Hotel de Rohan Duemenee

The Hotel de Rohan Duemenee is stunning example of the wonderfully preserved Renaissance architecture in the Le Marais quarter.  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.

Check back to the blog for more pictures of this amazing place.  We loved it so much, we stopped back often to marvel at this area, and join other Parisians who relaxed in the park.  

Sources:


http://www.paris.fr/loisirs/maisons-de-victor-hugo/paris/l-hotel-de-rohan-guemenee/rub_5932_stand_12763_port_13289


http://marais.evous.fr/Hotel-de-Rohan-Guemenee.html

Le Marais Quarter and Saint Paul - Saint Louis Church

We stayed the Le Marais district.  Le Marais, which translates to "the swamp", dates back to the 12th century.  While most of Paris was overhauled in the mid-19th century by architect Baron Georges Eugen Haussman under the direction of Napoleon III, the Le Marais district remains preserved with its Medieval and Renaissance-era architectural style and narrow streets.  

Le Marais is best toured by foot.  Most streets are too narrow for vehicles and pedestrians to share.  (Although they try.)  The main street, Rue Sain-Antoine is the only avenue place where there is 4 lanes of buses, automobiles, mopeds and bicycles all travelling in a frenzied and congested free-for-all.  Although, I love to ride my bicycle, I would not dare try to try to ride a bicycle on this road!

The Le Marais quarter was favored by the royals such as Henri IV and Louis XIII.  Sadly, it fell into ruin after the French Revolution in 1789, but has enjoyed a revival in the 1960's.  Since this was where our hotel was located, I will be featuring several pictures from the Le Marais quarter.

One of the landmarks of Le Marais is the St. Paul - Saint Louis Church.  This church is located on the main street of Le Mariais, the Rue Saint-Antione.  

This Jesuit church was  commissioned by Louis XIII and the first mass was held in 1641 by Cardinal Richeliu. The baroque-style architecture was inspired by the Gesu Church in Rome, and features Corinthian pillars and ornate ornamentation.  

This church suffered heavy damage and pillaging during the French Revolution in 1789.  The Bastille, which is where the French Revolution began, is walking distance from this church.  With its close proximity to the start of the revolution, it is remarkable that this church has been restored to its former glory. 

So many of my friends have been asking me to post the pictures on Facebook that I took of my trip to France.  I wanted to add some detail and description to these pictures to really do them justice.  Please check back often, because I will be updating this blog often.  

To get email notifications of my updates, please become a follower to this blog, if you are not already.  

Merci beaucoup!

Sources:

http://goparis.about.com/od/sightsattractions/ss/MaraisTour.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Marais

http://goparis.about.com/od/sightsattractions/ss/MaraisTour_5.htm

Arriving in Paris

Landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, outside of Paris, France.  Charles de Gaulle is the 7th busiest airport in the world, and 2nd busiest in Europe, after London's Heathrow Airport. 


Being from Tampa, I have to admit, Charles de Gaulle is not nearly as clean or organized as Tampa International Airport.  But after a 7-hour flight from Philadelphia, I am not really complaining.  The flight was pretty comfortable, mostly because the flight wasn't full and I was able to stretch out a little bit.  

I was a little nervous when I got off the plane, because here I was alone in a foreign country, where I don't speak the language.  To make matters worse, my poor old outdated BlackBerry does not work in France.


Jorge arrived before me, but he accidently went to the wrong terminal.  


I decided to stay put, and he found me!  We were so happy to see each other.

I know I kind of looked like I have slept on a plane, but at this point it didn't matter, I was so happy to finally be in Paris!  


We have been planning this trip for months, and I have not seen Jorge since September because he has been working out of the country.  

We took the train from the airport, into Paris.  Parisians call their subway system the Metro.  Paris has an excellent train and public transportation system.  


This is the Gare du Nord train station, and it was completed in 1866.  It is decorated in neo-Corinthian style.  The 9 statues at the top signify the most important cities of France and Europe, where the trains lead from this station. 

Here is Jorge lugging my suitcase across the street outside of the train station.

I was immediately in awe of the beautiful architectural style everywhere I looked.   

I decided I could not go a step further until I had a proper cup of coffee.  We stopped at the cafe around the corner from our hotel.  I thought I ordered coffee, but I was brought espresso instead.  Although it was great coffee, I seriously doubt this is going to get me through the day.

I also had the most wonderful authentic French Onion soup at this cafe.  I think I am ready to start my first Paris adventure!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris-Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport

http://www.parispages.com/Gares/Nord/

Almost time to go to Paris!

A week and few more days to go before I leave for the romance and style capitol of the world - Paris France!  Très excitant!  The city of lights! (La ville des lumières!) The city of love! (La ville de l'amour!)

Alexander III Bridge in Paris

I have tried to soak up as much advise as I could about the city, the culture, and the language.  I will admit my French is a bit rough, but at least I have a few basics down.  This week is going to have to be my crash course in French.  

If I cannot speak the language very well, at least I will be well dressed.  I have carefully chosen and successfully borrowed (thanks neighbor), simple pieces that I can mix and match.  I am going for casual, yet well dressed.  I plan to do a lot of walking, so flats will be a necessity, although I cannot resist packing at least one or two pairs of heels.  

Since the weather is a little chillier than what a Florida girl is used to, sweaters and leggins will be my staples.  A few simple sweaters and a versatile mid-length trench coat will complete my look.  

This is my plan, and any advise or comments are most certainly welcome.  Please visit this blog next week, as I will be posting pictures and stories from my travels.  

Unitl nous moi encore mes amis!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Today is the day we are all a wee bit Irish.   Wearing green is not only stylish, but it is expected.  

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Packing for Paris

I am having the type of dilemma I thought I could only dream about.  I am leaving for a two-week trip to France next month.  I am spending one week in Paris and one week on the French Rivera.  I am going to meet my boyfriend who has been working out of the country for the past few months, and I am so excited to see him!  I am so thrilled to be spending time with mon amour in one of the most romantic places in the world.  Tres bien!

But here is my dilemma, what to pack?  I have checked the weather, and it is going to be in the high 50's, which is bone chilling for a Florida girl like me.  So I am thinking sweaters that I can layer, my treasured cashmere coat, and my short black trench coat.  He tells me we will be staying in a hotel that is near the Notre Dame, and we can walk to just about all the sights.  I am thinking flat boots and flats paired with leggings and skinny jeans.  Maybe a few pairs of heels, just because I cannot imagine life without them.  

For a bit of color, I am going bring a few scarves.  Planning on packing a few dresses, some sweater dresses and some for going out.  Florida girls don't wear stockings under their dresses, but I am assuming in France that is a big no-no.  Speaking of no-no's, I am also going to leave anything blingey at home.  I don't want to look like a tacky American tourist!  

Calling all fashionistas I need your help!  Please leave your comments and suggestions!

Frugalista

A new trend for frugal fashionistas can proudly label themselves frugalistas.  In fact, investopedia.com even saw fit to define a frugalista as “people who keep up with fashion trends without spending a lot of money.”

 

Here are some ideas for every frugalista:

Audrey Hepburn
Classic never go out of style.

1.  Find a good shoe repair shop.  Shoes are expensive, so why replace when you can repair? 

2.  Shop at second-hand stores and consignment shops.  You never know what sort of treasure you will find. 

3.  Rent a knock-out outfit for your next big event.  Pay a fraction of the cost for gowns and dresses you may only wear once. 

4. Clothes and purse swap with your friends!  Just make sure you return them clean and in good condition, if you want to keep your friends!

5.  Find a good inexpensive seamstress.  You may find something that is a bargain, but not the right size.  A good seamstress can alter it to make it the perfect fit. 

6.  Accessorize!  Creative use of accessories can change the look of an outfit.  Bright scarves can add a pop of color to an all-black ensemble.  Belts, jewelry, shoes can also change the look of an outfit.

7.  Go for quality over quantity.  Good quality classic pieces will last many many seasons.  Don’t try to follow every trend that will be out of style next year. 

Saving money does not mean sacrificing style, with a little creativity you can save money and still be a fashionista.  Therefore I say viva la frugalista!

Photo source:  http://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/trends/articles/fashion-designer-quiz

My Favorite Little Black Dresses of 2010

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson was a show-stopper again when she wore a curve-hugging draped little black dress with glittery silver heels to the Kennedy Center Honors.  This little black dress was sophisticated yet very sexy.  Perfect for a night out when you want to turn heads. 

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/celebrities/lotdpopup/0,,20447382_20885488,00.html?count=0

Leighton Meester

Leighton Meester is getting noticed by appearing in movies like Country Strong, and will continue to be noticed by fashionistas if she continues to wear great fashion like this.  She attended an Herbal Essence event in Madrid wearing a Versus minidress, but what really caught my eye was the beautiful shoes she paired with the dress!  Let this be a lesson to us all, you don't have to pair black shoes with your LBD!

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/celebrities/lotdpopup/0,,20445568_20882244,00.html?count=1

My Favorite Looks from 2010

Halle Berry in YSL

Halle Berry

I simply have to start this list off with one of my fashion icons, Halle Berry. Ms. Berry always manages to look spectacular and continues to be an inspiration to all fashionistas.

She wore it for the Carousel of Hope Ball in Beverly Hills and the picture was posted on December 25, 2010 on InStyle.com.

This gown is a YSL design, which is simple and elegant.  Modern one-shoulder design, but a simple classic fit. The fabric is flowing and the color is vibrant.  The fit is perfect.  

Source:  http://www.instyle.com/instyle/celebrities/lotdpopup/0,,20452650_20892728,00.html?count=2

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everybody.  

I hope this is a year full of peace, good health, and prosperity for everybody.  

My advise for the new year - set goals and set out achieve them!

"The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it."

- Michelangelo

I would love to hear about your goals, please leave a comment.