Dutchies In Bali

June 21, 2016

Location: Bali - Indonesia

Colorful stripes have made a comeback for spring/summer 2016. My take on this cheerful trend is this striped number I scored while exploring Kei Kecil island. Cool fashion items are extremely hard to find there, basically, because the islands are so remote. I felt like I won the lotto when I ran into this piece while exploring the local and only "mall" in the central city of Langur.  I decided to wear it when we celebrated the Dutch king's birthday in Bali a few weeks later.


I know this post is really overdue because this was already a month and a half ago, but still I wanted to show you guys this outfit. Kings day is a huge celebration in The Netherlands, so to be able to celebrate it here in Bali was great! On this particular day, all sorts of Dutch expats showed up, happily running around wearing Hollands national color orange. I went "multi-colored" basically because I couldn't find anything suitable in the color orange or even peach and received quite a few nice compliments about my stripey outfit.


We ate Dutch poffertjes and bitterballen, enjoyed great tunes by a local Dutch DJ and strolled through the shopping and food stands. Thanks to our good friend Ineke who had organized the whole event we had a brilliant time.

Twin Waterfalls

June 17, 2016

Location: Bali - Indonesia

 

One of the reasons you should visit Bali is it's breathtaking nature. One day we hiked up a trail for 45 minutes to finally arrive at the Gitgit twin waterfalls. Not an easy task dealing with the high temps and humid conditions,, but so worth the efforts don't you agree?...

Catch The Light - The Shirt Dress

June 13, 2016

Respati Beach Hotel - Bali, Indonesia

Staying cool in the extreme summer heat here in Bali is challenging when it comes to picking wardrobe staples. The shirt dress is definitely one of those essentials in my opinion. It's easy to throw on and you can dress it up or down, by pairing it with your favorite sneakers or summer sandals. At night, you can opt for an elegant lace-up heel or even over-the-knee boots. Anything goes with such a versatile piece. I discovered this blue number while shopping down Sanur beach and the vivid blue color inmediately caught my eye. Strolling along the multiple boutiques, I was desperate for some cooling off and kept escaping from the heat by stepping into every store I passed to enjoy a full blast of AC. Not caring if I liked the store or not, and mainly the reason I bumped into this piece. 

With a long day ahead of the necessary sightseeing all over the island, I paired the dress with my favorite Converse sneakers and studded denim cap for a comfy easy breezy feel and added my favorite Chloé Marcie bag. I am sorry, but not so sorry, I know this bag has been on multiple repeats on this blog, but I can't help it! This darn sexy thang just fits with basically anything I put on. I hope you guys can bear with me...

The Coolest Choker In Bali

June 8, 2016

Location: Sanur, Bali - Indonesia

Yup yup, we are back in Bali and loving it!  After a four week stay on the Maluku Islands, three planes and an eight hour delay in Makassar,  we are back to one of my favorite places in the world. In the meantime I am choking it up wearing the cutest sea shell choker I scored at my favorite store here in Bali called: Lost in Paradise. They have a few of stores here. One located in Legian, also in Seminyak and one in Ubud. The fabulous lace up dress I am wearing is also a piece by them.

I am not being sponsored by this brand, but I just had to share that I am seriously loving every single piece they sell in their store. It is a bohemian paradise, ranging from the cutest ripped denim shorts, easy breezy dresses in lace and crochet, crop tops in seriously every style available, gypsy style jewellery, lace up sandals, colorful hats, you name it. They also sell men's clothing, so my boy Emiel scored some fabulous shirts for himself. Do check this place out when you are heading to Bali island my friends and I promise you. your man won't be bored either. I am not too fond of their online shop, but walking into their store on the island is definitely worth the trip. 

Keep reading to find out the pretty sandals I wore with this look I grabbed at Bata in Ambon city. Bata?  Yes, you heard it right Bata! Heck, I didn't even know this shoe store still existed...

Family Moments

June 3, 2016

Location Ngilngof - Kai Kecil Islands - Indonesia

Going back to my roots is one of the most important things I've done in my life.  My grandmother and grandfather from my mothers side were born on The Kei Kecil Islands in South East Indonesia. In 1951 my grandparents immigrated with 12.000 others to The Netherlands and built a new life there. All of my life growing up, I had heard stories about the beautiful tropical islands they left behind, leaving their homes, heart and their beloved family's. How magical it was for me to be able to finally visit this place for the first time. Kei Kecil islands, one of the remotest islands in the world. The people are softhearted, kind and friendly. Their welcoming smiles warm your heart. They don't need much. Just some good food on the table, a friendly chat when you pass by and their families to rely on. Life is simple here and yet the people have everything here.

Visiting this beautiful place has completely changed my view on what is important in life. Over here it's not about showing off the latest Iphone or the latest fashionable look. It is all about what's in your heart, strong family bonds and lasting friendships. 

After having spent almost four weeks out here, we are heading to Ambon city and then Bali for a few weeks, which I am totally looking forward to. With this I am leaving the Kei Islands with a few favorite family snaps for you to get an idea of what this beautiful place is all about. I am sure you understand I really don't want to leave!

Enjoy! 

How To Beat The Heat On Your Next Tropical Vacay

May 27, 2016

Location: Kei Kecil Island - Indonesia

I might look completely zen and relaxed in these photos, but in reality I was sweating my ass off and were mosquitoes on full attack mode eating me alive. I have traveled to hot and humid climates before, but out here on the tropical Kei islands, it can get so warm, I don't know what to do with myself. I have adjusted here with just a few simple steps.  Like I told you guys in my previous posts, most of the clothes I packed were totally wrong for the weather out here in south east Indonesia. Are you traveling somewhere similar this summer? Here are a few tips for you that will help you enjoy your well planned summer vacation totally cool and chilled

I Said Yes!

May 24, 2016

Location: Woma El Valken - Namar - Kei Kecil Island, Indonesia

 

When the man in your life asks you to marry him, it is one of the most magical moments a girl can ask for. Then for him to put on the most beautiful diamond and pearl engagement ring, on the most romantic beach in the world, is even more magical. What else could I do than say YES!  He made it so special that it seemed like a pure dream. I love this man so deeply, words can not describe.

Me and Emiel, the love of my life, a partner in crime and my best friend are officially engaged!

The Life Of A Romper

May 17, 2016

Location: Ohoidertawun beach - Kei Kecil Island - Indonesia

Rompers are hot and trending this summer and there is a good reason for it.  Most of you have to agree with me that the romper a.k.a. play suit is the easiest and most comfortable piece of summer clothing a girl can ask for. When it comes down to summer wear, I am a total skirt and dress type of gal, but rompers are just as fabulous because of their comfort and effortless vibe.

When we arrived here on the Kei Islands in Indonesia, I was totally bummed that I brought along only one romper with me. "I will buy tons of new rompers on the island" was my brilliant idea. Think traveling light right?  Big mistake, because wearing anything else just seemed not comfortable in this heat we've been dealing with here. Hopping into town in a desperate search and grab a few more rompers ended up with no luck and quite some frustration. They just don't make these fabulous pieces of clothing on this island. The result is me wearing this colorful number almost everyday making everyone think I didn't bring enough summer outfits with me. Going to the beach, going shopping in town, in and around the house, this piece was on me like a lifeguard against the sweltering heat.

This particular day, we went cruising on our rental scooter and drove to a beautiful remote beach near the village: Ohoidertawun on the north side of the island. White sands and crystal clear waters. This stunning beach is every travelers wet dream. Can I stay here forever?

Follow

 

I Needed This Break - Double Patchwork Denim

May 13, 2016

Location: Namar,  Kai Kecil Islands - Indonesia 

It has been a while, but boy, how great has it been to do a complete digital detox. No social media, no blogging and no editing photos for more than six weeks. I needed this break and now I am back with tons of summer outfit posts and inspiration for you guys. The things you start noticing around you when you are not glued to your phone anymore. It has been so calming, invigorating and most off all inspiring.

As you might know I have been on the remote Kai islands in Indonesia lately. Being stuck on this remote tropical island has been more then an eye opener to me. Most of us in the western world live way to hectic, too stressed and we hardly take time for each other anymore. Over here the local people actually sit down and have a real conversation without feelings of being rushed. I am sure, going back to my roots and visiting the island where my grandparents were born has been an oppurtunity of finding myself and really be able to destress.

Staying fashionable is not an easy task when the heat is unbearable and the air humid as hell.  Loose fitting clothing is an only option and being a huge fan of the denim on denim look I have been wearing this type of a look lately, as long as the denim is thin and light.  Excuse my "just got out of bed" hair, but keeping my hair straight and frizz free has been challenging. The longer I have been spending time in Indonesia, the better I got at keeping my hair frizz free. More on that subject in a later post.

Hope you enjoy a few snaps of the area we were staying at!

Follow

 

Pasir Panjang Beach

April 1, 2016

Location: Pasir Panjang Beach, Kai Islands-Indonesia

Finally I am back with a new post everyone! We arrived safely at the Kai islands more then a week ago. The Kai islands are a very remote group of islands located in the east of Indonesia. Both my grandparents were born here. Can you imagine my excitement visiting this beautiful place for the first time in my life and meeting family members for the first time? It has been an thrilling and emotional roller coaster so far. 

Being somewhere far on a remote island has it's great advantages. First the peace and quite and slow pace of living does wonders for the soul. This place is the perfect spot to do a digital detox. Everything is so beautiful, it's easy to forget about your phone and laptop. Second, the people are so friendly and kind, it warms your heart. I am taking it all in with great joy. although there are a lot of things I have to get used to here.....

Follow