Architecture · Fashion · History · Israel · Restaurants · Tel Aviv · Tourism · Travel guide

Sarona Quarter – a new/old place to be

Before the creation of the Israeli state in 1948, Sarona was originally a German Templer colony northeast of the city of Jaffa. In the end of the 19th century, the Templer settlement of Sarona was one of the first modern agricultural settlements in Palestine and became a model for the Jewish pioneers. In the 20th century it was a farming community but immigration was growing and houses were being built throughout British occupation. During the Nazi occupation, it served as an internment camp for the Germans.

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In 1948, when the British Mandate ended and British troops left Sarona, the old houses and army barracks were used by the newly formed Israeli government as offices and called the area the “Kirya”: part became a military compound and other parts became houses to other ministries of the Israeli government.

‘With the rapid growth of Tel Aviv, the Kirya became prime real-estate in the heart of the city. When plans for redeveloping the area were proposed in the mid-1970s, preservationists successfully campaigned against demolition. Consulting with historians, it was decided that Sarona was of heritage value and that 18 structures with distinct architectural styles would be preserved. Civil government departments were moved out of the Sarona’s low buildings and into a single high office building erected at its eastern end. During the widening of Kaplan Street, Sarona’s main thoroughfare, considerable effort was made to move the historic buildings intact. These are destined to become an area of cafés and recreation. A high-rise headquarters building was also erected in the military section, though historic buildings in the compound remain in IDF use.’ (source: WikiPedia)

Since 2003, the Tel Aviv municipality has been working to preserve and restore Sarona. And now we can finally enjoy this new old kid in town: new residents apartment buildings, preserved historic buildings, lots of green area, children’s playgrounds and new businesses: shops, bars and restaurants.

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Shopping: Tommy Hilfiger, G-Star, Liebeskind, Fred Perry, Stussy, Imelda, L’Occitane, Adidas, etc.

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Food: Claro, Rustico, Akiko, Little Italy, Roladine, Wilhelmina, Jajo, Anita, Beer Garden, etc.

קלארו. צילום ארז חרודי (8) sarona

קלארו. צילום ארז חרודי (5)saronaphoto credit: ארז חרודי

 

Sarona Market

beauty · Entertainment · Fashion · Israel

20-something most beautiful Israeli women

Bar Refaeli – model/actress/tv-host

follow her on Instagram along with another million people

bareyalnevo1photo by Eyal Nevo

guykyarivfbar1photo by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Ayelet Zorer – actress

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photo by Eyal Nevo

Or Grossman – model/actress

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photo by Eyal Nevo

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Tehila Rich – model

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photo by Eyal Nevo

Gal Gadot – actress/model

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Rotem Sela – actress/model

Posted at http://www.MeetWithBeauty.com

Moran Atias – actress

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Agam Rodberg – actress

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Esti Ginzburg – model/tv-host

estieyalnevophoto by Eyal Nevo

Eden Harel – actress/tv-hostedenharel

Ania Bukstein – actress/musician

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anyaeyalnevophoto by Eyal Nevo

Shirly Bouganim – model

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Sendi Bar – actress/model

guykyarivfsendibarphoto by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Melanie Peres – model/actress

melanieperesguykphoto by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Dar Zuzovsky – model/actress

daryarivguyphoto by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Sharon Genish – model

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Noa Tishby – actress/producer/model

noatishbyeyalnevophoto by Eyal Nevo

Yael Bar Zohar – model/actress

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photo by Eyal Nevo

Dana Frider – actress/model

guykyarivfdanafriderphoto by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Yael Goldman – actress/tv-host/model

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Shiraz Tal – model

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Sarai Givaty – model/actress

saraieyalnevophoto by Eyal Nevo

Yamit Sol – actress

yamiteyalnevophoto by Eyal Nevo

Bar Paly – actress

guykyarivfbarpaly1photo by Guy Kushi & Yariv Fein

Fashion · Lifestyle

International Cooperation with SoChicNYC

Good news for the Marilyn & Josephine blog. We have been chosen as foreign correspondents for SoChicNYC.

SoChicnNYC is a fashionable life-style e-commerce marketplace from New York City, featuring known and upcoming designers for the person that wants style, chichi items and a healthy and great lifestyle.

PLKPhyllis Keitlen, founder of SoChicNYC and Savvy Chic. Inc, designs a complete range of fabulous shirts and dresses with clean lines, and unique styling, art form jewelry and chic “must-haves” for women on the go. I personally met Phyllis on the road with Jose Feliciano in Israel a few years ago and see, here our paths cross again.

The SoChicNYC clothing line includes the classic elegant white shirt like Audrey Hepburn made eternal in her films

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Accessories like bracelets, earrings, necklaces, belts, handbags and shoes.2013-11-01

Scarves including some from Life on Mars handmade collection

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There’s also a full beauty line collection for sale: hair, fragrance, skin care, bath&body including Gil Ferrer’s hair products and Perricone MD’s skincare line. For dog lovers there’s the Doggywear by CousCous Collection.

Art · Crafting · Design · DIY · Fashion · Israel · Jaffa · Lifestyle · Neve Tzedek · Photography · Restaurants · Tel Aviv · Travel guide

Noga Quarter, a bubble within the bubble…

Noga Area is a little bubble within our Tel Aviv bubble. It’s quiet and happening at the same time. Once again, one of the magic features of little Tel Aviv, you walk one street away and you’re in a totally different world. Noga is known for its little charming shops, hip cafés, upcoming artist projects and design studios. It’s surrounded by some amazing real estate renovation and conservation projects like The Village, the American Colony and actually connects Neve Tzedek to Jaffa. Together with fellow blogger and buddy Ross Belfer from Eager Tourist  and the amazing upcoming photographer Shiran “Poomilicious” Pomerantz we went on a short visit:

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Cafelix You can start off with a delicious coffee at Cafelix. If you’re a returning costumer, you may even get your own coffeecup on the wall with your name under.

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Gelada Studio Then visit Gelada Studio for some original T-shirt designs and new vintage accessories.

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Hastudia “is a multi-disciplinary studio for arts & crafts that promotes sustainable, community-oriented and creative lifestyle. Their aim is to become a hub for functional upcycled art; a place where amateurs and hobbyists alike, come to work on their own handmade projects and get their hands dirty. It is a place where people come to be empowered, learn a new skill, engage with members of their community and create.”

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Naomi Maraavi’s shop is “an individual recycled re-designed eco collection blending art, fashion and storytelling.”

CasinoSanRemo

Casino San Remo is another hipster-hot-spot for food, drinks, art and music.

Noga

Fashion · Tel Aviv · Travel guide

What to wear to …

(c) a fly guyTomorrow I will be leaving Belgium’s Winter Depression behind and I will soak up the sun in Tel Aviv. I have been so tired of this cold weather, like literally exhausted, I can’t wait to feel the hot sand between my toes. I’m looking forward to my  “10 days off ” so much, I’ve been planning what to take with me for days now. Yes, i finally have an excuse to buy 3 bikinis and 5 different dresses.

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Headphones: Urbanears (Zalando) – Bikini OndadeMar (Zalando) – Top MinkPink (Zalando) – Shorts Tigerhill (Zalando) – Sweater MinkPink (Zalando) – Blouse CheapMonday (Zalando) – Dress Mint&Berry (Zalando) – Sunglasses Wasteland (Zalando) – Sneakers Nike (Zalando)

(c) a fly guy

what to wear 1 Ring House of Harlow (Urban Outfitters) – Handbag The Cambridge Satchel Company (Urban Outfitters) – Bracelet Hipanema (Urban Outfitters) – Watch Timex (Zalando) – Bracelet BE by Magali PinchasiSandals (Forever 21) – Bracelet Fiona Paxton (Zalando) – Pants Anna Field (Zalando)

(c) a fly guy

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Straw hat (H&M) – Sunglasses (Komono) – Sweater Filles à papa (Bluepoint) – Shirt (H&M) – Shirt Zoë Karssen (Bluepoint) – Swimsuit (We Are Handsome) – Shorts (Mango) – Sandals (NewLook)

See you in Tel Aviv!

Pictures of Tel Aviv by International Fly Guy

Architecture · Art · beauty · Fashion · History · Photography · Tel Aviv

“Lady of the Daisies” – Lea Gottlieb

“Lady of the Daisies” is a tribute to the work of Israeli fashion designer and entrepreneur Lea Gottlieb. Founder of worldwide swimwear brand Gottex – famed for the Seven Suit that sold over one million pieces in 1985 alone – Gottlieb was a prominent and exceptional swim and beachwear designer and innovator of Israel’s textile industry. The exhibition opened with an exclusive VIP launch at the Design Museum in Holon and is running till May 4th. Galit Gaon, Chief Curator at the Museum explains: “This homage to the work of a trailblazing woman who led a vision of design and industry in Israel is an important evolutionary step in the life of the museum. Lea Gottlieb put Israeli fashion on the map with her elegant and flattering designs that have sold to over 80 countries.”

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Lea Gottlieb emigrated from Hungary to Israel in 1949 with her husband Armin who owned a raincoat factory. Lea immediately understood that raincoats were not as appropriate for the climate of the Middle East. Still water-minded, she started sewing swimsuits which launched to instant success in 1956. Gottex was innovative and sophisticated, with products sold in over 80 countries. Over the years, Lea Gottlieb’s designs have featured on the covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines. Prominent figures who have worn her designs include Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Queen Noor, Mrs. Nancy Kissinger, and movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Brooke Shields. Lea Gottlieb continued to design a new collection every year up to 2002. Work on the exhibition began more than six months ago with the process of sorting and selecting pieces from her archives. She also visited the museum to assist in determining the content before she passed away at the end of 2012; she was 94. A memorial book for Lea Gottlieb will be available in 2014.

The exhibition showcases the history of Gottex swimwear through costumes, inspirational photographs, films and catalogs. The main gallery includes swim and beachwear designs in addition to works of art that acted as original inspiration. Curated by fashion researcher Ayala Raz, this aspect of the exhibition pays direct homage to the life and work of Lea Gottlieb. It is known that Lea Gottlieb loved flowers, partly because they had helped her save her life from the Nazis in her native Hungary. When out in the street, she often held a bunch of flowers up to her face, so that Nazis would take her for a regular peasant girl. Flowers figured prominently in Gottlieb’s fabric designs, usually in bold, eye catching colors. She was particularly fond of hibiscus. Sophistication was the name of the game.

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The second gallery focuses on contemporary design and Creative Director Molly Grad’s transformation of the Gottex brand in recent years. A specially commissioned model designed by Molly Grad is presented. This unique piece is accompanied by Grad’s sketches, illustrations and quotes to represent her world of inspiration. Grad explains, “The illustrations in the exhibit are like my fingerprints, a representation of my personal process and primary experience as an artist and creator. They are not indicative of a specific moment or time, but rather an ongoing approach. I have always drawn, ever since I was about three years old. Wherever I go, I always bring a pencil.”

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Antwerp · Fashion

Urban couture: Antwerp as a Fashion capital.

Antwerp is known to deliver great talent, especially when it comes to fashion. The era and influence of the avant-garde Antwerp 6 is still a story that captivates experts and students all over the world. This article hopes to provide a better view on Antwerp’s fashion and the influence of the Antwerp Fashion Academy on Antwerp itself and on the world as well.

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Above: The ready to wear Spring 2013 collection by some of Antwerp’s former fashion students.

Romain Brau, fashion designer and owner of concept store RA (Antwerp & Paris), knows both fashion and Antwerp due to his studies at the Antwerp Fashion Academy (part of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts). “I chose to study at the Antwerp Academy, because it’s an Art School before everything else and I like the freedom that art holds. I wanted to feel at home and relax. I knew I would be happy in Antwerp. I am Parisian so when you have to choose between a city where you can get a flat of 200 m2 for the price of a 10 m2 in Paris you don’t think twice, especially when the international press tells you the Antwerp Academy is the best school of the world! When I started studying it all made sense to me. The Academy taught me to mix art and fashion. I just loved it!”

Romain Brau (c)Above: Romain Brau wearing part of his own collection.

The less technical, more artful approach of the Academy is probably one of the biggest reasons of its success. “A lot of international students come to study at the Antwerp Academy, often after finishing a more technical Fashion design course. The fact that the Antwerp Academy offers the freedom to express your individuality through design and really treat your work as an art form makes the Academy a magnet for fashion students everywhere. Last year we had 40 nationalities in a class of 200”, explains Karen Van Godtsenhoven. Since 2009 she has been working as curator at the Antwerp Fashion Museum, which resides in the same building as the Antwerp Academy.

Antwerp FashionLeft: Karen Van Godtsenhoven, curator to the Antwerp Fashion Museum. Right: Romain Brau, contemporary fashion designer.

Where did all this success come from? “Since 1960 Antwerp offers a department in fashion. Back then it was very amateurish. During the 1980’s the Academy presented 6 designers with a distinct radical vision for fashion. They established Antwerp as a notable location for fashion design. The breakthrough occurred when the Antwerp 6 set out for the London fashion fair with their collections. They have put this city on the fashion map ever since.” The Antwerp 6 (Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, Dirk Bikkembergs, Walter van Beirendonck, Dirk van Saene and Marina Yee) all own their very distinct style and trademark. Note: Martin Margiela was also a student at the Antwerp Academy at the time of Antwerp 6. However, he did not join them to the London show and is therefore not part of the original group.

antwerp6Above & under: the Antwerp 6

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The Antwerp 6 have set an example for their continuators at the Flemish academies, such as Raf Simons, Veronique Branquinho, Haider Ackermann, etc., and they have set a solid ground for fashion in Antwerp. “Individuality is the most important trademark for the Antwerp Academy. Designers that graduate from the Antwerp Academy are known to create collections in which the wearer becomes part of the designer’s world,” Karen explains. The minimalism of Demeulemeester, the drama in Dries Van Noten, even the theatrical in Romain Brau: each designer has their own signature. Romain agrees: “it’s true that individuality is an important factor that is being emphasized. My personal style is more dandy and opulent in a contemporary way. I love the 1920ies and I love luxurious material. I never had the feeling that I had to restrain my own style while studying at the Academy. Au contraire, I feel that the Academy helped me develop my style even further! It’s when I saw the work of Angelo Figus and Cristopher Devos (half of the duo behind Peter Pilotto), both also Antwerp Academy alumni, that I felt less alone in my way to create.”

(c) Romain BrauAbove: collection Romain Brau.

How about the future? “It’s very striking that most students nowadays choose security by choosing to work for a designer. The current financial crisis is probably the main reason for this shift. That’s why we are working on new initiatives to offer fashion students the possibility to present their collections worldwide without having to spend a lot of money. We are working on a digital platform for example, through which we encourage students to film their collections, we also present the best collections in the Museum,” Karen continues.

And how about the influence of all this high fashion on Antwerp itself? Helen and Tine are 19-year-old twin sisters that have a blog about Antwerp street style. Their blog was nominated for the 2012 Blog Awards. Almost everyday they hit the streets of Antwerp, armed with a camera, to document the fashion this city oozes. “Antwerp fashion is very obstinate and careless. People in Antwerp have a very distinctive style and know very well what pieces to combine to get the best result. They play with details, like sneakers or colored lipsticks,” states Helen. Tine agrees: “In general, Antwerp street style contains a good mix of trends and own style. People in Antwerp are very realistic. They want to look good for their own pleasure and not to impress others. This sometimes leads to extravagant looks, especially with the students of the Fashion Academy.”

Desktop3Desktop4Antwerp fashion students are welcome features in the Antwerp Street style blog. “Their presence in Antwerp often serves as an example for others, like some sort of living trend-guide. People here are very proud of ‘their’ Academy. It determines the Antwerp identity and has turned a lot of us into chauvinistic fashionlovers.” On the question which Antwerp designer is their favorite, both girls choose Dries Van Noten. “His new collection is so beautiful. Dries has developed his very own style throughout the years, but his collections are always innovative.”

And my personal favorite? Even though I’m not that big of a fashion junk, I have to admit that both Ann Demeulemeester en Haider Ackermann are on my list of favorite designers. Both Haiders en Anns cuts are simple, but their creations are often asymmetric and sewn of different materials, which gives them not only a resolutely modern and dynamic feel, but also makes them more urban, without losing anything on the sophistication of the feminine silhouette.

Special thanks to Karen and Romain for their time and devotion and to Tine and Helen for getting back to my emails faster than bullets 😉

Sien Josephine


Design · Fashion · History · Neve Tzedek · Tel Aviv · Uncategorized

Fabric & Form – Fashion and Israeli art

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Being from Antwerp, I must have been born with a sense of fashion, style and design. Being a blogger, it was about time for some fashion. Of course there will be a broad Antwerp Fashion post by Josephine, but today is about the Tel Aviv scene. And not to be underestimated. Yes the country is barely 65 years old, yes we still have a lot to learn and yes I could go on about all we are lacking in the field of fashion and style. But I’d rather share the good news and focus on those pioneers paving the way for the Israeli fashion, design & art industry. Thursday night was the opening event for “Fabric & Form: Fashion & Art exploration” – the Cutting Edge of Israeli Fashion, Art & Design initiated by TLVStyle. The first ever 3-day interactive and creative journey into the world of Israeli designers and artists. The event opened for the Tel Aviv Arts Council community with an exclusive gala at the historical and charming Lili&Bloom. An audience eager to discover the intricacies of Israel’s fashion world and get up close and personal with Israeli designers, artists, stylists, and bloggers. The curators (Galit Reismann, Deborah Shahar and Rei Dishon) are exploring the relationship between the garment as an art and the art as a garment.

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During the weekend (Friday from 10am & Saturday till 09pm) Lili & Bloom will be open to the public, free of charge, for a celebration of Art, Fashion and Tel Aviv’s urban style. The collective of designers includes 10 fashion accessories designers and 6 fashion designers: Northern Star by Nadav Rosenberg, Adam Gefen, Michal Basaad, Maria Berman, FROG by Einat Burg, Daniella Gelfer, Tamar Branitzky, Inbar Shahak, Sailor by Efrat Shahar, Avital Coorsh, Sharon Vaizer, Osnat Har-noy, Liza Arjuan, Michal Ben Ami, Toosh JUDTLV and Studio SFOG. Among the artists: Danit Peleg, Katerina Nevler, Gidi Smilansky, Hadas Malin, Ben Gal, Eleonore Millstein, Jonathan Goldman and Signor Gi.

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All photos taken with Canon EOS M

Fashion · General · Lifestyle

Fell in love at the Seaside

Last weekend it was time to get my bikini out and go to the Belgian coast! The weather was so nice I even dared to take a little swim! And trust me, for Belgian standards, this is quite unusual. Can’t wait to go back! Of course there was also time for some clubbing! And although we are not a fashion blog i do wanna share my outfit for the night! Do you like it? Do you recognize the pants? 😉 (Just to be clear, i was wearing shoes when we left the apartment).

Hoping to catch some more sunny snapshots soon!

Sien Josephine

Antwerp · Entertainment · Fashion · Shopping

COMMA, the first Belgian edition.

Last thursday I was invited to go and take pictures at the new Comma store opening in Antwerp. Comma is a German brand that decided to open their first Belgian store on the Meir in Antwerp. Spoiled with finger food and luscious cocktails, free make up corner (mmmm so nice after a long day of work, thanks Sabine!) and live music, Comma presents to you: the first Belgian edition.

P.S.: These pictures also got published on the website of a Belgian newspaper (yaay!). Read the article here.

COMMA, Meir 32-36, 2000 Antwerp.

Antwerp · Entertainment · Fashion · General · Lifestyle · Music

Where have you been?

As you might have noticed, these past few weeks i haven’t really been active on our little blog. Main reason? Swamped with work. Anyway, instead of boring you with stories about what i’ve been doing, I’ll just show you:

Contemporary Fashion Days, Antwerp – organized by F.F.I.

N8N‘s birthday party, dancing with the stars (or at least the stars-scarf of Merrymaker Ruth)

Shooting the new Philadelphia cream cheese commercial

PR agency OONA‘s Housewarming

Above and Under: Vascobelo‘s baristabar @ Contemporary Fashion Days Antwerp: great coffee, amazing taste. This pop-up coffee bar was the perfect getaway from my busy life.  Thanks to Jaime for taking me there!

Above and Under: N8N‘s performance in Amsterdam. Play that funky music white boy!

A LA PROXIMA!

Sien Josephine

Art · Fashion · History · Lifestyle · Uncategorized

In with the Old – Living Fashion

Have you ever seen a historical movie, like Marie Antoinette or Titanic or even Gone with the Wind , and drooled all over the dresses the women in it were wearing? If so, you have to visit the exhibition “Living Fashion. Women’s daily wear 1750-1950”, on display in the Antwerp Museum of Fashion (MOMU) till April 12.

“Living Fashion” presents over 100 silhouettes from the Dutch collector Jacoba de Jonge and gives an overview of the clothing worn by middle-class women between 1750 and 1950. In the 19th century, the growing social importance of the middle classes brought with it a new group of wealthy citizens who wanted to show off their status through their clothing and behavior. To illustrate this relationship between living in that time period and fashion, the exhibition shows specific sets of dresses: from domestic apparel to traveling outfits to maternity dresses, or dresses for sports and shopping. Every activity required specific apparel. In addition to the clothes these early fashionistas wore, daily organization also followed fashion trends. Mornings were for indoor activities, the afternoons for visits and ‘outdoor activities’, and each moment of the day had its own particular dress code.

Seeing all those dresses and keeping in mind how many times women changed clothes in one day, I returned home with the comforting thought that my (very full) closet is actually not that big in comparison. Time to go shopping?

A big thank you to Merrymaker Ruth for joining me in my fashionable time travel.

Talk soon,

Sien Josephine