new catchphrase: New York Skinny

Having read the latest hype regarding the Paris/ New York divide in skinniness. It got me thinking. Having lived in New York and Paris (although admittedly always with international friends) you cant help but notice the skinniness that surrounds you and as a curvy girl that can be tricky to deal with.

My personal opinion is that their skinniness comes from two fundamentally different approaches to life. The Parisian gals are deer like, gamin in search of the pouty seductress whereas for me the New Yorker is focussed, drivenand determined. That's not to say skinny on both sides of the spectrum requires commitment but to me it is an overall feeling. Skinny in Paris means only indulging when appropriate and can mean living of cigarettes and espresson during the day in preparation for dinner but ideally no exercise that doesnt help the calves and in New York means strict choices no carbs in liquid or solid form, exercising relgiously. I admire both forms for their dedication. Me I get it wrong on both sides - with the special treats like cheese, Cotes de Provence Rose, Moelleux au Chocolat or on the atlantic Eggs Benedict. But I do want to make smarter choices and live more 20/80 than 50/50.

I wonder how much the female role models in our world play a role in all of this. If your mum told you to watch the sweets or commented as you were growing up does that heighten your sensivity? Or if you mum herself was always watching her weight is it just something that was passed on? My mum embraced motherhood and say it as a separate part to being attractive in the way her former self was. She indulged. When we moved back to Holland from the States she went overboard on all the Dutch goodies she had missed and so did we. She did look for comfort food and I do it too. But I know this things so why cant I break the spiral? Any tips? Mind you my goal is sexy, curvy and healthy so all about balance. But I do see the benefits.

To me the skinny skinny approach does have its benefits and does require serious dedication and I sadly need more discpline. That sad I am off on a French holiday next week and I will dig the bread basket, will have the summer wine, will have a pudding if the urge strikes me and even though I am at the beach I wont feel guilty (at least not until I get home). I will admire the amazing younger gals around and will be inspired to do better but whilst I am there - HELLO let's enjoy!
une autre verre de rose svp

Waiting for September

It may sound strange but I find this that awkward time between summer and autumn, when you find yourself in fashion limbo. Do I start dreaming of fall fashions to come? Do I linger in the feeling that summer is still here and enjoy the last of the summer wine?

Thankfully this year I am lucky enough to have a mini sun break ahead of me so I can still dream of all the lovely flowly bright, light maxi dresses until my heart is content but admittedly I have headed to the news agents a few times this week to see if my fashion mags highly awaited September issues have arrived. I will admit I was mortified this morning when I asked when they were expecting to receive the US Vogue and the woman behind the counter just glazed over and mumbled something along the lines of 'uh I dont know'.

Surely with me there are more fashionista in dreaming (ie. those a little less financial afluent than their counterpart the fashionista in making) that are looking out for this biblic issue to appear.

So what is it about september issues of Instyle, Red, Glamour, Vogue, Elle - this list is endless that makes my heart beat faster? Easy - EYE CANDY! Lusting after the next must haves, seeing how the figure enviable and fashion savy combine it all to make me dream even further.

It does make me wonder if we women say we dress for each other in some kind of subconcious competition self expression who is the fashionista dressing for. Her peers? Me? Surely it cant be men. I love the articles about our female latest fashion must haves and the male take on it all with my loved wedges never making the male top list. Ahhh but height and comfort cant be beat in my book. Back to the fashionista if she is dressing for me, honey let me tell you - you win. Hands down I bow to thee. Thank you for brighting my september, making me long for the september issues and inspiring my fashion take every season again.
Where would I be without you?
much love.

Iconic Jewellery

Maybe you have noticed by now ... I have thing for jewellery and accessories and although I try to upload the rule of remove one item (not clothes boys) before leaving the shoes sometimes they are just all so lovely that choosing just isnt fair.

So I went back to thinking where did my love of sparkly things come from. Maybe it is genetic like all girls love for pink? I think in my case it comes from my mother. After all she was working as a sales person at a high range jewellery store in the Netherlands when she met my father (I know it would have been much more musical had I written - working as a waitress in a cocktail bar - sadly that is not true). My mother has a brilliant understanding of jewellery notices little details that I over the years have picked up on. With this background knowledge... I have a love for iconic jewellery and here are some of my favourites...

Cartier Love bracelet - I love the idea that you shouldnt buy it for yourself and that your loved on has the lock to put it on. But surely to love and appreciate yourself jusifies being able to buy it for yourself one day? No?

There is something enchanting about the quatre-fois. It is used a great deal in Arabic buildings and in the Moorish Alhambra. I love the Van Cleef & Arpels use of mother of pearl. A true classic.

As so many fashion forward women the male watch is the one to have but if I get to dream as much as I love the Ballon from Cartier or the Submariner from Rolex (especially the Oyster band) it is the Royal Oak from Audermars Piquet that makes quiet in appreciation.

Not sure which came first - but I love thin, fine jewellery and this Love Paloma Picasso for Tiffany necklace is a symbol of just that.

Finally keep it simple - diamond studs, diamond solitaire you get the idea. Diamonds by the Yard another Tiffany classic now also comes in sterling silver with 1-3-5 diamonds bracelets and necklaces alike. Bringing the dream closer.

Happy Dreaming

Cannespiration

I do it everytime - no matter how smart I hope to be with my lists, planning, thinking I still always pack too much. It is hard work - planning my beach outfits, my dinner outfits, shoes, bags oh my ... it is enough to stress any traveller let alone the seasoned traveller. I tend to put it down to needing a bit more help than the average stunning 25 year old (are there average versions that is?) But still I dont quite master it.

Nonetheless when in Cannes I see all these things, people, items that just are lovely. I dont know if it is the sun in my eyes or the warmth on my skin but it just is such fun...

So here are som of the items that caught my eye and sent my heart racing...

Fine, fine, fine diamond rings
Yes we all love stacking rings and I was lucky enough to receive Daisy Stacking Rings for Christmas http://www.daisyjewellery.com/ but I have been noticing during trips to visit my sister in Paris that single thin eternity rings are the trend in Paris. Problem ... 850 euros does require some serious saving. But no fear I know of a great alternative... Amanda Wakeley Designs for Ernest Jones. Stunning and at 150 pounds an accessible dreamy alternative. Plus they come it lots of colours - black, brown diamond, emerald... the list goes on that it makes it tricky to decide.

Source: Toy Watch

Colour Watches:

Source: Triwa Watches

When the sun is beaming down nothing looks as lovely against tan skin as a colourful watch. Obviously the trend is catching on because Toy Watch has just opened a new shop in Cannes on Rue Cdt Andre (my favourite first stop when in town). But there is a Dutch brand that I love for their creative take on colour. Triwa Watches are quirky, stylish and a great size for any fashionista.


Dinh Van - the original


I feel like years ago it was Dinh Van that started to get us wearing ribbon bracelets with gold or silver circles. I have loved the clean lines ever since and still admire each collection. This year I saw a collection that reminds me of the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra. Really pretty and in turqouise perfect for summer .




Bathroom Grafitti

This shop has been thrilling me since I first went to Cannes. Sometimes with insane items but sometimes with clever items that are perfect for the summer. Like this beach bag... now if only it said Cannes instead of St. Tropez (I mean really).





Finally I do it every year... I head to Monoprix to stock up on French treats like Nuxe or Ushuaia ... heavenly and personally I blame my 4 kg of excess luggage on my need for French skin products. Thankfully a friendly chat (in French), a smile and apology means no charge for the lack of talent in the packing department - can I save thank yet again...

So thanks for the memories Cannes - see you next year for more inspiration.
love ...

Back Online

Hi all -
sorry it has been a little quiet recently. I have been sick and off on holiday so too much relaxing not much writing. That said I get loads of inspiration... (see Cannespiration). So hopefully there is much to tell and to keep you entertained.
Much love - Natalie xxx