VIDEO | This is how I spent my weekend in Taipei

Here with another video, don't worry I'll be posting outfit pictures soon as well. But last weekend was filled with cultural activities, so you can imagine how much I filmed and I had to put in a video of course.

I visited three cultural attractions. First one is the 'National Palace Museum'. This museum was filled with all kinds of historic scriptures, ornaments and art from wayyy back. First let me give you my backstory. I know absolutely nothing about the history of Taiwan, which is shameful I know. So when I got there I was kinda lost. I was seeing all this old ornaments without really knowing what it's about and the museum was packed. And I mean really packed. There were probably 10 tour groups at a time. So walking around at your own pace was quite difficult. There was this area about an emperor ordering frenchmen to make copper plates which really blew my mind. You could watch a short (not really though it was about 45min and without sound) film about how art played an important role in eternalising accomplishments of emperors at that time. And how France was important to them. This suddenly made me realise how real this was. How much history everything had. So my time there was quite pleasant. 

Second thing was the Chiang Kai Sheik Shilin Residences. This place was packed as well. As the previous attraction, I didn't really know much about the place. I went there with a family whom I'm acquainted to (to make it short) and she told me several things about the place, which I guess is pretty important for Taiwanese people. We went to see the flower garden. It was supposedly the last weekend that they'll be exhibited. So we went there. The flowers weren't that spectaculair, but it's quite nice to see a bit of nature and green. I was more interested in the buildings and people there actually.

My favourite cultural activity, which you probably can guess already was the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. It was a really last minute thing to go to. I was just browsing in my LonelyPlanet guidebook and after I saw it, I was at that place within 45 minutes (roughly). I went there with a purpose to visit the Taiwan Design Museum and (if I could make it) the Red Dot Museum. The museums were situated in an old tobacco factory, which made the inside kinda industrial and interesting. There was this Deutsch Design exhibit and European Design at the (International part) of the museum, which was fine but I've seen it quite often already. You could see some stuff for Braun and Alessi, nothing I haven't seen already. Which was a bummer but nothing I can do about. Other designs were interesting though. I don't know if I've missed anything, but I was done looking around after an hour, so I went outside and walked around the area a bit and saw this other exhibit by GQ. This was most definitely my favourite. It was interesting and inspiring. It reminded me a bit of the 'Kunsthal' at Rotterdam. It was about dreaming big and having the courage to do so. I didn't want it to be a long post, which it already is. But I wanted to expand on my experience of this particular exhibition in an other post.

I like the way the video turned out. I think this is more up in my alley than the vloggy type of videos. I'm just still so awkward on video. I'll learn in time though. Let me know what you think of the video in the comments below.

x J.

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HAUL | CK sample sale

Just like at the beginning of the year, I went to the Calvin Klein Sample sale last week. This time there was no Karl Lagerfeld like the previous one but still okay. I had nothing in particular in my mind to buy but still managed to get some nice stuff. 

As I went inside I immediately went to the bags area, I've learned from the previous sample sale that bags are the most sought after and are more 'limited'. As I was there, nothing really caught my eye and was kinda disappointing, so I roamed around for jackets and other stuff. This electric blue summer jacket caught my eye. I'm currently obsessed with everything blue, especially dark blue. It's not something for the winter weather but it's still wearable for the fall weather, since it's made of this scuba material.

As I was walking around my sister called me and told me that they're restock the bags area with different bags every now and then. So I went back and basically guarded the racks. I had literally 10 bags in my hand but managed to cut them down to two bags. And I absolutely love these two bags I've found. It's not made from genuine leather so each bag was 30 euros. 

Lastly, I bought my first push up bra from Calvin and I must say I get the all the hype now. It is the best bra I've ever tried on. It feels so luxurious and it looks good on. It was only 13 euros and I'm so bummed out I didn't get more.

Overall it was a success. I didn't get like an overbearing load of stuff but I'm really happy of the stuff I did get!

What do you think of my haul?

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VLOG #1 | Foodtruck Festival

Okay, bear with me guys.. So as you can see I made my very first vlog! Since I'm planning to go to Taiwan for a little while, I thought it would be nice to do some vlogs there because I'll have some free time there. To practice a bit, I decided to vlog yesterday. I went to the Foodtruck festival in my neighbourhood with some friends of mine. I seriously have my respect for those who frequently vlog! When I was editing I can't believe at how many weird faces I constantly was making.. It certainly makes you more conscious of how you look on a daily basis. Ah well, I'll get used to it and hope to improve each time.

The only thing I was still contemplating about is vlogging in English or Dutch? I decided to do my first vlog in Dutch since it will be easier for me to get used to first. But I'll still might switch up.. I don't know, what do you guys think?

So onto the vlog itself, I went to the Foodtruck Trek Festival yesterday with some friends of mine. It is the 3rd one I've attended (Yes, I like food way too much). It was such a pleasure for my tastebuds but not so for my wallet but we still had a lot of fun. The atmosphere was just so fun even though it rained for a bit.

So how do you like the vlog? Should I continue to vlog in Dutch or switch it up in English?

x J.

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EVENT | #WeRunAmsterdam !

I've reached a milestone in my life.. It was on my bucketlist and I thought it was time to cross it off of that list. I've completed my first 10K running race! If you ask me a year ago, I wouldn't believe that I would join the race. Some friends and I decided to just go for it and I'm happy we did. I have been busy with some other projects (my sister's wedding) so I didn't have much time to prepare myself for the race the last few weeks, so I was a bit pessimistic about the time I would finish the race in and I eventually got in the group for completing it in 70 minutes. And my official time was 73minutes which I'm kinda proud of, especially for my first time. 

Overall the race was such fun! Lovely people and there was lots of things to do, unfortunately I had to work before the race so I had to 'race' to Amsterdam right after work which gave me no time to do awesome makeup and hair. Maybe next year??

Did you join the Nike Womens 10k in Amsterdam? or elsewhere?

x J.

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HAUL | Karl & CK sample sale + story about the red bag

As promised my Sample sale haul! I usually don't buy branded underwear or bikini, but since it's Calvins I couldn't resist. I think I'm good for the upcoming summer. Not really colorful but oh well. I love the details of the white bikini, with black linings with the brand name on it. I like the simplicity of it. The other bikini is a black and white one as well but is more graphic. And I just love the model of the bikini top. I also managed to get me some soft bras with the iconic elastic band, I didn't found them right away. It was on my third and fourth round. Unfortunately I couldn't find the iconic and well wanted underwear set but I'm still happy with these ones. The bikini sets are 17euro each, bra's 13euro and underwear 8euro. I also managed to find a bomberjacket from CK. I was hoping to find one and I did! Although I'm pretty sure it was placed in the wrong section and is supposedly for men but who cares? It had an original tag attached and was prized for 300 euro and I bought it for 50euro (score!). Finally, the winner for todays haul of the sample sale is this gorgeous bag from Karl Lagerfeld. 

So what's the story behind this bag? When we arrived, I went straight to underwear section and the clothing section of CK.. I totally forgot there was a Karl section as well. Which I regretted because the accessories of Karl Lagerfeld are the best. I still went through everything and didn't find anything interesting.. Until we were about to go to the cash register. But my sister still wanted to try some shoes, so my mom and I sat near the shoes and bags section. A splash of red caught my eye through the mass of people as I was sitting on the bench, but it wasn't sitting on the rack but it was carried by a girl in her arms. I fell in love and I was so desperate to find myself one as well. I went to the racks but couldn't find another one. The girl was standing there with her friend hesitating wether to buy the bag because she wasn't so sure on how to style it. In my head I screamed 'Then give it to me!', but I stayed quiet and quietly moved where she was going. I then saw an older women holding the same bag in another color and the color was beige and kinda perfect too and I saw that she was hesistating as well. What's wrong with them? The bag is perfect! Anyway so I had my eyes on both people. I know you'd probably think why don't I just ask them that for the bag if they don't want it?

 I don't know if I'm a bit weird or even a bit mean but if the roles are reversed and I was hesitating and someone was asking me the same question, I would probably buy the item. Because I would think that it's something worth having and that the item is really wanted by everyone. Who wouldn't like that? So I stayed put and continued to observe. Then everything happened so fast. The older women but the bag down, I grabbed it and then the other girl put it down as well at a different rack and I grabbed that one as well. Suddenly I had two bags in my hand. To buy both of them for myself is probably really irresponsible although I was contemplating it. My mom liked the beige one as well, so we both bought one! Since it was real leather, they were 90euro each. I tried to google the original retail price but couldn't find it. I only saw the bag on one german blog but not available for retail. 

What do you think of this haul?

Sorry for the long story on the bag! But I really wanted to share this with you.

x J.

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EVENT | Karl & CK sample sale

Last friday I went to the sample sale of Karl Lagerfeld & Calvin Klein. I just finished my exams and thought that it was okay to spoil myself a bit.. I haven't seen the sunlight the past week even though the weather was soo good to us. So when my sister got tickets, I couldn't resist. I've never been to a sample sale as well, so I thought it was a good time to start. I visited the sample sale on their first day open and went quite early, it was a 30-40 minute drive from my place to the sample sale, so it wasn't that far from my home. When you enter you get checked for the tickets and your ID and then you first go through the Calvin Klein section, which is the biggest section. Most of the items are from the 2014 collection which was a great surprise for me and the quality of the items are quite good as well.

The people there were pleasant, I haven't encountered women pulling on each other hairs (although I was almost about to.. which I will tell you later in the next post) and the people working there were really nice. I think I've heard about 5 announcements about founding stuff people have lost like their car keys, bank card or ticket. They don't mind you sorting throughout your stuff in the middle of the place and at the cash register the people there are also friendly and excited for your findings. So I had a quite good first experience for a sample sale and want to go to many more in the future!

Even though it was my first time, I managed to compile a little list of tips to go by when going to the next sample sale;

1. When you go there you can't wear anything of the brands from the sample sales and you can't bring any bags. So I suggest to wear something basic and simple and something with pockets to put your wallet and other necessities in.

2. Another thing you'd have to consider if you're going to a sample sale is that you probably won't have privacy if you want to try things out. There are fitting rooms but it's just one big open space for men and women. So I'd recommend wearing something under your clothes as well.

3. Go early. The fewer people there, the more chance you get to get your favourite pieces.

4. The items are (usually) not individually priced but are based on the type of garments, so if it's more beneficial to get something from the newer collection.

5. Be patient. It's really easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of items and garments around you..
I went to each section probably 5 times over and over again in an order. People will put back their stuff they don't want anymore and (I think they even refill the stock), so it's worth to visit sections more often.

6. Go without a mission. Of course it's good to have an idea already what you are 'hoping' to buy and done some research on their latest collections. But you can never predict what they are offering, so to not be disappointed on not finding the item, it's better to be openminded and just have fun!

I hope you the tips are useful for your own sample sale!

Have you ever been to one? If you have, for which brand was it?

I managed to get some stuff at the sample sale and will be showing it in the next post!

x J.

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EVENT | Three fashionistas at the HuisHoudBeurs 2015

This post is probably a few weeks due, but I've been MIA on the blog for a while, because I had to have some stitches and it took some while to recover from it. It wasn't anything serious, but it took me out of my daily rhythm which kinda sucks. But all is well and I'm back with a new post.

A few weeks ago I went to the annual Huishoudbeurs in Amsterdam. They invited me as press to share my experience with the  the their  It's a walhalla for housewives but also women who like to get some great deals on beauty, fashion and home/interior products. Unlike last year I was prepared for the mass of people and what to expect there. Last year I did a post on what you can do at the huishoudbeurs and what I bought, but since the products that are offered are pretty much the same as previous year, I thought to do a different post this year. So here's a post with the best dressed girls at the huishoudbeurs. 

The first girl is a friend of mine and of course the first girl I spotted. Sara wore this long waterfall blazer and combined it with some basic black crop top and ripped jeans. With it she wore some black Roshe's. I liked the feminine shape of the blazer and chained bag with the sporty and very convenient sneaker. Something I would definitely wear myself.

Second girl is named Shirin, she was working at the fair but still manage to look spot on. Her outfit is actually quite similar to Sara's, but I like how she wore suit pants instead of the jeans sara wore. Also you cannot miss the white sneaker trend that is everywhere at the moment. The Nike air max which Shirin is wearing is probably one of my fave white sneakers. (Even with a bit of dirt on it)






The last girl I spotted is Anne. Anne is wearing all black which is always a good choice. The think I liked about this outfit is the layering. Even though all garments are in black, the different fabrics and textures creates more dimension to the outfit. You don't really see on the outfit picture but I like the knee long vest peeking out of the leather jacket.

There were more girls who were nicely dressed but with the busy crowd it was impossible to ask all of them for a picture, which is too bad! Maybe next year new girls can be featured.



Which one is your favorite outfit?

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EVENT | MBFWA 2015

So yesterday was an exciting day for me. Probably the best way to start 2015!

I'm going to put it in caps lock. AMSTERDAM FASHION WEEK.

Thanks to Alana, a friend of mine, I get to join her for three fashion shows for the Fall/Winter collection 2015. I am soo grateful cause it's still an opportunity you don't often get.

I decided to put each show in a different post since I want to share and review the show separately, so I can post more pictures concerning the show without the post being too long.

MAISON the FAUX

MDH BY Marije de Haan

Schueller de Waal

I had such a great time and saw amazing shows. I'd like to hear your thoughts about the shows!

x J.

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MBFWA 15 | MAISON the FAUX (part 1)

The first show I went to was the collection "C'est vrai ou c'est FAUX?" by MAISON the Faux.

I've done some research beforehand and the three young Dutch designers are known for their crazy fashion shows and extravagance and I must say they did not disappoint! 

As we went inside for the show, you see these clothing racks standing and models were still getting ready for the show, doing their makeup. As a guest you can just walk through the clothes and take pictures of models. At this point I was still a little confused of the whole set up. As the show is beginning, two MC's are announcing that the show is about to start and that the models have to get ready. And then the models were standing in line at the beginning of the 'supposed' catwalk. Than visuals are appearing on the walls and then the coin dropped. It was a reversed catwalk!

The audience is sitting backstage and are behind the scenes, while the models walk to the 'catwalk' which is actually the real backstage. Confused already? Well I kinda was, it was in one word some crazy wild shit. I didn't really know where to look at, on the one side, some crazy changing of clothes are mad while on the other side some half clothed people are chilling on a sofa added with some people running around. Meanwhile I am trying to take pictures, but everyone is moving too fast for me to capture it. 

But apart from the craziness, the collection is pretty bold and quite intriguing. I love how they don't have any limits in everything really. The graphic lettering reminds me a bit of Alexander Wang sport collection and some clothing reminds me of the '70s disco fashion with the flared jeans and extreme off shoulder tops. I just loved how they made it a real show to be reminded of. To show it differently than everyone else. It's maybe not the best way to portray some pieces and give it as much attention as it deserved, but it definitely is a show to never forget. 

What do you think of this crazy show by MAISON the FAUX?

MBFWA 15 | MDH By Marije de Haan (part 2)

The next show was the fall/winter 2015 'all colours agree in the dark' collection by Marije de Haan. It's my first menswear show and I absolutely love this being the first I visited. You'd think that because of it being menswear, I wouldn't be inspired by their show, but you'd be quite surprised. I love the colours she used for this collection. I saw blue, pastel pink and all shades of grey. The collection felt laid-back, yet there's this strict vibe to it. It's the way the models walk and wear these buttons up. There are a few things that is seen in every look, you never see a shirt tucked in and all pants are loosely fitted at the crotch area, sorta like drop crotch pants. 

The show starts with a woman wearing this mask on her head, which kinda reminds me of a scary movie I wouldn't want to see in the dark. And then the minimalist style of clothes follow. My favourite piece has to be the blue button up with the long tail. But I'm not so sure of the drop crotch pants though, it can quickly be seen as a pair of pyjama buttons, this is specially the case with the blue striped piece. I do love the styled button up look with the relaxed joggers look.

What do you think of this menswear collection by Marije de Haan?

x J.

MBFWA 15 | Schueller de Waal (part 3)

The last show I visited was the collection by Schueller de Waal. I liked the outerwear pieces the best. The frayed cropped denim jacket is something I see me wearing in the near future. Another piece I liked is the furry coat both in black and orange. Again these pieces look so ready to wear. 

Overall it was a good show with some pieces I liked and other pieces I didn't so much liked. 

I liked the idea that they made two versions out of each garment, varying in fabrics and colours. It's like you can wear the same garment in a day or night version. And the two versions walk simultaneously on the catwalk that is divided in two catwalks. It is a nice concept, but maybe it worked better in a bigger space. 

What do you think of the show by Schueller de Waal?

Personal | My love for food trucks

If you follow me on instagram, you would already know how much I love food. I don't like to label myself as a 'foodie' but I do like to get extraordinarily excited when it comes to trying out new places/food. So you can probably guess how wild I got from all these food trucks that are finally coming to the Netherlands (at least in the big cities). They even got a few trucks on my campus, which is so bad for my wallet and waistline. Anyway, these pictures were taken at a Food Truck Festival TREK in The Hague a while ago. But I was/still am obsessed with these food, that I occasionally look back to the pictures. It was such a good time, with good food, music and people! Can't wait to go to a similar event again.

- J.

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