The final countdown

I've obviously been away too long from the streets of New York. After 10 days of intense work I've finally taken some time to walk around and sip a lemonade on a bench in the West Village this morning. The city has turned orange, literally ORANGE... and is reminding me that I still do not have a Halloween costume. And the clock is ticking. I've thought about dressing up as pumpkin, a disco ball even but seriously... Any suggestion would be a great help. What are you wearing this year? What were you wearing the previous years or what great ideas have you spotted on the street the past seasons?

Apologies

 

Sorry for the lack of post these past days... but this is what's happening to me. I'll be back soon and I'm still piling up stories for you guys. I'll see you on the other side.

Black Alert

Looking closely at my wardrobe today, my eyes wide opened, I think I've finally found the reason why I'm having such trouble getting dressed in the morning. I do NOT own one piece that is not black, grey or white... Action needs to be taken. And I know for a fact that I am not the only one with this pattern... right Jennifer?

Ah Paris!

Last week my friend Cécile went to France for a wedding.

Air France lost her luggage and she was left with a nice envelope full a AF' cash to make up for the "inconvenience". As a result Cecile, back in New York, arrived at a party last Friday dressed with the best clothes ever. People say French women dress better, this is not a myth. It's because they have great-almost affordable- brands that even New York does not have. (I'm not complaining New York, I'm just stating the truth). Among them: Maje and Sandro.

So, guess who's going to Paris tomorrow hoping Air France will put my suitcase on the Hong-Kong flight?  Needless to say, my luggage will be full of the clothes I was planning to give to the Salvation Army.

Mom, you can start cooking that incredible chocolate mousse. Dad, it's time you open those 1979 bottles of Bordeaux. Camille, please clean your room before Wednesday.

+J

+J, Jil Sander's line at Uniqlo launched 2 days ago in the New York store. The poring rain has finally taken care of the ridiculous one hour line and I've managed to drag Thomas and Martin there after a well deserved brunch at the Odeon. So here is my selection: men, the gray suit looks very nice and if you're not a suit person, just grab the jacket. Women, well if you haven't been there already, probably all the good stuff –meaning the short khaki jacket I had an eye on– is gone by now BUT they have great black slim pants for $49.50, perfect for work.

Fall Craving

The one pair of boots you should fall for this season... with jeans, skirts and shorts. I've had an eye on these for a year now and am seriously considering the purchase. Brown, black or gray leather... they're available at Madewell.

Ricardo Mosner

I'm obviously in the illustration/painting mood today so I thought I would share the old but so good 2003 Lanvin advertising campaign painted by the talented Ricardo Mosner. Ricardo Hugo Mosner is a painter and sculptor from Argentina who has been living and working in Paris for over 40 years. Deeply inspired by his roots, his painting are colorful, figurative and a bit nostalgic.

If you ever wanted to get in touch with him, QC might be able to help you out. You know how to reach me...

Shoe Craving

I've scanned and kept these images from Eric Boman in my "what inspires me" folder. They were published in a British Vogue a few years ago. It's smart, it's fun, it's inspiring... a great way to tell a story. Eric Boman actually did a book for Manolo Blahnik in 2005, Blahnik by Boman: Shoes, Photographs, Conversations.

Zebra Cruella

What does a pair of Azzedine Alaia Zebra shoes have to do with a Ford Mustang? Answer: me

I finally found an occasion to wear these amazing shoes.
As strange and tacky as this can sound, I'm a huge Ford Mustang fan. When I saw this zebra one on the street today I couldn't believe it. How stylish would it be to drive this car wearing those shoes? I know you're not suppose to match your shoes with anything, my mother would think this is poor taste and I'm probably never going to be driving this car but visually... this is too much fun.

July 4th Wedding

It's raining today, still May 1st which means we're entering Wedding Season... If you're the bride and you're getting married during recession 2009, well... good luck! You should maybe have a look at a few blogs like a $10 000 Wedding, or $2000 Wedding...
For the other ones, the real lucky ones, attending the wedding and planning on having fun, like me, I've done some research. I have this wedding on July 4th (seems like a lot of people are getting married that day). I think it would be appropriate and patriotic to pick the right color palette and rise to the occasion. Obviously, I can't wear white (or could I?...) which leaves me with red and blue.
Option #1: Bright Red $90 Wrap Dress from Topshop, with $79.99 J.Crew high-heel slingbacks. Option #2: Navy Blue $90 Ruffle Dress from Topshop, and a $69.99 pair of metallic blue sandals from J.Crew.
Concerned about the length of the dresses? Yes, this season we are showing our legs, because we haven't been swimming everyday for nothing and it's time to cheer our own troops.

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...

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.