double dutch

amsterdam is one of those places you won't want to leave.  the people are warm and welcoming and it feels much more like a small village than a big city.  there is a great cafe culture which reminded me so much of home as well as cool and individual boutiques sprinkled all over town.  some of my favourite places to shop were on haarlemmerdijk as well as de negen straatjes which means "the 9 streets" and is just that; 9 streets located in the heart of the canal district which are filled with the most amazing designer boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants.  i also love that everyone gets around on a bike although i'm not sure how easy it would be to remember where you left it (check out photo #6...eeek!).

claudine xo

shady lady

dress by Typical Star, rocco duffle bag by Alexander Wang, emily sunglasses by House of Harlow, believe necklace and ring by Disney Couture, random arm swag

i have long coveted every pair of nicole richie's sunglasses so when i found out she was releasing a line under her House of Harlow brand i squealed for joy.  after some online research and a good hour of indecision (while trying on the whole range in store) i decided on this pair named "emily".  i love the mother of pearl effect on the frames and the rounded cat eye shape of the lens which is chic enough for work but playful enough for weekend.  and i had to sneak in a pic of the case which is so fabulous it could double as a clutch don't you think?!

claudine xo

p.s. if you are interested in checking out the range click here

bella roma

there are really only two ways to beat the sweltering heat of summer in rome; by splashing yourself with water from a nearby fountain and devouring a cup of icy cold gelato.  in between visiting some of the most beautiful churches, monuments and ruins (the colosseum had me awestruck) my other favourite thing to do in this city was people watch while having a slice of fresh pizza and a glass of prosecco.

p.s. i have added a new feature on the blog where you can enter your email address to get sent updates on all things sauce of style!

have a super weekend xo

what my weekend looked like

 sushi time, i love these happy cats!

love hanging out with this little guy (i'm his #1 fan!) 

best.  coffee.  ever.

delectable blueberry hotcakes at copo

it was a weekend filled with two of my favourite things - good food and good company.  is it really only tuesday...bring on next weekend!

claudine xo

fashionable interiors

 accessory tea party?

heels for bookends - yes please!

accessorise your bathroom vanity

i love to be surrounded by beautiful things.  objects that remind me of a place or person or time in my life.  fashion has always done that for me, i can recall a certain event just by the outfit that i wore and in particular the accessories - shoes, bags and jewels!  i collect these special objects but have long wondered what to do with them in my ever growing wardrobe.  these images have inspired me to find ways to display my most treasured possessions in my home so that i can admire their beauty every day.

claudine xo

images via the COVETEUR

all you need is love

today is my 9 year anniversary with the love of my life and best friend.  going out now to celebrate!  

claudine xo

p.s. tell someone special how you feel about them today - it is the best gift you can ever give.

to you from me, pinkie lee

silk floral dress by Witchery (old), necklace & bangle by House of Harlow, ring from General Pants

time to mix it up!  here is a glimpse at my ombre pink manicure - love or hate?

claudine xo

up, up and away

 champagne at 6am, sure why not.

celebrating a safe landing, phew!

hot air ballooning in cappadocia, turkey would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our trip.  it was an early 4am start, pitch black outside and with a certain eery chill in the air.  we were picked up from our hotel and driven for what felt like miles to the headquarters of our hot air balloon company where hundreds of other tourists nervously waited.  we were split into groups and taken over to the giant balloons, given a 30 second safety brief and up we went...just like that!   i was overcome with so many emotions - fear, excitement, adrenalin - but after the balloon started to rise i felt an overwhelming sense of calm and wonderment.  no one ever tells you how quiet it is that high up in the air, the only sound was our balloon pilot firing up the balloon to make it rise.  and the views were spectacular, these photos will never do it justice but i hope they will at least give you some idea of the beauty of this natural landscape.

claudine xo

made in murano

making friends with a murano local - otto, the english bulldog puppy

the colours of this dress were the perfect complement to murano's rosy tones, i love the sleeve split detail and muted gold 3 button cuffs.

red floral dress by Alive Girl, tiga sunglasses by Ksubi, studded flip flops from General Pants

"no canvas absorbs colour like memory" - robert aris willmott
i love this quote and it rings so true as i remember each and every place that i have travelled to by the colours that surrounded me there.  on santorini it was the contrast of stark white and cerulean blue on houses, churches and every door and window.  on the amalfi coast i fell in love with turquoise blue ocean, canary yellow lemons and fiery red chillis hanging outside every store.  in murano, one of the islands off venice, it was the rich ochres of wine red, terracotta, dusky pink and forest green that caught my eye and that you can see in the photos above.  we were lucky enough to attend a glass blowing workshop where a master craftsman turned the famous murano glass into works of art in a matter of only minutes.  venice and its surrounding islands are one of the most unique and fascinating places that i have ever visited...add it to your list!

claudine xo