SUNDAY UPDATE #14

Here's my weekly round-up. This week, I included a mindful gift guide, a report of things I've been up to and a recommendation of my favorite fashion podcast.

When I started this Substack, I knew that at some point, I would struggle to incorporate it into my everyday life with a full time job.
I am in that phase now. I am very sure it’s just a phase but let’s just say life has been getting in the way of writing recently.

I am getting back into the work out routine I loved and I followed before I moved to a new city and that takes time to set up at a new location.
So I skipped last Sunday’s update but I am happy to be back.

I went to Hamburg for work last week and added two days for fun to the trip. Hamburg is one of the German cities (that I know and been to) that fit my personal style best: minimal, Scandi in some way, but people make an effort in the way they dress. I feel very at home there. It has a river and beautiful mostly white and grey buildings and the culture and shopping is amazing.

I’ve been a few times and can move around at local-level almost, so I booked a few work out classes in boutique studios and gyms that have been on my bucket list for over two years (sporty spices can relate).

So this trip filled up all the batteries that were running low on energy.

Plus, I got my hands on the November issue of French Vogue with a make-up-free Anne Hathaway on the cover. I don’t think I’ve mentioned this before on here but buying international fashion magazines is my greatest pleasure, inspiration and risk to go bankrupt.

THIS WEEK IN NUMBERS AND WORDS

• FASHION CRISIS: None.

• ITEMS SOLD: 0

• ITEMS BOUGHT: 0 (I have absolutely no urge to go shopping right now, what is wrong with me?)

• ITEMS ADDED TO WISHLIST: 0, see above.

• FASHION MOOD: I feel kind of uninspired but I have no intentions to change that somehow?!

• FASHION THOUGHTS: I love it when people give you compliments on an outfit. Germans don’t do that. It never happens. But then, in Hamburg, two older ladies came up to me and asked where my COS coat was from and they were so excited to go to COS together afterwards and try it on. Made my day!

PODCAST RECOMMENDATION… AGAIN

I’ve said it before and I will say it again: ‘Fashion Neurosis’ with Bella Freud is one of the most brilliant fashion / personal style podcasts. I listened to this episode with Zadie Smith while walking along the Hamburg Alster. And there is a new episode with Kate Moss I will listen to today!

Bella Freud talks about the personal style of her guests while they lie on a sofa … it is like fashion therapy and Bella herself has such a beautiful way to talk about her own relationship to clothes. Highly recommend … again!

SOMEWHAT MINDFUL GIFT IDEAS

Christmas season is upon us and I love Christmas. I love to carefully select presents for the loved ones and here we go if you still need inspiration.

P.S. The Frankie Shop has the best gift shop. They even have a Mary Kate and Ashley ash tray (I mean?!).

GIFTS RELATED TO INTERESTS AND HOBBIES

If you want to give a present to somebody, don’t think about the things someone likes, but rather the activities someone likes or which activities are linked to those hobbies and interest. Here are some ideas:

• give away a yearly membership to a museum / art institution if you know someone likes to go to the museum

• a photography workshop

• a guided tour through a coffee brewery / barista workshop

• art workshop or hand lettering workshop

• make up workshop

• etc.

GIFTS FOR ACTIVITIES TO DO TOGETHER

Spend less time on your phone talking via WhatsApp and meet in real life.

• gift card for brunch or a coffee date

• wine tasting

• ice skating

• join a running club together

• try that reformer pilates class you always wanted to try together (most studios have gift cards!)

• book a massage together

GIFTS: SMALL BEAUTIFUL THINGS

As adults, we simply buy things when we want them. For Christmas, give away the things we don’t buy for ourselves because they are not practical.

• gift card for a manicure or that expensive nail polish

• lipstick in that limited edition

• home decor

• espresso cups noone needs but that will make you smile and feel like you have your life together everytime you make a coffee

Same with notebooks: Sometimes a handwritten plan is the first step to the best actions, but you probably wouldn’t get yourself the expensive notebook. Etsy is a great place to look for beautiful notebooks and I love Marjolein Delhaas.

THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER

These fall into the same category: Things that make life easier in style where you would buy the uglier or more practical version for yourself but could get a more beautiful version if someone gave it to you for Christmas. Adding a great salt and pepper set to this list, as well. I love Nicolas Vahé for kitchen tools.

FASHION MOOD IN ONE PICTURE

I am an intuitive dresser these days. I find myself in neutral colors, soft textures and Scandi styles. Plus, it was so cold in Hamburg I mostly wore a hat or a beanie. So this picture right here sums up the fashion mood of the week quite well:

Have a great Sunday and the best start into the new week! xx