Travel & Hotspots
seven reasons to buy new york, london, milan, paris, a stylish city guide
A dear contact from ‘the industry’ is Malini Faasen, editor of De Wereld Draait Door for years. Actually, I should also curse her, because she is the woman who calls me in the morning, keeps me working all day, and then still says that Mark Rutte/Mart Smeets or a politician gets priority. But when you are there, Malini ensures dedication and coziness. And because I find it so bizarrely clever that she has also compiled a book alongside her absolutely not nine to five job, I now give her the floor. Malini Faasen, you can go completely wild on the Amayzine floor. Convince us why we should buy this little book NOW.
1 There are no photos in it
Whuuuuut? No, Instagram is fantastic. But traveling is about dreaming and your own images. This travel guide tells you where to be for the best lunch, the nicest hotel, and the most beautiful shop, but it does not rob you of your own first impression. Of course, every dream needs a bit of imagery, and that’s why Hyshil Sander, fashion lover and illustrator par excellence, has drawn a detail of the address for each location. Will you tell us how your grand entrance was?
2 Money is not an issue
The book is compiled by women who would spend their last cent on a beautiful experience. But also by women whose last cents do not always make it to the end of the month. We know the struggle of living large on a tight budget. But let’s be honest… Money is a relative concept, right? And you don’t have to sleep in the most expensive hotel right away; sometimes a cocktail at the bar is even more fun. And who can even remember anything after that high tea at Sketch in London?
3 It fits in your clutch
That Capitol of your parents and that Lonely Planet of your brother are really useful and all. But when you are standing there waiting for your Uber in your newly purchased dress (where would we be without Uber?), you want something handy and compact to take with you. Something that fits in your clutch. Okay, it’s not to be spotted in the bookstore next to all the mega books. But as a fashionista, you have to set your priorities, and that’s why we chose a little book that you can easily take with you in your handbag or clutch.
4 Act like you belong
The addresses are carefully selected and checked. So you will never be next to a busload of tourists. And if you want to look up your next coffee spot, you have a very stylish blue book in your hands. Or as the receptionist at The Boro Hotel in Queens said: “What is your Manhattan zip code, ma’am?”.
5 It’s an open invitation for a friend or for the boy
“I got you a little somethin’ something,” and hop: you give this little book as a gift. It’s not as intrusive as two tickets for a play or exhibition. But a prelude to the question: “Do you want to go to New York, London, Milan, or Paris?”. We all have our preferences, but let’s be honest… It’s going to be New York, London, Milan, or Paris this year anyway. And next year.
6 Note to self
Of course, these cities are in motion. That’s why there are a few pages specifically for your own discoveries. And now that we’re talking about it… One guide, four cities. Great idea!
7 Blair, Serena, and Amélie Poulain
Because all the places could bear the approval of Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen. Both in their Chuck Bass and in their Dan Humphrey period. But the cities can also serve as a backdrop for your own interpretation of Amélie Poulain.
