Les couleurs du Jardin Secret

Sneak peek into spring

2012-01-17T23:12:00.000+01:00

I love winter and all the layering it involves but I'm getting a little impatient for spring...

A song I've had on repeat all day... ♥

It's all about the knits

2012-01-16T00:13:00.000+01:00

Wearing Zara cardigan and boots, Uterqüe jeans and ring, Paris shop scarf, Chanel sunglasses & Michael Kors bag.
Photos by Mini ♥

The end of 2011 was a little hectic, let 2012 continue as well as it has started...

Until next time ♥

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Lake it is

2011-09-25T20:10:00.000+02:00

Wearing H&M dress and cardigan, family vintage belt, Uterqüe bag, Zara heels and Mango sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Sorry I've been a little delayed with my posts this week, kind of have a lot going on plus we're moving apartment this week so it's all a little hectic. Today we went for a walk and chilled by Turtle Lake, a place I always forget exists. We sort of went around it because there were areas that were packed with picnickers. We found a stunning spot, deserted with nobody in sight and extremely calm. It's the perfect place to go to just think and disconnect, ideal for a Sunday.

As for my outfit, I kept it neutral and easy. This cardigan is probably one of my best purchases this year, it's so comfortable, soft and perfect for the beginning of Fall. I'm sure you will be seeing more of it in my future posts:)

I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for the start of the week, again! ♥

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Fall Fall Fall

2011-09-20T11:58:00.000+02:00

Wearing H&M jeans, Zara shirt, belt and cape, Topshop heels, LV bag and Mango sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

So yesterday was a typical Monday morning, grey and gloomy... until about noon, when the sun came out with all its strength. Nevertheless, I was determined to bring out my cape, the cape I bought in Zara last year and obviously bought it way too late into the winter and didn't really get the chance to wear it as much as I would've liked to. I just love the shape, the length, the colour and how it can just be worn on pretty much anything giving that warm autumn look. The temperatures here allow us to wear wool and open- toe heels, so why not?

3.5 days left! ♥

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La vie en rose

2011-09-17T21:16:00.000+02:00

Wearing H&M jeans, kimono and cuff, Zara top, belt and sandals, Mango glasses, Algerian silver ring, flee market turquoise ring, family vintage bag and Portobello Market bracelet.
Photos by my husband Marc.

I hope you're all having a great weekend! ♥

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Starry days

2011-09-14T23:17:00.001+02:00

Wearing Zara top, blazer, pumps and belt, Topshop skirt, Calvin Klein clutch and Céline sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Black and white, one of my many new obsessions. Being tired of all the overdone colour blocking of the summer, I am happy to be back to neutrals, blacks, whites, nudes, greys, camels, oh camels my all time favourite. That said, I still might block some colours once in a while so do not take my word for it, it all depends on my mood:)

At first I was going to wear this outfit with black ankle boots and a bright coloured bag, just to give it "that touch", but the weather is just too nice in Marbella, I mean way too nice and extremely unstable. The moment I put my foot in the boot I thought I was going to die of heat, yes, 32ºC. So please Weather, I am ready for the change, no storms or anything drastic, just drop about 10ºC-12ºC, just so it's cold enough to comfortably wear a leather jacket, it doesn't have to be coats just yet. Thank you.

Is it just me or is this week totally flying by? Yay!!! ♥

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Mustard

2011-09-12T15:22:00.001+02:00

Wearing Oysho denim shorts, Zara belt, blazer and boots, H&M cuff, family vintage clutch, Chanel sunglasses and Simorra blouse.
Photos by my husband Marc,

I am totally feeling the end of summer and the whole back to the routine and reality and I'm not loving it much. Every beginning of September I go through this weird phase where I just want a big change in my life and that usually involves traveling. I hope I can plan a little escape in the next few months.

As for the weather, it's so unstable at the moment which makes it a little confusing as to what to wear. I've come to the point where I don't want the wear summer clothes anymore, I am ready for the good stuff, jeans, big wooly jumpers, leather jackets, coats, tights. The way it looks I think I'm going to have a little longer for all that though.

Have a great Monday! ♥

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Vol-au-vent

2011-09-08T15:32:00.000+02:00

Wearing Malyzia black body, Zara DYI denim shorts, belt and boots, Uterqüe bag and Genny blouse.
Photos by my husband Marc.

The famous Puerto Banús, nothing like it used to be a few years ago... Seeing it from a distance on the peer is lovely, the lights, the almost-decent buildings, the boats. It just looks so clean and harmonious when you're not actually in it, almost perfect. I'm actually wearing my mom's blouse, a blouse she has had for years and only wore it a couple of times (must run in the family). She has the amazing ability of keeping things intact, clothes, accessories, shoes in such good condition as if bought recently, which makes me very happy because I now get to wear it all. I remember seeing this blouse when I was about 15 when she first bought it and thinking how I can't wait to wear it in a few years. It's so feminine and delicate, the length is ideal and love the neckline. I decided to wear it loose over some cut denim shorts and black body, just to give it that touch of feminity and flowiness.

Almost weekend, woohoo! ♥

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Comme les garçons

2011-09-06T00:08:00.002+02:00

Wearing my husband's Zara shirt, Zara boots, DIY H&M denim shorts and scarf, Michael Kors bag, flee market bracelet, Mango ring and Céline sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Today was one of the those days when you think "Ok, I have nothing to wear". As I was walking around my apartment trying to think of an outfit I passed by a chair with one my hubby's many light blue shirts on it. I have to admit I have always been attracted to men's clothing, I just love it and the simpler the better. So when I tried the shirt on I was thinking "Ok I'm keeping it". I just find men's shirts on girls very sexy/ chic and effortless, the oversized garment is just yummy. At first it kind of looked like "The walk of shame" outfit, so to not make it seem that I paired the shirt with some DIY H&M shorts, ankle boots and my beloved Michael Kors oversized bag. Ooh and tied the flowery scarf on the bag for a little touch of coulour.

This is probably the most comfortable outfit ever. ♥

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Black, white & leopard

2011-09-03T03:16:00.003+02:00

Wearing Mango dress, family vintage belt and bag, Stradivarius pumps and Céline sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

So I bought this dress about a year ago and still never wore it until today (like I do...). When I saw it in the store on the hanger I was like "hmm..." but when I tried it on it was perfect. I adore backless everything, specially really simple and chic attires with an open back, I feel it's such an elegant yet effortless look. I decided to pair it with a brown and gold belt and leopard pumps to break it up a little but without diverting the attention to anything else but the dress, hence the black clutch. I definitely would've preferred the back shot without the faded bikini tan line, but oh well.

Hope you all have a great weekend ♥

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Autumn begins

2011-09-01T23:09:00.002+02:00

Wearing Zara denim dress and bag, Massimo Dutti combats, random leopard bracelet, family gold bracelet, Topshop belt and Soya Paris Jacket.
Photos by my husband Marc.

I love the beginning of Autumn, the smell of rain, the "ooh-it's -getting -chilly" feeling you can just throw on a jacket. Personally Autumn/Winter seasons are my favourite, I feel I can dress up much better, with a cool jacket, boots, scarf etc. I love the whole layering, which is a little hard to do in summer when it's over 35ºC. ♥

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Eid - Kaftan

2011-08-31T20:38:00.000+02:00

Wearing Kaftan from Morocco, H&M cuff and Zara heels.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Happy Eid everyone! After a lovely afternoon with the family and couscous lunch I decided to go take some shots of this kaftan I bought in Morocco a few months ago. Kaftan shops in Morocco are amazing, I could stay in there for hours going through all the different styles, the different materials and patterns. The nicest part was watching this old man sitting in a corner on a tiny wooden chair hand-making these enormous yet so gorgeous belts, I just felt like sitting on the floor next to him and observe his art. The detailing of these dresses is stunning, it's like every single stitch is made with love. ♥

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Leather + Denim

2011-08-29T03:52:00.000+02:00

Zara skirt and heels, H&M denim shirt, Stradivarius necklace, Céline sunglasses and family vintage clutch.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Leather + denim: total obsession. It's just so wrong that it's so right. Leather used to directly remind me of winter when it came to clothes, but not anymore. I love how it can be matched with pretty much everything and bring a lighter feel to it by pairing it with something simple and casual such as denim. The mix of leather which is sort of edgy and heavy combined with cotton, denim or even something as delicate as silk or lace is exquisite.

So Iv'e had these Zara heels for a year now and I've still never worn them until today (I tend to do that). It was kind of a love/hate relationship, I was never really sure about them but I've come to the conclusion that I do indeed love them and they are now making their way up to the top of my list. I've never really been into frills and tassels when it comes to shoes in general but these work for me for some reason. ♥

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Lost on the green

2011-08-28T02:26:00.000+02:00

Wearing Massimo Dutti blazer, H&M shorts, top and cuff, Uterqüe wedges, Bimba & Lola bag, Persol sunglasses and family vintage necklace.
Photos by my husband Marc.

I love how it's end of August and the evenings are getting a teeny weeny bit chillier... and by chillier I mean an excuse enough to start wearing blazers again. ♥

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It's all so quiet, it's all so still...

2011-08-26T20:09:00.000+02:00

Wearing Oysho shorts, Zara belt, shoes, Calvin Klein clutch, Uterqüe necklace and Chanel sunglasses.
Photos by Marc and myself.

El Auditorio de Marbella is somewhere I haven't been for years. It's kind of nice to drive up and see Marbella from up there, it's all so quiet and still as if it was a painting. Just another beautiful and very warm day, with perfect views of Gibralatar and North Africa, it almost makes you want to swim over. ♥

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A walk on the beach

2011-08-26T03:12:00.000+02:00

Wearing Zara dress, Uterqüe wedges and Céline sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Just a random Thursday afternoon walk on the beach...♥

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Abandoned grounds

2011-08-25T23:22:00.001+02:00

Wearing Zara dress, Carel shoes, Céline sunglasses, Uterqüe scarf, flee market bracelet and Dorothy Perkins clutch.
Photos by my husband Marc and myself. ♥

Marc was helping a friend move yesterday and he passed by an unfinished development that looked quite interesting, so since he told me about it I was eager to check it out.

It's on the way to Estepona, a small road barely noticeable from the highway. We drove around the supposed-to-be complex and decided to go get a closer look inside. The place has the whole foundation but no doors nor windows, it is completely abandoned. Im pretty sure this urbanization would have had a good selling potential at the time but as many constructing projects on the coast, it probably didn't have a license, so it's just there now.

As we were investigating the premisses I kept hearing something squeak, something upstairs, which directly made us think there was someone living there. I honestly got quite scared and felt like I was in a horror movie but in cool way, in a "I'm-the-main-character-so-nothing's-going-to-happen-to-me" kind of way. After every picture taken I would look behind me and look around to make sure there was no strange man with a rifle claiming he had lived there for years wanting to kick us off "his property". I'm thinking the squeaky noise might have been a rat and I thank God I didn't see it.

Whoever was in there after it was abandoned was quite talented because some walls were covered in pretty good graffiti.

This would be the perfect place for a halloween party or a little gathering; lit candles and scary-story- tale all night (not that I would).

Definitely not a place to go wander alone at night, but today was fun. ♥

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Massimo in Benahavís

2011-08-23T19:17:00.001+02:00

Wearing Massimo Dutti suit, Zara shoes, Chanel glasses and mother's vintage clutch and belt.
Photos by my husband Marc.

Going to Benahavís at 2pm is probably not the smartest thing to do in the middle of August. The heat is insane. It was sort of a ghost town when we went (which was kind of cool to have the town to ourselves) as lunch time and siestas are sacred in Spain, specially in the south, which is completely understandable because it is way too hot to be out.

As I was walking around I could see all the little white-walled houses with their canopies opened, I just imagined how cool and fresh it must be inside.

Unless you are willing to melt, the best time to go to Benahavís in summer and really enjoy your stroll is in the evening when it's nice and cool. The town is renowned for its amazing restaurants, so dinner there is definitely a good plan.

Till next time ♥

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Endless road

2011-08-22T18:56:00.000+02:00

Wearing Topshop dress, Uterqüe wedges and Mango sunglasses.
Photos by my husband Marc.

So it's Monday again... The weekend passes by way too fast in my opinion, 2 days are just not enough!

Today Marc and I decided to go for a quick photo shoot around our area and I have to mention how thankful I am to him for always willing to pick up the camera and shoot photos of me and my outfits. I hope it will last!

I hope you all have a good rest of the week, only 4 days left till the weekend! :)

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Cloudy Sunday

2011-08-22T00:46:00.002+02:00

Wearing Topshop pumps, ASOS blouse, DIY shorts and Mango bag.
Photos by my husband Marc ♥

Today was one of the cloudiest days so far this summer in Marbella. I honestly wouldn't mind a bit of rain, just for one day, just to clear out the stuffy air we've been having.

As I didn't have much to do today, I decided to play dress-up and go to a kids park:) I hadn't been on a swing for years, I forgot how much fun it was. I felt like i was 6 again, without a worry in the world. Well I had one, how to stop and get off the swing. I was kind of scared to put my feet back on the ground... (and honestly, also scared to ruin my heels!).

So, that was pretty much my Sunday, nice and chilled...

Happy beginning of the week ♥

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Jasmine and orange scent

2011-08-20T17:19:00.000+02:00

Wearing H&M shorts, top, Zara heels, jacket, Céline sunglasses, Uterqüe bag, scarf and random shop bracelets.
Photos by my husband Marc and myself ♥

Friends of ours came from Madrid yesterday so we planned a dinner in Casco Antiguo (Marbella Old Town). My husband and I decided to go a bit earlier for a stroll around town. I have to admit the heat was pretty much unbearable until about 10pm!

I always seem to forget how beautiful Marbella is. I mean I live here, I look but I don't actually see. I realize sometimes as I drive around running errands that all I do is think about my destination and kind of blur out what's around me or what I'm driving by. Just until about last week, I was stuck in traffic on the way to Puerto Banus, when I started to look around, actually seeing. I started to realize and pay attention to the beauty around me. The beautiful mountains, specially la Concha which you can see from pretty much anywhere in Marbella, the peaceful Mediterranean sea just opposite, the gorgeous green scenery and the stunningly well kept golf courses.

So kind of the same thing happened yesterday in Casco Antiguo. I was walking around feeling like a tourist, discovering places for the very first time and "wowing" to pretty much everything. Casco Antiguo to me is like a labyrinth but in a "ooh! where-is-this -little -cobbled -street -going -to -take -me -now?" kind of way. I don't get tired of walking around the beautiful and extraordinary narrow streets twisting and winding their sinuous routes. All this in the most charming Arab/Andalusian style that also saves us from the burning sun at the peak hours of the day thanks to the so very narrow streets.

All these streets are filled with shops, cafés and restaurants, the kind you just want to spend your whole day in. Plaza de Los Naranjos, cafés and restaurants and delicious churrerías surrounded by orange trees. There are so many absolutely adorable shops, from bags and shoes (not necesserally designer but cute and unique) to clothes and accessories and typical spanish "tiendas". We passed by a super cute and delicious frozen yoghurt place called Yogurt & Frutta which i definitely recommend.

People who live in Casco Antiguo are mostly locals, having lived there for years with everything they need just at their doorstep.

As we were walking around and taking pictures yesterday I couldn't help but notice the resemblance of Andalucia with Algeria where I'm originally from, well North Africa in general, clearly leaving well defined traces hundreds of years ago after their more than 500 year stay. The narrow streets, tiny doors, small but beautifully kept balconies, the white and bluish colour of the walls, the cobbled streets and most importantly the actual locals. The elder ones who sit by their front door in the evenings (with the door open) on a little wooden chair and just people watch and enjoy the summer scent, the wonderful jasmine and orange tree smell, one you would just want to steal and keep in a jar forever.

PS. This post is entirely dedicated to the most amazingly talented and beautiful Tania from www.tlikebubbletea.net, the hottest blog around! She's the one who convinced me to get back to posting and keep my blog going. She gives me all the inspiration and motivation I have been lacking for quite a while. A true best friend, the type who lives on the other side of the world but feels like she is by your side at all times, for good and bad. ♥

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Hot summer nights

2011-08-19T17:33:00.006+02:00

Wearing H&M maxi dress and bracelet, vintage clutch, Uterqüe wedges and little boutique vest.
Photos by my husband Marc and myself. ♥

It's so hot and humid in Marbella at the moment, i kinda just want to spend my days in the shower because the pool is so warm it doesn't even cool me down.

So, my mom's cousin is here at the moment, first time in Marbella, so after dinner we decided to take her for a nice walk along el Paseo Maritimo of Marbella for an ice-cream which is pretty much all i feel like lately with this weather.

Marbella port is nicer than ever right now, there are so many new cool restaurants, lounges and bars and super cute tapas places. I don't know why i don't come here more often, it's beautiful.

The Paseo Maritimo is so nice early in the morning, when it's still fresh, the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves gently boost up your energy as your walking or having your morning jog. During the day the beaches are filled and around lunch time the smell of grilled sardines (sardinas al espetto) begins, yum yum.

I personally prefer the paseo at night, everyone is tanned and cleaned up, having dinner, walking along the lit peers, some sat on benches on the beautifully lit plazas and enjoying the occasional breeze and some just chilling with music, a nice cocktail and good company. ♥

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Phillip Lim SS'11

2011-01-05T14:20:00.001+01:00

This collection is amazing, one of my favourite! The neutral palette, the lines and fabrics are to die for. It's all so slick and elegant with an ultra feminine touch. Simple yet so classy.

Ps: I want the bag and the clutch!!! ♥

Vintage tasting

2011-01-04T18:56:00.004+01:00

Vintage is special, delicate and beautiful, in general. I must say there are things that are not really for me. I like warehouse vintage, special pieces with their original tags and many time custom made... more valuable. I am not a big fan of wearing second hand garments, unless it is a unique piece of attire. As for bags and accessories i don't mind but it has to be a special designer model that is not made anymore.

The awareness, acceptance and demand has increased dramatically since the 90's. Celebrities and models such as Kate Moss, Julia Roberts and Chloe Sevigny were one of the first ones to fall in this vintage fashion wave which then conquered the entire fashion world.

What makes vintage what it is, is the fine materials that were used. Many of the unusual fabric types are no longer manufactured. Vintage is also a historical statement, an appreciation of the past, the roles of previous generations and the skills of respected designers.

The detailing is admirable, hand finishing, unusual buttons that can't be found nowadays, hand embroidery, handmade lace, crochet, beading and other techniques. ♥

The legendary Mario Testino

2011-01-04T15:11:00.002+01:00

Miscellaneous

2011-01-04T02:28:00.003+01:00

Paris je t'aime

2011-01-03T23:00:00.006+01:00

Add caption

Wearing Zara top, belt and blazer, Topshop leggings, Moschino bag and Chanel glasses

Paris, my hometown, known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, "la ville de l'amour". Paris is beautiful all year around but especially in spring and summer, the architecture, the parks, the avenues, the monuments all seem to stand out more with the clear blue sky.

Les Champs Élysée, Place Vandôme, Rue Montorgeuil, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Rue Monceau...C'est magnifique! With the sun shining on the city, parisians are more joyful, although their lives are the same, still the same stress and rush but it all seems to go away due to the beautiful weather. Cafés and bistros are busy with people, "un café s'il vous plait", reading a book, chatting along with friends, or just people-watching while the parks are filled with sunbathers, book-readers and picnikers. ♥

LOVE, Chloé

2011-01-03T18:51:00.002+01:00

Photographer Chenman, i love.

2011-01-03T18:48:00.002+01:00

I'm obsessed with this chinese photographer, with the colours, the style and the 3D she incorporates to make this picture perfect. Pure art. ♥

C'est la vie, c'est l'amour, c'est la mode

2011-01-03T18:33:00.005+01:00

Hey there, so this is my opening post for my new blog. I have been meaning to start this for a whiiiiile but things kept coming up..(you know what i mean) ok fine, i kept on procrastinating!

I absolutely love fashion, as thousands of people around the globe, and i just want to share a few things; styles, colours, patterns, street fashion, designs, art etc. that really catch my attention through out my day to day life.

Marbella, where i live at the moment, is a town in the South of Spain, beautiful and sunny nearly all year around, well almost, right now it's pretty much freezing :S, a lot of people call it, the California of Europe. It's amazing because its blue sky, sunshine, beaches, warm starry nights and its party scenes. The food is so good and the people are so kind, very mediterranean, always helpful, a bit slow at getting things done but it has its charm. Mañana, mañana...

Having studied graphic design has made me realize that it is not for me, yes i wish I would have realized that sooner, but what to do?... After working in different fields for the past 6 years, i have decided to go back to studying, to study what i have always wanted to do, fashion design. I absolutely love it, although I find myself a little stuck at the moment, motivation and inspiration wise, but i guess these things happen.

Having lived in big cities such as Paris (where i was born and raised) and London, i really miss the people interaction, the noise, the colours, regardless of the grey weather..i even miss the pollution! Yes, i know, very weird.. May Marbella's air be too healthy for me? Is that even possible? ♥