Far East

Well I could not go to Singapore and not talk about the goodies scored, could I? A treasure haven, a shopper's paradise; longer shopping hours, open every day of the week and tons and of stores, shops and malls. It seems you can not go to two steps without encountering a beckoning window. Ah, ...I look forward to the shopping (and food) each time we visit and am never disappointed.

As much as I love shopping online and have periodically tried and failed to find Singaporean labels available via the internet, much less with delivery to the Netherlands, I really enjoy doing shopping old-school style. The uniqueness and unavailability just seems to add to the charm. For that reason as much as I love chain stores like Charles & Keith (international shipping) and M)phosis, I get most excited about all the little individual shops like the ones in Far East Plaza or the little boutiques on Haji Lane.

Sometimes so obscure are these shops that they can not be found even a few hours later, much less on my next trip out. So it happened that I could not find the store, in the maze that is Far East Plaza, where I purchased the headband (and a super tulle top that just would not photograph well) shown above. With no name on the receipt or on the bag and varying opening hours, I just could not find it when I went back later that day. A bit of a bummer as I fell deeply for a gigantic statement necklace I decided I absolutely needed in my arsenal. Oh well, better for the bank account.

This post has few photo's of some my scores. From clothes to shoes but mostly accessories on this trip. I really like Lacquär (above bracelets, ring and a huge leopard shawl). They have a facebook page with an order form? Don't know how that works but might give it a try as their stuff rocks. Below a lovely pair of studded loafers. Much like the Studly shoe from Steven Madden, which I tried on but rejected. More affordable and wearable.

And check out these rocking shoes. They remind of delicate little birds nests, but in electric blue velvet. A bit hesitant to wear them in the wet Autumn setting that is November as they are so delicate they have no actual sole. But for now they look good clearing up the other shoes in my closet.

Home by Novogratz, the book

My last purchase while on vacation was the latest book from the Novogratz's. Design books are tricky and or either a hit or a miss. This one is definitely a hit! Kids (they have 7), hip, young and urban. I am so there. I love their use of color, the quirky often vintage pieces and above all the art. 



How stinking cute is this room for three! From the bunk beds to long desk with photo wallpaper and ginormous lighting feature, everything is kawaii.

The blow-up of the brooch and the the melted wax look of the lamp are amazing.

For the children

I have not blogged in awhile so posts like 'I'm a big girl now' and this one are a bit of a catch up. In October I got one of the usual advertising emails from H&M but for their 'All for Children' collection. I loved, clicked and purchased.

The collection is described as “full of playful and timeless pieces which parents as well as their kids will love''. I could not agree more. The fact that the collection is a unique collaboration between H&M and UNICEF of which 25% of the sales will go to projects benefiting some of the poorest children in the world is the cherry topping. I am big softee regarding children since having them myself and wish each a child a childhood of love, joy, opportunity and happiness.

My daughter has recently started using the super cute mouse mittens and for Christmas or Sinterklaas (undecided which) will receive the play tent shaped like a house. It folds up and can be carried around easily enough. Thank goodness, as a living room or any room strewn with kids toys gives me an outbreak of the hives. Hopefully Mika will be crawling by then as I plan to make the interior look like (a hidden) toy heaven.

I'm a big girl now

Zoe Isobel's room underwent a mini transformation a little while back. The first of many I suspect.. But more on that another time. We removed the front of her bed and instead of a baby sleeping bag she now has her first duvet and pillow with bedding from H&M and Aunt Bucky. After getting flung out several times, she now cuddles under when we come to get her up in the morning.

She also received a little Componibili cabinet from Kartell with her stuffed animals inside. The top of the cabinet formed her night table but has since been moved to the cushioned reading nook (also new) to house her bear lamp. We now keep our Bovist pouf which we first kept in the play area next to her bed for bedtime stories.

Rain on my parade

I saw a picture of the most fabulous rain boots for kids in bright yellow, which turned out to be from Stella McCartney Kids. A bit of googling, okay alot of googling later and I still could not find them in stock in a size small enough for Zoe Isobel who is just graduating from baby sizing. I ended up getting them in lime green from Little Vida. They were even and are still on sale! Bummer on the across the pond shipping rates and double that on Customs tax, but I had to have them and they are worth it, even though they run a bit large. Hey, room for growth. Everything from the color, materials to the packaging is lovely. Zoe Isobel can not stop smiling and won't take them off, not even indoors. See below for proof..

Her eclectic Sunday morning quick dash to the the playground outfit, consisting of favorites; her beloved pink jacket, Hello Kitty backpack and umbrella, her pyjama bottoms and off course the boots. A Zobo original.