A fling with spring

Today it had almost a 30 degree outside and everything bloomed – the flowers in Vienna’s most amazing parks, the people and my love for fashion and my home town. I felt like bursting with inspiration and creativity – luckily I had my good friend Katrin at hand , who agreed to be my muse today.

Katrin modeled flower prints at their best for me. We got the pieces for our shoot from Austrian designer  SAPERLIPOPETTE, who is excellent for wearable, adorable and comfortable women’s wear – who would have thought that these three qualities in clothing would find common ground? And did I mention that the designs actually are affordable?

I know: it sounds almost to good to be true. But the fabrics used for SAPERLIPOPETTE clothes are so comfortable ( mainly high quality cotton and viscose) that Katrin said she had no problem wearing them all day long, even at this hot weather. Wether they are stunning, I’ll let you explore, but I already know that by the end of my article I will have  you in love – either with the dresses or beautiful Vienna or (and this is directed at you, boys – I know some of  you like to peek into my blog)… perhaps with Katrin.

How stunning is Katrin looking in those designs? We loved to mix and match the different patterns and I think this is also a part of the philosophy of Saperlipopette. Some of her designs are convertible, which I think is just so much more sustainable these days, I mean we all want good value for money.  And I also think the clothes are super versatile, as they are no-fuss – one could wear them on the playground with the kids, or wear them at school, wear them at the beach club, for a Sunday afternoon stroll, on a date…you get the picture.

I would have loved wearing them today, but then I couldn’t have acted as the photographer, which every now and again I feel the urge to be. When Katrin and I stopped by the shop to get some more outfits, Katrin slid in a little time for shopping – and immediately found a piece she absolutely needed to have: looks like she is in a tangerine mood?

We decided to go the amazing Volksgarten for the second part of the shoot and if you follow my blog, you may have noticed I mentioned that Vienna has some outstanding parks.

On our way back home we stopped by the store one more time – Katrin had to snatch up a few pieces from the vibrant, womanly Saperlipopette designs. If you wanna know how to get your hands on one or the other clothing item, it is advisably to stop by their web page, since Caro, the owner, is only opening the store every second Friday and Saturday of the month. But don’t worry, you won’t have to wait another month – there is a contact number, so you can contact the owner, if you have seen something you like.

I have had the perfect muse today, and my muse certainly has updated her spring/summer wardrobe with some stunning pieces. I am only left wondering: what do my readers now think of Austrian fashion? Don’t be shy and drop me a comment!

xox, the Flamboyante

Blockin’ it cheap and chic

I have a plan to boost my health and well being this spring, so today I head off to the Naschmarkt. It’s a huge food market offering a variety of international food products, vegetables and fruits, flowers, clothes and all sorts of things.

The plan is to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetable and to drink plenty of water. I brought a large straw bag with me and a dress I got a couple of months ago, when it was still freezing here in Vienna. I was very much looking forward to the day I could wear it. Today it had finally be a bit summery. This dress is just right for going to the markets, it is comfortable and stylish. The Naschmarkt has a lot of eateries and hang out places as well, it is always crowded with all different kind of people from young to old and tourists as well, they go there to eat and drink, have fun and socialize.

I was on the look out for some nice fruits and other interesting or exotic food treasures.

Dou you know what these are? I actually never ate them. The Naschmarkt is well-known for  Turkish products like bread, olives, goats cheese. Of course you’d find all sorts of meat and fish, which scares me a bit to look at, so I pass quickly at these stands. Then there are all types of restaurants, plenty of Asian cuisine ranging from Korean to Vietnamese to Japanese, of course Austrian restaurants and sort of pubs – we call them Beisl, you’d find Lebanese cuisine and a few cool cafes to meet the lovely and hip folks.

I feel good in this place and fabulous in my dress, which has been amazingly inexpensive. It’s okay, even advisable when you buy something that is more a trend. I’d rather invest in something timeless – and in summer spend my money on eating well and out and spending quality time. A key to a good looks and vibrancy is feeling good – about yourself and life, there are so many nice things to explore and appreciate.

I found myself some nice fruits but now I am on the look out for something more exotic to fill my kitchen cupboard.

I am really getting tired and need a little rest. Luckily the Naschmarkt is nearby the city center. The plan is to relax, drink a little coffe and then maybe do a little window shopping to get some style inspiration for new outfits. It’s quite handy to do that when shops are already closed – there is no temptation.

The over dimensional wafer buiscuits are typical Austrian, the so called Mannerschnitten– perhaps they are world famous.

On my way home I stumble over the most exciting thing of the day. Is it fate or co-incidence? Well it must be some kind of magic…

This dress! This is what I saw when I walked past the Akris store,it was an incredible co-incidence. This surely  is an amazing dress. As you can see the concept of dress is similar to mine if not the same. Ofcourse the tailoring is different, although it was tucked in the back.When it comes to design and quality this dress is uncomparable to mine, no question. It is made of rich and heavy silk and has an incredibly creative and adorable graphic print- on the ‘top’ of the yellow block  little men are seated, enjoying their point of view.

Do you want to know the price tag? Remain seated – the dress costs 1,700 Euros. I couldn’t spend that ammount of money on a dress – never saying never – but if I had that much at hand I would rather spend some time on a sunny beach somewhere in the pacific or south pacific. Oh well…hopefully soon. Well my dress had cost less than two percent of the other dresses price – you do the maths. So one more time: my dress next to the other dress:

I can say this with all my confidence, I still felt like a million dollars – because I had a beautiful day! It’s certainly an art to channel a certain look, not so much a question of money.

xox, the Flamboyante

Ps: Have you entered my summer accessory give away? Let me help you look fab and save a little money at the same time for some quality time!

It’s a GIVE AWAY! Accessorize like you mean it!

The last two months had been very exciting for me, getting in touch with other fashionable friends is always such a pleasure. I decided to give back a little lovin’ – so here is my summer accessories give away.

What do you have to do for this little treat? Simply follow these two easy steps and you might have this lovely fashion jewellery set sent to you, gift wrapped in a lovely pink box:

1. Simply follow my blog, which you can do by entering your e-mail address into the box on the right hand side. You don’t need to have a blog for that. Also via bloglovin or, if you are on wordpress via the follow button.

2. Leave a comment below this post. You can do this too with your e-mail address only,  you don’t need to have a blog or any other sort of account. Tell me which has been your favourite post by the Flamboyante so far.

If you had been here once or twice you may have noticed: The Flamboyante loves to accessorize! I handpicked four pieces ( a bracelet, two statement rings and a long chain necklace from Mango and H&M) that reflect my own style and taste and channel the look of designs by great designers like Chan Luu or Kenneth Jay Lane. I picked coral tones for my choices, because they are fab for this summer and will work with mostly anything.

I also believe that we shouldn’t break the bank and also not be constantly following the latest trend – low-key items combined with designer pieces does the magic trick – to me at least. The set is worth 35 Euros – that may not be the world – but I know my fabulous friends out there will rather spend it on nicer things like going to a restaurant or enjoying a night out – so why not accessorize right while you do?

So, good luck! I keep my fingers crossed for you! The winner will be announced on the 30th of May – here and on facebook. Also if you didn’t win this time – don’t worry! There will be more stylish give aways on http://www.theflamboyante.com. You can follow me on facebook – here or twitter – here , for future give aways.

xox, the Flamboyante

What Katy did

Meet my friend Katy. Katy is a down to earth girl, she’s at Uni and usually doesn’t want to be bothered with having to be overly fashionable.

That’s Katy’s off duty look, isn’t she awesome?

However, today Katy needed a little inspiration. I think it was one of that days you’re just wanting to be different – without having to give up yourself. Just, you know something else….

We both love Katy’s Nike trainers  – quite literally – to pieces. But today we’ll swap them – if need be with a six-inch heel – by Sam Edelmann. It’s just that kind of stuff that makes you feel better, and joyful and different (and make you go uuuhh!) – I think it made Katy go uuuh! But see for yourself.

I firmly believe that a tour through a well assorted closet is the best medication for anyone who’s uninspired or feeling a bit weary.

Katy found her favourite piece right away, a black leather skirt, teamed with a black bow tie blouse by Dolce and Gabanna. It would be so much herself.   I had something else in mind for her. I saw her in a sixtie’s inspired dress in black and orange, with a beloved Marc Jacobs wedge.

And I saw her all ladylike in a purple polka dot dress with jacket.

I don’t know if this actually was her cup of tea, I didn’t ask her. If it wasn’t, than she took it with humour. I think she looks so lovely

…and I think this black orange sixtie’s shift dress looked stunning on her too….

This dress looks so perfect with the orange coloured thights and  wedges…

Sometimes you just gotta use your phantasie to find  inspiration….

Isn’t it amazing how putting on a certain dress will make you feel so different?

Katy felt pretty in the purple dress,

she felt giddy in her sixtie’s dress

but she felt all herself in the leather silk combo…

That smile on her face….priceless.

Katy came as the girl she used to be – and she left as the girl she wanted to be.

Now have I inspired you today?

xox, the Flamboyante

Darling, I shrinked the sweater

Today, when going to an exhibition, I wore a cropped sweater by Carven. I actually didn’t shrink it in the machine – a cropped sweater is a fierce statement piece, that exudes femininity and courage – you should try it – today, tomorrow or maybe for Christmas – and you’ll see!

Also notice the cute denim coloured peter pan collar – do you love those? I do!

When only moments earlier,
I dreamt of visions fair;
Of light and love and happiness;
… Till ringing filled the air.

It beckoned me from deepest sleep,
And drew me from my daze;
I shook my head to clear my mind,
Find focus through this haze.

When I was just as far as I could walk
From here today,
There was an hour
All still
When leaning with my head against a flower
I heard you talk.
Don’t say I didn’t, for I heard you say–
You spoke from that flower on the window sill-

‘Do you remember what it was you said?’

‘First tell me what it was you thought you heard.’

‘Having found the flower and driven a bee away,
I leaned my head
And holding by the stalk,
I listened and I thought I caught the word-

What was it? Did you call me by my name?

xox, the Flamboyante

Home is where the heart-shaped clutch is….

Today I felt this flaming desire to go on a journey. I chose the most exotic place for me to explore: home.

Who are the faces and names that I’ll have to link to fashion, what do their creations look like and who are the wonderful people wearing true Austrian design?

When I stepped into  showroom|project today I stepped into a whole new world…

There was everything the heart of a true Austrian fashionista could wish for…

Zigi told me the designers were Marcel Ostertag, Elfenkleid, Callisti and Elke Freytag, just to name a few. She showed me this wonderful heart-shaped clutch. Does it make your heart sing?

And then these Austrian maiden showed me what they’d crave for. Remember: fashion is philosophy. The art of oneself….

But it was time to go….

Zigi told me about this vintage flea market. I had a new destination….

…so I traveled through time…

I hope I inspired you today.

Now it is time for you to go. Staying at home is not an option – there is a whole new different home out there waiting for you to explore it…

xox, the Flamboyante