Black x Gold Fever

Not only do I love love love golden jewelry, I love the mixture of black and gold, especially in jewelry and leather goods, look at my first designer bag Z Spoke by Zac Posen. When I saw the new lookbook of the autumn/winter 2013 collection of & Other stories, I just had to get these!!! The box-chain necklace, the bracelet and these rings. Love the two tones, right now, I just adore everything edgy and black :) Maybe it's because it's getting pretty cold here in Germany.

Additionally the other day I saw a girl with this purse in the elevator, I did ask her where she got it from. It was H&M and on the onlineshop it was just sold out! Super funny! In a couple of days, this minimalistic purse with the imprint LOVE was just sold out. I've got lucky and found it on my satuday shopping spree in a shop and couldn't decide whether I should go for red or black. Decided for classic black then ;-)

I did more shopping this weekend because the first TOPSHOP just made its way to Germany and it was the weekend before leaving Berlin for college. Going back to school I guess, yep, my internship is almost over but I'll show you more of my purchases in a couple of days.

Stay tuned and happy monday :)

Recap: Mulack-Street Festival

As you might know, I like to spend my weekends with street festivals, good eats and yeah, a bit of shopping if there's something special going on. Last saturday then there was the Mulack Street Festival here in Berlin the shops were opened but had some special sales outside on the street. It's definitely worth a shot because in this street there are stores like: Lala Berlin, adidas SLVR, C'est tout, the Green Tea Mamecha Café, The Shit Shop, World's End and many more. 

Strolling through the streets we've stopped at a shop called: Das Neue Schwarz. It's a vintage shop with well-known brands and they've had a small sale in front. I was lucky and found this: An American Apparel skirt in bright orange red which looked very familiar to me. Why? I've bought the same model in an olive green in a Vintage shop in Brooklyn actually one year ago! And yes, I just had to have it because this skirt is just so comfy and a good summer-go-to. I just love everything vintage :) but I try to stay away from handbags and purses since my collection of old bags is becoming bigger and heavier. When I'm back home, I will show you some of them ;-) 

So, let's see if the weather allows me to wear it this summer.

Yay or nay? Golden Zara Sandals

In my lunch break I've joined my colleague for some window shopping actually! I didn't find anything interesting at H&M, but see there's ZARA, and then there's still this huge SUMMER SALE -.-' Additionaly there were this GOLDEN sandals! =D Haha, they were reduced from 70€ to 20€, I bought them. Now, I don't really know if I should keep them or not. Why? Well, I do not need those right? The whole afternoon in the office I was like: Okay, let's return them tomorrow! They are too golden! I do not feel much happier with them, so why keeping? 

And then later in the afternoon an outfit option popped up: these sandals, a boyfriend jeans, a male tee and my Zac. Hmm.. don't know, what do you guys think, should I keep them or not?

Flea finds at Soho House Berlin

 
This passed sunday I went to the flea market at Soho House Berlin which just takes place twice a year. This is when they open their doors for the public since you need to be a member to be part of the Soho Club. There's one in the summer and one in autumn I guess. There were not many vendors, maybe just ten but a lot of good stuff, like clothes from Chloé, Lala Berlin, Strenesse or small designers. Definitely worth going! The best way to find out the best fleas and stuff, check LesMads for their weekly recommendations for weekends =P 

So, I found this necklace by Tom Shot and this summer pants from Zara. Already had the stuff on because I was searching for some summer pants like this. They bring some colour in my wardrobe and I love combining these with just basic shoes, shirts and bags. No more effort needed and it's a nice alternation to shorts and skirts.

Happy strolling through fleas guys!

This is it: Z Spoke by Zac Posen

Working as an intern at the fashion blog LesMads I've intended to get myself a souvenir for this three months I'm working here in Berlin instead of you know... going on holidays ;-) I wanted to get a classic handbag by the end of the internship, so that would be early September. 

Blogging and strolling through online shops everyday I've got caught on the black purses by Marc Jacobs. Still, they were super expensive or just sold out. I've kept looking because this summer sale was making me crazy. On the German luxury online shop EMEZA I've found it: EARTHA SOFT TOP HANDLE bag in black by Z Spoke Zac Posen New York. The moment I saw it, I had to order it because I was afraid that it would be gone... Oh my, working in fashion it's just super hard to resist on not shopping and not splurging.

At first I wasn't really sure of spending so much money for a designer handbag, on the one hand I was like: Do you REALLY need it? It's a lot of money... And then on the other hand I'd be like: Well, you're working and you're not getting into debts. You can treat yourself once in a while. 

My good friend Carla from San Francisco gave me some advice to it:

Just accept that part of you! You're not a nun! You're young and beautiful so what's wrong with buying pretty stuffs. But ask yourself if you can afford it. You should not stretch too much to make yourself suffer for long term. Everyone loves buying luxury things. I usually let my thought sink for a bit and be like 'Buy it first keep it for a week and if I still want it,then keep I'll keep it. Otherwise return for money back!'

This helped me a lot. I've ordered, it came last thursday and since then I love it! Although I was doubtful about the size of the bag, now it's very good since I always bring a lot of stuff with me. All in all I want to shift my shopping habit from 'Buying cheap, following any trend' to 'Less is More, quality instead of quanitity'. First thing when I'm back home: Going to a flea market and selling some clothes I don't wear anymore!

The bag is made out of cow leather and I'm not sure if I like buying real leather or not.. need to find this out in the future! Other than that I love the golden details and the lock. I hope it will take part of a lot of outfit options :) 

Shopping now, I only keep pieces I'd really wear/use instantly or which I really love. No blind shopping anymore! And always listen to your gut, when you have doubts, leave it.

Like my first designer bag? ♥

Faux crocodile leather purse

After hitting the handmade supermarket on sunday we passed the weekly flea at Ostbahnhof Berlin and stopped for some nice bags and purses. My friend Kristin is vegetarian and doesn't like to wear real leather. We found some really nice ones and this was her purchase: A faux crocodile leather purse from the 70s with a crocodile brooch. 

Kristin #1: Sunglasses from Esprit, New Yorker scarf, H&M jacket, Kauf dich glücklich sweatshirt, H&M jeans, s.Oliver shoes and Vintage faux croco-leather purse.

Vegan Burger x Sunday Shopping

What are you guys doing on sundays? For me, I just love sundays fleas and markets. Right now, I'm having friends over from my little hometown and we've made it to the handmade supermarket. I was very much looking forward to the vegan burger and the fairtrade products. The vegan burger from Sunday Burgers with tofu, red beets, sprouts and three different sauces was just delicious. I'm telling you, go there, get it, have it, you'll be instantly happy. The sauces were chili-chipotle, peanut-coconut and mango-chutney, everything self-made! Besides I had the berry juice, full of antioxidiants and super healthy, love the pink colour!

Strolling through markets I'm always tempted to get myself some handmade jewelry. I had to get the bracelet from Maugold Berlin because it's something different and I'm drawn to anything gold and green. I think this is a statement bracelet. Whenever I see things like that, I'm always like: I should start doing more DIY-stuff, but I just don't take my time for it. Are you up for DIY?

Happy Sunday! xx

New In: Thu Thu Shorts, H&M Blazer & Shorts, Vintage Shirt

Last saturday I went shopping with some friends, it was the first time since I've been here working and living. What happened? All my friends ended up buying NOTHING =D I was the only one splurging on some new clothes, oh my! How will I survive in Berlin with this huge summer sale?

First thing I've got myself was the lovely shorts of the ThuThu Sample Sale! I've tried on some jackets as well, but just couldn't afford it. When I wore the shorts, which has a very extraordinary cut because at first sight it looks like a skirt, but really is a shorts. I also love the colour, I think it fits me very well and the imprint with the Sapa-made details makes it even more special. Thanks, ThuThu!

THU THU Sample Sale

The Berlin fashion week just went by super fast and I have to say I am suuuper exhausted! Do you know how it is to be tired all week because you're lacking of sleep? It's like you haven't slept for one whole night and then you're just permanently tired all day and night. You won't be able to catch up on some sleep later on.

Anyways, this saturday, I still wanted to spend some time outside with my dear girls. We wanted to check out THU THU's sample sale since she is a London-based designer and she was only here for the fashion week. There's a funny background story to it: On thursday night we went out to the LesMads party at Cookies which was a lot of fun! When we were sitting in that cinema room, the designer of ThuThu and her friends came in, joined us and we've had a really nice chat.

My once-in-a-year-haircut

Yes! Today I've got my once-in-a-year-haircut because I'm always afraid of cutting my long hair. I have to admit that my last time was in the U.S.: August 27th '12! I'd just let them grow and grow. They belong to me and I definitely cannot imagine myself with like.. short hair. My friends from college kept telling me that I should go let my hair cut because they were just toooo long. And I'd always answer: Naahh, I love my hair, I don't want to!!! 

My longboard story: Gold x green

Look at this perfection of a longboard. Yes, this is it! Gold to green to the fullest!

Long story: I was sick, became a bit depressed, life was monotonous and I was longing for something which sparks my eye. Do you know what I mean by saying: the glowing in your eyes? I've missed that!

Until the next day, it was like someone heard my call: I met a girl on a longboard. I was like: WHAT IS THAT? CAN YOU TEACH ME?!!! That was a month ago and since then it became one of my passions. The moment I was standing on my friend's board I felt: Freedom. My second thought was: Dedication. I felt free, energized, motivated, so childish, yet very very happy.

I had and still have fear, but I know I have to overcome it. Doubts came up and my mind was telling me things like: 'You need time for it. Do you really want it? Aren't you too old for this? Maybe it's just a phase.' Furthermore it wasn't only my mind, it was also people who surrounded me. They were like: 'Honey, we've all had our skater-girl phase, get over it.' I wasn't sure. I borrowed one for a month and have to say: I used it often. 

Time passed and I've made a decision: The fun and the kick is worth more than anything else as long as you're happy! Hell yeah! I don't give a f***! I want to prove myself that you're never too old to start or learn something new. Listen to your gut more and just do what you love and love what you do! Decisions are no decisions without execution. Today was the day: A Loaded Dervish Sama board, golden Bear trucks and green ABEC 11 wheels. An investment for the next couple of years, hopefully for a lifetime. 

Longboards are bigger than skateboards and are used for many disciplines: downhill, dancing, cruising, slalom riding and transport. Surfers tried to invent something for times when there weren't good waves to surf on. So, why not surfing the streets? The result: Longboards and skateboards. It has been always a dream for me to learn how to surf. I am fascinated of being in the middle of nature and flowing in between waves. Since it is a bit difficult to try it out in Germany, I thought: Well, longboarding just popped up. Give it a try and you'll gain some experience in actually standing on a board.

The moment I stood on mine I was one of the luckiest girl on earth or at least Berlin! The feeling of freedom is still intense and this new hobby widenend my perspective once more. I love changes and I love life! Yes, sometimes I want to be a kid again! :)

Many thanks to Funky Summer Berlin. These guys really know what they're doing and selling! Since 1999 they are trying to establish the longboard sport in Germany and spread out the word. They were super friendly, open-hearted and they really took their time to give me advise. I ended up being there for two hours and testing some boards. I'll definitely return and try out their dance class! I might join them on a longboard tour which they offer every Tuesday night (Cruiser Day). The owner Franky (above) said something beautiful: Longboarding is somekind of meditation for me, of being calm with your mind, body and totally focused on the streets.

Oh and girls can surf and skate, too ;-) 

Mind Body Green has an exercise to get rid of fear and trusting the universe

and TinyBuddha gives some advice for overcoming the fear of taking risks.

STAY FEARLESS AND JUST DO IT

NOW!

M

Weekend Food Shopping

It is my first weekend all by myself in Berlin, so what did I get? First of all I have to say that it can be pricey living by yourself and feeding yourself. Haha, no mommy and daddy, no full refridgerator! Anyways, as you can see I try to stay healthy and I cannot live without vegetables, fruits and a bit of protein. I also make sure to have oat flakes, almonds, eggs and whole grain bread in stock.

Carrots: my go-to snack to munch on, full of Vitamin A and good for your eyes.

Zucchini: very good for stir-fries, have you tried it raw?? :)

Peppers: red vegetables and fruits like red grapes are full of iron, you don't need meat! ;-)

Turnip cabbage: vietnamese influence>> steam it and dip it in traditional fish sauce.

Radishes: like the spicy taste a lot, raw! I also use up the greens for soup or broth.

Pickles: who does not love pickles? Try some from McClure's in Brooklyn, super funny, it is a family recipe and these guys make some spicy and garlic ones! Everything hand picked and hand sliced. Want to make a pickle pizza? Check out their website, just love this creativity in cooking!

Bananas: full in potassium, my go-to pre-workout snack when you want to head for a jog in half an hour, very versatile for smoothies, banana bread???! Mix them in oatmeals and it is a great substitute for eggs in baking dishes!

Strawberries: antioxidants go! Dark berries are the best, full of Vitamin C, perfect summer fruit for smoothies, salads, desserts, yummy!

Nectarines: just available here in the summer, more exotic frui.

Whole grain bread: good carbs, whole grains?! says it all, cannot get it, don't like the ones in supermarkets? Bake your own: Whole grain bread variaton #1

Almonds: super healthy fats!!! Your body do need those! Snack on them, make your own almond milk, add to anything from breakfast to salads.

Eggs and cottage cheese: egg-omelet, boiled eggs=6g of protein, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese does not have as much fat but I don't consume as much lactose.

Here are some tips to up your fruit and vegetable intake: Just have it at home! Get out and enjoy the sun!

Happy weekend guys ♥

Dr. Hauschka cosmetics ♥

Yep! Working at an organic food and health store has its pros =) 
Last week I had my last days there and couldn't resist but splurge on some (a bit expensive when you're a student) natural cosmetics! One day I've attended a Dr. Hauschka workshop due to work and got the 'Quince Day Cream', the 'Toned day Cream' and the 'Lipbalm'. After that workshop I just fell in love with the company and their products! 

Dr. Hauschka does not use any chemicals or conventional ingredients, moreover they try not to use alcohol and create creams which don't irritate your skin, they rather strengthen and revitalise it. They also offer visits in which you can look into their garden and participate in a cosmetic presentation.

I haven't used the Cream and Lipbalm yet because I don't like lipbalms, they just dry out your lips even more. Maybe I'll try it in the winter months. The Toned day Cream is just perfect when you don't feel like wearing make- up but still want to have some colour in your face =)

Additionally I've bought the 'Volume Mascara' and the 'Lemon, Lemongrass Body Oil' which I'll use in the summer instead of my coconut oil. The Lemongrass scent will freshen you up and get you ready for the day ;-)

Oh, and did you notice the golden design of their products? :)

Last days in NYC

The last days in the U.S. were craaaazy! I've spent these days of course!! in New York City, driving back and forth from New Jersey. In the pictures above you can see that I was at the Williamsburg Waterfront with its Smorgasburg and Artists and Fleas Market again, I went to Chinatown and Soho to do a little bit of shopping, to spend the rest of my money :) I've visited some dear friends and had vietnamese lunch together and yes I went to the Afropunk festival in Brooklyn. I've got free hugs there, South African food (the bread bowl with chicken curry) and had the chance to see Janelle Monae live on stage!

I was really busy those days because I wanted to see everyone one more time before I leave this beautiful country!