My Precious.

Envy is an ugly emotion. It makes you want to take something that belongs to someone else and try to keep it for yourself.

This was the exact feeling that washed over me last weekend when I laid my eyes on the slice of gorgeousness dangling from the delicate wrist of my friend at our sunday brunch date in Hamburg.

Okay, so I'm not proud of it, but maybe you'll understand when you see these pieces designed by Marjana von Berlepsch.

The "Mogul" is a leather adjustable bracelet with faceted gemstones plated in silver and 18 carat gold, with citrine, brown and blue chalcedony and a little bit of rose quartz.  And I want her. Now. To dress up my denim and flats uniform for the school run and add a little personality to my business suit and pumps.

Just so that she won't be lonely, I might just have to bring these along too.

At around 300 Euros, she doesn't come cheap so it'll have to be a treat for when I've been good or very bad..

What to wear in Morocco

As part of my Morocco travel recap, I wanted to answer a question that I saw being asked on all the travel blogs and forums.

So, what do you wear in Morocco?  To be fair, there is no all encompassing answer as we have to make allowances for personal taste, style and planned activities.  So this answer is for the woman who wants to be stylish, comfortable within the city (no hiking or strenuous activity unless you count lifting carpets and haggling) and still respect the culture of the country.

Morocco is an extremely modern and tourist friendly country.  Although its considered to be  a traditional muslim society, the western culture is firmly established in the cities so you will easily find the young Moroccan women out and about in skinny jeans and sleeveless dresses. The fashion designers are extremely fashion forward and the boutiques carry fashions that could be seen in any European or American city. 

However, in the medina, where all the markets are located, the dress code is more conservative. The general rule is to wear loose tops with sleeves and make sure your bottoms are not too short or tight which means leave the hot pants and Herve Leger body con minis at home.

I only brought a carry on, so all these pieces did double, even triple duty during the trip. Not credited are about 3 white tanks and 2 light layering tees. 

What ? No pictures? Hush, impatient ones, here's what I wore in Morocco.

Tunic by Tory Burch

Dress from Piperlime

Heritage Wrap Cardigan by Banana Republic,  perfect for plane rides and chilly evenings.

Paige Jeans and Lace Blouse - Visits to Boutiques and Rooftop Drinks

See by Chloe

StudUp by Steve Madden

And finally,  my number one travel necessity. A big fluffy scarf or two twisted together.

  

Theodora and Callum

Out and About - Winter Accessories

This morning, I woke up to this.

I love snow.  It's weird because I never saw it until I was about 12 years old and it didn't really leave a great impression on me at that time. To be clear, I love looking at the snow, not rolling around in it, not throwing it...just looking at it.  Inspite of my love for snow, winter isnt really my favorite season (a ballad to autumn to be composed shortly). Besides, January in Germany is the worst ! The Christmas market is gone, the schmaltz kuchen stands are all packed up and it's just cold, wet, dark and dreary. January itself is a sucky month anywhere in the world. Filled with good intentions and new year resolutions that no one keeps. It seems that the "New Year" turns people into wide eyed optimists who inevitably become disillusioned by mid February .

Sidebar- Remind me to share a heartwarming story about winter, a lonely law student and an NYC Starbucks.


Anyhow, last night Germany decided to throw me a bone and I was rewarded with clean, fresh smelling snow. No mud, no slush, just the crisp, clear your head smell of winter. The snow inspired me to share my other great winter loves which are the accessories. Scarves, mittens, fluffy throws, pillows, candles and hot steaming beverages. Although its a bit late in the game, i'm still lusting after these two lovelies.

via Laura Olivia tumblr

Knit Throws via Garnet Hill

It's still January and I haven't broken any declared or undeclared resolutions...i'm off to treat my self to one of the above !

Shape Shifting.

Today I'm in one of my restless moods where I just want to change up the whole apartment, get new art, new shades, new something !!!! Of course, I can't just up and redecorate the whole apartment but hey that's where accessories come in.  I'm really getting into basic shapes when applied on everyday household articles and the folks over at Ferm Living do a wonderful job of it. Here are a few things I'm eyeing....Lord, grant me restraint!!

Harlequin Cushion - Yellow

Knitted Floor Cushions

And to brighten up the kitchen.....

Stackable Bowls with Lid           

Love Bird Tea towel  

Tower of Rings Napkin Rings

Now, don't you just feel like entertaining? Go on, grab a friend and enjoy !