Chique au Vie

Sunday Shopping Spree

2013-02-24T17:25:00.000+01:00

Woke up this morning with standard Amsterdam weather.. .. a grey day, but definitely not stopping me from my eagerness to step outside and SHOP!

My plan was to buy an H&M jacket which I saw last week and felt totally in love with. Unfortunately, it's not meant to be! As cool and beautiful as it is.. unfortunately doesn't suit me at all! :( The length of the arms is too long and the shoulders look weird on me! Super sad face but I had to move on..

So I said goodbye went to ZARA since I haven't been to ZARA at all this year. And VOILA! OMG... their collections are AMAZING... Can't help myself to score three outfits DIRECTLY!

Boyfriend Inspired Blazer

Golden Black/Flower Kimono Inspired Blazer

Geometric 80's Inspired Sweater

In general, I had to drag myself out from ZARA today.. if not, I might ended up spending A LOT of my salary's portion this month! PHEW.... but can't help it! THEY ARE ADORBS!

xoxo

The Moment of Truth: Bloc Party Live @ Melkweg

2013-02-17T22:53:00.004+01:00

Finally.. after almost 4 years of waiting impatiently for Bloc Party to come back from their hiatus, release a new album and have a concert, I got what I wished for..

Having moved their concert's location from Heineken Music Hall to Melkweg (which was definitely one good move since I hate big concert halls), Bloc Party had 2 concert days (Friday 15th and Saturday 16th Feb). Truly as a die hard, I was about to buy tickets for both days (got myself first the sold out ticket on Saturday and had myself thinking to buy also for friday), but since I had an appointment already for friday night, I ended up only going to the Saturday one with my hubby (who's as DIE HARD as I am).

The door was opened at 19.30, me and hubby came at 18.30! We were the third people waiting in line in front of the door! Sooo coooolllddd waiting outside but all worth the wait as we got to stand in front of the stage.

Opening act for the night: Joy Formidable, a Welsh alternative rock band consists of 3 members.

Verdict: not bad (very energetic people), but not really something that I'll be head over heels. After a while for me, all the songs are quite similar (or maybe I was just too excited to see Bloc Party).

Then after around 20 minutes waiting, Bloc Party went on stage. It was so amazing to see them back together and the best part, the first song that they sang was SO HERE WE ARE. I first heard the name Bloc Party from that song!!!!!!!!!!! It was for me an AMAZING feeling..

They had their show for almost 1 hour 45 minutes, playing different songs from Silent Alarm until the last album Four. The truth is I'm not the biggest fan of Four so was a bit afraid they will put focus on promoting the latest album but that was definitely not the case. All the songs which I wanted to hear were played (unfortunately no I Still Remember). And when they played This Modern Love (which was our wedding song and my absolute song of all time) -> MAGIC! They ended their song with Helicopter and the crowds went CRAZY!

In general, I couldn't ask for a better one! It's one of hell of a COMEBACK from Bloc Party. They can never get old and you just grow to love them more and more!

Can't wait to have them back soon........

And here to enjoy the Bloc Party perfection.....

xoxo

Spotted: Little Collins

2013-02-17T22:24:00.002+01:00

The latest addition to Amsterdam HOT SPOT.. Little Collins!

Located in one of the most happening area in Amsterdam (De Pijp), Little Collins is definitely one of the most happening hangout lunch and dinner place! When you step in, you can see quite trendy and hip crowds. With Australian owners, Little Collins gives a different flavour to standard Amsterdam restaurants.

I knew this place from a friend who's a pork lover. She told me about the possibility to enjoy pork belly (well.. you can count where you can get a good pork belly in Amsterdam). My verdict: not that bad. Still not comparable to Momofuku's taste but it's good enough for me! Portion wise is quite small but for lunch is more than enough. I haven't been there for dinner but the concept is more a sharing dinner (some kind of tapas).

I got myself the sweet and sour pork (yummm.. love it), the only thing for me is that I prefer to have the sauce separately due to it's sweetness (not that fond of too sweet food), but no complaint at all. My hubby got the Little Collins' big one, which is kind a similar to English breakfast and he loves it.

Definitely coming back VERY VERY SOON!

Address:
1e Sweelickstraat 19-F

xoxo

TOO EXCITED!

2013-02-16T11:25:00.001+01:00

For preparing the anticipated concert (which I've been waiting for like 3 years) tonight @ Melkweg
My ultimate band of all time...............BLOC PARTY

Can't wait.. can't wait... too much excitement!!

xoxo

Valentine Pick Up

2013-02-14T21:14:00.000+01:00

I'm definitely not a Valentine type but.. to celebrate..

The best cover ever of the classic love song..

This Week Obsession

2013-02-10T18:50:00.001+01:00

This week is definitely my Phoenix addiction... specifically to ROME

Living Up the Sunday!

2013-02-10T17:01:00.003+01:00

Outfit of today...

Jumper: Primark

Tribal short denim pants: Primark

Necklace: Forever21

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Hat: Ben Sherman (stolen from my hubby :p)

xoxo

A Delightful Saturday in Amsterdam

2013-02-10T13:05:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was definitely one of the days which makes me realise how LUCKY I am to be living in the wonderful city of Amsterdam! Truly, I haven't been enjoying Amsterdam that much in 2013. Just got back from Indonesia mid-January then off to London the weekend after, yesterday was truly my first ENJOYABLE saturday in Amsterdam.

First of all... who can deny the Beauty of the canals especially when snow started to fall..

To start my out and about in the city... I went to my usual coffee spot De Koffie Salon whilst waiting for my hubby to finish up his meeting.

Spotted on me yesterday:

Topshop studded ankle boots
Topshop Petite Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans (truly, it's my current obsession). The length fits perfectly on me and they are SO COMFORTABLE! I love them so much that I want to have all colors. Highly RECOMMENDED!

Stepping out from De Koffie Salon, I cannot not stop by and check it out! It's my latest addiction and new eye candy.. MARCbyMARCJACOBS store at Utrechtsestraat.

Afterwards, we went to pick my parents in law who were in town yesterday to have a romantic weekend! I find it so sweet.. :) they are staying in The Floating Hotel. To make it better, I brought them to De Bakkerswinkel, my fave luncheon in Amsterdam.

I had a Quiche Lorraine and ofcourse, we had to order the amazing Scones! Yummm happy belly..... I definitely recommend De Bakkerswinkel if you stop by in Amsterdam and don't mind to wait a bit (unless you make reservation in advance) to do a high tea or just sit for a super nice lunch.

Missing out the 'alcohol', we all went straight to Wynand Fockink. Open in 1679, Wynand Fockink is one of the oldest liqueur tasting place in Holland. Never mind the busy tourists waiting in front of the bar not knowing what to order and not moving from their spot :), if you know what you want.. just walk straight and make your way through! It's one of the places you have to go for a liqueur try out in Amsterdam.

Being the good wife and a shopping advisor, I wouldn't miss the chance to go for a quick shop with my hubby who needed a new pair of pants badly. We went to Carhartt and he found such a good bargain! He got himself a nice burgundy pants for only 44.50 euros..

To end our beautiful evening, we had a lovely dinner at Loetje. Though we had to wait for almost 40 minutes for a table (you can never reserve if it's under 6 people). It's SOOOO worthed! How can you not love the look of the steak :).

In overall, one successful weekend! And to end the amazing day.. we walked through Amstel at night. How can you not fall in love head over heels to Amsterdam.

xoxo

Early Year Pick Up: Sarah Blasko

2013-02-03T20:08:00.003+01:00

Found her through my Australian colleague, definitely THANKING him greatly!

Loving her and she'll be having a show on the 14th April at People's Place.

Starting Up the New Year

2013-02-03T19:23:00.003+01:00

Made a promise to myself that I'll be better with my blog starting from this year! Have to get rid off my laziness... :D and best way to start my first post is in regards to my AMAZING NEW YEAR BARGAINS!

1. French Connection Sparkling Cardigan

2. Balenciaga Leather Bracelet

3. Won Hundred Loafers

The first hunt was my Balenciaga bracelet. I've been wanting a leather bracelet for SOOOO LONG (either Balenciaga or Mulberry) and it was just there, just there..standing there waiting for me to buy it with 40% off. How can I say no..

Then I went on a shopping spree to London last weekend with my best friend (Keita) for our 30th birthday gift! Went around Oxford and stopped by at French Connection! Found this amazing peach sparkling cardigan which was on sale from 175 pounds into 31 POUNDS. How can I say No to that..! It looks Perfect, SUPER PERFECT for my going out that night. Which was ofcourse an AMAZING night! We met with our dear friend Alise who is now living and working in London.

Last but not least is my unexpected buying! After meeting up with some friends for dim sum, hubby and I went to check the new Marc by Marc Jacobs store (since I need to get iphone case for my iphone 5). Afterwards I made a quick stop at Centre Neuf to check their final sale before heading to one of my fave coffee place ..De Koffie Salon@Utrechtsestraat. There it was, such beautiful black loafers (I'm a sucker for black shoes .. and mostly MANLY shoes)! They are from WON HUNDRED and was on sale from 280 EUROS to 84 EUROS. Can you say No to that??? So though my feet are size 35 and the smallest is size 36, I don't care!! Put some paddings in.. and.. VOILA!

It's a good sign for a good year! and.. I'm back to the blogging life... :) :)

xoxo

2013 RESOLUTION

2013-02-03T18:15:00.002+01:00

Back in the blogging world!!! :) :)

Refreshingly Wonderful: Particle of Light

2012-08-25T23:37:00.000+02:00

Never imagine that Carice van Houten first record will be this beautiful. Well what can you say when you have the support from the AMAZING Antony Hegarty!

Carice van Houten feat Antony Hegarty - Particle of Light

2nd Year Anniversary

2012-08-25T23:27:00.005+02:00

It's been 2 wonderful years.. and more to come! :)

Truly, I should have written this directly after we celebrated our second years of marriage, but all the days of super nice weather in Holland were hard to be missed (I do admit, lack of intention to write due to the fact that I could enjoy the sun.. which is generally a very rare occasion in the Netherlands).

Hence, I have to write in regards to our wonderful experience. My husband brought me to Restaurant De Bokkedoorns for lunch at Overveen. It's a 2 michelin stars restaurant with an amazing terrace. Taking the train to Haarlem and then bus to Overveen with the bus stop literally called the Bokkedoorns, you can guess that public transport is super easy. The food was superb as service was warm and friendly. Lovely.. very much recommended (especially when the weather is amazing)!

Waiting for Forever

2012-08-25T22:38:00.001+02:00

Back from my super long blog vacation.. what will be my first..

So, it's typical lonely saturday night not doing anything.. hubby at work and HBO as my best friend! There's this movie playing with Rachel Bilson and I do like her, so why not.. no expectation! End verdict, I LOVE IT!!! This is one of those under-rated indie movies which is truly touching. Not cheesy and definitely not your 'typical' American love story.

Will (Tom Sturridge) and Emma (Rachel Bilson) were childhood friends and to her knowledge they have lost contact for years! Little has she known that Will has been following her in every town which she has lived (but not in a creepy way). Emma who is now an actress decided to go back to her hometown to accompany her dying father whilst Will decides that it's time for him to finally talk to Emma and declares his undying love. Unfortunately, it's not that easy taking into consideration that Emma has a turbulent relationship with her current boyfriend and all other situations surrounding the life of both of them.

Looking at critics' reviews, they seem to be low at ratings but trust me, it's a movie worth seeing! I smiled at the end of the movie, almost crying.. not because it's sad but such a heart fulfilling happiness (haven't felt like this for a while since 500 Days of Summer). And if you hear one of the songs from the movie, so beautiful that makes you really wanna cry even more. Loving it ..

The Mostart Diving Club - Worlds Apart

Watch it!

Back!!!!!!

2012-08-25T22:10:00.001+02:00

I'm Back!! :)

Olympic Crush

2012-07-30T18:53:00.001+02:00

In the spirit of the London Olympic 2012.. This is my ultimate olympic crush.....

Team Nathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update!

2012-07-26T23:00:00.000+02:00

It's been a while.. life has been busy!! :)

But.. back to blog update. This weekend!

EURO 2012 Final!

2012-07-01T21:09:00.002+02:00

EURO 2012

Who will win?

Well, I'm rooting for Spain!!!!!!!!
But for the next 90 minutes.. some eye candies will run around, pass the ball.. These 2 are my fave ones from each country! Xabi Alonso (left) and Claudio Marchisio (right)... ENJOY!

Vamos España!

Weekly Update

2012-07-01T20:05:00.000+02:00

My bad.. I've been a bit slow in blog update over the last week, but to make short summary here are my fall out and highlights:

BAD NEWS: ACNE PISTOL BOOTS

I can't believe what happened to my Acne boots! Literally Net-A-Porter contacted me 3 days after my purchased saying that THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY STOCK! What happened apparently was that they didn't have the correct stock numbers, so during sale period although it was said still available, literally it was already SOLD OUT! I was so disappointed about the whole service (even they gave me 25 euro voucher) and believe me.. it wasn't only me, I have 3 other friends who experienced the same thing. 2 friend of mine ordered the Alexander Wang Rocco and Marc Jacobs bag, another 1 ordered Tory Burch shoes. All had the same thing, though showed as available, it wasn't! AND it took 1 week to get my money back in credit card... GRRRRRRR, definitely NOT trying anymore for NET-A-PORTER sale!

Does any of you have the same issue with Net-A-Porter sale?

GOOD NEWS:

1. Temper Trap tickets on hand

16 September 2012 @ Melkweg, Amsterdam

2. Kimbra tickets on hand

3 September 2012 @ Bitterzoet, Amsterdam

3. Two tops from COS

I was eye-ing 2 tops from COS which are on sale but the sizes were sold out until suddenly last week, they have size 34 again! WOeeHoeei...

4. Guest List for We Are Augustines @ Club Ziggo

We Are Augustines is giving an intimate concert for 150 lucky people at Club Ziggo, Amsterdam Monday 2nd July. It will be a live performance which will be recorded. Yes! I'm one of the lucky 150 people! Well.. you never know, if you're fast enough and there is still spot available..

Quickly mail: clubziggo@d2bv.nl

Sunday Highlight..

2012-07-01T12:47:00.004+02:00

Such an amazing song..

Dry The River - History Book

My Years of Waiting.. ACNE PISTOL BOOTS

2012-06-18T22:40:00.002+02:00

OMG OMG OMG OMG FINALLY!!

I've been eye-ing Pistol Boots for so long .. it's quite hard to get for me since I need to have size 35! I've been to Acne stores and asked but I have to put myself in the WAITING LIST for size 35! urghh.. So I said to myself, I will put my name on the waiting list for my Birthday Present in November!

But..... HELLO NET-A-PORTER ... finally my prayers have been answered! Sale started yesterday (if you have not yet noticed, GO ONLINE QUICKLY!), I was super lucky since they have only couple of stocks on size 35. It's like DESTINY, I've been wanting this specific pistol black with brown zipped for a while but I couldn't find it in the Amsterdam's store.. and the best part 40% OFF (I don't even care that I'm paying 15 euros shipping cost) - even in ACNE website it's still FULL PRICE!

MY MONDAY COULD NOT BE BETTER!!

Next Post.. ME WEARING IT! :) :)

YAY!!! Temper Trap @ Melkweg, Amsterdam!

2012-06-18T20:56:00.002+02:00

Watch out! If you're around Amsterdam in September, this is the show case NOT TO BE MISSED!! Well, they have another show in Holland (Rock In Park) on the 30th of June (unfortunately I can't make it)!

Just being announced, Temper Trap will perform @ Melkweg, 16 September 2012! Tickets will start on sale June 22nd! For sure .. I will be putting my alarm in my outlook this friday to make sure I GET THEIR TICKETS (and hopefully I will get it)! :) :) :)

For more shows globally check their website!

Can't wait!!! Below you can find their last video - Trembling Hands

Celebrity Crush: Elizabeth Olsen

2012-06-18T20:43:00.001+02:00

My most favorite Olsen of all time! Forget Mary Kate or Ashley, now it's the time for the other Olsen to rise, Elizabeth Olsen! Born February 16, 1989, Elizabeth is definitely one of the 'it' girls within the indie film industry. She raises to fame after playing in Martha Macy May Marlene, a role which gave her acknowledgements from film critics everywhere.

I find Elizabeth amazingly beautiful. Not following the trend in the Olsen's family of being 'boney' :), Elizabeth mentions herself that she's the 'curvy' one in the family and for me.. a role model for young girls to live as how a girl should live! Not becoming a SKELETON!

In addition to that, I love how Elizabeth brings herself in daily life and red carpet. Not trying to be bohemian (or most of the time like bum) or gothic as her sisters, Elizabeth sense of fashion is mainly in simplicity mode.

So.. can we steal her style??

Well I really like the look that she put on whilst walking in NYC. Wearing AG Adriano Goldschmied Legging Cords and Chloe 'Angie' Medium Leather Tote, she looks ravishing! Only that most of us won't have the money to spend to imitate what she has that day (the bag and the jeans sum up to almost 2300 EUROS)! So as an option, here is my affordable stealing Elizabeth's look:

Blouse: Forever 21
Cropped biker jacket: Topshop
Skinny Jeans: Topshop
Hat: Forever 21
Shopper bag: Zara
Shoes: Fred de la Bretoniere

I can't wait to see more of her in the future and I believe it won't be the last time I'm writing about Elizabeth Olsen!

Sunday Tune - CocoRosie

2012-06-17T21:12:00.001+02:00

CocoRosie - Lemonade

Song of the Week

2012-06-13T23:46:00.003+02:00

Brave Chandeliers - Mad Men