Silver spiral cuff


Got some silver ear jewelry to play around with. Ideal since it doesn't involve any needles so you can place it wherever you want. I've had that place pierced once but it just wouldn't heal, so this ear cuff comes in handy. I simply have a thing for ear decorations and piercings, as long as it remains classy... So far I have regular ear studs, a second ear stud next to that on my right ear, an inner conch in my left ear (showed it here) and a tongue piercing (showed it here). In a week or two I'm adding something new to my ears, not sure what it will be yet... any suggestions?

our suitcases are packed!

Tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn, Paul and I will be loading up the car along with Maggie doggie for a 14-something hour drive to Orlando FL. Our friend will be here holding down the fort and on cat duty so we won't have to worry about Mabel cat!


dollhouse_travelLR

We'll be visiting family, catching up and enjoying the first few days of 2011 in the Florida sunshine!

I'll be updating via Twitter as we travel and while we're away and I'll be back in the studio on January 10th.


Happy New Year!

make your own photobooth pics

This week doesn't feel like a "real" work week so let's have some fun!

If you’re like me you love old style photobooth photos. It’s hard to find photobooths in real life but I found a fun substitute that you can use right on your computer. It creates photobooth pics that look like they come right out of the movie Amelie (my fav movie too)!

Just go to: http://laphotocabine.com/

Here’s a pic of what the site looks like along with a filmstrip of our late cat Stanley who was a semi-unwilling participant. We miss you Stanley cat!

The site is all in French but even if you don’t speak French it’s easy enough to figure out.

Once you’re done with your photoshoot you can even print out your pics and then scrap ‘em!



I found this fun photobooth link on Website Bakery. If you're in the mood for some fun eye candy (and who isn't!) check it out here!

Have fun!!

A little bit of everything


I'm spending the day glued to my bed/on the couch, accompanied with a fever (hence the crappy webcam pic) and had some pictures left I took this week. I'm playing around with a different picture sizing, could you let me know if they're too wide for your computer screen or not?

1 On the couch, with my favorite scarf
2 Beautiful, rich eye shadow at MAC presentation
3 Going through old family pics makes me happy. This is me and my twin brother in France (I was working the chunky knit trend years ahead of time)
4 View from my parent's place in Amsterdam during Christmas brunch
5 Could use one of Lily's cupcakes (old pic from Angie V event)

upcoming workshops!

2011 is almost here and I've got some exciting classes on the schedule!

For my first workshop of 2011, I'll be at Angela's Happy Stamper in Reston VA on Saturday January 22nd teaching two 3 hour classes.


We'll make this amazing Paper Wreath using left over scrapbook papers from our stash along with some super fun techniques of course!


In the second class we'll make this accordion fold book using Sticky Back Canvas and you'll get to play with my new Creative Layers Stamp Collection!

I hope you'll be able to join us! Click here to register!

OTHER 2011 WORKSHOPS:

February 17 - 19th :
Collage Discovery Workshop Intensive in Bonita Springs Florida. To register, call The Art League of Bonita Springs at (239) 495-8989

March 19th & 20th:
Waxing Poetic Beeswax Collage & Collage Discovery Workshop at the Ink Pad in NYC

May 27th- 29th: Mixed Minded Event in Ontario Canada



I will also be teaching an online class or two with Big Picture Classes. More info coming soon on that!

More workshops and complete information are on my web site here!

2010 overview: my own who, what wear



With just three paper pages left to rip off this year's calendar, I felt the urge to compose a little 'Who What Wear of 2010'. This year has treated me well and I like the place I'm in right now. And I couldn't be more excited for a year with new adventures.

Blog-wise my highlights were visiting Amsterdam Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week (a lifelong dream), attending big events like the ELLE Style Awards and meeting fantastic people in the industry like bloggers, photographers and PR people. And of course, seeing old and new readers catching up to This chick's got style means a lot to me, so thank you for that!

And on a more personal level, 2010 was big as well. I got my Bachelor's degree in Science of Communication, did an internship at Grazia magazine, co-wrote a book about branding strategies (more on that later), made new friends, went on a 3 week road trip through the USA. And I'm thankful for another year with a healthy and happy family and a great, supportive boyfriend.

So tell me... what were the highlights in your year? And don't forget... 2011 will only be better ;)

Fluffy and furry


When you're tired and cold, there's not much more comfortable to wear than a fluffy faux fur jacket that apparently doubles as a blanket at the movies - or on the couch, as I'm typing this. Easy to throw over any holiday outfit or casual shopping ensemble like above.

And thanks for the sweet Christmass wishes in the comments. Whether you're celebrating or not, I hope you're spending these days with the people you care about most :)

(h&m t, ikks jacket, asos ring, ibana rouge bag, teeez nail polish)

Mixing things


Two nice examples of mixing fabrics that pretty much everyone has hanging in their closet. A plaid or denim shirt, knits and leather. I like it! And after an intense month I just handed in my last paper for a while, which hopefully means I'm back to a more normal social and blogging life ;)

pictures via studded hearts

wishing you a merry christmas!

It's down to last minute Christmas preparations at Betty's. Here she's putting the finishing touches on her retro-fabulous tree!

dollhouse_christmasLR

I think this piece also works well as my entry for this weeks illustration friday theme of "winter."  Nothing makes you feel more cozy about the cold days of winter than a brightly light Christmas tree and presents!!


I had fun making the tree for this dollhouse project piece and I even figured out how to light it with teeny weeny battery operated cake lights! (patting myself on the back)


Wishing everyone who celebrates a Merry Christmas! See you next week!

ali edwards class giveaway


It's two days before Christmas so let's have a giveaway! Big Picture Classes has given me one seat to give away in Ali Edwards online class Yesterday and Today.

*** PLEASE NOTE: THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED! ***
Check the end of this blog post to see if you are the winner!



HOW TO ENTER:
Just post a comment below in this post to be entered for a chance to win, make sure to include your contact info so I can reach you. I'll draw a winner at random (using random.org) on Tuesday Dec 28th at 5pm EST.


ABOUT ALI'S CLASS:
Join popular blogger and scrapbooker
Ali Edwards, along with a diverse group of memory keepers, as they learn to make meaningful connections to their past in order to live their life in a more thoughtful way. Projects are limited to one layout a week that address the questions listed below.

Are you new to online education? Ali’s robust, cutting-edge online classroom provides content in multiple learning platforms: video, audio and traditional written handouts. The classroom also houses sharing galleries and multiple message boards. This is your last opportunity to participate in
Yesterday and Today at Big Picture Classes. Don’t miss out on this popular class!

Yesterday & Today

  •  Where do you begin creating with photos from generations past?What do you wish you knew about your parents when they were growing up? What life lessons do you want to pass on to your children?
  •  How do you document the challenging times in your life?
  • How do you create layouts that tell special stories when you don't have any photos?

Ali says,
“The benefit of looking to the past is that we gain perspective. We see things differently after developing an awareness of what we know and what we wished we knew. Looking back, even if we're just viewing old photos of people we don't know, can change the way we approach the photos we take and the stories we tell today.”


  Read the rest of the class description here!

+++++++++++++++++++

UPDATED: December 28th at 6:11pm EST
WE HAVE A WINNER!!

CONTEST WINNER IS ALPENHIMMEL! 











Please email me to get all the info so you can take this class with Ali!

thanks everyone for playing!



Celine for everyone: DIY

The DIY- pics aren't mine! From blog chic-steals

Usually when a catwalk collection sparks a wave of inspiration for high street brands and self-sewing projects, it's the more subtle details like this that are copied. You can count me in for leather details on pretty much anything, so a tutorial on chic-steals that just involved 1)measuring 2)cutting and 3)sewing, surely caught my attention. Unfortunately my skills with needle & thread go about as far as adding a button (I wish I had a sewing machine to practice!) So if you're not the crafty type - like yours truly - Zara created a version as well. And although it's a little more plain and a little less in quality, it sort of does the trick.

pictures: zara / style.com / a pair and a spare via chic-steals.com

In the archives

I'm in the library as we speak, locked myself up here yet again. As much as I wanted to give you a new outfit post to look at, I simply can't because of these university deadlines. Sorry, it's 4 more days :(! In the mean time, I was browsing through my old laptop files and found a lot of older outfits (yes, I have trouble focusing today). This one reminded me I should wear this jacket again, it has the coolest paneled sleeves, one half is ribbed and the other is satin-y, I love things like that.

Au revoir, Carine



part 1 of CNN documentary about Carine Roitfeld


Carine Roitfeld
has anounced to leave Vogue Paris. After 10 years of bringing us the best shoots, the most drool-worthy shoes and the most gorgeous models, she is ready to face new challenges. I guess even those with the most coveted and powerful jobs crave doing something different after a while and I'm curious to see who will be the new leading lady and what that will do to Paris Vogue... Who would you suggest? Rumor has it Carine will be involved with Tom Ford, I can't wait to see how that turns out!

happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday!! Happy Birthday to me! I can not believe I am 36. Actually I spent the better part of this year thinking I was turning 35 until Paul reminded me that I was already 35 and now am turning 36. ha!


birthday_surprise

Today I plan to relax and try not to work (we'll see about that!)  Then tonight Paul and I will be heading out with our neighbors to a Christmas event at the Russian Cultural Center. Sounds like an amazing birthday to me!!



Have a great weekend everyone!

Oh, Chloe




Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony
is probably my favorite celebrity line - not that I'm fully educated on most. Usually they stray far from what I could see the actual celebrity wearing or I wouldn't want to look like them in a million years, but with Chloe's collections it just makes sense. These boots are exactly what I wish I could buy in the Netherlands. A bit more quirky than Burberry and more elegant than the famous Jeffrey Campbell Lita's.

pictures via Opening Ceremony

hello Santa!

We took Maggie dog to see Santa on Sunday. The hotel Monaco did a fundraiser with the Washington Humane Society. In the lobby they had a cozy fire. Cookies for the doggies and cookies and hot chocolate for the humans too!

maggie_santa

We weren't expecting to get in the photo but decided to at the last minute, love how it turned out! Everyone made a huge fuss over Maggie in her Santa Suit and she had so much fun smiling for the camera.  

It's so great to have Maggie with us for her first Christmas as a family. Without Bernie at A Place to Bark Maggie wouldn't be alive. Seriously. Bernie pulled Maggie from animal control just before she was scheduled to be put down. Without her we wouldn't have our wonderful Maggie.


A Place to Bark has has lots more sweet furry babies that need your help!

Even just $5 or $10 would go a long way to helping to support all the animals that she takes in and finds new homes.  And the best part your donation is tax deductible !!


She was telling me yesterday that she spends $15,000 a year just on pet food not to even mention the vet bills! Wow! By networking with humane societies, she has rescued (and found homes for) over 700 animals this year! yay! go Bernie!!


Also a bonus! If A Place to Bark needs to raise $1500 more by the end of the year to receive a $5k matching grant. We can help her do this!

HOW TO DONATE:
To donate just scroll down to the 6 Degrees Badge in my right side bar. Your donation is tax deductible too!


To learn more about A Place to Bark visit the web site
 
Friend A Place to Bark on Twitter or Facebook to follow along with her animal rescue adventures!



Seven spring styles at H&M


Remember when I visited the H&M showroom to have a peek at the Lanvin collection here? I found a few gems browsing through their spring/summer collection and immediately cursed myself for my new shopping vows. Not everything was hanging in the showroom yet, but I could already tell it is a promissing collection with items that suit my aestetics extremely well.

S
o far these are some favorite items. The jacket is my absolute number one and I've been dreaming about it ever since. I just haven't seen anything like it yet and I can't wait till it's in stores.

what i listen to while I am working

I am often asked what music I like to listen to when I am working in my studio. Well actually I don’t listen to music at all!

I love listening to podcasts.

It seems that when I am listening to a good story or an interview it seems to keep my brain busy so that I am not thinking “too much”. My left-brain is concentrating on the story and my right brain can be creative without my inner critic rearing up! Or at least that's the plan :)

I have a whole list of them and I thought I’d share them with you!


Click the links below or search on itunes to download:

CREATIVE PODCASTS:


BUSINESS-Y PODCASTS:


STORIES / TALK:


Let me know if you have any favorites not on this list. I am always looking for new podcasts!

Q&A: the personal questions and unseen USA pics


Do you plan on becoming a designer or something fashion related? And what do you study?
Recently I got my Bachelors degree in Communication Science and now getting a Masters degree in Corporate communication. Writing and branding both appeal to me strongly, especially when it is fashion related, so I’m trying to create a path for myself in that direction. My blog, education, job and internship at Grazia have helped me in that sense and another big dream will come true in two months… stay tuned!

Your first job was in Grazia? What was your biggest fear on your first day of work?
Other than working for my father's communication company, it was. I interned for four months as a copywriter and I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined :) Seeing what it takes to produce a weekly magazine, how decisions are made, how to interact with collegues, celebrities and getting to write a lot. Of course I was a little nervous, mostly about if my articles would be good enough. Luckily the team is incredibly sweet and welcoming and it all worked out great ;)

How tall are you?
1.62 or 1.63.

Do you believe in God?
No. I think I’m a bit too down to earth and non-traditional. It’s a personal opinion but to me there are just too many things that don’t add up :) Religions can provide examples for how to be a good person but I myself only believe we have this life – right here, right now.

What’s the nicest place you’ve ever been? What countries have you been?
I’ve travelled a lot and I’m thankful for that. Besides visiting countries in Europe, I’ve travelled through Thailand three times, Vietnam, India, Laos, Cuba, Cambodia, Mexico, Indonesia, China, and the United States and Hawaii. My 3d trip to Thailand when I was 18 was special because I was all by myself and pretty anxious. And the road trip my boyfriend and I did last summer was simply fantastic! You told me on Twitter you wanted to see some more unseen pictures, so here we go ;)






What's your zodiac sign?
Twins… And I used to think (ok, I still do :P) that was the coolest thing because I’m an actual twin as well.

How long have you and your boyfriend been together and do you see your future with your boyfriend? Does he like fashion too?
We’ve been together for 3,5 years and have known each other since the very first day of high school 10 years ago. I’m not one to plan my relationship 20 years ahead, I think people can change and grow over time – either bringing you closer together or drifting you more apart. Right now, things are going really great :D

Haha, well, he likes to dress nicely and knows a thing or two about trends but obviously he’s not in to it as much as I am. And I constantly bother him with fashion things and wish lists and I’m always surprised by the patience he has with that ;)

What was your first job and can you describe it and yourself at the time?
I started working at my father’s communication company Michels Communicatie around age 14 and still do. We writes articles and my dad has written many books about communication and branding which are actually best sellers in the Netherlands.

Which music do you like?
I like listening to something like Leela James, Erykah Badu,John Legend, James Morrisson, John Mayer andfor fun old Janet Jackson, Beyonce and Gaga and for beautiful lyrics I listen to bands like Coldplay and Keane.

How do you have the money to buy such lovely clothes? There is no way I could afford those brands-- I'm a college student too!
Working for it and making the right choices on how to spend your money. I try not to buy too much stuff just because it’s cheap, 20 euro’s here and there easily add up. Look at your favorite designer items and try to find a similar feel at H&M, Topshop, Zara, COS or River Island or on sale. If those are still a bit above your budget, scout flee markets, try Ebay even for high street finds; particularly Topshop and H&M have a lot circulating on Ebay. And I’m lucky enough to sometimes receive clothing.

How do you feel about tattoos?
I love a pretty tattoo and there are so many I wouldn’t want on my body. I’ve thought about getting one for years, but I’m still not confident with putting something on my body for life.

Do you have pets or do you want any?
Nope, they wouldn’t fit in my life right now. When I was a kid I’d always wish for a puppy for Christmas though.

Your hair colour is beautiful, is it natural or do you get some highlights in it?
Thanks! Naturally I have a lot of different shades of blonde in my hair and it’s darker at the bottom. I added some high lights to create more depth and light.

Which camera do you use?
A Nikon D60 with a 50 mm lens.

How do you stay in shape?
I wish I worked out and used to dance a lot but I currently don’t have (or don’t make) the time. My bike is my nr 1 way to get around Amsterdam though, so that keeps me moving. And I try to eat healthy but am addicted to Dorito's and stuff Maltesers. Luckily I don’t gain really fast.)

Are you Dutch or do you have another origin?
100 % Dutch!

Which hair products do you use and how do you style it?
My favorite shampoos and conditioners are by Joico and a more budget friendly favorite is the Royal Jelly line by Gliss Kur.

Do you have a life motto?
Not necessarily a single line, but more like a ‘life mindset’.
To me it’s important to dream big and believing in my own strength to make them a reality. It's about being the best version of yourself, not just career wise, but also in terms of being a positive and compassionate person.

If there was a zombie apocalypse and you only had one of each,
what would be your weapon, theme song, and sidekick?

SUCH an awesome question! Weapon of choice would be those cool sticks with a chain in the middle, theme song is some old James Bond kind of thing and as sidekick… I'd pick James Franco as Harry Osborn from Spiderman because we’d be an evil and very hot duo together, muahahaha (*practices evil laugh)

What is your bad habit?
I’m not super patient and if things don’t turn out really well, I can get freaked out or stressed. I think I want to prove myself or my capabilities but I’m starting to let loose a bit. Turns out; everything is still fine if you relax a little :)

What’s your favorite movie?
Not sure I have one in particular, but it would gravitate towards something a little dramatic with a sense of reality. Recent examples would be The Reader, A Single Man, or Million Dollar Baby, the Departed. Another good movie I recently watched is The secret in their eyes / El secreto de sus ojos, now also nominated for an Oscar. Also, I´m addicted to Louis Theroux documentaries, National Geographic´s Locked up abroad and Cold Case and Law & Order. Yes, I have a crime obsession, always had. And on a lighter note, I nearly died laughing when watching the Hangover and I like romantic comedies if they’re not too lame (aka Catherine Heighl is some uptight girl, meets a rude guy and they end up together).

Would you like to work as a fashion editor in Vogue or something like that?
The magazine world has appealed to me ever since I can imagine. Actually, working for an American magazine is one of my ultimate goals / dreams. For now I would prefer working for Teen Vogue.

the christmas story house

While we were in Cleveland this past weekend, we went to go and see the house that was used in the movie A Christmas Story. It's now a museum and you can go and visit!



The Christmas Story house!


  Movie still of the house.



Paul and I with the leg lamp! We peeked in the shed in the backyard and there tons of leg lamps in there!


A re-creation of the kitchen scene. I want that refrigerator!


It was a lot of fun to go and see. If you are in the Cleveland area check it is worth a visit. Especially this time year, really gets you in the holiday mood!

Lovely

via fashionologie

Three designs from Pamela Love's 2011 collection. Gorgeous, natural materials and shapes and I think it won't be long before we'll see those metal cuffs popping up everywhere.

beads baubles and jewels taping

I am back from Cleveland where I was taping a segment on the Beads Baubles and Jewels PBS show with my friend Katie Hacker who is the host!


Project we are making on the show!

Here's the project I made on the show. It's a necklace pendant/broach combo using my Sticky Back Canvas and my new Creative Layers Foam stamps with Ranger.


And another version of the project. Katie made the beautiful necklace to go with the broach....


Getting set up for taping!

Getting ready for the taping.


Me and Katie on the set!

Katie and I on the set!


I'm not sure when the show will air but I'll post here when I find out!