Talking fashion with MyDubio's Joyce Croonen

Part-time blogger, part-time social psychologist (I know right?), and full-time fashion inspiration - Joyce Croonen of MyDubio started her website to share about everything good for the minimalist soul. Interior decor, shopping guides and even DIY ideas.. you name it. If you've read the Fashion section of the latest Bloesem Gazette, you'd have gotten a glimpse of her current wardrobe picks and her thoughts on certain trends, alongside other fashion influencers we totally adore. Yet there's still so much more to share! Hear it from the lady herself.. 

Define your style.

My personal style is a basic and simple way of dressing, with a focus on shape or fabric. It closely relates to me being rather introverted. I hate to be the center of attention, so I'll never be the girl dressing in glittery dresses with fringes to top. But I like to create a bit of friction between the items I wear: androgynous trousers with heels, flared jeans with oversized minimal blouses. As long as I can add some unexpected details to my outfit I'm more than happy to wear non-colours in a toned-down way.

So what's is your go-to everyday look?

At the moment it's black wide trousers, simple sandals and an off-shoulder top to make things a little less boring.

Then what would be the most interesting item in your wardrobe, and the story behind that?

I think my super long black dress by Wackerhaus. It's silk, buttoned down and totally impractical, but I always feel extra special wearing it. And I got it last year while attending my first fashion week in Copenhagen. Great memories! 

While you're a fashion inspiration to many, where do you get your fashion inspiration?

Pinterest, other blogs, magazines, the street. Just about everywhere I guess!

Any fashion blogs or Instagram accounts you read on a daily basis?

So many! Accounts like Elin Kling, Charlie May and Jayne Min are a favourite.

What's a fashion Faux Pas you have committed (and aren't too embarrased to share)?

When I was 15 I owned these all black sneakers that weren't in fashion at all. But I was all about comfort back then and wore them for one year straight. Even when a hole appeared and friends started to convince me they really had to go, it took me another month to say goodbye...

We've all had those moments! What about now? What is one trend item that you will you never wear?

Never say never! But too much fringes in one look just isn't my thing.

Clothing, accessories, and shoes - your top 5 must-haves?

Clothing-wise, a warm knit because I'm always freezing, wide-legged trousers which you can easily dress up or down, a belted jacket (I feel too business like in a blazer and a belted jacket feels more casual and looks more interesting), and a simple top with a nice neckline - appropriate for every occasion.

For me, jewelry is a precious thing to wear. It makes a look more 'you' and is less sensitive to ever changing trends. So earrings, rings, a necklace and watch are must-haves for me. A pair of sunglasses for the sunny days, a scarf for when it gets colder and of course a bag for all necessary stuff I drag with me every day.

And shoes - sneakers, flat sandals, basic heels, boots with a medium heel, and loafers!

Current obsessions?

Marni fussbed sandals. Too expensive for the cold rainy Dutch climate though... And an Acne dark green mohair sweater with turtle neck and crazy long sleeves.

What's your dream brand to work with?

The Row and Celine are my favorites. Love their oversized layering while keeping it classy at the same time. It's all about the fabric. And quirky details such as the bell cuffs at Celine. If they only ever would be so crazy to want to work with me...

What fashion trends have you spotted for 2016?

The '70s are still going strong with flared jeans and bell sleeves. Last winter we saw a lot of extra long sleeved knits, and SS16 shows us the Summery version: cotton puffy sleeves or extra large cufs. Layering several items in one color is also still a key way to look chic while keeping things simple and fuss-free.

Thanks for taking the time to have a little chat with us, Joyce!

Image credits: Joyce Croonen

.. Joyce Croonen of MyDubio
.. Read the rest of the latest Bloesem Gazette

Agata Bielen jewelry

 

 

 

It's a really rainy and chilly morning over here in Singapore and we can't help but feel that calm and serene feeling we get from these shots of Agata Bielen's jewelry. Minimal jewelry is all the rage now but doing them right in terms of photography and styling is not always the easiest but this time they hit the nail right on its head. So gorgeous we can't look away!

 

 

.. Agata Bielen

The Traveling Pants

For Matter's latest monochrome series, the team over at Matter thought it would be a perfect fit to shoot Bloesem's picks from the collection in the black and white colonial home we now work in. So we played dress up and shot these in a few of our favourite spots in the new Bloesem studio. And what about that pink wall? It was just too adorable not to pose in front of. We're all for black and white but at the end of the day, we always like to pair our monochromes with some pastels and neutrals.

It's hard not to want to live in these pants (that make look familiar, we did a Matter feature last year!), they are light, they are comfy, they are chic.. you can lounge in them or dress them up with a pair of heels.. they fit women of all different sizes with their flexible closures! Matter pants are a perfect balance of traditional designs and modern cuts.. they remind us of road trips with the girls! Packing a small bag with maybe 2 pairs of Matter pants, a few light tops, and seeing where the road takes us..

One of our favourites is the sideswept Dhoti in the classic gradiente weave.. so neutral, it's easy to match with any top! The light colour is also perfect for the heat of the summer..

And as it's the sale season, Matter has some great pieces for tasty prices too! Other than their signature pants, these shorts are also a great option for traveling and especially for the heat..

All Matter wear come in this handy drawstring pouch, perfect to keep your pants when you are traveling or even use it as bag to fit in all your travel essentials!

All images by Bloesem.

.. Matter

Oktak

{ 1. Mustard sunflower coin purse ; 2. Pastel geometric coin purse ; 3. Mustard oven mitt ; 4. Kiss lock clutch ; 5. Emerald purse }

Hand made in New York City by Tokyoite, Aki Takada, the Oktak label features many beautiful purses and accessories. Aki studied handbag design and construction at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has been making her colourful handmade purses and bags ever since. We love the vintage patterns and rich colours she uses in her pieces. 

.. Oktak

ANVE

If you love leather just as much as I do then you will understand what I like about ANVE ... my father used to teach me all about leather during our trips searching for shoes :)  ... i think it is the craftsmanship that I enjoy about it.oh and yes of course the realness of the material just like I love wool and linen. 

Also for my Bloesem Wear collection I would love to have a leather pouch to pack the necklaces .. working on that to be honest, hopefully soon :) 

But in the meantime see what the lovely people from ANVE have created. 

.. ANVE 

 

Buisjes Beugels +++

A new season means new collections and BB+++ has stocked up some favorite brands of mine ranging from fashion to accessories to furniture ... 

All time favorite brand bobo choses brings again the best colors in town for you or your child to wear ... I was very much impressed by this new desk by Perludi ... adjustable to different heights in a fun and easy way ... 

BB+++ wouldn't be complete if they hadn't added the new LuckyBoySunday items to their shop. Funky, cool and beautifully made accessories .. i just love that campaign!

Enjoy shopping I am sure BB+++ will carry your favorite brand too!

 

.. Buisjes en Beugels +++