Recently, the Louvre gathered together all of the works from several of the world’s most legendary painters – Raphael, Rembrandt, Poussin, Watteau, and da Vinci – and displayed them in unprecedented fashion for the art industry’s most notable scholars, historians, restorers, scientists, and curators. The works were taken out of their frames and set onto easels, at eye level with absolutely nothing between them and their viewers. These select visitors were given the unbelievably rare opportunity to witness these works intimately, to explore the canvas on both front and back, and to ruminate on the details of the paintings with their colleagues. The event was called Study Days, and the Louvre asked filmmakers Stan Neumann and Juliette Garcias to capture it all for archival purposes. Later, however, Neumann and Garcias decided to put the footage to use by creating a series of documentary films: the result is Understanding Art: Hidden Lives of Masterpieces, which invites viewers on an unparalleled journey to experience the inner workings of the art world.

Through the eyes of an observer at the Study Days event, the documentaries – five in all, with each focusing on a particular master painter – offer a view of these artists’ work that’s truly one-of-a-kind. It explores the science of art, the topography of its preservation and restoration, the history behind the work, as well as its intellectual merit. The fabulous thing about Understanding Art: Hidden Lives of Masterpieces is that it quite literally offers something for everyone. Folks who have studied these classic masters or had the pleasure of seeing them in-person at the Louvre will appreciate being able to be up close and personal in a way that even a trip to the legendary museum wouldn’t permit, while those who – like me – are interested in art without having a solid knowledge of its details are given a rare and fascinating look at its history.

The Flight into Egypt by Nicolas Poussin, 1657

I went into the collection of films equipped with only a basic knowledge of who these iconic painters were and which of their works are most monumentally remembered, but I came out with a great deal of insight not only into the pieces they painted, but what exactly these pieces have gone through over time – how they’ve changed and what they may have looked like before. The technology involved in art restoration these days, as showcased in the films, is staggering: an x-ray can tell specialists whether edges of the painting have been severed, the changes the original artist may have made, and even whether or not there was another portrait on the canvas before this one. There’s no end to the mysteries that can be uncovered now, though not every question has an answer. It’s fascinating to watch and listen as some of the world’s premiere artistic historians, scholars, and scientists all come together to discuss and hypothesize on the great details of these works. This particularly candid inside-look really gives viewers a deeper understanding of how much of art is rooted in interpretation; the Study Days attendees muse on everything from why the painter chose the strokes he did to the exact goings-on of the story depicted – and it’s all guesses, albeit very educated ones. It shows the viewer that art is truly accessible. When the scholars use jargon we don’t understand – which does happen, considering that these people have devoted the majority of their lives to exactly what we’re watching them discuss – the documentary interjects with clever and simplistic animation, as well as interviews with several renowned art professionals, to help us see these works through the eyes of the Study Days attendees.

Whether you’re a devout lover or art or just a curious passerby, there’s an entire world in these films that are certain to inspire you. I guarantee that you’ll never look at art the same way again.

Disclosure: I was allowed to screen this documentary for the purpose of review.
DVD image courtesy of AcornMedia, Flight into Egypt courtesy of the Fine Arts Museum of Lyon.

When it comes to swimwear, the style-enthusiast in me is always a little stumped. How can I be creative and self-expressive while wearing a simple swimsuit? I finally realized that being fashionable in swimwear comes down to two factors: the suit and the accessories. Sitting poolside in a bikini is fine, but toss on some jewelry and your look will be instantly more polished and sophisticated. The folks at Spiegel, who’ve been dressing women for over a century, totally get this. They’ve got some completely chic options for the season – from gorgeous swimsuits to cute shoes and jewelry. Combining statement-making swimsuits with attention-grabbing accessories, here are a few ideas to help inspire a very stylish summer.

swimsuit | espadrilles | cuff

I’m such a fan of color, and blue is my particular favorite. What I love about this suit is the number of shades captured in the pattern, so you can pair it up with any other blues or cyans without being matchy-matchy.

swimsuit | bracelets | sandals

This tankini takes color-blocking to a whole new level with its asymmetrical pattern – flattering and super cute. Adding all-black accessories in classic shapes keeps the look collected and draws attention to the bold pop of gold.

swimsuit | flipflop bracelet

Nothing says “style” like animal print. This suit is such a terrific statement piece, but adding in some tribal and natural accessories truly takes the look from head to toe.

swimsuit | bag | necklace | sandal

And of course, you can’t go wrong with simple black and white. An all-white swimsuit gets a serious boost with monochromatic accessories, turning simplicity into show-stopping. (I’d also add a bright red lip for even more flair.)

Whatever your summer style, get creative with your swimwear this season! You can shop these looks and more on Spiegel.com. Finish things off with a sarong and a big floppy hat and you’ll turn beach-style into one-of-a-kind.

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with Spiegel

Kim’s Minimal Design | Juan’s City Cottage | Jessica’s Crafted Space | Hadley’s Cozy Condo in Boston

Megan’s Revived & Renewed | Bethany Kay’s Penthouse Studio | Erin’s Masterful Multifunctionality

Apartment Therapy has the coolest (no pun intended) feature going on right now: their Small Cool 2013 contest is spotlighting readers’ creativity in utilizing every fabulous nook of their small-space homes. The entries are organized into four categories: Teeny Tiny (400 sq ft or less), Tiny (400-600 sq ft), Little (600-800 sq ft), and Small (800-1,000 sq ft). There’s also a separate category for international entries, which are 1,000 sq ft or less. I’ve been browsing the entries for a while, and these are a few of my favorites (even narrowing it down this far took serious work). I love seeing how creatively people address the space around them; it’s proof that your home doesn’t have to be big to be perfectly and personally you. From Kim’s stunningly all-white decor to Malissa’s hand-built 140 sq ft space, there’s so much diversity in these entries, and so much inspiration.

Leslie’s Enchanting Sunlight | Malissa’s Hand-Built Home | John’s Sunlit Studio
Kerry’s Minimized & Mindful | Stephanie’s Best Year Yet

You can see all the Small Cool 2013 entries at Apartment Therapy; “favorite” the ones you love and vote for the grand prize winner starting tomorrow!

Fabulous Bostonians, take note: Peruvian Connection recently designated your city for a new store and it’s looking pretty divine. I’m loving the vibe of this brand which, for over thirty years, has been bringing the beauty of Peruvian style and textiles – along with a deep appreciation for the cultural wonders of the Andes – to the States and the UK. Initiated in 1976 by then-anthropologist Annie Hurlbut and her mother, Biddy, the brand carries a rich history of personal connection which it continues to maintain through design as well as with an admirable attention to ethical and philanthropic detail (read PC Fair Trade Beliefs and PC Gives Back for more).

Annie, who designed the collection at the brand’s inception, continues to evoke the inspiration she finds from Peru through her artistry: she designed the Boston store herself, bringing the cultural and historical nuance of the city to meet Peruvian Connection’s romantic, bohemian vibe. The combination is eclectic, charming, and draws attention to the special relationship between a boutique and its product. Doesn’t the ambiance speak volumes of the brand’s aesthetic? It tells its clients that they’re experiencing a lifestyle as well as apparel and accessories, and I love that.

You can visit Peruvian Connection’s lovely new boutique at 170 Newbury Street – I’ll certainly be making it a must-visit the next time I’m in Boston. If you’re in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, or Santa Fe, be on the lookout for new PC locations in your city as well; it’s also still rooted in the place of its birth: Kansas City. Read more about PC’s history and shop online where they’re currently hosting a very appealing Memorial Day sale. Happy shopping!

Photos: courtesy of Peruvian Connection

A gorgeous, sunny, breezy May afternoon spent in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island, is certainly not a bad way to spend a birthday. Touring two of the fabulous “summer cottages” of Vanderbilt brothers William K. and Cornelius II was a perfect thrill, and I’m now going to make a habit of going through my photos from the trip with Dario Marianelli’s score for the 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptation in the background. If you’re ever in Newport, take a few days, if possible. One for the Newport Mansions, so you’ll have plenty of time to linger over the fascinatingly informational audio tours (Marble House especially has a particularly entertaining history, and swoon-worthy interiors) and leave yourself time for traversing the grounds; load up your iPod with some Bach in advance. Bring your walking shoes for another day at the Cliff Walk where you’ll have the absolutely stunning water to one side and the backyard of America’s Gilded Age to the other. And one more day for shopping and dining on America’s Cup Avenue, with a sojourn down Bowen’s Wharf and a few stolen meditative moments on the docks at sunset. Perfection.

P.S. My dress is a darling little thing by Liz Claiborne which you can get for $40 right here.

The only thing prettier than the Mes Dames Spring/Summer 2013 lookbook might be the actual collection. The fabrics and the colors speak volumes in these photographs, the shapes and muted tones. For the very belated spring we’ve had here these have helped lend inspiration to the awkward transitional doldrums. Now, finally, the flowers are popping and the colors are finally starting to liven up. It’s about time. All that’s needed is to get my hands on that gorgeous printed blouse!

Browse the full collection over here.

my blog-reading routine

On my browser: Feedly

On my tablet: Flipboard

Back in March Google announced that it would be powering down Google Reader, and this week the beautiful HelloCotton will be closing as well. With all of these changes going on, I wanted to drop in a little list of links here in the hopes of making subscribing to your favorite blogs as easy as ever.

The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower has gone through a transitional period in my life, as my may have noticed or even, in some cases, acted as a sounding board over. I appreciate every moment of this journey, from the place I’m at now – so vastly different, and perhaps all the more fulfilling, than what I expected – to every wonderful surprise along the way. While my focus changes, the biggest difference visitors will find here will be a continued and blissful simplicity. Updates may not be as frequent as they once were, but they’ll always be from the heart, and hopefully they’ll continue to inspire a life of simple elegance. I love having the opportunity to collect all of the things that entertain, enlighten and inspire me; and if I should bring something new and interesting into someone else’s life as well…that’s the icing on the cake! For those who would like to continue to receive updates (thank you for that!), I’ll round up the collective options (that I know of) for keeping connected.

As ever, if you have any questions – or if you have a favorite blog-reader I didn’t mention – feel free to contact me or drop me a note at any of the sites just above. Good luck!

01. Circle Sunnies, $50 | 02. Circle Studs in Stripe, $20 | 03. Linked-In Necklace in Abstract, $45
04. The Weekend Calendar, $25 | 05. Everyday Shift Dress in Abstract, $170
06. Top-Handle Small Satchel in Ocean Blue | 07. The Small Weekender Bag in Signature Zig Zag, $160
08. Slip Neck Ponte Dress in Black, $130 | 09. Circle-In-Square Bracelet in Yellow, $35
10. Large Squared-Away Cosmetic Case in Abstract, $85

Saturday, the fab new extension of the kate spade new york family, is high on my list of loves at the moment. If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the Saturday online store – as I was – then you’ll be thrilled to know that Kate Spade Saturday went live last week. And it’s adorable. Curated for the everygirl’s weekend style, the collection offers clothing, accessories, and home items in chic colors and bold prints. One of my favorite pieces is the Weekender bag, which sets the tone for Saturday’s jet-setter attitude. It’s practical, organized, and you can even design your own (monogrammed, of course!). Last but not least, Saturday offers kate spade style at a great price point. What’s not to love?!

“I truly believe that when you love what you do, you never ‘work’ a day in your life. Passion can not be bought, outsourced, thought or faked – it has to be authentic”

“It is about behaviour that is moral or immoral. Knowing what behaviour is proper, and what is not, is the simple part – living those principles requires commitment, integrity, wisdom and courage”

“The sustainable change in fabrics and fashion is irreversible, but I wish for it to happen faster. My vision is to drive this change, not to follow it!”

Photos/Quotes: Courtesy of Nina Skarra

Last month Norwegian designer Nina Skarra made her New York Fashion Week debut with her Autumn/Winter 2013 collection. Since launching her first collection in Paris in 2008, Skarra has racked up a significant place in the fashion sphere, with celebrities and royals alike spotted in her designs (take Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, and Livia Firth, to name a few). I find her use of structure and tailoring quite fabulous, from the classic elements like Peter Pan collars and peplum to the more abstract and adventurous. The color palette is exactly my style, too – stark blacks and whites with the now-classic pops of royal blue and deep red. The impossibly chic red lip is the ultimate accessory. The element of her brand that most resonates with me, though, is Skarra’s dedication to sustainability. She knows that the growth of eco-friendly design within the industry is a vital endeavor. It’s always inspiring to see a brand approach sustainability and environmental awareness with such a strong level of responsibility. And that she’s taking eco-friendly design to the high-fashion spectre tells of her passion – not to mention her fearlessness.

Nina Skarra: Website | Facebook | Twitter

For three seasons Downton Abbey has come into our lives, taken us through its comedic highs and dramatic lows, and left us emotionally exhausted thanks to the stellar writing and the brilliant, brilliant performances. We survived the year-long wait after Season 2; survived the tumultuous joys and heartbreaks of Season 3; and now it’s time to get through another year of waiting as Season 4 begins to take shape. What’s a fan to do?! Well…a lot, actually. Whether you’re looking for more drama, more costumes, more of the cast, or more from the mind of Julian Fellowes, here’s a rather big selection of books and films to keep you entertained for the long journey to Season 4. If you’d like any more info on these selections just leave me a note, a tweet, or any other form of message that you fancy. Otherwise sit back, deep breaths, step away from the spoilers, and enjoy.

North & South // A Room With A View // Daniel Deronda // Cranford
Island at War // Sense & Sensibility // The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel // The Turn of the Screw

a cheat sheet…
Brendan Coyle …… Mr. Bates
Timothy Piggot-Smith …… Sir Philip Tapsel
Elizabeth McGovern …… Cora Crawley
Hugh Bonneville …… Robert Crawley
Jim Carter …… Mr. Carson
Joanne Froggott …… Anna Smith
Dan Stevens …… Matthew Crawley
Dame Maggie Smith …… Violet Crawley
Penelope Wilton …… Isobel Crawley
Michelle Dockery …… Lady Mary Crawley

Of note: The 2008 adaptation of The Turn of the Screw was the first time Dan Stevens and Michelle Dockery teamed up onscreen — with less falling in love and more possessed children — but, unfortunately it’s not yet available in the USA.

Must-see: North and South (currently streaming free on Amazon Prime) is possibly my all-time favorite period drama, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Guess who: In Cranford, Jim Carter costars with his fabulous wife, Imelda Staunton; and if one Downton star isn’t enough, Michelle Dockery makes an appearance in the Christmas special sequel, Return to Cranford. Cranford is a fantastic miniseries to watch if you’re a period drama enthusiast, as its cast members are all veterans of the genre. Watch it and see who you recognize!

Gosford Park // Snobs // From Time to Time
Titanic // Past Imperfect // The Young Victoria

And the Oscar goes to: Gosford Park, for which Julian Fellowes’s screenplay won an Academy Award, was the inspiration for Downton Abbey. Downton was originally supposed to be a spin-off of Gosford, but Fellowes later decided to set the story in an earlier era.

As seen on Downton Abbey: Dame Maggie Smith stars in both Gosford Park and From Time to Time, while Maria Doyle Kennedy (Vera Bates) appears in Fellowes’s 2012 drama, Titanic.

Fangirl moment: I have to segue here and briefly mention that Maria Doyle Kennedy is a really cool lady. Not only is she a brilliant actress (she made us all detest Vera, and she also dropped her Irish accent to play a Spaniard, Catherine of Aragon in Showtime’s The Tudors), but she’s also a rather lovely singer. Have a listen to her song with Damien Rice: Sing. Her albums are on Spotify.

A novel idea: Back to Julian. His writing has gone beyond the screen to several novels; Snobs, his first novel, was published in 2004 while Past Imperfect was published in 2008. Both are still in print.

Cambridge Spies // Mr. Selfridge (3/31, PBS) // Call the Midwife (3/31, PBS)
Glorious 39 // Birdsong // The Forsyte Saga

Suit and tie: When we talk about fashion in period dramas we often talk about the women. But Cambridge Spies – about British men recruited as spies for Russia in the 1930s – features some fabulous style moments from its male stars: Toby Stephens, Rupert Penry-Jones, Samuel West, and the terrific Tom Hollander.

Downton Abbey for fashion enthusiasts: Masterpiece Classic is taking a break after Downton, but it returns on March 31st with the premiere of Mr. Selfridge, a must-see drama for the style inclined. It follows American businessman Harry Gordon Selfridge (Jeremy Piven) as he creates the now-legendary Selfridge’s department store in 1909 London. Catch the trailer here.

From housemaids to midwives: Also premiering on March 31st is Season 2 of the tremendous hit Call the Midwife. The drama focuses on the nuns and nurses who worked as midwives in London’s poorest neighborhood in the 1940s. You can find highlights from the first season here and, if your interest is piqued, you can watch Season 1 on Netflix and Amazon Instant Video while you wait for the second season’s premiere.

Brody’s a Brit: The Forsyte Saga is definitely a must for Downton fans; great drama, a wonderful score, terrific writing, and beautiful costumes, not to mention the cast. Homeland viewers will catch Damien Lewis with his native accent when he gives a spine-tingling performance as Soames Forsyte, driven to first love, then obsession, then near madness over beautiful Irene.

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey // While We Were Watching Downton Abbey // Below Stairs
The House at Tyneford // The American Heiress // The House at Riverton

Did they mention Downton Abbey?: One of the biggest trends in the literary world latelty is books inspired by Downton Abbey. From biographies on real-life ladies and maids who lived in the time of Downton Abbey, to fictional stories that ride the same wavelength as Downton Abbey, to novels about women who watch Downton Abbey… You can really just go hog wild here.