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. 

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/

Notre Dame in the winter

I am a Floridian, so I don't see snow very often.  I would probably be shivering, but I just like love this picture of the Notre Dame in the winter. 

Parisian Staples of Style

Parisian women are effortlessly gorgeous.  

That is because Parisian women know how to employ basic fashion staples that are simple yet elegant.  Below are some of the basic Parisian style staples that every woman should own. 

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4dvfaP6bH1qlwrezo1_1280.jpg

Little Black Dress

Coco Chanel coined the term in 1926, and it has been a fashion staple ever since.  Audrey Hepburn was unforgettable in a Chanel LBD Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Parisian women understand the principle of the Little Black Dress. The LBD is a fashion staple is because it is so versatile. It can go from day to night with nothing more than a well placed sweater or jacket, and a change of accessories.  The LBD is flattering on everyone.  The key is to know you body type and find a LBD (or two) that is flattering on you.  

http://tastyprettythings.com/jennifer-aniston-style/

Lingerie

It has been rumored that Parisian spend 20% or more on their undergarments.  Beautiful lingerie makes you feel beautiful from the first layer that touches you skin.   

For inspiration from French lingerie designers visit: http://us.chantelle.com/en/ 

or http://www.agentprovocateur.com

http://us.chantelle.com/en/vendome-coque.html

Trench Coat
Basic black or simple neutral, a trench coat is a Parisian woman's style staple.  A trench coat adds sophistication to any outfit.  That is me in the black trench coat on the streets of Paris.  

Parisian women know that when  selecting pieces, to go for quality not quantity.  These pieces are meant to be style staples, and should be classic, and not necessarily trendy. 

Paris 2013 TimeLapse in Motion (Hyperlapse by Kirill Neiezhmakov)

I don't think I will make it to Paris this summer, so I will have to make due with this Time Lapse in motion video of Paris posted to YouTube by Kirill Neiezhmakov.

After watching in (twice) I knew I had to share it with my friends.  

I especially enjoyed seeing the Notre Dame, my all-time favorite place on earth, but the scenes of the Louve and Sacre Couer are also amazing.  

I originally ran across this video published on the Huffington Post, and the link to the full article is below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/04/paris-time-lapse-video_n_3387323.html

Black and White

I have to admit, I have become a little obsessed with redecorating using only black and white.  

I was first inspired by this color scheme when I was window shopping in Paris.  (Of course who wouldn't be inspired window-shopping in Paris)

And then I saw the same black and white color scheme used in Los Angeles. 

Since then, I have been window-shopping on the internet for inspiration on how to put together the perfect black and white room.

I want a mix of "Old Hollywood" with Victorian touches.

Like this chandelier...

...paired with this sofa, 

and maybe a nice chair

and footstool to complete the room.

Decisions, decisions.  I think it is may be time to redecorate.

Happy Bastille Day

On July 14, 1789 the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille.  The storming of the Bastille prison was a symbol of French citizens rising up against the oppression of the Monarchy.  The only French monarch to ever be executed by guillotine was Louis XVI in January 21, 1793. The revolution continued eventually giving away to the First Republic.

This monument marks the sight of the Bastille.  

The French have celebrated Bastille Day since 1880.  And since 1918 a military parade has marched down the Champ-Elysees.

Arc de Triomphe

The French Revolution marks the uprising of the citizens against an oppressive monarch government.   Today citizens enjoy a free Republic.  Paris is an amazing city full of beautiful art, music and architecture.  It is evident that free people are creative people.  Parisians demonstrate a true joie de vivre (joy of living)

Viva la France!!

Finally - Day Two of my Paris Adventure

I cannot believe it has taken me a whole month to get through posting my pictures of my first day in Paris.  But here we are - day two!


We had to take a second look at the Hotel de Rohan in the Le Marais district.  As I mentioned in a previous posting, this hotel is actually 4 buildings with a park in the middle, known as the Place des Vosges.

Once known as the Palace Royal, ground was broken in 1605.  The surrounding area, including the park is referrred to as  Park Tournelles.

As you can see, it is another beautiful, sunny day in Paris.  Here I am again posing in front of the fountain in the park.  

And here is my favorite photography subject Jorge, posing in the park.

I am not really sure what the sculpture is, coming out of the ground, but it was worth taking a picture of.  Some sort of restoration work is going on to the building to the right.  Parisians take great care lovingly restoring and preserving their historical buildings.

After our delightful morning walk, we visited a cafe to have breakfast.  It was a wonderful experience to start the morning with a walk and top it off with a breakfast in a cafe with a view of the bustling street.  While we were eating breakfast, we had a lovely couple from Vermont who were also visiting Paris.  

Another beautiful start to a beautiful day in Paris.

Au revoir mes amis!

Perfect End to a Perfect First Day in Paris

After a long first day full of adventure and marvelous sights, we returned to the Le Marais district for dinner. 

La Terasse did not disappoint.   The food, wine, and service was wonderful, as is evident by the smiles on our faces.

I sampled what was to become one of my favorite French dishes.  Tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and pesto.  I tried it at several different places, but the dish at La Terasse was my favorite.  

This cafe was quaint and romantic.  

A perfect end to a perfect day.  

Check back, as I financially move on to day two of my French adventure. 
Bon Jour mon amis!

Wonders of the IV Arrondissement – Hotel de Ville

Three different city halls have stood on the sight of the Paris city hall building.    

The first was the House of Pillars (Maison aux Piliers) from 1357 to 1533.  

In 1553 King Francis decided to build a dedicated City Hall, which was completed in 1628.  

However, the original Hotel de Ville was destroyed by fire in 1871 by insurrectionary Communards. 

In 1873, Architects Theodor Ballu and Eduard Deperthes designed the Hotel de Ville in its original Renaissance style.  

The rebuilt Hotel de Ville was completed in 1882. 

In true Parisian style, the Hotel de Ville is situated in a public park with a lovely carousel on the grounds.

Third time is a charm for the Hotel de Ville, this is an amazing place. 

Location:

The Hôtel de Ville is in the IV Arroindissement, near the Seine River.  It is near the Centre Pompidou (to the north), and the Notre-Dame Cathedral (to the south) across the pont d'Arcole.

When decided to post my pictures of my Paris on my blog, I wanted to be able to do these pictures a little bit of justice and include some history on the sights I was taking pictures of.  As I do some basic research on that various monuments, I marveling at the history of Paris.  The more research I do, the more I am convinced on visit to Paris is simply not enough!

If you have been following this blog, you know that we stayed in the La Marais district.  La Marias is located on the right back of the Seine River, near the Notre Dame.  From what I gather La Marias is located in the IV Arroindissement.  I am learning as I go….

Au revoir!  Rendez-vous la prochaine fois!

For more information visit:

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/hoteldeville.htm

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/443621/Paris/60497/The-Hotel-de-Ville

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/443621/Paris/60497/The-Hotel-de-Ville