spruced by marlene

Today, every day, eternally: Farewell, Mr. David Bowie.

More resolutions for 2016: more dancing, more parties, more invitations for dinners at home! My inspiration is Herzlich Willkommen, which, like all of Steffi’s books, is filled with great interviews, smart ideas, really good tips and pictures that you just want to copy/paste into your own home.

And I’m not just saying that because one of my tips is featured in the book, honest. Mostly because my tip is „Don’t do it yourself, order it yourself.“ Which, it has to be said, I’m very good at. My expert advise to everybody (in Berlin) this month is to order dinner from Chutnify – get the Kerala Coconut Chicken Curry or regret it –, followed by a tiramisu from Geremia, while watching an episode of The Fall with Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan. One more tip: don’t watch it alone, at least not if you’re a chicken like me.

Book marks from Tom Dixon – how absolutely lovely.

I had originally planned to publish this post in December, thus: speculoos from Maison Dandoy (which you can find in Berlin at Galeries Lafayettes). On the other hand: the cookies are so beautifully packaged in white and gold that you can buy (and eat) them all year long.

Who buys strappy sandals in winter? Me, that’s who. These are from Zara, sold out online, but I’ve seen them on Sale in the store. Perfect for all of those parties in 2016.

Here’s what I thought before the launch of the Carine Roitfeld x Uniqlo collection: I need everything! Then I discovered: those blazers and pencil skirts don’t make me look like I’ve stepped out of the pages of Vogue Paris, I look like I’m in Good Housekeeping. Still, I picked up a silk scarf from the collection and wear it with the competence of an Air France flight attendant. FYI: the next Carine collection will be available from February. I might give „looking French“ another go then.

My buy of the month was a jumpsuit from Joseph that I picked up in the Sale in London. Ah, Joseph! This is the best opportunity to afford yourself a coat. Or a cashmere jumper. Or perfectly tailored trousers. Or…

The very good-looking boots collection from Aeyde, a new Berlin label, are not in the Sale, but definitely worth a look.

Also absolutely no way not in the Sale, which is why I should start saving now, if I want to buy a Vyshyvanka dress from March 11 for the summer… of 2018. Costs as much as a first class ticket to the Caribbean, but heavens, they’re gorgeous.

New on my bathroom shelf: Dr. Paw Paw, the indispensably genius salve for dry winter skin, even though it’s from Australia. Finally available in Germany from Urban Outfitters. And the Mattifying Facial Cream from favorite brand Luxsit.

Not new, but I just discovered this and it’s so spot-on: Philophiles explain their affection for Céline. „Today I can wear my pool slides to meetings at Claridge’s and no-one bats an eyelid. That’s function.“

James recently sent me a link to Husbands of Instagram. I have no idea why.

My dream home. Period. Now how do I convince Malin Persson to hand me her house keys?

I love these kinds of red carpet journeys, even more so because this one is about the fabulous, fabulous, fabulous Cate Blanchett.

„This Investment Sweater Will Probably Not Solve Your Social Anxiety Problems, But Then Again It Might“ – Essays that we as ladies of early middle age would like to see written.

Swinton! Clooney! Fiennes! If the Coen brother’s new movie Hail, Caesar! is not the most fun film of the next year, I’m going to eat a cigarette holder.

Carpool Karaoke with James Corden and Stevie Wonder. Klick link, turn up volume, sing along and be happy for the rest of the day.