WHEN IN BUTTERFLY SOULFIRE - A soul of its own

It's the sound of the Underground

I love Berlin. It has so much to offer. So much undiscovered treasures, I can't help but sing its praises. Wondering the exciting little side streets you are always going to find something interesting. On Mulackstrasse in Mitte there is a store that I found so unique and so dark at the same time. Imagine a scary movie that has extreme fashion taste and there you have Butterfly Soulfire.

Dark tones mixed with occasion light flashes, leather, fur and jersey are the fabrics of choice. Braiding and slashing and tailoring are the tools of choice to create these urban/classic inspired creations.

The first time I walked into this little boutique, a lightbulb switched and I went a little ape. I tried over half the stores collection on and kept having to go for another look to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything. I bought a top in duck egg blue in a sheer fabric slightly off the sholder ( something out of a Marni collection), a sweather ( with a side of faux fur for a luxury look), some trousers ( half leather, half tailored- unisex for the androgenous look) and some sunglasses made from a piece of X ray film which clips to your temples and rolls up into a piece of film to put in your pocket.

The items are all hand made and are limited so you feel you are buying something special that only you will have.

This is a real boutique store, small, quaint but with an attitude so you are getting a taste of Berlin's underground fashion scene whilst buying something that makes you stand out of the crowd.

This is a must visit When in Berlin!

Down by the street by the tramlines
Where everybody shops all the time 
Where you wont see any rising sun
Down to the street we will run

Oh  I see how everything is torn in the shop
And I don't know why I go the way
Down by the Butterfly

For more information see:

Mulackstrasse 11, 10119 Berlin Mitte

WHEN IN THE BIRD - Fish gotta swim and Birds gotta have Burgers?

Let's Have a Bird Burger!!!

Berlin is that ever developing city. When I first left the city I would go back on those sentimental visits, where I drive round the city and go to all my old hoods and reminisce on the good old days. This was the first time I went back. Now I go back to discover what new delights the city has to offer.

The east has this underground urban vibe to it which is creating such a buzz. In the heart of the east is a restaurant that I can only say - should have my name written across the front. I am a meat and potato gal- i know , not exactly staying off the carbs however I like to think of it as my own version of the Atkins diet or as I call it - Fleischfresser diet!

It is called the Bird. I don't really know why it has that name, but all I can tell you is that deep in the heart of  Prenzlauerberg this is a mini American styled diner/pub which serves the best in burgers and buffalo wings. The portions are massive and you feel that you have eaten your weight in cow but it is definitely worth it. You come from the streets of Berlin into the Hell's Angeles pub of the US and the atmosphere is great. You need to book for this rough diamond of a restaurant as without a booking you might be waiting for a relatively long time.

My boyfriend took me here on our anniversary. Nice right- there was me thinking 'Oh a romantic table for two , candles and the glint in his eye as he sighs in utter contentment while he stares at me thinking - I'm the luckiest guy in the world....' oh no these sorts of celebrations don't happen to me. Instead it was wooden tables and benches sitting next to a large group of motorbike riders as they glugged down their beer and order with a very German accent ' I vvvill havve zeeee Biiirrrrd Buurrrrgerrrr wizz zeee friiiieeess und zeee beer sreeeee timmmeeesss pllleeezzz' I can only tell you that my boyfriend takes me to the best places, the ones that are humble and real and most of all serve me my meat!

This is a must visit When in Berlin

The Bird does it
I Love it
Even the most educated people do it

The Bird does it

Let's have a Burger!!

for more info see:

Am Falkplatz 5
Prenzlauerberg
10435

WHEN IN BAR TAUSEND- a Tausend times better than you imagine!

The Berlin Bunker

We thought that underground bunkers were a thing of a the past. Things that are only used in wars. That we would have no need of them in this day and age. We are all so wrong.  Located in Mitte on Schiffbauerdamm is a metal door under a bridge. A steel frame leading into the unknown. You knock on this frame and a slit opens and closes. The frame opens. A man asks you if you would like to eat or drink and then shuts the door on you. You wait. The frame opens again and you are taken down a tunnel entrance into another room. A room which is lit by a single light at the end of the tunnel which then reflects onto silver sheets covering the entire ceiling! It is such an amazing sight. You walk in and are memorised by the incredible grandeur of the room. Booths outline the side and straight ahead you have a glowing bar. The events vary from lounge to rock and roll live band, Jazz to techno. It is definitely not a one tricky pony venue.

When I entered this bar for the first time I remember that I was in total awe. I must have looked like a right divvy with my mouth open and eyes the sizes of coins. But I couldn't help myself. The place is so alive and electric that you feel compelled to gawp and gaze for a few moments ( in my case and hour) until you realise that you are hanging out with the cool elite of Berlin.

Important to note. You do need to book for this place. Coming unbooked may lead to disappointment. A little tip try to come to the door around 11pm. You stand more of a chance getting in. Don't come in huge groups. No more than 4. It is not a big venue therefore they like to keep space.

The venue also hosts a fantastic fusion restaurant in an equally spectacular setting. Dine in style and then go for a cool drink at the bar whilst listening to the latest house grooves or live band.

This is a must visit When in Berlin!

I don't care if the sun don't shine

I go out  in the evenin time

when I'm in Bar Tausend  

It's no fun when the suns around

I get my groove on when the sun goes down

When I'm with my Bar Tausend

For more info see:

Schiffbauerdamm 11
10117 Berlin, Germany
030 41715396

WHEN IN APARTMENT - Morticia Adam's wardrobe of Gaga pieces

The Mystery store 

You would usually expect to see rails, dressing rooms, a till, shelves, promotional images, sales staff etc. when walking into a store. These things are a given. Otherwise what would be the point in having a store that is empty. Well there is a new breed of shop in Berlin. I like to call it the 'Secret store'

Apartment is such a store. You walk into what I can only describe as a white space. A derelict room with an open front door and a spiral staircase to the side taking you down to the basement. It all seems rather strange. You go down the spiral staircase and everything turns from white to black and you enter a room filled with treasure from a secret and forbidden world. Independent Berlin designs to Bernhard Wilhelm, this store oozes cool and uniqueness.

You feel as if sexy, sensual Morticia Adams from the Adams family were to give you the key to her secret closet then this is what it would like.

I was extremely excited the first time I went into Apartment as I found a design by Bernhard Wilhelm which I had read about in a book from his then latest runway show. I remember seeing it drape on the hanger in this dark dimly lit corner of the room and jumped with excitement, putting it directly on the counter.

It is bang in the center of Mitte so you are surrounded by cool clever shopping experiences.

This is a must see When in Berlin

Little tip
Next door around the corner is the outlet store of Apartment. Great designers deals!


The clothes a cool and Kooky  
The store is a little spooky, 
The experience is cool, see the 
Apartment store in Berlin. ( Click click)  

For more info see:
Alexanderplatz. Memhardstraße 8 10178 Berlin

WHEN IN THE RUM TRADER-Drinkin Rum and Coca Cola!!!

Back to the 20s

Step back in time to the 1920s Berlin. On the corner of Ludwigkirchplatz is a blacked out window and door which leads you into a room that only fits 2 round tables. You are surrounded by 100s of bottles or Rum. Now I know nothing about Rum or any kind of alcohol for that matter but my mouth dropped when walking into this little Rum cabinet in the middle of the Berlin's west side.

20s jazz echos throughout the room and the bar tender has been transported from the era to serve you in the most civilized manner. The entire experience amazes me as you step into the bar coming from the noughties and end up in the golden era of Berlin before the outbreak of World War.

Don't worry, if you are like myself and have no idea from the uber abundance of choice, the bartender will ask you if you prefer sweet or sour drinks and will recommend something for the occasion. Every time he has been right on the money!

It is great to go here before a big dinner for an aperitif or if you feel like a night cap.

This is a must visit When in Berlin

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down to the Rum Tradaaa
On the Fasanenstrassaaa
Workin' for the Yankee dollar



For more information see:
Fasanenstraße 40, 10719 Berlin

WHEN IN LF- The Bohemian Rhapsody of New York Fashion

Clothes Glorious Clothes!



I thought I had seen everything in the soho area. I thought I had left no fashion stone unturned. However today I walked down Spring street and came to a standstill infront of the campiest and most OTT shop window. Platforms covered in the american flag, floaty sparkly dresses and heels, even Gaga would be impressed. It felt as if I had walked back into the 70s where flairs and boho jewels decked out the shop floor through this jumble sale jungle of a store. However, don't be fooled, the most stylish of stylistas paraded through the shop, looking for retro inspired clothes.

Mock Prada shoes and cascading floating see through summer dresses brought the shop into the noughties and you couldn't help yourself but run around grabbing the must have items of this season.

I grabbed a black chiffon asymmetric dress ( Like something out of a Alexander Wang show) and paired it with a body con skirt and retro belt and felt like a million dollars. The fun doesn't end there. As you wonder over to the till you find yourself engorged by the treasure chest filled with boho jewels to jazz up you outfit.

In otherwords I went a bit ape and lost myself within the piles of silk and chiffon. The condition Purchasing syndrome took over and I couldn't control my hand at the till. ( Side affects are: lots of reaching into ones wallet and compulsive muscle spasms resulting in signatures on receipts)

I highly recommend this funky store When In New York



Clothes glorious Clothes
Dresses, skirts and hot pants
Things that I like most
purchasing when I get the chance


Jewels covered in ethnic stones
wedges so tall I could fly
O Clothes glorious clothes - Glorious Clothes!!!


For more info see:

149 Spring Street

New York, NY 10012

WHEN IN TARTINE- A few of the West Village's favourite things!

These are a few of Tartine's Favourite things!

New York loves its diners, restuarnts and cafes. Even though I have been here now for a month I still feel like a tourist in a supermarkt. My mouth stays open when I am looking around and trying to take in the the 300 different types of milk and the 250 types of cereal etc.

I feel the same way about the little delis or diners scattered around the city. You will always find somewhere to eat for whatever pleasure you feel like.

Tartine is a little brunch parlour in the heart of the West Village. Its located on a corner surrounded by what I can only describe as 'movie set' housing. The interior is a mix of Hamptonesque decor, making you feel as if you are by the sea side, brunching before heading down to the beach!

The brunch menu is approx $15 each and there is a huge selection. Anything from different styled eggs, to brioche or musli, you can pretty much have whatever you like.

In reality you get a bit sick and tired of the burger diner and meat joint so this place is a refreshing New York inspired deli with a slight european influence. Being in the heart of the west village its perfect for that little sunday stroll and an iced coffee whilst nosying around the streets, wondering ' if this was my house- what would it look like inside?' ( or maybe that is just what I do!)

Word of warning. This place is super popular so you should deffinately go earlier than later or you will be waiting in a que for about 30-40 minutes.

Beacon on brioche and Poached eggs on toast

Tea Cakes and Pancakes are what I like most
Musli, Fruits and cheezes lets us eat like Kings
This is a few of Tartines favorite things!

For more information see:
253 W. 11th St.