Impressions Berlin Fashion Week A/W 2014 #1

This year is the first time that I am attending Berlin Fashion Week for my own personal blog because I have already been there the last two times. The first time, January 2013, I volunteered for IMG and did some dressing and seating inside of the Mercedes-Benz-Tent behind the Brandenburger Tor. The second time was in the summer, July 2013, during my internship at LesMads.

Therefore I am pretty excited and glad, that I received some invitations to attend a few shows and fairs :) A few days before I was thinking about getting a haircut, but wanted something new and after strolling and actually stalking Chriselle Lim, I've definitely wanted them shorter. Remember my last haircut? :)

I've made a last-minute appointment at Theo's again and did it :) :) :) What do you think about my NEW HAIR? :) Yes, selfie from Instagram ;-) I'm not used to it yet, but I like it ♥ so different!

After this haircut, I've met some old friends from the very first fashion week Jan. 2013 and was really delighted to see them again, we've spent the day  together and you should definitely check out Fabienne's and Shari's Fashionblogs, too!

The three of us attended the shows of women's wear label Rebekka Ruétz and men's wear label Marc Stone. Stay tuned for a short review of Rebekka Ruétz :)

Right after Marc Stone's show, we had some dinner at Vapiano and then headed over to the Blogger's Bazaar Berlin. What's that? Well-known bloggers from Berlin went through their closets and sold many of their clothes to us :) It was a flea-market from bloggers like Mia from Heylilahey or Julia from Floralpunk and everyone could buy their clothes, a great idea to shop mindfully. So, did I shop?

Well, when I saw the beautiful necklaces and earrings Julia sold.. I just had to give in. I wasn't sure about how to deal with 2nd-hand clothes and presents from my dear ones yet, so I've figured, I just go to that Blogger Bazaar with my friends and see how it will turn out. Strolling through the clothes, I didn't see anything which I really really liked, but wasn't in a shopping mood either because I was carrying so much on my shoulders. I was really indecisive about the jewelry and had a bit of a bad conscious, but in the end, I gave in. Why? Because they are so unique, I've never seen them before anywhere else and I really like the edge. What do you think? :)

 

My boyfriend liked them, too, but I still wasn't sure.. Is this a cheat now?? Hmm.. he gave me the money and considered it as a present. That's okay, I guess? ;-) Check out Floralpunk's website and see what else they have, cannot wait to wear them ♥ oh and stay tuned for more Impressions of this Berlin Fashion Week!

xoxo,

Minh

Pattern Mix Vol. 2 x Black Leather

Another recap from last week when I met up Anh from thadarlinh for lunch. If you don't know her yet, check out the interview with her here. Yes, I am here in Berlin over the holidays and spending a few more weeks to be together with my loved one. 

Anh and I actually wanted to grab a bagel and to catch up a bit, since we haven't seen each other since the summer. Unfortunately the bagel place we headed to was closed (holidays..) and we weren't as hungry yet, so we've decided to take some outfit pictures first. 

That day it was pretty warm and the sun was shining, I didn't know until I stepped out the door. I wore a H&M basic shirt, some old Hollister jeans (yeah, I know.. -.- =D but bought them back in 2011, Hollister is just so superdupercheap in the U.S. and they fitted me perfectly), a vintage necklace, the vintage Christmas scarf by Kenzo, a H&M coat from the winter sale (bought it in Dec. ;-) ), Zara boots (on sale!) and my Zac Posen handbag. 

I've called this pattern mix volume 2 because it's quite similar to the one I've posted a few weeks ago. I really like this grey leoprint which you can see a lot on H&M and Monki Clothes. The combination of the grey and red checked pattern works very well and paired with some black leather you can style it up for a lunch meeting :) We ended up at Zeit für Brot in Berlin Mitte, where they have their delicious cinnamon rolls =P

Armparty: & Other Stories rings and bracelet (sale!), Snash Jewelry ring and bracelet plus daddy's vintage bracelet and a handmade Brazilian ring.

Pictures taken by Anh from thadarlinh.

New Years Resolution: No Shopping Challenge

Inspired by Leo Babauta and his Buy Nada Challenge I wanted to challenge myself as well. This past year I've thought a lot about Clearing my Clutter and me wanting less, because materialistic things do not make me happy. Read my first I want less, here and now post here and the second one about clothes and clutter here. 

Last week, I came up with the idea: well why not stop shopping for half a year since I've also wanted to save up money for a big trip in the summer. I thought it over and over again and was like: hmm.. I might not be able to do it, but maybe step by step? One month, then three months and then finally six? However, this morning, I just read an article about The Trouble with 2nd Hand Clothes by BOF and the very last part was really insisting:

“It doesn’t do justice to us or to fashion. Fashion should be about cherishing clothes and creating an identity, [but today it's] based on constant adrenalin and the excitement of purchasing. There is no anticipation or dreaming. Nothing lasts or is looked after. We each have a mini-landfill in our closets.”

As I mentioned before: I want less, here and now is a work in progress, so this will be Step #2 about clothes and clutter. I've set up myself five rules to follow by for the next few months.

1. Today, I am making a commitment that I will not shop clothing, accessories, beauty products for myself until June 30th, 2014.

 2. Except necessities like running shoes or underwear, if they break, or essential products like shampoo, which ran out. 

3. If I need a sweater or a cardigan or something super badly, 

I will find other ways to get it. Maybe borrowing,

trading with friends, making my own?

4. Be creative: I try to be creative with my 'old' clothes as much as possible. Try to create new and different outfits and to try out some Do-It-Yourself-Projects. 

5. If I should give in, I will not be too hard on myself. I will reflect my consumption and move on with my commitment.

What do you guys think about the rules I've set for myself? Are you into it, too? What is your new year's resolution? Do you have any? I would love to hear from you and what you think about my No-Shopping-Challenge :) Of course, I will keep you updated and tell you about my experience :)

Grey Cos vs. Greens

I've always wanted to make this post about the COS Cardigan, but couldn't manage to take some pictures of it since the weather wasn't nice enough. This sunday, it was sunny out and not too cold to pull out the huge Cardigan and throw it on some basics ;-) When I bought it back in January in Berlin, I honestly wasn't sure about it, because it was a fair amount of money and more special. My friend Samira told me to definitely go for it and yes I really love it now! 

Nevertheless, I didn't wear it often, but used it rather as a jacket than a cardigan. So, it needs to be the right time to wear this, be it in spring or autumn, additionally you have to wear something underneath. I prefer autumn though because I feel like this doesn't match to spring =D Anyways, I need to pull it out more often because I do feel comfortable and cozy in it :) And yes, I've returned the H&M Ankles and got myself the fake-leather Zara ones =P How do you like this outfit?

H&M Black Basic Sweater.

COS Cardigan last season.

UniqLo Pants.

Zara Ankle Boots.

UrbanOutfitters Backpack.

Necklace is from a NYC Flea Market, 

Bracelet and Ring are from Snash Jewelry.

OFF COLOR Analog Shoot

NYC Knicks Beanie, Grey Sweater by H&M, adidas Originals F/W'13 Leggings, Goertz Chelsea Boots.

This is actually a recap-post since I've already received these pictures a few weeks ago but wasn't able to scan them yet, so here we go: some analog pictures during the Dreams Shooting for OFF COLOR's 3rd issue. Although I'm not 'that' into modeling, Katrin Schmidt did an amazing job making me feel comfortable. Working with her was a lot of fun and I could just be myself and do whatever suited me best. 

It was a very spontanuous shoot though, we had an hour to do this at a playground near school and yes, as you can see, there were many children screaming and playing around. But they were too cute, super curious, and they wanted to be part of the whole thing ;-) See the girl in that pink sweater on my right? Too cute :)

Kazumi Snapback, H&M Blazer & Sports Bra, Air Jordans, Baseball Jersey from the Cleveland Indians.

The pictures below were taken in the Turkish area of the town. K told me that she saw that wall sometime when she walked by and just had to do a shoot there. Yeah, definitely a must, don't you like the pattern? :) When she showed me the analog pictures one or two weeks after the shoot, I was surprised that they turned out so 'real', I guess you never know when the photographer is taking a picture ;-) And the T-Shirt is also from adidas Originals F/W'13. Always have fun and enjoy yourself ♥

All black everything

The other morning when I had to prepare myself for Uni again, I was thinking: All black everything :) So, this was super easy for me and I really like mixing and matching different fabrics of black clothes. I combined some leather with cotton and added a bit of gold. My favorite Zara pants with the flower pattern (love the details: pattern and zippers ♥) went with a grey-black sweater from Vero Moda; the leather-arm blazer from H&M, which I just bought, worked well as a second layer and since I were at school, I had my fake-leather UO backpack with me. The shoes are some old ones from Goertz and the accessories are from friends :) How do you like this black outfit?

21st Birthday Wishlist ♥

Well, another year is over and in two days I'm turning 21 :) I'm having a smile on my face right now because thinking about this year, it turned out really good.. so far ;-) There's a nice German proverb to it: Don't praise the day before nightfall! But we'll stay optimistic, right?

When I first came back to Germany in September 2012, I had a reversed culture shock since I wasn't used to everything anymore =D I had to adjust myself to German seriousness, but also to Vietnamese conventional lifestyle again (parents ;)), but that wasn't enough: friends and family had to get used to me and my new lifestyle now, less partying, more exercising, stuff like that, a lot has changed and if you want to know more, read on here. Unistress came along the way and the past winter was really about 'adapting' to my 'old' life again, but trying to stay the 'new' ME. Throughout this year I've met interesting people, some became friends, some I had to let go, and I think that anyone gets into thinking whenever another whole year passes. 
Time is flying so fast, right? 

This year, I'm not having big 'material wishes' compare to the last birthdays or rather: if material wishes like a pro-camera, a smartphone (yep, haven't one! yet! =D), I buy them myself ;-) This list here is really about things I need or would like to have for comfort.

Since I'm running around with my green metal bottle with hot tea inside, and it's actually not doing its work, I am looking for a NEW Thermos Bottle :) Simply plain, nothing special, just to have more than a cup on the go and to keep my tea hot for more than half an hour! Talking about staying warm, I'm also back in running and going to get myself a nice pair of Running Shoes, as well as a Running Headband. Super cold outside, but if you have the gear, move your butt I'm saying ;-)

How hard is it to NOT find a grey hoodie? Just scrolled through shopping-sites, impossible!!! I really like hoodies, but don't own as many because I can be picky with those. For my 18th birthday I've got a really nice grey one and am still wearing it. Now, three years later I'm seeking for a different color than grey =D Oh boy, but this selection is not better because it's all black: really fell in love with that super-cute and stylish Panda Sweater (always wanted a panda-sweater ♥) and the Black Hoodie from Naketano which would be more sporty.

Other than the more practical wishes for my birthday, I was thinking of buying D&G-TheOne again since my bottle is almost empty, but also thinking of changing my perfume, don't know yet ;-) Oh and I've just noticed the white nail-trend at my friends' fingers, so I'm totally digging the Essie Blanc Color-matte and pure whiteness :) 

Looks like this birthday wishlist is super long, but I think it's quite fair since most of the stuff I honestly need =D Broken running shoes, freezing ears, NO working thermos bottle and a new hoodie, which I get once a year at most =P are the reasons. Nevertheless and most importantly I cannot wait to spend some quality time with friends and family, have missed them so much since I don't get to see them everyday, week, month ;-) ♥

New In: Nixon Beanie x H&M Blazer & Skirt

Yes, yes, I know, no more shopping for me!!! :D Well, my birthday is coming up and I think this will be my birthday-outfit, haha, just kidding ;-) I'm not going to wear a Beanie on my birthday, but hey! Who knows, thinking about this outfit right now... wouldn't look that bad, no? :D

Anyways, yesterday, I've just joined a dear friend of mine, who was totally in shopping mood and was looking for a Beanie, as well. So, we were ONLY looking for beanies to keep our heads and ears warm. How did it turn out? Of course, after hitting a few Skaterstores, Zara, H&M and the like, we were 'kind of' successful: I've found the perfect Beanie for me and actually more. She came home with a bunch of bags full of skirts, jackets and blouses.. but no beanie :(

So, I really fell in love with the grey-blue patterned one from Nixon and cannot put it off anymore :) Too cozy! (Similar one here). The black blazer with fake-leather arms from H&M (buy here) was love at the second sight since I didn't want to shop there anymore.. well, yeah, I think if you really love a piece, be conscious about it and buy it if you're not getting yourself into debts (advice from Carla ;-) ) Last but not least, I bought a long grey-black skirt with a cut at the side, really like that edgy style :) Yes, I know this shopping trip wasn't planned, but I'm super happy and really want to transform my closet into a closet full of pieces, I honestly love and could wear everyday.

What about you guys, do you already have your closet full of clothes you would actually wear everyday? Or are you still changing it since trends come and go? :)       

Pattern Mixture x Christmas is coming

 

Yes, this Kenzo scarf just always reminds me of Christmas, but it fits perfectly to this season :) The dark green, the red, that's just christmas for me :) Lately, I've been wearing some 'old' clothes more and more, which I really like because you become more creative and try to mix and match pieces or in this case: patterns. 

I bought this grey-leo Monki sweater last winter in Berlin and haven't worn it since.. Why? Well, it fuzzes (dt:fusseln =D) a lot, like A LOT, I really cannot wear black clothes with it, but this time I didn't care and whenever you're in a hurry, you'll become even more creative. So, I had to prepare myself for Uni and threw on this sweater, the Kenzo scarf, matched it with my favorite dark olive green UniqLo pants and my go-tos the black Chelsea Boots from Goertz. Have some golden jewelry with it and you're good to go :) 

Bracelets: & Other Stories-my dad's gift-Vintage Timex Watch.

Winter Essentials 2013 #1: The Perfect Beanie

It's really getting cold in here and I'm trying to stay warm: layering is key! But what about my head? Well, I was never a Beanie-or Hat-type, but sooner or later you just have to give in and get at least SOMETHING for your head =D

Before, I was always of the opinion that the shape of my head is too small for a beanie, additionally I don't have voluminous hair to fill the beanie with. Last winter I could get away without anything on my head, this year and especially now, I'm looking for a nice beanie to keep my ears warm. For now, this is my selection: a burgundy shorter version from Topshop (1) which still fits very well into the autumn's punk-trend. The greenish one from & Other Stories (2) would match with my Kenzo scarf and I would totally go to the christmas market with Santa =D No honestly, I already had that beanie on and it looked well, but maybe too matchy though. 

The two-coloured one is from Roxy (3) and I think, I like this one the best since it is also not too long and have a more sporty look. The Zara (4) is the most elegant one I guess, but I'm still trying to stay away from black clothes :) And the New Era Beanie (5) is the longest version, but still casual. A friend of mine just bought one of those and I was thinking of getting that, it had a really nice fit. Anyways, all this Online Shopping doesn't help, I need to go there and try them on :) What about you guys? Are you into beanies, if yes, what's your favorite? Which one should I go for?  

Lusting for Zara Winter Coats

I'm really into Zara these days, but want to resist the urge to shop new clothes since my closet is full of stuff. If I'm really good I'll make it until 2014 without shopping any more pieces =P but we'll see, no promises. 

This cold and windy weather makes me want to get a new cozy and oversize coat. Really fell in love with the first one because of its more linear shape and the texture. The 2nd one is more feminine and has a lovely collar to keep your neck warm, which I really like, and the last one with the plaid pattern and fake-leather sleeves reminds me of the punk-trend this fall. If I'm lucky, I'll get myself one at their next Sale ;-)

Tailored Masculine Coat.

Wraparound Coat.

Checked Dufflecoat.

Most Wanted: Ankle Boots

I've just bought myself the leather boots from H&M (2) because I was longing and lusting for some really nice Ankle Boots this season. Rich, dark, made out of leather, not too high, an everyday shoe, something simple yet special, these were my criteria for the perfect Boot. Yeah, I was actually looking for my Chelsea Boots with heels.

A dear friend of mine recommended me these boots and I've found them on my last Berlin visit. They look like the ones I had on at &Other Stories, the tip is just less sharp. Now that I have them here, I'm not sure whether to keep them or not since watching the documentary 'Gift auf unserer Haut' made me really thinking about all the animals that had to die. What about you guys? Are you aware of the leather industry and would you still keep them? I don't know because I really like them and they seem to fit to my style as well... Here are some more really nice ones I wouldn't be able to say no to:

1-Leather Ankle Boots from Zara.

2-Leather Ankle Boots from H&M.

3-Leather Ankle Boots from &Other Stories.

4-Chelsea Boots with Heels from Asos.

5-Chelsea Boots with Plateu from Topshop.

New UO Backpack x Student Life

 

I've finally found the perfect solution for my bag-dilemma for school. Well, how to find a handbag which is big enough for your books, waterbottle, food etc., but won't be too heavy wearing on one shoulder? It's like impossible.. until I came across this lovely piece in the Urban Outfitters Store during my last visit to Berlin. At first glance I couldn't believe that there were golden zippers on it, but indeed :) Since day 1 I'm happy to have it because it's practical, doesn't stress my shoulders too much and it's stylish at once. It looks like an oldschool backpack and fits very well to my wardrobe. Furthermore it's not cloth, better yet it's fake-leather, so it will be more durable. Since we're witnessing a Golden Autumn-so called in GER-it was warm enough to not wear any jacket and scarf for school :)

Topshop Basic Grey Tee.

H&M Conscious Collection Blouse.

Dark patterned Pants from Zara.

Goertz Chelsea Boots.

Maugold bracelet.

 UO backpack.