Primark shop opening?

Rumor has it...

Today I discovered that maybe there is a new Primark store to be opened in Cologne at the end of 2013. While this is a long time to go, I am happy to hear about it. I think that in terms of growing strategy it is really necessary to go to the bigger cities. 

I have been and are still surprised about Primark's market strategy for Germany. The first shop in Germany was in Bremen, followed by Francfort, but then they opened in smaller cities, for instance, in Gelsenkirchen. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich were always missing. This summer, they finally opened a store in Berlin (Source: www.primark.de). 

My problem with Primark is that whenever I go there I feel that I really should grap the opportunity and "buy things ahead". By this, I often buy things that I do not need and will never wear. Having a Primark close would, hopefully, change this buying behavior. 

things I bought at Primark in June (solely the pink shirt is from Blanco);
good hunt since I have been wearing all pieces regularly during the summer months

What I am also missing is an online store, but since the inventory turnover is really high, this implementation really is a challenge and so I give them some time to set this up. 

Happy shopping!

Flea Market

Again. I start being addicted to flea markets, but I think that this is due to the fact that I always find something. 

This time I found a dark grey woolen turtleneck pullover from Lacoste (8€) as well as a no-name blouse (5€). I really like the design and think with a classic skinny jeans and some nice shoes it will look awesome. 

My BF came with me this time, he bought a Hugo Boss button-down shirt (5€) and a Ralph Lauren polo shirt (7€). 

Le Swing

Nice decoration

After Vicky's post about this fancy vintage store in Barcelona, I had to go there, of course. 

Although I do have a pretty good sense of orientation, I had a lot of trouble finding the store (we also left our map at home and did not want to buy a new one because you are always immediately spotted as a tourist when you carry a map...): The store is located in the old part of the city- ciudad vella- and all the tiny streets always make me feel lost in a labyrinth. 

After 45 mins cycling around we finally found the shop. 

It was overwhelming. All the pretty things!

The owner I talked to

So many bags

The shop owners were really nice and friendly and we had a nice talk. As you may have noticed I love vintage clothes and whenever I have time I go to flea markets to hunt for rare findings. This is why I had to ask him where they get their clothes and accessories from. They have on the one hand people coming to see them in the store. Those bring clothes they do not wear anymore, and sometimes they invite them to their houses to offer articles from their wardrobe as well. The also travel to different cities, for instance once a month to Paris and twice a year to New York City. There they have their clients who offer them their own clothes or findings. They pay attention that the clothes are real vintage, high class brands, in good shape and preferably in a more classic style.

I loved these Louboutins

The store is perfectly arranged, and clothes are organized by colors. The have all famous brands you can think of.
 

organized by color

There is another store about 5 mins to walk which is only called "Le Swing". If you do have time, you should visit both shops. In "Le Swing" there are accessories on the first floor and in the basement they offer mainly clothes, but also bags and shoes. The lady in the store was very friendly, offered advice and explained the arrangement of the store, but left me time to look around. She spoke perfectly English and French. 

I did not find anything this time, but just for the shop it is worth a visit.  

These are the addresses: 

leswingvintage.com

Le Swing
C/rec, 16

Blow By Le Swing
C/Bonaire, 6

08003 Barcelona

My first post has been deleted by accident, this is why I had to type it again. Real sh***. 

Barcelona Shopping

Of course I had to do some shopping during the very short stay in Barcelona (he was not very pleased, but okay, I hurried).

I decided not to buy pants at Primark anymore, since after 30 minutes wearing them they totally lose shape. Still, I had to grab some accessories.

 

Scarf, feather earrings, bracelet and candle: Primark; Peter Pan collar: Stradivarius

T-Shirt from the Linen collection and pale pink pants: Zara

Zara is also a must-go in Spain, as well as some other stores you only find there (this time they still had some leftovers from the sales period). Stradivarius is also a good address, as well as Blanco. There were much more shops I wanted to check out, but time has run out (I had 90 minutes in total and were another 15 minutes late).

Flea Market

Last Sunday I went to my favorite flea market, and as usual I found lots of nice things. On the first market I was not very lucky, but on the second I found a nice green pleated skirt (5€), and then a nice pair of dark blue and white Bally high heels (3€!!). The heels were broken, but I had them fixed for 9€ at my local cobbler. 

 

DIY Satin Bow Tie Blouse

Another thing I sewed during my class has been this bow tie blouse. I found the pattern in my mother's journals and liked it immediately. I found very cheap satin fabrics in Germany (Karstadt is a very good address, because smaller shops are mostly very expensive and do not have much more choice. For those living in France I highly recommend buying during the sales period because you get a lot of nice fabrics for really cheap.) 

This as well was a difficult piece of work, but when you do one blouse you understand the essential steps and can apply them to whatever kind of blouse. 

DIY Brocade Dress

A while ago I found a very nice dress by Victoria Beckham in an Instyle edition. Since I do not have the means nor am I willing to pay 900€ for a dress, I decided to make it myself. This has been one of the first things I sewed, and it was a hard piece of work (because of the lining for example which I then made for the first time).  
I had a little trouble finding the fabric I had in mind. When I started the dress it was actually spring. 

Actually, the biggest challenge in designing clothes is finding the perfect supply. I like touching things, therefore I have to drive around hoping to find what I have in mind. 

Autumn is knocking on the door, so I will hopefully have the occasion to wear it soon. 

By the way, please excuse not having posted for a while we had lots of guests at home...

New In: Loafers

A while ago I bought a nice pair of Zign Loafers. I already have several pairs of shoes from this brand and I was always satisfied with the price and quality.

And as expected those are also very comfy and good quality.

I wear them today for the first time, together with my yellow H&M tights. On the picture they look more deep yellow, but it is a mustard yellow in reality.

I am getting prepped for autumn!

Flea Market

I had the morning off today and could therefore go to the flea market. I tried a new one which I discovered just by coincidence; in fact this was just an occasional "vide grenier" (more like a yard sale). It was not worth going there and I did not find anything; people sell so much crap. So then we went to one of those I normally go to, and I found a nice pair of leather pumps for one Euro. I do not know the brand (Xavier Danaud Paris), but I liked the color and style and they are very comfortable for what I can say right now. 

Since the weather is more like autumn right now I will wear them soon. 

White Blazer

I got this white blazer at Zara recently but with the high temperatures we had I did not have the occasion to wear any blazers or jackets. This morning it has been very cold so I had to cover myself up. 

Blazer Zara (2012); Watch Asos (2011)

I especially love the fabrics, this makes it very unique. 

August Rain

rubber boots from a random Asian street store in NYC, the most counterfeit product I ever owned

Well, it is still August but since today it feels like autumn. We have had heavy rain and thunder that night (I completely slept through it and did not hear anything...) and streets were slightly flooded. 

I hope that summer is not finally over and we will have a sunny September. Normally this is one of the best months in this region with empty beaches and nice temperatures.

New In

I finally received my asos order. French mailing is not very efficient so I always have to be a little patient.

I am very satisfied with the articles and will keep both. What I really like about asos is that both delivery and eventual returns are free of charge. I am very hesitating about ordering, because I cannot try the things on before buying. This is why ordering on asos is very convenient.

I bought a PIECES tube scarf and a RIVER ISLAND white lace dress. I got both on sale plus an extra 10% discount.

Flea Market

I love going to flea markets, and whenever I do not work on Sunday mornings and have the time I drive around to three different ones close to my place. It is pretty astonishing what people sell. 

I am often very lucky and find good and valuable things, for example these nice Chanel flats. They came with the original box, and I got them for ! 3€ ! 

Those findings can make my day...

DIY

Last year I started taking a sewing class. I always wanted to learn sewing, but I never had the time to take a class. I eventually bought a sewing machine and decided that now is the time to enroll in a class.

My teacher was pretty awesome and I learned a lot. Since then, I try to make my own things whenever I can (sewing is very time-consuming especially if you do not have a studio where you can leave your stuff).

Inspired by Vicky's outfit, and since the short has been sold out on zara's online store, I decided to make one on my own. And here it is...

(As a test I made one before in mint without lace)

Summer Slump

It seems that most bloggers have been gone indulging their annual vacation break. Since I work in tourism, I have the peak season when others take their break from work. This means I actually do have time to blog.

After blogging passively for quiet a long time (which means following several blogs) I decided to create my own blog. So here I am!

My first post has something to do with summer and vacation: Inspiration from BARCELONA. I simply adore that city and if I had the possibility I would move there immediately.

Last time I have been there was in June and I love sitting at the seafront and watch people and their style. Check out some pictures I took at that time.

Stay tuned there will be more posts following and the next trip to Barcelona is already in preparation!