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. 

Adventures in Washington DC

 I am visiting a friend in Washington D.C.  

This isn't the first time I have been here, and I am fairly certain it won't be my last. The things that make this trip so interesting is the federal government shutdown is going on right now.  Many government employees are not going to work, and are not sure when they will go back to work.

Congress seems to be deadlocked on whether or not to fund the Affordable Care Act, so the federal government has shut down. 

Frankly, I can't tell the difference.

Alegria Teams with Hooters for Charity

Hooters to Hooters 5k and 10k run.

Special thanks to Stephanie Corbo for making this possible for Alegria to participate.  

Volunteers from the Krewe of Alegria teamed up with Clearwater Hooters to raise money for charity.  

One of the charities that benefited was Alegria's Kicken' for Kids.

Kicken' for Kids provides new shoes for children in the Tampa Bay Area.

   

The Hooters Girls ready for the start of the race.

Runners are ready to get started.

Everybody is off to a great start. 

Family and friends are on hand to cheer on the runners at the finish line.

Beautiful morning for a run.

This is me posing with first person to cross the finish line.

Love these ladies and their matching running outfits.

The runners were treated to Hooters food...

and a nice cold beer!

Viva Alegria!