NEW IN | the long journey in finding the perfect zipper-in-front boots

I've been obsessed by shoes with a zipper in front ever since I saw a pair at a vintage store in Antwerp a year ago. I regretted not buying it so much, that it kinda became a mission in life to find one. I've encountered a few in the last year, but I never felt 'right' with it. I think the first pair that really peaked my interest the same as the ones at that particular vintage store a year ago, are the ones from Monki the summer collection 2014. At that time, I was a bit unsure because of the price ( I was probably broke), so I thought I waited it out till the sale.. And of course it flew off the shelves quite quickly so it didn't even make it to the sales or me able to buy it. And there's a similar one currently available at Forever21, here, which I've bought online and decided to return it because I didn't like the chunkiness of it and the material was not something I was looking for.

This one tho.. I couldn't resist. I didn't even know Zara was selling them (I usually look at their lookbook) until I was visiting the shop in Amsterdam. It was something I knew I had to buy even though it cost more than I was willing to spend but I had the money and the shoes were there.. I couldn't resist. I bought a size smaller than I usually wear and it fits perfectly. 

What do you think of these boots?

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ootd | a day in Amsterdam

Today was supposedly a productive day where I would work on uni stuff, but as usual I grabbed any chance of procrastination, so when my sister asked if I wanted to come with her and my mom to Amsterdam, which is a 40minutes drive, I couldn't say no..

The weather outside was chilly but the sun managed to peek-a-boo every now and then, unfortunately the rain as well. That's when I decided to buy this fedora at Forever21 to keep my hair a bit dry, which was a real steal! Originally priced 13 euros down to 8euros. Don't know how long this discount will last, so grab one while you can! I'm wearing a comfy sweater which I'm obsessed with lately (I have it in another colour as well) and paired it with some tights and a skort, which you probably don't see clearly in the pictures. Fun fact about me, I don't like to bring a small bag with me when I'm shopping in a crowded city like Amsterdam. Call me paranoid but when I walk through a crowded street, I just assume that at least 55% of the people there are pickpockets. Blame the multiple times I got pick pocketed in the past and the feeling of anxiety and the thought of you bursting in tears in the middle of the street are just things you don't forget easily. By wearing small bags, you gain more risks of being pick pocketed. So this big leather/suede red bag is perfect for shopping in Amsterdam. I bought it in a stand at the WinterFair a while ago and can't seem to remember the name of the shop. I will come back to it when I remember. After doing some digging, I found the shop's name. It's from a Dutch online webshop Jumpings. I'm sorry to announce that they don't do international shipping..

Anyhow, we visited several stores and I bought a few things along the way that I can't wait to show you guys (will post about it in tomorrow's post). On top of it all, I get to eat at my favourite Thai, which made it a perfect ending of the day.

What do you think of my outfit?

hat | Forever 21
cowl sweater | Forever 21
jacket | H&M
skort | Primark
ankle boots | H&M
bag | unknown  Jumpings

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HOW TO | Layering for the winter

December first.. It means that it's officially winter now (for most of us) and what better way to spend your dark and cold days by wearing knits? 

Where I live it's quite hard to predict the weather (although lately it has been really cold). Sometimes it's enough if you just wear a knit and a thin jacket outside and other days it's like you need to wear two jackets. So today we're going to talk about layering, not just layering but layering for the winter.

But how can you add layers to your knit sweaters without looking like a Michelin man?

We start of with a base outfit, that is basically what you would wear if you don't want to catch pneumonia or catch a cold, in the winter (although it really depends on your high tolerance for cold weather). Then the number of layers is decided. Is it a mild winter day? Then a two layered outfit is enough to withstand the cold and run some errands. More layers means the colder the weather.

Click below for more details for each outfit.

Read more »

ootd | The ZARA skort

H&M jacket, ZARA skort, ZARA white sweater, H&M ankle boots

Now that 2013 is nearly ending, you have to make it count right? So when I saw 'the' Zara skort on sale I knew I had to buy it, because it was probably one of the fashion spring/summer trends of 2013. I don't even really remember who I've seen wearing it first, all I remember is that suddenly every girl wanted that skort. And I must confess I first didn't really wanted to give in but bloggers like SincerelyJules made it hard for me. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, these Zara skorts. That's probably why Zara decided to reintroduce the skort for the fall/winter collection 2013, since it was such a success. I like that instead of making it in a plain fall colour, they added the grey pinstripe model. Perfect for the fall/winter days.

Did you fell for the 'skort' trend? And what is your favourite fashion trend of 2013? Leave it in the comment box! I'd like to hear your opinion.

J.

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Haul | Have a nice H&M winter proof holidays!

When was the last thing you've done something absolutely for yourself? Something you like to do in your spare time. Being an 'Industrial Design' and now also a Retail Design student, I get to do what I like ever since I was a little girl, which is to draw and sketch most of the time. I remember being in primary school that when we were allowed to do something we'd like, I'd always grab my pencil and paper ( Confession: Most of the drawings were 'Pokemon' related, I was obsessed with it ). But it's not the same anymore. I can hardly remember a time where I get to draw just for fun. So when I got out of uni and get to celebrate my winter holiday, I grabbed my tablet pen and played with it for a while. I've never drew with it before so it was nice to be doing something new and that I liked.

Anyway, I combined my drawings with the things I bought on H&M for the winter sale. I can't wait for the package to arrive! I've wanted to try the lace dress ever since I saw it on the Zara autumn/winter lookbook but am afraid that it would look too much as a nightgown.. We'll see about that. And it seems that I can't keep my hands off anything chelsea boot'ish. I probably own too much of similar boots already but this time it's real leather, so I hope it's worth it. The striped shirt would be nice to wear for some casual yet chic (when tucked in) look. The last item is a 'long black blazer' that I think would be handy for the holidays. And I got this ALL on sale! So go on to their site and I hope that you can find many great things like I did.

J.

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Christmas gift tip | Grow a beard

This particular month and time of the year is about giving and receiving gifts. What's better than giving your beloved warmth and the opportunity to look like a 'hipster'? Nothing right? So this 'beanie-beard' (yes, it's what they're really called) is the perfect christmas gift, especially when you're in the colder area of the earth at this time of the year or you can even wear it when you want to hide that zit on your chin. And the best thing is they're unisex. I like to wear mine when I'm biking to uni, which is almost unbearably cold already, to keep my face warm.

You can buy this at "Flying Tiger", which is an awesome shop full of gimmicks and fun stuff. You can check their website here.

Don't you think it's awesome?

J.

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Autumn Sunshine

Coat: Vintage (similar here). Bag: DSUK c/o LYDC.Ray-Bans: c/o Shade Station. Shoes: Topshop (similar here). 

I’m not one to tell fibs (well, not regularly anyway) and I wasn’t about to sit around and pretend I wasn’t bloomin’ excited that summer might be over.  Don’t get me wrong I do love the sun and that everyone is so much jollier when it’s got it’s hat on, but I don’t really ‘enjoy’ summer clothing. I’m much more interested in my autumn/winter wardrobe and could not WAIT to whip out a coat!

Admittedly this is my mother’s coat - one she picked up at a vintage market for £7 a few years ago (you might say we’re quite the bargain hunters) but I’m blogging it all the same. It was rather nippy yesterday and I was staying at my parents so raided Mute’s wardrobe for something warm to wear before we popped out on a jolly. Needless to say she wasn’t impressed when I pranced out in this little beauty, but there was no chance I was taking it off. Oddly, the sun was still fierce so I was in need of some sunnies and having just received my first ever pair of Ray-Ban’s I whipped them out and off we went. It probably sounds ridiculous but it’s crazy how much difference it makes having higher-end sunglasses. They feel a zillion times sturdier than my £5 Primark pair I’ve been sporting this summer and actually manage to stay put on my little pea head without slipping halfway down my face every second and giving me a roaring headache like most do!

So, oversize coats and sunglasses combined are my way of stating that I rather like being chilly, but the sun must stay put. Agreed?

Looking for your winter coat? You can shop my look here...

Top Wintery Foundations | Makeup-Pixi3 Guest Post

Hello everyone!  Meg has very kindly let me take over her cute little corner of the web for today and do a little guest post for you :)  Just a little bit about me, my name is Georgina, I've been blogging for about a year now over at Makeup-Pixi3 and I've been doing YouTube video's for just over a year (you can find links to those at the bottom of this post).  I've always been beauty focused but I like throwing in the odd lifestyle post in the mix too :)  I love cats, polka dots and coffee, I dislike spiders, rude people and the rain.  Well, that's enough about me, lets get on with the show!

L-R YSL Touche Eclat Teint (shade BR30), Revlon Colourstay (shade 110 Ivory) and Dr Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream.

YSL Touche Eclat Teint Foundation

This is probably my favourite foundation right now, I've been using it for about... 3 months and it's my go-to foundation, I pretty much use it every day.  The reason why I feel this one is perfect for the wintery season, is because it feels quite hydrating on the skin, not drying at all (unlike my experience of Double Wear!).  It lasts really well, especially if you use a setting powder over the top of it and keeps your skin looking radiant even during these months where skin tends to look tired and a bit battered by the wind.

Essentials: Light coverage, £27 a bottle, only need 1 pump to do your makeup.  *****

Revlon Colourstay Foundation

I haven't had this one that long, perhaps... a month at most.  But, I've really grown to like it.  It'll give you medium coverage, which is buildable to heavy if you so wish.  It will hide a multitude of sins that lurk too and comes in at less than half the price of the YSL foundation.  It'll last you well throughout the day and shouldn't need any touching up.  I'd held back from buying this as I think it's quite expensive for a high street/drugstore foundation, it's around £12, but I got it on a 3 for 2 offer so it really wasn't that bad, and I'm really glad I did purchase it.  It's a great product and perfect for the winter, especially for every day wear.

Essentials: Medium (buildable to heavy) coverage, £12, no pump action ****

Dr Jart+ Regenerating BB Cream

If you read my blog at all, you'll have probably seen me rave about this quite a bit, and it appear in some favourites videos.  Lots of people tend to favour BB creams for summer months due to their SPF addition, but you can get as much harm from the sun in the winter, even though you won't necessary get a tan etc, the harmful rays are still there, so it's still important to protect your skin.  For me, this is also great for the winter as it's super hydrating, offers really good coverage, I'd go so far as to say, medium coverage.

Essentials: Medium coverage, £21, great SPF coverage ****

Well they're my picks, I hope you enjoyed my little post :)  If you'd like to check out my blog and YouTube etc, you can find me here:

Blog: Makeup-Pixi3

YouTube: Makeup-Pixi3

Twitter: @twinklinpixi3

Thanks again to Meg for having me over too :)

Georgina / Pixi3

My Perfect Winter Warmer | Outfit Post

We all know that when it comes to winter, a girls mission is to find the perfect winter jumper - as early on as possible to avoid fighting for the last one in your size on the rails of the Topshop sale.

This year, fear not. I am here to save your endless search. Tis true, I have found the perfect one, thank me later.

Jumper: c/o She Likes. Jeans: Topshop Leigh. Boots: TK Maxx

Firstly, who doesn’t love a sparkly collar? This is 100% the cutest little jumper that ever did exist. I literally want to hug myself constantly. It’s mohair – and before you get all ‘oh Megan, but they’re so itchy’ it ISN’T!! Can I get a hell yes? It is the softest, comfiest, prettiest jumper I have ever had the pleasure to grace on my skin and I won’t ever take it off. EVER. (until the next outfit post) And because it’s mohair, it means it’s super warm too, so absolutely perfect for winter. One size fits all, and it’s moulded nicely to my body shape so I don’t look like a drowned rat (happens regularly with jumpers). Bravo She Likes!

Any way, this particular ensemble has been a regular for my work-wear as of late; in winter being comfy is my main thing but I feel this outfit is still smart enough to wear to the office. If you want to pick one up you can grab it here.

Have you found your perfect winter jumper yet?

Guest post - winter activities by Christina Johnson

Doesn´t the picture of table makes you feel hungry?

The sweet lady Christina Johnson wrote me a guest post about winter activities. 

Here in Spain is still very cold, even in many regions in Spain it was snowing...

Activities to Bring Family and Friends Together During the Winter

Winter wind chills the body right down to the bones. Once inside your house, you really don't want to bundle up and go out again. But staying close to home can isolate and keep you from planning activities with friends or doing fun things as a family or with other families. Instead of hibernating at home, you can choose to warm up with activities that get you out of the house and enjoying time with others.

Plan a progressive meal with close friends. This can be with a group of singles, couples or families. A meal consists of an appetizer, main courses, dessert and snacks. Decide among those friends participating who will offer which part of a meal. At the first home, an appetizer is served. The group moves on to main courses at different homes. Everyone relaxes over dessert and coffee. Couples can work together at one home. A progressive meal not only gets friends and family out of the house during the winter, but also gives individuals a chance to show off their cooking skills.

For a variation, add one last stop after dessert. Include snacks and a movie at a home with a set up allowing friends to enjoy the movie together. The movie can also be shown with dessert or a kid's movie can be shown in the family room to keep the children occupied while the grown-ups eat and chat.

Plan a winter competition. As children, you built snowmen and made snow angels. You may have made snow forts and had snowball fights. Recreate those fun children's activities in a large backyard. Friends can team up or families can compete against other families. However, those involved team up, the object is to win points for your team. This does mean at least two individuals must serve as judges. This could be an older relative or friend. Teams have a certain amount of time to complete each activity or event. These events may include creating a unique snowman, making the best snow angels, winning a snowball fight, etc. Winners receive fun, little prizes. Everyone gets warmed up inside with hot chocolate or coffee and popcorn.

Get together, bundle up and take a tour to enjoy nature during winter. Take pictures of the scenery. Capture the snow on trees at a local park, skaters on the pond or delicate ice crystals forming on leaves. Discover how winter changes the scenery and capture both the ordinary and not so ordinary way nature reveals herself in winter garb. Compile the pictures in a slide show to enjoy later with snacks and something warm to drink.

With a little imagination and creativity, your family and your friends can plan memorable winter get togethers.

Christina Johnson who works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the New York City Apartments and Rentals market. She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects.