ALEX HAMDAN

A little flashback to last March in Miami. I wanted to introduce my beautiful friend Alex to you, especially for the ones based in Miami. She is a fashion designer, stylist, hosts a TV-show on FOX, writes a blog Alex in Style and is a mother and a wife. You can also find her on Instagram.
 

Here's some photos from a fun night. Clothes by her ;-)

Heidi x

SAWGRASS MILLS OUTLET

I managed to escape mommy duties few days ago for half a day - Mrs V and I went shopping to Sawgrass Mills outlet, a gigantic mall about 40 min drive from South Beach.

You could easily spend your entire day in this place, there's hundreds of shops. Something for everyone.    
 

We were a little time pressured so we did only a small part of the mall. Neiman Marcus Last Call was the best stop for both of us. I found few pairs of one of my favourite beach sandal brand heavily discounted and some other things. They also had pretty good selection of sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Olivers Peoples, Prada, Miu Miu and Tom Ford just to name a few.  

I also got t-shirts, polos, pyjamas and underwear for the little ones from Gap and Ralph Lauren.

Checking out Valentino.

I would definitely recommend to visit this place if you are into shopping or are looking for something specific. Again it's a matter of luck if you happen to find something in your size and your taste. But you'll have a good chance as the selection is huge.

Heidi x

MRS

I am now a Mrs! Many say being married doesn't really change anything and in our situation it certainly doesn't but it's still nice. I've been calling my husband a husband for a long time ("boyfriend" sounds rather silly after a certain age and after having children...) and it's nice that now he actually is. My engagement ring was getting a bit lonely too after a good two years! It's also nice that we'll never have to explain to our children why we are not married. Up to now they've been too young to understand it. They still don't... but the day they do we can show them pictures of them in their cute dresses on the day.

Anyway, to the important bits; what did I wear? Something that didn't remotely look like a wedding outfit! I chose these pumps by favourite shoe designer of the moment Gianvito Rossi. 

And this was my dress. Lime is nearly like white, right? I'll show you a picture of me wearing it when I get the professional pictures. For once I didn't have a camera with me at all! Now I need to start practising my new signature... Oh and packing for our "honeymoon" that we'll be spending with a bunch of friends that I simply can't wait to see! ;-)

Minna x

OUTLET SHOPPING OUTSIDE PARIS

I'm currently spending time in Paris and I thought I'd post about this place where I went yesterday, La Vallée Village. Few friends of mine managed to convince me to go there with them. I have to say, I love the idea of outlets but I've never really found anything from them. I don't have the patience to queue up, I don't like to try things on several times and I never seem to find anything in my size.  

However, this little village can be a cute place to visit if you are planning a trip to Paris and you are into shopping (and you have more patience than I do). It reminds me of Bicester Village, another outlet where I once went outside London.

You'll find young and cool French high street brands there: Maje, Sandro, Zadig & Voltaire, Vanessa Bruno etc. amongst others such as Céline, Valentino, Givenchy, Loro Piana, Marni, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Monclair and so on.

I bought few T-shirts, so not worth the trip going there for me, but I think it's a matter of luck what you'll find in outlets. You never know!


Heidi x

PARIS, AZZEDINE ALAIA OUTLET STORE

In a tiny alleyway on rue de la Verriere in the cool Paris district The Marais there is a very well hidden gem in the format of Azzedine Alaia outlet store. As we arrived in Paris on Friday afternoon it was our first stop. Even before getting to our hotel! 

The store is tiny but if you're an Alaia fan (which, I suppose most fashion lovers are) you're quite likely to find something you like heavily discounted. We are talking at least by 50%!

Happy but very dishevelled Paris traveller on the streets of Le Marais. I had planned to arrive relaxed and at least with brushed hair but the morning before catching my train turned out to be rather hectic. And no, this time children aren't to blame but an BT Engineer!

Next door to the Alaia store there happened to be a photography exhibition by a local art school. Of course we had to have a little peak.

Then off to our hotel (more about that later) to have a glass of bubbly. A start of a great weekend! Sorry about a couple of days blog silence but here I am again. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Minna x

DONNA IDA JEANS

I have yet another couple of Helsinki posts to post but let's get back to London for a moment. A couple of weeks back I visited a Donna Ida store for the first time ever. I don't really know what took me so long... laziness probably as I'm so stuck in my ways when it comes to shopping. However I finally decided to make the effort as I had heard that they have a great collection of jeans plus more importantly that they are great at finding the most flattering pair for you. 

I didn't know that they also sell a very good collection of other clothing than jeans.

I was on the lookout for a new pair of dark blue skinnies. All my old ones are so old that they're not dark anymore. I normally go for J Brands (see, stuck in my ways) but got tempted to try on Donna Ida's own label this time.

I was doubtful after I was told they are high waisted. Pear shape doesn't normally go well with that but these made the exception because the pockets are positioned as low as they would in a low waisted pair.

Sorry my bottom is not something most people want to see but I just wanted to show those pockets to you :-)

They are just perfect! And the good thing about high waisted is that if you've eaten too much they help you hold your tummy in! These are called IDA Audrey Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans. Next time I'm shopping for jeans I'll definitely head to their store again.

Minna x

JOSEPH SAMPLE SALE

I don't often post about what I've shopped but I'm making an exception. I went to Joseph's sample sale today at the Music Room on South Molton Lane. It was AMAZING. The stock was vast... I had been expecting there to be mostly the small or large sizes but no, a lot of the items had plenty of sizes available. I picked up a few knits (Joseph just does the best ones) and this bag that I'm totally in love with. It's my first piece of leopard and I already know how much I'm going to wear it. Messenger is no doubt the best style for us who push a buggy daily. However you can also carry this tote like as it has a short handle too. 

The point of this post is; if there are any Londoners out there reading this do go if you have the chance! Today was the first day but it's still on tomorrow and Thursday. Doors open at 10am and you don't need an invitation, just show up. Apparently they bring in new stock every day. All the items I bought were discounted by at least 60%. 

(Excuse the gym clothes! :-))

Minna x

CHLOE @ OUTNET

The other day I pulled something that I hadn't worn in a long while out of my wardrobe. It was a Chloe jacket that, years ago, was my first ever Outnet purchase. I remember when I discovered Outnet after someone tipped me about it. I got totally hooked and would be there, ready to check their new arrivals out as soon as they received some. In the last couple of years I've somehow managed to forget about their site. I suppose I've been busy with other things... But the Chloe jacket reminded me of this amazing website (that these days needs no introductions) and I logged on to see what they had in stock for Chloe now. I was amazed! So many beautiful items I'd like to click into my shopping bag right now. Sizes are obviously always the problem like they are at any discount stores. The most common ones sell out very quickly if they ever even reach Outnet in the first place. If you're smaller or bigger than the average you're in luck! These are my favourite Chloe finds in there at the moment.

1. Their very popular ballerinas that I've been eyeing up in blush however this calf hair pair would be even more special. Why oh why do I not have size 36 feet?
2. Nude ankle boots with a black strap.
3. Grey biker style boots.
4. The same ones in nude.
5. A gorgeous black blouse.
6. And an even more gorgeous velvet blazer.
7. Houndstooth clutch.
8. Cream blazer.
9. Silk dress with collars.
10. Black and white jumper.
11. Wool blend dress. Perfect for office to evening!
12. Checked trousers. At 70% off these are quite a bargain if you're size FR34! And very much on trend.
13. Mustard skinny trousers. Not my usual style but there is something very appealing about these.
14. Tan leather jacket. Such a classic!
15. Turtle neck jumper. Another very much on trend item. Not that I even care... I follow trends but tend to just stick to what I like no matter what season it is.

From now on I'll be keeping a firm eye on Outnet's new arrivals again! Going to start updating that Wish List...


Minna x

ZOE JORDAN

Hi guys! I wanted to share some pictures from yesterday evening with you. I spent it in one super cool Fashion Designer's studio at this pretty location in Chelsea.

This girl here is a very talented friend of mine Zoe Jordan who has the most amazing fashion line carrying her own name. It was the preview of her S/S 14 yesterday and I popped in there after work only to find that it was virtually impossible to carry on with my shopping ban that I recently imposed on myself... The collection had so many pretty and wearable items in it. I ended up pre-ordering this seriously cute pale pink biker jacket. It was faith really as only earlier in the day I had been looking at a few months old Vogue with Daria Werbovy on the cover wearing an orange biker thinking how much I've worn my black one and how it would be nice to own a different colour one too. So as soon as I saw this beauty I knew we were meant to be together. I don't think I'll be wearing it with this leopard print top though it might be a bit much! ;-) Instead I can't wait to team it with jeans and a relaxed jumper or a t-shirt. That will unfortunately be a while though as I will receive it only early next year.

 

Zoe herself is pregnant with her second child. Very pregnant in fact. Guess when the baby is due to arrive? Today!! Very exciting times for her.

Tonight it's time to have proper chill out time at home munching on anything that I can dip deep into hummus. I think I've managed to become addicted. I'm demolishing a pot a day!

Hope you all have an enjoyable Wednesday evening and Zoe I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the baby won't keep you waiting for much longer!


Minna x

WHAT I WORE: TO SUNDAY LUNCH

You know the way all those real fashionistas have been wearing their coats over their shoulders for a couple of seasons now? Well I think it does look pretty cool but at the same time is probably quite impractical and could get chilly too!? BUT as it's been unusually warm in London recently and yet I've quite wanted to start wearing thicker coats already I realised that the on-your-shoulders look is actually quite handy for in between seasons. You won't get too hot even if your jacket is a bit too thick for the weather. So that's what I decided to do! ;-)

Jacket: Jaeger / Blouse: Zara / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity / Booties: Tory Burch / Bag: Chanel 

Minna x

AT THE FINNISH AMBASSADOR'S HUMBLE HOUSE

Last night I spent a fun evening at the Ambassador of Finland's beautiful residence, which to be honest, wasn't really that humble... The event was the launch of Nokian by Julia Lundsten collection. 

There were boots everywhere. Different colors, shapes and styles. I had no idea that the collection was so vast.

That is Julia herself on the left next to the Ambassador's lovely wife, Liisa. They are both wearing boots from the collection. If only you could see them better in the picture...

I absolutely love the photography in the campaign. 

(Talking about photography I have to apologise for the picture quality... I don't like posting grainy, yellow pictures but I wasn't prepared to carry my flash around with me. Hence I decided that some of the pictures were better off as black & white.)

We were served some excellent Finnish goodies such as these tiny round pieces of rye bread with herring and quail's egg.

The dress code was "lounge suit"... Not a dress code I was familiar with so I had to do some googling just to make sure I wasn't going to show up in a casual outfit when everyone else was wearing a ball gown! I found a lot of different descriptions, all of them pretty vague. Like this one:

"Lounge suits are normal business suits, worn for semi-formal occasions with a shirt and tie. The equivalent for women is a skirt or trouser suit, cocktail dress or evening gown depending on the time of day and the occasion."

Hmmm... That doesn't rule out much for us women so I decided to take my chances and show up smart casual.

The Ambassador's house was beautiful inside and out. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit it. 

And here goes my clean eating! I blame Nokian by Julia Lundsten and their goodie bag! I obviously started demolishing the bar already in a taxi on my way home, carried on whilst making my way up to our flat and without as much as taking my shoes off sat myself down in the kitchen to finish off the rest of it. In one go. I think it took me about 20 minutes in total. Oops. But I have to say it was worth every calorie, there's nothing better than Finnish chocolate. Happy Thursday everyone!


Minna x