Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bucharest, My Love! - Part II - Magazinul Boieresc


Today I am taking you on our second journey in Bucharest - a journey which I had started last week with Hotel Sarroglia.

Also last week I have been invited to the official opening of the "Magazinul Boieresc" shop, a place which has special things to offer.

The term "boier" means translated into English something like "gentleman, nobleman, lord, governor" and in fact the Romanian word does include all those meanings. Being a "boier" was a lot about rank, class, and status, so the name of the shop is probably fit for the products it has to offer. One must really have some knowledge to appreciate the goodies hidden in this concept shop (and the shop is indeed hidden - a place for connoisseurs).

One of the gems this place has to offer is a variety of Romanian truffles and Romanian truffle products. At the opening I have tasted cheese with truffle, truffle foie gras, butter with black truffle, white truffle foam...it was just a delight!



You can also get a great variety of Romanian and foreign wines (French, Spanish, Greek etc.) and the one who selected them, Mr. Razvan Avram, is really passionate about wimnes in general and I have had a long and very interesting discussion with him.


Last, but not least, one last gem this place has to offer are the people you can meet. They know a lot about l'art de vivre and are so passionate about gastronomy in general while still having vast knowledge in other domains - it's very enriching to talk to them. It was a lovely night for me at the opening and I will surely come back.

(C) text and pictures by author, Ingrid Sabine Weber

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Bucharest, My Love! - Part I - Hotel Sarroglia

My dear readers,
today I am starting together with my friend and fellow blogger from Classiq, Ada, a series of entries on beautiful cities around us, and since both of us live in and love Bucharest, the series will start with this wonderful city. Ada and I have gone out in the city and have captured some special life worth sharing, places we love or places we find very interesting, places (and people) worth mentioning. (check her first entry here)

This is why, for my first entry in this series, I will show you a special hotel in Bucharest. I have visited it a couple of months ago and have had the pleasure of being taken on a tour of the house by mister Giacomo Sarroglia himself, one of the two brothers who stand behind this impressive project.

The Sarroglia Hotel**** in Bucharest is categorized as a design hotel by the owners and caters mainly to business travelers but has also offerings for couples or families.


I was attracted immediately by the interior of the hotel. Here you can see the reception area. If you take more than just a glance to look around, you will notice how much attention to detail is in this hotel. Just look at the coffee tables in the reception area, at the objects displayed there, at the items of art and you will see that they are all so different, yet put together they create a great unity, a real statement of design.





I loved how even the lighting was "made to measure". It reminded me of the TV shows when DIY teams get all sorts of specialists to help for a big project, but all specialists would be working in vain if the lighting wouldn't be correct in the end and wouldn't emphasize the correct angles.



Just as the pieces of design are different in style but still fit together, the same way is the whole architectural mix of the building in itself. The hotel is built on a "skeleton" of an old, restored building. In some areas you can notice the brickwork. On the other hand, the interiors are very modern, very spacious. And - again - all fits wonderfully.





One item of interior/product-design is the table next to the bar area. All seems to be one metallic bit, which starts in the stairs that take you one level higher. The steps then go to form the bar area, which then extends to this wonderful table.




After admiring the lobby/lounge/bar area I was taken by the owner to see the rooms. It is again a contrast I saw - between the light welcoming area to the dark hallways - which however inspired coziness.


Entering the rooms, the light factor appears again. Transparency is used a lot, especially in the suites, there you can sit in your bathtub and see what's on your bed or...the other way around. Between bathroom and sleeping area there is a glass, which gives the impression of more space and I personally like this style. If you however by any chance travel with someone you know, but you don't want to share all the intimacies with, there are shades attached to these glass walls so intimacy can be preserved.







The wall behind the bed is decorated with a modern graphic representation of a landmark in Italy. The main theme in all rooms is Italy, however the owners did not want it to be too obvious so they chose this option. I adored one room with the top of the dome in Milan...(you couldn't hae known it was Milan unless you had been there).


The view is really nice from the balconies of the hotel, and on warm days you can use the whirlpool on the terrace.



All in all it is a nice addition to Bucharest's hotels. It is located in a really quiet area and you are still in five minutes walk in the city center. It is a great choice for anyone wanting good value for money, for people who appreciate design, for people on business trips (free wifi and parking). My advice to the owners - change the website in order to fit the look of the hotel. If you want to find out more - here's their facebook page.

(C) text and pictures by author, Ingrid Sabine Weber

Friday, November 18, 2011

Marc Jacobs Collection Theft

(Picture Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/16/article-0-0DEA83E300000578-992_196x702.jpg)

Marc Jacobs' entire collection for Spring next year is supposed to have been stolen on its way from Paris to London, Dailymail states. British fashion editors were waiting to have the collection displayed before their very own eyes today, however they have been sent out e-mails yesterday, in which this display was cancelled due to theft of the collection. It is not know who is behind this "fashion crime", yet people fear counterfeiters. DailyMail also fears that, because editors have no material to write about (intended word selection), the media coverage for the designer for next year will be limited drastically.

In case the collection has really been stolen, it is really sad. Sad because it's just like any other theft of intellectual property. However, it might also be a press trick. Won't Marc Jacobs get more publicity now? Everyone will be looking for the collection - everyone will wonder if he will create something new, everyone will have his eyes set on the designer's next moves. I am really curious to see how this develops.


(Picture source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/16/article-0-0DEACBE000000578-353_196x604.jpg)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Versace for H&M

(Picture source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrMzlbv1y6IFQOqq96eC6d9fCqMEvKlYL9S0euCCXl-vAgTkTftRY7tG0zCf3Mgepo3DDFAni2nR66_ucjAXY-xWZYCszQWtiDDmfDGaXO2bjScdrBTtLXel9yUKTQv4ljsCk8_HIryE/s400/hmprod.jpg)

Tomorrrow is the big day when H&M releases worldwide its Versace co-branding collection. I am still thinking about whether I should go or not to the opening - I have seen from other countries that the launch of a luxury-H&M collection can create mass hysteria. I am but so curious to see how many would turn up.

Bucharest has 2two of the over 300 selected stores in which this collection would be launched - one in Baneasa Shopping City and the other one in Unirea Shopping Center. The shops will open at 8a.m. and around 280 people will be given "time bracelets". These then divide the customers into time slots of 10 minutes - the time they have to shop - and they will be in groups of 20. I have read that for example in UK the shopping is limited to only one item in only one size. They are afraid things might end up being sold on eBay for way more than the actual retail price. Another 5 minutes will be taken for rearranging the shopping area and then the next lot of customers will be left inside. Return of items is allowed only within a day, from what I have read. I am really curious to see!!! I am also curious about the media attention this release will get and about how the Romanian press will treat this event. I will let you in on this once I know more. Till then, enjoy the video I have posted below! Have a great evening!

(Picture Source: http://www.luxuo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/versace-x-hm-lookbook-w-08-468x662.jpg)



(Video Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ybGBVa49GoI)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Trendwatch 2011: Mustard Colour

(Picture source: http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/10/12/1286875893912/Mustard-006.jpg)

One of the trends of 2011, about which I have been wanting to write for oh - so much time - is MUSTARD, and what attracts me to this trend is that it unites some aspects which I am passionate about: gastronomy and colour in a season which most of the times sees greys and browns and blacks as main focus.

(Picture source: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXsMV55IUxAfos3y1LkxPDIt-9bTU9McTBd3fil04OtsO0q921rWRvQlWt)

"Used mainly as a condiment, mustard is made from ground mustard seeds and may be mild or peppery-hot, smooth or grainy. It is available either as powder for mixing into paste with water, or ready-made, blended with vinegar or wine and other flavourings." (Food Encyclopedia - Good Housekeeping Institute)

It is not with certainty, but mustard probably originated from the Mediterranean basin, where it was used to feed the horses. It was also seen at first as a medicinal plant rather than a culinary one. Pythagoras used mustard as a remedy for scorpion stings, Hippocrates used the plant in a variety of medicinal cures.

The Romans were probably the firs who discovered its culinary qualities and spread the seeds all over the Roman Empire. The original name also derives from two latin words "mustum" - fresh grape juice and "ardere" - to burn. The original method of mustard processing was mixing grinded seeds with wine into a paste at a high temperature.

(Picture source: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvXAZBazRARdwO1dzpS69gYwvTV-J0TaoO4dch-JDRQtw_scX8Ww)

That is all very interesting, and more than that, mustard has been seen lately not only as a condiment, but it has become part of the runway. I consider the colour a very calming one and still inspiring some dynamism, so I looked up some other aspect of life besides fashion that one could have "mustard" in and, being inspired by a friend who's on the point of moving into a new flat, I found some really nice furniture pieces and also some interior decoration. Check them out below:

(Picture source: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTli6Yuo3ZNlHyPgHD4sfLw8PWQe9zWl4sRj9O1V4i9KhtiHSxi)


(Picture source: http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/hbx0610-outdoor-yellow-chairs-larette-de-79444699.jpg)


(Picture source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM6rT8d7EQemOkwWB36PgG4WwYGiFqB9n1NymlYllUFyiqIwxccm2XVqQ3CVNxnC0PJBS-ZbPVfZNx-4MD6YE0rmLl8dR8pzkQ7Q0AOwoPvhBGn_2VpWTCCNkocm2JgVWt62g_O3gmnRY/s400/living-room67.jpg)

See what I mean by calm yet energetic? It is the exact reflection of the spice's attributes onto the colour it owns and onto the environment it touches.

(Picture source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IanZ6MDKvAg5MxriLo1MAZuyzjjY7NCv0zIhroejP9Pz9ywvqWZ54WvqSL6lxycGGk9oBTfzQILaLsiDV-7ABYSoePCMMTi1LAFTVbA3Cgkon2ft0Y7Z2Sp0Ll8q5Ztv9-P16Xm695Q/s1600/Mustard+yellow+coiuches.jpg)


(Picture source: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxxdzsXSYjGIYWPx1JbQMQYpyKmEJk0SOzoFV1NjR4kd8xBnibCw)

But of course, I could not have finished this entry without showing what exactly mustard has done this season to our wardrobe - made it more yellow-ish. Here's a selection of bags, starting with my favourite Longchamp brand.

(Picture Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlHc4peQrazAfCOTw_pGfbU2O2oqvowzPFxWrSaKnAI08qgPYIF4Mwy2kuUcJvjl9sJs1K1ljZi-kpiPT0WfuKddpLVK9Jg6fxBiVzZFLvIWxvhXcZUu0yhWxxJQpow1R1-2B5h4z3yg/s400/longchamp1.jpg)
Longchamp



(Picture Source: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQBKldGEwP1-5IfwmsGSHZOk7SNz3WzsXHOlvJtoRLs6iV3MwEoGw)
Dior

(Picture Source: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo2d4KcDtqk1Lm0CLrcEBS4uDYEGuAPlO9Qyy5_qP80tJ2JNqCLw)
Chanel


(Picture Source: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQFs3xeiaUdYvGzH9pB9nJs7mGsug59Z9AAdcRLzMfhKHPQKkFwJQ)
Burberry


(Picture source: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4tsN6pM2vKwcjg3Z0JFJ6EErbMw_nmDXk5DWPyhsi2J9AovxMfg)
Balenciaga

I consider that, even if there are so many varieties of mustard, such as American, German, Bordeaux, Flavoured, Irish, Chinese, Whole Grain British, Dijon etc. ...one thing is clear - it is widely used all over the world and widely appreciated - probably due to one reason: it fits in many situations, most of them.

This is exactly how I see mustard in fashion: it goes with so many skin types easily, but also fits on so many textures. Be it silk, fur, wool, leather, velvet etc., it all fits - and to prove this opinion of mine, here's a selection of some runway pictures from various designers:

(Picture Source: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBM_DUQoeCJlky8hLDVi9B37ia_lIyj4-enTsHddrRAuwACB7asw)
Dior

(Picture Source: http://www.fashioncatalogtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Gucci-Mustard-Jackets-And-Fur.jpg)
Gucci


(Picture Source: http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDVzIPvtZYXYv_fllnRBqf1MASwAhC0Kl1oE_1TsaQyfnCuW20yA)
Gucci


(Picture Source: http://www.nwsource.com/files/imagecache/f200/files/lanvin_mustard_VIVIAN-HSU-F.jpg)
Lanvin


(Picture Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqO6cCmIaFg9-V6UcYKDd8gG5DBGxUz5jmHLgFo0Q1Z_PeXtC_i7lJVvVVEJ6mswV7jyduMmbaeSoKT4Gt9AdCQzmPUnDlvm7AY3D1TOVi8puTDsPIEzA7DoXEo_nM1O1oDLbr6rNodiQ/s400/acne_fall2011_x3.jpg)
Acne

(Picture Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS1D3dV-ov780Zz8EDyJ9bT6Um5TjhYeXCEYsqnVyDf16C04CO_kmJMJTy-Uu7ToEGtJobO0CEVbjEyr-_2BPGqc9TXKuzo-ZwVN-_Gvo9mEkKl5aMzCb9GDcDHHR2G4L9gfrsc_mVLwV/s400/fendi_fall2011x3.jpg)
Fendi

(Picture Source: http://www.luxury-insider.com/uploads/features/2011/09/michael-kors09.jpg)
Michael Kors

(Picture Source: http://www.thereel.net/files/upload_fck/mustard%20colour%202.jpg)

To end this story of gastronomic and fashion mustard on a funny note, there is still a difference between the real mustard and the mustard fashion trend: the intake of high quantities of the real mustard can cause nausea and vomiting, which, fortunately the trend cannot.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...