travel essentials

My carry on luggage had only the bare essentials. I couldn't have done without my Herringbone Coat from my AW11 collection, Pawpaw lip-balm, Possum-Merino-Silk Sweater from Penny Sage and those small packets of Kleenex tissues. I have safely arrived in Germany and quickly settling into our new little apartment in Berlin!

moving

I was unlucky once. I was given an unexpected gift. Unexpected but in no way unwanted. Then, it was taken away, taking with it the life of me. Moving abroad was initially a motion (or in emotion) to runaway and to hide. Time heals though. And love heals for sure.
I am still moving abroad, but now to explore and to find. I will miss my dear family and friends greatly and just wish I could persuade them all to come with. I will have with me my most dearest companion though and this makes me very happy! He too is on his journey.
 
Sherie Muijs shirts will continue. I'm simply relocating, designing, sampling and administrating from abroad. I truly love what I do and wouldn't trade places with anyone.
 
I'm the luckiest girl alive.

[Image source]

travel tips [spain with jessica comingore, part two]

After traveling through France with friends, Jiwan and I began our Spanish journey in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. I was amazed by Gaudi's distinctive architecture, Pablo Picasso's history from his life there and the lobster risotto which was out of this world.
Following on from Jessica Comingore's travel tips for Madrid, here are her recommendations for Barcelona.

BARCELONA
 
See
1. MACBA - Contemporary art heaven in a building designed by Richard Meyer — need I say more? Make sure to pop in to the gift shop to pick up a few obscure art books.
2. Museu Picasso  - This place gets crowded on the weekends, but it's well worth the wait. It houses Picasso's works from age 18 to his passing and witnessing the progression is incredibly inspiring.
3. La Sagrada Familia - Grab a seat, look up and let your jaw drop. Like nothing I've ever seen.

Eat
1. 4Gats - I grabbed a table for one at this restaurant after my visit to Museu Picasso as I heard this was his favorite hangout when he lived in Barcelona. Sit back with a glass of wine and their lobster risotto, and let the afternoon linger.
2. La Boqueria - The energy you feel walking in to this market is quintessential Spain. It's in the more touristy area of Barcelona, La Rambla de Sant Josep, so make sure to hang tight to your belongings.
3. Woki Organic Market - Perhaps not the most authentic Spanish cuisine, but this market had great branding (as did many of the restaurants in Barcelona) and was an interesting restaurant/market hybrid, carrying cuisine from all over the globe.

Visit/Shop
1. Ese Ese - Women in Spain always look incredibly chic and completely effortless at the same time, and this boutique very much captures that vibe.
2. Mercat Gotic - Every Thursday a few tables are set up in the Gothic Quarter for vendors to sell their antique wares. Old cameras, silverware, artwork, you name it.
3. Port Vell - A walk along the marina at dusk is beautiful.

Our next stop is Granada, which I cannot wait to share with you! 

travel tips [spain with jessica comingore, part one]

It has been over three months since my visit to Spain; Madrid being our final destination, leaving us with a lasting impression. The incredibly talented and lovely Jessica Comingore, {whom I was fortunate enough to meet while passing through Los Angeles}, left me with an extensive list of sights to see and hidden away places to eat while traveling through Spain.

My highlight from this list is easy. Olivia te Cuida -- The menu was overwhelmingly delicious-looking so left it to the chef to serve a selection of her favourites, while I sat inspired. Inspired by its simple yet unique decor and the oozing coolness and calm from the other diners packed into this tiny slice of heaven.

MADRID

See
1. Circulo de Bellas Artes - Get a ticket to the rooftop to see some of the most incredible panoramic views of the city. Don't forget your camera!
2. Museo del Prado - The grounds are as beautiful as the work inside and you can easily spend a day slowly wandering through its corridors.
3. Museo Reina Sofia - This museum was hands-down my favorite with work from many incredible contemporary artists. The central gardens are also the perfect place to relax and people watch.

Eat
1. Mercado de San Miguel - My friend took me here on my first night in Madrid for tapas and a glass of Ribera and I was hooked. I think I went back at least three more times, each time trying something different from the vast selection of vendors.
2. Olivia te Cuida - I feel like this restaurant was taken directly out of my dreams. Only enough room for a few, and only serving lunch M-F, your best bet would be to make a reservation, and come hungry. They work with the freshest ingredients in the most unique ways I've ever tasted.
3. Junk Club - Underneath the notable La Musa Latina restaurant, you need a password to enter in to this cozy eatery with the coolest and quirkiest decor in town.

Visit/Shop
1. The Rastro Flea Market - I spent my last day in Madrid wanderng around this expansive flea market, picking up everything from leather backpacks to 19th century oil paintings. It's got something for everyone.
2. Parque del Retriro - Let yourself get lost through the paths of this park, through the rose gardens, past the lake and ending at the Palacio de Cristal — an absolute sight to be seen.
3. Plaza Mayor - This is the center of Madrid and the most beautiful at night when the crowds have died down a bit, and your path is guided only by the glow of the street lamps.

[Photography: Jessica Comingore]

blue skies

It's a grey old day here in Auckland so, while I should be working, am flicking through printed films filled with memories of clear skies and fluffy clouds.

greenery

I'm finding it difficult knowing where to start when thinking about sharing my travels -- there is simply too much to share, it overwhelms me. So, instead of posting lengthy tales from my journey I trust my few photographs posted here speak of stories in themselves.

[All images were taken by me with our FujiFilm x100 or disposable cameras]

x

here now

I have returned to Auckland, New Zealand and am back in action. I had hoped to update while I was galavanting the globe, however, failed and instead made the most of my hiatus. I will leave you with these few snapshots and will update again shortly with highlights from my travels and news of Spring/Summer 2012-13 shirts!

x

bon voyage

Taking off in a couple of hours, first stop Los Angeles. Here is what's on my back. Travel journal, Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, Grown lip balm, MAC gloss, sunnies, comme des garcons wallet and pouch and iPhone.  Will touch base as and when I can... 

travel tips [amsterdam with aline hart, day one]

Following on from Talisa's travel tips in Paris, my Dutch friend Aline Hart shares her guide to a city very close to my heart, Amsterdam.

Day One

Put your sneakers on – this day will be filled with hiking through the mazes of the shopping streets in Amsterdam.

Before we start our retail journey we need energy and fuel: Toos&Roos is our first pit-stop destination. This tiny breakfast/lunch restaurant is situated in the middle of the Negen Straatjes – 9 streets filled with small and quirky shops and restaurants, the perfect start for our hunt.

Toos&Roos was previously known as Buffet van Odette. Due to its popularity Odette located to a bigger venue. Lucky for us the new proprietors still serve the old patrons signature cakes. My favourite is the Sticky Toffee Cake {recommended for the hard-core sugar fan}.

Satisfied but filled with a different kind of hunger we start exploring the Negen Straatjes. In the Negen Straatjes you can find a big variety of boutiques and specialty shops {De witte tandenwinkel}, along with the more familiar brands {COS, Filipa K}.

Shops you have to visit are RIKA, Sky and Tenue de Nimes  - this last store is specialised in denims. And if Amsterdam is the Jeans capital of the world then this shop is the Holy Grail. 

If you’ve got a wallet you like to empty I would advise you to visit Van Ravenstein. In this shop they sell the more Fashion Capital worthy brands such as Givenchy and Christopher Kane. Tip: every Saturday Van Ravenstein opens its basement where their outlet is situated. And if you’re lucky you can find the perfect Peter Pilotto dress with a nice discount!

Another favourite is BonBon Boutique – all BonBon Boutique jewellery are hand made by Bonne van der Ree. In her unusual designs she combines semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystal and beautiful vintage finds: elegant, fine, but with a raw edge - just like their designer. Besides her own jewellery, Bonne also sells jewellery, accessories and illustrations of local designers and friends.  

Before we continue with our journey we need to fuel up again – time for some fast food. French fries are a big thing in Holland – the way we eat them differs from other Fast Food-nations. Preferably we like to eat them with a meaty snack like a kroket or a frikandel and a big chunk of mayonnaise. Like was quoted in Pulp Fiction: we like to “fuckin’ drown ‘em in it”. 

Personally I think that the best French fries are sold at Vleminckx Sausmeesters. As the name of the place indicates there is a wide selection of sauces to decorate your French fries with. If you’re traditional you choose the regular mayonnaise but if you feel adventurous you choose ‘Speciaal’, ‘Oorlog’ or ‘Joepie-sauce’. Take the bag of fries with you and sit down by the Canal and watch the boats going by.

After this indulgence and time of reflection, we take our bikes and go to the Boerenmarkt on the Nieuwmarkt. Every Saturday you can find here a farmers market where they sell a big variety of high quality produce. Everything that is being sold is organic and origins from local farmers. Here we stock up on freshly made pestos, bread, fruits and vegetables for our Sunday, reserved for some downtime.

For dinner we go to Proef – this restaurant serves a set 3-course meal that changes by the season. You can choose from a meat, fish or vegetarian menu, which is composed of seasonal and sustainable products from the region.

To finish off this hectic day we go to a cocktail bar called Door74. Before going there I advice you to make a reservation {the number to dial is on their website}. Nothing left for me to say here: just indulge in the mystery and be surprised.

1. Toos & Roos Herengracht 309, 1016 AV 

2. Buffet van Odette Prinsengracht 598, 1017 KS, www.buffet-amsterdam.nl

Negen straatjes www.de9straatjes.nl/uk/

3. RIKA Oude Spiegelstraat 12, 1016 BM, www.rikaint.com

4. Sky Herengracht 228, 1016 BT, www.skyfashion.nl

5. Tenue de Nimes Elandsgracht 60, 1016 TX, www.tenuedenimes.com

6. Van Ravenstein Keizersgracht 359, 1016 EJ, www.van-ravenstein.nl

7. Vleminckx Sausmeesters Voetboogstraat 31

8. BonBon boutique Rosmarijnsteeg 12hs, 1012 RP

9. Boerenmarkt

10. Proef Gosschalklaan 12, 1014 DC

11. Door 74 Reguliersdwarsstraat 74, 1017 BN, www.door74.nl

travel tips [paris with talisa sutton, part four]

St.-Germain des Prés -- Talisa's fourth and final entry! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving e-mails from Talisa with her endless tips on where to shop, to eat and places to see. I am incredibly excited about visiting Paris again, this time with quite an extensive to-do list. Merci beaucoup Talisa! 

Shop

Dries Van Noten - The Dries store, much like the collections, is a work of art. I particularly love that you can sit on the blue couch (it feels like a living room) and flick through lookbooks if you need a little break from shopping.

7 Quai Malaquais, Paris, 75006 

Celine - An incredibly modern space filled with all the cabas bags and pochettes you could ever dream of.

58 rue de Rennes, Paris, 75006

Carven - One of my favourite French labels. I loved this little boutique, they have the best selection I have ever seen and if you're lucky they might make you a coffee while you try on clothes.

34 rue Saint Sulpice, Paris, 75006 

Deyrolle - The most amazing collection of taxidermy you will ever see. Rohan and I have two of the butterflies and they are incredibly beautiful.

46 Rue du Bac, Paris, 75007

Le Bon Marché - My favourite department store in Paris. They have mini boutique sections for Byredo, A.P.C., Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant and more.

22 rue de Sèvres, Paris, 75006

Eat

Café de Flore - Sadly we didn't make it here but I can't wait to go next time. It's one of the most famous cafes in Paris for being associated with intellectual guests such as Jean-paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. 

Corner of the Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Rue St. Benoit, Paris, 75006

Le Bon Marché grande épicerie de Paris - Right across the street from the main store, this is their luxury food hall. You can eat in choosing from a verity of deli selections and cafe food or pick up some designer groceries, pastries or fresh produce. 

38 Rue de Sèvres, Paris, 75007

Laduree - The iconic French patisserie. Make sure you try the macrons but be warned, eating in is expensive!

21 rue Bonaparte, Paris, 75006

Roasted chestnuts - Sellers can be found all over the city but we tried them

out the from of the Musee D'Orsay. A little bag of roasted chestnuts (marron) is a cheap and delicious snack, especially when it's freezing outside. 

See

Saint-Sulpice church - A beautiful church in the heart of St-Germain. Also see the Fontaine Saint-Sulpice (Fountain of the four bishops) in the centre of Saint-Sulpice square. 

Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris, 75006

Musee D'Orsay - An impressive collection of modern art including some spectacular Art Deco furniture and objects. I recommend buying a combine ticket with the Musée de l'Orangerie. 

73 Rue Lille, Paris, 75007 

--- ---

Next up, tips for Amsterdam from my dear friend, Aline Hart {who I have posted about before in one of my earliest entries}.

travel tips [paris with talisa sutton, part three]

I am beginning to wonder if I have enough time scheduled in Paris with the endless recommendations rolling in from Talisa Sutton from Badlands. 

Part Three -- A list of places to see in the Latin Quater...



Notre Dame de Paris

A stunning example of French Gothic architecture; the stained glass and stonework make this cathedral truly magnificent.

6 Place Parvis Notre Dame, Paris, 75004

La Sorbonne

One of the first universities in the world - I have always dreamed of going here! Sadly I don't speak French, however it was lovely to see the building and pretend for just a moment…

1 rue Victor Cousin Paris, 75005

Panthéon

The Panthéon was originally built as a church but now houses the remains of many famous French figures. The interior dome and pendulum are breathtaking, as is the design of the building itself.
Above the entrance there is an inscription: "To the great men, the grateful homeland". Many citizens come to pay respects to 'national heroes' such as Zola, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas.

Place du Panthéon, Paris, 75005

Jardin du Luxembourg

This was one of my favourite gardens in Paris. The green chairs, beautiful fountains and ducks are all part of its charm. We got nutella and marron crepes with coffee from a little cart by the fountain; perfect on a crisp winters day.

6e Arrondissement, Paris, 75006


To read Part One and Two of Talisa's Paris Travel Tips, see here and here.

LA

A few things on my to visit list while in LA, recommended to me by friends are -- eat burgers and drink beer at Fred62, shop at Iko Iko, eat at Little Dom's, stay in this charming cabin {yes please!} and shop at Creatures of Comfort. My love for LA all started here, in the closet of Momo Suzuki. 

the first and surrounds [paris with talisa sutton, part two]

Shop

Lanvin - One of my favourite fashion houses - the flagship store isn't to be missed. Take a peek at the bridal collection and collectable dolls and leave with a little stationery souvenir.

22, Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, Paris, 75008

Petit Bateau - A French staple, 'Little Boat' is filled with lovely stripes and other basics for men, women and children.

9 Rue du 29 Juillet, Paris, 75001

Colette - An absolutely amazing and incredibly stylish concept store.

213 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, 75001

Le Mont Saint Michel - A sweet French label famous for their knitwear.

29 Rue du Jour, Paris, 75001

See

Pont des Arts - The famous, very romantic bridge where couples leave engraved locks.

By the Louvre

Pont Neuf - The oldest standing bridge on the Seine. The reason I was really excited to go here is thanks to Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity. I love how he watches the bridge from the roof of La Samaritaine.

Western tip of the Île de la Cité

Musée du Louvre - The largest museum in the world, with an impressive collection of prehistory to 19th century art. The Louvre houses both the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, but it also has an amazing ancient Egyptian collection.
 

4 Place du Louvre, Paris, 75001

Musée de l’Orangerie - A beautiful museum in the Tuileries which houses Claude Monet's breathtaking water lilies.

Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, 75001

Pont Alexandre III - One of the most beautiful bridges in Paris with stunning gilt bronze statues and ornate lamps.

Connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter and the Invalides, Paris, 75008 

Eat

Claus - One of my favourite cafes in Paris; I recommend the Claus breakfast set.

14 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris, 75001

Thaim - A lovely, tiny Thai restaurant with a daily set menu. There is a set entree and dessert with a choice between meat, poultry or fish for the main. Make sure you book in advance.

46 Rue de Richelieu, Paris, 75001

Bistrot Victoires - We went here for lunch during our day at the Louvre, it's great for traditional and affordable French fare. The duck confit and steak frites were both delicious.

6 Rue la Vrillière, Paris, 75001

Club Silencio - A visit to Paris wouldn't be complete without a dance at David Lynch's famous nightclub. Arrive from midnight when they begin letting non-members in and enjoy the interiors and live music. The cocktails are expensive and a bit too conceptual but the club in itself is a dream.

142 Rue Montmarte, Paris, 75002
 


To read part one of Talisa's Paris Travel Tips, click here. To follow her on Badlands, click here. 

[All images & illustrations by Talisa Sutton] 

xx 

travel tips [paris with talisa sutton, part one]

June 1st marks the first day of winter, and so too, this blogs first entry of a series gathering travel tips from friends around the world. 
While the weather cools down and the wind picks up, to help get me through this winter {which I say grudgingly but can’t deny my love for fluffy jumpers, open fires and endless cups of tea}, I have my summer excursion in Europe to think about.

First to feature, Talisa Sutton, Sydney-based graphic designer/illustrator shares with me her guide to Paris!

See

l'Hôtel de Ville - The square in front of the Hôtel de Ville plays host to different attractions throughout the year. During winter there is an ice skating rink which is absolutely amazing, especially at night accompanied by the twinkling lights of the hotel.

Pl. de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Marais, Paris, 75004

Centre Pompidou - The 'inside-out' design of this gallery is amazing in itself. What is even more impressive is their contemporary art collection. It was amazing to see work from artists like Cy Twombly and Yves Klein in person.

Place Georges Pompidou, entrée par la piazza, Paris, 75191

Eat

Chez Omar - This is Sofia Coppola's favourite restaurant in Paris and with good reason - the cous cous is to die for! In fact, North African food in Paris is pretty amazing in general.

47, rue de Bretagne, Paris, 75003

Poilane - I first read about Poilane in The Gentlewoman, sadly while I missed having brunch there (weekends only), they still have a lovely selection of fresh bread and pastries.

38, rue Debelleyme, Paris, 75003

Rose Bakery - That carrot cake! I recommend going on a weekend when they have the full breakfast menu; the banana smoothie and pancakes are a must-try, especially if you're a big fan of the cookbook.

3, rue des Rosiers, Paris 75004

Chez Hanna - One of my favourite cheap eats. The falafel special is a must try and they have cider and banana smoothies. My two favourite beverages!

54, rue des Rosiers, paris, 75004

Andy Wahloo - A very cool 70s Moroccan style bar. I recommend going for an after dinner drink just to see the venue.

69, rue des Gravilliers, Paris, 75003

Shop

Merci - An Incredible concept store which is like a boutique meets gallery. There is a library cafe and a canteen downstairs, I recommend trying both!

111, Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris, 75003 
 
COS - My favourite high street store; go for the beautiful and simple sleepwear, lingerie and cashmere basics.

4, rue des Rosiers, Paris, 75004
 
Bonton - A very sweet children's store which has a fun vintage photo booth.

5 bd. des Filles du Calvaire, Paris, 75003

Isabel Marant - Always a favourite, the store has such a great selection and is beautifully merchandised.

47, rue de Saintonge, Paris, 75003

Yvon Lambert Bookshop - So many special books and zines here. The space has a small gallery room attached to it and everytime I went back I discovered something new. So much so that my hand luggage was 10kg over!

108, Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, 75003

A.P.C - For breton stripes, a classic trench coat and those lovely candles.

112, Rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, 75003



[All images & illustrations by Talisa Sutton]

french trotters

It is safe to say that I will be trotting myself along here when I am in Paris later this year! Here's hoping they have in-stock the multi-flowered Jackie Jacket which I think is quite lovely.

traveling wares

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I have booked my tickets for Spain! It is a bit of a whirlwind tour of Europe, spending the majority of my time marveling my way through the Mediterranean. My list of things to pack is still a work in progress - but to begin, here are a few things I’ll be taking with me…

1.    This Baggu Backpack – first spotted on Katherine’s blog
2.    My soon-to-be-purchased x100
3.    Margaret Howell’s spotty scarf
4.    Sunday-Somewhere glasses
5.    A pair of navy Superga sneakers {available at Fabric}
6.    And one of these passport cases

here we come!

 I am filled with joy and anticipation! Come August, I will be packing my suitcase and setting off {with husband in tow}. First, a few days in LA and Palm Springs, then on to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris, Barcelona, Morocco and London. I’m really hoping the next 5 months roll around fairly quickly… In the mean time, I best start planning what to pack…