Moody Walks

Here is a little something that you might not know about me: I find gloomy and rainy days incredibly romantic and utterly calming. I don’t know if it’s the overall quieter vibe of the city or the fact that every time we’ve been to Paris, it was raining: but as soon as the skies get all grey and gloomy, I start daydreaming about Paris. Strolling in the dark with the charming street lights guiding the way, soft jazz music playing in the little passing alleys and trench coats that even look super snazzy wet.

Lovelies, hope that those Parisian photos add a bit of magic to your Tuesday! Planning a trip to the city of light anytime soon? Have you been there already? xo

P.S: All things Paris!
P.P.S: Oh la la...Paris, 1962.

(Photos via/by The Glorious Journey, Lillies & Lace & Irene Suchocki)

Green Wall in Paris

Crikey, when I thought that Paris couldn’t possibly get any cooler, I saw this building and my head started spinning. This 'living wall' is a part of the office wing of the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris. The designer's goal was to allow both the plants and the building to live in harmony with one another. I’ve always dreamed of living in a flat building covered in ivy. Somehow that seems totally romantic to me.

Fun fact: did you know that Paris is incredibly eco-friendly? They are 10th on the list of greenest European cities. Impressive, isn’t it? Also, I read that a living wall like that improves the air quality immensely. Go Paris! xo

P.S: Here is a great NY Times article on eco-Paris and here is another awesome Parisian green wall.
P.P.S: A super snazzy GIVEAWAY Wednesday is coming up!

(Top photo by Lucas Dolega via NY Times, Inhabitat, Greening Beauty, Treehugger, Anthesis)

Yoga in Paris

Do you do yoga? I've done it before but somehow life got in the way of it. I remember enjoying it but feeling incredibly awkward at first when I couldn't really follow all the postures and movements. Then my friend said that the beauty of yoga is that your brain has to take a back seat and trust your body to guide it. I love that!

Those photographs are from a stunning Parisian yoga studio where Kia Naddermier is the teacher. Just looking at them makes me want to start yoga again. What’s your experience with yoga? Do you have a favourite type? How do you stay in shape? xo

P.S: Switch off.

(via 16 House)

Parisian Greenmarket

Lovelies, how would you fancy spending an afternoon picking up your fresh dose of vitamins down the Rue Montorgueil in Paris? Those photos by Sydney totally put me in the mood for a spring Parisian getaway. Just imagine snacking on your favourite seasonal fruits while skipping around in your ballerinas, stocking up on delicious veggies and treating yourself to a bunch of beautifully blooming flowers. Want to join in? Wouldn't that be fun? Do you like green markets or local street markets? xo

P.S: Also, the NYC greenmarket.
P.P.S: More all things Paris!

(Photos by Sydney Low)

Paris Daydreaming

Loves, fancy taking a Paris trip with me today? We could take an afternoon stroll down the romantic alleys of Montmartre, stop for a nutella crêpe in one of the pretty cafés, dance to street musicians playing jazz and spend the evening drinking wine while getting lost in the beauty of this magical place. J’adore! Are you in? See you there:) xo

P.S: Also, Paris, 1962.
P.P.S: This proves that Paris is equally magical even in the rain.

(The dreamy photos of Paris by Yanick)

Beekeeping Parisian Style

This older gentelman became one of the world's most famous beekeepers and it all happened by a chance. Jean Paucton who is a former prop assistant for the l'Opéra National de Paris had a hobby of beekeeping. He even took a class on the subject to perfect the craft. He started small on his Parisian balcony but after countless complaints from the neighbours he decided to move his hives somewhere else. Luckily, his former employer, the Palais Garnier allowed Jean to use their roof as his honey-making space. The rest is history. After many Parisian newspaper features he went global and now you can buy a jar of Parisian made honey for a small fortune. Isn't that a sweet story? xo

P:S: The New York Times wrote a great article about Jean back in the day.
P.P.S: Also, chilling Parisian style:)

(via A Lovely Being)

Progressive Dinner Parisian Style

The other day Jordan posted about her recent dinner party and I can't stop thinking about it. It's a totally genius take on the old-school type of entertaining, but with a fun twist of flat-hopping between the meals. Each host makes one course and as Jordan says the whole scenario change feels like an adventure of sorts that you embark onto with a group of friends.

Of course it doesn't hurt that their location was Paris. Also, in the end of the night they all walked across the street to watch the sparkling Eiffel Tower for a bit. Aww…so romantic, don’t you think? (Here are some of her great tips on how to throw a progressive dinner yourself). Lovelies, have you participated in something like that before? Would you? xo

P.S: Also,  "Outstanding in the Field" dinner party and Dîner en Blanc in Paris.
P.P.S: Tips and tricks to a perfect dinner party.

What Do French Women Have That We Don't?

Whenever I post about my French girl crushes many of you (including myself) swoon over the je ne sais quoi quality that seems to be oozing from French ladies. So today, I have a treat for you! The other day Amy wrote an article explaining how French women make beauty look so easy. So, here are a few of my favourite tips.

The main thing is that mademoiselles ooze sex appeal. It’s in the way they walk, the way they talk, the way they hold their wine glass. They celebrate their femininity and as Amy says, they can flirt like no one's business. She also went on saying that French girls know their way around props, like rolled up sleeves, messy buns and lipsticks. Bingo!

But here is my favourite part: French ladies don't strive for perfection. They let their hair down because that is what makes them unique. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

P.S: You can check out the rest of this article here. It’s awesome.
P.P.S: Bicycling - Parisian-style.

(via Hip Paris. Photos of the adorable Nine D'Urso from her mom's Parisian Chic Guide)

How do French women stay in shape?

Ever wondered how all those French cuties stay in shape and look of so gorgeous every day? Wonder no more, the secret is out:)

Wouldn't we all need a neon male stripper to keep us motivated in the gym? (giggle). xo

(Thanks, Sage)

Crème de la Crème of Relaxed Frenchiness

Speaking of je ne sais quoi, this Parisian cutie totally rocks the plaid layered look with the adorable mustard colour elbow patches. As my friend, Brier would say: she captures the crème de la crème of relaxed Frenchiness. Goodness me, the hair, the rolled up pants and the oh-so snazzy clogs - pure class! Darlings, doesn't she look ravishing? xo

(Photo by The Sartorialist)

Bicycling - Parisian-style

The other day I spotted a brilliant article by Laura Neilson about how to look like a true Parisian while cycling no matter where you are. It’s a fact that French ladies have the je ne sais quoi quality mastered to perfection. They always look understatedly-snazzy with au naturel-messy hair and totally effortless. So here are a few tips to French-biking-perfection I love:

* Always wear normal clothes while biking. For French girls it's just a form of transportation not a type of exercise. (No sweatpants or sneakers required).

* Cute ballerina flats & heels are a must for cycling in style.

* Old-school style cruisers are the IT bicycles right now - their build makes them ideal for riding in a skirt.

* Baskets are essential and mostly attached in the front. French girls don't just carry their baguettes and groceries in them: they also toss in their bags.

 *And of course do not forget to wear tons of layers in neutral colours for those cold windy days and let your hair flow in the wind.

Lovelies, fancy feeling French while cycling? xo

P.S: What do Parisiennes wear in the snow?

(via Refinery29. Photos via Bikes and Babes, Iva Jean, Style & The Sartorialist)

Dîner en Blanc Parisian Style

Just a few weeks ago, on one of those hot summer nights, thousands of Parisians gathered to enjoy this annual fancy dinner party. The guests, all dressed in white, dined under the stars on this appropriately named event: Dîner en Blanc, which is held at two of the city’s most desirable locations: the plaza at the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the courtyard of the Louvre.

It all started in 1988 when François Pasquier, after his time abroad, held an outdoor dinner party to reconnect with friends. So many of them wanted to join in that he asked them to wear white, so they could all find each other and meet up at the Bois de Boulogne.

The fascinating thing is that the whole planning and preparation is very mysterious and the guests are invited strictly by social networks and through friends. There are very strick rules that every group must follow. First of all, the guests bring their own tables, table settings and food. Plus, everything must be white: the tables, the napkins, the candles...and of course the dress.

At 9 pm everybody gathers on the secret locations and that's when the fun begins: an incredible experience filled with breathtaking views, live jazz music, chatter and delicious food. In true Cinderella fashion, the party ends at midnight sharp, and all of a sudden everyone packs up and heads home. The swarm of guests disappear into the streets of Paris, just to reappear a year later.

My darlings, wouldn’t you love to be part of something that magical? Sign me up for next year:) xo

P.S: The Dîner en Blanc now has its international following: in August, it took place in New York City on the Plaza of the World Financial Center and on October 14th it will be held in San Francisco.

Wonder where will they pop up next?

(via Simply Stated. Photos via Flleurishing, Carams, The New York Times and Quinn Palmer)
   

Three Things Paris

This morning I skyped with a friend in Paris and now I can't help dreaming about strolling down the beautiful Montmartre.

Wearing flats, a flowy dress and the all important le trench coat.

And spend the afternoon in one of the tiny hidden cafes eating butter croissants and listening to Edith Piaf. Le sigh...Sweets, where would you like to be today? xo

P.S: Midnight in Paris + Paris 1962 + Parisian loft.

(Photos via Irene Suchocki, Julia Gnatowska, Little girl, Big city)

Travel Fantasy: Gardens of Marqueyssac, France

How whimsical! In one of the most unspoiled parts of Europe, deep in the former province of France in Périgord, there is a magical place called Gardens of Marqueyssac. They were planted in 1861 by Julien De Cerval whose dream was to create a romantic experience for the visitors of the gardens, where they could get lost within the paths and enjoy the organic shapes of the plants. Each part was carefully thought out and planned to perfection.
No fairytale garden would be complete without a dreamy chateâu - of course. During summer, each Thursday evening the gardens are candlelit and various musicians play concerts for visitors. They also have tons of fun stuff for kids including rock climbing, picnics and swings. If that wasn't enough, there is an area that meanders 130 meters above the river giving breathtaking views. Just by looking at those photos I’m dreaming about spending an afternoon sipping wine, listening to live music and taking in the mesmerizing views.

My darlings, have you been to France before? Wouldn’t you love to visit this place? xo

P.S: Paris after dark.
P.P.S: Provence style home.

(via Black Eiffel)