Wall Paper? Wall Sculptor?

How would you call this?

Before I comment on this, I first want to say how big of a fan I am of Anthropologie. It's not that I buy very much over there, it's just the experience in their stores that is amazing. They've created such an individual and very recognizable brand image. I have this routine: a weekly trip in one of their stores nearby my office just to check out the new display windows and the inside installations. Very inspiring...
This week, they have this kitchen/bakery installation where they've created this real bread/real muffins/real scones/real baguettes wall paper... or wall sculptor I should say? My first thought was ahhhhh cool and took a picture for my "what inspires me" folder. Back home, I didn't feel so great about it anymore. Don't get me wrong, the concept is great... it's just the idea of food hanging on a wall I think.

Jose Esteves

Life Is Short, Do It Now!

That's the name of the business Jose Esteves created to sell his amazing lighting collection. How appropriate in these times. What I like so much about his work is the nostalgic element of each piece, yet his aesthetic is modern and elegant. The rumor says that he is coming to New York beginning of May for his "Re-born Exhibition" inspired by nature. You can be sure I will be there for the opening and find out all the details for you. Maybe I'll ask an autograph while I'm at it...
The sad news for us in the U.S. is that his collection is sold exclusively at Intérieurs, (lucky new yorkers...) The good news is my secret agent in France a.k.a. Chloé has given me his contact information...

José Esteves
Société LISDIN
25, rue de la bourssardière - 61130 Igé
Tél./Fax : 02 33 83 87 29

Again, no need to thank me, I'm here to help.

Happy to pay taxes

Yes, I am!
Whoever lives on the west side of Manhattan will understand. The Hudson River side is one the most happening places in New York from April to October. Apart from the free tennis courts, free kayaking and much more... the cycle path goes from Battery Park all the way up and the river side is getting more stunning every year. It's so peaceful, sometimes you feel away on a little vacation... especially if you go early in the morning. Just grab your bike (good deals at KMart for $89.99), a bottle of water, the paper or a good book and put some sun lotion on.
Enjoy the ride... and please, don't let the "Eastsiders" know too much about this.

Oh Mother!

Traditions are good, breaking them is even better.

This happened maybe 12 years ago on Mother's day. Sunday lunch, my 3 sisters, my father and I are together to celebrate my mother. We all have very well deserved gifts for her when out of the blue she takes 4 yellow-gold pendants out of her pocket and hands them to us. Those were extremely delicate medals with our name and birth date that she used to wear on a bracelet. The surprise was amazing... I would have been spiteful and taken the opportunity to give us noodle necklaces instead, but she didn't. That's apparently how mothers are.

So Mom... if you read my blog, I think it's about time you bring this tradition back. It's been 12 years after all... Now I know it's recession 2009 but I've decided to be nice and help you out with a few ideas: the crystal/bullets pendants from seeunearthen are a good option, you can find them at Opening Ceremony and Curve, there's this summer shell ring by Mesi Jilly that I've had an eye on for a while at Vivre, the Silver Diamond ring is not bad either at the MOMA Store, the Alexis Bittar bangles will always please me, and then the Match earrings from Laura Lobdell are great. I think I'm done, for now at least.
I can't wait to see you! And don't forget: Mother's day is May 10th in the U.S. and May 25th in France, in case you're hesitating between two items.

PS: I love you Mom!

Making my dream come true

He's smart, he's funny, he's kind, he's cute... the perfect catch? Almost.
Over the past 3 years, discretely but surely I have mapped out a plan to make my dream come true: my perfect man is getting the perfect look.
We're going on a vacation: OUT the knee length swimsuit, IN the flashy Sundek one with the cool stripe in the back. He's starting a new job: OUT the messenger bag he's been carrying around since age 17, IN the Jack Spade briefcase. We're going to visit our families in Paris: OUT the square toe shoes, IN the Lucknow summer ones. We're moving in together: OUT the paper clip/key ring, IN the Tiffany's... And these are just a few examples among the other finds at the J.Crew Liquor store in Tribeca, the Sunglass hut... It's that easy! Turn the makeover into gifts: he won't even realize what you're doing... until he reads your blog. But look at him now, he looks like Robert Redford driving his convertible on the West coast! And the good news is: he's still smart, still funny, still kind and even more cute.

Recycle!

I've been wondering how to stay in style this season without spending money. On the left side, coming from this April's British Vogue, the casual weekend look... perfect opportunity to bring back your khaki Bermuda shorts, your "Desert boots" by Clarks you haven't worn since High School as well as your double sack bag from that same time period. The white shirt you have (if not, what are you still doing in front of your computer!?), the belt as well, and the hat... it's optional but a Panama hat will do the trick (you know the one you wear at Roland-Garros every year). On the right side, the casual weekday look... don't tell me you don't have black pants and a white t-shirt? Now, what you may not have is those two-tone shoes... I've done the research for you: the cheap version is at Steve Madden, they have a pointy version for $59.99 and a round toe version for $79.99 (go with the round toe version), the more expensive version is at Ruppert Sanderson for... well a lot more money, not very "recession spirit". If you don't have any money to spend on the shoes, a pair of white leather ballet flats by Repetto will be fine. Now, the accessories: don't be shy about all the jewelry, it's part of the look. They have great necklaces and bracelets at H&M, Top Shop, even cheaper at the Jewelry Cafe Inc on Broadway in New York. Now that I've given you a few tips for this season, I'm waiting for yours. And please send pictures along here...

Older...

...and fabulous woman spotted at the MOMA yesterday morning.

When I grow old(er), I think I want to look like this woman. I'm sure she used to dress exactly the same in her 30's and why should she change her style just because she's getting older? She has it all figured out. Because you can't go wrong with black and the embellishments are just over the top: big necklaces, a hat of course and a pop of color with her handbag... same color only mine will be from Hermès (by that time, I'll be able to afford one). I think I finally found my mentor.
oh! and the sunglasses...

Un café de ciudad

San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
...that where these pictures were taken, right before a road trip in Patagonia. Printed on paper and painted over with acrylic. Part of the experience is to listen to Celos by Gotan Project while looking at the pictures.

Mermaid Audrey

Recession 2009 is hitting me big time...
so I've decided to exercise more and go swimming at lunch time everyday and relax. I go to one of New York's recreation centers. It's perfect for me: it's recession proof with a $75 year fee, and a 10 minute walk from home and work. My good friend Audrey decided to join me in this "body makeover" before the summer. I was thrilled to have a friend joining me, thrilled... until she appeared with her Halle Berry look at the pool. While I'm wearing a $50 Speedo, she's wearing a magnificent white Eres bikini. She has this long brown hair and looks like a mermaid when she swims. Sometimes, in between two laps, I have the secret hope she's going to start a synchro show. It hasn't happened yet but I'm hoping. Now, in defense of my Speedo, I have to say that I am much faster than Audrey when it comes to laps and I wonder who will look in best shape coming June 21st.

Tamar Mogendorff

From my good friend Chloé

My good friend Chloé has this unbelievable and natural good taste... and she's sharp. There is no room for error with her. Planning on getting married or decorating your (new) apartment, if you're brave enough and ready to hear that your taste sucks, she's your girl.
So this is the link she sent me this morning, Tamar Mogendorff: amazing dolls. You would be tempted to think this is for kids, well... I think that would be "donner de la confiture aux cochons" like the Frenchs say. Just get these dolls for yourself, you've deserved it and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Just go for it!

Now, more about Chloé... she refuses to admit it or even make a living of it. But if you DO need someone to help you out with wedding art direction or apartment art direction... contact me, I'll see if I can push her a little.

The Wild Wild West

Grand Teton, Yellow Stone, Glacier National Park...

...that's the road trip I'm talking about.
It's a safari, it's spectacular views with a wide variety, it's fly fishing, it's hikes in the mountains. Just make you sure you get some pepper spray in case you run into grizzly bears (not kidding here, attacks are not that rare). Go with your boyfriend, go with your girlfriend, your friends, your kids, but GO! If it's just the two of you, rent a convertible Mustang. If it's with the kids, rent the motorhome.
One more thing, coming from Jackson's airport to Grand Teton, put the soundtrack of Laurel Canyon (the movie) on, track #9, Harmony by Clinic, it's part of the experience

Apartment makeover

I've been dreaming of this!

You obviously can't get everything you dream of in one apartment. So for those of you who enjoy "loft looking" places, here's the perfect answer to depressing white walls: THE FAUX BRICK WALL... It seems to be made from a thick molded, compressed paper. It looks much more realistic than those "faux" brick wallpapers you can find everywhere. It's not cheap but it costs as much as a good wallpaper and apparently is much easier to install yourself. Oh... by the way... you can find this at Rose Brand. No need to thank me, I'm here to help.
www.rosebrand.com

Beatrice Guichard

Beatrice Guichard

Beatrice Guichard is a very talented French sculptor, painter and furniture designer. All her pieces are inspired by nature. The sculptors in the picture above are titled "Brindilles" which means Twigs. She works most of the year in her Boulogne studio, and the rest in the south of France. And appart from being super creative, she's super nice.

For those of you who have kids

...or for those of you who are expecting

Check out what the French Vogue shot a few months ago for their Kids magazine. It's pretty cute and creative without being too corny. What can I say, it's French and it's in Vogue...

Pine Island

Pine Island -New Caledonia

This place looks like heaven...
and it would be if there weren't so many French people on vacation there, only because they don't speak any other language!

Why Quatre Cinquieme?

Why Quatre Cinquieme?

It's recession 2009 here and things are getting a little shaky.
So why not share with you what I come across during my spare time.
Photography, cooking, design, events, talented friends, trips around the world, work.

Welcome to Quatre Cinquieme, hope you enjoy the ride.