French Friday: La Semaine de la Mode

le 28 septembre 2018 (271/365) • La Semaine de la mode

« La mode n’est pas quelque chose qui existe uniquement dans les vêtements. 

La mode est dans l’air, portée par le vent. On la devine. La mode est dans le ciel, dans la rue. » ~ Coco Chanel

It's Fashion Week in Paris again. I was there for the Fall/Winter installations in both 2017 and 2018.  I thought I was pretty stealth when I snapped these photos last February in the Palais Royal, but the look on her face indicates that I'd been spotted! Zut!

French Friday: Les Réflexion

le 6 avril 2018 (096/365) • « Glace: matière à réflexion. » ~ Léo Campion

Of course the dresses and handbags in the Dior windows are beautiful, but it is the reflection of Paris herself that is most stunning.

Givenchy

March 13, 2018 (072/365)

"His are the only clothes in which I am myself. He is far more than a couturier, 

[Givenchy] is a creator of personality." ~ Audrey Hepburn 

Iconic French couturier, Hubert de Givenchy, passed away yesterday at the age of 91. Givenchy's New York Times obituary states that "Mr. Givenchy was emblematic of a generation of gentlemanly designers who established their couture houses in postwar Paris, nurturing personal relationships with customers and creating entire collections with specific women in mind." The woman with whom he had the closest relationship was, of course, Audrey Hepburn. Givenchy's designs appeared in many of Audrey's most memorable films including Sabrina, Funny Face, Charade, and How to Steal a Million -- all of which are set in Paris and all of which we watched during our recent trip. In fact, we were so enamored with Audrey and Givenchy dresses that we visited the flagship atelier and I purchased this charming book.

Packing for Paris

February 12, 2018 (043/365) • J-8 avant Paris

“I took only one suitcase and a cosmetics case...but I was worried about books."

~ Martha Gellhorn (aka Mrs. Ernest Hemingway III), Travels With Myself and Another

There are so many iterations of "What to Pack for Paris in the Winter" articles and blog posts, and here's one more: 

• LUGGAGE & HANDBAGS: Even when I check a bag, my Swiss Army carry on is the perfect size for a week to ten days in Paris. I also love eBags Packing Cubes to keep my things organized. For my electronics and carry on essentials, I usually take my Lancel Elsa bag (similar to this one, only older -- purchased in Paris in 2009). For everyday walking around, I prefer a small cross-body bag like this one from Coach or this Chanel WOC (purchased in Paris in 2013) to more safely carry my essentials (passport, cash, bankcard, phone, etc.).

• FOOTWARE: My #1 bit of packing advice is take COMFORTABLE walking shoes! Poor shoes impact one's feet, back, and attitude! Don’t be a slave to fashion (even during Paris Fashion Week)! That being said, there are a lot of boots and flats that are both comfortable and fashionable. Here are my choices for this trip: Bandolino flats (I have these in black and burgundy) and these Lucky booties.

• OUTERWEAR: The average high temperature in Paris for February is in 40’s. Although mild weather is expected next week, Paris has experienced both flooding rains and significant snow accumulations this month. I plan to be prepared for a variety of weather situations. A good mid-weight coat is key, along with accessories such as gloves, scarves, sunnies, and, despite what Audrey says in Sabrina, an umbrella.

• CLOTHING: In Paris, black is always chic, but to avoid being boring, I pack a variety of jewelry and accessories. A good capsule wardrobe is appropriate for everything from a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens to tea at the Ritz.

• PERSONAL ITEMS: Don't forget pajamas, slippers, undergarments, and socks. I pack my favorite hair and skincare products, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and hairdryer (Yes, I do need my powerful, ionic hairdryer), daily contact lenses, makeup, Advil, and band-aids.

• ELECTRONICS: Some people are able to unplug when on vacation, but I enjoy staying connected. These days, I travel with quite a bit of technology:
• Voltage converters and plug adaptors for France. A voltage converter is absolutely essential to avoid frying your phone battery and even your hair.
• Laptop: My 12" Macbook is perfect for everything from editing photos to watching movies -- all set in Paris, of course.
• Mobile phone: iPhone X with the Verizon TravelPass (for $10/day, I can use my phone exactly as I do in the US, including calls, texts, and data)
• Camera: As much as I love my Sony a6000 DSLR, I think I'll rely on my iPhone X this time. I intend to focus on the daily delights that make Paris special rather than yet another requisite tourist photo of each landmark and monument. I'd like to try to enjoy the moments as they happen rather than obsessing over lighting and focus. 
• iPad Mini 4 for movies, photos, Facetime with Piper (and Eric), and especially books. Unlike Marty Gellhorn, I no longer worry about the bulk that essential reading material adds to my suitcase. So, all my francophone and francophile friends, what should I read this time? Send me your favorite set-in-Paris reading suggestions. Merci!

Mesdemoiselles

September 14, 2017 (257/365)

"There's a shade of red for every woman" ~ Audrey Hepburn

[... even these chic damselflies!]

Different Duck

April 26, 2016 (117/366)

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." ~ Coco Chanel

Purse your lips

February 5, 2016 (036/366)

“Fashion is instant language." - Miuccia Prada

Bee Fashionable

September 4, 2015 {247/365} Bee Fashionable

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. 

Fashion is in the sky..." ~ Coco Chanel

Fashionable

August 17, 2015 {229/365} Ladybug

"There is never a wrong time for a polka dot." ~ Marc Jacobs

Dressing Downton

July 29, 2015 {210/365} Dressing Downton

"Fashions fade. Style is eternal." ~ Yves Saint Laurent

I spent a lovely morning visiting the Dressing Downton exhibit at the beautiful Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh. As a big fan of the PBS series, Downton Abbey, I could easily picture the scenes that featured these impeccable costumes. No photography was allowed, but you can take a virtual tour at dressingdownton.com.

Beauty in Bloom

March 27, 2015 {86/365} "Beauty in Bloom"

The Milwaukee Art Museum, fashion, art, flowers -- these really are a few of my favorite things. Last year, I loved the Art in Bloom. The exhibit married paintings and sculptures with original floral arrangements to complement their composition, color, shape, texture, etc. Yesterday, I took a personal day to visit this year's spring event which was modified to enhance the museum's current feature, "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." Rather than being inspired by the MAM permanent collection, the floral sculptures were designed to showcase haute couture creations by Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, et al. 

The dresses were stunning, the flowers were gorgeous, and the venders displayed their lovely wares, yet I was a bit disappointed this year. Over half of the arrangements were displayed in the underground parking garage, where the lighting was purple and cast strange shadows that distorted the hues of the beautiful blooms. The floral masterpieces were also only accompanied by a photograph of the gowns (which were exhibited in separate room). 

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My favorite arrangement is today's featured photo. The next three photos reveal its amazing details. I absolute love the subtle color palate, the unusual textures (what are those "sea foam golf balls"?), and the unexpected elements like the twisted copper wire and woven fronds. I honestly can't even remember what dress inspired this beauty.

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Here are a few more of my favorite interpretations:

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With or without the beautiful blooms, this exhibit reminded me how much I love the Milwaukee ArtMuseum. Why has it been a year since I've visited this amazing place? I let my membership lapse a few years ago, but I've decided that it's time to renew. For the price of a dinner out, I've treated myself to a year of lovely visits (including the upcoming Van Gogh exhibit and grand re-opening of the War Memorial). This space feeds my mind and spirit, and that's priceless!

Meet Piper!

March 10, 2015 {69/365} Meet Miss Piper! 

Her name reflects our interests and her own unique character:

• FRENCH: Although I love "Coquette" and "Coco," she is also Eric's puppy and we want her name to be easy for everyone. There is, however, a French reference: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne to toast her bubbly personality!
• TRAVEL: There are Piper GT sports cars (for Eric) and Piper aircraft to reflect our love of travel, and this puppy is fast!
• SHOES/FASHION: Piperlime, a subsidiary of Gap and Banana Republic, is a great place to shop for shoes and accessories. Piper is a pretty girl who has already discovered shopping!
• NAUTICAL: A piper is a member of a ship's crew that pipes out different whistles to order "Hoist Away" or "Avast Hoisting", signaling the crew to raise sails. There were also whistles to announce that visitors were coming aboard or that there was a man overboard. Beagles are notorious for their "piping" (aka howling). 

I'm sure we'll be following our little Pied Piper as she discovers the world!

Style

February 5, 2015 {36/365} Urchins

Once again, Mother Nature reveals herself as a masterful stylist combining color, print, texture, and shine to adorn these lovely sea urchins. Her beautiful pastels and perfect Fibonacci patterns eclipse the work of any grand couturier. Lacking a sandy beach to properly showcase such finery, I opted for the sparkle of powdery, white snow -- a celebration of opposites that transcends the rules of fashion. Natural beauty is never out of season.

Scarves

December 23, 2014 (357/365): "Scarves"

(#decemberphotochallenge Day 23: Scarf)

I forgot about all the nice scarves I have.

Why don't I wear these any more?  Time to revisit them.

This is a great video: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Classic

 December 17, 2014 Photo (351/365): "Classic"

(#decemberphotochallenge Day 17: Presents)

Chanel N°5 - Classics never go out of style!

French Friday: Lumières

'Tis the season, and Paris is decked out in her holiday finery. In 2011, I had the awesome opportunity to be in Paris at the start of the holiday season. The Marché de Noël opened that weekend, and the lights along the Champs Elysées were illuminated. I was actually quite surprised that much of the ornamentation was quite avant-garde or at least a twist on traditional Christmas decorations.

In the fashionable 1st arrondissement, the dress code was elegant.

The trees were dripping in white lights and red baubles.

A very chic chandelier hung outside the Dior flagship store.

A huge Christmas tree seemed appropriate in front of 

Notre Dame, but the blue lights were unexpected.

Modern snow flakes illuminated the Place Vendôme.

(PS: I'm eager to see the renovated Ritz when it reopens in 2015!)

The eastern end of the Champs-Elysées was adorned in futuristic blue and white orbs...

...while the majestic trees along the Avenue were ringed with fluorescent halos...

The bands' transformed from one unexpected hue to another.

The façades of grands magasins along the Boulevard Haussmann are always beautiful.

Each year, Printemps features a fashion design house.

In 2011, it was Chanel - love the mini Karls!

Photo via Pinterest (via Harper's Bazaar)
This year features Burberry and Louis Vuitton.

The façade of Galeries Lafayette is always beautiful.

The animated windows are fun and dynamic

In 2011, the theme was Noël Rock 'N' Mode.