Category / Shopping

By On In Shopping551 Comments

For the longest time I have been searching for the perfect flats. So you can imagine how excited I was when I received an email from MyTheresa that their Repetto classic black ballerina’s were on sale. I had my eyes on them for so long but always found them a bit too expensive. Years ago I tried on those timeless nude/black flats from Chanel. Obviously they were much cheaper at that time but at €450, I didn’t dare spend that much money on a pair of flats. Don’t ask me if I regret it, LOL. Anyway, they’re even more expensive now than they were back then, so I don’t even consider them an option anymore.

The search continued and Repetto caught my interest. They ticked all the right boxes; classic, elegant and I’m a sucker for heritage stories. These would be it. Well, they arrived last week and I feel disappointed. Worn, they look delicate and dainty. The overall fit is lovely. The leather feels wonderful and the sole feels nice and sturdy (I have read complaints about the thin leather soles but these are a newer version with rubber soles).

My one and only issue is that toe cleavage. I didn’t expect the vamp to be that low. I looked up some images on Instagram and read a few reviews before I ordered them but none of them mention the low vamp. Any readers with Repetto experiences? Is there any chance of getting rid of that toe cleavage once the leather softens up? I don’t want to send them back but I have to be realistic. If this is how they will look, it is very likely that it will continue to bother me.

Maybe I should rename this blog: the chronicles of a fastidious shopper.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

a fall winter wish list
By On In Shopping205 Comments

I’m so excited that it’s fall and we’re quickly heading towards winter. I have been handwashing all of my delicate knits and I had my coats dry-cleaned months ago. So I am ready for fall and winter. As usual I compiled a short wish list mostly consisting of items that I could wear all throughout the year with some small adjustments such as a cardigan or tights. None of them are necessary but lately I do feel like I’m a bit stuck in a style rut wearing the same things over and over again. These would likely provide a nice twist on my usual uniform.

  • A lot of brands sell cashmere these days, some more affordable than others. I like to stick with Uniqlo’s cashmere as I find the quality excellent for the price. I bought a grey sweater two or three years ago but unfortunately it has become much too large for me. I’m leaning towards a v-neck in navy or camel this time.
  • I’m still not quite sure how I feel about skirts on myself but this one has been growing on me the past couple of months. I believe there are two variations on this particular skirt and I would definitely go for the longer option. For some reason I feel that it won’t work for me but we’ll see once I get the chance to try it on. If it does live up to my expectations I hope I’ll be able to find it second hand on Ebay or Vestiaire Collective. I’ve seen a few being sold as almost new.
  • My skin has been wonderful lately but I would still like some mild coverage. Just to even out my skin tone and get that dewy look. So I’m looking for a tinted moisturizer. This one from Laura Mercier seems quite nice but slightly expensive. This one from Nars is also very tempting and gets great reviews. If you guys have any experience with either, let me know what you think.
  • These boots are something I have been thinking about for over a year now (they sold them last year as well). It usually doesn’t snow a lot over here but when it does, weather appropriate footwear is definitely a problem. Every pair that I own is too slippery and I can’t recount the times I suddenly had to grab onto something while walking in a normal pace. Dr Martens crossed my mind as well but I don’t know, these have a more classic and elegant look to them. For these kind of boots anyway.
  • White t-shirts are part of my uniform. I can honestly say that I wear a white t-shirt at least four days a week. Which is fine but ultimately also a little boring. So this striped t-shirt from A.P.C. would make a nice addition to my wardrobe.
  • Not pictured above but also very much on my mind: this black coat. I should’ve known better than to try it on. But it happened and it looked great. I might cave if it goes on sale. The end.

What’s on your wish list for the upcoming season?

personal shopping guidelines daarboven
By On In Shopping1,371 Comments

While I try to maintain a high standard when it comes to clothes and accessories and I am annoyingly picky, regrettable purchases are always lurking around the corner. Over the years I have come to rely on a few rules of thumb that have proven themselves very helpful. Now, I am by no means an expert but I figured I would share them and hopefully they can be of use to you too. So here are my self-imposed guidelines for shopping part I:

Try different sizes

I own clothing ranging from size XS to XL. Size is only a number or a few letters and doesn’t matter to me as long as the garment fits perfectly. Brands aren’t reliable at all when it comes to sizing. I’m sure we are all familiar with the concept of vanity sizing, right? So please don’t let the size of a piece of clothing bring you down or dictate your purchases. No one will be able to see the label anyway.

Stay away from items that are too trendy

Once in awhile a trend comes along that I’m eager to try such as those checkered blazers or coats that are seen all over the place right now. But fortunately for my wallet, most of the time the result is not at all what I expected or I know I won’t wear it after that particular season. Nevertheless, I believe you can be on trend while still remaining true to your own aesthetic. Take flared jeans for example. Those were very trendy last year of maybe even the year before (I can’t keep track of time anymore, I’m too old). But ultimately, the design, in the right color, is a classic and can be worn at any time.

When in doubt, size up

It’s always better to size up when you’re not completely sure about a piece of clothing or shoes. Clothes can be adjusted and/or taken in by a tailor and you can place an extra insole in your shoes to get a better fit. Although to be honest, I don’t recommend buying your shoes too large either. However, when something is too small, chances are you are never going to wear it because it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Check the men’s section

You can find some really nice pieces of clothing in the men’s section, that’s exactly where I found my favorite men’s ultra soft flowy tee. And from my own experiences, the quality is sometimes even better than women’s clothing. I suspect it has something to do with the fact that men don’t buy as many clothes as women and therefore need garments that last a lot longer. I could be wrong though. Things I especially like from the men’s section are cashmere or merino wool sweaters. I’m sure for some of you the button downs can work as well but those are generally too tight on my hips.

What are your personal shopping guidelines?

By On In Shopping, Wardrobe628 Comments

Ah yes, if you have been reading this blog for a while you must know that spring and summer are my most dreaded seasons when it comes to wardrobe planning. However, last year I think I did a good job in regards to planning and purchasing new clothes. My list consisted of three potential purchases but I only ended up with two; a black camisole and a pair of high-waisted white trousers. The latter made me realise that I don’t have to wear jeans all summer, solely out of habit, and that they’re a great alternative for skirts and dresses which I rarely wear.

I did succumb to fast fashion once again (will I ever learn?). I’ve come to realise that I very much prefer to invest in clothes and accessories that I can wear all year round instead of just one season. So summery trousers are not something I’m willing to spend a lot of money on. But, as always, they do need to meet all of my requirements; natural fabrics, machine washable, high-waisted for the illusion of longer legs and preferable wide-legged. We all have our problem areas (even if they’re only visible to ourselves) and mine are my thighs or better said, those darn saddlebags. So I try not to emphasise them when I wear something tucked into my trousers. Straight or wide trousers are my best option.

I tried several options such as these and these but I finally fell for the green trousers below. I have to admit though, I left the tags on because they’re a bit trendy and out there for me personally (you can see me wearing them here) and we have only been blessed with two warm days so far. But if I do keep them, I have my summer wardrobe sorted. I have compiled a few collages of how I would wear them with garments and accessories that I already own. What do you think? Yay or nay?


From left to right, top to bottom: Byredo Black Saffron perfume (€110) , H&M trousers (€50), Straw hat (similar here), black loafers (similar here), Samsoe & Samsoe camisole (old)

From left to right, top to bottom: Yoisho straw bag (€30), H&M trousers (€50), Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 perfume (€90), &Other Stories sandals (sold out), Adam Lippes t-shirt (€100)