Tag Archives: vogue

With – in my opinion – one of the most covetable wardrobes in the city of Amsterdam, I could not help myself, but Rinke Tjepkema to do a Style Talk. Being an online editor for Dutch Vogue means she goes through (or to) each and every collection each and every season. As she always looks impeccable despite the fact of getting a regular overdose of fashion, let’s find out about the stores she loves and her shopping habits.

How would you describe your own style?
It seems to be ever-changing – which is what I love about fashion; the ability to transform and express different sides of yourself through clothing. At the moment I like a lot of nineties stuff, Levi’s 501s, Nike sneakers, mixing them with dressed-up pieces like Stella McCartney trousers or an Acne suit. And bare ankles with flat shoes. Contrast makes an outfit interesting: between masculine and feminine, or romantic embroidery anglaise and tough denim. I don’t like things too correct or minimalist. And I tend too wear a lot of quite big silver jewelry.

You are the online editor for Dutch Vogue, how does your style reflect in your work?
I guess it is by featuring stories and pictures of women whose style I like – more Chloë Sevigny than Gwyneth Paltrow. And I like dressing up for the office from time to time. Looking nice and making an effort always lifts my mood.

You seem to breath fashion, how did you get involved in the industry?
Until I was 25 I was completely uninvolved in the world of fashion, studying clinical psychology at university. But I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. My mother still tells the story about the time she spent the whole night sewing a dress from a fabric I insisted on, only to refuse wearing it because I didn’t like the way it turned out. I think I was seven then. Growing up, I spent all my pocket money on issues of American Vogue and reading every single word in them. But it never occurred to me I could turn it into a career. Only after I got my masters degree I decided to move to London for a postgraduate course in fashion journalism. Needless to say, I quite liked it.

Favorite brands?
In a perfect world I would place a personal order at Acne, Givenchy and Céline every season.

Shoes?
In my dreams: Alaïa. In reality: Acne.

Bags?
Balenciaga.

Shops?
I love going to stores like Dover Street Market and Opening Ceremony for inspiration but to be honest I prefer the anonymity of shopping at big department stores. Nobody interferes and you can make up your mind without somebody else’s opinion and advice. Shop assistants in smaller boutiques make me nervous and I always make the wrong choices, or worse, end up buying something because I feel guilty for leaving empty-handed. So I go to De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, Selfridges and Liberty in London and Barneys in New York.

Current favorite item(s) in your wardrobe?
Cropped grey skinny jeans from Current/Elliott, a navy polo neck knit, an oversized black tuxedo jacket from and black Balenciaga cut-out boots. Though when I don’t know what to wear, I usually end up in low waisted skinny jeans, black ankle boots and something oversized on top.

Most precious item?
A black leather jacket from BLK DNM, my Pamela Love tribal necklace and classic Chanel bag.

Anything that is still missing?
Everything I earn has always gone into clothing. Only recently did I start spending money on things for my apartment. I find nice chairs or lamps extremely expensive, when I would easily justify spending that on a bag or a pair of shoes. But I am learning to make wish lists that feature furniture now. Having that said, I have been on the waiting list for a black leather Hermès collier de chien for over a year now, and am getting rather impatient.

Something that everyone should have in her closet?
Being Dutch, I would say denim. One pair of great shoes. And a really good quality coat.

Shopping tip?
I believe that success can only be achieved through trial and error, so there will always be a few errors along the path to great style. Embrace your bad buys. It is very good to shop outside your comfort zone and try on things you think won’t suit you or you will never wear. It is often things I was gifted and would not have chosen myself that I end up wearing the most. I like experimenting with new things, although I also have a closet full of striped tops and grey sweaters that I never seem to stop needing more of.

Any future dreams?
For the moment, I am very happy with the way it’s going and what I am doing. I try to be good at what I do and am quite critical of my own work. I want to continue to learn new things and I think I perform best when the challenge is big. And when you strive to be your best, people tend to notice, it has been my experience. It might take you places you never imagined possible.

In the pictures:
1. Top, Stella McCartney; Blazer, Acne; Shirt, Equipment.
2. Sneakers, Givenchy.
3. Jumpsuit, Stella McCartney; Bag, Chanel.
4. Bag, Chanel.
5. Top, Zara; Pants, Stella McCartney; Sandals, Birkenstock; Wedges, Céline.
6. Leather Jacket, BLK DNM.
7. Blazer, Stella McCartney; Turtleneck, COS; Jeans, Levi’s 501 (men’s department).