back from paris and feeling ignited...

First, let me apologize for being such a negligent blogger but I have been trying so dearly to hold onto the Parisian mindset for a little while longer.  Although I returned a few weeks ago I feel as though the city illuminated a spark within me that I don't want to stifle.  The best treasure I came home with is this overwhelming desire to create. 

The fashion, the art history, the architecture ~ the city dances with delight.  The Parisians reminded me that life is art.  Every part of our day to day lives is a moment to reveal ourselves freely and be open to possibilities.  What you choose to wear each morning, the conversations you have throughout your day, moments that are shared and each moment completely alone is an artistic expression of who you are.

"Life has been your art.  You have set yourself to music.  Your days are your sonnets."
~Oscar Wilde

{photo by Jolie Adele}

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Bonjour Paris

I'm heading to Paris next week and the excitement is mounting.  Looking forward to the possibilities of shooting those "defining moments" as the late Henri Cartier-Bresson so poignantly captured in his photographs.  It is simply wonderful how everyone gives you their 'must-see' and 'must-visit' spots when they hear that you are going.  But as a lovely woman at the yoga studio said "part of the fun is discovering your own favourite places and making your own memories...it's Paris, and everything is a feast for the senses!"  I couldn't agree more! À Bientôt!

 {Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson ::: Cartier-Bresson Foundation}

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French Glamour

 

  

  

  

 

The timelessness of black & white film, the swept back hair and wispy bangs, delicate profiles and a view of the Eiffle Tower ~ tres fantastique!

{Photo Sources:  unknown, the lovely Jean Shrimpton by John French, camerlink.com, Marion Cotillard for Elle France, Pierre Balmain gown photographed by John French}

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And so they loved...

...she looks as clear as morning roses newly washed with dew.  ~ William Shakespeare

{Photo sources:  *clockwise from top left* Collage 1: Karl Lagerfeld, The Shoot Factory, unknown, 100 Layer Cake; Collage 2: The Shoot Factory, unknown, Repetto Paris, Beauty Comma, invertedbeliever ~ DeviantART, unknown, The Cherry Blossom Girl}

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dace ~ très fantastique!

With some warmer weather flowing through the city, I can't help but think of the season that lies right around the corner.  When I came across this beautiful video for dace's Spring 2010 collection I could practically smell the fresh air of spring.  The flowers blooming, gorgeous french chic fashion and perfect moments in the spring sunshine!
I am spending some time in Paris this April and I hope to enjoy some bike rides through the Boulevard Saint-Germain, lots of pastry breakfasts and some 'dace' style.  The Canadian designer behind the line, Dace Moore, began making her very first garments using vintage patterns that she would find in thrift shops and it shows.  She has a very sweet, effortless quality to her pieces that make them classic and perfectly timeless ~ enjoy!

{All images/video via dace ~ thank you to Ruby Press for the wonderful find!}

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love Ladurée

Known for inventing the double-decker macaroon, Ladurée is a truly elegant pastry and tea company from, where else, but Paris. While packing and moving last week I happened upon a Ladurée gift box that I've saved since I was a little girl.  It was a gift from Paris and I knew it was very special. 

The romance of tea has always been intriguing and Ladurée has a wonderful history of creating one of the first tea salons (salon de thé) in Paris.  Woman did not have the freedom to socialize in cafés in the early 1900's until the tea salon came about.

The company has now expanded throughout the world with tea salons, pastry shops, restaurants, chocolatiers and ice cream parlors in some of the largest cities in the world.  Escape for awhile on their quaint little site.

 

This Friday Ladurée launches their new limited edition Louboutin gift boxes and a specially made macaroon made for the occasion.  Christian Louboutin paired with the company to create the ultimate combination of indulgence ~ sweets and shoes!

{photo sources: 1. unknown  2. Such Pretty Things  3. Collage credits: Ladurée, Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, Pure Pastries, The Girl Who Ate Everything,  Belle Chambre  4. unknown  5. Ladurée  6. Tongue in Cheek  7. Luxuo  8.Luxuo  9. Antoinette-Inspired Louboutin via Luxist}

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Vintage Paris

On hazy days like today I wish I was roaming the streets of Paris. Perhaps in an over sized hat and perfectly fitted pencil skirt like these vintage ladies.

These exquisite photos are by Walde Huth. A female fashion photographer from the 50's. Take a visit over to My Vintage Vogue for the most amazing collection of classic fashion photography.

{Thank you to Paris Hotel Boutique for the find.}

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