Antik Batik Fall/Winter 13-14

It's always a pity when summer comes to an end... the only thing that cheers me up, is the arrival of the new Antik Batik collection in the stores!!! The colours, beading and embroideries are so rich... I can't wait to put it on. The dresses will get you right in the mood for a big New Years Eve party, the coats almost make you want temperatures to drop below zero... Don't you agree?

And the great thing about it, is that you can start wearing those lovely tops and blouses right away. They will fit perfectly with a summer skirt or pair of white jeans. The cardigans, sweaters and coats can wait. (In your closet I mean... because you better get your hands on them right now... Antik Batik always flies off the shelves).

For more information, please visit:
http://www.antikbatik.fr

Photos courtesy of Antik Batik.

Bloggers Breakfast at Lookx cosmetics

This week I was a guest at the Bloggers Breakfast organized by Lookx, a Dutch cosmetics brand with global ambitions! The CEO and owner of the company, Cindy van der Peet, told us about her ideas, passion, and wishes for the future.

International trainer Charlotte Favot explained to us why Lookx is so different from all the other cosmetics & skincare brands out there. In fact, all Lookx products are developed and tested in laboratories in Switzerland and Italy, especially designed to make sure they're not only beautifying, but also taking care of your skin.

One thing I loved to hear, was that Lookx uses nylon makeup brushes, instead of those made from animal hair. Cindy is a vegetarian and wants her brand to be as animal-friendly as possible!

Makeup artist Mark Reker showed us what you can do with the new Fall/Winter collection (making beautiful 'smokey eyes' among others) and photographer Otto van den Toorn took photos of everyone... so the stunning results will last a little longer than just one day!

I loved my smokey eyes and coral lips... it made me feel like a movie star! (In the last photo, together with Cindy, you can see the final result.) Thank you so much Cindy, Mark, Otto & the rest of the Lookx team for a wonderful time.

For more information, please visit: http://www.lookx.nl

Summer Musthave: Espadrilles

At once they were everywhere (again).... espadrilles! A very comfortable type of shoe, originally from the Pyrenees, perfect for summer! I fell completely in love with the "Rise & Shine" model by The Old House... this new brand is according to their agency "an extension of the lives of Bibi (Sculptress, Jewelry Designer), Gugi (Writer, Filmmaker) and James van der Velden (interior Architect, Designer)." No surprise here... I love Bibi van der Velden's jewelry!

All the other espadrilles are not for sale yet... you will be able to buy them next summer, since they're part of the Spring-Summer 2014 collections that were shown during Pitti Uomo. Something to look forward to! Whether you like a preppy look, animal prints, neon colours, ikat prints, cotton, linnen or suede... there's an espadrille for everyone.

Photos 3-7, 11: Manebì
Photo 2: The Old House
Photo: 1, 8-10 Colors of California

For more information please visit:
The Old House: http://www.anna-nina.nl/agency/the-old-house/
Manebì: http://www.manebi.eu
Colors of California: http://www.colorsofcalifornia.it

Launch party Restaurant Catch by Simonis

 

Recently an amazing new seafood restaurant opened in the Marina Scheveningen: Catch by Simonis. The restaurant was built from scratch, in the form of a vessel, giving you the idea you're having lunch or dinner on a luxurious boat or ship. The staircase is one you would expect on a cruise ship, the deck offers wonderful views of the harbour; the "Captain's room" can be used for meetings and private parties. What more can you ask for?

I attended the luscious launch party which was really spectacular, especially in these economically challenging times! Lobster, oysters, caviar, sushi, Champagne... you name it, they served it. The seafood was the best quality ever! That should come as no surprise to those who know the Simonis family. They own several seafood shops and restaurants & supply many restaurants in the Scheveningen area.

As you can immagine, their menu consists of lots of seafood (think salmon, tuna, scallops, lobster and more), but offers some meat and vegetarian options as well: wagyu carpaccio, ribeye steak, caesar salad, caprese and ravioli. The surroundings are lovely, so besides lunch or dinner, why not go to Catch by Simonis for a High Tea or High Wine?

I have to say... it was an unforgettable experience. Delicious food, wonderful wines, Champagne by Veuve Cliquot, a lot of people (approximately 1000 guests) and really great music! Dutch saxophone player Candy Dulfer gave quite a show... the same goes for Berget Lewis and The Crooners. Wow... I danced the night away and will definitely come back soon!

For more information, please visit:
http://catch-bysimonis.nl