Thursday 27 September 2012

Brussels, the land of Chocolate, Waffles and Beer

I loved Brussels so much. I actually went to two cities in Belgium; Brussels and Antwerp, but I really wan't that big of a fan of Antwerp. Brussels on the other hand was instant love. Brussels is beautiful, the architecture is quite similar to Paris and is also a French speaking city. That being said, in the central  part of Brussels it is unlike any other place. It's like a medieval city within a city itself, almost like a secret. The buildings are tall and beautiful and the streets are narrow and winding. There is no uniform grid or logic to the streets. There are ally ways going every which way, all filled with amazing restaurants and shops with tables pouring out onto the cobblestone. The city was incredibly enchanting and romantic and I definitely recommend visiting with a loved one. Now although I wasn't there for as long as I would have liked, I did have a chance to wear some noteworthy outfits and visit some incredible places. Enjoy! xo

My first real Belgian Waffle
Jean Jacket: Guess, Tank Top: T.Babaton, Shorts: Wilfred

Ladies Night Out - Starting with Sangria
Blazer: Wilfred, Dress: Material Girl, Sandals: Nine West

European Commission
Blazer: Wilfred, Tank Top: T.Babaton, Shorts: H&M, Crystal Necklace: Vintage

3 Stills of Street Life

- M

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Berlin - Poor But Sexy

As my previous post states, I spent most of the summer in Berlin studying Political Science at Humbolt University. It was incredible, not only because I was spending my summer in a foreign country exploring and partying, but also because the course which I studying was incredible. I go to The University of Toronto, the largest school in Canada which means my class sizes are huge and your profs don't really care very much about you. UofT is also known for being very technical and not hands-on, however my course, with 20 people an incredible prof, and the hands-on aspect, made it completely different to any course I've ever taken. The amazing thing about the course is that we were studying current issues within the city and country at large. This meant we learned things which our textbook and even profs could never teach us, just by meeting locals and talking to them. The most enriching lesson I ever had was coming back from my day trip to Hamburg on the train where I was sitting next to a young woman who spoke to great lengths about what I was learning. That is something no UofT classroom could provide. Here are some of my favourite experiences, shots and outfits from Berlin.
Enjoy xo

Foyer of The German Historical Museum

Jean Jacket: Guess, Printed Top: Local German Designers name Unknown, White Jeans: Guess, Sandals: Nine West, Purse: Coach

Berlin Nightfall - TV Tower
Blazer: Wilfred, Lace Top: Talula, Jeans: Current/Elliot, Navy Boots: Vintage

Old Remnants of The Wall

Jacket: Costa Blanca, Button-up: Marciano, White Tank: T. Babaton, Leggings: Calvin Klein

Viktoria Park at Sunset
The World Is Yours, Save It

The Reichstag

Floral Skirt: Vintage, Striped Top: The Gap, Necklace: Vintage, Sunglasses: Guess

- M

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Summer Abroad - Berlin, Hamburg, Brussels and Paris

Hello Everyone!

My greatest apologies, it has been years since I have posted anything. My excuse? I was studying in Berlin this summer and was as busy as a bee. I stayed in Kreuzberg, the Turkish ghetto of Berlin, which is actually the new up and coming neighbourhood for artists, students and young professionals. It was the most amazing experience and I learned far more than I ever imagined. And of course I would love to share with you some of my favourite outfits, photos and experiences from all the fabulous places I visited. Each city I went to had a unique flavour to it, especially the culture. People commonly say that once you visit multiple European cities, they all start to look the same. I disagree with this. Of course there are huge similarities, each city is exceptional in it's own way. Berlin, which I had an apartment in and stayed for the majority of the summer was the most exceptional. It is impossible to capture the distinct character of the city in words, but I will do my best. Berlin, due to it's incredible recent history is filled with a strong political presence created from the Bismarck era, to Hitler, the DDR and communism to the current. It is almost obvious that this history would then affect the culture, which in my opinion is the 'coolest' culture in Europe. A very underground, anti-capitalist music, entertainment, and fashion scene oozes 'poor but sexy' - as the Mayor of Berlin defines it. The music scene is predominantly a very minimalist deep house which the clubs (which are often abandoned buildings) keep exclusive the Berliners, non-tourist, non-douche bag or drunks. The purpose of these events are not to (like in big cities in North America) hook up, get drunk and make a fool of oneself, but rather to appreciate music. The fashion is also very hip. To me it seemed as if the real hipsters, before wannabe's took over the term hipsters, all started in Berlin. Combat boots, studs and shaved heads are basic wardrobe essentials to the girls in Berlin. Grudge is all the rage and sometimes shluppy is their chic.  As a preppy North American, it was a fun and interesting change to my usual outfits choices including polos, florals and high-waisted skirts. The final essential aspect which I would like to note which sets Berlin apart, is the financial situation. Berlin is a poor city, it has no industry except tourism, and as briefly mentioned before, Berliners hate tourism. Also to be said, Berliners don't want large capitalist enterprises moving in and ruining their city ('Fuck Media Spree' is a perfect example of this). It's almost as if Berlin is poor and it likes it like. At least I love Berlin like that, and I also enjoy 3euro bottles of wine!

Enjoy the future posts of pictures, outfits and stories!




- M