There is something and it makes me smile, I think I like you (Black Box revelation)

I've been to the KF fair in Amsterdam last Sunday and the thing that struck me most wast that next Winter's color palette will be so soft, grey-ish and chalky pastels will rule the fashion scene for kids.

I must admit I like it ; maybe I've seen to many bright colors these past years and a person needs to stay inspired and stimulated.

I still need to order loads from the designers these next few weeks. Curious what some of them will have in store. I've seen beautiful items at the fair but am curious to see if those with colorful designs will follow in fashion's footsteps or stay true to their own style.

Paumes

One of my addictions are the books by Paumes. These small but very inspiring Japanese books are a real feast for the eye ! I don't understand nor can read any of the Japanese comments but the pictures say so much more than a 1000 words.
Here's there latest addition ; Finland Children's rooms ... ordered me one this morning ..

The dress is Chanel The shoes YSL The bag is Dior Agent Provocateur My address today, LA by the way Above Sunset Strip, the hills all the way (But I'm a good girl, Christina Aguilera)

wish list

Have I been a good girl this week ? Oh yesss !
I've found some great stuff for us, the house and me ..
I got me a new tote from DVF, a small LGD by Missoni (shown in silver lurex edition - I took the golden one as the sales assistant assured me the warmer tone was way more suitable for my type),
a latex (oh yeah) collar - custom made by Atsuko Kudo and to finish the week an Alessi cheese pavillion I've wanted for ever. Look at that little mouse on top ! It looks like the love child of Speedy Gonzalez & Jerry !

What ? But I'm a good girl (Christina Aguilera, Burlesque, OST)

detail

Just a small detailed picture of the window display in my shop ... 

Ok konijntje, het is je dag vandaag Ik zing een liedje en ik doe het een beetje traag (AKA The Junkies)

Thanks Sabine for the lovely picture !

Sabine from Retro-Rock & Robots (kids label I sell in my shop) bought this and she wanted to share this picture with me. She's very happy with it and she told me wherever she puts it in her house, it always is right ! So happy she really enjoys it ; it's above all an unique piece !

She keeps Moet et Chandon In a pretty cabinet 'Let them eat cake' she says Just like Marie Antoinette (Killer Queen, Queen)

If we ever do a theme party, it will be a 'let them eat cake' party ...

Can't wait to have that big French oak table in my house so lots of friends can be seated and enjoy breakfast - brunch - lunch - bbq - dinner - late night snack-a-ton

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Seeing these pictures again (can't watch the Marie Antoinette movie 'cause all our dvd's are packed in boxes right now) they inspire me - the colors, the food, the clothes ..

Those icy blues and frosted pinks - they look so yummie !

I found the perfect color for my living and cooking space ; shady grey ... We choose a new cabinet for our good china and silver spoons. It has a warm "coffee with loads of milk" kinda color and it looks perfect with the new shade we picked for the walls.

Now let's hope Frank (our painter) does a swell job splashing those walls with his brush.

Next Monday he will start on the walls inside the house.

Gun, gun, son of a gun You are the only one and no one else will take my place. (Eugene, Vaselines)

Leopold de Waelstraat, Antwerpen


What's typical for Antwerp(en) is that you need to look up sometimes. The best façades are always the ones that hold the small details, looked upon when you look a bit further (or need I say higher) than just the front door.
I love the older houses, their history and sometimes I would like to change my double glass, warm modern shop for a more autenthic building. They have way more charm and character. Last Sunday when I was strollin' to a vintage market near our appartment, I noticed this amazing house. Unfortunately, the little bistro was empty. Just a sign of a lost dream of someone's business ; but even empty the window and interior spilled so much more style and that oldskool 'je ne sais quoi' ...
Is there a façade or house in your city that makes your fantasy run wild ?
Let us know and see this post as a 'tag'  to your blog.

I'm just mad about Saffron Saffron's mad about me I'm just mad about Saffron She's just mad about me (Mellow Yellow, Donovan)

working on a "sur mésure" scarf 

Although I'm am not working 'sur mésure' at this moment, I did want to make this yellow scarf for a good customer of my shop. She really likes the things we have in store and she bought the cutest fake fur 'bambi' skirt for her little girl the other day. She combined it with bright yellow stockings and asked me to make a matching scarf. Yellow is the new black (will also be seen in an upcoming photoshoot for a magazine) and it brings out a bit of sunshine in this whimsical weather. 

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The reason I am not working custom made is I need to put my energy in an upcoming event.

October 9th I will be taking part in the WINKELSTRAAT in Leuven.

After that, I will be able to spend more time on new projects and the custom made items.

Looking forward to my own workspace too - man, you don't know how much I will need the extra space to work and not having to move my sewing machines from one room to another.

Big in Japan- alright, Pay ! - Then I'll sleep by your side - Things are easy when you're big in Japan (Alphaville, Big in Japan)

I've ordered yet another Paumes book yesterday ; they are my Japanese addiction. Must admit I have many Japanese or shall I rather say, kawaii addictions.
The new issue features Kawaii stores in Paris.
Can't wait to find the book in my mailbox. So inspiring all these pictures.

I have never seen that dress you're wearing Or the highlights in your hair that catch your eyes I have been blind (lady in Red, Chris de Burgh)

love the handcrocheted scarf

Just wanted to share this lazy Sunday afternoon images with you ... hope you had a great weekend too !

How do you like your eggs in the morning I like mine with a kiss (How do you like your eggs in the morning, Dean Martin)

click for a closer look - we just ordered the custom made table, not the frills seen on it



We've bought a table yesterday. A big chunky table in French oak. Superheavy (I trust mr C on this one as he cleams he's pretty sure it can be delivered in one piece) We've opted for this wooden number cause it's warm, not too frilly and it's a primal basic piece of furniture everyone just needs in his home. It has to be firm to hold a lot of people, eating - laughing and working all in thought. Sizewise we took a 240cm length and 100 cm width so at least 8 people can easily enjoy each others company without touching elbows whilst eating.

Starfish and coffee, maple syrup and jam Butterscotch clouds, a tangerine, a side order of ham (Starfish & Coffee, Prince)

peppercino coffee @ Starfish & Coffee, Antwerp

Everybody 's got their own little secret place. Starfish & Coffee is one of mine. When I need to  get some paper and glue and other stuff, I always grab a peppercino at this coffeeshop just across AVA***

that's nead that's nead that's nead I really love your tiger feet (Tiger Feet, Mud)

Steve Madden shoes - I got mine at Essentiel Store Antwerp

My new soft spot : animal print shoes. I think I found the perfect pair. Good quality, perfect color and in an acceptable price range. I usually wear a lot of black during Fall and Winter. Simple straight trousers, 3/4 double breasted jackets and blazers, uni or striped tees and pullovers.

So I'd like to have some accessory that stands out ; showstopping shoes - bags and scarfs are perfect to complement my personal style.

Un autre endroit, une autre vie Eh oui, c'est une autre histoire (La Folie, The Stranglers)

Beth Katleman and her Folly scene

Folly was based on the Toile de Jouy wallpapers and fabrics. Beth Katleman has worked for many years on this 5m long panel of art, wich was shown (first) at Design Miami. Beth will produce a total of 12 pieces ; the first panel has been sold already ! Wouldn't we like to have the budget to purchase one ourselves ??

We're heading for a Victory, for you and me, both of us, victorious. Ain't it plain to see, you belong to me (Daan)

DAAN

My picture of the week : singer Daan at the Laundry Day event last Saturday ...

The boys watch the girls while the girls watch the boys who watch the girls go by Eye to eye, they solemnly convene to make the scene (Andy Williams)

Margot Robbie

I absolutely wanted to share this picture. 

This is a scene from a new series coming up ; Pan Am !

Am I going to love this ! yes !

So very Mad Men meets the mile high club ...

Orange can be hard, sometimes she knows. Orange is the way the summer blows (Metal Molly)

we love orange ! (click on picture for a closer look)

(left) sarahjanestudios via @Etsy
(mid) sillybuddy via @Etsy
(right) miu miu AS2011 collection

Ok konijntje, het is je dag vandaag Ik zing een liedje en ik doe het een beetje traag (AKA The Junkies)

plate found at Habitat sale and bunny is vintage 

Sold this plate yesterday ! It really was one of my favourites. Mama bunny and her little son are so sweet ! The nice part is that the girl who bought it, is a graphic designer. She makes awesome designs for kids clothes, very retro too. Maybe she will get some inspiration for her upcoming collection from the plate. If I spot a little bunny in her next Spring/Summer 2012 collection, a smile will grow on my face.

Baby, baby, sugar me (Lynsey de Paul, 1972)

Crystallised ginger by Waitrose - Zara Home plate - Vintage pussycat
I glued the cat on the plate with some extra strong china glue. Doesn't this look fantastic ? A cheap (bought the plate on sale) and unique (vintage cat) way to amaze someone you love and like to share your best sweets with ! 

I really love ginger. In any form. I can drink it hot or cold, mixed in a lemonade. Just love to eat it with sushi - or use it in a dessert like crème brulée or milk.
You can cut these crystallised ones up in tiny pieces to mix in a fruit salad.
Or give them together with some dark chocolat when your gossip girlfriend comes over for a coffee.
The ones I like best are the ones I found at Waitrose (in Cyprus haha !) but I bet any self respecting candy shop offers them too in their candy and sweets collection.
What's your best ginger recipe ?