The hotel is located right next to the ancient Ruins of Empuries in a pretty little Costa Brava bay. You can easily walk along the coast to other bays and beaches – perfect when you’re in need of some barefoot-days!

All photos: my own

The starting point for our trip was the tiny village of Villadamat, around 35 km from the city of Girona, to which we flew from Germany. The farming village of Villadamat consists of a few sand-coloured houses, a church, one grocery store, one bar – and the beautiful B&B “Les Hamaques“, which was created by an interior designer and his wife, a journalist and stylist. … and their small hotel has turned out even more magical than you can imagine. A wild garden with a salt water pool, the sounds of the birds, a greenhouse, which is attached to a community kitchen, where breakfast is served in the morning, and wonderful, friendly hosts made our stay one we will never forget.

From this perfect base we drove our little rental car to medieval villages, small bays, beaches, along winding roads and along golden fields. My must-sees near Villadamat: the villages of Sant Marti d’Empuries, Peratallada, Pals, Ullastret and Begúr. The countryside in between. The bays and beaches of Aiguablava, Sa Riera and Sa Tuna. The Dalí house and museum, if you’re interested in his Art.

I’ll tell you more about our Spanish holiday – and about our second beautiful hotel (this one directly on the beach) in my next post.

All photos: my own

We stayed at The Hoxton Paris, which is conveniently located within easy walking distance of le Marais, the Louvre, the jardin de Tuileries, jardin du Palais Royal, île de la Cité, Galeries Lafayette, … and several other places we wanted to visit. The hotel’s courtyard and restaurant is a popular meeting place for Paris’ hipster crowd, and you can find all kinds of trendy restaurants, bars and shops near the hotel.

We had deliberately not made many plans ahead of the trip – apart from our visit of the Musée du Louvre (we bought the tickets online in advance, in order to avoid the line in front of the museum). It was simply so lovely to be back in Paris in spring! We spent most of our time just walking around the city, we did some vintage shopping, had cake at Ladurée (I just had to), stopped by Hotel Ritz for an apéro, ate truffle pommes frites and salads (French cuisine isn’t too veggie friendly after all, but Paris is the one place on earth where I’ll happily order pommes frites), and we admired chic Parisians on their scooters. Sadly we did not visit Notre-Dame this time … Who knows when it will be possible again.

Here are some impressions from our stay. I’m sharing a few discoveries at the end of this post.

Stay:
The Hoxton Hotel

Shopping:
Bobby Vintage
Valois Vintage
Kilo Shop
Maison de Vacances
Le Drugstore Parisien

Eat:
Season
Ladurée
Bambou
Hotel Ritz
Café Kitsuné

– Let me know if you need more recommendations for Paris, I have created my own map on Google –

I definitely regret that I gave away the supercool leopard print jeans that I used to own (and love) seven years ago (I wore them with my “Pistol” boots by Acne Studios and my “Alexa” bag by Mulberry – remember 2012? … Time flies!). I should have known that fashion trends always return.

Fringe leather jacket by Replay
Animal print shirt by H&M 
Jeans by Anine Bing x Gina Tricot (similar here)
Boots by Sandro (old season)
Bag by YSL

T-Shirt: DIY (similar here and here)
Leather trousers: J Brand
Sneakers: Balenciaga lookalikes – shop the original here
Bag: Chanel
Hair Clip: Hello Love

SAINT LAURENT BANDANA BAG AND DIY-TIE-DYE

Even though I am generally trying not to buy too many things – and even though I generally believe that I have everything I need – sometimes love at first sight strikes me like a lightning bolt. When I saw this bag in the Saint Laurent boutique I just knew it was perfect for me. (I actually missed the Chanel bandana bags a few years ago, but dreamed of them ever since.) Well, last Friday I decided to get this bag for me – and it is making me so happy!

In the background of the above photo you can see a tie-dye T-Shirt I made myself a few weeks ago, during the DIY-tie-dye-session I had at my home with a friend. I am obsessed with tie-dye shirts, sweaters and hoodies at the moment. They’re so much fun! And I am already planning a second tie-dye-party with friends.

BAROQUE PEARLS

How beautiful is this baroque pearl necklace by Sophie by Sophie? I have been a fan of her classic, yet modern designs for years and this necklace is definitely a new favourite piece in my jewellery box! Every baroque pearl is unique – I like to look at them as the rebels among the pearls.

The golden signet ring in the above photo is by Maria Black. I absolutely love it and I wear it almost every day. Such a cool piece that really upgrades every outfit! I think Maria Black is making amazing tough and cool, but equally elegant signet rings – this one is great, too.

DIPTYQUE CANDLES

Even though spring is coming closer (when it’s sunny it seems like it’s almost here!), February is still a good month to lighten candles and to enjoy cosy evenings at home (I got hooked on “Sex Education” on Netflix this week and finished watching it last night).
My favourite scented candles are by Diptyque – I’m a big fan of their classics like “Figuier” and “Baies”, but I also love their limited editions and special collections, like the candle “La Prouveresse”, which comes in a beautiful handmade porcelain pot.

COCONUT BATHS

… and speaking of cosy evenings at home: I am addicted to the “Coconut Milk Bath Soak” by Herbivore (via Niche Beauty). It smells so so good – a mixture of coconut and vanilla –, like the best dessert I can imagine. … It’s kind of hard not to eat it. Haha! It’s also quite moisturizing, so it’s a real treat for your body and skin during winter!

HEALTHY WAFFLES

Buying a waffle iron was one of the best decisions I made last year. (It’s the simple things, eh?) Since then I have been perfecting my recipe for healthy waffles every other weekend. I really like this recipe by Heavenlynn Healthy, which I have slightly adapted for my own waffles (I always use oats, wholegrain flour, bananas, oat milk, no sugar, coconut oil for the waffle iron and loads of yummy toppings. I haven’t figured out how to make waffles without eggs yet, my vegan waffles never turned out right, but I’m working on it …)

For more favourite things and discoveries, follow me on Instagram!

 – This post contains press gifts –

BLACK AND WHITE INTERIOR TREASURES

The very talented artist and illustrator Ralf Nietmann drew this Picasso-inspired postcard and gave it to me as a gift. It will always remind me to stay optimistic whenever I look at it.

The vintage Fornasetti tray I found in an antique shop in Hamburg. I think it had been waiting for me. The candles are by Diptyque and Bella Freud; and the ceramic shell is by Frances Castelloe.

HAIR CLIPS

This Copenhagen trend got me all of a sudden! Glitter hair clips by Pico (via Hello Love and Mili Store) and “Love” clip by Pico for Edited.

NEW PIERCING AND JEWELLERY

When having the pleasure to host Hamburg’s first “Fine Piercing Party” together with Anita Hass and Juuls Juuls I also got a new piercing myself! Thank you, Juuls Juuls!

The little diamond stud is by Maria Tash (just like the triple diamond stud), the new diamond hoop is by The Last Line (similar here).

CRYSTAL TOOLS

My quartz and crystal obsession was elevated to a whole new level with this quartz water bottle (via Soul Zen), which I absolutely love and which is a daily reminder to keep my thoughts clear (and which hopefully gives me energy as well – at least that is what quartz is said to do).

My favourite beauty tool at the moment is this rose quartz face roller (via Niche Beauty), which is not only very beautiful but also the most relaxing and wonderful thing in the morning! I keep it in the fridge for an extra refreshing face massage. I am obsessed!

BEAUTY FAVOURITES

And speaking of beauty … I had been wanting to try the Foreo face brushes for a while – and ever since I used the Foreo “Luna Mini 2″ for the first time I understand why so many people love this brand. My skin just feels so much cleaner and smoother after I have used the face brush.

Two other discoveries I made: the “Noni Glow” face oil by Kora Organics (via Douglas) and Skinceutical’s “Hydrating B5″ serum (I basically love all their serums!).

I have also been taking two new “inner beauty” supplements: “Daily Biotic Complex” by Ogaenics and “Beauty x Hyaluron” by Ylumi.

Something else that made me very happy: one of my favourite hair care brands ever, Ouai, has created a travel set which contains three of their best products: “Dry Texture Foam”, “Volume Spray” and “Wave Spray” – and it also includes several hair clips to create wavy hair! You can shop it via Niche Beauty.

“PALM SPRINGS” BY RALF NIETMANN

I have changed a few things about my home: a new rug, new pictures, … and some other little things that help to give my apartment a fresh look.My favourite new additions are the artworks by Ralf Nietmann (you have seen the other one above). This one is called “Palm Springs” – and I am always on board with California dreaming …

– Advertisement: this post includes press samples and affiliate links –

Two other “little things” that make me very happy today: my new mini bag (no, sadly it’s not vintage Hermès, but I love it anyway) and my beautiful new delicate gold earring – find the details below!

Hair claw by Pico (via Mili Store)
Blazer by CLOSED
T-Shirt by Zoe Karssen
Jeans by Gina Tricot x Anine Bing
Boots by Sandro (old) – similar by Zara here
Bag by Crossbody
Gold earring by Nives

1. CHUNKY TRAINERS

Yes, that trend finally got me, after all. However, I’m really only in love with this specific pair and still do not like ugly sneakers “in general”. Anyway, while participating in a fashion flea market this month, a girl told me about these sneakers by the Korean brand Anna Kastle. I do not usually buy lookalike-products (I think it’s so much better to invest in a few high quality pieces that you really like instead of buying tons of trendy products), but in this case I had to make an exception …

2. FACE CARE

After trying Dr. Barbara Sturm’s “Hyaluronic Ampoules” last year – and absolutely loving them! – and after meeting the woman herself this summer, I was dying to get my hands on more products by Dr. Barbara Sturm. I have been using the “Calming Serum”, which I can really recommend, as well as the amazing Face Cream, which you can combine with the “Sun Drops” for sun protection (a must!). … By the way, I have heard great things about the “Enzyme Cleanser”, too!

At night I have sometimes been using the famous “EGF Serum” by Bioeffect, which is quite rich but also has an amazing anti-aging effect.

When I’ve used up these products I will try the “Serum 10″ by SkinCeuticals, which sounds very promising. Stay tuned!

Do you have any experience with these products?

3. MAKE-UP

If you are still looking for the perfect foundation, buy NARS “Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation” immediately! I am not joking, this is the best foundation I have ever come across. It has a great coverage but still feels very light. I am using the shade “Vienna”. By the way, I am also a huge fan of NARS’ best-selling blush – currently I am using “Orgasm”.

In terms of eye shadow: I finally bought MAC’s “Paint Pot” in the shade “Groundwork”, which is a wonderful everyday “no eyeshadow”-eyeshadow colour. I love it!

And speaking of … My favourite “no lipstick”-lipstick is Charlotte Tilbury’s “Miss Kensington”.

Also pictured: my make-up bag by Woouf

4. HAIR CARE

Maybe you’ve heard or read of Playa: it’s my new haircare obsession! Their “Every Day Shampoo” (via Niche Beauty) smells so heavenly that I am desperately waiting for Playa to bring out a scent! It’s the perfect “beachy” summer scent: coconut and orange blossom (two scents I LOVE!!!) combined with sandalwood and pacific musk. I NEED this as a perfume!!! You hear me, Playa? Furthermore, and before I forget, the shampoo also works very well. It makes my hair look and feel very healthy. A+!

After washing my hair I always brush it with “The No. 1 Brush” by Michael van Clarke (via Niche Beauty). It’s the best hairbrush I have ever used. It easily brushes and detangles my wet hair without breaking it, which isn’t easy to do.

5. NEW JEWELLERY BY OTIUMBERG

You should know by now that I am a huge fan of the London based jewellery brand Otiumberg (and of Rosanna and Christie, the two sisters behind the brand). For one of their new collections they made the most beautiful pendants: little moons, eyes, protective hands and more. And since I couldn’t wait, I got to buy a moon in advance (the collection will launch very soon!). I also treated myself to their “Cool Gradient Ring” a few week ago. Isn’t it magical?

6. AWAY SUITCASE

Since my big suitcase broke on the return flight from Bali (thanks, KLM!), I was looking for a new spacious travel companion. And AWAY was kind enough to send me their “Large Suitcase”. The colour is a limited edition from AWAY’s “Salt&Stone” collection. I cannot wait to travel with it (I am dreaming of a trip to California very soon!). It’s actually very light for its size and there is so much space inside! I also love that it comes with a hidden laundry bag inside (I often forget mine at home). I will show and tell you more when I have travelled with this suitcase.

– Advertising: this post includes PR samples –

I’m totally in love with these jeans by M.i.h. Jeans, for instance – they’ve definitely become a new favourite denim brand. The linen blouse I’m wearing here is actually a “fast fashion” piece but I still hope it’ll last for several summers, and my accessories (bag, sunglasses, watch) are all second-hand buys.

Maybe I’ll set myself a “no shopping”-challenge for a few months. I’m confident I can style a hundred outfits around my favourite classics. I just must not get tempted by jewellery, which is definitely my biggest soft spot …

Linen blouse by Zara (similar here)
Bag by Chanel
“Niki” Jeans by Mih Jeans
Sunglasses by Céline
Flats by Jonak