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.

Oh, Yves...

The past three days in Paris were unbelievable. Mostly because I got to see the office of Yves Saint Laurent himself. Still pretty unbelievable to me that I visited this place that so few will ever get a chance to see.  I wish I could have taken you with me through pictures, unfortunately but very understandable that wasn't allowed. His sophisticated assistant, who worked by his side for years and years, showed us around in his white office with a huge mirror and walls covered in books for inspiration. I stood by monsieur Yves Saint Laurent's desk, saw his unique personal belongings, his original design sketches in black pencil lines and designs he tried out by making them in cotton first. To experience his legacy and talent from so close, was a magical and special experience. And I'm so gratefull to have seen the place where YSL's creations came to life.

I left Paris with this small white bag with the brand's name printed on it. What's inside? You'll find out soon ;)

On my way to Paris again

photo via blog.yanidel.com

After having been there just two weeks ago, I'm flying to Paris again on Monday morning! I'll be there for three days on another busy yet fun trip. It's not for my blog but I'm sure I'll be able to capture some shots, just like time (seen here and here). The weather is very expromising and I'll be enjoying this romantic place even more when the sun lights the entire city up. Bisous! Yara

Fashion journal

Let me take you through last week. It started off with a flight to Paris for a press event, on which me and other journalist slept in a beautiful hotel, went to presentations, did some shopping and had great food. Not to forget I met Mario Testino - here's the proof! Next up was a trip to Maastricht with the ELLE team for an unforgettable and fun time. Gosh... imagine every week could be like this! ;)

What are you looking at?
1) Me in front of Hotel Raphael, had an incredible stay

2) Bicycle in Maastricht during ELLE trip

3 and 4) Shopping spree at Galeries Lafayette

5) My suitcase for Maastricht

6) The Eiffel Tower

outfit: Last day in Paris

What I wore for a Paris lunch. More pictures below, after the jump!

Maybe these shots are not the most detailed, but they were taken in under 3 minutes, after lunch near the Eiffel Tower. The taxi was already waiting so it was down to a few lucky shots before takeoff. Anyway, this is what I wore on my last day in Paris. I only packed hand luggage, so just brought some basics like this cotton dress from COS and my suede lace up Jeffrey Campbell's. They always work for me, are chic, comfy and a total no brainer.

Jeffrey Campbell boots (also worn here and here)

COS dress

Storets jacket

Zara belt

H&M clutch and cuff

Good morning, Paris

As we speak, I'm packing for a little trip! Tomorrow morning I'm flying out to Paris and I'll be back in Amsterdam on Tuesday evening. No worries, blog posts are scheduled ;) I'll be going for work (at ELLE, not my blog) and am exited to visit this beautiful city again with a few others. After my last visit during Paris Fashion Week, I'm looking forward to experiencing the city again at a less hectic time. I'll promise to show you around the city in pictures.

image via tumblr

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?

Hot pink

 
I wanted the first look I styled at LuisaViaRoma's Firenze4Ever to be in the spirit of spring. In came some smoking hot pink strappy shoes and a breezy two toned dress. Playing dress up with those amazing brands and high quality clothes was so much fun, and I wish it was something I'd get to do every day.

Clu two tone knit dress / Casadei strappy shoes

Style & the City

On Style & the City

On Facehunter


Paris Fashion Week pics are still surfacing and I thought these two were particularly fun because it's not only me but my Paris partners in crime too. First with my boyfriend at Jardins de Tuileries and second with Andy and Denni on our way to Lanvin while the Facehunter was flashing his camera in our faces ;)

At Paris Fashion Week

My Paris Fashion Week started yesterday, visiting the Barbara Bui show and Hypeed party. I got my pictures taken, met with readers of my blog and have the sorest feet ever. Paris Fashion Week is amazing, it's everything I imagined it to be. And I'm still pinching myself that I'm a part of it all!

Gotta run now, getting breakfast with my boyfriend!
Follow me on my Fashion Week adventures by following me on Twitter or following me on Bloglovin.


Zara exclusive jacket / H&M clutch / H&M jumpsuit (in stores in week 49) / H&M shoes (in stores in week 43)

First impressions

I'm writing you this post from my Paris bed and going to call it a night! What a hectic day it's been, filled with impressions. We (yes, my boyfriend came with me to Paris!) couldn't check in until 5 so all my clothes came out wrinkled when I was finally able to unpack... Wardrobe emergency! But I guess that's part of travelling :) Tomorrow Paris Fashion Week is really starting and in the evening I'll visit the Hypeed cocktail party. Let me know if you're there too! Bisous, Yara

(Zara jumper / H&M shoes)

Packing for Paris

Needless to say, attending an international Fashion Week – let alone Paris Fashion Week, the mother of all Fashion Weeks as Andy put it – is something I couldn’t be more excited about. But packing for Paris is serious business. Right now I’ve piled half of my closet on my bed and it looks like my room exploded. What do we do in such situations..? That’s right: we make a list.

My Fashion Week essentials:

♥ A loose black dress, the perfect layering piece.
♥ Leather or denim skinnies, to wear with a loose T and clutch, always works.
♥ Blazers, blazers, blazers. If you have little packing space bring a black and one statement blazer.
♥ A bunch of tights, in case you discover rips 2 minutes before leaving.
♥ One fab party dress, you never know what you end up doing.
♥ Cigarette or harem pants, they're comfy yet stylish and provide some warmth. Printed or one toned both work.
♥ Basic T’s and blouses, to mix and match with.
♥ An a-line or maxi skirt.
♥ (Leather) shorts.
♥ A jumpsuit, for when you're want to make a big statement with minimal effort.
♥ A pair of mind blowing heels.
♥ Wedges, to give your feet a break but still add that extra height.
♥ Ballet flats, to switch to when walking a lot in between shows.
♥ Nail polish, the perfect finishing touch! I’m bringing one color for every day.
♥ Bags and jewels, bring multiple clutches so you don’t have the same look each day and one big bag for long days with more carry on stuff.

City of Angels

Los Angeles, with it's fast paced, tough exterior and giant distances, might not be a right fit for everyone. It's not cozy and comforting but that makes it all the more fascinating...

LF Stores grey T / Soho Hearts ring / H&M polka dot dress and ring

Memories

These were taken little over a week ago, but it seems a lot longer because we've seen so much since. I've already collected a lot of great memories to this USA trip! And I'm seeing a few places again that I visited 12 years ago on a similar road trip with my parents and twin brother. Doing it all by myself and as an adult is a whole different experience though... It makes me even more grateful that my parents took us to so many different countries and showed us the world is bigger than your backyard :)

The boardwalk

The Santa Cruz boardwalk is all about rides and watching people passing by whilst eating sausages on sticks, shaved ice and cotton candy. Old school fun!

Crossroads

Picking up groceries, lounging by the boardwalk and drinking ice coffee were my main activities in Santa Cruz. Now we're off to sunny LA and it's gonna be good!

Zara leather biker jacket / H&M trend blouse with longer back / H&M trend
lace up shoes

Date time

Kristine and I

I met up with blogger Kristine for a wonderful lunch in San Francisco's warehouse Nordstrom. A very fun date and she's a real cutie :)

The same day my boyfriend and I picked up our car and went for the first ride - quite nervewrecking in those San Fran hills! But we made it safe and sound to Santa Cruz and are now in a suite with two tv's, a living room, a fireplace and bubble bath. Insane!