Habitually Chic®

A Chic and Masculine Studio

2014-08-19T18:12:00.003-04:00

Now that I'm unpacked and mostly over my jet lag, my next project is to edit my apartment. I really want to live with less stuff. But that doesn't mean that I won't still appreciate maximalist design like this apartment owned by John Devitt, who works in advertising and set design for Ralph Lauren. His studio in the New York's Greenwich Village was featured on Lonny last week and I immediately bookmarked the masculine space. I actually didn't realize it was a studio until I read the article. It's obviously well laid out and the focus is not on the bed which can sometimes happen in studio apartments. While I am set to minimize, I was contemplating adding more photography to my bathroom so I am using his wall of art and photography as inspiration. There is a lot other great inspiration in the bookshelves and kitchen too. Minimizing certainly doesn't mean I'm going to become a minimalist either. I could never give up my books and art.

To read the entire story, click here.

Photographed by Sean Santiago

Chic at Work: Jenna Lyons New Office

2014-08-18T20:28:00.000-04:00

I am going to miss so many things about Paris but working on a laptop is not one of them. It feels good to be back to being productive on a real computer at a real desk. Of course, if I had a real office like Jenna Lyons, I might be even more productive.

I knew she had moved floors at J.Crew and I saw a few images of her new office in Fast Company but Vanity Fair has more photos in their September issue and online. It looks like much of her furniture was incorporated into the new space including her coral colored desk and Saarinen table. It is also filled with personal mementos and artwork by her son that is probably more priceless than the pieces by known artists that she also owns.

The Vanity Fair article also mentions that Jenna is in the middle of a home renovation. Considering the amount of attention her last one received, I can't wait to see the new one when it's ready. Until then, I'll continue to admire her office.

P.S. Make sure you check out my friend Carlos Huber's new perfume for J. Crew from his fragrance company Arquiste on August 20, 2014.

Photos from Vanity Fair and Faast Company

Au Revoir Paris

2014-08-15T06:24:00.000-04:00

Today is the day I say au revoir to Paris. Or maybe I should say à bientôt since I will definitely be back again soon. Time really does fly when you're having fun. I am sad to be living the City of Light but I am also excited to get back to New York. I can't wait to get a proper manicure and pedicure and sleep in my own bed. I look forward to seeing my friends and getting a burger with them at JG Melon. It's funny that it feels like autumn here now and I'll be going back to hot summer temperatures. Thank goodness New York has air conditioning unlike Paris.

But there are so many things I will miss about Paris. I was buying a few last minutes gifts for friends yesterday and watched as the salesperson slowly and carefully wrapped each cadeau. The attention to detail over little things is always amazing and the biggest lesson I've learned in Paris is patience. In New York, I'm used to someone throwing your item in a bag and flinging it at you. In Paris, everything is a production from buying gifts to dining out. The city forces you to slow down.

The French have slowing down and relaxing to a science and I will miss watching them do it.

I will miss all the cobblestone streets and limestone buildings. There is something beautiful around every corner.

I will also miss all the small house museums like the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature above. I visited this unique museum with Tommy Smythe last week and highly recommend visiting if you are traveling with outdoorsy men and boys. It's devoted to hunting and nature.

Anyone who follows me on Instagram will know that I will miss all the great old cars in Paris like this Citroën.

If I had it to do all over again, I would probably not buy so many books. And even after I said this, I bought a old catalog from this bookseller in the Galerie Vivienne. My bags are most definitely going to be overweight at the airport.

I'll miss looking up to see marvelous things like the ceiling of the Opera Garnier.

You also have to look down in Paris. I've walked though the Palais-Royal hundreds of times but never saw this mosaic until a few days ago.

I'll miss catching people on their terrasse, especially when they're wearing striped shirts.

Most of all, I'll miss living next door to Le Bon Marché and seeing their sign from my windows. And shopping for groceries at Le Grande Epicerie. And speaking French with the sweet boys in the boulangerie. Le sigh.

À bientôt Paris !

Have Some Decorum in Paris

2014-08-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

I stopped by my friend Eleanor's today to leave a few things and say goodbye. (That's her above) I can't believe it was exactly three months ago that I landed on her doorstep. Without her generosity, guidance, hospitality, and occasional shoulder to cry on, this trip would not have been possible. What's even more amazing about Eleanor is her positive spirit and sense of humor as she lives with ALS. She does more in a day than most able bodied people, including write her blog Have Some Decorum. She has started writing a book as well and if it's even half as funny as her posts, she will have a bestseller.

Eleanor has been living in Paris with her husband and daughter (and cat) for the past year so I asked her to put together a list of her 10 favorite places in the City of Light. Some you may know and some may be new but they are all special to her.

Merci Eleanor !

Serge Lutens (142 Galerie de Valois, 75001 Paris) - My favorite scent is Kubla Khan. I wear it when I need to be brave.

Baptiste Fleur (38 rue Croix des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris) - They have the most beautiful piaget roses. (Editor's note: I couldn't find a website.)

Grand Mosque de Paris (2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris) - I love having afternoon menthe tea in the courtyard. The gift shop is awesome. They sell the colorful Moroccan tea glasses that also make perfect small flower vases.

Parc de Bagatelle (Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016 Paris) - I love to through the gardens and eat lunch here. There are also free roaming peacocks!

Verjus Restaurant (52 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris) - I always get the fried chicken sandwich on brioche to go from the wine bar downstairs. (Editors note: They are closed for vacance until September 8, 2014.)

Mai Thai (24 bis Rue Saint-Gilles, 75003 Paris) - I have been taking my daughter Gracie here for 10 years. We once sat next to Leslie Caron. Order the coconut milk soup, pad thai, and red curry salmon.

Tabio (15 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris) - I love the perfect French blue cashmere socks with orange monogram. All their socks are handmade in Japan.

La Palette (43 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris) -This is my new favorite cafe for a Thursday night drink. They have the best people watching.

Michele Aragon (21 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris) - Beautiful dishes and antique paisleys. (Editors note: They don't have a website.)

Frenchie To Go (9 rue de Nil, 75002 Paris) - Pastrami sandwiches. Real french fries. Salad with green apples and tart vinaigrette. Sticky buns and doughnuts!

In Memoriam: Lauren Bacall

2014-08-13T04:30:00.000-04:00

"Find me a man who's interesting enough to have dinner with and I'll be happy."

- Lauren Bacall (1924-2014)

Aurelie Bidermann Opens in Soho

2014-08-13T03:22:00.000-04:00

The Aurelie Bidermann boutique on rue des Saint-Pères is currently closed for vacances along with the rest of Paris. Luckily, I will be able to shop her just opened Soho store once I get back to New York. It will be filled with her signature costume bijoux, as well as her new high jewelry collection.

I didn't realize until I read a recent interview that not only did Aurelie Bidermann study art history but she also worked at Sotheby's in the Contemporary Art department before obtaining her diploma in gemology in Antwerp. Her love of jewelry began by going through her grandmother's jewelry box filled with treasures from Cartier and Van Cleef but now Aurelie is inspired by travel, art, books, and her friends. She has often been described as a "true Parisian" but perhaps she'll become a "true New Yorker" thanks to her new store.

Aurelie Bidermann

265 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10012

212-335-0058

Monday to Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm

Sunday 12:00-6:00pm

Aurelie looking chic in her signature designs.

The Soho store will also exclusively carry lapis lazuli scarab pieces. I actually have some old jewelry that looks similar that I will have to pull out when I get home.

Aurelie is another book lover.

O Captain, My Captain

2014-08-12T03:06:00.001-04:00

"...you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, "Most men lead lives of quiet desperation." Don't be resigned to that. Break out!"

- John Keating played by Robin Williams (1951-2014)

in Dead Poets Society

Stone Fruit Salad

2014-08-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

One of the most frustrating aspects of vacances time in Paris is that all the great restaurants are closed. Luckily, my friend and I made it to Verjus the night before they closed for a month. They will reopen on 8 September. It's owned by Americans and is one of the restaurants that is on the recommendation list of everyone I know.

They have a main dining room upstairs that serves a seasonal tasting menu and a wine bar downstairs where you can order small plates. We ordered a few things including a salad with marinated sheep's milk feta, grilled peaches, young cucumber, thyme honey, and wild arugula that was as delicious as it sounds.

The salad reminded me slightly of a Stone Fruit Salad recipe that Jenni Kayne posted on her blog Rip + Tan. It was created by Barrett of Valleybrink Road and is something that you could adapt in many different ways. I look forward to making it for myself until summer's end.

Stone Fruit Salad

1 nectarine or peach sliced into thin wedges

1 pluot or plum, sliced into wedges

¼ lb baby arugula

Pecorino Romano

Sherry Vinaigrette

1 Tablespoon sherry vinegar

¼ teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon shallot, minced

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

To make the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, dry mustard, and shallot in a small bowl. While whisking, slowly add in the olive oil and whisk until emulsified. Add a pinch of sea salt and some black pepper. Whisk. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary.

To assemble the salad, place the stone fruit and baby arugula in a large bowl. Gently fold together to combine. Slowly drizzle a littledressing over the salad and start to gently mix together. Add dressing just until the leaves of the arugula are lightly coated. With a vegetablepeeler, start shaving long pieces of pecorino into the salad. Mix and continue shaving until youhave a good amount in the salad.

Remember pecorino is salty so taste as you go. If you need to add more salt or pepper, do so now. Give one final gently toss and serve immediately.

Bon Appétit !

Style and Substance

2014-08-09T17:00:00.000-04:00

I was sitting at a cafe with a friend earlier this week when we both remarked that it was beginning to feel like fall. Not only has the temperature dropped but the leaves are already falling off the trees. Each morning, a man from Mairie de Paris sweeps them up along the park outside my window and each evening it is covered again. Of course this has me thinking of fall fashions.

I'm very excited that I return to New York just in time to receive the September issue of WSJ.Magazine with Daria Werbowy on the cover. It will be included in the Wall Street Journal newspaper on Saturday, August 16th. The accompanying autumn inspired spread has me even more excited for neutrals, jeans and jackets. Too bad it will still be oppressively hot when I return to New York.

C'est la vie.

Photography by Josh Olins for WSJ. Magazine

Bon Weekend: 8 August 2014

2014-08-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I have just one more week left in Paris. There is so much I will miss and so much I didn't get to check off my list this summer. I'm actually glad I didn't see it all though because it will give me even more incentive to return again soon.

One of the things I'll miss most about Paris is eating outside at cafes. While we have some cafes in New York, we definitely don't have one on every block and the chairs don't face the street "French style." People watching is the best pastime in Paris.

While my friend and I were at Le Progrès in the Marais, this woman happened to ride past on her bicycle. I will definitely miss scenes like this when I move back to New York.

While trying to find an RER train station that was open last Sunday to get to Versailles, we stumbled into a road rally of classic cars near Les Invalides and the Pont Alexandre III. Needless to say, I was in heaven.

The line to enter the chateau of Versailles was over two hours long so we just visited the gardens and the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. If you don't like crowds or lack patience for lines, I highly recommend this plan. If you stay until almost closing time like we did, you practically have the place to yourself.

I will also miss well dressed gentleman when I return to New York. I just happened to catch this one peeking into the bookstore next to Cafe de Flore yesterday as I waited to meet Tommy Smythe for lunch.

We had gorgeous weather for last few weeks but the rainy season seems to have begun. Tommy Smythe and I were lucky to be inside the Musée de l'Armée in Les Invalides yesterday when it began to pour. If you are visiting Paris with young boys or just want to give your significant other a break from shopping and 18th-century museums, I highly recommend a visit here. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs has large scale models of fortress towns like something you'd see on Game of Thrones. I liked the military uniforms which are quite stunning in person.

We also visited the tomb of Napoleon which sits under the Dôme des Invalides.

Paris is known as the City of Light and the light and sunsets are another thing I'll miss. Although, I am looking forward to going home and seeing my friends and sleeping in my own bed again. This trip has really made me appreciate the work ethic of the United States while also appreciating the way that the French are able to relax and enjoy life. My goal is to try to try to balance the two upon my return.

Bon Week-end !

Photos by me via Instagram.

Malene Birger: Move and Work

2014-08-07T06:30:00.000-04:00

As you know from reading the blog, I'm a huge fan of Danish fashion designer Malene Birger and her book Life and Work: Malene Birger's Life in Pictures. Needless to say, I was thrilled to learn that she's not only releasing a new book, Move and Work, but debuting her new endeavor Birger1962 this fall.

Move and Work will feature many photos taken by Malene herself that chronicle her life, her style, and her work. It will also give insight into her new interior and art brand Birger1962 which will debt at Maison & Objet on the 5th of September 2014. This makes me very sad that I'm going home from Paris early now because I'd love to see it in person.

"As a self-defined nomad, continuously searching the globe for new sources of inspiration, her homes are the cool balance of creative expression, her art and cultural influences. There is an interesting harmony in the masterful combinations of past and future; craftsmanship and modernity; maximalism under control. All keywords for the company’s designs and work."

In addition to living in Copenhagen and London, Malene Birger also lived in Mallorca for six years. Since everyone is still en vacances, I thought I'd post more photos of her gorgeous Mallorca retreat that has since been sold. It's another one of those houses that makes me want to throw out all the color in my life.

Calder and Coppola

2014-08-06T06:34:00.001-04:00

Creativity seems to run through all branches of the Coppola family. They collaborate on projects at various times as well. According to a tidbit ion the T magazine blog, Sofia Coppola recently photographed the look book for her cousin-in-law, Amanda Blake's new line of clothing, Calder, in her own New York apartment. Blake studied at Parsons and worked in New York and Los Angeles before settling in Venice, California where her line is based.

According to the Calder website, "Calder is a line made up of pieces centered around designer Amanda Blake’s idea of creating beautiful, simple things–made to last. Inspired by designers and artists such as Nakashima and Arp who studied the spirit of a material and designed with this in mind. These artists used natural mundane materials such as wood, steel, clay and transformed the into pieces that have lived with us through the years. Calder is built upon this ethos and is a line of beautiful understated clothing crafted from simple cotton jersey that will live in your closet for years to come. As Nakashima chose his wood wisely in crafting his furniture, so has Amanda in choosing the finest cotton jersey that is made in the United States. Calder is accented by other natural fabrics that create a quiet, balanced and classic line made in California."

This news was also an excuse for me to post photos of Sofia Coppola's New York office from Le Monde that I found on A Lovely Being. And to remind you that if you haven't read Sofia's Guide to Paris in The New York Times, you should definitely check it out. It was published in 2006 but as we all know, not much changes in Paris, so most of it is still relevant today.

Bonne journée !

Calder photos by Sofia Coppola. Office photos from Le Monde.

Paris Apartment for Rent

2014-08-05T13:18:00.000-04:00

Remember my Paris apartment that I posted a few weeks ago here? Well, it could be yours from August 15-30. Due to a small Visa issue (with France not the credit card) I can only stay in Paris for 90 days. I am returning to New York on August 15th but have already paid for the apartment for the full month.

It's located on rue de Babylone, right next to Le Bon Marché in the 7th and on the border of the 6th. It is on the 6th floor of an elevator building. It overlooks a park and has amazing light. It would be perfect for one person or a couple. Towels and linens are provided and there is ample storage. WiFi is included but there is no TV. You should be out enjoying Paris and not watching it anyway.

The apartment is only available for August 15-30 so please do not email me about other dates. It might be possible to stay longer if you are looking for a furnished long term rental but you would have to negotiate that with the owner.

If you are interested in renting it for one week ($750) or the full two ($1500), email me at habituallychic@gmail.com. Serious inquiries only please.

If you decide to rent it, I'll send you a list of all my favorite places in the neighborhood and my Paris guide too!

Merci beaucoup !

Maisons de Vacances

2014-08-04T05:31:00.001-04:00

The word vacances is on everyone lips and on the sign on every shop that is closed. It's also the subject of the new special issue of AD France Best of issue, les 25 plus belles maisons de vacances. Some of them I've seen before but not this one in Andalusia by Laura Sartori Remini and Roberto Peregalli of Studio Peregalli. It was designed for an Italian couple from London who wanted a real family home not just a vacation home whose London home they already designed. It was a blank slate in which they used lots of old tiles and weathered materials to look like it's been there longer. You can see this project and more from Studio Peregalli in their book The Invention of the Past: Interior Design and Architecture of Studio Peregalli.

Bonnes vacances !

The monumental entrance is clad in 17th-century Portuguese azulejos tiles. The floor is clad in black and white marble from a baroque palace in Seville.

"In the living room there are two recurring decorative elements of the house: the old tiles and marble floors from the 17th-century. In the background there is a small room whose walls are lined with Chinese porcelain from the 18th-century."

In the dining room, the walls are decorated with large panels of wallpaper dating from the17th-century. The Dutch chair is also from the 17th-century.

The dining room as viewed from the lounge. The coffered ceilings painted wood accentuate the perspective. The walls were weathered to look old.

"In the master bedroom, the blue and white tiles are from the 17th-century. Dutch red trunk dates from the sixteenth century, as does the bronze chandelier."

In the master bedroom, sits a Florentine bed from the 16th-century. Columns play the stylistic nod to the old mosaic tiles.

The master bathroom walls were also dressed in blue and white tiles while the black and white marble was designed by Studio Peregalli.

"The patio worthy of a typical hacienda, is lined with columns found in an old house."

The pool house has round roof tiles inspired by from Portugal. The pool is lined with tiles made by Moroccan craftsmen.

Photos by Vincent Leroux

Bon Weekend: 1 August 2014

2014-08-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the light posts this past week. I was traveling with my friend in London and now I'm showing her the sights of Paris. It's the start of the August vacances season so the city is pretty quiet right now. Luckily, most all of the stores, cafes, and sights are still open but there are many who will close for a few weeks or even the entire month. I can't even image this happening in the US but it's just the way things work here in France. Of course, it's hard to listen to them complain about the economy and lack of jobs when they shut down for August and nothing is open on Sundays but c'est la vie.

The food at Café de Flore isn't the best but it's still worth it for the people watching. I think my friend and I probably second hand smoked about 20 cigarettes though between lunch and dinner yesterday. Cough, cough.

We sat next to this gentleman at Café de Flore and chatted with him for almost an hour. He used to be a perfumer and created Giorgio, Chanel No. 19, and worked with Estée Lauder. He told us that Paris is finished and is no where near as fun as it used to be. But as you know, the French love to complain about everything which is just part of their culture. Nothing is ever good or great, it's just pas mal, not bad.

Even if you can't afford to buy anything, I highly recommend visiting the Dries Van Noten store. Don't forget to visit the Dries Van Noten exhibition at the Musée Arts Decoratifs too. I also can't wait to buy the accompanying book Dries Van Noten when I get back to NYC. I've already bought enough books that will be weighing my suitcases down when I fly back.

I will definitely miss all the chic Parisians on their bicycles when I get back.

I will also miss all the chicly dressed older ladies and their dogs. Le sigh.

Bon Week0end !

Photos by moi via iPhone5.

The Hundred Foot Journey

2014-07-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is the time of blockbuster movies but there are also a few small films that are making their way to a theatre near you. One that looks very promising is The Hundred Foot Journey based on the novel The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard Morais and produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. It centers on an Indian family who settles in the South of France after being displaced from their home. They decide to open an Indian restaurant 100-feet across the road from icy Helen Mirren's Michelin-starred French restaurant and needless to say she's not too happy about it. By the look of the photos and trailer, it seems like maybe she comes to thaw in the end. The Hundred Foot Journey will be released on August 8, 2014.

A tout à l'heure !

London Calling

2014-07-29T14:47:00.001-04:00

I'm currently in London for a few days to meet up with my friend who's in town from New York. The city seems a little less hectic than it did when I was here last November. We've had great luck with the weather and played tourist in between shopping and eating. Great restaurants to try include 34, Coya, Cecconi's, Chiltern Firehouse, and any private club where you hopefully know a member. The Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs at the Tate Modern is an exhibition I'm hoping to make it to before heading back to Paris as well. The best part of London is that most of the museum are free so you can pop in and see as much or as little as you want each trip.

London as viewed from the London Eye.

I love visiting Liberty which is a bit less crazy than some of the other department stores. Their signature Liberty London items make great souvenirs to bring back too.

Liberty has an amazing flower shop, Flowers of Liberty, too.

I made sure I stopped by Harvey Nichols to pick up the new Bella Freud candles and perfumes. They aren't available in the US yet. I also stopped by Boots to pick up some of their great beauty products.

I really wish NYC taxis were as spacious and plentiful as London cabs.

I was lucky enough to stay the first two nights at the fairly new 45 Park Lane Hotel designed by Thierry Despont. The heated floors in the bathroom might have just ruined me for any other hotel now. We also dined at the amazing new restaurant in the hotel, CUT, the first European outpost for Wolfgang Puck. It's still a bit under the radar and definitely worth a visit. Their breakfast is also a big draw.

We then moved across the street to their other property, the iconic and more traditional Dorchester Hotel. The rooms were designed by Alexandra Champalimaud and the main areas by Thierry Despont. The flower arrangements in the lobby blew me away and it was a treat to stay where so many movie stars and world leaders have stayed over the years.

Apparently Elizabeth Taylor found out she won the role of Cleopatra while taking a bath in the Dorchester and also spent five of her honeymoons at the hotel.

We also did a little sightseeing including Apsley House, the home of the Duke of Wellington, also known as No. 1 London. I loved this striped room and all the beautiful historic paintings.

In Paris, all the flower boxes are up high while in London, they are able to be enjoyed on the ground level as you walk by. The townhouses in Belgrave Square are especially lovely. My friend Emmanuelle even named her company Belgrave Square after this beautiful neighborhood.

I never tire of the pomp and circumstance in London.

The great weather has meant lots of walks through the many beautiful London parks like Green Park above and Hyde Park below. I wish Central Park offered cute green and white chairs but as someone pointed out on Instagram, if they did they'd probably be stolen. I suppose the well mannered Brits would never dare which is why I love them.

Cheers!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Les Stars et La Seine

2014-07-27T18:53:00.001-04:00

Before I left Paris for London, I walked across a bridge I rarely walk across, the Pont d'Alma. I happened to notice that there was an outdoor exhibition of photos below entitled, Les Stars et La Seine. As you might be able to tell from the name, it highlights stars from various decades and countries who were photographed along the Seine river in Paris. While I often see old photos of stars in New York and even Los Angeles, I don't remember seeing this many in the City of Light. If you can't make it to the Promenade des Berges de Seine to see them in person, you can check some of them out here including Natalie Wood above.

Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg in 1969.

Alain Delon and Romy Schneider in 1961.

Richard Brooks and Truman Capote in 1968.

Annie Girardot and Norbert Carbonnaux in 1958.

Frank Sinatra in 1957.

Louis Malle in 1963.

Yves Montand, Annie Girardot, Claude Lelouch, and Candice Bergen.

Rudolf Noureev in 1962 on a lockless Locks of Love Bridge.

Simone Signoret and Yves-Montand in 1963.

Jean Seberg

De file sur un bateau Mouche in 1962.

Diane Kruger in 2004.

Bon Weekend: 25 July 2014

2014-07-25T11:00:00.000-04:00

I only have a few more weeks left in Paris so I'm trying to pack it all in before I go. I still can't believe I haven't made it to all the museums yet. I'm also headed to London on Saturday for five days to meet up with a friend who will then come back to Paris with me. As soon as she leave, designer Tommy Smythe comes to visit and I can't wait to visit chateaux and shop for antiques with him. Until then, here's a little of what I've been up to lately.

The top photo is a bit hazy because it was taken through the glass at the Centre Pompidou. It's a terribly ugly building but I was shocked at how run down it's looks now. It is in serious need of a little TLC but at least the art inside still looks good.

I have been wanting to visit the Musée Carnavalet for a long time and finally made it this week. It's the free museum in the Marais dedicated to the history of Paris. The garden and the artwork inside are equally beautiful. You can read about my other small museum suggestions other Paris related articles in my eBay Guides too.

I also had a lovely lunch at Ralph's at Ralph Lauren on Boulevard Saint Germain. It's always filled with lots of French people which is a good sign. The outdoor terrasse is beyond gorgeous too. New York will finally get our own Ralph's later this year when the new Ralph Lauren store opens on Fifth Avenue.

Everyone keeps asking me what women are wearing here in the summer. The young girls wear sundresses and K. Jacques sandals. The older women wear black dresses with a little sleeve and sandals like this woman. I loved her chignon and the puff of her sleeves and her shoes.

She was even better from the front too. She was carrying an Hermès Kelly purse and a pink bag from Monoprix. This pretty much sums up Paris. I wish her cane has been wooden but if it had I probably would have passed out from the perfection.

I'm not trying to offend anyone by saying this but honestly the men in Paris dress better than the women. They all wear slim tailored suits and great shoes. Most have a motorcycle helmet slung over their arms but this is the only one I've seen with real driving gloves. This is definitely what I'll miss when I go back to New York.

Speaking of Monoprix, I just love their packaging. My friend bought some cute kids clothes as a gift and their home section is pal mal too. The one near the Opera has better stuff than mine on rue de Rennes but c'est la vie.

I will also miss shopping at Le Grande Epicerie and seeing their beautiful egg display. I just found out that eggs in France are not washed thus preserving the outer layer that keeps them fresh and able to be left out. American eggs are washed and must always be refrigerated.

I also live near the amazing Hermès store on rue de Sevres that is located in the former pool of the Hotel Lutetia. It is worth a special visit since it's never as crowded as the rue de Faubourg Saint Honoré store and they sell the petit h products.

The Hermès store on rue de Sevres also has a cafe and a little bookstore. I love these little illustrated sketchbooks by Philippe Dumas that are only 8,50 euros each. I bought a whole set of the nine for myself and plan to bring them back for all my friends. Hope they're not reading this post.

I also stopped by the Village Saint Paul in the Marais this week. I've already bought flatware this trip but I was serious tempted to buy more looking at this table.

Last week, I visited the Musée des Arts Decoratifs to see the Dries Van Noten exhibit and ogle the view from the upper floors. Even if you don't have time for the museum, definitely pop into the gift shop. They have so many great items including the plate that I bought that you saw in a previous post. It's called Plan de Turgot by Site Corot Limoges.

I also finally saw the Paris Plages, the beaches the city has set up along the Seine. It wasn't exactly beach weather on the day I walked past but people were still having fun.

Bon week-end !

Photos by me via iPhone 5 and Intagram.

Chic in Paris: Atelier Brancusi

2014-07-24T06:26:00.000-04:00

I love that two months into my stay in Paris, I am still discovering new places. But I can't believe I've not seen one person or article that has ever suggested visiting the free Atelier Brancusi exhibit next to the Centre Pompidou. The artist Constantin Brancusi bequeathed his studio along with the entire contents to the French State on the condition that it would be reconstructed as it stood on the day of his death in 1957.

During his lifetime, Brancusi spent much time rearranging his sculptures in his studio and even photographing them. He often refused to sell his work in his later years so as not to disturb the unity he had created in his studio. When he did sell a piece, he would replace it with a plaster cast.

The studios and display of his tools make it feel as though Brancusi has just stepped out and might be back at any minute to continue his work. The whole space seems almost a cross between a shrine and a chapel. It's quite moving and definitely worth checking out on your next visit to Paris.

Atelier Brancusi

Place George Pompidou

near rue Rambuteau

75004 Paris

Hours 2:00-6:00pm

Closed Tuesdays and May 1st

Free Entrance

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Sponsor Spotlight & $1000 Giveaway from Gemvara

2014-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

One of the other occupations I toy with trying is jewelry designer. Since I don't have the time or energy to take jewelry making classes, I get to indulge my fantasy on Gemvara. Each piece of Gemvara jewelry is customizable in over 20 different natural gemstones and nine different precious metals. Once you've designed your piece, it's handcrafted by one of their artisans in New York City and delivered in less than two weeks with free shipping. You can even return an engraved piece with their 101 day return policy.

I've been seeing rose gold everywhere in magazines and in jewelry stores so I chose the Gemvara Puzzle Ring in rose gold. It actually looked a little like a ring I saw in a store window in Paris. The Puzzle Ring can be worn fitted together or even apart for a different look. They even sent it to me in Paris with no trouble. It's a fun memento to remember my trip too.

The best part is that Gemvara is offering one lucky HC reader a $1000 credit to their site to create your own unique piece. Just click on this special Gemvara link, sign up your email address and then leave a comment here with your name and the url of your favorite piece of Gemvara jewelry. One entry per person will be accepted until 11:59pm on Wednesday, July 31, 2014. Please keep in mind that comments are moderated so they might not post right away. Do not leave multiple comments or email me directly to enter.

As an added bonus, Gemvara is also offering HC readers 15% off their order in the next 72 hours by clicking this special Gemvara link. The discount will automatically be applied to your order. No promo code is needed.

Here's a few of the fun pieces I customized on the Gemvara site while playing jewelry designer. I warn you that creating pieces by mixing the gemstones and metals can be addictive! Above is the Gemstones by the Yard Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold with Aquamarines.

Pure Cushion Small Earrings in Blue Topaz and Yellow Gold

Gemstones by the Yard Front-Back Drop Earrings with Diamonds, Blue Topaz, and Yellow Sapphire in 14K Rose Gold.

Gemstones by the Yard Front-Back Drop Earrings with Rock Crystal, Black Diamond, and Black Onyx.

Cecilia Ring with Cushion Black Onyx and Diamonds in 14K Rose Gold.

One of the only things I thought they didn't offer was a grey pearl but they have those too! Flowering Pearl Ring with Tahitian Cultured Pearl and Diamonds in Rose Gold.

You can also custom design your own engagement ring so you make sure you like it! I love this Adele Ring with Diamonds in 14K White Gold.

This post was sponsored by Gemvara but all opinions expressed are my own.

Lower Light

2014-07-22T06:35:00.002-04:00

Paris is known as the City of Light but the light everywhere starts to change once we move closer to autumn. It becomes lower and warmer which is part of the reason I want to wear more neutrals and warmer colors. They just go together. I was cleaning out a Paris Vogue from May and noticed a fashion spread called Un Week-End, that epitomizes this feeling. It looks like a very chic French version of Thelma and Louise but you get the idea.

Someone commented that I was rushing the seasons with my Shifting into Neutral post. Other than a few really hot days, it hasn't been that warm in Paris. Most of the mornings are rather cool and grey before the clouds burn off and the afternoon becomes bright and sunny. The temperate weather means that I could wear many of the pre-fall clothes starting to trickle into the stores. Not the coats obviously but that hasn't stopped me from looking Everyone knows you have to buy a coat before you actually need it or they'll all be gone. Don't hate the player, hate the game.

Photos by Mickael Jansson

My Paris Apartment

2014-07-21T06:45:00.000-04:00

Someone just emailed me asking if I had any secrets for finding a rental apartment in Paris. The ones they saw were either not very chic or terribly expensive. This was the case for me as well so I consider myself very lucky to have found a great place through people I know here. A store owner asked me where I was living and I said with friends but I needed to find a place for June 1st. Turns out they had an apartment they rent out to friends. It wasn't open until June 15th so I ended up staying with my friend Eleanor and her family for a month but it was worth the wait.

The apartment is on rue de Babylone, just down the street from where Yves Saint Laurent used to live and a stone's throw away from Le Bon Marché. The Grande Epicerie is my neighborhood grocery story. I sit on the border of the 6th and 7th arronsissements so I have the best of both worlds.

It's a large studio that sits on the top floor of an elevator building so there is a lot of light. The white walls make it a perfect blank slate. I had already bought a few books at the bouquinistes along the Seine and I displayed them along the shelf to add some color and art. I ordered the chair from Ikea because I thought it was strange there was no where to sit and read or look out the window in that corner. The storage baskets are from Monoprix.

The mirror behind the bed adds more light too. As Tommy Smythe pointed out, the Eiffel Tower lamps mean I'll never wake up and forget where I am living. I thought about buying new ones but I already spent enough money on other necessities so I just left them. C'est la vie.

One thing I had to get used to here in Paris are the low beds. There were some nice linens in the apartment but I was very excited when Stephanie Betts of Josephine Home offered to send me a set of her luxury bedding to try out. She supplies some of the world's top hotels and I can understand why after sleeping on them. I love that sateen stays cool since there is no air conditioning anywhere in Paris. I picked out the Classic Silver Egyptian Bed Linens with Grosgrain Trim to match what was in the apartment. I'm going to have to get another set when I get home since the European sizes won't fit my American bed.

Everyone asks me how I'm getting everything home and that's a good question. I think I'm going to have to mail a box or two or buy another suitcase. I will also leave things I will need when I return to Paris to continue work on my book with my friend Eleanor.

I found the rose picture at the brocante de la rue de Bretagne the weekend I arrived for 10 euros. The gold object holds matches. I spent more than I should have on it but I just loved the shape. The bracelets were bought at Lanvin on a trip to Paris in 2009.

All my favorite objects sit next to the bed including the dish from the Royal-Monceu I found at the brocante and a necklace I bought at Delphine Pariente in the Marais, scented matches from Buly 1803, a book from a bouquiniste, and my Cartier travel clock.

The mirror, painting, and lidded jar were all found at the brocante de la rue de Bretagne in May.

The work/dining table was originally by the wall in between the windows. It left so much open floor space that it looked like a dance studio so I moved it out into the middle of the room.

I had to buy a garment rack for my friend's apartment at the BHV so I made sure it looked chic. The entire right wall of the apartment is storage but mostly shelves. There is one small side with room for hanging clothes but I it also holds the vacuum and my large suitcase so I decided to set up the garment rack by the windows.

The apartment reminds me a little of mine in New York since it also has two large windows facing the street and sits on the top floor. While it's weird not to have any of my things here, it's also quite liberating. I am appreciating the less is more situation and can't wait to get home and clean out my apartment in New York.

I will leave my chairs from the brocante with my friend so I will have them for my return trip. I will then have Camard pack them up and ship them to New York.

The tree was left by the last tenant.

When you have less, there is less chance for things to get cluttered which I am enjoying.

I love French windows but the lack of screens means you have to be prepared for unwelcome visitors on occasion, especially since I over look a park with lots of trees.

There is a little kitchenette built into the wall of storage. You can close it off with a door if you want to hide it. The box on the wall is a little weird. It hides the electrical box and the phone to let someone into the building. I decided to use it as an inspiration board.

Every time I visit a museum or place of interest, I buy a post card and add it to the box.

The color inside the kitchen and cabinets matches the color I have in mine in New York which makes me feel at home.

The kitchen doesn't have an oven but just like New York, Paris has a million places to eat. Unfortunately, they don't deliver which is only a bummer when it's cold and rainy.

I bought the little painting from an artist outside Giverny and the Sal de Ibiza from Le Grand Epicerie because it matched the kitchen.

There are so many shelves, I haven't even used them all. I won't show you the ones with all my clothes because they aren't as neat and tidy as they could be.

The bathroom is a little weird and modern but not completely terrible. If I owned the place, I would paint the orange and red cabinets white but since I don't, I decided to work with them. The chrome soap dispenser doesn't work so I bought soap from Hotel Costes. It smells so great that it was worth it.

All in all, it's not a bad place to call home while I live in Paris.

Photos by moi.

Shifting into Neutral

2014-07-20T23:30:00.000-04:00

I don't wear a lot of color to begin with but this time of year always makes me want to start shifting into neutrals in preparation of autumn. Here's a little inspiration to help you get in the mood too.

Photo of Paris by me.

Saint Laurent Sac Université Shoulder Bag

Daria Werbowy for Mango.

Lanvin Ivory Silk Crepe Top

Gucci Camel Coat

Floor of Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Brooks Brothers Camel Hair Coat

Valentino Wool Blend Felt Mini Dress

Brooks Brothers Single Breasted Trench Coat

Ancient Greek Clio Sandals

J.Crew Ludlow Irish Linen Sportcoat

Michael Kors Alpaca and Silk Turtleneck Sweater

Michael Kors Double Breasted Wool Blazer

Chloé Clare Large Shoulder Bag

Tugendhat Chair by Mies van der Rohe

Kule Kit Fisherman Sweater

Photos via Pinterest and tumblr.

Really Liking Repossi

2014-07-19T12:22:00.000-04:00

It's a little hard to get excited about shopping when it's hot outside but the new fall 2014 campaigns are certainly inspiring. I love the new Repossi jewelry ads that Gaia Repossi just posted on her instagram account. The no make up look is very French and also reminiscent of how Gaia looks in real life. The photos of models Iselin Steiro and Maartje Verhoef were shot by David Sims and styled by Joe McKenna. I saw some of the new pieces in the Repossi boutique in the Place Vendome and they look even better in person. It's also easier to try on jewelry when it's hot than winter coats too.