BRUSSELS PHOTO DIARY

Brussels, a place can be explored simply by foot easily. Gothic architectures are everywhere; Grand Place and Town Hall are stunning that here are just a small selection of pictures I took. 

Such a shame we didn't have time to visit the Cathedral of St. Michel and St. Gudule, since my phone was stolen (the WORST thing happened in this 2 days trip), we spent quite a lot of time at the hotel seeking helps on our last day. Otherwise, we would've made it. 

Good to be back in London though. 

Left for about 48 hours and I've missed it already. 

Eugenia Kim beanie, Isabel Marant Étoile coat, Frame Denim jean, Acne Studio knit, Celine bag, Shepherd England scarf

MY STAN SMITH IS FINALLY HERE

The wait is over! Luckily this pair of stan smith restocked or I'll never get hold of it.

What's next?
Of course, taking it out for a stroll on a sunny Sunday.

Isabel Marant pour H&M sweater, Acne jean (get it here), H&M trend coat, Celine bag, Adidas Shoe

IN THE FITTING ROOM

Sweater Isabel Marant Étoile, Fur Coat Ducie, Jean Current Elliot, Bag Celine, Slip-on Sandro, Slipper Isabel Marant

PÉTRUS

I wasn't aware that the tube strike would affect London's transport this much. Roads were filled with cars, the traffic was really bad that it took me more than an hour to reach Pétrus by taxi (normally it took 15mins without traffic). I was late, very late. Anthony was there waiting for me already. 

First impression after stepping into the restaurant: a tiny and nicely decorated restaurant. The huge wine storage is built in the middle of the restaurant by glasses. Tables are surrounding this wine storage, and are not put too close that offers a bit of privacy. 

Staff are very attentive and nice. They always have their smiles on. Also, they even asked whether we are allergy to anything while we placed our order. And, while Anthony was waiting, they kindly provide him this snacks, with salty popcorn and cheese balls (I guess). 

Amuse bouche and starters: Anthony doesn't really like the amuse bouche but I like it! It contained beetroot, onion rings and cheese. For starter, Anthony has that slow poached duck egg, confit leg with truffle polenta and broth, while I went the salmon and crab cannelloni, mouli radish with lemongrass velouté. I LOVE MY STARTER, simply because I'm a crab lover. 

Moving on to the mains, we had the highland pheasant and braised ox cheek. Both were very well-cooked. The ox cheek is really soft and tasty, served together with baby turnips which balanced out the strong taste of ox cheek, kind of cleaning/refreshing your mouth after a few bites. And the mashed potatoes, I would say it wasn't the best we had but it was quite nice too. 

Here comes my favourite part of the meal: dessert. We both had the chocolate sphere. It was heavenly, especially if you're a huge fan of chocolate. Watching the staff serving it was like watching a show. When the waiter put the sphere on our table, I thought it's just that. The waiter then slowly poured the melted chocolate onto our sphere, the outer shell of the sphere cracked slowing, showing the vanilla ice-cream inside. The chocolate is super rich that I swear you won't be able to finish the whole thing without having it with the vanilla ice-cream. We were glad that each of us ordered our own sphere. 

Tea and chocolates after the meal was brilliant. Chocolates were made in 2 different places, also 1 is darker another is lighter. Needless to mention the taste of the chocolates, the chocolate box itself need some praises too. I was surprised when we were given this cute little vanilla ice pops, since I wasn't expecting there is more to come. It tasted so good. 

Although the food here might not be the best I've had but the experience is special and the atmosphere and ambience are just top notch. I would definitely go back again. 

Rating: 9/10

SELFIE AT ACNE STUDIOS

These were taken at Acne Studios at Dover Street, London while Anthony was trying something on. 

Fur coat Ducie, Jeans Rag and Bone, Boot Chloe, Bag Celine

ACNE STUDIOS

Those who follow me on instagram should have noticed I was at Dover Street Acne Studios yesterday (the horrendous tube strike could not stop me from paying a visit by walking there from Knightsbridge).

I left the store empty handed surprisingly. Not because I don't want to get anything, I love the shirt dress and the long dress, both in black. But the fact of lack of fund has pulled me back from purchasing them, and I was fortunate enough to be told that the long dress has ran out of my size. Well, I call that fortunate in this circumstances, I am guessing everyone does. I struggled to come up with a decision while Anthony was paying for his goodies.

I am happy I didn't come home with the shirt dress, in the sense that I didn't purchase things according to my wants but my necessities. After I came home, thinking twice, I do think I need the dress though. I always get this kind of feeling, regretting maybe, after leaving the store without pieces I wanted to buy.

I guess, at some point, many of you can relate to this.

What I usually do is browsing the web, looking at every possible online shops which sell the brand I am looking for, in this content it's Acne Studios. Why? Kind of wanting to remind myself how good-looking/unflattering it is. While I was browsing hard, I noticed that this brand has landed Shopbop.com, my ultimate online shopping platform (first online shop I came across and I am a loyal shopper). Not many UK-based online stores stock Acne Studios, options and items are limited to net-a-porter, my-wardrobe and Acne Studios official site. Also, popular items are usually ran out quite quickly, especially on my-wardrobe.com. For non-UK-based site, I turned to lagarconne, where there are vast choices of items. It looks even more well-stocked than the official site to be honest. But the shipping always put me off. So when I found this brand on shopbop.com, I am relieved, because of the increasing chances of getting wanted items. 

My pick for this season's must have on shopbop.com: Bree Tencel long dress and Pop Jean in light vintage

Sorry for the long entry, I surely wasn't anticipating this. :P 

ZARA SPRING/SUMMER 2014 CAMPAIGN

 I don't think anyone is going to deny that Zara is getting better every season. 

Everything is a spot-on: mules, monochrome and denims. And yet again, emphasising the importance of simplicity. 

I'm ready to check ZARA website on a daily basis, are you?

photos via zara.com