French = Style

doodle from Paris (please excuse the lady with chicken legs, my pen got a little carried away!)

I was in Paris early October 2010 and while sitting ‘alfresco’ in the heart of the Maris I started doodling the fashion and style that was walking by (hmmm, actually, the word ‘doodle’ and ‘Paris’ should not be in the same sentence, maybe sketch would be a better word??)

Anyway, I re-discovered this ‘sketch’ today and I took the following inspiration for my winter clothes:

* Always wear a scarf

* Buy a chic umbrella (dodging puddles with a newspaper over your head is a total no, no)

* A tailored, cropped jacket works with most things

* Tights! (Note-to-self: stick at the gym)

* Tan ankle boots – winter staple

* Funky glasses will always make you look uber arty (think Johnny Depp)

* Stripe tops should be a mandatory

* Find THE perfect white shirt ASAP

* Update my ballet flats

* Can’t go wrong with grey, red, tan and black

Retail Therapy

The French really are the world leaders of retail packaging. From the moment you select your purchase, your item is handled with love and care. It's gently folded and wrapped with the finest tissue and placed in a sumptuous carry case. The whole experience is done in slow motion, almost like a retailers version of Tai Chi.

I was recently given some gorgeous things from Paris. Each one folded, wrapped and presented in the most divine carry bags. I scanned the above image to show you one of the bags. I love the colours and patterns. The ink painting is so beautiful it's almost worth framing!

While I'm talking about Paris + retail. 2 of the Parisian shops I can't wait to visit on my holiday in September are Cafe Angelina and home emporium 'Merci'. Cafe Angelina is filled with french pastries and macaroons and Merci is located in an old textiles factory with plenty of homeware eye candy.


above images are from grazia magazine. www.grazia.com.au and Vogue Living http://www.vogue.com.au/vogue+magazine/vogue+living/

Patty Cake, Patty Cake, Baker's Man....

Why do we crave something sweet after a savory meal? I’m hunting around the house trying to find something for desert but the closest I’ve got is a Donna Hay cook book.

So, I’ve started thinking about how inspiring sweet treats can be. The thought of a pastel cupcake or a brightly coloured macaroon instantly puts a smile on my face.

I wish we had the Parisian tea salon Laduree in Australia. Famous for their macaroons and other sweet treats they’ve been refining their recipes since 1862. http://www.laduree.fr/public_fr/maisons/champs_accueil.htm

Not only are their macaroons special but the interiors of their retail chains are amazing. The Champs Elysees store is fit for a queen with velvet drapes and Edwardian chairs.

Hope is not completely lost for a store in Australia with 2 stores now open in the Asia Pacific (Tokyo)…… yummm!

In my internet surfing I couldn’t pass this yummy recipe for chocolate chai spice cupcakes http://chockylit.blogspot.com/2006/05/chocolate-chai-spice-cupcake.html

Faux Flowers are not a Faux Pas

I would normally be of the opinion that faux flowers are a faux pas however one designer has completely changed my mind.

French designer, Herve Gambs http://www.hervegambs.com/ is a master of mixing and styling and has created the most sensational range of unique room fragrances, furniture and decorative objects including an array of faux flowers that would do their "real" brother's and sister's proud.

Using delicate materials and making many of his designs by hand, Gambs delivers a range of floral creations that retain their elegant shape and colour without water!

I adore this little leather clip around the stem of the lily

I love the organic shape vessels he uses to house his floral creations

Free standing flowers - no vase!