Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!  I hope you will have a wonderful day, no matter how and with whom you are celebrating!

Heart shaped cookies, cake and pastries by Jarreau Patisserie The Hague. 

Flowers by Au Petit Pont. 

Valentine's Day Wishlist

With just one week to go to Valentine's Day, I found myself wondering, what are THE musthave items this year? Here are some of my favourite Valentine's Day gifts for him and her. I have to admit, some of these gifts are more expensive than others, but remember it's the gesture that counts! (And the best gifts are usually the ones that are thoughtful and perfectly suitable for the object of your affections.)

Valentine's Day Declaration 15 macarons gift box by Laduree:
Valentine's Day Declaration Macarons

Rouge Noir Confidence eyeshadow and blush palette by Chanel, via De Bijenkorf:
Rouge Noir Eyeshadow and Blush Palette

Make Me Blush Powder by Yves Saint Laurent, via de Bijenkorf:
Make Me Blush Powder YSL

Alvar Aalto vase by Iittala, via De Bijenkorf:
Alvar Aalto Vase

Heart Earrings by Mercedes Salazar:
Heart Earrings

Red Metal Heart Box with 11 pralines by Neuhaus Chocolates via De Bijenkorf:
Red Metal Heart Box Neuhaus Chocolates

Amourose Maxi Chrystal Pump 105 in Lipstick by Aquazzura:
Amourose Chrystal Pump Aquazzura

The Art of Live Tanga by Marlies Dekkers via De Bijenkorf:
The Art of Love Tanga

Heart Charm key chain by Zara:
Heart Charm Key Chain

Ski Boot and Heart Key Chain by Goldbergh:
Ski Boot and Heart Key Chain

Perfume Discovery Set by Memo Paris:
Perfume Discovery Set Memo Paris

Heart & Love Book by Assouline:
Heart & Love Book by Assouline

Centaurus Perfume (for men and women) by Creed: 
Centaurus Parfum Creed

Valentino Alessandria Hat (Valentine's Day limited edition) by Borsalino:

Valentino Alessandria Hat

Fashion trend: Après-ski style

When the American, British, Italian and French Vogue all publish articles about après-ski style, you know a big trend is going on. But what's après-ski style exactly? It almost always includes Norwegian or Fair isle sweaters, faux fur coats and accessories, furry or colorful Moon Boots and quite often luxury brand handbags and sunglasses.

The queen of après-ski style is (the Brazilian influencer) Thassia Naves if you ask me. She really knows how to look good, keep it warm and comfy, but also how to steal the show. For those of you who don't know her, she's loud and a little over the top ("never low-key" in her own words). But I love that! 

While many American and European influencers only choose neutral colors (like beige, caramel, latte, mocha mousse...), Thassia goes all out and wears vibrant colors, such as neon pink, yellow, red, blue and black. She wears colorful outfits by Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Perfect Moment, Goldbergh, as well as statement accessories by Christian Dior, Gucci and Chanel. That may not be accessible for everyone, however it can be a great style inspiration. Why not risk a little?

Other famous influencers who do après-ski style really well, are Silvia Braz (Brazil), Lena Terlutter (Germany), Natasha Oakley (Australia). Dutch entrepeneur (and former model, TV host, actress) Nikkie Plessen is also a great inspiration if you're looking for the perfect après-ski style. She combines her own fashion brands, including Nikkie Skiwear, with combat boots and Hermès and Chanel bags, creating a luxurious and cool style at the same time.

One of my favorite skiwear and après-ski-wear brands is Goldbergh, by Dutch entrepreneurs Lieke van den Berg and Sandra Peet. In every collection they have various themes. The Goldbergh winter 25/26 collection has a black & white theme, an Italian (ski racing) Idols theme, but also "Bella Maschera" including a stunning Venetian masks print. Furthermore, Goldbergh has a limited edition capsule collection, called "Gold Exclusive", which equals couture on & off the slopes. Après-ski style doesn't get more luxurious or fashionable than this!

Photos 1-11 Thassia Naves, Instagram @thassianaves
Photos 12-13 Silvia Bussade Braz, Instagram @silviabraz
Photos 14-15 Lena Terlutter, Instagram @lenaterlutter
Photos 16-17 Natasha Oakley, Instagram @tashoakley
Photos 18-19 Nikkie Plessen, Instagram @nikkie_official
Photos 20-22 Goldbergh, Instagram @goldbergh

For more information about Goldbergh please visit: 
https://goldbergh.com

For more fashion trends check out one of my previous articles:
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2023/08/fashion-trend-degrade-or-ombre.html
https://tarasdolcevita.blogspot.com/2021/11/fashion-trend-white-sunglasses.html

Blue Monday, Blue Happiness

It's Blue Monday again. Supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The holidays are over, you have spent al your money (on Christmas gifts), days are still short, the weather is cold, spring is still far away.... Who can blame you when you're feeling down?

While these things may or may not be influencing your state of mind, (real) despression is no joke... many people are struggling with despression every day. So please check in with your family and friends, to see if they're okay.

And on a lighter note, you have to realise that the concept of Blue Monday was invented by a PR agency (to sell vacations)! So instead of focusing on the negative part, I would like to give you some blue inspiration. Travel and fashion inspiration that is. The color blue always makes me happy, because it's the color of the sky and the ocean! Hopefully my photos can brighten up your day!

Photos taken in Capri, Ischia, Naples, Lisbon and The Hague

Blue blazer by Zara

Blue and gold bag by Yam Capri

Blue checkered bag by Mercedes Salazar 

Blue dress by Agua by Agua Bendita 

For more blue inspiration, check out one of my previous articles:

Happy Blue Monday 2025

I Looove Blue and White

Favorite Holiday Destinations Capri

Umbria Jazz Winter # 32

For New Year 's Eve I was in Orvieto, Italy. This beautiful town welcomes the Umbria Jazz festival every winter. In December 2025 the 32nd edition took place, with artists like Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea, Dado Moroni, Fabrizio Bosso, Emma Smith and Ray Gelato.

Although the weather wasn't great (cold and rainy) and I didn't feel great either (coughing like crazy), it was wonderful to be there. Orvieto has stolen my heart a long time ago. I think it's the combination of a beautiful historic centre, cosy bars and restaurants, cute little shops and a wonderful atmosphere. Add Umbria Jazz to the mix and you have the perfect destination for New Year's Eve.

Want to learn more about Orvieto, Umbria and Umbria Jazz Winter? Please read one of my previous articles:
Osteria da Mamma Angela 
New Year's Eve in Orvieto 
Holiday Season in Umbria