LE CHIC MODE

 SEPTEMBER SWEEP STORY HI everyone here we are nearing the end of September , though this weekend was heavenly warm and wonderful out, so we had to make the most of the last summer feeling days. Needless to say I am still in the BiG Sweep mode. Things I forgot about or were left in the closet for to long were either given away, tossed or recycled. HOME SWEET HOME Household items needed replacing. I think with fall around the corner the need for cozy new things is something we all like or need.  Like new pillows, bedding , sheets and towels.  This was something I noticed after being home in lockdowns , how much we needed to replace the old mismatched towels.  The kitchen  was another place that needed some new items. My dearest had  set of dishes that are stoneware, heavy as rocks and black. His whole place was filled with black things.  Needless to say  a new set of dishes is on the list to get. White and lighter  like the Corelle ones. love them they don't break and are perfect! F

 THE BIG SWEEP Yes , that is what the month of September has been  a sweep of getting rid of things, clutter, you name it , it was time to clear out things. I think the fact of  the lockdowns and being at home more only emphasized the fact things clutter had to go.  INSIDE, OUTSIDE Starting outside, I had saved so many plant containers that I thought would be handy to have. They have been sitting there for the last few years , not being used so time to get rid of them. Somebody else can use them for there plants . So was a giveaway.  Then our yard that was being prepared for installation of a small pool, well it became a bigger project then expected. Still decided if go smaller or original. (big headache) REFRESH ; laundry room AKA Bathroom Well its nice to have a laundry space, I find it adds a lot more clutter in the bathrooom. European bathrooms and toilets(W/C) are separate spaces. So its a bit like a half bathroom without a sink and the tub shower and sink are in another space. Wh

 MY FALL WISH LIST Well the summer went way to fast , i didn't really have time to do any shopping. But now I have the need for a few items ,  been looking for more dresses that can be worn in to fall.  The usual black dress in a simple style , scarfs and extras. FALL INSPIRATION some looks to wear for upcoming fall season. A cable knit sweater is always a good piece to add to any wardrobe, beige is a good choice. A pair of nice checklook slacks and a nice shoe  , a nice polished look. Another great look, the check coat , a scarf and the beret.  So smart looking. BLAZERS YES! Never can wrong with a blazer.  A great piece for Fall! NEUTRALS  a perfect mix a nice taupe dress , belted and classic coat. stylish classic look that can be worn for years.

 Welcome SEPTEMBER Well summer might be over and fall will soon arrive, but I am not quite ready to get into the fall mood. Thinking it would have been lovely to take a trip to Venice in  September.  A nice idea but had to change it because the Venice Film Festival is being held . A busy time and also throngs of people. I do love movies and it is always nice to see or read about the latest new films, but also to see the fashions the celebrities are wearing to the events.  Always looking gorgeous is Penelope Cruz in these Chanel creations. MORE GLAM LOOKS Some  colourful gowns going all out in ruffles  or with simple elegant lines The men strutted some suits that I think a girl could wear. That piece of jewelry is definitely a statement piece, branches or veins , not sure. THE CUTOUT BAREBACK look is still here. images, harpers, vogue, wwf , others?

 THE SUMMER OF THE UNKNOWN A hello to everyone.  The summer as simply flown by so quickly.  Well we had no chance to take a trip , the plan was to start on some projects around the place. Our first BIG project was to get a a small pool built .  Well needless to say we hit a big snag!  Also the fact I still needed to get the second vaccine, so was no way I was heading out anywhere till that was done. The GREAT Pool project Yes it was all planned to be done this summer in time for a splash party. Needless to say  it came to a grinding halt when the digger hit a old , old tree stump that was buried under the grass . So part of the grass was dug out and part left, It was quite a mess. So plan B is  to make it smaller, go with the original idea. or setup in different spot.  Options are limited , so will have to see what happens.  Such is life. GARDENING  The spring was so hot this year many plants seemed to wither in the heat I started some sweet peas to late seemed to grow but no flowers a

 THE RETURN OF......  STIRRUP PANTS Legging have been around for ages it seems, and are very popular to wear around the house, or for exercising. I have to say I don't wear them myself though I am thinking to get some to wear around the house. with a long T shirt over.- the usual way they are worn.    But now I see the return of the stirrup pants.  Fashion is bringing it back! Its really an old trend that I am not keen to wear or try again.  Okay , if I were an person that rides a horse , they are great for keeping the pants tucked in the boots. but that is it.    You know how it is, somethings you love or can do without.  Flashbacks to the 80-90s fashion.  What are some of your fashion no way , not again  trends?

 A SIMPLE COMPLIMENT  Its not everyday someone gives someone a compliment  which is rather a sad fact.   If I see a person that has a lovely haircut or is wearing something  nice like a perfume or outfit , I will tell them or ask them what fragrance they are wearing.  It is amazing how the person then starts to talk to you and also they have a happy smile. So it makes a persons day ! Something so simple as a nice compliment is something we all appreciate. Whether it is what we wear, something we made or have done.  Its also one way to brighten someones day and acknowledge  their efforts or achievements. This is especially important for children, as it gives them confidence and a feeling of achievement. Think back to your younger years for example in school, if you got a gold star or good mark on a project , how happy you felt.   Have you given or received a compliment lately? Here you can read some articles about compliments and effects,   https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210722-

 SIMPLE STYLES with SCARFS Scarfs  are having a style moment , and I for one do like the look. Something so simple as a scarf can be worn in many ways. When you think about wearing a scarf, one usually thinks of wearing it tied around the neck or  worn over the head.  But this season scarfs are being worn in many other ways.  Worn as a top, like a strapless top  or tied around the neck like a halter top.  Also you can simple wrap it around your waist like a  skirt.  Its  simple easy way to use a scarf. The beauty of scarfs there are so many beautiful designs  to find and it would be a one of kind look.  GET CREATIVE A larger scarf works best to use as wrap skirt so that it fully wraps around your body.  Another way to wear a scarf  is to tie 2 together at shoulders , let it hang down and wrap a belt around waist to make a simple dress or longer top,  making sure to overlap the two scarfs on the sides. DIY STYLES for INSPIRATION take one of your favourite scarfs and use it in different

 SOMETHING DIFFERENT  I have to say I love color and prints, and when I saw the work of this Kenyan photographer Thandiwe Murui ,  I was in AWE.   Such vibrant prints that make a statement . The  prints or the checkerboard are definitely eye- catching. ( I happen to have a checkerboard top  that I wear as a coverup)  This might not be for everyones taste, but sometimes it is fun to be a bit wilder! THE SWIRLS  love this print and the colour combination . Vibrant and fun! A MOD- FLORAL this print that looks like a Sunflower is perfect for  summer. JUST BLENDING IN CHECKERBOARD ANYONE? find out more about her work   here   Thandiwe via BBC images via Thandiwe Murui

 TIME FOR A REFRESHER Its been awhile since we had our haircut,  manicures or pedicures. I am thinking its definitely time , I would love a nice spa day  and finally a haircut. Plus its time to refresh the makeup supplies. Something I haven't been using much during the Covid times.   Lets Make-up I admit I have gotten out of the habit to wearing much makeup,  especially when staying at home. Meanwhile I think it is time to get back into the habit of at least wearing some lipstick , perhaps some bronzer for colour . Basically it has been au-naturalle. Nowadays there is a big push towards organic or natural, and seeing so many products that use that word on the products made me wonder , how can we be sure that it is?  So  I found an interesting report on the ingredients  in the products we use  from shampoos to cosmetics. Especially the ones we should avoid.  The names of them are definitely not easy to say or remember,  but important to know i f you are buying cosmetics or any othe

ALL SET TO PLAY Its tennis season, I am a big fan of tennis!  Are you a fan?   I usually never miss the games  especially the Wimbledon and French matches.     So when I saw the cute tennis outfit  I was delighted.  I like the look of  the smart skirt  and tops  The colours of soft pastels or basic navy and white.  A nice look to hit the  tennis courts...... even  for an  amateur . TENNIS STYLES    Skirts, tops, Vests, Sweaters or a Dress these pieces a ideal for a sporty look. A  classic look the pleated tennis skirt is so Stylish! All are available in different colours. HAVE FUN THIS SUMMER images HM

  🎉 CELEBRATION TIME🎈 L ast weekend we celebrated midsummer  which is a big event in the nordic countries. So of course why not celebrate it .  Its not something done  here,  but its a nice way to welcome the summer season. I thought after the last year of lockdowns we could use something to celebrate.  This tradition of midsummer is one I do like.   First you have to go picking wildflowers, for the table or a headpiece.  Set up a fire pit or barbecue for roasting,  and later to sit around and enjoy the night.  Of course there is alway plenty of food, and beer .  One simple treat to make  is a simple bread that is wrapped around a stick  or a hotdog/ frankfurter , then roasted over the open fire.   A simple snack. RECIPE 1 3/4 C white flour 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt  5 tbsp.   oil 1/2 C  water NOTE you can also use pizza dough , which ever is your preference. 

 WELL READ , WELL TRAVELLED & WELL DRESSED These words popped into my head the other day.... thinking about how some people are just that.  Someone you meet randomly and started a conversation with.  Its those few moments that you get a impression of what  that person is like.  Impressions ... how quickly the mind makes a mental note of the meeting.   Is there someone you know that strikes you like that? WELL READ Reading.. I love books to look at for inspiration, for letting my mind wonder and dream, or solve the story  Mysteries were one of my favourites. During the pandemic I thought i would look at reading some books that I might not normally read, so my idea was to start to read some of the books that were awarded the Nobel Peace prize. A good idea!  So to start the reading journey i started with love.(love in the time of Cholera)  and i am still reading it. Its a love story and one worth a read if you like romance. What books have your been reading lately? WELL TRAVELLED How