BE GLAM & CHIC WITH THE FRENCH LADY EVENTS BLOG

The recipes of the Ducasse bistro to make at home

2012-06-06T14:52:00.002+10:00

The real pâté en croûte, soft water prawn bisques or profiteroles with a chocolate sauce …

Nowhere is better than Benoît, the mythical century-old Parisian bistro taken over by Alain Ducasse and awarded with a star.

In his new book, L’esprit bistrot, the chef shares with us his cult recipes. Yummy! And if you are too lazy to cook, head directly for Benoit in the Marais.

L’esprit bistrot Les meilleures recettes de Benoît

Published by Alain Ducasse Edition

Authors: Eric Azoug and Christian Julliard

Photographer: Pierre Monetta

Available in bookshops starting at 10 euros in May 2012.

Benoît

20 rue Saint Martin

75004 Paris

Tel: 01 42 72 25 76

http://www.benoit-paris.com

The Art of the French Soiree

2012-06-06T14:44:00.000+10:00

To do une soirée or not to do une soirée?

What exactly is this rather elegant and mysterious sounding soirée? And, how should it be approached by mere Anglophone mortals?

Definition

Noun: soirée: party or gathering, with a sophisticated name to impress the uninitiated, taking place in apartments across the glimmering city of lights (usually accompanied by beaucoup de alcohol, yummy food and much merriment).

Still all rather vague? I’ve tried to explain you the process into nice easy steps …

Step 1: Getting there

There are several key points to bear in mind. Under no circumstances should you arrive on time – keep it carefree by arriving fashionably late.

Watch out for complex digicode systems designed to keep guests out and lift-less 6^th floor apartments in distant destinations.

Step 2: La Bise

Remember the essentials:

Smile (not too much in order to remain mysterious)
Perch two dainty kisses one on each cheek
Compliment the host (it always goes down a treat)

I recommend arriving bearing wine. Don’t worry about breaking the bank – surprisingly, even inexpensive supermarket plonk is still very drinkable.

Step 3: Chit Chat

Eek! Now that the introductions are out of the way, it’s time to mingle!

After much trial, a little terror and plenty awkward silence, French small talk is… well, in fact, rather what it isn’t. It isn’t all that different from Anglophone variety. Conversations boil down to the following questions which are designed to place you within the rich and varied French tapestry.

Where do you live? (if the soiree is in Paris ---) Which arrondissement? Bourgeois St Germain? Trendy Canal St Martin? Cosmopolitan Belleville?)
What do you do? (A typically anglophone teacher job? A student? This is natural curiosity: why exactly have you ventured beyond the anglophone bubble to the French argot*loving whirlwind of Paris?)
What/ where did you study? (Background info that’s helpful to establish common ground).

Final words of wisdom?

When in France do as the French people do.

Borrowed proverbs aside, I can but sing the virtues of soirées – give one a go if you have the chance. Who can say no to pungent cheese, fine wine and lively conversation? Don’t worry if your French isn’t great, it’s all about taking part. I can assure you that grammar gets forgotten once the Bordeaux starts flowing!

Simply be yourself and bonne soirée!

Heaven can wait

2012-06-04T12:01:00.003+10:00

Half-way between a neighborhood beauty institute and a deluxe salon, Les Anges ont la Peau Douce welcome you in an elegant blue and white setting.

Here every thing is calm and soothing. Settle in one of the comfy armchairs for a high end express treatment. In a semi reclining position, with a cover on your legs, close your eyes, the « Regard Céleste » ritual is about to begin.

A real heavenly voyage!

After gently removing your eye makeup then your face, the beautician makes a series of very precise gestures. A few dabs of Blue Angel Water for proper cleansing, then a warm towel on the face. It’s the moment when you let go.

One the towel is removed, you apply the famous eye contour which is whey you are here : « the celestial gaze» ! Then begins the modeling with the celestial balm. From the forehead towards the temples, from the eyebrows to the lids, cheekbones to the ears, hands come and go, ending with a draining that insists on the eye contour.

You are on a little cloud.

Eyes are covered with cotton filled with fresh water, the hand modeling begins. You have finally arrived in the land of angels! Savor this instant for a few minutes.

A little bit of Blue Water sprayed above you it’s time for a soft awakening.

Luckily, they don’t let you go looking like this. A little dry shampoo at the roots, a great make-up, you can jump back into the Parisian scene looking as pampered as when you arrived but totally relaxed for the day and as beautiful as an angel !

Les Anges ont la Peau Douce

Celestial Gaze Eye contour Ritual52€ / 30 min

Les Anges ont la peau douce
254, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris

A buzzing author’s bistro !

2012-06-04T11:52:00.006+10:00

With its retro decor (red banquettes, old fashioned tiling, a zinc bar), l’Affable is an authentic bistro.

A la carte: seasonal gastro-chic cuisine!

Raw red tuna, raviolis of lobsters, sweetbreads or strawberry.

Basics revisited by chef Jean-François Pantaleon.

Lunch menu 26€

About 50€ à la carte

L’Affable Bistrot
10, rue Saint Simon
75007 Paris

Barbizon (little village near Paris) : a must to see !!!!

2012-05-28T11:23:00.000+10:00

History of Barbizon through its painters :

Beginning in the 1850s, foreigners from throughout Europe, from Russia, from the United States, working in Parisian studios were joining their French colleagues coming to Barbizon each Spring.

In 1867 the hotel Siron (now the Bas-Breau), also known as “L’Exposition” - the manager had opened an exposition room to show works by visiting painters - was welcoming a new clientele of painters as well as writers, often foreigners such as Stevenson, who until the end of the century swarmed over the area including Marlotte, Grez sur Loing and Moret.

So, early on, the name of Barbizon was known, and several articles from the magazine “L’Illustration” featured the“Auberge Ganne” and its decoration by the painters.

The Goncourt brothers described the Inn in their work Manette Salomon.

Foreign artists returning to their countries spread word of the life in Barbizon: Knaus and Brendel in Germany, Hunt in the United States; Israels and Roelofs in Holland, etc.

After 1875, the French of the original group composed of Corot, Daubigny, Diaz, Dupre, Jacque, Millet, Rousseau, and Troyon had passed on.

But from 1863 the younger generation of Monet, Renoir and Sisley had begun making the pilgrimage to the forest of Fontainebleau in the footsteps of their elders, the Barbizon painters, to take up the torch and create a new vision of nature.
They formed a homogenous grouping, known as the Impressionists, applying common methods and organising their expositions between 1874 and 1886.

It was only in 1890 that the term “ School of Barbizon” was given to the original group following the publication in London of the work by David Croal Thomson titled “The Barbizon School of Painters.”

There were by then not very many painters left in Barbizon but, rather, writers, philosophers, singers and actors such as Galtier-Boissiere, Taine, Seailles, etc.
The hotels and restaurants had multiplied tenfold and tourists flocked in on the little train that brought them directly to Barbizon from Melun.

Until then, Chailly en Biere had been the only large village – it had a town hall, a parish church, a cemetery and all the shops necessary for the 1000 souls living there. Barbizon was just a hamlet of less than 300 poor inhabitants, mostly day labourers and woodsmen. It was to Chailly that the stage coach came, stopping at theInn of the White Horse – the post relay. Visitors to the Forest of Fontainebleau, had then to alight at Chailly or in Fontainebleau where they could find food and lodging.

Beginning in the 1850s the railroad brought quicker access to Melun or Fontainebleau, even though there remained a dozen or so kilometres on foot to reach the “promised land.” And by the end of the 19th century a little train was running between Melun and Barbizon.

So as time went by, Barbizon surpassed Chailly - firstly in the number of visitors and furthermore in the quality of its cosmopolitan society of painters, writers and musicians.

Yet , 100 years later, in spite of the international renown of the Barbizon painters, the church seen in the background of the most famous painting of Jean-François Millet is that of Chailly. Father Chicoré, the shepherd immortalised by Ferdinand Chaigneau, lived in Chailly. Barbizon still has its ‘Chemin de la Messe’ – the roadway leading the folks of Barbizon to Chailly. And finally, side by side for all eternity, in the cemetery of Chailly, lie the two friends who made Barbizon famous, Jean-François Millet and Theodore Rousseau.

Nevertheless, the little hamlet of Barbizon was transformed. A number of hotels were opened, vacation homes for rent or sale were built, while Chailly remained a rural community concentrating its businesses and profiting from the influx of visitors to Barbizon. Separation of the two became unavoidable, and in 1903 Barbizon became an independent community.

My recommendation :2 hours tour to discover the circuit of the Barbizon painters

A loop marked in yellow lead you in the footsteps of landscape painters of the nineteenth century. At the heart of the village of Barbizon, you can visit the Ganne’s Auberge where they were boarded, today became the county museum, the house Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet Workshop. In the forest, you will find the rocky chaos painted by Corot and the groves of old oaks which Lantara kept his cows.

Blow dry bar

2012-05-28T11:00:00.003+10:00

While New Yorker and Londoners have completely adopted the blow dry bar, French gals were still a little bit left by the wayside until now.

Good news! Since recently, the concept has found its place in the capital.

Instant blow dry and quick do, at HypeandHairy, round hairbrushes and the buzz of hairdryers is at work.

For blow dry maniacs, HypeandHairy has everything planned out: an Addict card to benefit from even more interesting rates.

Before a business luncheon or a lover's dinner, overbooked working-girls and hurried Parisiennes will easily slip in a 20 minute flat blow dry op without appointment and rock bottom prices in their agenda.

Let's hope that this first Blow dry bar is the first of many!

The small+ : HypeandHairy also offers aesthetical treatment, waxing, manicures and pedicures, as well as modeling... express and customized beauty packs to be tops in 30 minutes.

You will soon become completely addicted !

HypeandHairy
3, rue Taitbout
75009 Paris

Les Misérables are back

2012-05-28T10:52:00.002+10:00

Nearly 150 years that we have known Cosette, Jean Valjean and Gavroche !

Time to reread this masterpiece but in Pocket book version and rush to discover the exhibition around the book in the former appartment of Victor Hugo.

Les Misérables

15 May – 30 September 2012

Closed Monday and holidays

Free entrance

Maison Victor Hugo
6, place des Vosges
75004 Paris

Baume & Mercier :The swiss luxury watch brand

2012-05-25T08:24:00.000+10:00

Frères Baume

In 1830 the Baume family opened one of the first comptoirs horlogers (watch shops) in the Swiss Jura region in the village of Les Bois. “Frères Baume” soon became a major watch company, thanks to the commercial flair and rigorous industrial methods of the two brothers, Louis-Victor and Joseph-Célestin Baume, who strictly followed their motto: “Accept only perfection. Only manufacture watches of the highest quality.”  From the beginning, the objective of the “Frères Baume” company was to make high-quality traditional watches enriched by various technological breakthroughs of the era. The Baume family were equally innovative commercially, when one of the two brothers, Joseph-Célestin, set up a branch in London named “Baume Brothers”. Baume Brothers rapidly expanded throughout the British Empire, from India through Singapore and Burma to Africa, and even became a pioneer in selling watches in emerging markets such as Australia and New Zealand.  By 1876, when the second generation took over, “Frères Baume” had already acquired a solid international reputation for its simple watches, chronographs and Grand Complication models, including minute repeaters, calendars and tourbillons. The company management was again shared by two brothers, sons of the co-founder, Louis-Victor. Alcide Baume was in charge of production in Les Bois, while Arthur Baume was based in London and handled international marketing. The company soon set up branches in Geneva, Switzerland and Philadelphia, in the United States.

International distinctions

Baume watches earned ever-growing success and recognition under the impetus of the second generation.  The House distinguished itself at the national exhibitions and world fairs that began to be organized from the second half of the 19th century onwards, in Paris (1878 and 1889), Melbourne (1990 and 1895), Zurich and Amsterdam (1883), London (1885 and 1890) and Chicago (1893), winning ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals.  Baume watches also set accuracy records in timekeeping competitions, and particularly the timing trials run by Kew Observatory near London.  When the Baume company first competed in the Kew Teddington competition in 1885, three of its watches were ranked among the top seven, and the following year, four of them won awards. 

In 1892, Baume earned the highest score in the competition (91.9 points out of a 100) with a split-second chronograph, an all-time record that remained unbeaten until over a decade later.  Up to the early 20th century, the brand won a steady succession of prizes for its simple and complicated watches, all equipped with the most advanced technological features. In London, Arthur Baume became a leading figure in the United Kingdom. He was named a knight of the Legion of Honor, and later became an officer, and was twice decorated by French President Poincarré in person.  The King of Belgium made him a Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II, and he was received at the official state dinner given in honor of the King of England, George V, and Queen Mary. A member of the Royal Geographical Society, Arthur Baume was appointed president of the British Horological Institute in London.

Baume becomes Baume & Mercier

The end of World War I in 1918 brought sweeping changes in industry, the arts, and society in general. Women’s emancipation led them to wear jewelry watches as brooches, long necklaces or on the wrist, a trend made possible by the miniaturization of watch movements.  After proving its use in a military context, the wristwatch gradually took over from the pocket watch as the masculine timepiece of choice. 

Baume witnessed the emergence of a new generation, and the young William Baume, a great visionary and an accomplished watchmaker, was eager to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by the ebullient mood of the era. Having by then settled in Geneva, he decided to partner with a colorful figure named Tchereditchenko, who subsequently adopted his French mother’s family name and became known as Paul Mercier. 

Born in Odessa to a Russian father, Paul Mercier was a passionate and refined individual, a dedicated art-lover who spoke seven languages and was endowed with exceptional business acumen.  Despite their very different yet complementary temperaments, the two men, shared the same vision of contemporary watchmaking, and decided to join forces in 1918 to create Baume & Mercier.  William Baume handled technical aspects, while Paul Mercier was in charge of design and the commercial side of the business. Together, they established a full-fledged watch manufacture in Geneva, making top-quality watches as well as movements that were exported to the United States.

In 1919, barely a year after the company was set up, Baume & Mercier movements were awarded the “Poinçon de Genève” or Geneva Hallmark, the highest token of fine craftsmanship in watchmaking. A year and a half later, Baume & Mercier had become the watch brand producing the largest number of movements certified by this prestigious quality label.  

On March 21st 1921, the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic and Canton of Geneva awarded “Messrs Baume and Mercier, watchmakers in Geneva”, a diploma “certifying that their company ranks first in the number of pieces that received a hallmark at the official government office for voluntary testing of Geneva watches in 1920.”

In 1924, Baume & Mercier appeared in the Davoine official watch industry directory, the benchmark register of watchmaking companies, as one of the four Geneva-based manufacturers alongside Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Haas Neveux. Focusing firmly on high-quality watchmaking combining technical excellence with a contemporary look, the company enjoyed swift success despite the major crises that hit the Swiss watch industry in the early 1920s and after the 1929 stock market crash.

Chronographs and Marquise

The period between the late 1930s and the 1950s saw the baton being passed on to a strong new personality at the head of Baume & Mercier, the Count Constantin de Gorski.  William Baume withdrew from the company in 1935 for health reasons, and Paul Mercier sold his shares in 1937 to the Ponti family,famous jewelers and goldsmiths from northern Italy.  During the 1940s and throughout World War II, Baume & Mercier chronographs became watches of choice that are still highly sought-after collector’s items today.

After the war, Baume & Mercier launched one of its most successful models: the Marquise.  This jewelry watch, set in a “bangle” type bracelet, asserted itself as the leading post-war ladies’ model and remained a brand best-seller until the early 1960s.   In 1952, Baume & Mercier acquired a new production facility for its chronographs by buying up the C.H. Meylan factory in the village of Le Brassus, in the Joux Valley.

PHI becomes the brand emblem

In 1964, in order to reinforce it’s brand identity, Baume & Mercier chose the Greek symbol PHI as its new visual brand emblem.  Considered since Antiquity to be the “golden section” representing perfect proportions, the PHI appeared from then on as the Baume & Mercier logo on all its watch dials. It was from this time onwards that Baume & Mercier acquired its status as an affordable luxury brand, a positioning it continues to uphold.  The brand also accentuated its avant-garde, innovative approach, especially during the 1970s.

In 1971, Baume & Mercier was one of the first brands to adopt the new electronic tuning-fork movements, forerunners of quartz, in its Tronosonic model.   In 1973, this was followed by the innovative Riviera model, one of the very first steel sports watches featuring an original twelve-sided design. The Riviera was to become Baume & Mercier’s best-seller and its flagship model for 20 years.

In 1972, the brand caused a sensation in the field of ladies’ watches by introducing the Mimosa and Galaxie models, both of which won the Golden Rose at the Baden-Baden international watch and jewelry competition held in Düsseldorf, Germany – the most important contest of its kind at the time.   In 1973, Baume & Mercier once again earned the supreme Golden Rose distinction for its splendid Stardust model featuring an onyx dial surrounded by 138 diamonds.   The 1980s witnessed the global success of the Linea ladies’ model, and in 1988 the destiny of Baume & Mercier took a new turn when the luxury group that would later become Richemont bought up both Piaget and Baume & Mercier.

Newfound independence

Within the Richemont Group, Baume & Mercier acquired newfound independence and renewed vitality.   The brand displayed noteworthy creativity, introducing a wave of models in its jewelry, classic and sports watch ranges: Catwalk (1997) revived the cuff-watch; Capeland (1998) played the adventurer; and Hampton (1994) became a classic rectangular steel watch and the brand’s new flagship model.

In 2002, Baume & Mercier took a further step towards autonomy by opening its own workshops in Les Brenets, in the Swiss Jura.  This represented a genuine return to roots in more then one way: a return to production in the Jura, the cradle of the Baume company (although the Baume & Mercier headquarters remained in Geneva), and a return to a production mode known as établissage (or project management) and used by the “Frères Baume” throughout the 19th century, but combined with a full set of modern advantages.  

The company continued along its successful path with new models such as Classima Executives, Diamant, iléa, as well as the Haute Horlogerie William Baume collections, and a number of sporting and sophisticated models interpreted in Riviera or Hampton versions.  Loyal as ever to its origins, Baume & Mercier continues to offer a range of authentic timepieces with a contemporary feel, that embody the attention to detail, the high quality standards, and the respect for the rules of fine craftsmanship on which the company has built its international reputation since 1830.

Hotel the Bristol Fashion High tea

2012-05-25T08:02:00.002+10:00

Hôtel Le Bristol, on rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, is one of a handful of magnificent five star hotels in Paris.

Fashion High Teas, held on select Saturdays throughout the year, invites locals and guests to The Bar at Le Bristol for a traditional afternoon high tea of pastries, finger sandwiches and desert, along with a choice of 15 teas (I would prefer a glass of wine, but, oh well) while models use this elegant backdrop as a catwalk to showcase the latest fashions for the current season by the best in the business.

Two upcoming shows that you might be in town for are Azzaro on May 24th and Emanuel Ungaro on June 28th. Whether you like or even know who these designers are isn’t necessarily the point.

The fun part is just doing this. An afternoon of feminine indulgence. If you happen to be traveling with your hubby, leave him to his own devices and allow yourself the treat of surrounding yourself in all this luxury.

Fashion High Tea at Hôtel Le Bristol 50 euros/per person

Booking: 33 (0) 1 53 43 43 42 or Le Bristol Hotel

Art calendar in Paris from May to August

2012-05-23T15:21:00.000+10:00

From the May 19: The current exhibition at the Russian Tea Room Gallery is Amours Libres, Jean-Philippe Charbonnier/Antanas Sutkus. Sutkus is a Lithuanian photographer who shot moving black and white images of the impoverished people of his country, while Charbonnier focused on everyday moments of Parisian life.

Through June 15: On view at Fondation Dina-Vierny – Musée Maillol: Artemisia – Pouvoir, Gloire et Passions d’une femme peintre. A feminist rule-breaker in 17^th century Italy, this daughter of famed painter Orazio Gentileschi harnessed her creative drive and has since been considered one of the best painters of her time.

Through June 23: The Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris celebrates its 15^th anniversary with the exhibition Humour, parodie et vidéos: Créations vidéo du Japon contemporain. Images and video all centered around the theme of “laughter,” this show can’t help but put you in a good mood.

Through August: If you’ll be in Paris with your little ones, be sure to see the Babar exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs. The show details the multiple creators of the world’s favorite pachyderm and includes games, drawings and a series of 3D animations sure to entertain.

Through August 19: The Musée d’Art Moderne is currently showing Crumb: De l’Underground à la Genèse. This show is the first French retrospective of famed American cartoonist Robert Crumb. R. Crumb is known for his satirical portrayal of American life, but this exhibition spans his work from early underground drawings to the publication of his graphic novel The Book of Genesis.

Terroir Parisien, the new terrific small bistro launched by a 3 star chef, Yannick Alléno

2012-05-23T15:04:00.002+10:00

Yannick Alléno, for those who are unfortunate enough to still don’t know him, is the 3 star chef of the Hotel Meurice. One of the best cooks in the world, so this is a real bargain according to dead-broke foodies.

The really good news in these dire economy-stricken times, is that this Apollo of haute cuisine has just come out with a fab bistro near Mutualité, in the 5^tharrondissement, at a much more modest price (35 € for a meal). And rare occurrence, Yannick has decided to produce real « Parisian eats ».

Out goes fusion and foie gras sushi. Here, the deal here is vintage recipes from Les Halles de Paris, mortally delicious onion soup (7 €), Saint Germain des Prés soup with golden croutons (7 €), a good lamb navarin stew with spring vegetables (21 €), haute couture blood sausage boudin and the kind of mashed potatoes grandma used to make (18 €), a divine Paris Brest (7 €).

100% of his dishes are prepared with top notch products from the île de France region (also suppliers of Alléno’s starred table) : asparagus from Argenteuil, Montreuil peaches, dairy products from the Ferme de Viltain which also supplies Berthillon, author charcuterie by Gilles Vérot,..

A real heart-throb at mini-price! As well as chic snacks to bite into at the counter… or to go like real Parisians! Slip into the skin of Jean Gabin, to enjoy a really good ham and cheese sandwich (6 €), a croque monsieur (10 €) or their veal head hot-dog, sprinkled with sauce gribiche, deluxe mayo with pickles. A small marvel at 9€.

Terroir Parisien
20, rue Saint Victor
75005 Paris

Puerto Cacao the new fair trade spot for chocolate in Paris

2012-05-11T11:13:00.003+10:00

Yes, more chocolate! Paris does not lack for it. But in a town that boasts everything from over-the-top delicacies to perfectly executed classics, we’re always impressed when a shop manages to distinguish itself from the cacao-hawking competition.

Puerto Cacao is not the most decadent, shocking or renowned chocolate shop in Paris, but it might just be the most conscientious. Seat down few minutes with store manager José Evrard to learn more about owner Guillaume Hermitte’s vision for an équitable (fair-trade) chocolate shop that does as much to promote social good as it does to promote deliciousness.

Hermitte’s team works directly with Venezuelan cacao producers, cutting out unnecessary middlemen who might drive up prices for consumers and deprive cacao producers of fair payment. In addition, they work with “entreprises d’insertion,” organizations that help people who have encountered various difficulties (poverty, imprisonment, etc.) re-enter the workforce and improve their lives.

Puerto Cacao 2, rue Théophile Roussel 75012 Paris

Daniel Buren revisits the Grand Palais

2012-05-11T11:04:00.004+10:00

Head for the glass Nave at the Grand Palais !

After Anish Kapoor, it’s the turn of plastician artist Daniel Buren to take over the space with his exhibit MONUMENTA 2012.

Here the artist has morphed into a mathematician of the circle and has imposed in the Nave colored porticos that one multiply infinitely.

AN ABSOLUTE MUST SEE!

MONUMENTA 2012

10 May to 21 June

From 2,5€ to 5€.

Monday and Thursday from 10am to7pm

Thursday to Sunday 10am to midnight.

Nef du Grand Palais
Avenue Winston-Churchill
75008 Paris

www.grandpalais.fr

Cartier Trinity ring

2012-05-05T15:27:00.001+10:00

About the French renowned jewelry Cartier :

Cartier has composed an anthem in the honour of beauty and sensuality.

Discover the epitome of luxury in jewellery by Cartier, whose fabulous creations speak a universal language of emotion.

Since 1847, the name Cartier has been synonymous with beauty and rarity in the world of luxury jewellery.

Celebrities of past and present, from maharajahs to film stars, along with simple couples in love, have always preferred Cartier. True connoisseurs know perfection when they see it.

About Trinity

Trinity is one of the most recognizable Cartier motifs, and given the meaning and history behind the Trinity de Cartier - love, fidelity, and friendship.

The Trinity Collection is a line linked directly to the history of the great house.

With the Trinity, Cartier is going back to its roots, to one of the core symbols of the brand, which are the three rings of Cartier in rose, yellow and white gold.

Symbolically, the yellow gold ring stands for fidelity; the white gold ring represents friendship, and the pink gold ring stands for love.

2012-05-05T15:14:00.002+10:00

Molinard is a French perfume house founded in 1849 in Grasse. This region in the south of France is considered the birthplace (and today, cradle) of the modern perfume industry. Molinard is one of the oldest family companies in continuous existence, and remains an entirely family-run business even today.

Molinard originally manufactured Eaux de Fleurs (flower-scented waters) and Eaux de Cologne, marketing them from their small store in the heart of Grasse.

In 1860, Molinard gained attention with two new perfumes—"Jasmin" and " Rose." Both were introduced in elegant crystal bottles designed and produced by Baccarat. This same strategy was used later for perfumes "Mimosa" and "Violette." Versions of three of these soliflore fragrances are still produced by Molinard today. Queen Victoria was rumored to be a devotee of Molinard Eaux de Cologne.

In 1900, Molinard expanded with the purchase of an old perfume factory whose structure had been designed by Gustave Eiffel (designer of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris). This site remains their headquarters today. The new space allowed Molinard to open a formal showroom, decorated with a magnificent collection of 17th and 18th century furniture, for receiving important customers. Molinard's beautiful showroom and striking fragrances were favorites of many wealthy English and Russian travelers in the early 20th century.

1921 was an important year for the house. Molinard created two products that are still popular even today: Habanita, a perfume originally developed as a cigarette flavor/fragrance, and which would become an actual perfume that would go down in history as one of the greatest creations starting in 1924. The other significant development of 1921 was the production of Molinard's "Concréta," the world's first solid perfume compacts, which incorporated natural flower wax as a fragrance component.

Bottle design has long been an important component of the Molinard aesthetic. In 1920, Viard, a famous bottle designer, created some beautiful scent bottles for Molinard. In 1930, with the successes of Habanita and the Concréta under its belt, Molinard hired famous master glassmaker René Lalique, who created and signed for Molinard the stunningly beautiful bottles for Iles d'Or and Madrigal in 1930 and Le Baiser du Faune in 1932. Later in the 1930s, the Baccarat crystal workshops created and produced for Molinard the perfume bottles for a number of their fragrances. The legacy of Molinard's beautiful bottles continues today, with the ornate vessels of Molinard de Molinard and the current Habanita bottle.

World War II was as challenging a time for Molinard as for all of France. Molinard invented "the Prisoner's parcel" to help bring comfort to French prisoners. The company endured and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1949.

Molinard today produces perfumes, soaps, body care products, candles and aromatherapy products. The company offers stores and tours through its Grasse, Nice and Lille locations, and markets products through secondary outlets throughout France and the rest of the world. The 160th anniversary of this esteemed house was celebrated in 2009 with the launch of a commemorative perfume, 160, a floral scent with both classic and modern touches. The president of Molinard today is the fourth generation of his family to oversee the company, Jean-Pierre Lerouge-Benard.

Designer Molinard has 46 perfumes in our fragrance base. Molinard is an old perfume house. The earliest edition was created in 1921 and the newest is from 2012. The nose who worked on Molinard fragrances is Molinard.

My favorite perfume from Molinard : Habanita eau de parfum (1921) . Main accords : woody, leather, powdery and floral.

Le Chacha Club : a Fete of Fashion

2012-05-05T15:06:00.005+10:00

Featuring a Terry Richardson crowd, this übertrendy restaurant, bar and club typically hosts swaggy after-show parties for groups like Oasis, fashion week gatherings and other media fêtes studded by the random celebrity like Benicio del Toro.

Its hype is likely derived by the fact that it’s run by the same folks behind Hôtel du Nord, and a sexy ambiance bolstered by leather banquettes, candelabras and custom-designed wallpaper.

The internationally mixed fare suffices with a range of finger-foods like tapas and Italian antipasti. Not that it matters, anyway. The models here hardly glance at the menu, and beeline to the shellacky bar instead before going for a swivel on the dance floor.

Le ChaCha Club

47 rue Berger
75001 Paris
+33140131212
www.chachaclub.fr/...

My little secrets to be dressed regarding to your body shape !!!

2012-04-30T15:15:00.000+10:00

It's fashion week time in Sydney so this week in my blog all my little secret on how to be dressed regarding to you Body shape...

What’s Your Body Shape?

However, whether you like your body or not, if you understand what your current shape and proportions are and know a few style guidelines for your shape you are well on your way to looking your best.

Combine wearing flattering clothes with your best colors and you'll feel fabulous and impress everyone you meet.

There are a number of factors that are involved in a full style analysis. These include assessing...

Your vertical body type
Your horizontal body type
Your face shape
Your height, your weight
Your bone structure
Your shoulder size and angle
Your neck length and circumference
Your age
Any figure flaws such as a large bottom, a large stomach, or saddle bags

However, you can get started by self assessing your vertical body type and your horizontal body type.

What Is The Perfect Shape?

Luckily beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, the current stereotype of a "perfect" female body shape is moderately tall with a body balanced vertically, an hourglass figure and an oval shaped face.
For males the ideal is tall with a balanced vertical body and a trapezoid torso (that is, broad shoulders and chest tapering to medium waist and hips) and an oval face.

So, You Don’t Have The Perfect Shape?

Not many of us do (only something like 2% of the population). However, you can create the illusion of a perfect body by choosing clothes to create the appearance of perfect proportions. It's all about balancing your perceived shape to the "perfect" shape (or moving your appearance in that direction, anyway).

For example, as a female, if you have long legs and a short, rectangle torso you can create the illusion of a longer, leaner, inverted triangle torso (the next best female shape). Do this by choosing tops that emphasize your shoulders and that flow through the waist, with a hemline between the lower hip to the tip of your fingers and with no horizontal seams across your torso.

As a male, if you have short legs and a long rectangle torso you can create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter trapezoid body by choosing shirts that make your shoulders look wider and tuck in your shirt to make your torso look shorter (as long as your stomach isn't too big). Choose trousers that are darker than your shirt and shoes in the same color as your trousers, or darker, to make your legs look longer.

Changing Shape

Of course understanding your current shape doesn't rule out changing your shape through diet and exercise or, more drastically, through plastic surgery. The idea is to make the most of whatever shape you are now.

If you do change shape by more than 5.5cm (2 inches) then you should re-assess your body shape and ensure your clothing choices still flatter your current shape.

Determine Your Vertical Body Type

Start by assessing your vertical body proportions. This is the proportion of the bottom half of your body compared to your top half.

Vertical shape is important for identifying your best garment lengths (tops and bottoms) and will come into play in determining if you should tuck-in tops or wear top garments un-tucked.
There are three vertical body types and these are applicable to both males and females.

The most accurate way to determine your vertical shape is to measure your full height and the height to your hip-line (your hip-line is the circumference around your hips where your bottom is fullest) and determine where your hip-line comes in relation to your height.

Alternatively use the rough assessment guidelines below...

Short Legs, Long Torso

If your legs are short compared to your upper body you have short legs and a long torso...

Your hip-line height is less than half your height
You may also have a low waist -- your waist will be lower than your bent elbow
You will have a long torso -- typically you will put on weight first on your thighs and hips
Your bottom will typically be low and heavy
You may also be short – although tall people can also be short legged

Your main style aims are to create the illusion of longer legs and a shorter torso.

Do wear...

Jewellery, scarves and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face
Short to medium-long tops
Tucked-in tops (if young and slim)
Layered tops
Medium or light tops and dark pants or skirts
Medium to wide belts
Straight skirts
Straight or boot-leg pants
Pant, sock and shoe colors the same
Medium to high heels
Pant hems to the ground

Don't wear...

Long tops (if you are short)
Pants or skirts with a dropped waistband
Tight or tapered skirts
Tight or tapered pants
Cropped pants

Balanced Body

If your upper body length is about the same as your lower body length you have a balanced body...

Your hip-line height is half your full height
Your waist is at your bent elbow
Females may be low busted
You tend to put on weight around your torso or hips and thighs
You probabaly have a round well formed bottom or you have a flat bottom
You have proportionally slim arms and legs

If you are less than 160cm (5’3”) with a small to medium body scale then you are also petite.

Your main style aim is to elongate your mid-torso.

Do wear...

Jewellery, scarves and garment designs that draw the observer's eye up towards your shoulders and face
Medium-long tops
Un-tucked tops
Tops and bottoms in the same color
Tops and dresses that flow through the waist
Skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistband
Straight or flared skirts
Waisted, low-rise or hipster pants
Straight or flared pants

Don't wear...

Short tops
Empire line tops and dresses
Wide belts
Pants or skirts with a high waistband

Long Legs, Short Torso

If your legs are longer than your upper body you have a long legged vertical body type...

Your hipline height is higher than half your full height
You should also have a high waist -- your waist will be higher than your bent elbow
You will have a proportionally short torso
Your bottom will typically be round and high
You tend to put on weight around your waist, above your waist or on the back of your hips
You may also be tall -- although short people can also be long legged

Your main style aims are to create visual balance by creating the illusion of a longer mid-torso and shorter legs.

Do wear...

Design details that draw the eye down, such as border prints on skirts and pants (unless you are short)
Medium-long to long accessories (unless you are short)
Skirts and pants in the lighter colors than tops
Medium-long to long tops (if you are short, no longer than knuckle length)
Un-tucked tops
Tops and dresses that flow through the waist
Skirts and pants with narrow waistbands or no waistband
Straight and flared skirts
Low-rise or hipster pants
Straight and flared pants

Don't wear...

Focal points that draw the eye upwards
Pin stripes
Short tops
Empire line tops and dresses
Wide belts
Pants or skirts with a high waistband
Tapered pants and skirts

Determine Your Horizontal Body Type

Your horizontal shape is the relationship between your chest, waist and hip-line. It is their relative proportion to each other that is important rather than their actual size.

Your horizontal body type is used to identify the clothing styles that will suit you best. Although it is important to note that other factors can change some of these recommendations, such as face shape, neck and shoulder size and prominent features.

Your horizontal body shape from the pictures and descriptions below.

To do this assessment stand in front of a full length mirror. A long straight object such as a long ruler or a broom handle will also be useful to work out whether your hip-line is narrower, wider, or the same width as your bust-line. The easiest way to see this is to hold the ruler under your arm pit and rest it on your hip.

Select the link on your horizontal body shape to find out the general style aims and specific dos and don’ts for your horizontal body type.

Hourglass Figure

This is known as the perfect body shape. You have an hourglass figure if...

Your full hip-line and your full bust-line are the same width and your waist is well defined
You most likely have a balanced body vertical body shape

Inverted Triangle

This is the second best female shape. You have an inverted triangle body shape if...

You have a proportionally large bust, or you have broad shoulders, or both
You have narrow hips with a well defined waist
You most likely are a long legged vertical body shape with proportionally slim legs
You may also have a flat bottom

Triangle or Pear Shape Body

The triangle body type is often also referred to as pear-shaped. You have this shape if...

Your full bust-line is proportionally narrower than your full hip-line and you have a well defined waist
You typically have narrow shoulders
You most likely have a balanced body or short legged vertical body shape
Your thighs are typically full
You may also have a full rounded bottom

Rectangle

You have a rectangle body if...

Your full bust-line and full hip-line are about the same width and you have little waist definition
Your legs and arms will typically be proportionally slender
You have a small to medium bust
You most likely have a balanced body or long legged vertical body shape
You may also have a flat bottom
You may have had an hourglass figure when you were younger or slimmer
You may look shorter and heavier than you really are

Oval

This body shape is also often referred to as an apple shape. You have an oval horizontal body if...

You have the overall appearance of being round especially around the waist-line
Your waistline is undefined
You have a large, low stomach
You may have "love handles"
Your hips are wide
Your upper thighs are full
You may also have a full bottom or a flat bottom

Diamond

This body shape is also referred to as an apple shape. You have this body shape if...

Your waist is undefined
You have a large, high stomach
You may have "love handles"
You may also have a full bottom or a flat bottom

It can be difficult to be objective about your body shape. So, if you still can't decide which shape you are... If you're in Sydney, come and see me for a shape analysis and style consultation for men or for women.

New gourmet detox spot for foodies in Paris !!!

2012-04-19T10:30:00.001+10:00

An ultra-protein diet, veggie detox, you are not quite sure how to eliminate those little extra love handles that suddenly appeared after the holidays !

A new gourmet wind is blowing on your diet. A « L’Ecume des bulles » foodies can enjoy eating without putting on an ounce.

In the plate, straight forward seafood and seashells in a chic and trendy decor : a huge delicious crab claw– hold off on the mayo-, pink shrimp, fines de Claires oysters, salmon makis, urchins, caviar…

in short a menu filled with iodine for twigs who want to take care of their bodies. And for more hearty souls, the cellar features some great champagnes and white wines to keep the Holiday spirit alive and kicking!

Formula 21 € : 6 fines de Claires n°3 oysters+ 6 shrimp + 1 glass of Sancerre

Formula 29 € : 6 fines de Claires oysters + 6 white pearls + 6 shrimp

L’Ecume des bulles

3/5, rue des Quatre Vents
75006 Paris

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris in 5 points

2012-04-19T09:05:00.002+10:00

Le Bon Marché is for me an institution in Paris.

If one day you visit Paris you have to go there because It is just amazing.

I gonna try in 5 points to explain you why :

1. The history: Though its doors first opened in 1838 (the world’s first department store), the look of Le Bon Marché today bears the imprimatur of LVMH’s Bernard Arnault who bought it in 1984. Enter Andree Putman, France’s doyenne of design, to reconfigure its trademark escalators domed by Gustave Eiffel’s classic glass roof. The vast inner coeur (best viewed from the 2^nd floor balcony) is itself worth the trip.

2. La mode: Le Bon Marché knows its client. The Parisian woman visits the store about once a week and has plenty of euros tucked in her Gerard Darel or Vanessa Bruno bag. She’s the quintessential Parisienne who updates her wardrobe with key seasonal splurges rather than head-to-toe designer looks. She wears a mix from both sides of the store – Lanvin and Celine from the premiere etage and Isabel Marant, Maje and A.P.C. from across the covered passage, above La Grande Ep.

3. La Grande Epicerie de Paris: Imagine 30,000 gourmet products from around the globe culled in one expansive, well-lit space: A patisserie case containing a rainbow of macarons, chocolate truffles and sugar dusted tartes aux fruits made on-site; Pique-nique perfect dishes waiting to be ferried to the banks of the Seine; That dream gift for a foodie back home, like foie gras or truffle salt from La Maison de la Truffe. Still have shopping or museum-hopping on the day’s agenda? They’ll even deliver to your flat (for a fee.)

4. La Maison d’Edition: With a limited budget to furnish your apartment, LBM’s home design space provide you ample inspiration. A David Weeks floor lamp (Didn’t I see something similar at Ikea?), a silky gray rug (perfect for your salon) would go on the wish list. Buying serious pieces here is a bit out of reach but with floor displays like art installations, you’ll leave ready to beautify your abode.

5. Le Theatre de la Beauté: The French are serious when it comes to scent. They even have a word for its lingering fragrance trail, le sillage. For most Parisiennes, a signature scent is de rigueur. Hit Le Theatre de la Beaute on the rez-de-chaussee to see how Annick Goutal’s new “Le Mimosa” stacks up against cult-favorite “Geranium Bourbon” by London perfumer Miller Harris. The Culture of Color of Nail Bar offers a quick poses de vernis (polish change).

Le Bon Marche- La Grande Epicerie

24 & 38 rue de Sevres

75007 Paris

www.lebonmarche.com

5 ideas to organise a romantic & chic picnic

2012-04-17T11:04:00.001+10:00

Ok we are in autumn, but in some regions of Australia, the days can be more conducive to do picnics.

Organise a simple picnic for a large group is very easy (paper plates, cutlery andplastic cups, dips ....) but in this post we will not discuss this type of picnic.

We will talk about romantic & chic picnic.

1.The Romantic & Chic place

The best place would be a quiet place, a beach near a bay, a small cove also would be perfect.

It may also be in a botanical garden. The place should be knowned but away from the crowds. It also avoids places where there are barbecues, more conducive to family gatherings.

2. The Chic accessories

Replace your usual blanket by two colored pareos. Be creative !!!

Use of (real) steel cutlery, real plates and glasses (Avoid plastic, paper plate). You can also bring some tea candles and fresh flowers.

To carry your chic accessories use a wicker basket instead of simple plastic bag.

3. The Chic food

Prepare the night before or morning of the picnic, your salads, quiches and tarts. Do not forget cheese, fresh fruits and baguette....

Eg seasonal fruit tart, frangipane tart, quiche with spinach and ricotta cheese,quinoa salad, mesclun salad with grapefruit, crab and avocado.

The ultimate chic: Carpaccio of scallops with roasted pistaccio and black truffles, caviar, smoked salmon on canapé & champagne of course!

4. The Chic wine :

It depends on what you like & you eat :
* red (with meat),
*white/ rosé (with seafood & salad),
*champagne (with everything).

In any case, bring always a very good vintaged bottle (grand cru classé, vieille vigne....).

Of course moderate the consumption of your drinks... being drunk is the absolute opposite of being Chic ....

5. How to dress for a chic picnic

For women : Be classy, elegant & cool : maxi-dress, jeweled sandals, loafers... or chino pants (beige, pale blue, white) with a jacket (linen or cotton white beige blue) and silk top. Hermes scarves twisted (to protect your head from the sun in day time) .....cardigan in cashmere for the evening time.

For men : chino pants with loafers, shirt or polo....

Men style : French chic fashion tips for our men

2012-04-17T09:36:00.001+10:00

Paris is known for many things: its light, its bistros and, of course, its fashionably chic women. But what about its men? Do les hommes parisiens share that certain "je ne sais quoi" for which their female counterparts are so admired?

Alas, in a word, non.

Parisian men do, however, have distinctive style that manages to marry the rakish allure of Vincent Cassel or Olivier Martinez with the more bourgeois appeal of, say, Francois Cluzet. In short, his cool charm derives from an unstudied, imperfect look that works without looking overworked. Matchy-matchy, perfectly pressed and impeccably coordinated is just un-Parisian.

Here are some hallmarks of Parisian style pour homme, as seen on the city’s streets this chilly season.

Le foulard or l'echarpe: There may be no look more “French” than an artfully tied scarf. Men are rarely seen in Paris without stylish neck wear — rain or shine. From the classic Burberry check to sumptuous cashmere or printed cotton, a casually wrapped neck is simply a must.

Les chaussures: Men’s shoes have gone narrow and pointy; classics like leather oxfords and sporty suede bucks have seemingly been stretched. A gently pointed toe is the only shoe shape that looks right right now. For weekends en ville, swap out the dress shoes for a well-worn pair of tennis.

Les pantalons: Athletes with ample quads, beware: Modern Parisian trousers are très slim cut.

Like those spotted on fashionable Parisiennes, slim-cut dark wash jeans for men can go almost anywhere in Paris these days.

Worn with a tailored blazer or fine-knit sweater (think body-hugging), un jean works just as well for a stroll through the Centre Pompidou as it does for a dinner at a swank bistro.

Whether it’s jeans, chinos or wool trousers, keep the cut close; a flared leg or tailored cuff is a definite style don’t.

La coiffure: For that perfectly tous les Parisian guy look, follow these simple instructions. Grab a black motorcycle helmet and fasten the chin strap (or don’t).

Hop on a Vespa and speed across Paris, lighting and re-lighting a Gauloise at each traffic stop. Once the desired destination is reached, remove said helmet, rake fingers though the hair and shake vigorously. Bit of a windblown, tobacco-soaked mess? Parfait! And for men of a certain age (or hair line), offset a close-cropped ‘do and well-trimmed stubble with hipster plastic-framed lunettes. Complete the look with a fitted blazer in dark velvet or narrow corduroy for that exec-meets-Oberkampf look.

Les No-No’s: There are some looks that just won’t fly in Paris, no matter the season. No big surprises here:

Baggy cargo shorts, baseball caps, athletic team paraphernalia in any guise, white tennis shoes (unless they’re ironically worn retro K-Swiss), white socks (but you knew that), and outdoors-y gear (think Patagonia and North Face) are all better left at home or stowed for that weekend à la campagne.

How to Dress like a parisian when you go to a Fashion week event

2012-04-17T09:16:00.003+10:00

1. Add color. If you’ve been sticking to a black and neutral wardrobe, add a bright accent. It will give your everyday outfits a little extra pop, and you get to keep the sophisticated sleekness of the “Parisian uniform.”

2. Get a great coat. Winter Fashion Week is simpler than fall in some ways. While it’s chillier, and the blustery, rainy gusts sometimes make it tough to stay freshly primped, you can focus on one piece: the coat. Unless you’re lucky enough to score a ticket to a show, most people will only see your outerwear. Leave the trench at home and go for something with a fun, unique silhouette.

3. Shop the vintage stores. Fashion industry elites are clad in head-to-toe designer garb, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune to look Fashion Week ready. Wander through le Marais and pop in stores like Coiffeur Vintage, Free ‘P’ Star and Come On Eileen. You’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces that will truly stand out (and won’t break the bank).

4. Be confident. You’ve heard it before, but it’s so important that it bears repeating – you can be wearing a gorgeous ensemble, but if you’re not comfortable in it, it will show. Be adventurous and love what you’ve got on – you’ll find that others will follow.

Weekend: Oysters and vineyard

2012-04-13T07:03:00.001+10:00

By losing on the road to Pont du Gard, a random way, you will discover a haven of peace where the sea has deposited its fruit :

an oyster bar in the heart of the vineyards.

Cap on l'huitre et la vigne restaurant. This is the story of Anne-Sophie, specialist in oysters, which meets Benedict, winemaker.Together, they cultivate their vines and have an idea.

Good idea: invite seafood in their earthly paradise. On tables in the garden, the tide is flirting with the soil,tease shrimp tapas, gambas undress in the shade of mulberry trees, lobster opensto the music of crickets.

And we, a small white hand, an oyster in the other, trying to enjoy the sea breeze and the sunset over the vineyards ... It is not good, there?

L'huitre et la vigne restaurant
1 Route de St Hilaire - Peyre Plantade - 30210 St Hilaire Ozilhan
Tel. 04 66 01 63 97 -
Open for lunch and dinner by reservation
20/30 € A la carte

The Fashion Rendez-Vous of Galeries Lafayette

2012-04-13T06:52:00.002+10:00

Deep down epicureans, know-how pros and fans of beautiful things, you never tire of discovering what makes the world even more beautiful and trendy.

Next week, the famous Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store is creating the event and inviting you to discover the backstage of fashion and encounter professionals who reinvent French fashion, design and gastronomy every day.

You will happily float from fashion conferences to gourmet gatherings, animated by the creator of « Haute Pâtisserie » Pierre Hermé, the jeweler Jean Boggio, the consultant Mode & Luxe Jean-Jacques Picart, the directors of the lovely Maison Gripoix, as well as couturier Alexis Mabille…

At the Angélina tea salon, around divine pastries, you will meet the star journalist of NRJ Paris, Marie Inbona, for these Fashion Rendez-Vous!

Rendez-Vous de la Mode is taking place Fashion, real fashion will no longer have any secret for you!

Book ahead!!

Salon de Thé Angelina on the 1^st floor of Galeries Lafayette Coupole

For more info: carnet-mode.galerieslafayette.com

The Alain Milliat restaurant : haute couture juice and nectars

2012-04-13T06:48:00.004+10:00

No need to go to the Plaza Athénée or at La Grande Epicerie to taste the fabulous juices of Alain Milliat!

We already told you about them and we are telling you agin, because it’s definitely the GOURMET must for twigs in detox mode this Spring!

You remember? Alain Milliat’s restaurant-grocery has little by little become the canteen of all the du 7^tharrondissement foodistas and much further.

In his grocery corner, you can take your pick from the most amazing small or large bottles: nectar of Williams summer pear (our darling), passion fruit from Brazil, wild blue berries from the Ardèche, of yellow Marmande tomato juice, … without forgetting their delicious home-made jams! In short, more than 50 references, all different, to invite you into a garden as refined as it is extraordinary!

I love… the tea-time + the terrific single menu at lunch and in the evening, terrific little dishes such as their egg in quinoa and parmesan ; for dessert crumbles, cheese-cakes et and house cakes.

Juice starting at 2,90 €

Lunch menu at 22 € and 28 €
Evening menu 29 € and 36 €

Alain Milliat
159, rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris
http://www.alain-milliat.com