Christmas with a rocket scientist

My boyfriend is a rocket scientist and I can relate to this.  I have to admit with him around life is never dull.  Merry Christmas everybody!

Dreaming of Paris at Christmas

Paris is a beautiful city anytime of the year, but it is especially magical at Christmas time.  Here is collection of pictures to dream about. 

Christmas in Paris

Printemps is a gorgeous department store in Paris' shopping district. 

Kicken' for Kids at Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is about seeing the sparkle and wonderment reflected in a child's eyes.  

The Krewe of Alegria exemplifies this spirit of giving through their Kicken' for Kids organization.  The mission of Kicken' for Kids is to provide new shoes to children in the Tampa Bay Area.

Kicken' for Kids partners with Amy Mandell owner of Feet First (3401 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. 33629 813-835-1339)  in South Tampa to purchase new Nike athletic shoes at a special rate in order to to distribute to the children.  

On Thursday, December 19, 2013, the ladies from The Krewe of Alegria distributed shoes to Cleveland Elementary and Cornerstone Kids.

Shoes were also dropped off at Salesian Boys and Girls Club, and will be taken to Safety Harbor Center.

Through out the year The Krewe of Alegria raises funds for this endeavor by hosting several fundraisers.  The most recent was Latin Nights in November, and the Cutest Pirate Dog Contest is coming up January 4, 2014.

For more information about the Krewe of Alegria, or to make a donation to Kicken' for Kids visit:  http://www.kreweofalegria.com/

For more information about The Krewe of Alegria's 3rd Annual Cutest Pirate Dog Contesthttps://www.facebook.com/events/635696193148072/ 

BBC article on LBD

I suppose I am not the only person who loves the timeless fashion staple which is the little black dress.  Below is a link to an article from the BBC with a historical perspective on the LBD.  The slideshow includes a nod to my favorite fashion pioneer Coco Chanel.  I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20131209-the-dress-thats-always-in-style

Must-read book: What French Women Know

Debra Ollivier reveals the secrets to what makes French women so effortlessly stylish and enviably confident.  It is "not giving a damn" attitude instead that runs deep instead of the surface glam that so many American women try to achieve.  They break the rules, and they don't try to be like everyone else.  

"French women don’t need things to fit neatly into a box. Romantic possibilities don’t have to be emotionally tidy or safe. Desire can be of greater import than utility; experience more important than closure."

"French women embrace contradictions. They can simultaneously be feminine and a feminist; sensualist and a traditionalist; classic and libertine; submissive and powerful; compliant and defiant."

"French women do not believe in relationship experts, love gurus, how-to dogma, tools and techniques for finding love.  They are not fond of rules. There is no Doctor Phil in France."

French women love men, but don't bemoan the fact that men do not understand them.   They want to remain a mystery to men.

French women embrace their age and the rich experiences it has brought them.  

This book is on my must-read list.  

http://www.debraollivier.com/whatfrenchwomenknow.html

Doors of Georgetown

Georgetown was founded and 1751, and remains a remarkably preserved area of Washington DC.  

I took these pictures of doors that are decorated for Christmas while strolling through Georgetown.  

According to trulia.com, the average sale price is this area is $1.3 million, so I may have to remain content with visiting Georgetown and admiring the houses from the sidewalk for now.

Preen & Aldo - Brilliant!

This gorgeous trio of Aldo shoes were featured in the Preen Fall Winter 2013 runway collection. Aldo worked directly with the U.K. fashion house Preen to create these knock-out styles. 

The pump is Elfea.  Made from leather, suede and a touch of pony hair. Available in red, black and grey. Sexy yet sophisticated, this is a perfect shoe for day or evening.

This Shootie (shoe/bootie), Fanni, mixes the textures of suede and pony hair along with flashy buckles, pointed toes, and stiletto heel. Available in red and black, this is a statement shoe, when you want the statement to be provocative.

No shoe collection would not be complete without a bootie.  Fadee is available in black and grey. A combination of leather, suede, and pony hair, this bootie is refined bad-girl. 

This is the 4th time U.K designers Justin Thorton and Thea Bregazzi from Preen have collaborated with the Aldo brand, and I for one, certainly hope it will not be the last.  

To shop, or drop a really big hint, go to:  http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/pages/storesection/aldorise-us

Isabel Marant for H&M

Source:  http://www.eonline.com/news/463346/first-look-isabel-marant-for-h-m-see-the-full-collection

In June of 2013, H&M announced its latest collaboration with French designer Isabel Marant. H&M, the Swedish multinational retail giant, has collaborated with several internationally recognized designers in the past. These exciting collaborations have included Donatella Versace, Roberto Cavalli, Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCarty. The collections were so well received that they sold out within a matter of hours in some markets.

Isabel Marant is recognized as the epitome of modern French style. Her designs are considered both timeless and cosmopolitan.  She flawlessly mixes part boho-luxe with  rocker chic. Fashionable celebrities who wear Marant's designs include Kate Walsh, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Blake Lively.

http://www.shefinds.com/2013/no-youre-not-still-sleeping-and-dreaming-isabel-marant-for-hm-is-happening/

The Isabel Marant collection for H&M features the elements of modern French effortless chic that she is known for. This collection includes women’s and teenagers clothes and accessories, plus a menswear line.

Isabel Marant quoted in French Vogue about her collection for H&M “I aim at creating something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy.”

Source:  http://juliessnapshots.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/isabel-marant-for-hm/

The Isabel Marant collection was introduced at H&M's 2,800 stores in 49 different markets.  H&M attributes its success to bringing cutting-edge fashion to the world at reasonable prices. H&M has 3 stores in the Tampa Bay Area, Tyronne Square Mall, WestShore Plaza, and International Plaza.

Sources:
http://en.vogue.fr/fashion/fashion-news/diaporama/isabel-marant-for-h-m/13795#!isabel-marant-for-h-amp-m

http://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2013/06/11/hm-announces-next-designer-collaboration-with-isabel-marant/

http://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/2013061112996/isabel-marant-latest-hm-designer/

http://www.hm.com/us/