tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65473699129427929802024-02-07T04:47:27.414+00:00MademoisielleSielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-15666454199317534702014-11-21T15:42:00.000+00:002014-11-21T15:42:28.508+00:0010 Hours of walking in NYC as a woman in Hijab: modesty, victim blaming and street harassment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/mgw6y3cH7tA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By now, everyone has seen the video of a woman walking
around New York for 10 hours and getting harassed over a hundred times. Did you
also know there has been a response in the form of a video of a woman with a
hijab in New York? The first 5 hours she is shown walking without hijab,
experiencing harassment similar to the original video. However for the next 5
hours, when she does wear the hijab and jilbab, she is miraculously not
subjected to harassment at all. The video says “you be the judge” implying that
it is obvious to see that the only way to be free from harassment is covering
yourself up. Once again, women are shamed and blamed – by both men and women - for
bringing harassment upon themselves, merely by what they are or are not
wearing. Once again people fail to acknowledge the real issue that is street
harassment: the ingrained idea of entitlement and power over women and the fact
that harassment is so normalized in both Western and Middle Eastern culture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Victim blaming happens so often when addressing sexual
crimes and harassment, and even more in the cultural and social context of
Islamic societies where women are seen as sexual creatures who are to blame for
inciting men’s sexual urges. The idea of modesty and the concept of honour and
shame regarding women’s bodies as a means of protecting women does nothing to
solve the problem, rather it reinforces rape culture by always putting the
blame on them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The underlying meaning of this ‘modesty’ is that “good”
women are those who cover up and belong to a man, “bad” women don’t cover up
which implies that they are available to all men. In other words, respect for
women depends mostly on their way of dressing as expected and imposed by men. Victim
blaming and slut-shaming are very close related when talking about harassment. The
notion of the male gaze becomes crucial here, and I very much agree with what
the (anonymous) blogger behind <a href="https://sobersecondlook.wordpress.com/2013/07/03/hijab-and-the-objectification-of-women/">A
Sober Second Look</a> says about this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 42.55pt; margin-right: 42.55pt; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“What we didn’t
notice was that regardless of whether we were measuring ourselves against a
more or a less restrictive check-list determining “proper hijab,” we were
nonetheless forever measuring ourselves in terms of an imagined male gaze,
which we had internalized. We told ourselves that this had nothing to do with
the male gaze, because what we were concerned with ultimately was obeying God.
But coincidentally enough, the gaze that those check-lists had in mind was the
male gaze. According to those check-lists, a woman has to always be aware if
her clothing is “too” tight, “too” bright, “too” short, “too” fashionable,
“too” eye-catching, “too” insufficiently Muslim… mainly, in the judgment of
men—the generations of male scholars who had debated and determined these
matters, and the male leaders of our community—and to a lesser extent, of a
censorious and judgmental community generally.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Going back to the message of the hijab video, “you be the
judge” which implies that the hijab functions as a kind of invisibility cloak
that magically protects against harassment and the male gaze. Problem solved
then? Not really. How do you explain that 99.3% of Egyptian women experience
harassment, when the majority of them wears the hijab?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Qur’an and Hadith suggest that both women and men dress
modestly in order not to incite sexual urges (an inherent natural aspect of
human beings, both men and women). Maybe men who are shaming women for not
wearing the hijab and saying this is required by the Qur’an haven’t read the
Qur’an properly, as in the same chapter it is recommended that men lower their
gaze. Other chapters in the Qur’an encourage men to respect women and treat
them kindly. So why are we not addressing this blatant violation of Islamic
doctrine? When are we going to focus on changing men’s behaviour and attitude
instead of simply blaming women’s appearance and modesty?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
- - - - - - -</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">De video van de vrouw die 10 uur in New York rondloopt en daarbij meer dan 100 keer wordt nageroepen, lastiggevallen en zelfs gevolgd is ondertussen wijdverspreid, net als de vele parodieën die erop volgden. Een van deze parodieën was de video met als titel ’10 hours of walking in NYC as a woman in Hijab’. De video toont een vrouw die gekleed in een jeans en t-shirt gedurende 5 uur door New York loopt en hierbij op gelijkaardige manier wordt lastiggevallen al in de originele video. De volgende 5 uur draagt ze een hijab en een jilbab en wordt ze op magische wijze helemaal niet lastiggevallen, zelfs volledig genegeerd. De video voegt er nog de comment “you be the judge” aan toe, waarmee de makers impliceren dat deze video duidelijk maakt dat vrouwen slechts zichzelf moeten bedekken en hierbij verlost zouden zijn van intimidatie en opmerkingen. Dit is een van de vele manieren waarop de schuld van harassment bij de vrouw en haar (on)gepaste kledij wordt gelegd. Het echte probleem wordt hierbij over het hoofd gezien, nl. het zelfverkondigde recht en gezag van mannen over vrouwen en het feit dat street harassment zodanig genormaliseerd en geaccepteerd is, in zowel de Westerse als niet-Westerse maatschappij.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Victim blaming – waarbij de schuld aan het slachtoffer gegeven wordt – gebeurt te vaak wanneer het gaat over onderwerpen als intimidatie, verkrachting en street harassment, en in grote mate in islamitische samenlevingen of gemeenschappen. Vrouwen worden hierbij beschouwd als seksuele wezens die volledig de schuld dragen voor het opwekken van seksuele drang en lust bij mannen. Het achterliggende idee van ‘modesty’ – bescheidenheid of zedelijkheid – en ‘eer en schaamte’ dat altijd geassocieert wordt met het lichaam van de vrouw wordt hier gezien als een manier om vrouwen te beschermen. Dit heeft echter het tegenovergesteld effect, aangezien het ‘rape culture’ in de hand werkt door telkens de fout bij de vrouw te leggen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">De werkelijke betekenis van deze ‘modesty’ is dat vrouwen die zich bedekken “goede” vrouwen zijn die aan een man toebehoren, terwijl onbedekte of minder bedekte vrouwen te kennen zouden geven dat ze beschikbaar zijn voor eender welke man en hierdoor als “slechte” vrouwen – of zelfs slechte muslima’s - worden bestempeld. Met andere woorden, het respect dat vrouwen kunnen verkrijgen hangt grotendeels af van hun manier van kleden, dat hun opgelegd wordt door mannen. Verschillende moslima bloggers hebben hun ongenoegen geuit over de betekenis van de hoofddoek in de hedendaagse samenleving, en de druk van de maatschappij en van mannen in het bijzonder. De manier waarop vrouwen onderworpen worden aan een checklist van criteria – niet te kort, te strak, te fel, te modieus of “moslim” genoeg – waardoor ze de zogenaamde ‘male gaze’ zouden kunnen vermijden, verdringt de ware betekenis van de hoofddoek: gehoorzaamheid aan God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Om terug te keren naar de boodschap die de hijab video wil overbrengen, “you be the judge”: hieruit zou men dus moeten opmaken dat de hijab als een soort onzichtbaarheidsmantel werkt. Ladies, de oplossing is eenvoudig: draag de hijab en je bent van het ene moment op het ander beschermd tegen harassment, opmerkingen en indringende blikken. Al goed en wel, maar leg mij dan eens uit hoe het kan dat 99.3% van de vrouwen in Egypte verklaart dat ze harassment ondervindt of al ondervonden heeft, terwijl de overgrote meerderheid van deze vrouwen de hijab draagt? Of hoe het mogelijk is dat in landen waar vrouwen bijna volledig bedekt rond lopen, verkrachtingen nog steeds regelmatig voorkomen?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="NL-BE"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In de Koran en de Hadith wordt aangeraden dat
zowel mannen als vrouwen zedelijk of bedekt gekleed moeten gaan, om geen seksuele
verlangens – iets dat zowel mannen als vrouwen van nature bezitten – op te wekken.
Dezelfde mannen die vrouwen bekritiseren omdat ze beweren dat ze niet gekleed gaan
volgens de religieuze voorschriften moeten misschien de Koran nog eens opnieuw
doorlezen. Ietsje verder in het hoofdstuk over de kledingvoorschriften voor
vrouwen staat gelijkaardig advies voor mannen, met als toevoeging dat mannen “de
ogen moeten neerslaan.” Andere Koranverzen raden mannen aan vrouwen met respect
en vriendelijkheid te behandelen. Waarom wordt dit advies nooit zo streng
nageleefd? Kunnen we mannen dan niet beschuldigen van het niet naleven van de
voorschriften? Kortom, in plaats van telkens de schuld te geven aan vrouwen,
hun kledij en (gebrek aan) zedelijkheid, wordt het niet eens tijd dat we onze
aandacht richten op hoe we het gedrag en de ingesteldheid van mannen kunnen veranderen?</span><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-67576433678554205812014-10-07T21:34:00.000+01:002014-10-08T11:40:58.555+01:00So long?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15448880316" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_0844 (2) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="DSC_0844 (2)" height="465" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15448880316_7432f3d0ea_o.jpg" width="700" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love you all / I am the cheesiest person ever</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You might have noticed I haven't been blogging that much lately. To be honest I haven't been feeling inspired at all, although the main reason is that I simply don't have the time. Moving to London to pursue my masters degree has been a new and very exciting chapter in my life, and I'm still trying to balance university with social life (we all know the struggle) so blogging really isn't one of my priorities. In fact, I don't think it will be this year, as I feel like I really have to focus on my degree - I'm enjoying every minute (ha. ha. I know you're reading this, mom & dad) of it but given the workload and the expectations that I have set for myself, I just can't find the time and energy for blogging anymore. So much respect for people who study/work fulltime and manage to keep up their blog regularly - I barely have time to sleep! (no really, I fell asleep trying to finish the last article of my required reading list for today's lecture last night. Fun times) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blogging has always been a hobby for me, but I feel that once it becomes a drag, you have to re-evaluate the reasons behind it. When you can't offer high-quality blog posts, why blog at all? I don't feel like spending the little spare time I have on taking outfit photos, editing them and posting them, hoping at least a few people will notice and appreciate it. Recently I've talked about how blogging has become a business driven by consumerism and superficiality. I have moved on from talking about what I'm wearing and what I want to buy to thinking about more profound subjects such as ethical fashion, feminism, street harassment and muslim fashion. While I still thoroughly enjoy taking inspiration from fashionable people - online and on the street - and I most certainly love the thrill of finding that one perfect piece of clothing, I don't have the desire to talk about it anymore. And sometimes you just want to get dressed for the day, you know? And not having to think about every possible combination or getting that perfect instagram shot. (I will still give it a try once in a while though, don't worry)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This doesn't necessarily mean I want to stop blogging altogether, because I've met some great people through blogging (you know who you are!) and I like having a creative outlet - just not as regularly as I used to do (did I ever? Ahem) So I hope you will stick around, or you can always follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/mademoisielle">twitter </a>or <a href="http://instagram.com/mademoisielle">instagram </a>if you want to keep up to date with what keeps me busy! (mainly school though. I apologize in advance)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Siel xxx</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PS: I suggest you check out some of my favourite bloggers - women with a great sense of style who are not afraid to speak their mind! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Annebeth (<a href="http://stylingdutchman.blogspot.com/">Styling Dutchman</a>), Renée (<a href="http://reneevanlaer.blogspot.be/">Blanco</a>), Laura (<a href="http://laurapaulinek.blogspot.com/">Laura Pauline K</a>), Hannelore (<a href="http://auxpaysdesmerveilles.wordpress.com/">Au pays des Merveilles</a>), Leen (<a href="http://lenalena-est-la.blogspot.co.uk/">Lena Lena est là</a>), Sabina (<a href="http://in-so-mnia.blogspot.be/">Insomnia</a>), Pandora (<a href="http://pandorasykes.com/">Pandora Sykes</a>), Elien (<a href="http://dogsanddresses.com/">Dogs and Dresses</a>), Nel (<a href="http://pullmybauhaus.blogspot.co.uk/">Een Uffra met een Pitslichteke</a>) & <a href="http://manrepeller.com/">Man Repeller</a> (of course)</span></span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-76227827820198168122014-10-04T15:23:00.000+01:002014-10-04T15:23:08.488+01:00No time to shop<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 700px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/fall_wishlist/set?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=136532014" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="fall wishlist" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/apPqKrC5R1lmz0nNmMAeQ/cid/136532014/id/9q_mANFL5BGgEEvPv2JNAw/size/c700x714.jpg" height="714" title="fall wishlist" width="700" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><small></small></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=112142240" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Warehouse fedora hat</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> | </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=120193196" rel="nofollow">COS wool jumper</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=119109430" rel="nofollow">Topshop skirt</a> | </span></span></small><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=120286249" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">& Other Stories Ankle Boots</a> |<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=119235537" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Olivia Burton watch</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=115229644" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MANGO bag</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No time to shop, but looking is allowed right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(PS: I did find some time to add two of this list to my shopping bag... one needs a break between studying!)</span><br />
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-71066939185918650662014-09-25T21:26:00.002+01:002014-09-25T21:26:27.871+01:00About a million years late...<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 700px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/sneakers/set?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=135796570" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="sneakers" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/LIO1K2dzxFUr3Mux868r8w/cid/135796570/id/FElJf-BE5BGTF2Sav2JNAw/size/c700x418.jpg" height="418" title="sneakers" width="700" /></span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... I am finally joining the sneaker party. Running around all day from home to the bus to the tube to university and back has made me realise I need a pair of comfortable (did I just say it?) shoes - the Birkenstock season is sadly almost over and it's still a bit too early for boots so bring on the Nike sneakers! Now onto the hardest part: deciding which pair to get. At the moment I prefer the Nike Pegasus 83 over the Air Force 1, just because the latter turn my elegant size 8 (ahem) feet into true ferry boats. And although the weather has been exceptionally nice in London (I'm turning into a Londoner already, talking about the weather - and while typing this, I'm dipping a biscuit into my tea...) white sneakers might not be the best option for Fall. Thoughts? </span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-10265740830925731982014-09-19T16:22:00.001+01:002014-09-19T16:22:17.005+01:00In the name of fashion<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15101662688" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo 4 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 4" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/15101662688_12083bb1e1_o.jpg" width="700" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last Tuesday was almost entirely spent in the sacred and holy (what?) name of fashion. As you might have seen from my instagram, I decided to drop by Somerset House to sniff up the London Fashion Week atmosphere. Turns out, I'm not quite cut out for it. Here's why:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. I did not consult the weather report (or rather, I did but it changed drastically by the time I'd come out of the tube...) and spent the entire day sweating in my (although light) coat. Which I couldn't take of because a) it's part of the outfit and b) hello underarm sweat circles!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. I did not wear fancy designers or at least high street brands. No, I wanted to be "unique" and created an outfit existing almost entirely out of thrifted and vintage pieces, except for my shoes, which were from Nelly (too unknown), bag (Mango, well that's one point for me) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and my sunglasses (ebay or somewhere on holiday, I can't even remember. Very bad points)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. My brightest idea of all time: I wore heels the ENTIRE day. I debated on wearing flats (hello Birkenstocks) up until I arrived but decided against it because I would have to bring a bigger bag which lowers the level of street style chic. I am seriously debating never wearing anything else but sneakers and slippers for the rest of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15101516750" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo 1 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 1" height="934" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/15101516750_8f8cff404d_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So as I barely survived half a day of the Fashion Week circus, I have to say I have new found respect for everyone who can cope with 5 days of this madness in London, on top of New York, Paris and even Milan. Other than that, I have found the absolute fakeness of it all rather disturbing. Somerset House is buzzing with people posing, pretending to be on their phones because they're awkward and by themselves (guilty as charged) and trying to get snapped (also guilty) and photographers who will fight each other for the best "street" style pictures (let's just lose the <i>street </i>element altogether, because who wears these outfits on the actual street to run errands and catch the bus? Can't we just call it Fashion Week style?) You can spot the ones who put together the most overdressed and ridiculous outfit just to get snapped by photographers in the blink of an eye. Is this really the essence of fashion? It seemed like a big theme party instead of celebrating the creativity and thought that some people put into their outfits.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.demotix.com/news/5770946/street-style-london-fashion-week#media-5770844" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="londen street style"><img alt="photo 4" src="http://static4.demotix.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/a_scale_large/5700-4/photos/1410815762-street-style-at-london-fashion-week_5770844.jpg" height="525" width="700" /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To be honest, I much preferred the exhibition that I went to see with a friend in the morning of that same day: <i>Horst: Photographer of Style.</i> A large collection of Horst's photographs, from the early 30s up until the 80s, most of them published in Vogue. From stunning b&w photographs where he plays light and shadow so beautifully no amount of photoshop could ever recreate (and my personal favourite part of his collection), to his famous and colourful Vogue covers. Back in the days when Vogue and fashion an sich was still a luxury reserved for the elite of society. I certainly do not want to turn back time (as I would definitely not be part of the lucky few who could afford high fashion in those days) but seeing these completely different views on fashion in one day made me wonder (Carrie Bradshaw will never leave us) about the real meaning of style. Wonderfully created editorials with luxurious dresses? Over the top outfits to be worn just once in a lifetime? Street style in the literal meaning of the word? Is the combination of all of this what has made fashion the way it is today? Let's discuss!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15101515530" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="385 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="385" height="914" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/15101515530_0c78d78986_o.jpg" width="700" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15101672187" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Horst-P-Horst by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="Horst-P-Horst" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/15101672187_5ebe09de74_o.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15265199096" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photography-by-horst-p-horst-coco-chanel-paris-1937 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photography-by-horst-p-horst-coco-chanel-paris-1937" height="502" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/15265199096_2339544037_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15101660918" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="horstgingerrogers by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="horstgingerrogers" height="903" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/15101660918_8cf18ea8c1_o.jpg" width="700" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">(I was going to talk about the fashion show by MA students at Kingston University that I was invited to as well but this post is long enough as it is already! Maybe another post if you're interested)</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-42827307248568028102014-09-15T16:13:00.004+01:002014-09-15T16:13:55.230+01:00I'm on a beach<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061537368" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1179 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1179" height="465" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/15061537368_2b9c2b5daa_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the London Fashion week is going full craze (someone invite me to a show now please okthanksbye) I'm finally getting round posting the last bit of my holiday photos -the few days we spent in Varadero, aka paradise (when you avoid the all-inclusive resort beaches, that is). I know, I've been back for 1,5 months but I always try to keep the holiday spirit up as long as I can yo! Although I can't look back at these pictures without crying a little bit inside (beaches! piña colada! shorts!) there's so many exciting things going on in my life right now (London! Fashion! Apartment hunting!)(I'll stop now..) so I'm actually really looking forward to the next few months here. But for now, let's wallow in some summertime nostalgia and pretend I actually got a proper tan, aside from the awkard tan line across my waist. Always wear sunscreen on that little strip of skin between a crop top and high waisted shorts people - I learned it the hard way...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061266969" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0150 (2) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0150 (2)" height="1047" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/15061266969_6ae065b964_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061266129" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0155 (3) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0155 (3)" height="468" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/15061266129_69cb7d3577_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061267149" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0138 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0138" height="468" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/15061267149_a0bca553db_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15225021886" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0132 (2) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0132 (2)" height="468" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/15225021886_6818196f56_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15248022115" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1101 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1101" height="1050" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/15248022115_5d9f3f7543_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061459587" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1120 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1120" height="465" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5577/15061459587_1ba21d4597_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061267429" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1180 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1180" height="465" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/15061267429_17577da111_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061348850" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_0003 (2) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0003 (2)" height="468" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3909/15061348850_f8dc6a122b_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061269229" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo 2 (4) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2 (4)" height="700" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/15061269229_fe90eb2b5c_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15061459277" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DSC_1123 by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_1123" height="465" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/15061459277_c19144ddbf_o.jpg" width="700" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-67503009694292271942014-09-11T12:04:00.002+01:002014-09-11T12:04:56.029+01:00London update<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15020047758" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo 1 (6) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 1 (6)" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/15020047758_e49f0326e0_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/93147027@N08/15020047618" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo 2 (6) by mademoisielle, on Flickr"><img alt="photo 2 (6)" height="875" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/15020047618_65d5975a85_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just a quick update from London - bare with me while I try to find an apartment, set up my university courses and find an outfit photographer! Patience is a virtue my friends...</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-32614681486781655672014-09-03T20:37:00.001+01:002014-09-09T00:44:14.116+01:00Usual suspects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91AkkQEjqTk/VAdtOcSYm9I/AAAAAAAALuk/GxAeHGNzDgA/s1600/DSC_1314%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-91AkkQEjqTk/VAdtOcSYm9I/AAAAAAAALuk/GxAeHGNzDgA/s1600/DSC_1314%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZLSPthSXO0/VAdtP_1P0hI/AAAAAAAALu0/s_aSTgGS6ck/s1600/DSC_1333%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZLSPthSXO0/VAdtP_1P0hI/AAAAAAAALu0/s_aSTgGS6ck/s1600/DSC_1333%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BA91lFt6bMM/VAdtQibul7I/AAAAAAAALu8/9ZjWKp79etg/s1600/DSC_1361%2B-%2Bkopie%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BA91lFt6bMM/VAdtQibul7I/AAAAAAAALu8/9ZjWKp79etg/s1600/DSC_1361%2B-%2Bkopie%2B%282%29.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F9Z_BvhVlM/VAdtPGwiCmI/AAAAAAAALus/l7NmWFLFLRw/s1600/DSC_1320%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--F9Z_BvhVlM/VAdtPGwiCmI/AAAAAAAALus/l7NmWFLFLRw/s1600/DSC_1320%2B-%2Bkopie.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All black and these mules - what else did you expect?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also: I can never keep my eyes open, ever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm wearing:</i> Asos faux leather trousers & top | Nelly mules | Mango bag</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-6972265924635965862014-08-30T20:14:00.004+01:002014-08-30T20:14:52.051+01:00Wanted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUdB3anH43k6r3yv5vgxoOMk9xaV_1Pn84HBe8WUbEgrToKq-u_lwy6MVFUjtqRr1BvLamxs-YxLOb6etGXROXZD7Kz7RUab1eihPIkZUl3EpAuAKVbeUatm_crvyF3Z4DMt8ayU3bv4/s1600/7418244800_2_1_1.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because everyone needs a pair of faux leather culottes in their life...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.zara.com/be/en/woman/trousers/faux-leather-loose-trousers-c269187p2032589.html">(Zara)</a></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-87255092087446564032014-08-28T17:56:00.001+01:002014-08-28T17:56:47.863+01:00Mules are the world<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXa8D74vz1YjBajAFNQDfTcUMRJZSN8qoB540POObkatQxh77kyGmDOYH-Pkn29BaFuHp28xkbeEUBts7dRA39wiBDdogKOHG2_LUQCDMhgWF6wEcnTElfpWzKLvYTTCu8RJ3Jr4Sz6CF/s1600/DSC_1420.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT8I5wYFaAv24nQq_F93GAo59id-4nlCxiu4_N0SI9rsuTk6xIc6ZXbO3xc16dr9t9cIi_JJxJQcrqJnFL6MRp7sgTw43SBv4-eCLb3GrwoboSGnE0QB63BLrp_IO4Aqf70UcaDSykFKW/s1600/DSC_1392.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3hBYJPFacEhAULVXveuwCNvFRqohcxBK-90SKUdOpL6Y85CHEXyVxTGqojRf81dpK9cscNTtzQ5vAgwbicLEGKngbCOcX2ULhuS9ZNF1s99lMTKeHd-Ca8DK3GTVEajHPCLDqelsui30/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nWRiCVhMtnei9j7noI3Bb8cLpXLcLPViGilz7KKLaS16IzQ-GzrxWTMEh76skIe5ue02Ed9pDW-e50xGk-jGMP2bdVP542V0LiM5TrAjeiDBBrJjhYmi1Bt_F55poNTrbFFbp0ib1ToI/s1600/DSC_1410.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4GHCgoV6MbA5LPXn8KVnHjA19zf26IBiz8STy0pglmiNAmgn5wmtF03mwh_31wF5kTvT81Mgy5w25v8Xu0EzfiO5Ubd1cbbv06gbwVaSgHoUZgpmrih8HzfgWbfwkjbqwWs0sH9Zexuc/s1600/DSC_1442.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70wLUqJSvchwEjIHjt_JO05mqiFMumbyCNerbQw2oBXxNXGwbDkdIpmyYnhpMls-fzJJ_XR-DayVlAwG72rhJSM0GztMY9w82TFLqa1RsGei7IvbTJCA7VK8XLTi7FR6dSVQgW-XicKaA/s1600/DSC_1407.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An ode to my new favourite pair of shoes: these mules from NELLY and that I haven't stopped wearing since I got them. In the weekends, I mean: I'm not wearing heels to work (running around the office's slippery floor, driving a car and walking home every day wearing heels? I'm not THAT crazy...) This outfit represents the crazy fickle weather we've been having: one moment I'm sweating my ass off, only to put on a coat a minute later. Yes I've cracked and taken out my thrifted coat again - it's more like a long coat-y cardigan so it doesn't count as real winter gear, ok??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm wearing:</i> vintage Levi's mom jeans thrifted | vintage coat & shirt | NELLY mules | MANGO bag</span></div>
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-33780451468865594492014-08-25T21:45:00.001+01:002014-08-25T21:45:44.220+01:00Trinidad & Cienfuegos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrbS5OVI2X3Vy17K16Q7xE8mHMWmwN0_BctHbmg8zySNImbH261QETHTer2wI2Ir6jUCFiluD99GeWMOm9OhS6gj_AvuSsy7txA7bb0NaAbfJIXS74D_vf7DePYQ7jO796E4YaNujFDR4/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrbS5OVI2X3Vy17K16Q7xE8mHMWmwN0_BctHbmg8zySNImbH261QETHTer2wI2Ir6jUCFiluD99GeWMOm9OhS6gj_AvuSsy7txA7bb0NaAbfJIXS74D_vf7DePYQ7jO796E4YaNujFDR4/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well it's pretty late in the evening again (but really, are there actually people who make it into bed before midnight with all this INTERNETZ keeping us busy - I still have about 20 tabs open, all stuff I have to read or watch, I can't possibly be the only one...) (Also, should dedicate a post to this instead of trying to make up an introduction to a travel post) Anyway, today's post is about two of my favourite cities in Cuba: Cienfuegos & Trinidad. Much less hassle and crowd compared to Havana, and so much authenticity. Cienfuegos is known for its blue painted houses - every instagrammer's dream - and Trinidad for its coloured everything, salsa nights and loads of daiquiri's - in my case, anyway. One does not simply take on salsa with the locals without a bit of rum-infused encouragement...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAkSMwvbSNV5lvesP8GyOx1Lo91dzKlIQvnR08vENcfoksjFGPA0oO5Rhe0a1ujbgm-RIcc3klVMnFAXkMnfDorfIfOVR2Hrev-lWqEbs0IfFScDQ8qjxt_wWZ-vhS9lossbSgvF3qxaP/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAkSMwvbSNV5lvesP8GyOx1Lo91dzKlIQvnR08vENcfoksjFGPA0oO5Rhe0a1ujbgm-RIcc3klVMnFAXkMnfDorfIfOVR2Hrev-lWqEbs0IfFScDQ8qjxt_wWZ-vhS9lossbSgvF3qxaP/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjR4UsOC7JotBXysw4M4ZezAa00QaAHgH8ka4QK_Mrlw_2Hl0C8AbC5UaAgHAG5-IqwQlU6ArOJVGiR3PZNGzYl9T5l6JU_xeMcgCLJrBsGLHyzuvSopqsh8YYvCQSHYYI5bVvLa-wVHV/s1600/DSC_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjR4UsOC7JotBXysw4M4ZezAa00QaAHgH8ka4QK_Mrlw_2Hl0C8AbC5UaAgHAG5-IqwQlU6ArOJVGiR3PZNGzYl9T5l6JU_xeMcgCLJrBsGLHyzuvSopqsh8YYvCQSHYYI5bVvLa-wVHV/s1600/DSC_0809.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGW0MzGy05L2dgsVk_3pZDy9Ac0udu2nwK4sqy6bBfeZeYkhG-hr6LClkO_RCQKHzT98arpBaLoAvGK0D1tZu20RilNtHDkCMoBMOlkwc8_PYVUCyjZVI7o0G1PoNrlWcTP7N6G7x0vG7/s1600/DSC_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGW0MzGy05L2dgsVk_3pZDy9Ac0udu2nwK4sqy6bBfeZeYkhG-hr6LClkO_RCQKHzT98arpBaLoAvGK0D1tZu20RilNtHDkCMoBMOlkwc8_PYVUCyjZVI7o0G1PoNrlWcTP7N6G7x0vG7/s1600/DSC_0878.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3yNCQ46IXpv35hq2Zuu9ACTasN4zlPKyw5Io9t3jUpVNiieYrJsvqYxE5nVrQdbNs2fxDqG0GUR-biHykidmycmsg7gcvk6AvwDE9Vy9nLEwBPlQK15HQSWmyIR1F2Ao6iIeRw2Rxi1H/s1600/DSC_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3yNCQ46IXpv35hq2Zuu9ACTasN4zlPKyw5Io9t3jUpVNiieYrJsvqYxE5nVrQdbNs2fxDqG0GUR-biHykidmycmsg7gcvk6AvwDE9Vy9nLEwBPlQK15HQSWmyIR1F2Ao6iIeRw2Rxi1H/s1600/DSC_0924.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz8XtZUgOaelrls8cQXH2-_yIgs7ONieeWkrsVyBFNiApkcHdoy2awd_0SmHy4bHaL_MR9ImxhGLo3J5MImMWh310wqsHyHjjY6gThavH9HPP0zIB-jp8bDfdASNYUaAe2p9Xoj4K4zRT/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidz8XtZUgOaelrls8cQXH2-_yIgs7ONieeWkrsVyBFNiApkcHdoy2awd_0SmHy4bHaL_MR9ImxhGLo3J5MImMWh310wqsHyHjjY6gThavH9HPP0zIB-jp8bDfdASNYUaAe2p9Xoj4K4zRT/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAffENLUko9HlWv5Bdb3xiDVAAbWc8dEjgxCtpb4pTt0sP-7RtBp5NdWtLexjyPc_zeTsWI5yf8MLnWmTQVaYe7UiG8TVdBZWuskAilkYsQ3_gxG9ajw63Mp7jzr33bqvCUpS4qPAOzjtE/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAffENLUko9HlWv5Bdb3xiDVAAbWc8dEjgxCtpb4pTt0sP-7RtBp5NdWtLexjyPc_zeTsWI5yf8MLnWmTQVaYe7UiG8TVdBZWuskAilkYsQ3_gxG9ajw63Mp7jzr33bqvCUpS4qPAOzjtE/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaIsbmcqZWz6GsGWsocPfPgbu5yJkPd7bDcLVAUD1FobrUiR1WEMQmyhJZ1Jj5WlmZFB_xxX1L-CTPKsM17ShvBEO5wOgxxa0miBJlTveHbV8DEO5jjkZiP0cqifhYDAMduW84fjVwno4/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaIsbmcqZWz6GsGWsocPfPgbu5yJkPd7bDcLVAUD1FobrUiR1WEMQmyhJZ1Jj5WlmZFB_xxX1L-CTPKsM17ShvBEO5wOgxxa0miBJlTveHbV8DEO5jjkZiP0cqifhYDAMduW84fjVwno4/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO7vngKgnsitZgJEefw07fIl2oHK3d-butqJwdHs-eDUJdgON08rhwsO6PQgZ_bIt9Xw3pnEV0CRcVY39_3fEMUeSC8T1kPf7WWx6meEvQvJhE9fU-CpZILjeyPl11FBCV6fnPuZsMrrN/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLO7vngKgnsitZgJEefw07fIl2oHK3d-butqJwdHs-eDUJdgON08rhwsO6PQgZ_bIt9Xw3pnEV0CRcVY39_3fEMUeSC8T1kPf7WWx6meEvQvJhE9fU-CpZILjeyPl11FBCV6fnPuZsMrrN/s1600/DSC_0175.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIMVKXukZHucCvmU-7fPamCGL4JWAd3y18zkTjqGGvolvFWUFj8GasQ1tkD7k4L_6cakBBDH5kgEafQ2kY5NzWz6QI_XXRDnw5pxjIbfueYKw7KNst3ktQQp7Ns-EKCgu88CQnf0d89vG/s1600/DSC_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIMVKXukZHucCvmU-7fPamCGL4JWAd3y18zkTjqGGvolvFWUFj8GasQ1tkD7k4L_6cakBBDH5kgEafQ2kY5NzWz6QI_XXRDnw5pxjIbfueYKw7KNst3ktQQp7Ns-EKCgu88CQnf0d89vG/s1600/DSC_1090.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trinidad valley</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZDBIwtIJ5pmFQcTrVf3V52_pVjFhaV1AJhEprrOKY_cE6ny-G6OfpUcRdXp1_VDnq5I76LlB_W2xBTof0-40YPSYHqJoqY1YOy4nB-v3IRAau-iRfmT2ZvvaHk66PDhRjPO6lEM_byp6/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZDBIwtIJ5pmFQcTrVf3V52_pVjFhaV1AJhEprrOKY_cE6ny-G6OfpUcRdXp1_VDnq5I76LlB_W2xBTof0-40YPSYHqJoqY1YOy4nB-v3IRAau-iRfmT2ZvvaHk66PDhRjPO6lEM_byp6/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trinidad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ5F3VkBtSAg3ILPTAXGHBcMp6rtggdIdSC7s2iY7p4W_d9j1oVLubIKrUwQkLPX-esYfZAl0M5TIqXVR50vN8T3GcBz-6WS2jZ7VtRdFcPvj_k96_1n33rIXYNDf_pltpOH5BJTkVpFx/s1600/DSC_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ5F3VkBtSAg3ILPTAXGHBcMp6rtggdIdSC7s2iY7p4W_d9j1oVLubIKrUwQkLPX-esYfZAl0M5TIqXVR50vN8T3GcBz-6WS2jZ7VtRdFcPvj_k96_1n33rIXYNDf_pltpOH5BJTkVpFx/s1600/DSC_0972.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYzM9RR8K8Wy-2GDdqtSA-pbFHHUbmy8_HljvTZw6nDn5dlZLC8m8yY4lQ17Nyo5U2FwzSCQ2iZLplVBPeDQerBIZ2GyWnvzhe_LkcDMcdUojLhHIsM5QuR14m2WaCH01wgbQITKTxQWk/s1600/DSC_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYzM9RR8K8Wy-2GDdqtSA-pbFHHUbmy8_HljvTZw6nDn5dlZLC8m8yY4lQ17Nyo5U2FwzSCQ2iZLplVBPeDQerBIZ2GyWnvzhe_LkcDMcdUojLhHIsM5QuR14m2WaCH01wgbQITKTxQWk/s1600/DSC_1031.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbY3mSiThFbL9Ng6Hpzs_gX_7CUmviyjz3IrLfrC1bHof_9IYphIrf3Vr2YENJMWZaylg9Aaf65hgwzQ8kgdhE01WX6RQRCvUJarX9tP6kBRphw1_KcXzUCDWR1Dj9WxH252xqG3Wz_0m/s1600/DSC_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbY3mSiThFbL9Ng6Hpzs_gX_7CUmviyjz3IrLfrC1bHof_9IYphIrf3Vr2YENJMWZaylg9Aaf65hgwzQ8kgdhE01WX6RQRCvUJarX9tP6kBRphw1_KcXzUCDWR1Dj9WxH252xqG3Wz_0m/s1600/DSC_0968.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K7b-Lp4eyUzxnVxstUN5dp-vOWPT3mZXi4vPwi3wMAxVew9mEED2XEr8NPMi_bXMRH4cuqzS3unMFopgMsk-kap07Xs3vDRPsbsZuqMLx1UnpBRtF6rLi0pSblozaAXkMnwcl2MqZRXB/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K7b-Lp4eyUzxnVxstUN5dp-vOWPT3mZXi4vPwi3wMAxVew9mEED2XEr8NPMi_bXMRH4cuqzS3unMFopgMsk-kap07Xs3vDRPsbsZuqMLx1UnpBRtF6rLi0pSblozaAXkMnwcl2MqZRXB/s1600/DSC_1004.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAsU8UlK_EaVOFR9P553hh91mk6Bux-zxw1EiTUToJ_xNb15m_qLaoj7HGvZ32fp5OjSPPhFYrcTIRzvNm2djtIxll67b5KFkqvtAqSRyNTWG3NKN7n8HZlJHK_V82KWIbGftELcFKedH/s1600/DSC_1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAsU8UlK_EaVOFR9P553hh91mk6Bux-zxw1EiTUToJ_xNb15m_qLaoj7HGvZ32fp5OjSPPhFYrcTIRzvNm2djtIxll67b5KFkqvtAqSRyNTWG3NKN7n8HZlJHK_V82KWIbGftELcFKedH/s1600/DSC_1041.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8XZOEt1plEGnjxNPbMDAGlCwCqDLyPdZB0qLCLwRzTfNs-1ArhgMbfsT7ulJ2sbOw_jTUgZgv9dQCxRvsYDuvn2oFQ9lCORb9X3MvRMToF0m0r_1ap1IRZd7bc6ASxas7GuzWaDQLBB/s1600/DSC_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL8XZOEt1plEGnjxNPbMDAGlCwCqDLyPdZB0qLCLwRzTfNs-1ArhgMbfsT7ulJ2sbOw_jTUgZgv9dQCxRvsYDuvn2oFQ9lCORb9X3MvRMToF0m0r_1ap1IRZd7bc6ASxas7GuzWaDQLBB/s1600/DSC_1018.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVWPArolCbhX2vEW4TqDXXnO2ug9qlbZ3P-vptTNfDuMwlLsj9_hyphenhyphenK5UnOk8L39R8tTKkiiSFsJ1ZyQnVhUfcV7-MZdPW6XoLXmSR4aG5bZte0t7FsCQCJULFog0BE5xRvbZ8Khw7-zQg/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVWPArolCbhX2vEW4TqDXXnO2ug9qlbZ3P-vptTNfDuMwlLsj9_hyphenhyphenK5UnOk8L39R8tTKkiiSFsJ1ZyQnVhUfcV7-MZdPW6XoLXmSR4aG5bZte0t7FsCQCJULFog0BE5xRvbZ8Khw7-zQg/s1600/DSC_0133.JPG" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Told ya...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI_Yn69ORPHWAnGF3anEJzU2xElIve5XL-4Z3yOZ-p3Oj9JawSRvxY7qSL0qR1finWMw6et7Pu3i7FB8kUu28gxzhiRpJ9nxoZXVidwbsJRx5C4eRc1nALuKhvEBNR0L6o0nEeHF676zm/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI_Yn69ORPHWAnGF3anEJzU2xElIve5XL-4Z3yOZ-p3Oj9JawSRvxY7qSL0qR1finWMw6et7Pu3i7FB8kUu28gxzhiRpJ9nxoZXVidwbsJRx5C4eRc1nALuKhvEBNR0L6o0nEeHF676zm/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-72775144052113597962014-08-22T21:02:00.001+01:002014-08-22T21:02:16.865+01:00Pierced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoyvyIZ3lAYt3aopDPEECB9-4CMtzw9aotiemQXJ8tGCAKgosm-PGotKGHQJ8YkH3Vo2o_1kyAYTsGUlC8dY5ekBF3dQEI7CpSWIrQNZI68gre_-hc8EnTNn26Qg6Jp2i_UCAoocSI8fg/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After almost a year of thinking about it, I got my ear pierced! My mind was actually set on a tiny gold ring, but I got told a ring takes way longer to heal and you can change after six weeks if you want to. Anyway, I'm very happy with the one I got - what do you think?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PS: already contemplating getting a third one in my lobe - it's true what they say, it's a dangerously addictive game!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PPS: Pat on my back because I DID NOT FAINT people. This comes from someone who faints at the mere <i>sight </i>of a hospital. So how about that tattoo now, eh?</span><br />
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-35985892146811499132014-08-21T20:41:00.000+01:002014-08-21T20:41:03.248+01:00Favourite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9wqQNndQuXKwUvHa59pEfPk5UkYVCNZZUlLuhrWBG0keqrzv4Fja4P-slFY0d__loJYSOCzIG0xnt0TdICNs6TAAZE_l14NtQb8eQyM7mUMlU69z7m78ZwyHZQdpMPJoUgmChwsQlXel/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favourite photos from my trip, taken in Cienfuegos ... more to come really soon! X</span><br />
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-44145237275783105642014-08-17T22:21:00.001+01:002014-08-17T22:21:34.499+01:00Fake it till you make it: the blogging world<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>A little Serious Sunday for you guys, something I think should come to light within the fashion and blogging world: the fakeness of some bloggers, in both their image and their follower base. Curious to hear your opinion!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you follow a lot of blogs, especially the top of the blogging scene, you've probably noticed that some of them have a huge follower base. As a beginning blogger (which is still what I consider myself to be) it can be frustrating to see your instagram or facebook blog account gain only one or two followers a week, if not less. I always used to think that I would have to put hours of time into my blog and post amazing outfits and be extremely active on social media to gain popularity. Turns out: the only thing you need is money, because apparently you can just </span><a href="http://www.buy-cheap-likes.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">buy thousands of followers</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I read <a href="http://getoffmyinternets.com/">GOMI </a>(Get Off My Internets) from time to time, and I noticed a </span><a href="http://getoffmyinternets.net/forums/fashion-bloggers/buying-followers-aka-busted/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">topic</a><u> </u><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">about several bloggers who gain hundreds of facebook or instagram followers in a very short time. When you check out these bloggers' followers on instagram for example, you will see a long list of generated and fake-looking accounts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This kind of cheating is one of the reasons I stopped following these "big" bloggers alltogether. If they fake their number of followers, how about the rest of their blog? Most of the so-called daily outfits are gifted by brands, and obviously just worn for the sake of blogging pictures. Put on free clothes, snap away, change outfit, repeat. And earn crazy money while doing so. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm07uxB1NXFx71VCG0L7LRB_qHgoeFyqeVVVFdB8zWkyVtP63ouvrX4HIQoHwC91S6zKuPRKT1HY3WknFrX_7xAwTaTBdVAu1RlgU7bQ0ROOiK820BoRnN0Fc53y5bN-fYfD-OHV_PDv0F/s1600/Vastleggen+in+volledig+scherm+17082014+215322.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm07uxB1NXFx71VCG0L7LRB_qHgoeFyqeVVVFdB8zWkyVtP63ouvrX4HIQoHwC91S6zKuPRKT1HY3WknFrX_7xAwTaTBdVAu1RlgU7bQ0ROOiK820BoRnN0Fc53y5bN-fYfD-OHV_PDv0F/s1600/Vastleggen+in+volledig+scherm+17082014+215322.bmp.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35FGG9_aVozcjk_eg2gbkNMv0gh7wvtPnmn7-MmaufZEZwslG5WfOeOFk8wx7jIortcnZYZsdM58jmp0TXosz_N1L21Fi-JBMNe4bY7ZG0lJPI0ec01ESV9HscC-n1jmIJZVXkXU5e2J7/s1600/Vastleggen+in+volledig+scherm+17082014+215228.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35FGG9_aVozcjk_eg2gbkNMv0gh7wvtPnmn7-MmaufZEZwslG5WfOeOFk8wx7jIortcnZYZsdM58jmp0TXosz_N1L21Fi-JBMNe4bY7ZG0lJPI0ec01ESV9HscC-n1jmIJZVXkXU5e2J7/s1600/Vastleggen+in+volledig+scherm+17082014+215228.bmp.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two bloggers who have been accused of buying followers: Damsel in Dior and What I wore. For one thing, it seems quite impossible to me that when you have 20k followers, your photos only get a few hundred likes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another issue that has gotten more attention in the fashion world the last few years is photoshop. It's widely known that magazines and brands use photoshop to slim, enhance, retouch or even completely change the image of their models. In some way I can understand fashion magazines or online stores using photoshop: A high sales rate is their main goal, and if skinnier models will help sell more clothes, most brands won't shy away from a little retouching. But what concerns me, is that photoshop has now become very common with fashion bloggers too. Bloggers who already look great as they do are using photoshop to slim their legs, waist and enlarge their boobs. The perfect example is Danielle from We Wore What, who used to be one of my favourite bloggers. Yes, I too have looked at her bikini pictures and wished I had her abs or toned legs. I shouldn't have though, because although she already looks perfectly fine the way she is, she still feels the need to photoshop every single picture, not only on her blog but even on her instagram account (!) Compare:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_z5y9r1DlhgitLks5wPwp70LHNxPSr2olveTXrKhI3SRkQauVkkFQUTo-G-VhQoj_cZEWtIryot0-MHbEDQUBCftx0vxXhrTo_fEANgZdOHOSIs7kgZKFS0yGmPgwGuQlBTEx_sJ6Gzi/s1600/cats1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Left: normally sized legs - right: unrealistically long, thin & muscle-less legs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYhXMSqCC3EwcFv9HuAV1UBohBx-CqaQzuecnT0sRERFHxVT9P7Xafi2ll8SH-82tvJVGxlYiU1DOILpG6DdEbSMTrU1xCxO7dI2bScf-XCztsoEsguuS1Un7omzyjT2VCmsAvjr0xb20/s1600/cats2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYhXMSqCC3EwcFv9HuAV1UBohBx-CqaQzuecnT0sRERFHxVT9P7Xafi2ll8SH-82tvJVGxlYiU1DOILpG6DdEbSMTrU1xCxO7dI2bScf-XCztsoEsguuS1Un7omzyjT2VCmsAvjr0xb20/s1600/cats2.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">notice how different the taxi looks between her legs? And where did the back of her coat go?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvJYAtYeN1tbwUFIOuAA5k4DU004rTsYLPK6aY9Mja0_9XqBpnteWxMR2XfObUMoEl80PIRqg1c3EbUujPhUgnnpKxU2n_cNt54IrbgINOLimcXV52FJCJh2L5CRKgyXaj-iQ-nqOilVs/s1600/cats3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvJYAtYeN1tbwUFIOuAA5k4DU004rTsYLPK6aY9Mja0_9XqBpnteWxMR2XfObUMoEl80PIRqg1c3EbUujPhUgnnpKxU2n_cNt54IrbgINOLimcXV52FJCJh2L5CRKgyXaj-iQ-nqOilVs/s1600/cats3.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Defending yourself by saying #yesidideatthat doesn't count if you're just going to photoshop yourself 3 sizes smaller...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsTaAotaIJsGLuD_XhlKaGrBhXrrYZxtLH4Ze-QNfLtJf6WPm9iWPX_VAMHfS98tIKA9GtjD9JQCQr2FvxImmEA5wntN_02e0UIdIH5GEEY-eC66PD-ERhvUqI21JdVowOjeiLb_hAp8g/s1600/cats4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsTaAotaIJsGLuD_XhlKaGrBhXrrYZxtLH4Ze-QNfLtJf6WPm9iWPX_VAMHfS98tIKA9GtjD9JQCQr2FvxImmEA5wntN_02e0UIdIH5GEEY-eC66PD-ERhvUqI21JdVowOjeiLb_hAp8g/s1600/cats4.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you want to use photoshop, at least use it properly - don't make yourself translucent!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFF1Uv2zGkL9bJ8M7R-wJb2nUJJV5d140BtZ0NhYGLt47j9msVaOSTXSJhn-Q8eWov8oHUq10i_i0cyYoM4tb7gTPOVtnV9cPnCwwS6cy1BMPJ4Ogit6vuwBMZG9w84-CsyE_MfVocdnf/s1600/jljkl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFF1Uv2zGkL9bJ8M7R-wJb2nUJJV5d140BtZ0NhYGLt47j9msVaOSTXSJhn-Q8eWov8oHUq10i_i0cyYoM4tb7gTPOVtnV9cPnCwwS6cy1BMPJ4Ogit6vuwBMZG9w84-CsyE_MfVocdnf/s1600/jljkl.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the poor kid on her right must have a terrible leg deformity! Oh wait...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.fashionisers.com/celebrity-news/celebrities-and-it-girls-using-photoshop-on-instagram/">Fashionisers </a>has already dedicated a post to bloggers and celebrities using photoshop on instagram here, including Danielle Bernstein, Kristina Bazan (Kayture) and even Miranda Kerr. This is instagram we're talking about, people! Remember instagram, where you take a picture of yourself, add a filter and upload it? Nope, these days before you upload a selfie, you first have to spend an hour retouching it with photoshop, hoping no one will notice (or block the ones that do...) that the wall and floor behind you is suddenly going all boogie woogie:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iP2ye6ctzjMCKiYt3_4cIwSY8Fmwe4PYtcO1XOTdTsDIj2_Okt7buPuk6IkOKVzPTWlr8HSNXMLPYSpiNwvt0rw9teTPJVRDsEem13bTzl1dD6CxcQIdm06Y5eBiMu2-WZQCVCliZO3W/s1600/jlkjlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iP2ye6ctzjMCKiYt3_4cIwSY8Fmwe4PYtcO1XOTdTsDIj2_Okt7buPuk6IkOKVzPTWlr8HSNXMLPYSpiNwvt0rw9teTPJVRDsEem13bTzl1dD6CxcQIdm06Y5eBiMu2-WZQCVCliZO3W/s1600/jlkjlk.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm amazed by the fact that this kind of shameless use of photoshop hasn't gotten that much attention yet. Why these bloggers, who are followed and adored by thousands of teenage girls, feel the need to photoshop themselves and present a fake image to their fans is beyond me. What do they do when they meet fans in real life? Surely they must notice their favourite blogger doesn't have the "omg perfect legs" they saw on her instagram? Most bloggers even go as far as posting workout pictures - all photoshopped to the extreme of course - that get hundreds of comments about their "amazing body". Oh girls, you don't need to go work out at all, just a little photoshop will do the trick! That and never allowing anyone else to ever publish a non-edited picture of you. What a fun life that must be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fake it till you make it must be the blogging world's new slogan. The concept of daily outfit posts has completely vanished and transformed into this creation of an artificial image, complete with fake followers. I don't know about you, but this isn't what I'm looking for in a fashion blogger at all. I would never unfollow someone with a unique sense of style because her thighs aren't a size 0 or she has a little muffin top (don't we all?) I will unfollow the ones who block me for simply pointing out that maybe their legs aren't naturally ultra straight or their knees wrinkle-free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you noticed the increased fakeness of the blogging world? Do you think something can be done about it? Share your opinion!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-57896919453236744412014-08-13T21:42:00.001+01:002014-08-13T21:42:44.985+01:00Man repelling, level two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAeS8ej5bhnjvBPkgHqxYlPHHyjOY5SRlr47tlH7ke7uwsjmBWPoVwmzWcBJuuGXX8GpVYSH85nLlheggP-RKkZiJMyPieptnIHttiRN01RQsOmHv1LAZZKdN371QowtJAFUlxg3P0ij8/s1600/DSC_1220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAeS8ej5bhnjvBPkgHqxYlPHHyjOY5SRlr47tlH7ke7uwsjmBWPoVwmzWcBJuuGXX8GpVYSH85nLlheggP-RKkZiJMyPieptnIHttiRN01RQsOmHv1LAZZKdN371QowtJAFUlxg3P0ij8/s1600/DSC_1220.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlsx_fMMsH17tG1H0TJDNB_d1mO9t9kbM0wDQTNBsdYwMeatrAbPvmfzUn0u_gyo1sClu0WNdQj-mjVJOSRwaZuX3HlJroLQJO5rBlE5VO_vk1TyqR7A1GuiBHkU0TqIa2iBIpcIfj3ZN/s1600/DSC_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlsx_fMMsH17tG1H0TJDNB_d1mO9t9kbM0wDQTNBsdYwMeatrAbPvmfzUn0u_gyo1sClu0WNdQj-mjVJOSRwaZuX3HlJroLQJO5rBlE5VO_vk1TyqR7A1GuiBHkU0TqIa2iBIpcIfj3ZN/s1600/DSC_1231.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmgj23JtD9lIsYsBIWaGU_MjqufKXn-n6trWjm9XnpqepkFuayvoAMDoPX4afMretWMvJQLfu44PhrfAZmokc2Zuv-kLw8TQtNAf0A8gPzknFaoP4ggMGrG_zlBlJIGIsmvzvdxziQpct/s1600/DSC_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmgj23JtD9lIsYsBIWaGU_MjqufKXn-n6trWjm9XnpqepkFuayvoAMDoPX4afMretWMvJQLfu44PhrfAZmokc2Zuv-kLw8TQtNAf0A8gPzknFaoP4ggMGrG_zlBlJIGIsmvzvdxziQpct/s1600/DSC_1241.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vnD15MMsw85-HyYnOPV5qonpPuXVm5tPUpA4eLDNE-nXtEOd8C6UDot2BZWKwyvULclQVSLnw383Uq-bKiG6m93fIbsecbmXkjmaqrb4D3o_Tkvf1Mgw3YvOs08aPOGubVI7aL7Fry1F/s1600/DSC_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vnD15MMsw85-HyYnOPV5qonpPuXVm5tPUpA4eLDNE-nXtEOd8C6UDot2BZWKwyvULclQVSLnw383Uq-bKiG6m93fIbsecbmXkjmaqrb4D3o_Tkvf1Mgw3YvOs08aPOGubVI7aL7Fry1F/s1600/DSC_1202.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't decide what is less flattering: the culottes I was wearing <a href="http://www.mademoisielle.com/2014/07/birks-baby.html">a few weeks ago</a> or these very oversized boyfriend jeans. I read an excellent article on <a href="http://www.intothefoldfashion.com/2014/08/ugly-shoes-and-liberation.html">Camilla 's blog</a> about ugly shoes and how we should applaud people who wear whatever they want - ugly shoes or not - but feel confident while doing so. I'd like to think of myself as one of those people (yeah, modesty is overrated). So I fully embrace my sartorial freedom... and say goodbye to my chances of ever getting a date again. But oh the confidence!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm wearing: </i>Mango top | Levi's boyfriend jeans | Birkenstock sandals</span></div>
Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-73277518040776998892014-08-10T16:04:00.002+01:002014-08-10T16:04:34.980+01:00Into the green<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW7wx6olm98btdZtk29wDoj4Ut4mck_gbvDxFlcH1i3SF8p-MB8ERxHNhRiM2bMT1ghlUdQz7uGMoVF-M1LZ0fcbzlQVqLkI0sCcYoEIylgW69l_KA_ZZVwv97ahKJt3t61OB4FCxCTTJ/s1600/DSC_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCW7wx6olm98btdZtk29wDoj4Ut4mck_gbvDxFlcH1i3SF8p-MB8ERxHNhRiM2bMT1ghlUdQz7uGMoVF-M1LZ0fcbzlQVqLkI0sCcYoEIylgW69l_KA_ZZVwv97ahKJt3t61OB4FCxCTTJ/s1600/DSC_0565.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a few days in bustling Havana, it was time to continue our trip to West-Cuba. After a car drive from hell (I'm never cursing Belgian highways ever again...) we arrived in Viñales, a natural park known for its coffee and fruit plantages where we stayed at the most lovely old couple's house - they didn't speak any English but that didn't keep them from trying to engage in Spanish/sign language conversation and offering us an abundance of food. I usually love pineapple and mango but after 3 days of pineapple (3 times a day!) I'm good for a while. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After Viñales it was time to pack up again (oh the horror of trying to stuff everything back in your suitcase...) and back on the road to Las Terrazzas, another natural park for two days. After a few days of hiking and especially sweating (oh the sweating...) we spent a day at Playa Larga, our first stop at the famous Caribbean Sea. Just enough time to reload our batteries before we were on the (bumpy) road again...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp2dPlI98lE0i5kStBo12JwtQB4WLOWvwCt8DXv-by2ofrV03qyFJJaoNUv0QMk-TBr0QZIq7xC-Q1SNgERL9hPTjTsNJqC0htGT2W1pK6oKSg2OqpqpO32ZtUai88uVeZEuPuWk8RvD8/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawt-eS9lxZcmFOlxF1jjxBEZmbdgsyy65RufRh8Unv4zMSQhePA8_iYfxfY47JQhShTT2B9HFC46DFDZXgheW_EdxWTuOUGEmlfEP1R87FUmEdR3FHlwq1hlQcxN7j8x_JcHm8dqBILq_/s1600/DSC_0445.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTl_0-csQ0Y_IHQDUyhCpdYgLOtfzbgACP0tliZ1Dhh-6O23-Rl_Zz6Ux1QyfYAJwlQkPBNMUvd9iDkwq-a_0A_uVJQA96uJc6gcN-d_sW8Q5XFuE66biMPj74x_U9lTes3g-gIAIRhVN/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4AEtYfWwUtFLte_U7tVPCtVWFPnN-sRVQyp9MsP2Vcj-NKlf902A6bzFXsEGGkyIsitKODWwcrTyF37lFHlowVI1KNeBQILWDIPU5iDXxmirAjyHN2D8XOBm6mMlVQlPmcralSxL0HwQ4/s1600/DSC_0554.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEino4xpjIKGbFSVNWHy2gOYWXh7vj9P7HgWa95Qe8v31perwC1tJor1W3IMLufQeSkkiPIOhMPkkJj9m5OTi_Sw2lln9QerB-tSa90X0HCL8cE07krP9K5EQ4n3r0oXMff4xlFaojXVXxTV/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfztvNNEOTcc9fmZBvp3CZJoB75VNvb5uE5ofEBv8ZuIhEYeWd_EfaC3OyVGkDA911-PWTj3VGWrx5a69ZuV5XY7EQXr1EgEJnPXCizkVhbdFBZpNKqBeDYt2y1SDoXE1tIMc13iiVRtO9/s1600/DSC_0587.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXjoYjXQibuj5b2aA0-7r_sCtWDoS3oxeCHwUO68l19_JcQSwyHmxBwMjsuoCLm5bKXKZ5LvOH36pg1CGrX3XBROgwzsGlk8K7xJidLkBAMM4m6BgJltPz30tqLpwWBrL3WzHlZju1RBe/s1600/DSC_0597.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWpoA3LRHwLrR3nPDLdu2Pc4_qypqFOQ4ktVHCHSqTjMQcjxJlA7fRiBqONR95uRj2w8UEXBa0RXN-59VprJNeurjGlUe4LnbShL0glqe-9gHuZTXP72pBIpb2iccDN4yt9WZU-TWGTBp/s1600/DSC_0617.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXBopXsSp7voGzvRlVeIG24mLFCOWfpqngQ3xnT1VCaL206Lj3fnO5jVqoRgJoCi5AASAyV-Rqkk0lAB15bZnBxCqx5gb7MOwbjANPc4B2c6DIfv2G9IVa-nZ58rjDTnMLGO5Buc1mqKj/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuAhqMhpgBOL6mQ-3gY69PYdI9Iy0qCSrUkwgUqqfctU-k_MrjNc80OXE1NmDZjjf7X4u_C6-sOgetb5xMLyfsJisZVbjzI8T48rHHAk6eJeQrs00SKvM-wTnEkub96RLnoBqDjeUt6Tr/s1600/DSC_0686.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd21jjdyyKuxc5nUROh4iXJFivjEg2zwYi0Ddtkqwre9bWYYkl91qAfVB7AdMVrGttuxDAT0OXMCCjnzi6C4gUMvHRi0vIf9I5HSOY9VgdceQWO_vx7HqSVYcMvcVgzurSJ4bX7H_rODl/s1600/DSC_0689.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpGzx6Koi5XMkbuzBQ5_HoEnoX6ChomAhKPTPETcHfh8nwVIstSGApoBOoBtfZkpxI7yTJy56iJcM7STbPtELQ-bWBWM0T7gRMMuqCqF1GPLYODChNbN7YR-hvyyO_94xnbX1pjHwFKRR/s1600/DSC_0698.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AsvHr95wkXEydBb7xMhV2w0oR3S8OWHphnsBiDsnKPK8AxPXLnKfBRvwAtG93GV5t-UMcueh9KS1Wex411LkYcifLr4X56YBk0SKc7UnOFpfNcosFN8r0qJ_zMwGeWzxsUjxbZR-ZEIm/s1600/photo+2+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AsvHr95wkXEydBb7xMhV2w0oR3S8OWHphnsBiDsnKPK8AxPXLnKfBRvwAtG93GV5t-UMcueh9KS1Wex411LkYcifLr4X56YBk0SKc7UnOFpfNcosFN8r0qJ_zMwGeWzxsUjxbZR-ZEIm/s1600/photo+2+(5).JPG" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFn1FeHrEqN8GtQ_NsfHN8QyqCSxw_ysnhkOrm7OWk7HyqESJmtU_G0Ex77EVv83vPqXFrq2vsnxt4dD7ApopTqq39dlUxCb2EGMVfchsFJ7FuiklIx3ma0AYxVOBZIY4iEDrVdPmXI1N4/s1600/DSC_0707.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARTX0DIiZwhE1S1nGBfjtE8pUt7lIMT-9Z4gPPG6s4P0STAvb6K55Ryomzj_5tlKybl7eVwpwed29bFvSXFU4P06r-2zn_1-jHM8RDShgItfq7jKazOc9zZx5fmdUwhtuTj9Fk5ZX1loZ/s1600/DSC_0733.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLUHPAkHFk4PcdHA4VEQIZ1dVnw-AdMdu-n-zqx-6VT_Nr_i0IMeIPT5G-PnwdSdT7BZmUx5KGYYJ8sWY0gfTWNO2HKExrVa3DYXRmncjL1H8K-tONuPOgeTIWp0qkWD9SsJPU9l5WZpE/s1600/DSC_0795.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEiAmIOzTnP7FoebwOidmNe8tBlyRUsTTj4XpZ5s8prG5uyyifdtbPkoMv28K7mERkkhlucKYFOnHksh6Svdcd5Gx3WCT1Gf9slx2kJ76TzLXIHQ92QsHLto8XI8zW5XwIc8dBjVJzwwh/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-67582466077828192982014-08-07T21:05:00.002+01:002014-08-07T21:05:46.533+01:00TBT: b-day outfit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF_uxNiK15UNSjQtjvYdNJgR0m5fe7PgruJJQnA4LNHsonAtpHtAEnZuhpki27JPhIXhwRzd1307C-hA42hG9-7gj4ZGulAe0H8ClNRYEUMpijMis_o1H-irkKcWULfjotNwv2gg1owSZ/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyNd0pmFFUVgNuv8j2CvXfpLqpaalC5vEQJIEfOlxkcX0jwza5Gu0O6VRx6JlkiB-iWXG1IBlNbR-oEd4JWxYEdcGKydbSKBMwHxAZATgr8mok7vf6Or4hHOyyvM3PzDQ7vjAiH8AyNbF/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep4eP3NxKMjcP3kufT5x32AApodFDsK8y0dJJiG1unFt0RjSWJTqMe3WS5V9kBG7_ivCoWA5MyhdMhZ_-yZ0OFrnD0janvEbHtf5Nyi6xHmBx5zKzmqJoMSsBqUY9ninTy8hGnHIWKp2y/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUCV8LzJR8K8R2aRwJ_Ci5gRNBwB2xWsfULkixAf0if3tQ0YjvFcvNFqhNu5BemTrr5o9IrcdyauvPB5EW_-DMMR1qkye5Jpfs2w_GYL5ITUiNJiVllPqtNnH1Ld-DuH3cjhKqxglPIQH/s1600/DSC_0112.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In honour of #TBT - aka my weekly excuse to wallow in nostalgia or to post another picture of my trip to Cuba - here's the outfit I wore on my birthday, almost a month ago. Yes, that counts as Throwback. I went to Brussels with a friend to see a photography<a href="http://www.summerofphotography.be/nl/exhibition/woman-feminist-avant-garde-1970s"> exhibition</a> (really recommend it btw, go see it if you haven't yet!) and ate the most delicious cake, and in the evening my dad made his famous spicy seafood soup. And the best thing of all: it's the only day of the year my parents aren't going all tsssssssk on what I'm wearing because it's my party and I'll wear see-through crochet tops if I want to. What'ya mean, those are not the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=BE&v=XsYJyVEUaC4">right lyrics</a>?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm wearing:</i> Levi's jeans, thrifted | Zara crochet top (diy) & blazer | Kurt Geiger shoes | Mango bag</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-14000544287535950822014-08-04T22:02:00.000+01:002014-08-04T22:02:01.760+01:00Havana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD56-S6EDUQWws_7glrSo-0UzXsbCzd0oJnc5GNnDEHMSmAtF5DS4_scOMP6X4xe0cbs0pklzncx4Ah14Rt4wuiTq0ehFVuysIrS2nOaWLrnZI5exST3DPqvS9J_nop2qiZlv6yfUiAt9/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It took me almost a week to finally get a post up about my trip to Cuba, but I ask you, how does one narrow +1000 photos down to a couple of blog posts? I must say, Cuba is a dream for photographers: brightly coloured houses, picturesque alleyways, vintage cars, beautiful people, opulent nature and just everyday life (a guy riding his bike with half a chicken or a giant birthday cake in his one hand? Totally normal in Cuba...) I quite enjoyed my little break from the internet - I actually had in mind to go to one of the hotels in Varadero to use the wifi but I didn't miss it all! (plus it was expensive and apparently excruciatingly slow)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will write a more thoughtful post about my Cuban experience later on (</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">you know, since I'm all about serious topics from now on... eh)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, but for now enjoy the pictures of beautiful Havana! X</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ErKd2WEw41ebyYinpP31JZGzqjkP4q7nEs5e6ADGE7bACeQYmbwd3mig6fKp6An15Nw9uNVR1RcpxJvdHdy16IP3beqwtTQtg01YnNC0lasHKCiTtxsXS_CHdFHJnE-LuEcff7FCW2hF/s1600/DSC_0155.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPkCHkkYSts5Ce41eS9V69_ToWym8AioSNlwJ3Yb_QRPjDAkQGwHxtWEIrci9kOgWq-gVYF75HzoRib9Rxg4J9O9g_OcWDMRvCORfwj7QUDGXEU_xOLbSM5iN8EXrw93rKhelhZE9GP14/s1600/DSC_0169.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ye7T6mHQTCDrleBBBQkNIrTHQAdCXrD-7cpERREAvk66irDrpV8qMYeCTZXayyw6DzSurse0R-vaeIW2AXsI8Ypfaj7-qgZginGk-8UiVmq4MKiwg_YzCtISzspNhSygviLQoXND5sx-/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZ9BlQykaedaxUKJQqGFNS47Z_J8kmidbH9Micqe1g94ahQ6KCX8Ki78aWW6HcaPyqrrOXoDLJftL4iQCJRq_n7LOw7tHLU4PRghS_9ilPDpvjf1_oLStAoxNrGd5hyphenhyphengdPObgPOa7D23h/s1600/DSC_0194.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJxY5FwwAZzOseQJuYz-6gTO-Cwd4OYGDbQjWcTWe3J-ACUbh4hd0Zaz80peMPBEQJfVni_eMM9qYQTijScIPR58DDzxWNUnzkMKjwFHVkxyBK1PseDYDnQykocdscj4PD-2obMFqyDWc/s1600/DSC_0201.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-65kleUhBH9QFPGh1d5-BpYS6v-iS8WMHS5_tZ6HgnTp71ZDFMljS19iUjbB6zCRnCQ5-cZ0WrnAFm3MXALUNGIuvy5m0oLqtolZdOpr7k6dNSsLCALldm5RNFPm27qLvkazUrZLQRfKZ/s1600/DSC_0212.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjml1WHZZ7EV5vAPB4OwuwtoyxAdn8qTtaw5A9Rd0oXxDOiCAUTA601pequPG5pOij6zcnXCOl97kBLdjdT3f7NXfjMTo4L2wshEAyEtbgXDnGJBQcQIqGzKKcHiB_H2-posZTWUT7EGaUm/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdfYUfJcfzqEl3FJK5DVOeDXRnvSqsbg5tnxLj3KPHE29xi9xberYuxfNRk2QpzUGRdpGifqEkL6JmDotQ6xh-NDpCbUOx4gR3NKh4HD9pxSUlLfxd6cwMJgIOOgwg_AGmb9vosbSutLn/s1600/DSC_0243.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8KbTG3KWTQ3iFexPnXddsOxOxR90BKJJJO4NdNtEsbqxU6jnqDsj0UwKn6NKIRaB8BVpyBtPnGkPhaRqNi6fEsfxXUXuA3gvKh4BVTyJ6SrrauCmlW2hHE_YQ6ZZucqhF8PzjebeITHT/s1600/DSC_0261.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-o-Rm3jSuqb6_JOBp0ieyHyXVrkcRA4ouJFqpqfGtq7Ypkz6jTLAupZkRlJZd-biotVrPXdYiWGZ0VhpymLBUYzVpJeQO2cgZFa5nQ30KYgQuX50zDmBUC0rSISjZ39Pjul6Mze857MD/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkc4owuhXz66mJnpktmG6WVucR9h4hqLEp80sEuQRuYKWNZA9j-dX6zTtuYioUYhg37nucphBRnYgXjru55qgfgHMUrjfijOlVgfM6rbpARJi0TjAkhmaqFhDbjOjl9x4E0RX6s4WRQB7J/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBLpGJKaEOrYA3vu3T29QWzKNHhk6etxBBsNfmG2gKK8kKr9Ok_lGord3kim1XQhlGKgVAvz5MD0lwa5gbavv1AcU9ypCbIoAyjsDDxT17XukfmRKaDSUexffZpN_JTJIqhqCEBO67gf8/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SKM8eaOK3y2Jw9onKy23vYmTqxgZXy9fdC_lPr_vneETjvNYJihnW4GAI7zMSf-duLOvLTWj56zinBJgWaE2U3XkKEWjKQR9LxarzYBVFMzKpS2719wZkFMCApnkV0Xzr0yS5CXCJX_J/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvd7GafTyxLf3k_KrnCp4mxj3sykptbcwmYOpNcV_VWPoER2tmACfFfELEODkDU9jL95aaMA3Qc9Hr1xihoJ3CsJjfnzBSw7oGSrNwsOywDO2Ms69Ffg1wRT0ykmoU51GM54ck7LVebQOW/s1600/DSC_0299.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTecRPWMfib65CgiYEvpLP9Fv0WM-jfekmueQU1rAKcEr-YUK4h5LPBETfYYJTv2hcgZ3N2JxPnw9CHnFoJeL6BQF2op31Yt2Ak7BDynWdyuOSCltDJ2NgscNPd5Adf9C-1Rm-ZhlsVgU/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9QGKypb3gwfKvnewY7ahWjp0PqGDeXFC4Pd8PGcucicfmMvmsiGhJ8oqQZjSnIjUa0XLLKwlN1ENAvN9KFL4Lh3buod9AVrRy-Y_S5LdyEKvt-_T3qCiyxAhqr-PPSvcHR2E8xab-KXe/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIWAIMc_ochBQQ2Fpg3B1ip3jupThXPV3T2z7LgNrJ-1vl6iyG-Y78esac408sQLUI4kmT9UleAjSwBiN-YjT1AvGcSZctGZAP6wyrGCwhr8WFChQPX8rTbMTvXXYLsv7t0yG9lGhDgy1/s1600/DSC_0331.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9TXBPohM2vJ2eOSMEoyITO-e18A_fW8__B9SQCuVHyK2nyQqzRVh_t8UsOn4xUHWdAmpk1E77c3sU7XUbe4PYZJkaUEs4aYd0W4wOuFoP62NfW5VXK9w-v6jHuPrygqoPemCdCgLh6Ptv/s1600/DSC_0354.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYq5l2Sderrf5uKJjIUCu6lrJwb1-Enh2CwP8ax_mDayW91Iq54BQULFSCzficyZ2dcfGr9xs4phQioP29y6pbH95BZXH1veOZf1AgMQLOH2Kd2NaxkTJrgwFwc1zcJ-jxDJDeRuDdCZv/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGu0sRziDBRyYtAX8D_WPoaKctfJbe5VoEdPu9kPoms6dnqEE70xv0F_p336qVekUi6KorHExe6tRgo3Qv4NfffppqEwYEs4W1x-ZXi0csNtD67T8vLLVTu3yQhg8GvsGze7MtjVDtgQXk/s1600/DSC_0382.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFPlrUFasisKeTCZPIFKncdrnzvdatOHVViy7pDN5Y4xsxr0O6TRe3Wr7qzgq88VrSL7SKY0UiavbeT59Znyh7O9I1tfd6ImBHHeALI-Vh0b_0euR7BpgpnhlWYsoffFq2CFNVZx6wOZXh/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiQzNzYA4hju1Zxyjgx2J3kvD_ka3K0tdPVONitcQHc4-Jf3vRUBXXlj3yG0lc-kzKYDvPZn0IVNRr4m_lUCjK33SCMTS2iCczoxIimPy39-oEm_pFzriZvnosQZ2rLl9m-adDPx60lLM/s1600/DSC_0454.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE85Je-scdf5Lbg-x3-vzOTtUjZTXbmR-CvIWeRFyUtEo2FnhC43KxdfDix9Z-MQuwz8X-Mri4yPapK2FhOzzdrDI2RYnWH8H-fXbD6MOPpseiPsbIKspLImSHQmIarFaZs3xtowTeh1LX/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PM0ymtp-mtCfitlHXAyNQfSYzheg7IIbMuucqzdGyieHClGwkQ_YmsIg0hGPN6MXOMszPHErZ10CdIFTz5-nH7kNOFuPcBi18FXkRxDcwvIYGvWhyphenhyphen0m4VzU4hPWk7TO51TCaCQ61PLtC/s1600/DSC_0461.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91S5rnbBS59ROo4MfnE_QbOX_hnM3ojcbBC2tn5Bf3smetOrxQDvRCMCINHaO0AJp-_-VAhZ6qWSZRZ6jTQTikLa942ABryLOiQrrj3OD3DA2TotTDD-Ni4JG333Ad0FCCzwKqEiObkWo/s1600/DSC_0473.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7Ea5OokJVrkTwI21_fujY1EXKLRw9EbgXI5TtCTy9K-14Ikni_XyEnBstpnCQEw-9N4E4vI368wifpUwhU79MVC11PMUy7efpvMkuCM1UFsi5zX6lRpGZkEN0ybNup2JQKo1Lj1HdQ8h/s1600/DSC_0476.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8sN4wsYc9MFgrAbGlEPl5q1oB9JkPd25hqox6lJsk4DQbwpnK1WF0AOM_E5KlnUY_QGb5nIHghFM7pOeGKCCNeMrqLd_KJvf2_PAVJMvXPGVP1ZJs9MJ1lYt37J-59RMaN15KLO9vwBg/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-38657515969829798762014-07-29T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-29T07:00:00.435+01:00Birks baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT030CGAQ-uC0P3-4oXreWa6PomgCIAOnX7bOUBdAhUPlF3Kc2uaZQcd04BvDWpdGcDs2SqENp2Kpn72-1GsYJV5zb1c-NsRTZ9jcjVnSBp97Wch2WKr7ayu6ged3U4nMFhB6ltMmZ9Fp/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKOiC4sIRe8mmRUdeCr_fQzBvsrv6cXx7EWY9THLKGfVXF0PLudhtLZC7kmi8FkqKO2tOPbJL2cg8pOvlKwxT0iFvq6iuxPTtDspF8pMXsVs1sxm3h2Bga2ho2J0qGpBFU3VFTutHcGtQ/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF2lietT-Kzn6U_2pXcyNMNZK8wOug64COvGL3fHMkSVVuGrwF1YVTjjBfEYlpuaZpuoKBdrCrAMEEAejF3_oOI8zy6nEeu4is7jCLzzxJ1KeMmhBKOxmIfNPkPn-vk4AMjKjnVBrb2hR/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGBU7h8fuYJLHhzCMZx5YpJOrvxb8Tu-A2W9_VicAFWMPeLUY7fd02MFTghc9yh9acSNgpjswkyO_c_eCaExKn0TuRtopzrHNlZ7HTvvbryYoGumWvnIOvXRmJJJLboriwxjnZyacx2j_/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finally caved and went to the Birk side. As I said on instagram, I've had flat feet since I was little, and ever since my pocket money allowed me to buy shoes for myself (that weren't sensible enough for my mum's taste - New Look's shoe department was my idea of heaven) that were, let's face it, very poorly made and often too small ("I don't care they pinch, I love them!"), my poor feet needed some rest and care. Of course the recent Birkenstock craze has influenced me *a bit*, but I'm glad I got them as I've been walking on air ever since. Aren't we all happy with the comfy shoe trends lately? It started with wedge sneakers, then slip-ons, Nike Air, Adidas etc. I guess the whole fashion world was tired of wearing painful heels all the time (who wouldn't?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm wearing: ASOS culotte jumpsuit & top | Birkenstock sandals</span><br />
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-38518731755237835672014-07-26T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-26T07:00:00.230+01:00Black, leopard & llamas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2U6eD5OBfw1VW6VABGhbG5q_ybR96B02H39DT7Rfc3Dtq1gkGV9NSTg2O6gAAizGKg4Zt3_UOUugN6wMwa0rgGMIpy7Rzy8rJ_nEqmDpy5O-Njp8yuLOTm9xkaImUzHMbDFRd2LHYCEo/s1600/DSC_9909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2U6eD5OBfw1VW6VABGhbG5q_ybR96B02H39DT7Rfc3Dtq1gkGV9NSTg2O6gAAizGKg4Zt3_UOUugN6wMwa0rgGMIpy7Rzy8rJ_nEqmDpy5O-Njp8yuLOTm9xkaImUzHMbDFRd2LHYCEo/s1600/DSC_9909.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL8FZLfaE5p7nzsTi82imAi-fAKNw8FjVx6j1jf4rVDOxzalj07eqNB6US7apNDcDBe4SXg8FbgqCivs8ck69jlcsv4KtBaDTHZGbIe30J6YVgGIQdQWviVEypDsbfWE7Q8a2YhIPsnKw/s1600/DSC_9933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL8FZLfaE5p7nzsTi82imAi-fAKNw8FjVx6j1jf4rVDOxzalj07eqNB6US7apNDcDBe4SXg8FbgqCivs8ck69jlcsv4KtBaDTHZGbIe30J6YVgGIQdQWviVEypDsbfWE7Q8a2YhIPsnKw/s1600/DSC_9933.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtjyFGOJNTA6nMkNRWC-CboIcCPb-WuV09mA-9Kzq7-FSpFJ4L90XmyTuFEs9MlRbXWb5irBqpK45lrm7ScTDu9DiXhZqd2Fq6j5VZCa7luHyc2XvfdPMXXU9xHT0Uxq3JyQUTNadSPpC/s1600/DSC_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtjyFGOJNTA6nMkNRWC-CboIcCPb-WuV09mA-9Kzq7-FSpFJ4L90XmyTuFEs9MlRbXWb5irBqpK45lrm7ScTDu9DiXhZqd2Fq6j5VZCa7luHyc2XvfdPMXXU9xHT0Uxq3JyQUTNadSPpC/s1600/DSC_9944.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL5DY74M2XTciK5ZIdAEGl-cTRozV9TlEW2erjIpD6YlvJxZ1253xy2UrX7akxEGt9PuQ5_i8ElDydocE36UixwBUIKEyI0QId3mhlFT0IvbmLl6ZoFLCJQTyOPOQEwKt-A1Ivt9DjOe3/s1600/DSC_9906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyL5DY74M2XTciK5ZIdAEGl-cTRozV9TlEW2erjIpD6YlvJxZ1253xy2UrX7akxEGt9PuQ5_i8ElDydocE36UixwBUIKEyI0QId3mhlFT0IvbmLl6ZoFLCJQTyOPOQEwKt-A1Ivt9DjOe3/s1600/DSC_9906.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wearing my uniform of all black and these leopard slip-ons. Not much else to say about this outfit other than that! Simple is always a winner in my book. And our new neighbours also seemed to like it:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ogJEuW2x2WwEMSSrfFyI2p2JY2KEYNZTgY0_zxR0fSu5iDYNgUpnb87jTaSd3KYV9xXhXhGoIbpNRO4xBvI0gAti1AvfI6fJxzLZSOuzIJqnlwZ4yO1jJ5D-ewCHxsG2oOYgRACG9GZj/s1600/DSC_9938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ogJEuW2x2WwEMSSrfFyI2p2JY2KEYNZTgY0_zxR0fSu5iDYNgUpnb87jTaSd3KYV9xXhXhGoIbpNRO4xBvI0gAti1AvfI6fJxzLZSOuzIJqnlwZ4yO1jJ5D-ewCHxsG2oOYgRACG9GZj/s1600/DSC_9938.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx1AoGFw2AO7z4OkfTEXKctpum79ZmHHQkfwMz1p4i0L7a_2cJpIOm2zWjjEk_z8f_Av_JKFb_AJxfGwajHKkk_mbd9eI3Uo8q6Elkwxy4dkm7H5Y-JUjmoZlVAASXpcN3vQmpKNbEDbp/s1600/DSC_9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxx1AoGFw2AO7z4OkfTEXKctpum79ZmHHQkfwMz1p4i0L7a_2cJpIOm2zWjjEk_z8f_Av_JKFb_AJxfGwajHKkk_mbd9eI3Uo8q6Elkwxy4dkm7H5Y-JUjmoZlVAASXpcN3vQmpKNbEDbp/s1600/DSC_9914.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Apparently we now have llamas</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> living next door, as well as wallabies (haven't spotted those yet though). Now tell me life on the countryside isn't exciting...!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Kidding, of course. If I have to live here for much longer, my tomb will read 'death by boredom')</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm wearing:</i> ASOS top & slip-ons | vintage leather skirt</span></div>
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-41571173336720588072014-07-23T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-23T07:00:01.601+01:00Wearing right now<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 700px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="cuban summer" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/jVuiWd94UaKfkhK3Okvfrg/cid/128350008/id/qpFSW8YK5BGHMo1Smu7EJQ/size/c700x654.jpg" height="654" title="cuban summer" width="700" /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 700px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><small></small></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><small><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=77365736" rel="nofollow">Tess Giberson palazzo trousers</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=111120774" rel="nofollow">Marysia Swim bandeau bikini</a> </span>| </small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=113141599" rel="nofollow">Topshop denim jacket</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=106691131" rel="nofollow">Birkenstock Arizona sandals</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=110708667" rel="nofollow">Akira fedora</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=113227302" rel="nofollow">ZeroUV half frame round sunglasses</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=100345017" rel="nofollow">Rituals sunscreen SPF50</a> | <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=4132381&.svc=copypaste&id=103336886" rel="nofollow">On The Road, Jack Kerouac</a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I'm wearing right now (or any other day this week): flowy trousers, bikini, Birkenstock sandals and every redhead's summer essentials: a hat and SPF50. Added bonus: a good book (currently reading Jack Kerouac's On the Road, a classic!) See ya!</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-64562285669546899812014-07-19T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-19T07:00:02.167+01:00Wang inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jjphZW3P8Mq7oZ5WVNcWLYz6qq0vdONr0DU65NCkRk59WoCpT3lDRrgpimqa83UOwu9-bHrtDaYRgOeTGCKCp66r3JBUfXuCle40k2Vk9NvGY6IO9V8bo9R8jE6DLyd_wgO8CM6p6gfn/s1600/DSC_9868.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyv_-amzLshODt8f24YC5u29HI8y6dp3owWANkW-LtIFTFv7tjOG8KxJni4MFd4-rcYhxavrl5yFtFxrl8efM3nf2qMi1o1G21VT0Vub17Pe_jeF8wsmx79vXq6D_5_-pSvCXl2-JnKWYT/s1600/DSC_9875.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dmCAOMx2MbWANrhR9d-rLJvgWWSds8WJG-mdBWqSjTTPszVGJPjc7FYrKEPja7h5MBOHYNz-QXHoFZRSIbIuvRQ8TS8k-XSaxPxtzcS7jp-aiLL_mw3Me_We8wlYYLBMo-Kdf585w7hG/s1600/DSC_9873.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRes2TVdBPBfH95NGkdKWCEY_n6MhEgBBg-uaSKvuv8O1273BpuF0MhHMNCxT6Jasj7AYfHVKohyNgmLZkBilS6T51zrnv4H6wob0_uzdaATENZX0S5r1ekSuGuCft9UfX7lmEkpScye5/s1600/DSC_9881.JPG" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprLxB1bgPozwiFwQncFQqPU0Py5ygl0JNO2TEYRPqf26VnFunGcrMSjZv9bGfurJaZsRNObzh6ROm9zmg1GYq6gAQtymndb6bQxUPR4lBMk3BPExmAu6H0D-Id4rOUJbnUwdZWwf6IDFU/s1600/DSC_9864.JPG" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Decided to try my version of the Alexander Wang shirt: unbuttoned and with a little peek at my non-existing abs (work in progress, as they say). I went for ripped jeans and heels to avoid giving the impression that I literally just rolled out of bed with my pyjama's on (like the <a href="http://fashionwows.com/wp-content/uploads/WAN_1737.450x675.jpg">original look</a>) and also because I have to get used to wearing heels again. I only managed to hold onto that thought for a couple of days, as will be shown next week by a recent purchase of eh, Birkenstocks. Yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The verdict: it's nice to have a little breeze in the boob area for a change, but I prefer my shirts buttoned with a little (if any...) cleavage. Next!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also, must remember to pull up jeans before taking pictures. Underwear on display is so 2000s...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I'm wearing: </i>GAP shirt (thrifted) | H&M jeans (very old - children's size! & DIY'ed by me) | Daisy Street heels</span></div>
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-81521978207026615622014-07-16T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-16T07:00:01.419+01:00Muslim fashion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuK-2pj0XEH0JbEVq5rpYBcA_kZAt5o14_u1ZwnkWfMdjy3YZ-dl-g9auTQcSmA6PVIHITVyFKjWCggJH1YTK5IS1vt3AQ9amoSWRyraGD5PeohrSZxvs2Oc-365N2fo8QPPil-FfGijI/s1600/dkny-ramadan.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's kind of strange that I've never actually talked about muslim fashion on my blog. After all, I've studied Islam and the Middle Eastern culture for several years now, and I've even made a small essay about muslim fashion when I was in Jordan. DKNY's recent Ramadan Collection has made me think why I never addressed this particular side of fashion - especially since I want to work in the field of gender & women's issues in Islam, and maybe even focus on fashion. So here we go!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of all, why is there a need for 'muslim fashion'? Why can't aspiring muslim fashionistas shop on the high street and then just cover up with a headscarf? Yes, many women shop at H&M, Topshop & Zara (my Moroccan friend Loubna knows the Zara collections by heart) but still they struggle to find a way to stay fashionable yet modest. Low necklines, tight jeans or sleeveless tops don't really fit in with the muslim dresscode. Layering is also an option, but you don' want to be wearing multiple layers in a 35 degree heat! Fortunately, some designers have been able to fill this hole in the market by creating a collection suitable for muslim women.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96W1tbPCtJ8Y4FFKLj3I5E_Y8M4tQGtuOtFD5MKYm696zEXMebYC__4v8MDKA1CjdXSXtRJgjaEEGxGPvTTvxYBKBtThM0JKcPn_5gtzDAWJH6_k7ppuWiivxxK0FSG3PFfrKicT2cDp/s1600/Afbeelding3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96W1tbPCtJ8Y4FFKLj3I5E_Y8M4tQGtuOtFD5MKYm696zEXMebYC__4v8MDKA1CjdXSXtRJgjaEEGxGPvTTvxYBKBtThM0JKcPn_5gtzDAWJH6_k7ppuWiivxxK0FSG3PFfrKicT2cDp/s1600/Afbeelding3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As much as I love the idea of designers who exclusively cater to a muslim public (or women who just like to dress modestly - think about conservative jews or mormons), the problem is that these collections are only availabe to the higher class who can afford high quality designer items. I would love to see that high street brands dedicate a line from their collection to muslim women - I've noticed that Zara in Amman has more maxi skirts and basic long-sleeved t-shirts than the stores I've visited in Europe, but the options are still quite limited. Muslim women are equally interested in fashion and trends as non-muslim women, so why should they have to resort to wearing plain blouses and shapeless maxi skirts?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTW9Hn6T5I2NN2eG1WP_ruelLc8GJV65TlNWSq_EzBUgVSothtjfk_6Un_6I2sNEvyAyboSD8Iuzy8h7rtzaQl3OOayCZ-O-n2v5-AktaGg0yeEWW4S77B_F2V_ZviKrDH0-Lwli4y8hL/s1600/Afbeelding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTW9Hn6T5I2NN2eG1WP_ruelLc8GJV65TlNWSq_EzBUgVSothtjfk_6Un_6I2sNEvyAyboSD8Iuzy8h7rtzaQl3OOayCZ-O-n2v5-AktaGg0yeEWW4S77B_F2V_ZviKrDH0-Lwli4y8hL/s1600/Afbeelding1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Personally, I love Barjis Chohan's latest collection (two photos above), I wouldn't mind wearing most of her pieces myself! The Middle East, and especially Dubai is slowly establishing itself as a fashion center - if even Karl Lagerfeld chose Dubai to show his latest Chanel collection! Hopefully more and more high street stores will take note and bring out a collection suitable for muslim fashionistas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPRLnQTsNyaN9DPvgIVzxTfghNTIThQAdk4qUpNzn2jqR48Pa7VCIIsWgXM0fAZPvWm9oIqgo_FNO8lIzHbHSzFHFkjm7f5Jg7bevfX06Ri79BELtrFVWHzlPxAEzq6uPci2Efo3iPGRq/s1600/Afbeelding4.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you heard about muslim fashion? What do you think about this concept?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More interesting reading about muslim fashion:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/dknys-ramadan-collection-shows-that-muslim-dress-means-more-than-the-burqa-9579469.html">DKNY's Ramadan Collection</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://halalfocus.net/opinion-the-rise-and-rise-of-the-muslim-fashion-industry/">The rise and rise of the muslim fashion industry</a></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Images: <a href="http://www.dkny.com/dknyramadan/head-turners">DKNY </a>& <a href="http://barjis.co.uk/">Barjis</a></span><br />
<br />Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-17927270355775243162014-07-14T07:00:00.000+01:002014-07-14T07:00:00.565+01:00Cuba!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D_7tzD0EG6SOP4V4v3rsSEclM-qJVTe3t26BPsrT5CGOi_AxcemGhpZwhFPdOrFU7ejlsGPZjrI7BOLwGe-MDvAUKXhJhHnX_Fz-hzat4Os08RRA2NKJsezXpkE_JzaY3Az7QcmcVcRw/s1600/2e5356475ecae75331a20c65a1e1efbd.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flamed/4813117258/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Image source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6D_7tzD0EG6SOP4V4v3rsSEclM-qJVTe3t26BPsrT5CGOi_AxcemGhpZwhFPdOrFU7ejlsGPZjrI7BOLwGe-MDvAUKXhJhHnX_Fz-hzat4Os08RRA2NKJsezXpkE_JzaY3Az7QcmcVcRw/s1600/2e5356475ecae75331a20c65a1e1efbd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm travelling to Cuba for two weeks! Beyond excited. My mum, who gained herself the new nickname of master planner put together a tour around the island, starting in Havana followed by some roadtripping to natural parks, splendid beaches and picturesque cities. I might even take up some salsa classes! Everything with a mojito in one hand and a Cuban cigar in the other. (Just kidding about the cigar. Smoking kills, people! Ok, maybe one...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As usual, I've prepared some blog content that will get to you through the magic of scheduled posts, but don't forget to check on the blog every couple of days because I won't be spamming you on facebook and instagram as I usually do: There is little to no internet connection in Cuba. Two weeks to go cold turkey from technology and socal media will do me good. And I won't be making you too jealous with pictures of me on the beach.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See you in two weeks! XO</span>Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6547369912942792980.post-20027328613662815572014-07-12T08:00:00.000+01:002014-07-12T08:00:01.501+01:00Birthday girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyn3lEKG8_rzKDT6oVbmoxzFVysiwwaYY7dSBURGLr-FRVh-m0Yava2AN1eDUFbQjsBBXUnSter-25PPPL3GLoOreKaTR4dOYo-MFklRfdw76IoOWINA7DaRJ3439dRKAvF3-0VuiGDBUg/s1600/cats.jpg" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm turning 22 today! Planning on a very low-key day with cake (mum, take note), a trip to Brussels with friends to visit a photography exhibtion and dinner in the evening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the outfit I wore on a dinner party two weeks ago, to celebrate my homecoming - why yes, I like to be the center of attention. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'm wearing:</i> Everything from ZARA (whoops)</span></div>
Sielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05749509351358737194noreply@blogger.com