes &Other Stories - glasses Prada

Knee high skirts

2016-05-30T08:29:00.002+02:00

A few weeks ago I went for a cosy shopping afternoon with my mom. We started our tour as usual at the Essentiel store, one of my favorite Belgian brands. There I immediately fell in love with this skirt. The skirts from Essentiel are just the perfect fit for me and just look at that print... It was love at first sight! There is also a shorter version, but lately I'm just a big fan of skirts that are at knee height. On the pictures below I combined this piece with a simple white blouse, so that all the attention goes to the skirt. Actually I bought a blue blouse with it, but that day it was just too hot for long sleeves ;) What do you guys think of this outfit?

Clothes: skirt Essentiel - blouse Zara - shoes Attilio Giusti Leombruni - bracelet Delvaux - glasses Emporio Armani

What's your park? #ivypark

2016-04-30T23:18:00.000+02:00

Beyoncé did it again… In the exact same week where she released her new album Lemonade, I received my package with Ivy Park clothes. Coincidence? I don't think so! Queen B strikes again!

Ivy Park is the partnership brand between B and Sir Philip Green. It merges fashion-led design with technical innovation, creating a new kind of performance wear. The collection exists of modern essentials for both on and off the field. And that, I really like. The clothes are perfect to go to the gym, but on the other hand you can also wear them casually, for example on a jeans with a nice blazer on top of it. Beyoncé's clothing line is simple but with the exact amount of sophistication. Let's face it: Queen B is back, and ready to attack!

MOMU: Foot Print + Game Changers

2016-03-20T22:01:00.000+01:00

A few days ago, the new exhibition at the MoMu of Antwerp (the fashion museum) opened her doors: "Game Changers: Reinventing the 20th century silhouette". Until the middle of August you have the chance to visit this exposition that has as a main focus the work of Christóbal Balenciaga, who changed the fashion spectrum in the middle of the twentieth century by creating wide and huge silhouettes which led to a totally different architectural volume in fashion that was never seen before! From then on, fashion was looked at from a totally different perspective, which put an end to the area of ~~the hourglass effect~~ (hurray!). A lot of other designers followed this trend, and some of their designs are also exhibited in Antwerp: Gabrielle Chanel, Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons , Ann Demeulemeester...

The fashion museum always creates a beautiful setting that leads to a unique experience. Below you can find some pictures of their previous exhibition "Foot Print: the tracks of shoes in fashion" to give you an idea what to expect. If you are a fashion lover, and sincerely interested in the history of fashion, the MoMu is definitely a place you should visit. Just make a day trip out of it and combine it with an afternoon of shopping... I'm sure I will do it that way! ;)

Sunnier days #WCD

2016-02-27T16:21:00.001+01:00

Since I've been back from holiday, each day I am craving for sunshine. That's why today I am taking you guys back to last summer, to the time where I did a little shoot with a sweater from the dance festival WECANDANCE. Because the last few months have been so busy, I totally forgot about it but still want to share some footage with you. As you can see, the weather was not bad at all, just like the sweater ;) It has the coolest design: it is super playful, funny and a little crazy… Just what I like! The festival wanted to have some fashionable goodies to sell at the event - because next to the dance music, the other main focus of the festival is fashion - and therefor they did some collaborations with all sorts of brands, such as Tutti Frutti for this sweater. This year, the festival will again take place in August and I'm already looking forward to the new collabs!

Duffle up #2

2016-01-29T00:08:00.002+01:00

BRRRRRRR, it's cold outside... Although the sun is shining quite a lot - which pleases me, of course - it's still frisky and some big warm sweaters are more than welcome. This one from Zara is currently one of my favorites. I like the ethnical look and the combination of grey with a touch of red. I bought this one in Paris during the summer already preparing for the cold winter that now seems to have arrived… Hello winter! How are you guys keeping warm these days?

H&M Studio FW15 #partone

2016-01-02T13:47:00.002+01:00

In september the fall winter collection of H&M Studio arrived in the shops, and I was one of the first persons to get my hands on some pieces. This burgundy cap is one of them. I've always been a cap person, so for me it was obvious that I added this special edition to my collection. It is just the perfect headgear on a windy autumn or cold winter day. To my opinion, a lot of girls think caps aren't suitable for women. And actually, I don't understand why?! Today there are so many beautiful caps available, especially designed for women. Even the big designer brands believe this is absolutely possible. So girls, instead of wearing the beanie that everybody has, try to stand out this winter and buy yourself a cap!

To see what my other treasures of H&M Studio are, keep checking the blog! :)

The Belgians: An unexpected fashion story #bozar

2015-12-18T23:22:00.004+01:00

In the beginning of september, I went to see the exhibition 'The Belgians: An unexpected fashion story' at the Bozar in Brussels - I even think it was one day before it actually ended - but I totally forgot to share the images I made from that visit… but finally: here they are! Don't you think it's actually better that I'm posting them just now? I know you're all big fashion lovers and probably went yourselves... so no spoiler alert by me!;) And for those who weren't able to make it, please enjoy a sneak peek inside - to my opinion - one of the best exhibitions brought by the centre for fine arts Brussels in the last couple of years. It gave us a unique historic overview of the DNA of Belgian fashion, starting with the legendary Antwerp Six and working up to the individualistic creations of for example Martin Margiela, A.F. Vandevorst and Raf Simons. Next to that, it also highlighted the works of several influential players in various fashion and art disciplines. There was also one room dedicated to the importance of the fashion academies from Belgium, especially the Antwerp Fashion Academy and La Cambre. I really enjoyed my visit and am looking forward to the next fashion related exposition!

Boy means sweater

2015-11-25T21:25:00.003+01:00

Today just a picture from a while ago with one of my favorite sweaters… with a funny joke that only the Belgians from the west of Flanders understand ;)

#westflemishforbehinners

Pinko @ Brussels

2015-11-10T22:29:00.004+01:00

Hurray hurray, there's a new shopping hotspot in Brussels! Pinko opened a new shop orientedon one of the nicest shoppingstreets - the Louisalaan - in our capital. I got an invitation to come and celebrate the opening and I was so happy I could make it! I must say, I was really impressed by the building: the spaces in the shop are so wide and clean, and there's even a small garden in the back… So cute! The shop is exactly what a shop should be like in the year 2015.

The Italian brand Pinko is really one of a kind, and the collection this season blew - as usual - my mind. How I looooove their coats and skirts… They really caught my attention and I almost went home with one (but then my wallet started to scream...) Next time, because I'm sure that I will be back very soon…

Thanks Pinko for the nice evening!

Essentiel flash event

2015-10-24T15:12:00.000+02:00

Last week, it was again that time of the year: the Essentiel Flash event! Essentiel released their new flash collection in Leuven on Thursday the 15th of October. I invited my summer school bestie Eef to join me for some fancy shopping - because who doesn't like shopping with a glass of champagne in their hand?! Another advantage that night was that you could buy at a reduction of 20 percent - yes, your ears are working… 20 PERCENT! - so it was the perfect moment to buy that one piece you always looked at when you were doing some window-shopping the past few months and your wallet was a bit empty... To see what I've bought you have to check my instagram account -> click here (oh yes I want to make the blogging experience more interactive! :p)

The flash collection was dominated by the colors black and red, which are not really ~~my kind of colors~~. But still, it was a typical Essentiel collection, staying true to its DNA: a lot of printmixing, nice fabrics, and funny slogans. As you guys know, I'm a huge fan of the brand Essentiel, but this flash collection is just not my cup of tea. I personally like the other collection more (OMG, look at the bag on the second picture below!!!<3)

Here some pictures that I took during the event, and indeed, we got ourselves some fake tattoos as well!