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/

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a special time.  It is the day we take pause and reflect on the aspects in our life for which we should be grateful.  I am truly  blessed.  I have 3 wonderful, creative, brave, kind and individualistic children.  I have  eccentric, interesting, gorgeous, intelligent, and caring friends.  I have an extremely intelligent, handsome, considerate man who loves me.  I am healthy and strong.  I have made my share of mistakes, but I have learned from every one of them.   I was born in a country where I am free and at a time where the possibilities are endless.  I look to the future with hope but I live in the present.  Thank you God for my blessed life. 

I must learn to speak French.

French is a beautiful language that I must someday learn.   From my failed attempt at an 8 am college French class.  Which I dropped and switched to Spanish which was at  more reasonable time.  To my preparing for my trip to France by labeling everything I could find with the French word.  I simply must learn French.  Every word is just sexier when spoken in French. 

The First Lady of Fashion

Few First Ladies have had more influence on style as Jacqueline Kennedy.  Her timeless style is still an inspiration for modern women who want to look elegantly sophisticated, and feminine.

As a young woman, Jacqueline lived in Paris and studied at the Sorbonne.  While in Paris, she acquired her love of art history.  Her studies at the Sorbonne combined with her time in Paris inspired her impeccable taste in fashion and style.  And like every women who has ever spent any time in Paris, she also acquired an appreciation of French fashion designers.  Even after leaving Paris she continued to dress in couture from French designers Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Chanel.  

After her return to the United States she met the charismatic congressman from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy.  The couple was married in the fall of 1953.  During this time, Mrs. Kennedy approached fashion with the same intensity that her husband approached politics.  As the wife of a senator who was looking to the presidency, her taste in Parisian fashion sparked public debate.  It was speculated that Mrs. Kennedy may be too extravagant to be relatable to the Middle American homemaker. 

In 1960 John F. Kennedy began his run for the president of the United States.  Mrs. Kennedy was issued a discrete ultimatum from her husband’s campaign to abandon her French fashion, and collaborate with American fashion designers instead.  Oleg Cassini, a social acquaintance of the Kennedy’s, had recently opened a fashion house in New York City.    Cassini successfully persuaded Jacqueline Kennedy to allow him to be her American fashion designer. 

In 1961, when Jacqueline and John Kennedy moved into the White House, the new First Lady appointed Cassini as her exclusive couturier, and he became known as the creator of the “Jackie look”.     Cassini was nicknamed the “Secretary of Style”.  He created a wardrobe for Jacqueline that featured original and copies of Parisian designs.    The First Lady often supplied Cassini with fabric swatches, sketches and pages torn from magazines.  During the time Jacqueline Kennedy was First Lady he designed over 300 outfits for her which included evening gowns, coats, dresses, and suits. 

Women across America fell in love with the “Jackie look” and flocked to copy her styles.  Dresses that were inspired by her clothes flew out of the stores, and Cassini was firmly established as a great American designer.  Although the roles of women in society have changed drastically in the last 50 years, Jacqueline Kennedy’s look still influences fashion today.  From the pillbox hat, to the simple suit, and to the elegant gowns, women can find fashion inspiration by emulating the fashion of Jacqueline Kennedy. 

Sources:

http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Jacqueline_Kennedy_Onassis

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/18/AR2006031801379.html

http://www.legacy.com/ns/news-story.aspx?t=oleg-cassini-and-the-jackie-look&id=787

http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Days-Magic-Dressing-Jacqueline/dp/0847819000

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. 

Christian Louboutin

I saw this on Pinterist and I had to share.  The essential style guide to Christian Louboutin shoes.  Decisions, decisions. 

Tampa Nights Latin Style

Celebrate the rich history of Tampa with Gasparilla's first all-women's krewe at the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. 

This evening's entertainment features live Latin music to dance the night away, performances by Flaminco dancer.  If you are feeling lucky there is gambling tables.  And what would a night in Tampa be without hand-rolled cigars?   Silent and live auctions.  Full bar and $3 Alegria Sangria.  Latin-inspired food.

$20 at the door. 

 Proceeds benefit Alegria's Kicken' for Kids. This is Alegria's own 501c3 foundation that provides new shoes to deserving children in the Tampa Bay area.   

For more information about the Krewe of Alegria and Kicken' for Kids visit:  http://www.kreweofalegria.com/

The Don Vicente de Ybor is an elegant boutique hotel located in Ybor City.  The address is 1915 Republica de Cuba (corner of 14th and 9th)  The Don Vicente was built in 1895 and is a part of the rich Ybor heritage.

For more information about the Don Vicente de Ybor visit:  http://www.donvicenteinn.com/

Alegria's Second Annual Halloween Pub Crawl and Costume Contest

Last year was so much fun it was scary!

Pub Crawl begins at Gaspar's Grotto (1805 E. 7th Ave,  Tampa)

on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.   and hits the hottest night spots in Ybor City.

$20 to join

Drink specials at every stop along the way.

Costume contest at the last stop.

Proceeds from Alegria's 2nd Annual Pub Crawl and Costume Contest benefit 

Alegria's Kicken' for Kids.

Funded by the efforts of the members of AlegriaKicken’ for Kids provides new shoes for deserving children in the Tampa Bay Area.  Recipients of new shoes have included children from Cleveland Elementary, Metropolitan Ministries, and Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Cornerstone Kids, and Salesian Boys and Girls Club.  

One more LBD that I Iove!

I ran across this LBD (little black dress) on Pinterest, and I thought was a great illustration of the timelessness of a classic LBD.

This is a silk chiffon dress from the 1950's.  It was organically sold at Saks Fifth Avenue.

I simply adore the lovely feminine detailing.  

This dress was available through Hemlock Vintage Clothing, and sadly, has been sold.
http://www.hemlockvintage.com/feed/50s021109.html

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.