In the spirit of starting fresh, I’ve switched domain and platform. Read my new blog here:
http://nouw.com/awelldressedmind
Category: Fashion
It’s a wrap..
X number of shows, backstage chaos, emergency errands, lists, editors and VIP’s, dresses, shoes, and sleepless nights pretty much sums up my week.The past week has been amazing, and I’ve gained so many new experiences and acquaintances. The highlight? When I ended up a couple of feet away from VOGUE editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. I don’t care too much about celebrities but I have to admit that it is kind of cool to be in the same room as style icons like Anna and Olivia Palermo. Fashion Week is definitely one of those *pinch me* moments.
My last show ended up being the Marchesa Show, and it was A M A Z I N G. I’ll show you more behind-the-scenes pictures later. Right know, this girl needs to catch up on some sleep.
Talk soon! Xx Hanna
New in
Boots Zara//Knits & Other Stories,and UNIQLO
I’m loving these new wardrobe additions. The red boots are a nice addition to the 30 black pairs that’s already in my wardrobe, while the sweaters are essentials- good basics that keep me warm. When buying knits I always check the label of the sweater as price rarely equals quality. I never purchase sweaters with less than 80% wool, and I always stay clear of polyester; it’s static, uncomfortable and lasts one wash…
My favorite stores for high quality knits that doesn’t break the bank? & Other Stories, UNIQLO, and H&M’s Premium Quality sweaters.
Xx Hanna
Perfect for fall
Walking by Zara in SoHo, I immediately fell for this army, Balmain-inspired coat. Structured shape, great materials, and eye-catching details – it’s got everything. I can’t wait until the temperature drops so that I can wear it. It might be a while though, since it’s currently 20 Celsius in New York…
With the exception of my new coat, things are pretty much the same; school, work, eat, homework repeat. Even though my stress levels have reached new highs this semester, I’m pretty happy with my situation – its busy and eventful. This weekend, I’m working Friday and Saturday, we’re celebrating Maria on Saturday and Sunday will be dedicated to finance and marketing. Fun, fun, fun…
Xx Hanna
Couture and coktails
After a long Sunday at the library, I met up with a friend at an event for Bridal Fashion Week at Crate and Barrel. Their Soho store was filled with gorgeous dresses, great products ,live music and free champagne. A perfect ending to this hectic, stressfull week.
Xx Hanna
Céline
Shadow Sunglasses In Black And Havana Acetate With Brown Shaded Lenses
When I got home this evening, I was thrilled to see a FedEx package lying on the salon table. I opened the box, and there they were, my new sunnies from Céline. I’ve been looking for a pair like these since I lost my square Saint Laurent shades a couple of years back. They’re casual, cool, and will go great with any outfit. And, of course, they protect my eyes to the outmost satisfaction. What’s not to love?
Xx Hanna
The power of clothes
I am a firm believer that dress up begins at an early age, and never truly ends. I was three years old when I picked out my first outfit, and I still remember the feeling. Excitement and creativity but simultaneously frustration; I wanted to wear everything in my closet. I ended up wearing a dress, a hair-bow and rainboots that reached above my knees. Even though it wasn’t the trendiest outfit it kindergarten, I liked it and I loved the feeling it gave me. A lot has changed since then, including my sense of style, but I still wake up every morning excited to experiment with colors, fabrics, shoes and jewelry.
Today, however, was not one of those days; I felt tired, sluggish and overwhelmed by assignments, deadlines and obligations. Nonetheless, I ignored the voice in my head and dressed for the mood I wished to be in. Nothing says happy and energized like a feminine skirt, and a fierce, leopard blouse. And that’s all it took for me to go from a staying-at-home-wathcing-netflix mood to a ready-to-seize-the-day attitude. Fashion is to me what music is to Beyoncé – empowering. Clothes empower me in a way that nothing else can, and I hope that that feeling never goes away.
Xx Hanna
Onto new adventures
Shirt H&M//Skirt Zara//Shoes Bianco Footwear//Bag Gucci
Everything paired with a leather skirt, makes a good outfit. At least so you think, up until the moment you realize its 100 degrees outside. Faux leather, powerwalking and summer temperatures is arguably not the best mix.
Happy Monday – make the best of it! Personally, I have the entire week scheduled; in addition to various projects and assignments, I’m starting my new internship. I’m very excited, and can’t waut to tell you more about it. Equally exciting is my upcoming birthday. The plans aren’t set in stone, but I know it’s going to be great!
Any special plans for the week?
Xx Hanna
TGIF
Tshirt H&M//Skirt & Other Stories//Boots Bianco Footwear//Bag Zara
Even though I love my weekly routines, I love weekends more. Tonight, I’m heading down to FiDi to grab some drinks with a couple of friends. I’m not a big fan of the area, but I’m really envious of their gorgeous rooftop. Other than that I want see the exhibits at MoMA, run in Central Park, finish the book “I am Pilgrim”, and work on some school projects.
Any plans for the weekend? Xx Hanna
Tommy Pier
Last night Tommy Hilfiger launched his collaboration with Gigi Hadid with a spectacular show at South Street Seaport. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my hands on these exclusive invitations. I did, however, visit the one-day carnival today, as it was open to the public. The place was complete with carousels, hot dogs, lobster rolls, doughnuts, temporary tattoos, nail art, and of course, fashion. On the Pier, there were four different pop-up stores where you could by the collab, as well as other Tommy H pieces. A unique and creative way to approach the masses!
A great Saturday indeed! Xx Hanna
New York Fashion Week
… has officially begun! After two morning lectures at Pace, I ordered an Uber and rushed to Chelsea studios at Pier 59. Feeling as fresh as I could after a long (and hot day) I found my seat and got ready for the show. I love the pre-show vibe. Everyone is dressed up, photographers are scavenger hunting for good outfits, and the room is filled with excitement and anticipation. When people are seated, usually 20 minutes late, the lights dim, the audience hushes, and the only sound are the click’s coming from all the cameras. The music starts and the models showcase the pieces. Instantly, an undeniable magic captivates everyone in the room.
Even though I’m not working any shows this year, I’m lucky enough to attend a few. My first show for the week was Fashion Palette – Australian Swim/ S/S 2017. Great show with some great, mostly basic, designs. We’ll definitely see a lot of swimsuits, camisole dresses and bright colors next spring.
Xx Hanna
New kicks
From Zara. Sometimes all you need is a little golden glam to spice up a casual outfit.
Xx Hanna
Today’s Details
Chocker/Zara
Spring in Soho
Trees in bloom, outdoor dining, and runs along the river; spring is slowly, but surely making its way to New York. Allergies aside, this is definitely my favorite season;no fear of neither hypothermia or a heatstroke…
Even though the last few weeks have been beyond hectic, I’ve managed to sneak in some lunches in SoHo. The Egg Shop, Rintintin, Butcher’s daughter and Two Hands are some of my favorite places. The latter just opened a new restaurant in Tribeca; we went there yesterday, but ended up at Sarabeth’s as their line was endless – as is to be expected for Sunday Brunch.
Bag Zara / Tee Kenzo / Trench Gina T/ Jeans FRAME/ Boots Bianco
The photos are by my sweet friend Annis (@akamera). I love the light!
Talk soon. Xx Hanna
Pumped up kicks
Spring is upon us and it’s time to replace your all-weather boots with some lighter footing. This season, you can sport anything from a daring stiletto to a neutral sneaker – comfortable, practical and playful. The seasons key style, however, will be The Mule; creating the ultimate cool-girl look.
Even though you don’t have to break the bank to be stylish, I’ve created a wish list from NET-A-PORTER; Unattainable, yet very inspirational.
(Click photo for product details)
Brian Atwood $1,175
Saint Laurent $795
Gucci $840
NIKE $250
Mansur Gavriel $625
Stella McCartney $1,065
Charlotte Olympia $845
NIKE $175
Chloé $550
Aquazurra $735
Aquazzura $785
Valentino $995
Gucci $790
Aquazurra $785
Gianvito Rossi $1,495
How to take care of your shoes
Cover photo from The Coveteur
I like to think of shoes as an investment; A piece of versatile clothing that can be worn for different occasions, year after year. Nonetheless, like every other investment, proper care is essential. However, after years of experience within the industry, I know for a fact that this is frequently neglected; If it’s due to laziness or lack of knowledge is beyond me. Aiming at the latter, here is a few tips and tricks that will help you to have your shoes on point(e);
- One shoe, does not fit all; find the style that is perfect for you and your feet. Finding the right shoe takes time, testing, and knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask a store associate for help, we are more than happy to assist.
- Buy proper shoecare. Remember, not all shoes are created equal; you can’t treat a canvas sneaker the same way you would a leather boot. At a minimum, you should have a protector and a cleanser at your disposal.
- Spray/set new shoes with waterproof protector to protect against weather, dirt and grease stains. A rule of thumb is to spray 3 layers within 10 minute intervals, but this will depend on your product of choice – read the instructions.
- Alternate pairs;Let your shoes rest. Wearing the same shoes day in, and day out, is bad for both your shoes, and your feet. When you take of your shoes for the day, let them sit for 24 hours and air out. (If you have to use them, I recommend spraying them with a shoe deodorant first. This will freshen up the sole and remove any unwanted bacteria
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- If you soak them, let them dry. Stuff them with newspaper (or a shoetree) and dry them away from direct heat. Direct heat will dry the leather too fast, causing it to crack — and once that happens, nothing can save your shoes.
- Clean and rinse on a regualar basis. However, whatever you do, stay away from soap and water; Buy a cleanser that is specified for the material you are cleaning. It’s also possible to find multi cleaners that works on an array of materials. Yes, even ones that removes the wine stain from last nights festivities.
- When dealing with leather: polish and moisturize. Depending on the finish of the leather you’re dealing with, use a leather cream/balm (rinse first!). I prefer the ones with color; they make your shoes look brand new. Finish of with a polish cloth and protector.
- For suede and nubuck, the rules are diffrent. Use a suede brush and/or bar to remove stains. Remember to be gentle, and finish of with a protector.
- For syntethic you want to avoid any kind of spray that is used on leather. Use a foam/spray specified for synthetic materials. If you use the wrong protector or cleaner, you can end up with a shoe full of spots – not the flattering kind.
- Lastly, when you’ve done all there is to do, repeatedly, avoid taking the rash decision of throwing them away; if it’s a high quality shoe, get them repaired. A good pair of shoes never goes out of style..
Advise from Rachel Zoe
You know an article is captivating when you save a pdf file of it. I found the article below on LinkedIn, and thought it was too good not to share; partly beacuse I’m a huge fan of Rachel Zoe, and partly due to the simplicity of it. (Reposted from Rachel Zoe’s LinkedIn profile, original article can be found here).
“Before I Became a Stylist, I Sold Shoes at the Mall. Here’s What I Learned “
My first job was as a sales associate at the Nine West store in Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. I applied because I wanted a little financial freedom from my parents and wanted to work at a job where I could interact and meet new people. At the time I didn’t know I wanted to be a stylist (I was only 16 and thought I’d one day be a psychiatrist), but I loved the satisfaction of showing customers options they didn’t even know they wanted and having them walk away excited about their new purchase.
I was a competitive seller, and I enjoyed being good at my job. That passion for working hard has continued to help me over the course of my career. While working at Nine West, I also quickly learned the value of people skills. The most helpful piece of advice I received was that the customer is always right and that you’re providing a service, so be nice! Catering to people’s needs, understanding their insecurities and adapting my services accordingly came pretty easily to me. Mastering the art of interpersonal interaction made me the top seller in the store — repeatedly — and that skill has remained important throughout my career as a stylist, editor, and designer.
On the contrary, I also learned about my weaknesses: Selling was easy for me, but processing customers at checkout was always disastrous. After that job, it became quite clear I did not have a future in finance.
Now that I’m running my own company, we’re always looking for people to join our design, editorial and styling divisions. Enthusiasm, a good work ethic, and a desire to learn make candidates stand out, even if they don’t have a lot of experience. Our best interns and employees are willing to go the extra mile, be proactive, and do everything with a smile.
My biggest piece of advice for anyone starting his or her first job would be to make sure to never act entitled. It’s important that no matter what your situation is, you work like you have only $5 in the bank. (End…)
It’s always interesting to see how people you look up to got where they are; how they built their empire with the same starting point as everyone else. However, what I found really interesting about this article is her statement of how positive qualities exceeds experience – proving that passion can take to great lengths.
Psst: If you haven’t checked it out already “The Rachel Zoe Project ” is a great show to watch if you have an intrest in the industry.
Closet cravings
One of my biggest guilty pleasures is spending time browsing online, pretending that everything I click ends up in my closet. When I saw this collection from Saint Laurent at Net-a-porter, my dreams were heightened. Cool, casual, and everything a girl should wear this spring… Imagine going to a festival in the studded fringed denim skirt paired with a white tee, a leather jacket and some cool sneakers. And, of course, red lips.
Luckily, these looks won’t be impossible to achieve: Zara always has great alternatives to runway looks. Fingers crossed that they pick some of these pieces to recreate.
Xx Hanna
Me and my bags
I was 3 years old when I bought my first handbag. It was bright pink, had a top handle and lots of, lots of pearls. I loved it, and wore it everywhere – proudly showing of my latest purchase. As I grew older, my interest for bags grew and it became some sort of hobby. A passion. At 15 I invested in my first designer bag: A Louis Vuitton Speedy 30. Needless to say, I was even prouder. Especially since I had worked hours at the local café to be able to afford it. That, and the fact that my sister was insanely jealous, gave me utter satisfaction.
To date, I can still spend hours looking at bags. Silly, some might think – it’s just a bag. A piece of leather. On the contrary, I believe it so much more than that. It’s an investment. Now, I know that that sounds like it is taken out of shopaholics anonymous. However, what I mean by this is that a designer bag is more than just a status symbol : it’s about the craftsmanship. The quality. The exclusivity. Not to mention the history. Did you know that Louis Vuitton revolutionized travelling with his original trunks? To be very generalizing; Designer bags are to women, what luxury cars are to men. Then again, some people wouldn’t know a great bag if it smacked them in the face…
My point with this little speech is not only to share my fascination for bags, but also to share the extensive amount of work that actually goes into creating these leather luxuries. Take a look!
SAVOIR-FAIRE AVEC LOUIS VUITTON
Xx Hanna
Flared
Loving these new jeans from FRAME denim. Definitely a style I’m going to start investing in – goodbye skinny, hello flared! Another thing that made my day, is the New York weather. Yesterday it was cold and snowy, today it’s cool, crisp and snow free. Life is just so much better when you can wear boots and coats that doesn’t make you look like an overweight Eskimo…
Xx Hanna
HANNA AASEN 