Big changes, new job!

Since I started interning at ELLE magazine six months ago, things changed in rapid speed. My first book came out, This chick’s got style evolved from a hobby in to a job (which makes me incredibly happy!), I was in an inspiring office 5 days a week learning, growing and observing... Doing all this also meant I had to stop working for my father’s communication agency – where I started out at 14 and learned all about writing – truly the end of an era.

Today is my very last day interning at ELLE and I have some HUGE news! I got offered a job, and I'm now officially an editor at ELLE! I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this special team and to be writing for a magazine that’s so close to my heart. I'll go back to university to have my Master's degree in January and will combine blogging and my work at ELLE in the time to come. This has been a lifelong dream and knowing that I’ve realized it myself by doing what I love and working hard, is one of the best feelings in the world.

ps. Sorry for recycling this picture ;) (typing at midnight made it the best option)

What I'm up to

Vogue Collections f/w 2012 and Stella McCartney collection I once blogged about here 

Got some administration and work to do, but first I'm browsing through my brand new copy of Vogue Collections fall winter 2012 with green tea and fresh blueberries. Even though I'm pretty much glued to my Style.com app, I prefer holding a magazine to have a closer look at my favorite collections (seeing them on the runway would be even better, obviously).

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Set in stone

What better way to wake up on my birthday last tuesday, than to a package with a beautiful birthday gift? Big thanks to Fashionology.nl for these little gems - well, not that little actually, they're quite the attention grabbers ;). I love the pure and natural look these pendants have, and the subtle silver casing. You'll be spotting these sweet stones in outfit pictures soon! (I'm actually wearing the rose quartz necklace as I'm typing this!).

ps. I've been having trouble with Blogger for weeks: I still can't comment on my own post. I keep getting redirected to log in when I try to comment. Anyone knows how to fix this problem?
EDIT: Robine just mentioned in the comments that it works if you sign in but don't tick the 'keep me signed in'-box.

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outfit: Out in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has quite a few hidden treasures and this old dock is one of them. It's totally deserted and painted over and you can really feel the old shipyard vibes there. It's where my boyfriend interns right now (not actually at the dock, but at the MTV building) and where I had dinner last night with my family to celebrate my 22nd birthday. Because I went to dinner straight after work I wasn't all dolled up, just a good pair of heels, a clutch and this beige and black knit. I think beige and black is such a chic color combination, and it works well with pretty much any bright color.

H&M jumper and heels (in stores soon)
Paige jeans
Shampalove clutch
O.P.I. nail polish

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It's my birthday!

Goood morning sweethearts! Waking up another year older today - it's my 22nd birthday today! And my twin brothers' too - obviously - so what better picture to post than one of us together, right? (You might have already seen this one but it's all I've got on this laptop.)

I honestly can't believe how fast this year went by, and how incredible it was. It surely was one of the best years so far, and quite a lot of it had to do with blogging and couldn't have been done without you :)

One of the huge highlights for me was the USA roadtrip with my boyfriend last summer, that fueled my America craze up to a point that I'm now obsessed with the thought of moving there at some point in the future (if you ever have a job for me in L.A. or NYC, give me a call ;)) And the travelling didn't stop there. I visited Paris three times; once for Paris Fashion Week and twice on press trips. I visited London Fashion Week too, with My Wardrobe, and of course Amsterdam Fashion Week was on my fashion agenda. Last februari I started an extra internship at ELLE magazine (which I'm still doing) as a journalist, after I finished interning at Grazia. This past year I've grown and learned more about writing and the magazine world than I could have imagined. Also personally a lot of things are in a really good place right now. I've made my This chick's got style in to my own company and I co-wrote a book about brand activation called Focus op Fans. Got my drivers license last week (I still don't get how that happened, honestly), got my Bachelors degree at University (and getting my Masters' in a few months), and all of this in the course of one year. (No wonder I'm so tired at times :P)

I can only hope my 22nd year will be just as amazing and happy. Everything tells me it will, and I'm taking you with me for the ride. Love! Yara

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Tweet, tweet: my life in twitpics

To me my Twitter is a great place to keep in touch with you guys while I'm 'on the go'. It's where I share bits and pieces of personal information, keep you updated about new posts and talk about what's going on in my (blogging and private) life. And of course that involves a lot of pics! Which often don't make it on to the blog; these are just a few examples. So to get a peek behind the scenes and read more personal things about me (and to see tomorrow if you won a Fashionology gift card of course) make sure to follow me here!

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5.000 followers + 5.000 followers = Fashionology GIVE AWAY!

In over 2 years of blogging on This chick's got style, I can say I've had amazing experiences and made quite a few dreams come true. And I can now add a new big milestone: I passed 5.000 followers on Google Friend Connect AND 5.000 on Bloglovin! I always told myself I would celebrate that moment with my readers. And I'm sticking to it! After all, I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for YOU! - readers that stuck with me from the beginning and new readers. Huge thanks for your sweet words these past two years and for always coming back to see my daily posts! ♥

Celebrating this moment with me is Fashionology. One of my favorite jewelry stores on the web, known for their edgy, feminine designs, executed in silver and natural stones. I know I'm not their only fan - bloggers all over the world are wearing Fashionology items. And now you have a chance to do the same. Because Fashionology is giving away THREE 50 euro gift cards! Just leave a comment with your e-mail adress.

The winners will be announced on my birthday, June 7th, on Twitter. So make sure to follow Fashionology and This chick's got style on there, to find out if you won!

Outfit: Party time

When packing my bag for a short work related trip, I usually don't get experimental with clothes. I want to have a few options that I know I like and feel comfortable in. So that's why you've already seen this blouse and skirt a few posts back - nothing surprising there. I just paired it with my highest ankle boots, some gold jewelry, a clutch and leather jacket and voilà, I was out the door to the Diesel party at the phenomenal Manege de Grand Palais. Oh, and excuse the pictures, guys. It's not an outfit post, it's not a fashion journal post... It's just the best I've got to bring from a hotel room in just a few minutes, haha!

H&M trend shirt and clutch
Queens Wardrobe skirt
House of Harlow leather star ring
Club Manhattan necklace
Nelly boots

ps. I got a few e-mails, the room is in hotel Mama Shelter. A crazy, funky, cool place totally decorated by the famous interior designer Philippe Starck. I'd definitely recommend it.

About my Ray Ban's and win a pair yourself!

In over two years of blogging, some questions just always come up. Like: 'What do you do for a living?', 'What places in Amsterdam should I visit?', 'What's your make-up routine?', and 'What model of Wayfarers do you wear?'. I’m addressing them one by one, starting with my sunnies.

The exact model I often wear in posts (like here and here) are Ray Ban Wayfarers 2140 901 50 22 3N. So there it is! And I’ve got some news for my Dutch readers… you can win a pair of Ray Ban’s too! Pearle Opticiens is currently selling a limited edition collection Ray Ban’s. Based on the o, so popular Ray Ban Aviator and the Caravan, but cheaper (they’re € 99). And now they're giving away 25 sunglasses – including Ray Ban’s, but also brands like DKNY and Polaroid.

Just upload your picture here, add your favorite sunglasses and post it on your Twitter/Facebook/Hyves. The 25 people with the most votes of their friends win their favorite sunnies!

Examples of the two limited edition Ray Ban's you can win:



What's in my bag?

So... what do I lug around all day? Click on the link below to find out! And tell me about the content of your bag!

 

Like I said here, your home says a lot about you. And you know what else does? The content of your handbag! I totally 'bag my life' and wanted to show you what's inside. This is what I carry around on work days. Of course I'm capable of packing lighter but I like to have things I might need within reach. And what's in yours?

1)  big Moleskine organizer

2)  foldable H&M leopard shopper

3)  Polkadot tape

4)  H&M make up bag with:

5)  MAC kabuki brush / L'Oréal Volume Millon Lashes mascara / Chanel eye shadow / Boots eyeshadow / Labello lip balm / OPI red polish

6)  Jean Paul Gaultier classique, my perfume for years

7)  Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream for dry lips or hands

8)  Random silver jewelry

9)  Blackberry Curve

10) Little post-it's for my organizer

11) Zip wallet from Mango

12) Canon small camera for on the go

13) My sunnies: Ray Ban Wayferers

14) Business cards in Filippa K purse

15) Evian water spray, tried it out for warm days

16) Light for my bicycle

17) H&M notebook

18) Neill Barett 'notebook' USB card

Me and Mario Testino!

Basically this picture features me, Mario Testino and my mouth. Too much? Mais non! I was in Paris, next to a legendary photographer who I happen to adore. A huge, proud grin seems to be in place ;) Mario was so kind and even checked to see if the pictures were good enough (followed by 'I have a big head, no?') I felt like such a lucky girl and did a little dance in my beautiful hotel room when I got back from the party this Tuesday.

My summer plans

 images via google

I told you before here that I booked a plane ticket to a special summer destination. The other night my boyfriend Friso and I were talking about our incredible U.S.A. road trip last summer (I'm really hoping to go back to California) and made new travel plans. Within 20 minutes we booked tickets to... Thailand and Vietnam! I've visited both countries before with my family - it will be my 4th time in Thailand - but I can't wait to go back. Friso and I actually visited Thailand together when we were 18 and are now on the hunt for some new spots to discover in these beautiful countries.
And did you already make plans for this summer?

Fashion journal

 This fashion journal captures some of my past week-and-a-half. Of course I spend 5 days a week working, but me sitting behind a computer screen wouldn't be too interesting to photograph ;)

What are you looking at?
1) The sort of racer back of my new Acne dress
2) Content of my beach bag for a day at Bloemendaal 

3) Pink drinks at Steve Madden store opening

4) The same store opening

5) Canvas bag to store my flats in

6) My boyfriend with Pilotto x Kipling backpack

Welcome weekend

How I'm spending my Saturday morning... catching up on magazines and deciding what color to paint my toe nails. Stored my favorite polishes in a glass candy jar, after all they're little colored goodies. Next on todays program; visiting my family for a birthday/early Easter party. Wishing you a happy Easter too! Are you doing anything special on those days (next to stocking up on chocolat eggs?) 

Fashion journal

What I was up to this week?

Well... after much debate (it went something like this: buying, returning, doubt, buying again) I scored that retro red dress on sale, was sick and got better with some rest, Advil and green tea, am lusting over jewelry with black stones, and bought a pair of rather expensive ankle boots...

I'll show you in pictures!

1) My new sale find (I wore Nicole's dress before here)
2) Awesome shoes at Acne
3) My fave tea glasses on my sick day
4) I have this coat in my head and it won't get out
5) Oops... can you guess what's in this shoe box? ;)

5) Want a piece like this by Pamela Love

Fashion journal

 

A couple of 'behind the scenes' pictures of this week... It's been a crazy busy week! And how was yours?

What are you looking at?
1. Leather and metal necklace thanks to the Style Department
2. I got featured in Cosmopolitan 3. Gonna try to recreate these sandwiches that me and my boyfriend had in a diner on our USA road trip
4. Urbanears headphones - yes, please to all gadgets in bright colors!
5. Want this bag for the parc, beach and other spring-y stuff, couldn't find it though!

Something new

Something I think is absolutely fantastic, is a jackets that's partial leather, partial something else. I haven't found a short version yet (except this Gestuz one I borrowed and wore here in London). But this long version with big collar and zip detail from Shampalove is pretty damn awesome as well. The rest of the outfit will follow shortly :)
PS. speaking of short... most of you that follow me on Twitter know I got a much needed hair cut. It's not what I had in mind at all - or asked for. Honestly, I was a bit upset and it took me a few hours (OK, two days) of feeling sorry for myself :P But in the end I have to face that a wrong hair cut, as much as it makes me feel bad, is not the most important thing going on in the world right now.

Fashion journal

Being a blogger I constantly carry my camera around, resulting in a lot of pictures. Of new items, outfits, events, random things, and some of them never make it on this blog. See here: a 'behind the scenes' peek of some of my recent fashion related activities.

What am I looking at?
1: New Blackberry after having it stolen in Florence (and I feel like myself again :P) / 2: Pieces nail colors fromZalando, love the 'silver flame' & 'granit' - and the price; €3 each / 3: New business cards arrived, yay! / 4: I want - no - must have these Acne Cypress boots! / 5: Talking always makes for great blooper pics / 6: Cupcakes at SuperTrash a while ago, wish I had them right here / 7: Got these last week - the denim dress was on sale for €8, total steal