Autumn Wish List

Happy Wednesday!

After what felt like forever, I finally had some free time this week that I entirely dedicated to all the pretty things in live. Things like going for a walk through colourful woods, window shopping, blogging, cooking a real meal, responding to all my mails and eventually spending a couple of hours on Pinterest. I am probably one of the last bloggers to have compiled my autumn wish list but when I strolled through boutiques yesterday, I suddenly felt as if my wardrobe was totally incomplete.

Here we go, my autumn 2014 wish list:

• Over-sized Pullover (GAP): There was no designer who hasn't included over-sized pullovers into this year's collection. Due to my Mum who dislikes very warm pullovers, I longtime didn't buy them myself and regret it totally today.
• Barbour Wax Jacket (Barbour): Again my Mum plays an important role as she possesses such a pretty piece. It is totally versatile and completes the English look that I personally love so much. 
• Huge Scarf (Zara): And another late-comer! All trendy bloggers had the huge checked scarf around their necks last winter. Lucky me that this trends is also present this year. Best thing about it? You can transform it into a blanket during classes.
• Cord Trousers (Mango): I remember having one when I was 10 and I also remember standing out while everyone wore blue jeans. Today, I consider them as a great piece that elevates each autumn look. 
• Burgundy Hat (Asos): Last but not least, for stormy days and rainy Reims, a hat is my must-have all year round. Although I already have a black one, I have been looking for a burgundy one for ages now - but this one here seems like the perfect one.  

What are your essentials for this autumn/winter?

Dirndl Time

Once a year, time has come. Usually I present myself as a very European person, influenced by all the countries I have lived in, but this rule is vehemently broken in October: I am talking about the Oktoberfest!

Although I didn't make it all the way to Munich this year (lack of money, lack of time...), I managed to jump on a car to Stuttgart with some of my best friends in order to attend the Wasen. Never heard of that one? It's a slightly smaller Oktoberfest, but all about beer, music and fun as well. As usual, we danced on the benches, drank liters of Radler (lemonade & beer), sang German folk songs, went on crazy rides and met a bunch of friends and family.

In fact, I was beyond happy to wear my Dirndl again that keeps hiding in the back of my wardrobe throughout the year. As we stayed two days, I had to think of an easy way to change my styles: for the first day, I therefore took a yellow apron and red lipstick while I totally went for the girly look with a pink apron and pearls the next one. Besides my personal obsession with Dirndls, I couldn't help but analyse the other girls' Dirndls all the time, like seriously ALL the time. If I get a new one, I want one like this or a dark red one that I saw in the tents.

While the weekend was the perfect way to leave all the stress behind us, we got hit by it even harder by Monday. You cannot believe how happy I am to only have one week left until holidays. So long, have a great week!

Autumn Inspiration

Happy Sunday!

While we didn't have a wonderful summer this year, it seems that September wants to catch up and pampers us with warm temperatures. That I call an Indian summer! Nevertheless, you know my love for autumn and winter which is why I cannot wait for cooler temperatures to come. They will allow me to layer pieces, to put on my hats, my boots, and to give my style a preppy/country/English touch. I am not talking a lot about fashion on this blog, but today is one of these days that I spend in various online shops to look for inspiration (due to a super tiring week again).

Another source of inspiration is certainly Pinterest. I keep compiling and compiling pictures that influence my style these days. Here are some of my favourite ideas (all via Pinterest) for the upcoming months that I certainly will include in my daily wardrobe-war: loafers, oversized sweaters, blazers, boots, college jackets...

Perhaps these outfits also inspire you. I have to get some work done in order to be prepared for another work-intense week.

Summer Sales

Bag (COACH) - Perfect for my Canon EOS 550D

Remember when I told you that I only would go shopping twice a year from now on? Well, I couldn't stick to this plan to 100%, though I only bought three pieces in six months. So when the first sales signs were out in the shopping windows, I was in the shops. This time: a new bag, new shoes, shorts, shirts, dresses. All the things that turn a girl happy.

Slip-ons (André) - Sandals (No Name)

There is too much offer - how do I choose the right things? 
On my first day, I blindly entered the boutiques. After a three hour marathon, I returned home empty-handed. I was literally shocked by the offer I faced. When I attacked the Sales the following days, I made up my mind and scribbled down a list of pieces I absolutely needed and pieces that are fashionable but not necessarily my priority. With this list in mind, I focused on the important items that lead to several positive effects: Less stress, less distractions (and with that more money in my pockets) and more time to actually enjoy shopping.

I spent far more than I wanted - how to manage the budget? 
As a lousy paid intern, my budget was pretty much restricted - I set a limit in advance. Except for one item (my COACH bag), I consequently stuck to it. It is important to set these borders because you quickly can end up with your whole salary spent on non rational purchases. Furthermore you weigh your investments are lot better: Do you want quality or quantity? Do you need 10 more tops are do you better spend the same amount on a pretty silk blouse? It is your decision!

Navy blue summer dress (ZARA)

V-Neck shirt - Top (both MUJI)

My size is not available anymore - what's the trick? 
Honestly, the trick is simple: first come, first serve. I generally try to get all the important things on my list during the first days, even if reductions are not as high as in second or third week and even if the stress level is crucial. But at least I am sure I have what I wanted. The weeks afterwards I check a couple of boutiques that correspond to my style - I might find a love item by coincidence that is well reduced. Another trick is to check out online stores that might have the desired size in stock.

People organize trips to shop in Paris - where are the best shops to benefit from Sales?
That highly depends what you are looking for. For shoes I recommend Rue de Rennes, Rue Faubourg Saint-Antoine or Avenue de Ternes. For brands like Mango or Zara, I prefer the So Ouest Shopping Center. And I definitely know that I avoid Rue de Rivoli as I prefer to be alive after three hours of shopping.
The jury is still out for the Boulevard Haussmann and its famous Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Yes, it is crowded. But it is really convenient since most of the brands are located in a kilometre radius (lazy me!). As tourists are much more familiar with Lafayette, I prefer heading to Printemps - especially when I want a more expensive brand.
Eventually, online shops are not be forgotten. Although I prefer to rummage through offline stores, online shops are a great alternative, especially when you know your size and when exactly this size is not available in stores anymore.

Down jacket for my Iceland trip (Uniqlo)

Bermuda shorts (Uniqlo) - Fake leather skirt with zipper (ZARA)

Now it's time for the verdict - what do you think of my purchases? Having a look today at the pictures, I realize how I went for classic items and didn't dare anything exceptional. Well, this is my style - I just prefer the sporty classic look.

Grand Steeple Chase

Who will be the champion?

 Hello my dears,

In my last post, I have already mentioned that I went to a special event last weekend: The GRAND STEEPLE CHASE in Paris. It is the richest and most prestigious horse jump race in France of 6000 meters.

I have never been a girl that absolutely adored horses when I was younger but if I have to choose my favourite animal, I certainly would go for horses. Their grace and grandeur always impress me and having witnessed my first horse race on Sunday, I can easily add speed to their matchless qualities. If I had more time, I would probably go riding from time to time.

Anyway, this event on Sunday was splendid. It was the first time that I could wear shorts since temperatures rose to 25°C. My cousin and me, we fully enjoyed our little trip that ended successful: A horse race without a bet is slightly boring: we decided to bet twice although we didn't have a clue what was to be considered. Therefore we once chose the only German horse in the competition and another time we gave a shot for the horse with the prettiest name – yep, a really valid argument. While we missed a win for the first bet, our the-horse-with-the-prettiest-name-strategy turned out to be a lucrative one! « Fleur d’Ainay » won the race and we therefore were 30 € richer!

Finally, I want to share my outfit of the day: a colourful light blouse in order to prevent sunburns and some simple classic shorts. One of my favourite combinations for summer!

Blouse (Pull & Bear) - Shorts (H&M) - Shoes (Vietnamese Market) -
Bag (Michael Kors) - Watch (Tissot) - Bracelet (H&M) - Wayfarer Sunglasses (Ray Ban)

Ok... I keep working on my photogenic qualities.

I've just won!

In front of the Eiffel Tower

St. Patrick's Walk

Walking through Paris' streets

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Okay, all Irish would now say, ‘Svenja, you are one day early!’, and I am totally aware of that, but since Monday is no good day to go out, we even celebrated the Irish holiday yesterday. This is why I've just come home as I slept over at some friend’s apartment after some bar hopping at the Bastille district.

Preparation for a dinner with friends

Paris has been such a treat last week. Clouds were nowhere to be seen; I wore flats and had dinner at the border of the Seine River. It’s been a perfect spring week that continued the weekend. Therefore I yesterday went on a walk with a friend, when I bought this new blouse. I wasn't in shopping mood at all but when I entered the boutique and two extremely convincing salespersons treated me like the queen of fashion, I couldn't resist. In French I would say ‘J’ai totalement craqué pour la chemise. Poouuuf.’ It is made out of silk which is – in my opinion – the best material for hot summer days. On one hand it is a little bit 70ies but on the other hand, when I wear it open, it entirely changes its style into a more kimono alike blouse.

Blouse (Sandro Paris)

Cut Outs at the back

Outfit: Blouse (Sandro Paris) - Jeans (American Eagle Outfitters) - Slippers (Vietnamese Market) - Bag (Michael Kors) - Watch (Tissot)

Continuing my spring mood, I also bought a bouquet of flowers for my apartment (after lately having seen all the beautiful bouquets here, here and here, I just had to get some myself and couldn't believe how addicted I am now to fresh flowers!). Unfortunately, the great weather also has a negative aspect: We have extremely high pollution right now so that I couldn't even see the Eiffel Towe anymore. Consequently, the government offers public transport, electric cars and bikes for free all weekend long. Actually, I will now jump on a bike in order to get to a charity brunch for Cambodian children. Have an amazing Sunday, celebrate St. Patrick’s tomorrow or whenever you like and enjoy your week!

Flower Bouquet

Cartier

Bling Bling

When I was young, my Mom always put me into boys' clothes. I never was the kind of girl wearing princess dresses or any sparkling t-shirts; instead, I played football, got dressed as a cowboy and most of my friends were guys. I am very grateful for this education during my childhood. Obviously, all the "girly" things like shopping, make-up and jewellery came into my scope when I got older and followed my other teen aged friends.

Nevertheless, the pink-and-glitter-free childhood influenced me so far that I cannot totally relate to anything that sparkles in a pompous way. When I went to the Cartier Exhibition in the Grand Palais a couple of days ago, I saw a lot of diamonds, gold and silver used for various types of tiaras, necklaces, rings and brooches. Whereas most of the women around me turned to those little childhood-princesses while gazing at the showcases, I was less fascinated by the look but was rather interested in the (gossip) stories behind every piece. I was astonished to see the historical development of the pieces throughout the centuries and the reasons why men bought this extraordinary jewellery for their women.

Even if you are not the type of girl that dreamt of being a princess when you were younger, I recommend this exhibition to you. The stories behind the pieces can be more exciting than the diamonds put on it...

Queen Elizabeth's brooch

Kate Middleton's tiara for her weeding

Lightshow on the Grand Palais Ceiling

Sale Shopping

Bonjour, bonjour,

Ok guys, I don't know how stupid I could have been for so long. How could I ever go shopping throughout the year, not remembering sales period? From now on, I shop twice a year - June and January - and save my money until then to buy myself great things.

You might want to hear (or not) about how my first days in Paris were and especially how my first week of internship was, but I must disappoint you: It's about fashion today.
Sales begun here on Wednesday and since I had no time then, I started to enter the boutiques the day after. As a girl from the countryside that has never seen sales signs with 70% written on it, I was stunned by the offers I can get in Paris after Christmas. Next time, I tell my Mom to buy presents in January.

So, let me tell you a little story that underlines my experience with this special time of the year:
When I went to Printemps, the luxury warehouse, I discovered great Marc Jacobs clutches in the hall. AND THEN, I realized that they were 50% off. I grabbed one and adored it a long time until a saleswoman came and asked how she could help me. Of course, I wanted to be sure that I got the signs the right way and asked about the discount. She simply answered: 60% off. My mouth stood open and I repeated her words (I screamed them and everyone in the radius of 10 meters looked at me): 60% off?! Oh my God. I love this city. And I love sales.

Well, in the end, I didn't buy the clutch because I couldn't think of any nice occasion to wear it, but I nevertheless did a few other good choices. Here we go: 7 pieces for 105 €. See what I mean?

Shirt (Mango) - Skirt (Vanessa Steward & APC)

Navy Suit (Mango)

Bra (H&M) - Top (Mango)

P.S. If you are in Paris, check out the 7th floor of Printemps in the Blvd Haussmann that is normally not accessible. Isabel Marant and other great designers 70% off. Run!

Michael Kors Jet Set

My Mom always tells me: Svenja, never save on shoes. They must carry you all day long, over years, so they must be comfortable and good to your feet. In most cases I have listened to her and can even speak of leather shoes that I have been possessing for over 8 years now.
Speaking of leather, there is another item I put a lot of attention on - bags. They don't have to carry myself, but all my stuff. And they can transform a simple outfit into a very special one. This Christmas I decided to put a bag on my wish list that I have been longing for throughout 2013, even if I know that I haven't been the only one. But once in a while I don't want to be another latecomer.
May I present? Here is my new Michael Kors Jet Set Top-Zip Saffiano Tote.

It is the perfect companion for my working days in Paris since I can put everything into it, yet in a stylish way. It is a very simple bag but I love the cut and the golden details that express such a classy style.

Michael Kors Jet Set Top-Zip Saffiano Tote

See you tomorrow!

Like a thunderstruck

Happy Sunday!

In average I slept 5 hours this week. Far too little for my needs but I couldn't afford to get more: once again I had cheerleading each night, attendance at classes and all was topped by a test on Friday morning. It turned out to be ridiculous but this is a different story. 

It was yesterday that it hit me like thunderstruck. I just couldn't bare it anymore and caught up my laziness while sleeping in late, watching lots of Desperate Housewives and going to bed earlier. And since the CET was changed last night, I even got one extra hour. That's how I like my start of holidays. 

Holidays? Indeed, I have a week full of them ahead. Well, I also still have to catch up some stuff for uni but holidays are holidays and nobody can steal them from me. My plans? Shopping, cooking, visiting, walking and leaving to Paris on Friday morning! I am so excited!

What better to start the holidays than having a large breakfast with your best roomie? Right now, I am sitting in front of my laptop hoping that she gets ready soon because I am literally starving. Instead of already posting the hot chocolates, bread and strawberry jam, I want to show you today's outfit. A yellow statement sweater is always a guarantee for a happy day.

All the best and have a great Halloween party!

P.S. Yes, I know iPhone pics are great but this week I will go back to my beloved Canon. Promised! Xx

Sweater (Benetton) - Blouse (Zara) - Pants (H&M) - Slippers (Vietnamese Market) - Bag (Longchamp)

Wall paper in my favourite restaurant - inspiration for a new room concept?

I'm singing in the rain... in that case I would sing all day and night! Bearable with blanket, hot chocolate and candles.

Off to Champagne!

A very early good morning,

It is 6.30 AM and I am already in front of my laptop. My train leaves in about an hour which is why I squeeze a quick post into my schedule before heading to the region of Champagne!

I don't know whether a thing like summer blues exists, but since some people call their depressive mood by the end of winter a winter blues, I assume that there is an equivalent in summer. And I have it.
Unbelievably but true, I am tired of good weather and sun shining. It's been months now that I merely saw a drop of rain. On all the blogs I currently read bloggers complain about the ending of the season; me, on the contrary, I am happy about it.
By the beginning of September I begin to close the chapter of summer. My outfits change from colourful and flashy to darker shades. My music style changes from estival guitar sounds to classical film music. My food experiments change from fruity and refreshing taste explosions to warming candle light dinner menus.
Isn't that a reason to be cheerful?

As a matter of fact, I left my beloved Canon in my new flat. This fact and a quite not-worth-showing week leads to no pictures in that post. "Not-worth-showing" means in the end that I spent the entire afternoon yesterday by the river with two old school friends having barbecue and talking about old times. "Not-worth-showing" also means that I baked another carrot pie and took it to a lunch with my Mom's best friend and meeting her kids. And last but not least,  "not-worth-showing" is about lying in my bed throughout the day and reading Fall of Giants by Ken Follet (1000 pages of love, intrigues, politics and history - how I love it!).

Tomorrow it's my first day in my new uni. I still remember my very first post, when I had the same situation two years ago. But this time, I feel so much more mature and relaxed that I can only look forward to this new episode. And next week you will get a glimpse at its first minutes. So far, have a great Sunday and enjoy the week!

Souvenirs from Portugal

Happy Sunday,

Although I am arriving later in good old Europe today, I prefer giving you a last prepared post before I can finally share my East Asia experiences.

Instead I dedicate this post to fashion (believe it or not) and food (easier to believe).

What I don't like about a globalized world is that you find nowadays the same things everywhere: A McDonalds in Shanghai and New York, an H&M in Stockholm and Dubai, Vodafone in South Africa and India. It's no wonder that shopping avenues resemble the same. Only few items are truly traditional and can be called "unique".
The Spanish company Inditex (Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear) could at least limit its multinational presence: Most of the brands are only available on the Iberian Peninsula (except Zara and only until now). Obviously, they were my target when I went to Lisbon and heureka! - I was successful.

Jeans shirt (Stradivarius)

Floral summer dress (Blanco)

Light shirt (Bershka)

What do you think about the new items in my closet?

When all my friends packed their suitcases before departure they quickly went to the next bakery in order to import the famous and delicious Pastel de Nata. Well, I wasn't too avaricious to buy them. I'd rather said that I want to try them at home by myself. In the beginning I was really skeptical whether they would turn out with the same traditional taste but I was then surprised positively. The fluffy pastry with the mildness of the vanilla filling are exactly the right snack for a Sunday afternoon.

Pastel de Nata

Ingredients (for 12):

• Puffed pastry
• 0.5l milk
• 250g sugar
• 35g flour
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp. butter
• 1 egg
• 5 yellows of eggs
• 1 package vanilla sugar

Roll out the puffed pastry and stamp out circles with a diameter of about 10 cm. Those pastry circles are put into a buttered muffin tin and then set aside. For the filling bring the milk and butter to a boil in a pot. Then add sugar, salt and flour while stirring constantly. Boil up the liquid and then set aside. Now add the egg, the yellows and the vanilla sugar to the filling. Fill it then into the prepared pastry tarts and bake it in a 235°C oven for about 10 minutes. Normally they should turn out quite dark, in my case our oven wasn't in the right regulation. Bon appétit!

A glass helps to cut out circles

Before the oven

Thank you so much for reading.

Next week - finally - the report about four weeks in Asia will be the topic!

I pack my backpack

Hello my dears,

While you are reading this, I am strolling through the busy capital of Vietnam: Ha Noi. On Friday my adventure has finally begun - Vietnam, Laos, Thailand & Cambodia.

My week consisted of the following: sleepless nights, my birthday and preparations for the big trip.

Let's start with the shortest chapter that is sleepless nights. My head was turning mainly due to thoughts about organisational stuff and the upcoming trip. Unfortunately diarrhoea hit me additionally, letting my circles around the eyes appear even darker. Might be that my psychological uncertainties led to the illness and tied a knot in my tummy. I only hope that I won't have the same symptoms in Asia although it is very likely.

103 posts on my facebook wall. 20 whats app messages. 18 facebook messages. One postcard. A few calls & SMS.
On Wednesday I turned 21. A big number and in normal circumstances a huge party worth. Since I am at my parents, I am far away from all my university pals and former school colleagues who left home for their studies. Only few people come back in summer and if, only for a couple of days. Luckily I could spend a lunch break with a good friend who - coincidence! - currently lives in Ha Noi. Therefore we chatted about my trip, about Vietnamese habits and how to say "No, thank you!". In the evening I went to have dinner with my parents at an excellent Italian restaurant.
And presents? Not really. When I was younger I always asked my parents what they want. And I hated their answer that they wish the family to be healthy and good people. At 21 I have grown up because it's what I said to my parents when they asked. During the last year I faced a few critical situations in our family that have changed not only me, but all of us. So no cake and no presents... except one t-shirt my Mom bought me. She couldn't resist.

Shirt with bow detail (1 2 3 - Un deux trois)

Last but not least my preparations for the trip kept me busy: applications for visa, checking for hostels, checking for the flights, buying mosquito-spray and earplugs and packing my backpack. What does an inexperienced traveller take to her first trip to Asia? Besides lots of shirts and shorts, I took the following:

• Rain jacket: I arrive in South East Asia during the rain period. As long as I am not washed away I don't mind rain at all. 
• Sports clothing: Perfect for humid areas as they are light and dry fast after having them washed. 
• 2(!) pairs of shoes: trainers and flip flops is all I need. And who knows what I find on the typical markets?
• Colourful foulard: especially in Laos temples require to cover shoulders. The African foulard sets me into mood for far away travelling.
• Pillow: Yet I don't know 100% where we stay, so I proper pillow is always a reasonable idea. In the plane, too.
• Medicine: Malaria and diarrhoea might occur in such regions; to be well protected is mandatory. 
• All-over-the-world-adapter: Needless to say that I need to recharge my mobile phones. 

Sport cloths (Shirt (Odlo) - Pants (McKinley)) - rain jacket (No Name)

Foulard (from Tanzania) - Flip flops (Cobian) - Trainers (Nike)

Pillow - adapter - medicine