Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

Paris in Spring

Friend Friday #48: Locational Influences

Taken from the balcony of the apartment where I stayed with friends on a trip to Paris last Spring

This week's Friend Friday topic is all about how where we live has a lot to do with how we dress.

1. What part of the world do you blog from? (feel free to be as specific or as vague as you are comfortable with.)

Cardiff Bay: taken with my gorgeous vintage Olympus OM1

Cardiff. Wales. UK. Europe.

I mention all of these as each plays its own specific role in influencing how I dress.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say?

There are two faces of Cardiff: the student face which is all about hoodies, jeans and flip flops. Mainly. And the WAG-wannabe face which is all about looking good on a night out - short dresses, high heels and a lot of make-up.

And then a third which is somewhere in between.

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold?

I'm somewhere in between. I used to be a student in Cardiff and so have favoured the hoody, jeans and flip flops look in years gone by. But then I graduated and started an office job and had to find my own sense of style. I guess my style fits in pretty much anywhere as I try to buy classic pieces that will last for a while rather than lots of on trend clothes that will last only a season.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve?

I've lived in Italy and in Brussels. I guess that by developing a style that is pretty much transferable wherever I am has been a result of this travelling in my early 20s.

Of course, in the age of globalisation and the internet, it is easy to be influenced by styles and trends from 100s of 1000s of miles away.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be?

Paris in Autumn

I'd like to think, Paris. But that's probably wishful thinking.

All I know is, I feel completely inspired every time I go to Paris and last Autumn when I was in the French capital, it seemed that every second person was carrying a Longchamp Le Pliage bag - and now, as a result, I am the proud owner of one!

Do you find yourself influenced by the place in which you live? Or somewhere else? Maybe somewhere you wish you lived?

Remember to check out the other responses to think week's Friend Friday topic, over at ModlyChic. You can also find more information on how to get involved over on Katy's blog too.

Please nominate me in the "Established Fashion Blog" category

Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man...

"... then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."


-- Ernst Hemingway

Oh, to live behind a Parisian balcony

Flower-filled Juliet balconies; arched window frames; and art deco style porches over Parisian hotel entrances.

I love Parisian architecture. I love how it looks. I love the romance of it. I love to imagine living behind the

façade.

Paris: le Tour Eiffel de nuit

On Thursday night, mum and I made a mad dash across Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. You can't go to Paris and not see le Tour Eiffel, can you?

Paris LUST LIST: Longchamp Le Pliage

Everywhere I went in Paris, I was surrounded by the Longchamp Le Pliage. I have wanted one for a while and I couldn't turn but see one of these bags. I'm hoping the boyf might treat me to one for Christmas.

Is there one special item that you have lusted after for a while?

PARIS: chocolat chaud avec Hemingway au Café de Flore

The perfect treat on a cold afternoon...

And in good company too: Café de Flore was the favourite haunt of Hemingway and Picasso, amongst others.

Paris: a macaroon tour

Just in time for lunch:

A trip to the French capital is not complete without a macaroon or two, or three!! So mum and I took a little "macaroon tour", taking in the culinary delights of Ladurée and Pierre Hermé and Jean-Paul Hévin.

Mum and I decided - after much deliberation and tasting, you must understand - that our favourite of the week was the Ladurée vanille. Which is your favourite macaroon flavour?

Paris: traffic stopping action

As mum and I made our way up to Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre we happened upon this scene:

Yes, that's right, a couple snogging in the middle of the road, holding up all of the traffic! We had no idea what to think and neither did many of those watching. As the couple stepped out of their embrace the gathered crowd applauded (and the girl wiped her mouth!).

Then we saw the video cameras.

We waited as they filmed another take: the girl ran across the street towards the boy and then they were locked in a passionate embrace as a van and a Fiat 500 (my fav!) pulled up:

We couldn't decide if it might be for a television series or for a film or for an advertisement. What do you think?


We also didn't recognise the couple, anyone able to place these two?

Les photographies de Karl Lagerfeld

If you happen to be in Paris today, be sure to head to La Maison Européenne de la Photographie and check out the last day of the exhibition of les photographies de Karl Lagerfeld. Mum and I did when we were in Paris last week:

Paris: a teaser



Clockwise from top left: the Eiffel Tower by night, metro rides, ducks at le Jardin du Luxembourg, old-skool bike baskets, art deco architecture, shopping on Rue Cambon, Longchamp bags everywhere and chocolat chaud at Café de Flore.


Just a little teaser of my trip to Paris. Had an amazing time.

GUEST POST: Bonjour Paris

As this post goes live, my mum and I will be taking off for a few days in the beautiful French capital. And here is the first of two guest posts from two of my favourite bloggers whilst I'm away. This one from an American Girl In Paris, Haleigh of Bardot in Blue:

Bon voyage Emily and bonjour Paris! What more could a girl wish for than a trip to the city of lights? In such a spectacular city, there is no shortage of things one has on their itinerary and between all the museums you feel obliged to see it's all to easy to miss out on what is truly great about Paris... exploring, eating, people watching, and of course shopping! When Emily told me about her upcoming trip to Paris and invited me to share with her and the rest of you some of my favorite spots, I was more than happy to share some pieces of my Paris! This is by no means an all inclusive guide, but rather specially tailored tips specially for the Sugar & Spice type girl from your friend in Paris, Bardot in Blue.

 - GOOD EATS, SWEETS, AND PICK ME UPS! -

Dèrriere, 69 Rue des Gravilliers 3eme

A charming and whimsical restaurant for the light at heart and serious about food. Feels a bit like John Malkovich invited you over to his house for dinner. Play ping pong between courses or head upstairs to the fumoir (smoking room) that has a secret entrance disguised by a mirrored wardrobe you’ll have to step through to travel there. You can even dine sitting in bed. Reservations recommended. 

Map This

Relais de la Butte, 18 Rue Ravignan 18eme

Enjoy Montmartre without ending up at a tasteless tourist trap. On summer evenings I head up to this restaurant’s terrace to enjoy the sunset over Paris while having a glass of rosé. Once night falls I order dinner and enjoy my company and the accordion and cellists that pass by playing La Vie en Rose. The terrace cannot be reserved so arrive 45 minutes before sunset to ensure that you will be settled in and sipping some wine as the sun goes down. 

Map This

Käramell, 15 Rue des Martyrs 9eme

Swedish candy store located at the foot of Montmartre. Chewy, soft, sweet, sour, whatever you desire, they have it. Fill up an assorted bag and burn some calories on an uphill walk to Le Sacre Coeur.  There you can eat your candies with some good company and a nice view. My sister turned me on to this little spot and it’s a great outing with a friend or date on a sunny day.

www.karamell.fr 

Map This

Pierre Hermé, 72 Rue Bonaparte 6eme – 4 rue Cambon 1ere

I have to give my sister credit for enlightening me and introducing me to Pierre. While Laduree is the oldest and most famous of the macaron artisans, Pierre Hermé brings fine art to the macaron with his more exotic and brave flavors. Each of his fillings has a base of white chocolate ganache that makes them extra smooth and creamy. Buy a box at the one in the 6eme and savor them at the Jardin du Luxembourg or  pick some upin 1ere at enjoy them in the Tuileries. 

www.pierreherme.com 

Map This

Mariage Frères, 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg 4eme – 13 Rue des Grands Augustins 6eme – 250 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 8eme

This comptoir de thé has been around since 1856, and you can surely taste that they know what they are doing. They don’t just have a menu of tea, they have a whole book (available for purchase) of the finest teas originating from all over the globe. Charming young french men in pristine white coats will show you to a table in the skylighted tea room or help you select the perfect blend to take home with you from the tea bar. I attempt to try a new flavor each time I go, but I often find myself returning to my favorites: Marco Polo, Rouge Provence, and Earl Grey Blu. 

www.mariagefreres.com 

Map This

Laduree, 16 Rue Royale 1ere – 21 Rue Bonaparte 6eme – 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées 8eme

As touristy as it may be, Parisien business men and ladies who lunch still find themselves dining here after all this time. After nearly two years of living in Paris I still enjoy it and often find myself at one of their many locations. All things girly, French, and Marie Antoinette seem to attract me so this is certainly no wonder. Each location has its own charm but the original in the 6th with its Asian inspired tea room is the one I find most magical. If I am not having the Marie Antoinette tea with a rose religieuse patisserie, I have a rich hot chocolate. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have a sweet tooth you can get fresh salads and sandwiches with the usual espresso allongé. 

www.laduree.com

 Map This

- SHOP TILL YOU DROP! -

Fifi Chachnil, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré 1ere

The French are known the world over for their fine lingerie. Fifi Chachnil certainly lives up to all those expectations, and wildly exceeds them. Tucked away from peeakaboo window shoppers in a quite courtyard of this chic shopping street, stumbling into the boutique’s sea of pastels, frills and satin is every girly girl’s dream. Fifi is not to be missed. 

www.fifichachnil.com 

Map This

Manoush

Manoush, 75 Rue Vieille du Temple 4eme – 16 Avenue Montaigne 8eme

The first time I came to Paris I established an instant love affair with Manoush.   In fact, each time I bring home something new my boyfriend automatically assumes it’s from Manoush.  Manoush  means gypsy in French, and the creator of the label lives in Morroco. She mixes the inspiration of her surroundings with her feminine French origins to come up with her adorable collections. While there are many locations in Paris, my local Marais Manoush is my favorite followed by their location on the ultra upscale Avenue Montaigne. J’adore! 

www.manoush.com 

Map This

Joy, 38 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme

Very pretty things. All things girly, light, beautiful and fun. Shop Sonia Rykiel, See by Chloe, Fred Perry and other preppy labels. Don’t miss their jewelry case filled with adorable ornaments from my favorite Bijoux de Sophie. 

Map This

Suncoo, 52 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme

Recently opened in the Marais, this tiny and adorable boutique has the cutest and most unique pieces. Half of the store is adorable little dresses, blouses, and heels by the brand while the other half is precious little items for the home. The style is a mix of Japanese cuteness and Parisian chic. If you are looking for something really special, and also affordable stop by Suncoo, you will love it! 

Map This

Alexandra Sofja, 218 Boulevard Saint Germain 7eme

This little shop is magical. Imagine Mary Poppins inspired umbrellas and girlie accessories piled high for you to feast your eyes on. It’s exactly the time of incredible and unique boutique you imagine yourself stumbling upon when in Paris. Also a great place to pick up a very special souvenir. 

www.alexandrasofjer.com 

Map This

Porte de Vanves Flea Market, Avenue Georges Lafenestre & Avenue Marc Sangnier 14eme

While it can seem hard to find a deal at a flea market these days in Paris, there are still affordable treasures to be found at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market. This is my favorite flea and many of my favorite treasures found throughout my apartment come from this market. Open Saturdays (mornings) and Sundays (all day). 

Map This

- PLACES TO BE OR JUST TO SEE - 

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 1 Place Armand Carrel 19eme

Some people might think Buttes Chaumont is a bit out of the way, but I personally think its worth the metro ride. I have shared afternoons in this park with many friends and my sister. My favorite memory there is from last spring when I and three friends packed up our art supplies and blankets. We sunbathed, played music, and worked on oil pastels all afternoon. There is a tall island in the middle of the lake with a lookout perched upon a rock where you can take in a panaromic view of Paris, with plenty of green hills surrounding for everyone to lounge. 

Map This

Le Sacre Coeur, Butte du Montmartre 18eme

One of the best views in Paris. If you daydream like Amelie of living your life out on the cobble stones streets in this most charming area of Paris, wondering about the lives of other and people watching, you must spent at east an afternoon here. Definitely not to be missed. 

Map This

Ile Saint Louis, 4eme

This is my favorite place in Paris. I spend Sunday along the river here, eating at the cafes, people watching, and dreaming of living on this island in the middle of my beloved city. Ile Saint Louis is truly the beating heart of Paris, just the way you pictured the city to be, everything you dreamed, and then some more. 

Map This

XOXO Haleigh @ Bardot in Blue

NOTE: All the images in this post were taken by and remain the property of Bardot in Blue.

Hand baggage

I'm off to Paris tomorrow for a few days with my mum. I can't wait. You might remember that we went last summer. It was my first visit to the city and I adored it. I can't wait to be back there.

We're only taking carry-on luggage which I realised yesterday poses quite a problem when it comes to packing. I have come to the conclusion that I am no good at packing light. No good whatsoever.

Even worse, last time we were going by Eurostar, so no baggage limits and it was summer. This time I need layers and layers of clothes for the cold weather.

So I decided to plan my outfits, down to the very last detail. To demonstrate, I have create some rather lovely Polyvore sets:

For travel, I like to have loose fitting layers and usually stick to my tried-and-tested formula of leggings and a tunic tee. I also tend to wear the bulkiest pair of shoes that I plan to take which this time are my over-the-knee boots. I will also add my H&M poncho:

For sight seeing, I want thin layers that can be pealed off when I'm in the warm and piled on when we're outside in the freezing cold:

Above, a long sleeved tee layered under a tunic and teamed with a light cardigan will give me warmth and the ability to keep cool if necessary.

Mum and I plan to shop for at least one of our days. For this, I decided that I wanted to look stylish and yet the requirements remain the same, I must be warm when outside - walking along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées - and cooler when in the shops:

Of course, one day of sight-seeing will not suffice in Paris, so another outfit for this task had to be sought:

For this look, I am going all French with my breton striped tee and adding a light cardigan in this season's colour, camel.

Despite the fact that most evenings I will probably just go out for dinner in whatever I have been wearing my day, I decided that I should have one evening outfit:

If anyone has any recommendations for shopping or sight-seeing, please let me know, either here or on twitter, I love to hear about everyone's favourite places to visit!

What do you think of my selections for my little city break?

i think i love these...

Valentino pumps:

the Sartorialist

the Sartorialist

Alex Chung was spotted wearing a flat pair of these Valentino studded beauties on her way to the Chloe show in Paris:

Marie Claire



How to... make a hotel room feel like home

Clockwise from top left: Monsoon Pom Pom Heart Fairisle Cuff Slipper Boots; H&M Camel Poncho; Molton Brown Intoxicating Davana Blossom Foaming Bath Oil; iPod shuffle; and Habitat Travel Candle. 

As I get ready to go to Paris next week and I start to think about what I'll need to pack, I got to thinking about hotel rooms and how - no matter how luxurious - they often feel impersonal. But I realised that it might only take a little careful packing for my hotel room to feel like a home away from home. I read somewhere - and I cannot for the life of me remember where - that when Kate Moss travels she lights candles in her hotel room and throws a scarf or two over the chairs to make it feel more homely. So when I saw the lovely little travel candle in its very own tin in Habitat, I knew I had to have it for my trip to Paris.


1. Take a scented candle or room spray or even your favourite plug-in with you. It will make your room smell lovely and less sanitised, as they often do. A candle - like the travel candle from Habitat - will also help to light the room a little less harshly and aid relaxation.

2. On this note, pack your favourite bath oils. Or if you don't normally have baths at home, treat yourself to some luxury bath oils from Molton Brown. A holiday is supposed to be a time to unwind, so when better to relax in a bath?

3. If you're planning on spending a fair amount of time in your hotel room - relaxing, reading, listening to music - pack your favourite and most cosy slippers, like these snuggly slippers from Monsoon. This is particularly pertinent if you are holidaying in the northern hemisphere in the next six months or so!

4. As above, take a blanket or a poncho - like this one from H&M - to wrap yourself up in when you're in bed, or just in your room. It was make you feel comfortable and cosy.

5. Everyone loves a bit of music and whether you're on a girls' weekend, a romantic weekend or a business trip alone, make sure you have the right music with you by taking along your iPod.


How do you relax in your hotel room when you're away? Do you relish the fact that it isn't home? Or do you try to recreate that homely feel?