ENG WELL AFFAIRE! (Where the wild things are ..)

“I have never met a leopard print I didn’t like!” (Diana Vreeland, Editor-in-chief Vogue, (1903-1989) 

Here are my fall picks: (Note: No leopards were harmed in the making of these items)

Collage © 2012 TIMELESS PIECES,LLC. All copyrighted photos belong to their rightful owners 

1. J.Crew Leopard chiffon dress $288; 2. Lanvin Leopard encrusted enamel necklace at Browns $2,153; 3. J.Crew Leopard Bracelet $58/piece; 4. Wildfox Couture Leopard Spots Roadtrip sweater $117/piece; 5. Jil Sander Red Leopard Calf hair flats at Ssense $695; 6. Agent Provocateur Leopard Print calf hair driving gloves at Net-a-porter $500; 7. Alexander McQueen Green Leopard and Skulls printed silk scarf at Montaigne Market $425; 8. Kate Spade Show your spots ring $39 (sale); 9. Christopher Kane Leopard print leather clutch at Opening Ceremony $700; 10. Illesteva Leonard 2 Safari sunglasses $260; 11. Wallis Leopard print Ponte skirt $52.

AUS ITALIEN! (From Italy with love)

On a recent trip to Tuscany and Umbria (Italy) (more on this later), I came across these adorable key-holders in assorted shapes and styles, made of Tuscan leather by Italian craftsmen.   What makes them special is that they are entirely handmade using vegetable-tanned Vacchetta leather and featuring ancient stitching techniques (typical of this region).

These whimsical and unique key-ring ornaments make perfect host/hostess gifts and at this price (€8-10  - $13-$15/piece) are an affordable indulgence. 
Rather than using them for keys, I prefer hanging the charms on my bags as decoration (a popular custom in Japan and Italy).

I purchased the Coccinella (Lovebug) and the Corno Portafortuna (Italian red horn) for Good Luck, the Gallo Nero for a friend who is a wine aficionado (the black rooster is the symbol of Chianti Classico) and the Pinocchio for my little niece.

In case a trip to Siena or Florence is not in your cards anytime soon (although I highly recommend it) you can purchase the key-rings online at these stores:

http://bit.ly/ORx3Px

or here

http://bit.ly/TgnUTH

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page August 8, 2012)

Until next time, 

DANZT NO MENGER PEIF! (Let’s dance ..)

“Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on earth.”

Video courtesy: Kowadiz -- "Wou gees de" (where are you going?) and YOUTUBE.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv1G9RBXeyU 

VIR MECH! (Shoes are my drug of choice ... seriously..)

                                                   
GOOD LORD!! I almost fainted .... I MUST. GET. THESE!!  

I know, I know they look very ELVIS PRESLEY during his Las Vegas period but they are simply awesome.

Keep everything else simple, straightforward and monochromatic, your accessories to a minimum and let them (literally) shine.

Pair them with skinny pants, an INHABIT cashmere sweater and a Burberry coat.

Miu Miu Glitter-finished Chelsea boot Net-a-porter.com

http://bit.ly/Og923M  $750

ALL MENSCH GEET OP D’SCHUEBERFOUER! (Ticket to ride ..) 

Ever since I was a kid, August has been my favorite month of the year. It meant celebrating my birthday (and my brother's) (read: gifts, cakes and parties), unadulterated time with my Beloved Boma at her vacation house (read: pure happiness), eating copious amounts of ice cream, enjoying long summer days with no alarm clocks and most importantly a temporary escape from the drudgery of school. But the incontestable highlight of every August was a visit to the “Schueberfouer” (Shoo-ber-fhour), a large folk fair that takes place in the heart of Luxembourg City. This popular festival (originally a shepherd's market) was founded by John the Blind in 1340. You read correctly: this is the 672^nd Schueberfouer! Talk about a long-standing tradition. 

The “Fouer” for me was a veritable wonderland consisting of live pony carousels, antique merry-go-rounds, endless roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, novelty games, implausible carnival acts, a mesmerizing luna park, persistent street vendors, and too-numerous-to-count food merchants and restaurants, in other words, heaven!

Today it hosts over 270 attractions, is spread over 3.5 km (2 miles) and attracts about 2 million visitors.

A trip to the fairground was never complete without indulging in the regional specialties like “Gebakene Fesch” (baked fish), “Gromperkichelcher” (fried potato cakes), “Waffelen” (waffles with strawberries and whipped cream) and the ubiquitous nougat.

This funfair, emblematic of the city and the country, was an exciting, magical place for me as a child and even after all these years, I am happy to say, it has lost none of its luster.

Schueberfouer 2012
August 23 - September 11
Place du Glacis
Luxembourg-Ville

Video courtesy of Superjams featuring eXemo (all musicians from Luxembourg)  "All Mensch geet op d'Schueberfouer" (Everybody goes to the Schueberfouer)

DEI SINN FLOTT! (Sweater matter ..)

Washington, DC is not my fashion nirvana but it definitely has its share of new and upcoming designers.

One of my very favorite is Pico Vela, a high-end knitwear company founded by Nicole Alfieri. Nicole is no stranger to the fashion industry; before launching her own label, this Parsons School of Design graduate, has worked with national and international brands (I am very partial to the lovely tops and exquisite dresses she designed for PUA Naturally but more on that later).

Venturing into the knitting world was a natural move for this talented artist with her minimalistic approach and unfussy esthetic. The same sensibility she brought to designing her ethereal tops she now applies to her knit line.

Calling Pico Vela’s creations mere sweaters is not doing them justice. Not only are they beautifully crafted (knit on hand machines by a collective of artists in the US) with a real woman’s body in mind, they are also expertly executed, fashioned from the highest quality, natural-fiber yarn available (merino wool, linen, cotton, bamboo, etc). The easy-to-wear tops drape effortlessly and have just enough detail without being overly ornate or busy.

I don’t know about you, but I lust for one of her cocoon jackets (my love of cardigans is well documented  ...) and for a boxy sweater from the Fall/Winter collection.

Pico Vela designs can be found at these fine retailers and boutiques.

Prices range from $200 - $400 

For wholesale inquiries please contact Nicole through her website

Copyright © 2012 pico vela. All rights reserved.  www.picovela.com 

ENG LECKER SACH! (Sweet dreams are made of this.. )

Have you been to SmooJo in Luxembourg-city?

A great place to cool down and relax! Sample the Fro-yo (the best of both worlds – delicious AND low-cal), have an Italian Soda (complete with retro-looking labels), sip a coffee, indulge your inner child with a healthy fruit smoothie or curb your sweet tooth with a nutritional KIND energy bar. 

(read our review about Kind bars) 

SmooJo is conveniently located at
60, Grand-rue
Inside the Gallerie Grand-rue
Luxembourg-Ville (City Center)
Phone (+352) 2620 2307

www.smoojo.lu

Check out Smoojo's Facebook page for new arrivals and specials complete with fun YouTube videos featuring the charming Seraphine Mirage 

Enjoy!

(article first published on Gudde Moien Facebook page June 20, 2012)

www.smoojo.lu