Z A R A L O O K B O O K

Page from the ZARA women August/September look book

Maybe a few of you already saw it but the look-book on the Zara site was new for me when I visited their website today. I am more of a real life shopper because I have difficult measurements but I love to orientate and get inspired online and/or daydream while looking at all those beautiful aesthetics.
Zara seems to get better and better every season. Over the years they slowly made a shift in style and now came to a point that most of their clothes look really chic and neat. I hope they keep improving but retain the simple -less is more- look.

ps. Today I bought a new winter coat at Zara. I was looking for one like this last year but couldn't find it, so happy I finally found one!

T O O T H B R U S H

Last year my grandma en I went to the U.S.A. to visit a family friend. That same family friend is a Delta steward for 25 years now. He upgraded us to the first class, an unforgettable experience, but also a bit awkward with all those people serving you. Anyway we got those little travel toothbrushes and I never realized how beautiful this one actually is, until now. The simplest you can get, yet very sophisticated. And this little thingy to cover the brush hairs is perfect for traveling.

B E R L I N

Last weekend I was in Berlin, a mini vacation with my sister and parents. It was a wonderful weekend. And I am still figuring out what to think about Berlin exactly. It's has some great buildings and architecture but overall it isn't a really 'beautiful' city. It isn't comparable to any other city I have ever been. Somehow there is some unidentified 'vibe' in Berlin that makes the city. The people are very friendly and willing to help you. You can feel there is something going on, a sense like everything is possible. You can start over, chase your dreams and be who you are.

If you are planning to visit Berlin I can recommend three things:

1. Rent a bike.
Because the city is so widespread and there is no real city center the best and most fun way to explore is by bike. While cycling you will see much more of the city then when you go with the metro. Besides that it is fun, far less exhaustive than walking and it gives you freedom to go where ever you want, whenever you want.

2. Pay a visit at the Holocaust Mahnmal (Denkmal fur die ermordeten Juden).
This is a memorial monument consisting of 2711 square concrete blocks, varying in size. It is very impressive and beautifully designed.

3. Go to Friedrichshain.
This neighborhood is clearly undergoing the process of gentrification. This former east-Berlin part of the city is a great cozy neighborhood. Lots of young and creative people and full of little restaurants and stores. The Michel Berger Hotel is fantastically designed and the Simon-Dach street is full of bars and restaurants to eat or drink some.

Go explore!

R O S H E R U N

Shoes: Nike Roshe Run

Yesterday my new Nikes arrived, yay! My old three year old Airmax were completely worn out so I needed some new trainers. I came across these Nike Roshe Run Woven white ones, and fell in love instantly. It turned out these are running shoes originally but I don't think I am going to use them for that purpose. An benefit from these 'running' shoes is that they are extremely light and are supporting your feet very well.
Caused by the extreme heat in the Netherlands I only wear flip flops, so I haven't really worn them yet. Outfit post are coming soon so I think you will see these trainers appear on the blog more often.

W H I T E N A I L S

Nail polish: HEMA, Shirt: H&M, Trousers: PriMark

White nails. People around me do not always like it as much as I do. And quite often I people ask me if I did typ-ex on my nails. But I love white nail polish! It is looks fresh and clean. A good color for the summer but also fits perfectly well with a all black outfit, which is personally my favorite combination.

W I L L I E

It's time for you to meet my 11 weeks old budgie Wilfried aka Willie. Growing up we've always had a budgie as pet. The previous one recently died at the age of 14! I don't live with my parents anymore since I am studying and have my own room now. I wanted a little budgie for long, and a few weeks ago Willie moved in with me. These little birds are very intelligent and funny animals, you can teach them a lot. Willie who is now sleeping while sitting on my curtain rail is still very playful and it can be a naughty little bird. But I already love him. Besides that I think budgies have a stunning appearance. You have them in bright yellow, green and deep blue but also a bit lighter like this. I like the lighter version, his light blue belly and grey/white wings are stunning and fit perfectly well in my white room.

T R E N T A T R E S

Having a apartment located in the neighborhood Russafa made us to go on a discovering tour. It is a great neighborhood, and even better, far less touristic and cheaper then the city center is. In the daytime it is quite quiet but around 9 o'clock in the evening Russafa changes into a lively, busy place. The terraces are full with people having a drink and some tapas chitchatting about their day.
If you are looking for some good coffee, a little bite in the morning or some aqua de Valencia in the evening there is Café 33. The owner, Julian, is a very friendly person who gives good advice about fun activities and places to go. He also has a small art gallery next to his café, ask about it and he is happy to show you and explain about the current exposition. Both the cafe and the gallery are beautifully designed and sure worth it to visit!

T H E V A L E N C I A A R C H I T E C T U R E

Recently I visited the Spanish city Valencia. It's is a wonderful city with very friendly people, but what impressed me the most was 'Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències'. This ' City of Art and Cience' consists of five massive buildings designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. This cultural-scientific complex has so many beautiful lines and so many hidden beauty that you could stay here and walk around all day. No wonder that I made above 100 pictures that day. A few are shown above but I can't promise it will be the last time I use one of the pictures I made that day!