Tech luvs Lapàporter

I’ve posted quite a bit on carrying my tech, see here, here and here. While I have yet to decide on what to get for my iPad and laptop, what cover for my iPhone was pretty much an instantaneous decision. Don’t get me wrong, while I did initially struggle with my love for the Knucklecase and a silver geometric case from Marc by Marc Jacobs, the practicality of needing to protect my screen while swimming on the bottom of my tardis of a work bag and being able to fit my phone into a car kit twice a day won out. My ideal phone case needs to; A. protect sides, back and front B. slip off quickly and easily or else lay completely flush in the car kit cradle and C. which is extremely important, look the part!

When I finally updated my phone a couple months ago I ended up choosing the Lapàporter ballerina case in soft black leather with a black python bow for contrast. Super stylish, simplicity with an almost imperceptible edge. Imagine my pain as to having lost it recently while rushing in and out of my car. I mean I never lose anything as I have a bit of control tick, much less my beloved and rather new phone case. I took about a week looking at (cheaper) alternatives, resulting in several acquired scratches on my screen.

 In this search I turned to the Lapàporter site daily. I adore the python line, but could not justify the price for a replacement case so shortly after the first. Funnily, just as I decided to go for the glam gold case, I saw there were new versions of the ballerina line and a new line; salmon. The salmon line totally made my heart sing for giving me the textural effect of python without the price and it comes in pink! This is my first non-black case, as I am scared of getting bored too quickly when it comes to color. It feels so delightful and the texture also makes it a bit sturdier. All in all another lovely case, which is beautifully made and striking but not overbearingly in your face. And no, I am not paid for advertising. I just love things that show quality and craftsmanship and this brand delivers. I might even try and save my pennies, dimes and quarters for the iPad case in python.

Doe-eyed beauty

Say you love design but only have an teeny weeny tiny flat to showcase said design. Because you A. just started working with ditto entry level pay, B. live in an insanely expensive town, C. fell in love with the space above all practical considerations D. any other reason. What to furnish your space with, that is multifunctional but does not look like you put it together yourself or was produced via automated process?

And along comes this doe-eyed beauty from Caroline Olsson. Aptly named Bambi as this baby  gracefully folds down to coffee table level or standing proud can be used for dining. Check out the link for more beautiful photo's of the table and her other work. The lamps are just so fun and the glass peg is to die for!

To love or not to love; the leather look

Styles changes and so mine has had some subconscious tweaking I realize. The basis remains quite the same as I am and will remain a girly girl who wont really feel comfortable in an overtly masculine or sporty look.  But it has got a bit edgier and therefore also the brands and stores I like have changed.

Part of that edgier look translates into an (even greater) love of leather. Not just leather as in jackets, bags and shoes as I also have but into the garments as well. I love my taupe leather dress and almost cried when last week my favorite soft as a newborn's butt (I would know) leather mini sprung a tear. To wear sparingly and as the statement, but when  done so, oh so amazing. Now other way to describe it but to say I feel absolutely     b-i-t-c-h-i-n-g, much to the chagrin of the hubby!

 

1. Pencil dress updated (owned). 2. leather pants with chunky zips. 3. over-the-knee boots (been on the hunt for the perfect not-slutty pair). 4. wrap around gloves. 5. golden t-shirt dress (let's make a statement). 6. snake embossed zip through skirt.

Trivets & crumble

Happiness is a slice of pie,.. apple pie. So what better way, without getting to sinful, to kick back and enjoy the weekend than with a serving or two. A crumbly, buttery topping covering apples baked in homemade salted caramel sauce and with maybe just a drizzle of cream over the top? Presented on the cutest house-shaped trivet set and served in the tactile fig bowls from Petite Friture. Aah.

Designer love; Pana Objects

It’s been a while since I have posted about a product or store that made me skip a beat or smile like a Cheshire cat. What with the grey, rainy autumn weather I thought it high time to focus on a design collective who turn useful, everyday objects into fun and original little whimsies, all in wood. When I saw Pana Objects washi tape holder aptly named Crackie, in the shape of a … cookie I burst into giggles. It arrived just before the weekend from Thailand and is now sitting proudly on my desk as I write this post. Holding my most favorite roll of neon pink tape. I also love the Tofu stationary sets and think the puppy (he even sits and shakes hands!) named Frank would be such a fun addition to Mika’s room.

Have a great = fun, whimsical, original and happy week, or whatever your definition happens to be!

Carry me

I have posted about carrying my tech gear around stylishly here and here. I still have yet to find the perfect iPad case for me, but that's OK as I don't use it that often. What I do use daily and which just gets dumped unceremoniously in a suitcase sans protection is my laptop. Not of the sleek and powers for hours without charging variety, so thin Apple inspired cases are out. But these... could work well!

 

1. Heart design, 2. leather pouch with detachable accessories mini-case, 3. cut-out design & 4. metallic leopard design. Now what to pick?

Isabel Marant loves Hennes & Mauritz

Another post about a H&M collection? Yep, reason being that the special collections are the reason the store has regained my interest outside of the teenage years and ditto budget. Part of last year’s rediscovery had to do with the collaboration with Margiela. The edginess yet wearability ending up swaying me into several pieces and triggered my interest in future designer collections and the store in general.

This year’s designer is Isabel Marant. A different direction to the harder edge of the previous year’s collection. Isabel Marant designs are a more along the lines of French cool; laid back, bohemian, casually feminine and effortless looking. I have several pieces from Isabel Marant and find them very versatile in being able to dress them up or down depending on my mood. I hope with this collection to acquire more of her designs and will definitely being logged on early on November 14 in hopes of getting my choice pieces (pictured). And I am already wondering who next year’s designer will be…

A question of design..the wood edition

There was so much to see at DDW, that I still have some more photo’s to share. So here are a few more. How cool are those wooden bikes, wooden lamps, faceted wooden chairs, wood and metal sideboard, wooden robot cutting serving boards and wood and pretty pink glass vases. And for a bit of variation.. that gorgeous ombre pink bowl and a slate sideboard!

Don't forget to check out Piet Hein Eek, Ontwerpduo, Studio Rene Siebum and Buhtiq31 for

more! Working on my Christmas list as we speak.

A question of design

Dutch design week has come and gone. I did not get to see as much as I would like but even being at one of the locations for a split second is inspiring. You see people you don’t regularly see in and about town. Seriously, no offence, but where did all these hip, funky, cool people come from? People in their element, doing what they love, what they are great at and basically meant to do. And with the other group of hip, funky and cool enjoying and appreciating that passion, it creates such a good buzz and vibe. While beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, there is no mistaking the wonder of Dutch Design Week. Here's a little ode to all the great design and of course the designers that makes it such a great event.