Les Filles Giada et Cairo

Goodbye and Hello...

2010-02-11T15:42:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I have to shut down operations here at Les Filles Giada et Cairo. Although this is a sad event for me, I am also happy to announce that I'll be at the helm of a new project: as Editor of The Travel Provocateur blog magazine site. Please follow me over to the dark / bright side, and I hope you can garner me the same support that you have done so with this blog.

I will continue to write about food, travel and lifestyle in a more personal tone at Folie à Deux. Meanwhile, The Travel Provocateur will approach the subjects of travel destinations, hotels, and culinaria in a more investigative manner.

Goodbye, but I hope to see everyone on the other side...

Le Petit Déjeuner

2010-02-06T01:05:00.002-05:00

It is unfortunate that most of us don't really sit down for a proper breakfast except on weekends or while on vacation. But then again, that's what makes it such a special occasion. To me, le petit déjeuner is meant to be a lazy affair; something that encourages you to lean back and enjoy, without the constraints of time.

Whether it is a decadent croissant sandwich, stuffed omelet, fresh baked goods, crepes and toasts, or fruits and yoghurt, the first meal of the day is often accompanied by fresh fruit juice, chocolat chaud, coffee or tea. This is how we like breaking the fast, and we have been fortunate to enjoy such liberties at home and in our travels.

What about you? What is your favourite breakfast?

Buta No Kakuni

2010-02-02T23:15:00.006-05:00

Inspired by a delicious Japanese-style tapas dinner at Guu Izakaya weeks ago, I hunted high and low to find a recipe for Buta No Kakuni, a braised pork belly dish that is widely popular in Japan and China.

Little did I know that my family holds a treasured recipe of this warming stew, handed down from my grandmother (who passed away last August). Here is my granny's version, taking cues from both Japanese and Chinese influences. It is believed that my "amah" took this recipe with her when she fled Communist China for the then Japanese-occupied Philippines. She honed her skills in her tiny home kitchen, gathering inspiration from her native China, and from the remnants of World War II Japan in her adopted homeland, the Philippines. She cooked with pride and perseverance - rightly so, as she raised and fed 11 kids on her own (my grandfather died at a very young age, leaving my grandmother a widow with 9 kids of their own + 2 stepchildren)! The general rule with this dish is, 'a little goes a long way'. Do not say I didn't warn you: this is artery-clogging goodness!

Buta No Kakuni / Japanese-Style Braised Pork Belly a la Amah

1 lb pork belly
1 stalk leek, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece fresh ginger (1 inch), sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
4 pieces star anise
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons Japanese Sake or Chinese white wine
1 teaspoon white miso paste
2 cups water
spring onions for garnish
salt and pepper

Cut the pork into cubes about 2 inches each and season with salt and pepper. Heat a heavy-bottom pot and sauté pork belly cubes until brown without any added oil (the pork fat will release oil).

When the meat is brown, set aside. Caramelize brown sugar in the rendered pork fat, about 1 - 2 minutes, adding the Chinese five spice powder at the end. Toss the meat back in the pot to coat with the sugar-and-five-spice mixture.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot: leek, garlic, ginger, star anise, soy sauce, sake, miso paste, and water. Bring to a slow simmer for 2-3 hours until meat is fork-tender, turning occasionally. If water or liquid level becomes too low, prepare the sauce mixture as above with same ingredients and measurements, then add to the pot.

Serve pork belly with hot white rice. Drizzle some meat sauce on top and sprinkle with spring onions.

My Man-Crushes. Sartorially Speaking.

2010-01-27T16:33:00.001-05:00

I love me a well-dressed man. He has to have a certain je ne sais quoi, along with a dapperness that is kind of raffish, but in a good way. He proudly shows a vulnerability (or is it confidence?) by zoning in on an unexpected sartorial detail with an accidental purpose. Don't know exactly what I am talking about? Let these men do the talking. And dressing.

In Florence, a classic woven Panama hat is paired with a slim navy suit and an unbuttoned white shirt for an effortlessly cool look.

In Milan, whimsical punches of red contrast a stark grey suit. Floodwater pants are de rigueur to show off argyle-printed socks, while a capricious polka-dot pocket kerchief rounds out the outfit perfectly.

In Milan, a shot of green (gloves) and blue (neckerchief) gingers up an otherwise neutral tan-and-white combo.

In Florence, a paisley shirt and a look-ma-no-socks trend add a definitive twist to cigarette-slim jacket sleeves and folded-up pants. Don't forget the hat!

In New York City, the concrete jungle needs sturdy boots (like these) that don't scream 'lumberjack' all the way to the outer boroughs.

In Paris, a back-to-basics look works well with classic Ray-Ban wayfarers, a cardigan tied to the waist, and a pack of smokes. Very Risky Business, if you know what I mean.

In Milan again, the Green Lantern returns with a vengeance in short leather gloves and a yellow (!?) phone.

In the fashion model world, drop-crotched, sarouel-inspired pants are worn by sexy men in thongs. Thong slippers, I mean.

In Rio de Janeiro, khakis with a belt detail - and a gorgeous smile - prove that these pants are not just for slackers.

In Paris, it is perfectly acceptable to don a military jacket with a Deutsche flag and pair it with a standard blue oxford shirt, nerdy glasses, and a startling turquoise riding helmet.

And somewhere in the world, a venerable-looking Asian chap stirs up his navy suit with cuffed jeans and brown suede shoes.

In Governor's Island, a Charleston dance party brings the spectator shoes out from them dandy folks.

In New York City via Darjeeling Unlimited, this actor / jeweller is at the summit of cool with his frayed, organic scarf and traditional turban.

In Milan, coiffed macho hair and a fu-manchu beard jazz up staid camel and grey suiting. Aviators add a mystery behind the man.

In Berlin (guy on the left), a 40's navy hat and trench coat give a bit of a deconstructed vintage feel to a modern t-shirt-and-jeans James Dean look.

All images via The Sartorialist

Which look catches your fancy?

Chic Bébé

2010-01-10T00:40:00.003-05:00

No one does chic baby better than the French. So here's a black book of bonnes addresses from all over Europe for überstylish moms to call on. But with stuff this cool, it's going to be very hard keeping these places a secret. Which ones are your favourites?

Marie Rose et Alice, Paris

Alice à Paris, Paris

Imps & Elfs, Netherlands

Soft Gallery, Denmark

Ube Ule, Paris

Oona L'Ourse, Paris

Marie Puce, Paris

Antik Batik Kids, Paris

Le Poussette Café, Paris

My Top 3 Most-Wanted Family Escape for 2010

2010-01-05T21:03:00.017-05:00

After whining like a baby and having a mini-meltdown, my loving, generous, supportive, and wonderful husband(!) finally agreed to "take a chance" on my life-long dream: an RTW (round-the-world) trip for a minimum of 6 months with our two girls. It may have been the crazy-hot Indian food we had here on New Year's Day, but the wheels in my head had been ceaselessly turning since. How will we save up? How much do we need? Where will we go? But while the RTW trip won't probably happen until 5 years from now (when this one on the way is at least that old), we're still planning annual vacations, since I - as many of you would know - suffer from a condition known as "having itchy feet".

2010 is no exception. We still have to go on our annual family pilgrimage, ahem, vacation. Here are my top choices for a family escape this 2010. Oh, would you, could you, help us decide? Note that we'll be lugging around a months-old infant.

*Please feel free to click on the links to get an idea of some of the gorgeous places...

1. The Garden Route and Madikwe Reserve, South Africa
South Africa was our original choice for a most-wanted family escape for 2010, but tastes and preferences seem to evolve much quicker than the ocean tides. If we do decide to go to South Africa like originally planned, it would start at Cape Town, staying at the child-friendly Beaumont House. Then we'd take our rental car around the the Cape Winelands, visiting and dining around Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschoek, and perhaps, staying a couple of nights at Le Quartier Francais (if we want to splurge) or Auberge Clermont (if we want to save some bucks). We will then stay at Hermanus for some whale watching, then proceed to Arniston and Mossel Bay before heading to Knysna where we base ourselves to visit the ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn and the Cango Caves and Wildlife Ranch. A stay at Plettenberg Bay is also a possibility before we finish up at Port Elizabeth, where we catch a flight for Johannesburg via Cape Town. Once in Jo'burg, we take a private car to malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve for our safari dose, staying at a family suite with a private plunge pool at andBeyond's Madikwe Safari Lodge.

Cape Town, South Africa

Boutique estates of the Cape Winelands

2. Guatemala
First, we fly to the main airport in Guatemala City and head straight to Antigua - Central America's most well-preserved Spanish colonial town. We base ourselves in Antigua for a few days, staying at the child-friendly El Convento (for a splurge) or at the equally charming Meson Panza Verde (for a cheaper but similar alternative). We would then take a short day trip flight to climb the mystical ruins of Tikal. Afterwards, we head over to the peaceful Lake Atitlan, staying at one of the gorgeous open-to-nature suites of Laguna Lodge and Eco-Reosrt - a child-friendly boutique bolthole on the banks of the lake. We'd probably spend a few days here, visiting adjacent towns, kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing amidst the Alpine-like scenery. En route back, we make an early stop at the Thursday or Sunday markets of Chichicastenango. Finally, we would return to Antigua for some Mayan cooking classes - a great way to end the trip.

Antigua, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan by 3Neus

3. Syria
I've always been fascinated by the Middle East, so UNESCO-Heritage-rich Syria is on top of my list. Contrary to popular belief, Syria is actually a family-friendly place to visit. Like many have pointed out, it is not a country full of terrorists and suicide bombers! We'd start our Syrian adventure in Damascus, staying in a traditional inn or a boutique guesthouse like Beit Al Mamlouka within the Old City. In Damascus, we'd hit the Umayyad Mosque, wander through Straight Street and Souk al-Hamidiyya, and spend days discovering wonderful Damascene houses and delicious restaurants around the Old City. A day trip to Bosra, 2-hours away from Damascus, should be an easy excursion; however, a 3-hour trip to the ancient ruins of Palmyra might warrant an overnight stay in the area. We'd most likely rent a car in Damascus and drive through the fertile plains between the Jebel al-Ansariye and the Mediterranean Coast, where we visit the well-preserved Crusader castles near the towns of Homs, Safita, Tartus, Baniyas, and Latakia. We'll keep driving north to the ancient city of Aleppo to witness the magnificence of its citadel, its covered souks, and the country's best mezzes. In Aleppo, staying at the romantic Dar Zamaria is a must.

Umayyad Mosque in Damascus by Ai@ce

Aleppo Citadel by martijn munneke

Of the 3 most-wanted family escape for 2010, which one speaks to you the most? Which one will you recommend us to take? I am seriously torn!

Changes

2009-12-28T15:30:00.005-05:00

After watching the disturbing Food, Inc. documentary, I made a mental note to change the way I eat. Nope, I'm not turning Vegan or Vegetarian because that's just too much pressure on me. But I vow to make more informed choices, and I will elect to consume more wholesome and nutritionally-dense food whenever I can. Shocking as the movie was, I believe there is a grain of truth (pun intended) in the issues raised.

So I am saying bye-bye to purchasing artery-clogging items like this $20 luscious and creamy fresh-churned Beurre d'Isigny Ste-Mère butter from France that I slather on my refined-wheat baguette. Instead, I'll stick to olive oil or Vegan butter and whole grain bread.

Just in time for the switch, I recently added these titles to my cookbook collection, hoping to go through the recipes one by one.

Some of the recipes that I am eager to try starting today are:
From Tal Ronnen, the Conscious Cook

From Fresh Restaurant in Toronto
Dragon Bowl with Tofu Steak, Vegetables, and Miso Gravy on Brown Rice...

Vegetarian Burger with Spicy House Mayo...

And some fruit elixirs that can detox the body and combat harmful free-radicals.

Lung Lover Immune Elixir with ginger root, red apples, cayenne pepper and licorice root...

Supersonic Energy Elixir with mango juice, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries...

Liver Flush Immune Elixir with ginger root, beets, lemon, and pink grapefruit...

It's going to be difficult cutting down or giving up my beloved pastries and favourite restaurant food. However, I concluded that, with the strength of my will and the courage of my heart, I can find a balance "in moderation". So, here's to good and clean living in the new year. No pressure.

Seriously.

2009-12-20T16:45:00.008-05:00

I'm a moron. I somehow managed to deep fry the skin on my hand that only a moron could. How did I brilliantly managed to do this? One special Saturday night (last night), we decided to stay in. In the midst of my Pork-Tenderloin-in-a-Shallot-Merlot-Country-Mustard-Sauce-with-Red-Himalayan-Rice oeuvre, and whilst immersed in my own manic thoughts, I grabbed a hot skillet with my naked hand. A skillet that just came out of a 500-degree-Fahrenheit oven. I actually heard my palm sizzling. So, I did what made sense the most: dropped everything and ran to immerse the injured hand in ice cold water. 3 hours and a very pruny hand later, it still felt like it was f***ing on fire every time I removed it from the ice bath. Since no amount of cold water and Aloe could soothe the burning sensation, I begged my husband to take me to the hospital Emergency Room. As soon as the doctor on-call checked (and chuckled) and bandaged my hand in Polysporin and special burn pads, it felt much better, although I still need to see a Plastic Surgeon! A Plastic Surgeon. To monitor any infection and to follow the healing, in case the new skin has malforming effects. Seriously, I am a moron.

However, one of the advantages of being injured and taped up like a mummy is that you get spoiled. Seriously. I told my husband I wanted a heart-warming, decadent breakfast. He drove to my favourite pâtisserie, Nadège, on Queen Street West and came back with this package.

Now, you have to understand that Nadège Nourian, pâtisserie owner / pastry chef, hails from Paris, France - my favourite city in the world for anything sweet. Yet she does not concern herself with the conventional image of the wicker-chaired, pressed-tin-ceilinged Parisian café that most Canadians have. She brings modern Paris to Toronto. And having worked at Michelin-rated Hakkasan in London as Executive Pastry Chef, there's something about her pedigree that brings legitimacy to her shop.

I love everything about Nadège the pâtisserie and Nadège the artist. Not only did she bring her right-hand woman, Sous Pastry Chef, Laur Larrose, to Toronto, but she also imports her ingredients from France (i.e. butter and chocolate, etc.). Is it any surprise that this is one of the most authentic French pâtisseries that ever graced our city?

Even at $7 CAD a piece, I highly recommend their savoury breakfast croissants. They have bacon, egg, and tomato; smoked salmon; ham and cheese; and vegetarian - all wrapped in her signature flaky butter croissant. But don't be fooled by the simple description. The ingredients are of super high quality and they are elegantly presented - like most things French! Delicieux! Seriously. This is not your regular Tim Hortons, Au Bon Pain, or Starbucks sandwich. This is Paris!

Oh, and their viennoiserie and desserts are just absolutely heavenly. Layers and layers of flaky, buttery crust imbued with fresh, deluxe fillings that are NOT the usual sugary stuff that North Americans are barraged with. You actually taste the fruits and the spices themselves, not the fake stuff laden in sucrose.

This chocolate pear croissant dusted in dark cocoa powder is absolutely divine, without making you feel like you've just eaten a kilo of sugar and were about to go into a diabetic coma. The croissant is light with airy layers. The pear filling is actually made of fresh pears, sweetened only by nature's touch (not the artificial stuff). The dark chocolate is smoky and spicy - like it should really be - not too sugary.

The fig crumble square and raisin brioche are quite the perfect breakfast alternatives as well, although there's something else that I supremely adore.

The French macarons! My fave Nadège flavour? Salted Caramel. Don't be fooled by the yellow cookies. Inside, it's a perfect brown caramel brûlée intensified beautifully with fleur de sel. This is some serious desert!

And don't even get me started on their fancy sweets and haute mini cakes!

So I can't help buying a pack of four macarons to give away to my office mates and friends. For them, I selected these flavours (from top): Olive Oil, Dark Chocolate, Blackcurrant, and Salted Caramel. 'Tis the season to be sharing anyway. Seriously.

A Little Afternoon Delight

2009-12-15T22:12:00.003-05:00

Weekends are for relaxing at home. And this is my version of an afternoon delight!

It all started with a trip to my local gourmet shop. I went in for a loaf of fresh French baguette, but I surfaced with these chocolate goodies. Snack-perfect Chocolatour bars are a great prelude to imaginary trips around the cocoa-plantations of Tanzania, Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Ecuador.

Scharffen Berger natural cocoa powder and 99% dark chocolate bars were calling for a mid-day project.

So I dug through my old recipe files to come up with these Nutty Double Chocolate Cookies, replacing half of the unsweetened cocoa powder for grated chocolate.

Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle with icing sugar...

After toiling in the kitchen, I felt like I deserved a break and made a beeline for my closet of goodies. The beauty stuff: Fresh Umbrian Clay mask, Benefit's Honey Scrub Out of It exfoliator, Guinot Biologique algae gel mask, Philosophy's Hope in a Jar face cream, and Palmer's Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark cream.

I sprinkled a handful of pink Himalayan sea salt crystals to a running bath. Warming, soothing, embracing, relaxing, and calming waters met my very tired body. I gave myself a luxurious facial and I closed my eyes to rest.

My secret obsession on a lazy afternoon? Glossy, international fashion magazines!

Then at night, I got ready for a friend's birthday dinner at lol resto lounge. Ahhh...a satisfying day altogether!

The Maternity Chronicles: The Bohemian Belly and Balenciaga

2009-12-09T13:12:00.007-05:00

I decided to go Bohemian with this floral-print dress underneath a faux fur vest (I can never wear the real thing). A hat and short pirate boots, I think, give a little edge to the boho style without looking too much like Laura Ashley exploded in the country. It's also the perfectly sweet outfit to hide a growing belly.

And the bag I am absolutely dreaming of getting oh-so-soon as a gift to myself for carrying baby Cairo for 9 months? Balenciaga's Part-Time or Giant City handbag! Ahem, there is - although subtle - a difference between the two, and I can't seem to decide which one I like best.

Balenciaga's Part-Time - Soft vintage crafted lambskin measuring 16" x 6" x 9" in Raisin

Balenciaga's Giant City - Soft vintage crafted lambskin measuring 15" x 3.5" x 10" in Raisin

The House of Balenciaga was founded in 1918 by Cristobal Balenciaga in San Sebastian, Spain. As one of the 14 remaining haute couture houses in Paris, Balenciaga has been one of the most influential ateliers dominating the fashion world. Today, under the helm of Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière and the Gucci Group, the house is once again at the forefront of fashion, churning out the most innovative ready-to-wear and couture collection from its 'Le Dix' atelier on 10 Avenue Georges V in Paris.

Winner of Lubitel Lomo Camera !!!

2009-12-06T12:02:00.002-05:00

Announcing the winner of the Lubitel 166+ Lomo Camera...

Number 29...

Mimi Charmante...

Congratulations! I will contact you shortly for your shipping address.

To all followers, thank you for joining but please stay tuned for another lomo camera draw soon!!!

Let Them Eat Cake

2009-12-04T23:20:00.002-05:00

It's been a few years since Sophia Coppola's movie, Marie Antoinette, fascinated many a number of women around the world. Including me. Milena Canonero's costumes in pastel palettes beautifully set off the gorgeous Ladurée pastries, as well as Manolo Blahnik and Pompei shoes featured in the film. Absolutely. Divine.

These cupcake soaps from Tval in Toronto could have made some great props for the movie. And although there is a debate whether Marie Antoinette actually uttered the famous "Let them eat cake" statement, there is no denying how deliciously tempting to do just that with these amazing creations. Please resist the urge to lick.

Tval Skincare
799 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada
(416) 815-7626

Maternity Wear Need Not Be Boring, Part 2

2009-11-29T18:45:00.010-05:00

So, I've been quite depressed lately. And one of the reasons (out of many) is my having to come to terms with my body. I've had body issues for the last few years. In my late 20's and single days, I went from 89 pounds (truly unhealthy for a 5'1" gal) to a good 100 - 105 pounds by the time I was married at age 31. Within the 1 year we were trying for a baby - with a subsequent miscarriage somewhere in the middle - I gained about 8 - 10 pounds. By the time I squeezed out my daughter who is now almost 3-years-old, I was teetering around 118 pounds. And the problem is, I HATE working out. I also HATE dieting (I love butter, cheese, fat, sweets, carbs - you name it).

Above: Hiding my pregnant belly with a wool sweater by Vanessa Bruno; Leggings by C'est Moi. Too bad I have no Hermés Kelly bag to shield my bump!

Then one day, I realized that I HATE feeling out-of-control when it comes to body image, because I know I CAN control the way I look. As a result of this insecurity, my interest in fashion and beauty waned tremendously, although I am recently gaining confidence again even though I am pregnant with daughter number 2. During the last year or so, I gave away, altogether a total of 4 moving boxes of good quality "skinny" clothes. Let's just say the teenaged girl who got her hands on some of the items had tears of joy in her eyes.

Now, here's part 2 of maternity style. The items below are all purchased from "regular" stores / brands, and not maternity shops. And you know what? It makes me feel good to be able to have the option to fit in regularly-sized clothes. I refuse to be a victim of the shapeless maternity frock! Amen.

Above: Drape top by Central Park West; Leggings from C'est Moi; Necklace from Banana Republic; Pirate ankle boots from Brown's

Above: Cashmere wool sweater top by Wilfred; Moss cashmere-silk blend t-shirt by Talula; Necklace from Aldo; Leggings from Club Monaco; Pirate ankle boots from Brown's

Above: Wool sweater coat by Ines at Aritzia; Moss cashmere-silk blend t-shirt by Talula; Necklaces from Etsy; Leggings from Club Monaco; Pirate ankle boots from Brown's

Above: Asymmetrical wrap by Full Circle; Leggings from Club Monaco; Suede boots from Steve Madden

For part 1 of non-maternity maternity looks, scroll on below.

What about you? Do you have some tips on dressing a pregnant woman?

Maternity Wear Need Not Be Boring, Part 1

2009-11-28T01:00:00.009-05:00

I'm not the one to shop at maternity stores. So, here are my picks for pregnancy wear this fall/winter '09-'10. I am currently 22 weeks and growing rapidly! Note to self: cut out all the sugar!

Above: Bright mustard halter top from Anthropologie; Black sweater from Comptoir des Cotonniers; Necklace from Anthropologie; Leggings from Anthropologie; Boots from Steve Madden

Above: Blush pink bat wing top from Wilfred; Necklace from Anthropologie; Leggings from Anthropologie; Boots from Steve Madden

Above: Pink cowl neck from Wilfred; Brown sweater from Aritzia; Leggings from TNA; Boots from Brown's

Above: Black asymmetrical swing top from Isabel Marant; Leggings from TNA; Boots from Brown's

I am truly lucky to be pregnant at this time when loose tops, leggings, and high boots are pretty easy to find. Whether you are in Paris, Milan, New York...or Toronto! More maternity wear ideas to follow.

P.S. Don't forget to be a Google Follower to join my Lubitel 166+ camera giveaway. The draw is on December 6, 2009! See post here.

Lubitel 166+ Camera Giveaway!!!

2009-11-24T21:20:00.008-05:00

Hey guys and gals,

This is one giveaway you absolutely wouldn't want to miss!

Folie á Deux and Les Filles Giada et Cairo blogs are giving away one all-new, Soviet-style Lubitel 166+ Universal Lomo medium-format film camera. For more information on the Lubitel 166+, click here . Prize package includes camera, accessories, colour ring flash, Lomo book, a box of limited edition Agfa black and white film, and coloured films. *This is NOT a sponsored event.

This prize package is worth over $500!!!

Rules of Engagement:
1. Be a Google Follower of Folie á Deux or Les Filles Giada et Cairo or BOTH (for two entries)!

2. All Followers will be automatically entered, unless you give notice stating that you do not wish to be included.

3. Each Follower will be assigned a number according to membership order, starting with Folie á Deux blog followers, then with Les Filles Giada et Cairo blog followers.

4. One winner will be selected on Sunday, December 6, 12 noon EST via random draw. Winner will be announced on the same day.

Good luck, mes chéris

Ballerina Sparkles and Mille Feuilles

2009-11-23T20:45:00.008-05:00

A 3-year-old girl has been dreaming of ballerinas lately. There are instances of awkward pliés and grand jetés, as well as certain en pointe walking on the living room floor.

And naturally, this mama conjures up ballet reveries of her own when she herself was in Madame Renata's class some thirty years ago. And in the world of natural consequences, a starry-eyed mom enrolls her child in beginner ballet lessons, in the hopes that her little angel will appreciate the beauty of movement and grace. Just as she does.

The little girl is dazzled by the delicate gossamer layers of a ballerina's tutu that imitates the silky folds of gentle flowers in bloom.

Meanwhile this mother, although too late to be a ballerina, longs to dress in the elegantly lithe style of the dancing nymphs. She browses Repetto Paris' collection of flats inspired by the company's longstanding tradition of crafting dance shoes.

Two dreamer girls twirl to Mozart's symphony across the floor. The young one, spinning in the joy of the moment; the mother, swooning over an elusive chimera. Perhaps, in a fleet of the mind: a night at the Opéra Garnier, donning an ethereal couture made of mille feuilles, or thousand layers?

"Oyster Dress" by Alexander McQueen for the House of Alexander McQueen, spring/summer 2003

Ball gown by Olivier Theyskens for the House of Ricci, fall/winter 2007-2008

"Eugenie" by Christian Dior for the House of Dior, fall/winter 1948-1949

"Venus" by Christian Dior for the House of Dior, fall/winter 1949-1950

"Chambord" by Christian Dior for the House of Dior, fall/winter 1954-1955

A girl can dream, can she not?

*Gowns via {here}

The Moroccan Fly

2009-11-18T12:00:00.007-05:00

Our little family travelled to Marrakech this spring, et voilà, we all brought home the perfect Moroccan souvenir. Lightweight and treacherously comfortable, these tunics are perfect for lounging around the garden or the beach (or the Sahara Desert) on a balmy summer day.

We loved shopping the artisanat shops of the Marrakech souks, and so we knew that we had to bring something home! This cute little boutique, Warda La Mouche (the name means "Rose the fly"), embodies the kitschy, non-traditional Moroccan style sense that is symptomatic in this European-flavoured desert city. Here, tunics, caftans, and djellabas are crafted in colourful Liberty-style prints with a smattering of embroidery here and there.

Women's tunic dress €75 EUR / $112 USD / $118 CAD

Men's shirt €65 EUR / $97 USD / $102 CAD

Blink and you might miss the store on Rue Riad Zitoun El Jedid on the southeastern part of the medina.

Fashionable place to wear your tunic: Majorelle Garden on Avenue Yacoub el-Mansour in the Ville Nouvelle, Marrakech. The villa was formerly owned by painter Jacques Majorelle but later purchased and skillfully restored by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

Warda La Mouche, Tel. 212 024 38 90 63, no website.

Girls' Night Out

2009-11-16T18:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday nights have a different meaning for me nowadays. Gone are the days when at 11 pm I have my disco nap so I can be ready to head out by midnight. And those early morning walks back home from the club with a coffee and cigarette? Over and done!

Today, I spend Saturday nights with my little girl and we dress up to wherever we go - to a restaurant, the mall, Chapters bookstore, or a family party. And her favourite outfit of late? This Vestiaire de Jeanne blouse made of 100% Belgian linen. We bought a size 6 so she can wear it forever.

Clé of Vestiaire de Jeanne and Vestiaire de Clé has the chicest, most merveilleux linen clothes for girls and women respectively. Mommy (that's me) has her own Vestiaire top here. So, if you want to dress like a Parisienne, put this brand in your style Rolodex. This blouse is €75 EUR / $112 USD / $118 CAD.

As for me, dressing up my very pregnant body has been a challenge. I was extremely lucky to find this bargain black dress with angel wing paillettes from Vero Moda. $52 USD / $55 CAD

And this is the very reason I love having daughters. Because we can dress up to the nines on a Saturday night!

J'adore Vanessa Bruno

2009-11-13T10:00:00.015-05:00

Anyone who picks Lou Doillon as their model / muse has got to have edge with a capital E. Vanessa Bruno, the daughter of a former Scandinavian supermodel and a French fashion house founder, has got the x-factor and the DNA for designing cool stuff!

le film vanessabruno avec Lou Doillon.
the film vanessabruno with Lou Doillon.
http://www.vanessabruno.com

From the Athé collection autumn-winter 2009-2010, this wool sweater with kimono sleeves and ring collar caught my eye. $330 US / $360 CAD

Here is my very own Vanessa Bruno sweater hanging at home. The wool - like any kind of wool - is a bit itchy, but a smooth bodysuit or undershirt beneath should do the trick.

And guess what? It's great for pregnant women like me! I'm aversed to buying frumpy maternity clothes, but this sweater is a versatile piece that can be worn during and after pregnancy. Paired with black tights and knee-high (or even thigh-high) boots, this is a great functional attire for the very pregnant. So here I am with a watermelon belly, donning the said sweater.

Black has never looked so good. Geometrical sweaters, blunt trapeze dresses, asymmetrical drape tops, and textured pants are just some of the things Vanessa Bruno is known to perfect.

As fashion writer Clara Young puts it in her article, "French Kiss" for Elle Canada, "What the French [sic] are absolutely against is the the 'total look' outfit. It's more about putting together something from a well-known house and relying on small but indispensable brands like Vanessa Bruno and Isabel Marant...they form the backbone of the Parisian woman's wardrobe - not Dior or Chanel."

Chanel Love

2009-11-11T12:00:00.008-05:00

With the recent release of the Coco Avant Chanel movie, I was inspired to dust off my beautiful Chanel Camellia thong slippers, circa spring-summer 2008.

Perfectly comfortable footwear for summer strolls with the family! Guaranteed to take a life of its own while shopping at Chanel's Rue Royale shop in Paris.

When Coco Chanel first pinned a camellia to her suit, the shy scentless flower had suddenly been elevated to an iconic status in the fashion world. It has since become synonymous with the French couturier.

Yet Another Blog. Why I Started This Terrible Idea...

2009-11-10T22:01:00.008-05:00

There's a steaming glass of Parisian Mariage Frères tea on my desk. My favourite blend - Marco Polo - is a fruity, flowery black tea that resonates with hints of strawberry, citrus, and rose.

I must be insane to start another blog. Pensive, I went through the scenario in my head: I have a young family to care for; I already write a travel blog; I'm managing an investment renovation project, and I'm dealing with all kinds of issues regarding my regular (yawn) job. I came to the conclusion that I am, indeed, insane to subject myself to such a behaviour.

I recall when I first started my other blog, Folie à Deux, which is all about travel. I had no expectations that it could lead me anywhere. Not knowing much about HTML and CSS, I spent many sleepless nights learning how to tweak the style sheets. I also had a crash course on how to use a digital SLR camera, Photoshop, my new Mac notebook, and all the social media tools out there. I tell you, those nights came with a price. I'd be exhausted the following day; I would even have mini-meltdowns. It was a time in my life that can be compared to a nuclear near-collapse as I tried to balance my new found love for writing and blogging with breastfeeding an infant who barely slept through the night.

In any case, everything appears to have worked out for the best. Burning the midnight oil on my travel blog, Folie à Deux, earned me a place as a finalist in Best Travel Blog category at the 2008 Weblog Awards. This, in turn, opened many doors for me that I wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to enjoy had I not started the blog. Moreover, I have met many fabulous, like-minded travellers, vagabonds, digital nomads, lifestyle designers whom I respect to the fullest. They have inspired me to revisit my passion and re-evaluate my goals in life.

With this blog, I am hoping to connect with families all over the world, and share in this wonderful journey of parenthood. We can focus on exchanging ideas and advice on mostly fashion and design, but also on travel, food, lifestyle and well-being. Or we can simply relish in swapping evocative photographs or anecdotes of everyday life as a parent.

Why Les Filles Giada et Cairo? Giada is my eldest daughter (almost 3 years old), and Cairo will be the name of this next one coming in March 2010. Les deux filles (the two girls) make my heart sing and they galvanize every inch of my soul.

Some once said that great stories usually come out of terrible ideas. Is this such a terrible idea? We'll see in a few months.

xoxo,
Jen