Thursday 31 August 2017

Swish Swish // Emma Yao Purse

EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


September, you beautiful term, symbolic of new beginnings and fresh starts, you! Sorry to all the bad weather haters but I love this time of year. It could very well stem from my youth when my brother and I were spoilt rotten every September with brand new stationary and school bags etc, and I've opted to continue this self serving trend into adulthood. Why not, right?


My new season treats included this sumptuous leather purse by Japanese accessory designer Emma Yao. This ever elusive designer is a big hit in Japan and China, her beautiful work can be sourced on Pinterest if you look closely and shopped on many Asian websites but, if you're like me and are lacking in the Japanese language department then eagle eye shoppers may score a piece of Emma Yao on Ebay or where I made my purchase Ali Express (sort of like the Chinese Amazon).


This little beauty is made from genuine leather with a contrasting polyester lining, holds 6 cards on the inside as well as a roomy note compartment and a small zipped area on the side to hold your coins. I chose a small purse to minimise the amount of crap I carry around unnecessarily and this tiny wallet helps with that immensely as the zipped bit fits a handful at most. There was a choice of 5 colours each with contrasting lining and I must say the quality of this product is stunning. The craftsmanship is visible from it's perfectly manufactured stitching to it's beautifully selected materials and is delivered with it's very own dust bag.


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


EmmaYaoWallet.product.review.post.faded windmills blog. autumn/winter.fashion.fbloggers.lbloggers.lifestyle.creativeliving.leather.black.new purse.pinterest.instastyle. a/w purse


I love the simplistic design, the incredibly stylish colour way and the luxe-feel materials used throughout. All in all I am super happy with this purchase and have had to ban myself from browsing the various other items in the range! Here's to a positive new season and to treating yourself!

Thursday 24 August 2017

My Grand Canadian Adventure // Three Valley Gap Ghost Town

Howdy gang, I'm here today to share a few more travel shots with you of my most awesome trip to Canada, earlier this year. There really were so many perfect moments to capture on film (and also a fair few that were too unmissable to bother reaching for my camera), but today I will be delighting you with the truly spectacular Three Valley Gap ghost town


This little gem was a recommendation we picked up along our travels and dang what a perfect tip it was. Hidden amongst the beautiful valleys of the Rocky Mountains British Columbia, this hotel/ private museum allows you to relive the gold fever pioneer days of late 1800s Canada, jam packed with authentic historical items, some of which restored others simply curated in a replica town of an era gone by.


There were over 25 historic buildings including a saloon, a blacksmiths, a watchmakers and a chapel, an antique auto museum, Monashee Mining Co and a railroad roundhouse (home to a beautiful train carriage once belonging to circus royalty PT Barnum!) This was such an experience and a really fun afternoon imagining myself dodgin bullets a la Westworld (what a show btw!) and I would highly recommend adding this little beauty onto your list of 'must see' whilst visiting the area!


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


Faded Windmills blog, travel, blogger, Canada, 150 years, Alberta, British Columbia, wanderlust, explore, museum, private collection, wild west, photography, hotspot, top tips, ghost town.


For more on this grand adventure be sure to check out my snap shots of the trip and my post featuring photographs of the breath taking Giant Cedars Boardwalk and Athabasca Glacier- neither of which you'll want to miss!

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Hashtag Allegory // Instagram Accounts Currently Loving

It has been a busy couple of weeks here in my little windmill, with the seasons beginning to turn already and with contracts ending the prospect of new projects and adventures open up, so I've been gathering as much motivation as I can muster to whip everything into shape ready for a fresh start.


New chapters often call for a large dose of inspiration to help add a little colour and shape to an otherwise not yet fully formed idea, and as I've been sourcing this for myself I felt it only fair to share it with the group! Here for you, my lovelies, is my latest instalment of favourite Instagram accounts for you to scroll at your pleasure and follow at your will!


@woolfolk_yarn

Softness // Texture // Rosy hues // Mild palettes // Craftsmanship // Woven patterns and emotion 

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


@madmavenstyle

Tropical colour // Lust for life // Romantic haze // Vibrancy // Boldness // Editorial // Fun 

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


@virtuouscourtesan

Historical influence // Structured silhouettes // Rustic and romantic // Ruffles and lace // Luxe

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


@amdebrincat

Emotive // Textural // Contrasting // Layered // Original // Fascinating // Storytelling // Intelligent

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


@lucysmagazine

Otherworldly // Beautiful // Captured emotion // Variety of styles // Avant garde // Out of the box

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


@foldedpagesdistillery

Vintage feel // Contrast of youthful and classic // Evocative and nostalgic // High quality content

Instagram, favourites, currently, loving, Instagram stars, Instagram accounts, Inspiring, creative, create, art, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, top Insta style, bloggers, fbloggers, bbloggers, lbloggers, bookstagram, creativeliving, newpost, faded windmills


I hope these treasures can boost your creative thinking, as they so often do mine and if you're in need of further visual stimulus then step this way to discover accounts curating nature meets entrepreneurialwoodland meets architecturefashion meets interior and for some seriously dreamy imagery!

Thursday 17 August 2017

Dutch Courage // Tips For Learning A New Language

lifestyle blog, faded windmills, fashion blog, sewing, reading, learning new language, language tips, skills, toptips, inspiration, motivation, Dutch courage, practice, confidence


Whether it's in preparation for starting an exciting new job across the globe, maybe your life took an unexpected turn upon meeting a Dutch man and falling for his dark eyes and finely tuned sarcasm (just me?) or perhaps you're simply headed off on an exotic holiday- whatever your reason for learning a new language, it is one heck of a challenge but boy what a rewarding opportunity and life long skill!


Many of you know the tale of how I tumbled down the rabbit hole and landed in the Netherlands, I find myself now, more than 3 years later, using this fascinating language on a daily basis and I can't help but pat myself on the back share with you a few of the tips and tricks I've learnt along the way.


First of all, be kind to yourself. It isn't a race so take your time, breath in this shiny new knowledge and let it find it's place in your mind in good time. Most complex skills take a while to master and language is most certainly one you need a little patience with, so chip away at it daily and before you know it you'll find it starting to stick.


There are so many brilliant interactive books/ internet courses that really help to tackle it from a variety of angles, (remember, you're learning how to speak, write and understand something), which I highly recommend either as an accompaniment to a class or instead of (I chose the latter option since I felt that by moving abroad was like a big, continuous class anyways...).


Post. It. Notes. When I was starting out, before the big move, I covered my house and work desk with easily grouped together words (Days of week/ month, numbers, colours) and surrounded myself in the translations. I noticed that by looking at it often enough it started to sink in, but be sure to change up your notes otherwise you'll end up remembering a pattern rather than actually learning its meaning. Another fun homework task would be to buy a foreign magazine or newspaper, choose an article and translate it word for word into your own language. Use google translate or a foreign dictionary and start to build up a word book for yourself. The more you do this the less you'll need to jot down.


Reading! I may be biased here but books are such a glorious way to get into your language of choice. Now, step away from the Dickens-esque tomes, we're going back to nursery!.. kids books are perfect for beginners and will have you speaking the lingo in no time. As you progress you can step up a level until you feel confident reading adult literature. Keep it small though, so not to put yourself off. Have your trusty new word notebook handy, if this method works for you then go ahead and write down the new words/ phrases as you go. Other daily media work wonders too, foreign radio, vloggers on youtube and tv shows will do the trick to implement your studies and keep things interesting. I switched from Dutch subtitles on an English show one day, then English subtitles over a Dutch programme the next day.


This is an obvious one but arguably the most valuable to your quest- talking! Find a local to converse with, whether that's a friendly neighbour, someone via skype or a fellow classmate on your language course. Speaking as often as possible will help with your pronunciation, give you the opportunity to flex a different set of muscles to reading and writing, allow the chance for feedback and will no doubt build your confidence! Another thing to prepare yourself for is feeling embarrassed when you make a mistake. Because it's gonna happen. But laugh with the rest of em, remind yourself that you're learning and make note of the super awkward moments- you'll never forget particular words again and will end up with some great stories for later!


Lastly, use your ears and listen. Notice tones of peoples voices, pick up accent traits and emphasis on particular words. Whatever, whenever, just soak it all up. But most of all, keep going. Learning a new language isn't the easiest of challenges but it will change your life beyond measure and it is something that can open a world of adventure and opportunity if you keep at it.


Friday 11 August 2017

Make My Day concept store, Nijmegen

You know those fail-safe places in your favourite town, that special store where you will find that perfect little something- be it a present for a close friend or a treat for yourself (we all do it), well one of my all time favourite shops to visit, when in Nijmegen, is Make My Day concept store. This shop is a gift in itself! It is such a buzzing hub of ideas, beautifully curated, stocked full of individual small brands mixed in with a complete treasure trove of unusual beauties that make each visit different!


This humble concept store houses both men's and women's fashion, (news hot off the press- soon to become two separate shops because of how much butt they are kicking in an otherwise dwindling retail market. Go team!) and also offers the chance for a restyle or fresh new hair cut, the opportunity to browse classic records or latest vinyl works, cleverly selected pieces of vintage perfect for adding a touch of timelessness to any wardrobe and even provides interiors and plant lovers just as much to choose from!


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Another important aspect for any successful business is the overall atmosphere, and this place has gezelligheid in spades! The staff are super stylish and really friendly, there is always a classic tune to groove to whilst browsing and by people watching the other customers you can pick up some freakin great fashion tips!


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


Make My Day, concept store, Nijmegen, Netherlands, Holland, concept shops, interactive shopping, fashion, retail, hair salon, the new retail, fbloggers, fblogger, lifestyle ,lbloggers, vintage, high street, instastyle


I always leave Make My Day feeling mega inspired with lots of ideas and projects bouncing about my mind and more often than not with a purchase or two! The perfect place to pick out a unique outfit, accessorised to the hilt with a vintage bag, a pair of Happy Socks, locally made jewellery and a cactus to boot!


If you find yourself in Nijmegen then be sure to pay this fashion hive a visit, you can thank me later!

Monday 7 August 2017

Open Your Eyes // Mood Board Curations

How was everyone's weekend? We had some gorgeous weather here in the Netherlands leading to a spontaneous 10km hike through the beautiful forest along the Dutch/German border and an evening of home made guacamole, cold white wine and a stunning orange-pink sunset. Marvellous!


In order to get this week off to as fun a start, I've been revelling in these awakening mood boards. Everything that speaks to me right now combines a crisp freshness with a sleepy, sunny haze. I hope you can find inspiration in these images that may boost your motivation and creativity!


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Faded Windmills_mood board post_ fashion_ beauty_lifestyle_fbloggers_bbloggers_lbloggers_latest looks_lookbook_ inspirations_ visuals_ goodvibes_ creative living_ instastyle_ bloggers_ instamood_ streetstyle_inspiring_ curation_ fashion bloggers


Feel free to follow along for the ride with my daily doses of mood enhancing collages or head right to the source of all creativity. If one post just isn't enough then feast your eyes on thidelicious gathering of bold beauties. Wishing you a kick ass week!