Fun & Famous
Carolien’s Fast LAne Life
Yes, another fresh weekday diary from our Carolien. Because you know: she never sits still…
If there's one thing I'm a sucker for, it's beautiful fabrics! Gorgeous silk, cashmere, or a chunky knit and I'm completely sold... I still remember when I first stepped into the Avelon headquarters and was blown away by those already beautiful materials. Since then, I prefer to save up for that one amazing cashmere sweater rather than buy three pieces at Zara, so my wardrobe lasts a bit longer. The only downside: eight out of ten clothing items in my closet need to be steamed... By now, I sometimes dare to wash a few items on a delicate cycle with Ecover myself, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, there have been casualties, like my favorite blouse made of 100% silk from New York, sob... So when I discovered the American brand Rails, I jumped for joy. This clothing line from LA is known for their beautiful blouses and dresses of stunning quality. I immediately fell for this blouse, made of rayon (artificial silk). It feels silky soft, but is machine washable! Best of both worlds, then.
What is it with people always telling you horror stories when you're about to take a certain action? Whether it's flying (‘Oh, my friend recently had to make an emergency landing’) or when someone has to undergo surgery (‘I heard a terrible story about a patient who had a surgical tool left inside them’) or you're getting married: everyone has a ‘juicy’ story that gives you the chills. Now that the big day is getting closer, people apparently enjoy serving me these delightful scenarios... I heard about a bride who wanted to quickly iron her wedding dress abroad and then had to say 'I do' with a full iron imprint on her chest, and about someone who wanted to dye her eyelashes but had such an allergic reaction that she could barely see through her swollen eyes at the altar. Oof, the chills are running down my spine again. So when I was sitting in the chair at Babassu for my pre-wedding treatment, I secretly crossed my fingers for a good outcome. For the Fresh Express treatment, they use the CACI device to stimulate blood circulation, even out your skin, and firm it up. The next day, I walked to the mirror with slight palpitations: but thank goodness, I only saw a more even and tighter skin. On to the second session!
Marly and I are literally fashion partners in crime: when we go out together, you can bet we'll both come home with way too expensive purchases. Last weekend, the ‘misery’ started in Antwerp: we were going to sale-shop for dresses for her and another friend for my wedding. Exactly, for ‘them’ and nothing for me, because I am long and well provided with my dream dress. But then, suddenly, there were my dream shoes by Dries Van Noten in the window... ”I've literally been looking for a snake boot for years.’ Marly: ‘Oh come on, just get them. They're beautiful!’ Me: ‘But I really can't, I'm getting married in a month, so I should spend that money better...’ Marly: ‘Yeah, but you've been looking for a shoe like that for years, so isn't it meant to be that you run into them now? And if you wait, they'll be sold out.’ See, and that's where I always go wrong: I'm extremely sensitive to the words ‘exclusive’, ‘limited edition’, and ‘no longer available’. I hide that box at home like crazy, so my husband doesn't find out that I'd rather bought shoes than a wedding cake. Does anyone have a nice side job for me starting September?
As if we hadn't already caused enough damage in Antwerp, Marly and I started our week with a visit to Designer Outlet Roermond. This date had been in the calendar for three months, so we really couldn't make excuses not to go, right? Luckily, you can shop there with really nice discounts, which gives you the feeling that you're making a profit on your purchases (pure female logic, of course). We caught the tail end of the summer sale, but the stores were slowly starting to fill up with winter collections, and let that just be my favorite season to shop for. Because, here we go again: beautiful fabrics! In the end, we behaved and both scored a beautiful Mulberry bag in the summer sale, and I got those to-die-for loafers from Gucci for literally a steal. And by the time I become Mrs. Karthaus, we'll just plan another trip south to really shop for winter-winter!
When the winter season starts at Designer Outlet Roermond, you can check: http://www.mcarthurglen.com/nl/designer-outlet-roermond/nl/.
One of my favorite activities is discovering new and innovative designers from the Netherlands. The good thing is that I never have to search far and get to know many new brands during events. I met Bekka from the sustainable label Ignore The Brand during the Gift Suite, and we clicked immediately. All designs have that clean, Scandinavian look that I love so much and are also made from organic cotton, eco leather, and even vegan leather! The items are produced in two small factories in Portugal, and Bekka donates a part of her monthly earnings to Animal Aid Unlimited in India. If this isn't an example, then I don't know what is! When she asked if I wanted to personalize one of her eco leather jackets, I was already almost in the car on my way to her showroom. And it turned out so well that we absolutely want to develop more items together. To be continued...
