Aveda Make-up

At the end of this month, Aveda is relaunching its make-up line, paraben-free and as environmentally friendly as usual. And lucky me: I got the chance to take a peek at two of Aveda newest products and try them myself.

The new Nourish-Mint™ Lip Definer is a great solution to an omnipresent problem; getting your lipstick to stay put. Why is it different than a traditional lip liner then? First of all, it tastes minty, one of my favorite flavors, yet is subtle. I love the fact that your lips are well protected from the elements (hello fall.) and although the pencil has a creamy and rich texture, it's not as sticky as a gloss. But my favorite part is the sheer and transparent tint of the stick. So no need to buy separate lip definers for each lipstick you get. And since I'm totally addicted to the feel of this product, I'm even wearing it without any lipstick at all, nowadays.

But the newest Aveda-addition I'm really crazy about is the Color Options Eye Shadow Transformer, simply because it finally enables me get the exact color of eyeshadow as presented inside the little powder boxes. This is how it works: I just add one drop of the liquid to any eyeshadow and apply the fluid eyeshadow on the eyelid with the tiny brush. The great thing is that the color is super intense, perfect for an evening out. Plus, since the eyeshadow is no longer a powder and has been fixated, it will no longer run into the creases of your eyelid and fade away along the way. 

Below you'll find some proof. At the top I applied my favorite eyeshadow, M*A*C's Black Tied, as one normally would do. Below, I transformed the eyeshadow with Aveda's Color Options. 

As you can tell, the color of the eyeshadow has become much more deep and intense, and the sparkles are clearer and more visible. However, this is my favorite part: Below is an image I took a few hours later, and you can tell clearly that the transformed eyeshadow hasn't fade away as fast as the traditional one, which is an amazing asset when it comes to picking out the suitable make-up for a night out. 

Last night for a family dinner, I applied the eyeshadow as a liquid eyeliner and it lasted throughout the entire evening, as promised.  

If you care to know where you can find Aveda's new make-up line or the other Hair & Skin Aveda-products, just visit aveda.com or aveda.be and get in touch with your local Aveda-salon. 

Aveda at NYFW - Jason Wu

Lily and the Lady.com

If there is one girl I'm pretty jealous of at the moment, it must be Patricia! She's a fashion journalist for Belmodo.tv (think: gets to go to the coolest fashion parties ever), has an amazing wardrobe (YSL cage-sandals!) and recently moved to London (!) to study fashion communication (!!!). And to top all that, she's one of the funnest and nicest girls I know, so hating her is impossible.

So, when she told me that she and her mom would start their own web shop, I immediately knew that it would be a hit. The items they picked out for Lily and the Lady are too cute - check out my sister's wish list here - and the site looks and feels super professional yet very personal, since it provides a lot of info and feedback.

Here's a sneak peak of some of the cool pieces Lily and the Lady features - btw. I just placed my order for the Best Behavior-legging!- but make sure to explore the rest of the web shop. It's well worth it. Especially since Shark Attack-vistors will be rewarded with a 10 euro discount when placing a 50 euro-order. And, the rest of the month shipping will be free throughout the whole of Belgium!

Just enter this promotion code when adding your must-have item to the shopping bag:

7r2tl9yh0g

Krizia explains on her blog how you do this.

Have fun and keep me posted on what you picked out for yourselves...
Oh and I want to wish both Patricia and her mom all the best with this great project! Well done!

Proenza Schouler

Act da Fool-film by Proenza Schouler.



Hello, fashion film thesis part 2!

I can't wait until their A/W 2010-collection hit the stores. I'm on the "call me as soon as they're in"-list for this dress...

Bulgari banned

I can't believe Venice would ban such a great ad. And I always thought Venice had a thing for lions?

Lanvin + H&M

Am I the only one who isn't planning to wait in line for this one? No, dear H&M, after that whole deal with S. Rykiel, you won't fool me again... 

Plan: Save up for the real deal in stead of buying some overpriced H&M-shirt.

Want - la fille d'O

I really really really need to head back to Ghent.
I really really really want this new la fille d'O creation...

By now, everyone knows I'm a huge fan of the brand, but when I noticed that Murielle recreated the Duo into a cool bathing suit I can't stop visiting the webshop and wish Wonders was already mine...
- By the way, Believes is pretty amazing too... - Still haven't figured out with matching swim-undies I want though...

(source: lafilledo.com - An-J'Osefien!)

Tiffany & Co.-Bags

During my morning ritual -trying to find a way to put on my T&Co.-bracelet without asking for help- I was thinking of the memorable store. And I suddenly thought of the classic eyewear the jeweler makes and if they retail it in their NYC-store as well, or only through opticians, in order to be omni-present and this at a lower rate...

And only yesterday, I came across this following article: Tiffany & Co will sell handbags as well, launching today. .

At first glance, the blue details is a nice and subtle way to identify and mark the bag. However, I can't help but wondering how this doesn't seem as a credible way to expand the brand. Sort of like clothing brands that launch their own watch-collection but only give manufacturers permission to use their logo and don't care about the mechanism inside the watch itself. So hopefully, this isn't the case in new product-line...

Eitherway, I had a look at the slideshow, and I must admit that the bags look too classic and maybe even dull to me. I don't think they look different enough from other handbag brands to make it to a true must-have/it-bag, or at least not for someone my age... What do you think?

By the way,
every time I hit a Tiffany-store and see what a tremendous line there is at the Sterling-department, I always start nagging to my boyfriend on how that line is a way for a high end brand to reach the crowds and to increase brand awareness. Think: Chanel-perfume/make-up/nailpolish-strategy: "Now everyone can be a Chanel-girl, and this just by buying the relatively cheap product"...  Now, have a look at this:

Still, roughly 90% of the luxury chain's sales remain in jewelry. The biggest share of Tiffany's total sales of $2.71 billion last year, 31%, came from its lowest-priced merchandise category—sterling silver jewelry with no gemstones and an average price of $200, according to the company's most recent annual report. Bridal jewelry, including diamond rings and wedding bands with an average price of $3,300, made up about a fifth of all sales.


Note to BF: I don't wear rings. Ever. 

Cat fight

My cat's way of saying: "Never step on my tail again, or next time it will be your favorite shoes to pay..."

Statcounter SA2

July - Augustus 2010: All work, no blog... 

Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.

How I wish I was back in NYC. Last year, we missed FNO by a day, but I did manage to get a hold of the shirt for my sister, which by the way I like more than the one of this year. Anyhow, anyone any idea on if any european cities are participating?

Blue de Chanel

Finally found it!

J'aime mon carré - Hermès

As if those supercute How To Tie-cards you get when you buy an Hermès-scarf weren't enough, now the French fashion house launched a great site (which reminds me of Burberry's Art of the Trench!), filled with street style photographs that make choosing the right fold for your look even harder.

I'm crazy for scarfs and I do have many different looks and styles when it comes to this accessory, however I should pick and wear my Hermès one more often... I'm sure jaimemoncarre.com will give me some inspiration for next fall.

(source: jaimemoncarre.com - click to enlarge)

Gucci Guilty

Thesis Chapter 3.2: Film influences Fashion (influences Film)
Sin City becomes Gucci Guilty, which will debut at the MTV Music Video Awards, September 12th.

Estée Lauder

As mentioned before, I'm crazy for Clinique's All About Eyes. I can't last a day without the treatment and apply it faithfully every day and night. But last week, I got my hands on Estée Lauder's new Advanced Night Repair Eye and honestly, this superrich gel is fantastic. Since it's so creamy, it's perfect as a night treatment. 

I think All About Eyes and Advanced Night Repair Eye will make a lovely pair. And with all those anti-aging creams I've been applying, I better look like I'm still a twenty year old ten years from now, damn-it! ;)

D&G fashion film

My fashion/film thesis was head on; more and more designers would use film to promote their brand and collections... How I wish I could edit my thesis -which probably by now is collecting dust in our school's library- and write a paragraph on this project.


Dolce & Gabbana, Rome and Monica Belluci... What's not to like?

Check Belmodo.tv and BryanBoy for more images... 

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown has the cutest samples;
just look at that tiny anti-age serum-bottle. I know some say that 24 is far too young to be using anti-age products but you have to start protecting your skin against fine lines and all, before the damage is done. Anywho, this serum feels incredibly light and soft on my skin, which is always a great plus. I hate greasy, thick products.

Last night I tried Bobbi Brown's make-up remover as well, and this product wears perfectly too! Last night, for a late dinner with my family, I wore a lot of sparkly eyeshadow by M*A*C (green smoke -lustre) and some eyeliner too, which can be a hassle to remove. But I had no difficulties doing that, thanks to this Bobbi Brown-product. Plus, it was gentle enough for me, as a contact lens wearer.

Bobbi Brown's

Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover

Extreme Party Mascara

Intensive Skin Supplement

Rich Color Gloss - Pink Buff

Today I'm wearing a liquid blush on my cheekbones, called Highlighter Pen by Bobbi Brown. What's so great about this blush, is that the sparkling elements are so tiny and subtle, that 'now you see it and now you don't', which is perfect for daily use. It actually is so sublte that I couldn't even capture the effect on camera, so I just had to photograph the container instead. This one is going into my handbag permanently.

By the way, if you're a fan of Bobbi Brown and love to get weekly tips on how to apply make-up, make sure to visit the brand's Facebook page regularly! 

Blue de Chanel

Help! Since I miss working on my thesis, I've been looking for the new Scorsese-ad for Chanel's new fragrance, but I can't seem to find it anywhere: every time I enter "Blue de Chanel" on video-search engines, I end up with make-up tutorials...

I read about the ad online a while back, and I also found an article on the making of in next month's Glamour-issue, but no sign yet of the actual video...

(source: Dutch Glamour - September 2010 - click to enlarge) 

Asvoff - Fashion Film

Writing a blog post on an iPhone is so hard, especially when you can't upload any pictures... But i wanted to share this link really quickly:

Diane Pernet on fashion film

I wish I could attend her A shaded view on fashion film-awards one day!

Chanel Spy Cam - Part 2

Fashion vs. Film

Class of '10

Aveda Favorite

It's been a month now since I started working at Aveda, a premium hair and spa brand and part of the Estée Lauder family.

Ever since our NYC-trip, where we found Aveda-hair and body products in our hotel room, I've been a fan of its Shampure shampoo (amazing scent!) and the Smooth Infusion-line. And no need to say that the products are top quality and the great thing is that -by using Aveda- I'm actually contributing to a greener and nicer planet.

The past few weeks I got the opportunity to get a full Aveda-training, both hair as skinwise, and discovered even more amazing products. I'm currently using the Enbrightenment collection for my skin, to even my skin tone and I'm giving other hair products a go. And yes, I've got a new favorite!

I have really stubborn hair; always fluffy and wild. And during the Aveda Perfomance Hair-class I mentioned that I rarely use styling products because I don't like the feeling of greasy products in my hair. But then the Aveda-educator suggested that I should try the Light Elements Smoothing Fluid. Back home I give it a try and my hair immediately was smoother and had a healthy shine, without looking greasy. Throughout the whole evening it successfully protected my hair against frizz. The next day, again, I added only one drop of the serum-like fluid and once again my hair looked and more importantly felt great! I'm thrilled! I'm always the one who says that I hate my hair, but I've got a feeling that's about to change...

Currently I'm coloring my hair too, with Aveda and I love it's natural color and shine ... And to keep the color as nice as the first days after the coloring, I've tried the Clove Color Conditioner, which is a brown conditioner, and it gave my hair a nice warm glow. Fan! Fan! Fan!

New dress. Need Advice.

Since my boyfriend's family is having a birthday party tonight, I decided today would be a good day to wear my new dress (just like this one, by Single Dress). I love it, because it is so dressy and chic, and somehow reminds me of Victoria Beckham.

Dress: Single Dress - Shoes: Christian Louboutin Ron Ron 100

Yet, there is one small problem; as you can tell from the picture the belt is partly golden. My favorite purse is my Chanel 2.55, with silver details, which kind of means I won't be able to wear the two together. I can remove the belt itself, but then you can spot the little strings/loops that are meant to keep the belt in place -luckily the belt stays put even if I don't put it through the holes so I could just cut the strings off and wear the golden belt when I do feel like it, but I'm scared I will ruin the dress if I do. Anyone got any tips on how I should best remove/cut those little strings?

Missoni Fashion Film

In honor of my beloved thesis:
The whole Missoni family stars in their brand's latest film -Yes, founders Rosita and Ottavio Missoni included- which reminds me of French poetic realism and Bunuel's surrealism. It makes one look forward to fall. Nice wigs, too.


PS. I'm going to try and do my best and post more updates here. Maybe actually bringing my mac with me to our 'new home' instead of leaving it at 'my old place' might help. This weekend, I promise.

CD Sprint

Finally made it to the stores again. And this is the only thing I bought this sale-period. I've been wanting these shoes for six months now. I'm crazy for white sneakers, and the fact that these are all-leather is even better!

My sister got interviewed by girl-scene.nl. I love her interview and answers. Too bad some of the comments below are quite childish. Nonetheless, I don't care. My sister always looks amazing!

Givenchy Couture

If there is one haute couture-collection I look forward to every six months, it must be Givenchy's. I would love to see the dresses up close, since the details must be stunning! The dresses remind me of Schiaparelli's skeleton dress, Martin Margiela-jackets and Alexander McQueen's last collection. And even though I'm quite minimalistic when it comes to my outfits, I absolutely wouldn't mind having one of these amazing and elaborate pieces hanging in my closet...

Check my sister's blog for her post on Chanel's show.

Pictures: Courtesy of Givenchy

Scarlett Johansson for Mango

I apologize up front for the lack of posts that is ahead. I'm too busy working!
I still need to try and balance getting up early, working all day long, arriving at home later than usual with juggling my personal life and keeping myself up to date fashion world-wise.

So for now, just a quick post to tell you how cute these dresses by Mango look. I just hope that the quality of the textile and the materials will look and feel as luxurious in real life as they do on the picture.
Note to self: No use in buying LBD and other items you want to dress up and transform into a 'high end' look if the material feels and looks cheap!

Source: Design Scene.net

Miu Miu

I still want want want one of those purple dresses!






What a crazy weekend this was! I graduated magna cum laude -my thesis got rewarded with a 16/20-, enjoyed my surprise party afterwards -my mom got me an amazing Chanel-necklace-, and tomorrow I will start working... I'm very excited!

Make-up

As promised.

This is my daily make-up routine / everyday look:


Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 (in 0 Porcelain)
I love this liquid foundation since it matches my skin tone exactly, it keeps my skin from being shining at the end of the day and it feels incredibly light, al though it's 30°C outside now -note: normally I don't wear foundation in the summer, but I need the extra SPF to protect my skin.
(See: earlier post about this product)

Clinique Airbrush Concealer (in Neutral Fair)
I combine my foundation with this amazing concealer. It really opens up my eye and illuminates it. I can really tell when I'm not wearing it, so adding some concealer to the inner/top corner of my eye is a must.

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 (in Fair)
To keep my skin from shining during the hottest part of the day, I always carry this mineral powder with me. It works great on my forehead, underneath my bangs. A great tip someone once told me: never put a powder underneath your eyes, since it will make the fine lines more visible and makes you look older.
Note: I used to use the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder (in Invisible Matte) which is great too if you like a sheer and invisible foundation.

Every once and a while, I use a blusher. Favorites: Soft Pressed Powder Blusher (in Pink Blush) and Fresh Bloom Allover Color (in Peony). The one in the picture is Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher (in Cabana Pink).

Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes (in Black Diamond)
After I've created the perfect base, I add some eyeliner pencil on the base of my eyelids. I love the shimmer in this color and the fact that it's creamy, which is perfect in combination with my contacts.

M*A*C Fluidline (in Blacktrack)
I finish off with adding some eyeliner on my top eyelid. I'm crazy for this long wearing creamy product. It stays put a long time, much longer than a liquid eyeliner, in my opinion. I use the 208 Angled Brow Brush to apply it: easy as one, two, three... If I feel a bit more daring, I apply Clinique's Brush-On Cream Liner, in one of last year's top colors, purple.

Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara
A great mascara to add volume is the High Impact Mascara. But when I don't have my eyelash curler with me, I use the High Impact Curling Mascara, one of my personal favorites! If you're a fan of small brushes, I would recommend the Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula. Next up, I would like to try Clinique's new High Lengths Mascara.

Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 (in Red-y to Wear)
I love the classic 50's red lips. But ever since I learned that your bottom lip is extra sensitive for the harmful rays of the sun, I always make sure to check if the lipstick features a protective SPF. That's way I love the High Impact Lip Colour, especially in Red-y to Wear. But I remember trying on every color of the line during my time at Clinique, and they have some great colors (e.g. Cider Berry)! My sister for example is a huge fan of the In a Nutshell-color. My mom and aunt both use the plum and nude-tones.
I also love and use: Colour Surge Bare Brillance in Tropical Punch.
Want: Long Last Lipstick in Red Hot. Different Lipstick in Angel Red.

Occasionally I use a lip gloss, for instance during cold and harsh winter days. So I've got another Clinique Favorite: Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine (in Playfull Plump). When I don't feel like a shiny gloss, I protect my lips with Superbalm Lip Treatment.

When it comes to nail polish, I don't use Clinique since they don't manufacture it (nail polish is not suitable for some people: allergies!). And I also use a lot of different colors in my eye shadow. My favorite brands are Clinique for the daytime looks, and they're also ophthalmologist tested for contact lenses. If I want a more bold look for a late night party, I opt for M*A*C's Eye Shadow in Black Tied or Swimming and Shadestick in Sharkskin.

By the way, if you're a big fan of beauty blogs make sure to check the Peaches Tells You-blog. I love Katerina's tutorials!

Clinique Skin Care

The current weather conditions keep reminding me of how important and essential a good skin treatment is. And so, I finally got the chance to write a post about my daily routine, which -as I mentioned before- consists of using exclusively Clinique-products. Ever since I did my first internship at the brand's headquarters, my skin never looked better.

Although I am Italian, I have a very pale and sensitive skin type, so it's crucial that I use products fit my basic skin needs: sun protection and allergy tested. 

So this is how I start and end my day with; 

3 Step Skin Care

First I make sure to clean my skin properly. One of my favorite products is the Facial Soap-bar, since it makes my skin feel refreshed. At home I use the bar, yet since I travel so much back and forth to my dorm at university -I always leave the big bottles at home, and just refill the 'sample sized ones-, I always make sure to pack the liquid version. Next I exfoliate with the Clarifying Lotion. Even though I'm a skin type 2, when it comes to the exfoliator I use number 1 since it is more gentle for sensitive skins. Lastly, I moisturize with the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, which suits its name perfectly. 

Once a week I scrub my skin with the 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, because it's really important to remove dead skin regularly. Sometimes I add to that a mask. 

Pore Minimizer Refining Lotion

Before I started my internship, I always believed that it was impossible for a cream to reduce pores. Yet, I decided to give the Pore Minimizer a try and this serum-like lotion really makes a world of difference! Plus it makes my skin feel incredibly soft. 

Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer

During my first internship at Clinique, I wrote a press release about the updated Superdefense-moisturizer. I really love its creamy texture and lightness, and I always take my jar with me in my carry-on luggage whenever I'm traveling, since it keeps my fairly dry skin hydrated at all times. More importantly, it helps your skin face everyday stress and pollution, which may cause your skin to age faster. But for me, the best feature of this products is that it protects my pale skin from the harmful rays of the sun (very very important for every skin type by the way)! I try to replace this product in the evening with Super Rescue Antioxidant Night Moisturizer, but I usually end up using the Superdefense again. 

All About Eyes

Again, before I started my internship I didn't use an eye cream on a regular basis. But when Clinique's Education Manager pointed out that it is crucial to start reducing fine lines underneath your eyes before the actual damage is done -'yes, even when you're only 22 years old' she said-, I've been applying a layer of this pinkish gel every single day. Plus, it's a must during exhausting exams. As you can tell from the picture, I need to head over the store the get me a new large jar, asap. 

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I wish I could bathe in this gel! Moisture Surge actually feels as it is featured in its ad campaign; like a splash of water across your face, when you apply it. 

My boyfriend regularly asks me where I find the patience to apply seven different skin care products, every single day and night. But actually it only takes up a few minutes. And even if it took me a full half hour to apply all these creams, gels and lotions I would still be doing this, since your skin is an important part of your immune system and I also would like to age beautiful ... I therefor use make-up products that are equally protective and good for my skin. And so: next up - My Clinique Beauty Routine... 

Part of my daily Clinique-routine - Click to enlarge