Anti-trend

· Fashion

The purpose of this post is not too tell you what to do nor to spread a universal truth, or even show you my rebel side but I would like to talk about fashion trends I decided not to follow this season, in ordre to being in line with my will to consume less and timeless wardrobe.

For the past 11 years writing this blog, I had the time to understand what fits me better. Even though I can find other people wear them perfectly, here are my arguments for and against a few Autumn winter 2019 fashion trends I can start seeing around me.

 

Daddy shoes

• Why I could be tempted: the comfort and cavalier side: “yes, I wear huge multicolore running shoes with a pair of jeans and a trench… and so what?”

• Why I won’t succumb: I already tried the sneakers with platform from Isabel Marant but unfortunately these “beauties” are still in my closet and no-one even wanted to buy them…

It’s the big problem of these Ugly shoes: we get used to it after seeing all the time the stylish fashion editors wearing them, we buy them and then we regret our silhouette of fake athlete (in the same vein, fingers crossed for my summer investment, the Birkenstocks).

Moreover, it must be noted, this big sneakers are not enhancing my silhouette.

 

The waistbag

• Why I could be tempted: Nostalgia from the 90s and the “cool” side. Fashion is a cycle: I wore a waistbag when I was a teenager, it comes back this year and I could wear it again in 20 years.

Even though I am quite sure I wouldn’t go for the sportswear, I like the leather belt/pouch which is more elegant. And I like wearing it on the shoulder rather than around the waist.

• Why I won’t succumb: I am not cool (haha) and I don’t want to fill up my closets with accessories that are too representative of a period.

Are we going to get excited in front of a waistbag the next 2 years? Maybe yes, maybe not. Do I want to leave it after in my closet for the next 20 years? Not sure.

 

Winter long dress

• Why I could be tempted: the bohemian style lookbooks that really push us to follow this trend and the comfort to put on a long dress without thinking.

• Why I won’t succumb: my point of view is totally subjective and I talk about the style I would like to have to fit my silhouette.

I would definitely go for a long dress in summer (freedom!) but in winter, it’s harder because you need to match it with a coat: I find the long dress-long coat combo not good for my silhouette and gives me a “Urban Amish” look not that great.

 

The scarf/tapestry prints

• Why I could get tempted: To spice up my uniform looks, to give some character: patterns are good sometimes.

• Why I won’t succumb: The H&M with Morris & Co collaboration is the typical example I won’t buy as it’s simply not my style at all.

This pattern is also difficult to manage: long dress and pussybow shirt, all the ingredients to make me look like a Granny. I can’t (or at least not before the menopause).

 

So here is a quick overview of the trend I refuse to follow. The future will tell us if I will succumb or not. What about you? Is there any trend you won’t never like? (English translation by Quiterie)

 

Photos credits : Elle.fr, Topshop, H&M, Sézane, Net-a-porter

Tadao Ando

· Art, Fashion

Since last summer, I am quite spoiled in terms of exhibition in Paris thanks to the « Japonismes » event that will last until the beginning of next year. Unfortunately I missed « Jakuchū » at the Petit Palais (which seemed to have a lot of success as I couldn’t get tickets online and looking at the endless line at the doors).

For this new exhibition of Tadao Ando, I had to be much faster! So I went to the Centre Pompidou last Sunday when the doors opened, with my e-ticket on my phone..

 

Tadao Ando, the self-educated architect

Actually, before Sunday, I didn’t know much about Tadao Ando, apart from the museum of contemporary art in Naoshima island (you know, the island with the huge pumpkin from Yayoi Kusama).

This exhibition gave me a huge input of his impressive work, knowing that he learnt everything on his own after traveling around the world, observing everything (of course, talent helps too).

 

Komyo-Ji temple, Saijo, Ehime and Rokko Residence, Kobe scale models

 

I got totally transported by his ideas and master pieces: a mix of graphic, minimalist lines, intrinsically linked with the nature and even sublimating the whole.

 

Nature and architecture

What particularly got my attention was the very smart way to use emptiness to create a space filled with soul, where the nature and the concrete are in total harmony, hence the name of the exhibition: The Challenge.

Because yes, it’s a nice challenge to be able to create these « spaces of essential emotions »: Tadao never forgets human nor nature in his work.

For me, the most impressive piece is the Hill of the Buddha (2015): an artificial hill built long after this sacred statue, to give some mysterious and spiritual character to the monument.

The lavender planted above this hill change the aesthetic of this place each season, for a purple colour in summer, green during spring and a white coat the whole winter.

What a shame we didn’t know about this monument when we went to Japan last winter as it’s located in Sapporo in Hokkaido!

 

La Bourse de Commerce scale model

 

As consolation, I will be able to admire the results of the work of the Bourse de commerce in Paris since Tadao apparently started doing some refurbishment.

A big cylinder made of concrete nested in this historical dome: I totally love this mix of genres (and time!).

 

La Punta della Dogana in Venice scale model

 

Church of Light, Osaka and Church on the water, Hokkaido scale models

 

We could say so many things about this artist that I could talk about every single project I saw but this is not the objective as the exhibition is made for this!

I loved discovering his work and scale models so much that I left the museum after buying the catalog of the exhibition: a beautiful book explaining the exhibited work, along with an original drawing signed by Tadao Ando. I am the kind of person who loves this kind of limited signed edition!

I hope you also like this kind of raw, graphical and minimalist aesthetic, no matter if you are into architecture or not. Anyway, these pieces of Tadao Ando had a very relaxing effect on me with a this additional touch of soul. (English translation by Quiterie)

My Outfit

Blazer Jeanne Damas pour La Redoute (already seen here and there)
Shirt Tommy Jeans
Jeans Uniqlo (already seen here)
Flats Boden (already seen here)
Net bag brought from Chatuchak market in Bangkok

Earrings Soko
Necklace Minetta Jewellery
Watch Cluse

Eyelash extensions “Russian volume”  Les cils de Marie (already seen here)

Five senses #10

· Decoration, Fashion, Food

Here we go for a new episode of Five senses ! Here are the things that pleased my five senses lately : Let’s go !

 

Smell

Mug “cat” Kinto
Candle Anthropologie

 

Even though, the good weather is still around, my mood turns out to be ready for an autumn cocooning mode. One of my favourite drinks for this season is the Golden milk, discovered last year -you will laugh- thanks to Gary Barlow, the leader of Take That, who talked about it in one of his instastory (I am currently reading his bio “A better me”, which is very inspiring, but it might be the fan talking now).

Since then, I like preparing this comforting spicy ayurvedic with beneficial properties for health and immunity: apparently the turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects like ginger (that I use for my cháo gà).

Here is my recipe for a big mug:

  • 250 ml of spelt milk (any kind of vegetal milk works but the spelt if already perfectly sweetened and doesn’t require sugar or agave syrup)
  • 50-100ml water
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnammon
  • One pinch of nutmeg powder
  • 1cm of of ginger root, peeled and cut in strings
  • A grind of black pepper (which help absorbing the curcuma and therefore its effects)

Mix everything all together in a pan at low heat for 10min while stirring. Filter and enjoy!

 

Sight

Bookcase “Watford” La Redoute intérieurs

 

The refurbishment in our apartment is overall done: only a few more things here and about. This “office/dressing” room misses a small bench that we want to build ourselves but here is already the reading area we made behind the dressing and the desk. I will show you the overall look when the room will be completely finished.

The idea was to get at the same time a cocooning room but with storage. I sorted through the books, keeping only those I would read again (don’t judge the ones with Britney Spears please).

Pillow Absolument Maison
Wooden small table La Redoute Intérieurs

 

For esthetic purposes I Iove sorting the books by the colors of the rainbow (Care Bears power!) and for those not matching, I simply turn them back. An totally Control freak attitude, I admit it but the visual harmony has a great importance for my mental mood.

I allow myself for some kawaii things on the shelves (the survivors of collection now locked down in the cellar!).

 

Taste

Last weekend I watched the movie “Ramen Teh” from the Singaporean Eric Khoo. I tried to know as less as possible before going to watch it.

So I won’t tell you anything about the scenario not to spoil or disappoint you. All I can say is that the story takes place in Japan and Singapore, with a lot of yummy and sweet scenes.

I had a good time even though I felt like the movie director tried hard to make me cry (and he succeed) and I was probably expecting something less “easy” to watch with more complex characters. I would anyway recommend it to foodies and Asia lovers.

 

Hearing

Lamp La Redoute intérieurs
Dried flowers Bergamotte

 

Finally! I finished the Harry Potter saga thanks to the audiobooks at the end! So I can give you my overall opinion on both books and movies since I also watched them.

I am very happy to understand this passion however I am not sure I really got into it. I appreciated to read if but I really struggled with all the characters, Quidditch scenes, long descriptions and « Heroic Fantasy »world (elfs and Gobelins are not really my favorite).

Harry doesn’t have enough charisma so that’s one of the reason I couldn’t get into it. To my opinion, thankfully Ron and Hermione were here: the spices of the saga (with Rogue too: I really liked the outcome and this tortured brain, sensitive and complex).

I was also quite disappointed with the movies as it was missing some fluidity in the story: sometimes too fast, without transition and characters showing up as they’ve been there forever (Fleur & Bill’s wedding makes no sense without reading the books before for instance).

However, I was quite amazed by the overall ambiance and I think that I would love visiting the studios in London or the Universal parks. From now on, I will try to catch up with the Fantastic Beasts!

 

Touch

Cosmetic Products Kiehl’s
Dvet cover La Redoute intérieurs

 

My skin suffered from a bad dehydration the last few months, despite of more natural cosmetics as I told you about here.

The story of my skinis a juggle between hydratation and glows. The products « Les Inspyrées » were first good enough but I had to start alternating with more traditional products  to avoid the dehydration.

This week I received this surprise pack from Kiehl’s, a brand that I only know the name. So I will try their routine and tell you the results if I like their effectiveness as much as their packaging. Have you ever tried on your end? (English translation by Quiterie)

 

(Article including affiliate links)

My Outfit

Jumper La Redoute collections (already seen here)
Dungarees Le Mont St Michel (already seen here)
Earrings Soko (already seen here)
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