spruced by marlene

not so basic black

By Marlene | Published: 16. March 2015

Spruced-Ari-Black

Who knows what’s taking spring so long, but until it arrives in Berlin (and, of course, everywhere else), here’s a little inspiration for winter dressing: black from head to toe. Not exactly an original suggestion? But yes! If you do it like Ari and combine different textures and materials. Taking this as an example to mix up my black winter uniform – until spring finally makes its appearance.

Ari wears Isabel Marant Heleri jacket, Céline Cabas tote and Acne Jensen boots.

flowers from mary lennox

By Marlene | Published: 14. March 2015

Spruced-MaryLennox1

Should I even try to write anything or should I just let the pictures speak for themselves?

I mean, anyone can see that Ruby Barber has the nicest workplace in the world, or at least in all of Berlin. So what’s the point in describing that she creates bouquets that are so stunning I’d only repeat myself in saying: „They’re beautiful. Sooooo beautiful. So BEAUTIFUL. Just beautiful.“ But it’s worth writing a few more words about her anyway. Because what’s also beautiful is how Ruby Barber became what she is today.

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white trainers

By Marlene | Published: 12. March 2015

Spruced-WhiteTrainers

Shop assistant: „You’re looking for white trainers, right?“
Me: „How do you know?“
Shop assistant: „Because you just stopped in front of a pair in the shop window.“
Me: „Right. So, yes, I’d like to try them.“
Shop assistant: „You know, everyone was asking for white trainers last year.“
Me: „What do you mean?“
Shop assistant (says nothing, goes to the back of the store and returns with the shoes): „Well, now we’ve got plenty of them.“

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my berlin

By Marlene | Published: 4. March 2015

Spruced-Cityguide-MyBerlin

I’m never going to get it done.

That’s what it felt like when I sat down once again last summer to write a list of my favourite spots in Berlin. And couldn’t finish it. Shouldn’t I wait until that new shop opens that everyone is already talking about? Until I’ve been to that one café I’ve been meaning to visit forever? Until I can recommend more in West Berlin? But then there’s always going to be a new shop, a hip neighbourhood, a chic bar. That’s the beauty of this town. It’s too big, too much, too great to ever tick it of in 30 neat points on a list.

And yet.

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Posted in beauty, design, fashion, kids, shops | Tagged: , | 14 Comments

the green issue

By Marlene | Published: 19. February 2015

Spruced-DeliciouslyElla-GreenSmoothie

It’s nothing personal. Really, I don’t have anything against spinach. No traumatic memories of a childhood spent pushing away the greens on my dinner plate. No particular dislike of the taste. No aversion against the consistency of cooked spinach. It’s just that I can think of roughly 12 other vegetables I’d rather eat.

And 40 things I’d rather put in a smoothie. Like blueberries. Or bananas. Strawberrys. Ice cream. Chocolate sprinkles. Maybe it’s the colour of a spinach smoothie that I find off-putting. That green doesn’t just look healthy to me, but as though it tastes healthy. And by healthy I mean like an obligation. So, no thanks.

But then I discovered Ella Woodward’s blog.

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