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.

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? :)       

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.

Mindful Monday: Earthlings

This ongoing topic which concerns everyone of us is still on my mind. Yes! It concerns YOU, ME and anyone of your friends and family. A friend of mine recommended me this documentary called Earthlings which shows in full length how dependent we actually ARE on animals. Be it pets, food, clothing, entertainment or scientific research, this movie really goes deep and let us rethink our consumption and being on earth. 

With hidden cameras the producers go into large factories, they illustrate how people 'treat' animals for mass production, entertainment and scientific purposes. While the movie was on, I sometimes had to look away since the pictures are really horrible! But honestly do not hesitate to watch it, in my opinion everyone who is on this planet should know what is actually going on behind closed and unknown doors.

There are many food and meat documentaries, but this one is highly worth-watching! It lays out different aspects and sums it all up in one and a half hours. After that I rethink if I really need meat for dinner tonight, as well as leather products and fur materials on clothing. Think about it and make the connection!

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. 

Second & Other Stories-Opening in Berlin

This weekend I could spend some days off with friends in Berlin again and of course I've did some window shopping. I've checked out the new & Other Stories in Berlin Mitte and pretty much liked it, compared to the one at Ku'damm, I've liked this one more because it seems like there's more space. In the front window they have an installation made out of paper bags. When I first came in, I've noticed that there are not many shoes and accessories, but wait! Walk into the basement, there you'll find a large room full of handbags, shoes and beauty essentials. So, whenever you're in Berlin, you definitely have to check out this Swedish house of chic clothing with high quality materials.

Second-hand Object Jumper.

Pieces Treggings.

& Other Stories Ankle Boots.

Mindful Monday: Shopping and its impact on us

A very dear friend once said:

'Do not follow loud goals, listen to your inner self.' 

In the last several years my shopping habit has changed a bit, maybe you saw this transition yourself, too. Three years ago, I used to buy clothes and accessories excessively, working as a waitress by the side made it possible to buy anything every time you received your tip. Then, being in the U.S. clothes were super cheap and yes, I have to admit, I bought stuff I didn't even touch there because I thought 'Well, I buy them here, but will wear them in Germany.' Did I then? No, not at all, being back here I had a total different style and wasn't as colourful as in the U.S. anymore. 

Now, this year and especially after my internship I look for quality than for quantity, but have to admit, you start looking for designer brands, as well. My personal project of 'I want less. Here and now.' concerns shopping as one of the most important issues and I'm trying. I'm trying to stay away from cheap clothing because I think. I think that it cannot be that I pay 3€ for a t-shirt and it cannot be that there is so much stuff on sale whenever the season is changing. 

A few weeks ago I've just attended an information event of the Clean Clothes Campaign which showed me that most of the produced clothes end up in developing countries, in which they try to sell them, but these will actually find their way to landfills. Furthermore I don't have to say that many seamstresses in Bangladesh etc. live in poverty and can hardly afford their homes, food and education for their children. 

My call is: Just be aware of what you buy and don't consume clothes blindly, look and inform yourself. For example, this is a very good German documentary of the British retailer Primark who sell super cheap clothes and I have to say: has super bad quality (from my own experience). There are more negative reputation about H&M, Zara and so on, just google it.

Back to the quote: sometimes I find myself wanting something because others want it and not because I've wanted it myself. So, other people voice out their thoughts and needs and I would be like: hmmm.. Yes, I want shoes and bags and stuff, whether I need it or not. Same thing happens when I stroll through blogs, magazines and shopping sites. If I listen to my inner self, it would be like: No, I really do not need all that and be honest, don't find excuses to need and want them. Just stick to your own ideal and you already know that material things won't make you happy. 

Shopping is like a vicious circle, if you feed your closet or room, you won't be able to stop it. You always want more and then, at some point you'll try to find happiness through materialistic things. Let's altogether think about what we buy and why we have to consume so much nowadays. I would love to hear from you, did you already cut back on your shopping habits? :)

Documentary-Tip: 'Gift auf unserer Haut by ZDF, unfortunately in Germany, but totally worth seeing, it's about the leather industry and how its produced in bad conditions in Bangladesh. Stay aware!

New In: Kenzo Scarf and Object Jumper

These days I was looking for a plaid scarf and found the one from Zara very appealing. The ongoing grunge and punk trend this autumn is really cool but I wouldn't buy a whole new wardrobe full of plaid stuff. I didn't find the perfect plaid shirt, so I've decided to go for a scarf. Zara it was... until.. I saw the very first girl sitting in one of my classes wearing the particular one. Okay, hold on: Do I care? Haha, one would say: No, why would you care if someone wears the same clothes?

Doesn't matter anymore because I have found the perfect one for ME :) Yes!!! Where? Last wednesday I happen to go into two vintage stores close to Uni for the first time and one of my friends found it: a Kenzo plaid scarf. Red, green, white, that's all I've wanted in the scarf I was looking for. Not too punky, but still edgy and perfectly fine with christmas time :)

Additionally I've found the perfect comfy sweater I was looking for years, no ages now!!! An Object Sweater made its way into my wardrobe. Great length and superduper fluffy, love the relaxed oversized fit :)

Yes, this was a super shopping spree and I can warmly recommend you: Check out Vintage Stores and Flea Markets every now and then, you will find lovely and unique clothes. Another reason to support 2nd-hand, vintage and flea markets is that it has a better impact on our environment and I am way happier to find pieces 2nd hand rather than new. It also adds up to my process of 'I want less. Here and Now.'.

Have fun shopping ;-)

Mindful Monday: I want less. Here and Now.

I want less, here and now started with my decision of becoming more and more aware of what I buy, use and really need. I've wanted to clear my clutter, to get rid of things which weigh me down and I'm still in this life-long process. You're very welcome to join me, to give me tips or we could help each other. I'm just trying to practice and test myself in consuming less.

Step #1:

Two weeks ago I've managed to look through a bunch of clothes, sorting them out and actually selling them. It wasn't me selling my clothes; I was at school when a friend of mine took my clothes and sold them at a big flea market in town. Again, thank you very much for that!!! She herself was moving and also wanted to get rid of a bunch of stuff she doesn't need anymore. This year I've already sold some stuff at different fleas and I'm always glad about the fact that my stuff will find a new and good owner. 

Yes, it's strenuous to stand there from 5 or 6am until 2pm to see people strolling by, stopping by, not buying and just looking. However, it's super funny when there are actually people wanting your stuff and immediately loving it. Be it scarves, bags, clothes, accessories, pick them all together and go look for the next flea market to sell them! 

If you haven't worn anything in one or two years: Say Goodbye and leave it for someone who will wear it and appreciate it! I'm also thinking of opening up a FB-Page to swap my stuff, be creative, call a friend who'll join you for a flea and you'll have a lot of fun, I'm sure! :)

Watch this now: When you're from France or Germany, you definitely have to watch this documentary: Less is more from ARTE. Super interesting how a few of us live alternatively, completely without the need of others and happily together.

Less meat, more vegetables, less plastic, more paper or reusable glasses, less driving, more biking and so on. I'm looking up to those; I think this video is up for seven days, so don't wait!

Fall Essentials 2013 #3: Black Boots

I bought these boots last fall from Zara and haven't worn them very often. I felt like the boots were too chunky and heavy on my outfits, but this season I'm totally in! The Grunge-and-Punk trend this fall gives us the chance to be more edgy, black and rough. Usually I'm super picky with clothes because I really want golden zippers, buttons, studs and so on, since the embellishment is not that big, I can overlook it: Whatever right? =D I'm just all into everything golden, although punk and grunge work better with silver.

My shopping-tip: I bought them in the kids section and they were way cheaper than in the normal women's section. How come? My friend found out, that the kids sizes goes up to 38 EU or 8 US :) Save some money!

Want to find some similar ones?

 1-Leather Boots from H&M.

2-Flat Ankle Boots from Asos.

3-Boots from H&M.

4-Leather Boots from Zara.

Best of Berlin: Fashion

In brief: I've had my internship at Les Mads Berlin, had an interview with Susie Bubble, went to the Opening Show of Hien Le at Berlin Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014, bought my very first designer handbag by Zac Posen, had an unbelievable party night at the fashion week party by Les Mads, met up with Thuy Duong Nguyen, designer of ThuThu at her Sample Sale and bought this unique short, went to the Opening of the first Topshop store in Germany and had a few outfit posts with friends and me.

What wonderful three months full of fashion, food and more to come :)

I want less. Here and now.

Yes, I've returned a week ago and now I'm back in my small hometown in the southwest of Germany. I'm back at college and unistress, back in my room full of clothes and stuff and the only thing I want to do is: Clearing my Clutter!

Back in spring a friend gave me this book to read and after that I was just in desperate need of clearing my clutter and getting rid of everything. She lives very minimalistic and I'm very looking up to her and still learning. 

The reason why I want less is because I want to change my shopping habits as well as the thinking of wanting, getting and longing for more. Although I'm posting clothes and also these fall essentials, I try to be aware of what I really need or just want, want and want. I want less because there are so many things which weigh me down, do I really need shorts in six different colours? I don't think so. 

When I was packing my suitcase to leave Berlin, I was like: What the hell do you actually own? You didn't even wear these clothes for a year now. Additionally, I think a few girls can agree, I still have clothes with tags on and there are a bunch of stuff I don't wear because it doesn't fit into my actual style now. It's hard when your style is evolving and changing year-round but I think for the first step I want to break down my closet into just essential pieces, which you can always wear differently or add accessories to change it up.

If you want to, check out Karen Kingstons book and read about how to not just declutter of stuff but also from the past and negative energies. It's super motivational and I would recommend it to everyone, it answers questions like: Why you keep clutter, how to identify and clear it in your home and workplace, how to clear it from your body, mind and spirit and then how to stay clutter-free! Happy reading! :)

I want less, here and now is a work in progress, so I've just started and if you're also into it, follow me and let's see how it will change us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Fall Essentials 2013 #2: Boxy Sweater

For this fall I'm also looking for a boxy sweater á la Elin Kling, she's wearing the one from McQ by Alexander McQueen and yes, it's quite pricey. Looking for a boxy sweater from retailers like Zara, H&M, Topshop, Asos and so on can be hard, why? Well, try to find a perfect boxy sweater, which has that square shape, is more robust and please in the colours black, grey or white. Yes, the weather is super groggy and I'm all into black again, shame on me, but I just love everything black :) and having a big slouchy sweater on is the best bet for fall! I would love to combine it with black skinny jeans then or my Topshop leather pants, the perfect outfit for the season's changing. 

Of course, I've made some research and found some fair pieces, click to get your own boxy sweater and read my German article for my most wanted sweater this fall at OK COOL.

Fall Essentials 2013 #1: Plaid Shirts

This season everyone's going back to Punk and Grunge, we'll see a lot of plaid shirts, leather goods, black heavy boots and everything punkish. I'll try to sum up my fall essentials for the new season and hope you guys like it!

Right now I'm looking for the perfect plaid shirt, in German you'd call it a 'Holzfällerhemd' translated into lumberjack shirt, but I prefer plaid shirt. It's pretty hard to find the perfect one since I want it to be cool and grunge, also in the colours red, blue, black and you really have to be careful so it won't look like the Hollister/Abercrombie & Fitch colours!

A few weeks ago, I saw two girls rocking some colourful plaid shirts in green and yellow, it was kind of oversize and really really laid-back, super cool I've thought! Paired with denim pants and sneakers, a go-to-outfit for summer. In fall instead I'd go for leather skirts, black skinny pants or denim. Oh and do you know what I like the most about button-up shirts? Just wear it as a cardigan and if it's getting too warm, in fall? Yes! Maybe you're at a party or something, just tie it around your waist and be the perfect grunge gal! :)

Click for details of this selection.

New In: Topshop Leather Pants and Basic Shirts

At the opening of the first Topshop Store in Berlin, the press people had the chance to shop for an hour until the gate was opened for everyone. I took these pieces: leather pants and two basic tops. So, what do you think? Should I go fot the leather pants? They are pretty boxy and very sporty, but I like the look of it. Still, I do not know if it's worth the 45€ or 50 bucks. I've tried to style it in the wardrobe and I'm still not sure how to mix and match it. Hmm.. I mean, I was searching for some leather shorts and I'm really the shorts-type. 

Oh, by the way, I did return these golden Zara heels I spontanuously bought a few weeks ago. Why? Although they were golden and shiny, they just did not fit into my wardrobe and my current style. Need to overthink the shorts, but will definitely keep the basic shirts, love the casual fit of the grey one, do you believe that that's a size Large?! Yeah =D I took it, it was the last one and my friends liked it, too :)

Here are some similar pants from the Topshop onlinestore.

Opening of first Topshop 'Section' in Germany

Last friday I had the chance to go to the Opening of the first Topshop section in Germany. I call it section because they did not open up a store but rather a small section in a department chain. It opened up in Berlin in the KaDeWe, a huge store full of well known brands. The female section is located on the second floor and on the first floor you'll find the male brand Topman. 

Finally!!! We were waiting like forever to have the british retailer here in Germany, but before, there was the option of ordering the high-street clothes in their online-store. Still, it did not satisfy our passion for shopping because when I shop, I want to go in the store, see the clothes, touch them, try them on and just decide immediately.  Now it's possible in Berlin, stores in Düsseldorf, Munich and Hamburg will follow as well. 

The section includes a range of fall looks with a lot of punk and grunge options like plaid pants, blouses, coats, as well as bomber jackets, fur vests and leather pants. In the male section one will find printed shirts, suits and also accessories like backpacks. 

The Topshop section in the department store might not be that big or versatile as we hoped but nevertheless, we can now enjoy the real shopping experience of the british brand. In secret we're having our fingers crossed for an extension of the selection and maybe one day there will be an independent store. 

I'm wishing you lots of fun topshopping and yes, I admit it, I did buy myself something, 

not sure if I keep it or not, but for now, click through more pictures. What do you think?

P.S.: Read this for the German version at LesMads.