The Cultured Anthropologist

american.girl.

2010-06-06T11:14:00.000-04:00

I've traded Paris for NY, at least for now.

Bring on the casual attire and apple pie.

the end of princess d

2010-06-04T07:36:00.001-04:00

Things I will miss most about Paris:

magical sunset strolls by the Seine
Colette's ever-changing windows
fantasy shopping at Lanvin
Montana Saturdays and Baron Sunday
the architectural dresses of COS
Sciences Po frenchies
3 glasses of wine with lunch
picnics at Champ de Mars and Canal Saint Martin
Versailles excursions
being casual in 5 inch heels
rue Cler political debates
fashion week pandemonium
Cafe Flore for every occasion
vintage finds from the marais
Rose Bakery brunching
countless museums and never ending expos
and most importantly.....

the family: bunny, bear, T, foreigner, half of DD, and the Cambridge beauty

friends by fate, family by choice

I love you more then words or blog posts could ever say

To me, you are Paris

babe on a bike

2010-06-02T13:43:00.002-04:00

(thanks Olivier)

Canadian and oh so cool.

Aurel Schmidt does fairytale-gone-bad drawings that blow my mind.

tribute

2010-06-02T08:31:00.005-04:00

Dear Bunny,

You filled my year in Paris with amazing expos, all night adventures, and more thought provoking conversations then a year abroad should ever entail. You're the most magical friend a girl could ask for.

New York awaits, but we'll always have Paris.

jet set life

2010-06-01T05:42:00.000-04:00

Facing the prospect of leaving my 23 dresses and 15 pairs of shoes behind (due to Air Canada's barbaric bag policy) I'm strongly contemplating taking a boat to New York.

dropping like flies

2010-05-30T08:05:00.005-04:00

That's a truly vulgar expression isn't it? Unfortunately, it was the only thing my post-Baron self could think of to accurately describes the state of affairs around here. Tonight we're toasting the departure of yet another New York beauty and it makes me so sad. In order to keep myself from a complete emotional meltdown, I've decided to ignore my imminent departure and focus on more fabulous things. For this afternoon that means expositions and espresso.

Paris I love you, just sayinnnn

beginning of my Paris end

2010-05-29T17:06:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh George

In honor of my last full Paris Saturday, the sister and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch atop Centre Pompidou. Dining at George, we indulged in dry martinis and beautiful views, before spending the rest of the afternoon wandering through the marais. When the weather took a turn for the worst we promptly headed to Ladurée on Royal for gossip and afternoon tea. Post-macaron haze, I skipped dinner and contemplated staying in. But who am I kidding? I'm meeting the darlings for drinks on rue Cler before running off to Baron. It's imperative that we say a proper goodbye to our favorite.

Bon weekend!

Friday night

2010-05-28T14:29:00.003-04:00

It's my last full weekend here. Ce soir we're doing dinner at HAND then giving our Jersey boy a proper Paris send off.

See you stateside Mr. Chen.

here we go again

2010-05-26T11:12:00.005-04:00

1 exam down 1 to go

Tonight's agenda?

Montmartre dinner with Bunny and dancing to Black Lips at Chez Moune

See you there darlings

studious

2010-05-25T05:29:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts but life has been so amazing lately that I haven't had time to write about it. The last 10 days have been filled with long lunches, expositions, Versailles excursions, Baron dancing, wine tastings, macarons of every variety, sits by the seine, bisous, unexpected encounters, and more sunshine then I know what to do with. I've been living in a permanent state of euphoria only now disrupted by my looming exams and the departure of my favorite.

Though my day is going to be all about studying, I'm dashing to Café Flore to stake my claim on the terrace. In between facts and figures at least there will be beautiful people and café crème.

Wish me bon courage!

vendredi

2010-05-14T13:17:00.004-04:00

perfect breakfast

This morning I woke up for Ladurée brunch on rue Bonaparte before heading off to the spa to spend the rest of the day relaxing. Now I'm dressing for dinner with the sister and darlings. There are too many parties going on tonight. Must strategize over duck confit. Also must try not to forget to pick up boy at CDG demain. A tout!

NY present

2010-05-13T08:03:00.003-04:00

Arrivals at CDG

This week was my last week of classes at Sciences Po and I couldn’t be happier. Terribly sad that it means my time in France is coming to an end, but ecstatic because I can now fully devote myself to enjoying Paris. Fortunately I’ll have many people to enjoy it with. Apart from my usual darlings, Saturday I’m heading to Charles de Gaulle to greet a very special arrival from New York. Can’t wait! A plus tard dears!

sand and wind

2010-05-12T12:31:00.002-04:00

Wish I was in the South enjoying the sunshine.

It's positively freezing in Paris

early morning

2010-05-11T03:45:00.000-04:00

Why is it so hard to choose a shoe at 9am?

somuchbetter

2010-05-10T11:42:00.007-04:00

Even after years of writing exams at McGill walking into the exam room still causes my heart to palpitate a little. Writing in the gym is like taking exams under the Nazi regime. Everything is regimented, organized, and meticulously controlled. You can always tell everyone is just a few minutes away from having a complete mental break down. I once saw a boy burst into tears the moment he looked at the exam question. Writing exams at Sciences Po is not nearly as stressful. This afternoon I had my final evaluation for my American Conservatism class, which basically consisted of me and my prof drinking espresso at a cafe while we debated the merits of Strauss vs. Hayek. Coffee and intellectual banter, pretty much a standard activity in Paris. Maybe I will stick around Sci Po next year.....

kisses

2010-05-09T09:19:00.006-04:00

my little self agrees

Today I'm appreciating the classiest woman I know

Thanks mom

You taught me about compassion and couture

Without you I never would have grown up to be the cultured anthropologist

it's raining but I don't really care

2010-05-08T14:23:00.004-04:00

Girls of Chez Moune photographed by the ever fabulous Olivier Zham

Tonight bunny and I are doing dinner at Hotel Amour then dancing at Chez Moune for Château Marmont. Maybe we'll swing by Baron après for the LCD after party.

See you tonight darlings!

Colette lunchbox

2010-05-08T07:43:00.000-04:00

Is it wrong that I want one?

local beauty

2010-05-07T10:23:00.000-04:00

Heidi braids and too many baubles

NFT

2010-05-06T08:16:00.004-04:00

My copious amounts of spare time have lead me to look for side projects. Lately I've been doing freelance writing for an unusual series of guidebooks called Not for Tourists. They're a great alternative to the generic ones that point you in the direction of the nearest Micheline star restaurant. I bought the New York guide last year and have been hooked ever since, so I'm thrilled to be contributing to their Paris project. The book is still in the works but you can find the online postings here.

late afternoon

2010-05-06T07:13:00.000-04:00

Nothing better then girlfriends and gossip to break up an otherwise mundane school day.

dinner in Amerrrrrica

2010-05-05T10:00:00.008-04:00

Having been in Paris for almost a year now I should have already learned my lesson about “American” restaurants in this city. The French think they have the best chefs in the world and yet I find myself constantly marveling at their ability to screw up a hamburger. If you can’t master ground beef then I’m not sure you should be allowed to call yourself a chef. That said, Paris is chalk full of American-style restaurants, most of which are terrible. There are a few exceptions, one of which is HAND, which stands for Have A Nice Day. With that type of trite cheery sentiment you might be surprised to learn that the owner is an impossibly beautiful French man who always turns out classic comfort food with a cheeky grin and a wink. Hier soir I died of happiness while we munched on mouth-watering bacon burgers and hand cut crispy French fries. For dessert we spoiled ourselves with cupcakes, crumble, and milkshakes. After our decadent meal we lingered until closing chatting with the owner and sipping Côtes du Rhône. I just discovered they do take out. So indulgent. So dangerous.

HAND
39, rue Richelieu
75001

beautiful weather. beautiful people.

2010-05-01T11:20:00.004-04:00

These days it seems like every time I'm eating it's off of my lap. I can't remember the last time I sat at a table. We seem to be making the rounds of the best picnic spots in Paris. Champ de Mars is our regular spot, but tonight we're planning on going to Canal St. Martin to sit by the locks and watch the world go by.

orient-express

2010-05-01T07:14:00.000-04:00

Paris really does have the best expos..

This weekend the Institut du Monde Arabe is paying tribute to Leila Menchari, the women who creates those wonderful storefront windows for Hermès. The show is really breathtaking and fun. Sometimes it's nice to go see something that is beautiful and not impossibly serious. In addition to the displays, their are Hermès artisans making those magnificent hand stitched saddles and bags. If I ever have more money then I know what to do with, the first thing I'm going to purchase is an Hermès saddle.

On until June 6th.

french invasion

2010-04-27T09:04:00.006-04:00

"Save the Beatrice" t-shirts no longer necessaryPaul and André
(photos from purple diary)

Everyone's favorite Parisian graffiti artist and resident "it boy" André is once again bringing the French "je ne sais quoi" to New York. After the much publicized closing of his old hot spot, the Beatrice Inn, a new lease has finally been signed in Chinatown at the former Yello Karaoke Bar. No word yet on if old Beatrice partner Mr. Sevigny is involved, but apparently the new club will be an expansion of the Le Baron family. As an André devotee and Baron regular I'm excited at the prospect of not having to cross the ocean for my strawberry smoothies once I return stateside. No details yet on an opening date. My money is on June. Hold your breath hipsters.

float on

2010-04-26T12:14:00.003-04:00

I miss snuggling in my old Montreal bed. White and light as a cloud, it's my favorite place to be.

mean reds

2010-04-25T06:09:00.001-04:00

spring break

2010-04-23T06:48:00.001-04:00

Nothing to do but have fun.

Sadly bunny is leaving for NY demain.

Miss you already.

Why not?

2010-04-22T05:11:00.001-04:00

*Stay out all night with your best friends
*Read poetry on Pont des Arts
*Sip cocktails in the Costes courtyard
*Leave the crackberry at home
*Ditch a boring class for a fabulous lunch date
*Swap your dark polish for something bright and cheerful
*Ignore the library and work in Jardin Luxembourg instead
*Don a fabulous party frock during daytime
*Spend an afternoon alone at an expo
*Trade your boots for adorable sandals
*Window shop on St. Honore
*Do nothing, because it feels sooooo good

for breakfast lunch and dinner

2010-04-21T04:21:00.001-04:00

I seem to be having uncontrollable food cravings these days.

All I can think about is fruit filled pancakes, preferably from Beauty's

Alright Montreal I miss you a little......

minty

2010-04-20T14:57:00.000-04:00

Summer = cute shoes

supermardi

2010-04-20T13:47:00.005-04:00

Class ended early ce soir so I set up camp in Tuilerie gardens to read and catch the last few hours of sunshine. The good weather is making me positively giddy.

meow

2010-04-20T03:29:00.001-04:00

Miu Miu from Jak and Jil

biblical proportions

2010-04-19T06:46:00.002-04:00

Not that I'm religious or anything, but I just can't take my eyes off this amazing clutch.

+19 and sunny

2010-04-18T03:42:00.001-04:00

Me and my darlings are spending the entire day at Parc des Buttes Chaumont, reading the day away in the sunshine. Happy Sunday!

upgrade

2010-04-17T05:50:00.001-04:00

Kong is a beautiful restaurant on top of the Kenzo building right by the Pont Neuf. Made famous by its appearance on Sex and the City, it maintains its popularity among trendy Parisians and wealthy tourists. Alright it's a little ostentatious, but I love the kitschy decor and the udon noodles. Now that the weather has warmed up the restaurant has added a semi-terrace to their top floor. A gorgeous bar sans roof, with a roaring fireplace and heated chandeliers to keep you cozy. Order some of the delicious appetizers to nibble on while you sip your Bellini, and enjoy the view.

Kong
1, rue du Pont Neuf 75001 Paris
01 40 39 09 00

treats

2010-04-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

The only thing that would make this beautiful day even better. Cupcakes in Paris are terrible (clearly a North American concept they have yet to master) and I don't have an oven.

Where is Magnolia Bakery when you need it?

house of ralph

2010-04-16T04:43:00.005-04:00

When I was in prep school I - like every other student - developed a mad obsession with Ralph Lauren. I owned the classic polo in practically every color. Now that I'm a little older my fixation is more on the perfectly cut blazers then sportswear, but I digress....

This week Ralph Lauren finally unveiled their new mansion on St. Germain and it is gorgeous beyond belief; Americana classic meets Versailles opulence.

French and American Voguettes have already been spotted checking out the new digs. The store is rapidly becoming the new place to see and be seen. On the 26th fashionistas will start clamouring for a table at Ralph's, their new gourmet restaurant. I can't wait.

It happens to be right around the corner from Sci Po, so I intend on being first in line for the 30 euro hamburger.

French Kiss

2010-04-15T07:56:00.001-04:00

Meeting new acquaintances is always a social mind field full of potential faux pases. Most people are at least mildly inhibited when it comes to first greetings. Do you hug? Shake hands? Do the casual upward head tilt of acknowledgment? But fear not, awkward turtle, for if you move to France you will discover that the French have managed to find away around that potentially uncomfortable first encounter, with what is affectionately referred to as bisous: a swift touching of checks accompanied by an artificial kissing sound.

It doesn't matter who they are or how well you know them, when you enter or exit a social gathering, it is customary to greet your arrival or announce your departure with this French custom. It removes a lot of the ambiguity, at least for women. (For men there's a whole other set of rules about handshake vs. kiss that i am not even going to attempt engage with).

This custom is not without pitfalls. Most of the time in Paris two quick pecks on the cheek will suffice, but once you leave the metropolitan area all bets are off. 3 in some region, 4 in others, really who can keep it straight??? Have you ever tried to kiss everyone around a communal village dinner table 4 times each?! Well I have, and it's tedious. By the time you're done, not only has your food arrived but everyone is already polishing off dessert.

On the upshot, you can say more with your bisous then you probably ever thought possible. Americans always think this greeting as a sign of stereotypical french sexuality, but that really isn't so. The majority of the time it's a truly banal and prudish practice that holds about as much sexual tension as a kiss from your grandmother. However, on the odd chance that you do encounter anyone worthy of a more then friendly greeting, you can simply extend the gesture discretely. Linger, pause, smile. Bon courage!

bise

california envy

2010-04-15T03:48:00.000-04:00

Everyone and their mom is at Coachella.

asdflaskdjfakls so jealous

best line up ever

have fun bunnies!

bliss

2010-04-14T05:06:00.006-04:00

There is truly nothing better then Paris in springtime. All over the city the trees are blossoming, the flowers are slowly opening, and sheer pink cherry blossom petals are scattered everywhere. Even though the Parisians are still dressed for a blizzard I spent the entire weekend in bare legs, like the proud Canadian I am.

traditionalist

2010-04-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

Since I moved to Paris I've been to my fair share of Parisian house parties, but last Saturday I attended a fête that pretty much confirmed what I knew all along: Parisians always keep it classy. When north americans throw a house party you'll be fortunate if someone puts out a bowl of stale pretzels for you to snack on in between keg stands. A Parisian house party comes with strawberries, champagne, and a strict formal dress code. The party was being thrown by one of my fabulous friends at Sci Po. Her uncle (who happens to be an extremely famous journalist and author) volunteered his opulent apartment for the soiree. Decorated in the neo-baroque tradition it was the perfect venue for the "new romanticism" theme. Girls in corsets, men in ascot and furs, I felt like I was in a Jane Austin novel.

Top hats are due for a comeback.

You heard it here first.

spotted

2010-04-12T09:32:00.005-04:00

Hier soir darling and I experienced hip hop revival at Baron.

Biggie on the speakers and Ms. Moss behind the tables.

Don't you just love Sundays?

bombshell

2010-04-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

so tempted to dye my locks this color.

oui? non?

like u 2

2010-04-08T04:53:00.003-04:00

the Ed Banger babes of Jamaica (formerly PONEY PONEY) are playing tonight at Regine.

Be there.

cold sweat

2010-04-07T10:14:00.005-04:00

girl is stressed

It's so interesting that people get so nervous doing their Sciences Po exposes. I've seen people get physically sick when it's their time to present. 10 minutes of public speaking is not that bad especially when you consider 95% of the class are probably more interested in stalking their middle school classmates on facebook then listening to your presentation. I just gave an expose for my Vichy French class and I'm absolutely positive that the proff was the only person who was mildly interested. Not that I can blame them, the underground resistance and political shift of Francois Mitterand doesn't exactly make for riveting subject matter. No judgment.

live from?

2010-04-06T13:33:00.003-04:00

McGill registration is tomorrow and it's shifted me into full-scale panic mode. Regardless of what I end up doing this summer, come September, I will be obliged to return to Montreal and resume proper academic pursuits. 400 level seminars, -30 degree winters, and all nighters in Redpath. The only thing I’m looking forward to is reuniting with all the people I was forced to do without this year.

Missed you Montreal babes!

brights

2010-04-04T15:46:00.002-04:00

ohhh the 60's

2010-04-04T08:12:00.007-04:00

After a weekend of museuming and sample saling, I'm spending a lazy Sunday afternoon eating easter chocolate and watching old episodes of Mad Men. I would love to go back to a time of men in suits, Cadillacs, and inappropriate office drinking. There is something undeniably kitschy yet glamorous about the 1960's. Part of me would have loved to grow up as Sally Draper, mixing drinks for the parents at cocktail hour. Too many years of all girls prep school and my independent inclinations are still repressed at the thought of full skirts and a life of leisure.

I'm pretty sure my feminist forbearers are rolling over in their graves right now.

apocalypse now

2010-04-04T08:01:00.002-04:00

It's hailing in Paris.

There is no way I am leaving my apartment today......

Well.....

Maybe for dinner at Chez Janou.

Happy bunny day

sparkles

2010-03-31T03:56:00.001-04:00

glitter makes everything more glamerous

spring cravings

2010-03-30T15:30:00.002-04:00

bow clips for my heels

an antique gold key on a chain

cognac leather high heeled oxfords

delicate lingerie

Banksy you are the greatest

2010-03-30T03:34:00.000-04:00

dreamer

2010-03-29T13:19:00.001-04:00

somehow the monday blahs manage to get you even when you don't have class.

thunderstorms and jasmine tea are the perfect antidote to a not so fun day.

spring rain smells delicious.

off to dinner at Le Rubis.

a plus tard.

score

2010-03-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

Maison Martin Margiela is having a private sale on April 15th.

It starts at 10am, meaning any fashionista worth her louboutins will be there before sunrise.

If you want to go - and I know you do - then print off the invitation below.

chez moi

2010-03-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

(Sarkozy's pied-à-terre)

I generally like to think of my home as a big closet that I occasionally sleep in. I don't really spend much time chez moi but there are certain things I love about my appart:

Location: really the only thing that matters in real estate. I live on the edge of the 1st and 8th arrondissement, on a street with the world's most ye olde pretentious French name! Hurraaay!

My "huge" bathroom: I put huge in quotations because in Canada it would be considered a glorified water closet but in Paris it's immense.

Storage: there really isn't any in most paris apartments. I have 4 closets at my disposal and a huge chest of drawers. Jealous?

Cleaning: can't really take that long because ummmm it's about the size of an American walk in closet.

My fridge: which is stocked only with the essentials: milk, eggs, and Perrier (occasionally yogurt as well!).

Location 2: I live down the street from Colette, Lanvin, and every other designer store imaginable, and around the corner from my beloved Laduree and Palais de l'Élysée. My neighborhood has 3 Chanels and only one grocery store. Convenience where it counts.

If it's good enough from Carla and Sarko it's good enough for me!

fantasy footwear

2010-03-24T13:17:00.000-04:00

These Miu Miu's border on kitsch but I think they're fantastic.

hope

2010-03-23T05:32:00.000-04:00

healthcare bill signed into law.

lovin' you more every day Obama.

impossibly trendy

2010-03-22T14:19:00.005-04:00

One of my favorite restaurants in Paris is housed in one of the best museums, Palais Tokyo. Tokyo Eat is where I go when I’m sick of French food and nothing else seems right. The chocolate and banana milkshakes are impossibly wonderful as is the ever-changing seasonal menu. The restaurant was designed by a multitude of contemporary artists including the ever-fabulous Mr. Andre, who also curates the museum store, Black Block. In the warmer months you can eat on the patio, which boasts on the best views of the Eiffel Tower in the city. Along with ridiculously delicious dinners, you can often find us grabbing a quick drink here before we wander down the street to Baron. LOVE THIS PLACE.

Tokyo Eat
13 avenue du Président Wilson
75116 Paris

weekend recap

2010-03-21T15:47:00.004-04:00

(kinda like this)

dinner at derrière
scoptione for a hot second
baron dancing
apartment times with my nearest and dearest
pistachio macarons
zero zeros at bastille
montana with a french girl and an irish boy
versailles picnic
herded some sheep
kicked out of the boat
antipasti on grenelle
mad nap time

This weekend was the greatest. I'll be needing the next month to recover.....

Do you remember when 21 years was old?

2010-03-17T08:48:00.007-04:00

Tomorrow I turn 21 and I intend on doing it up Marie Antoinette style.

screw birthday cake

champagne and macaron Ladurée all around!

the lower i feel the higher the heel

2010-03-16T07:12:00.002-04:00

geometry and color blocking at Balenciaga

Asymmetrical cut booties at Lanvin

Bloated oxfords at Proenza Schouler

right t?

2010-03-14T13:12:00.000-04:00

Today is one of those glorious lazy Mondays.

I don't really feel like getting out of bed.....

So I won't.

Is there anything better then perfectly mussed sheets?

rebel

2010-03-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

Still sad.

haute hippy

2010-03-13T12:35:00.001-05:00

This editorial reminds me of my dear friend Juliette.

She writes the most fantastic music blog you can find here.

Vacation haze

2010-03-11T07:30:00.006-05:00

Sorry for the slowdown in posts but I simply haven't had the time. Fashion week consumed my life and I've been running around like the Energy Bunny on speed.

Yesterday we closed out fashion week in style by attending a wonderful party thrown by the lovely Spike Jonze (no one will admit it but sometimes the parties are better then the shows....). Everyone you could ever want to see was there. Terry Richardson, Kate Lanphear, Anna Dello Russo, to name a few. Our antics on the dance floor where punctuated by laps around the party to spot celebrities and shoes!

Now let's get down to serious business and recap the best of the week.

Louis Vuitton

Channeling Betty Draper at Louis Vuitton. For every straight man who's ever watched a fashion show and thought "No woman would look good in that," this collection's for you.

Alexander McQueen

McQueen's legacy in feathers and lace takes my breath away.

Miu Miu

Girlie provocation courtesy of Miuccia. Very lolita-esque

Lanvin

Lanvin. Swoon.

I'll post the rest of my favorite collections plus tard.

bisous

Dave dining

2010-03-08T09:59:00.002-05:00

During fashion week it's always a challenge to find the best places to eat. There are certain establishments that the fashion set always frequent, one of them is Dave. Dave is located right by the Louvre which is where many of the shows are held. Editors and models go to graze on bok choy and judge eachother's shoes. This Chinese restaurant is notoriously hard to get into especially if you want to eat downstairs, and you do want to eat downstairs. If you're dining upstairs you might as well not go at all. This is the restaurant there Gisele Bunchen and Leonardo Dicaprio where once told they would have to wait 20 minutes for a table.....on the street! My advice: dress to the nines and play nicely with the owner.

ps sorry there's no photos of the restaurant, but taking out a camera near Carine Roitfeld is a huge faux pas.

Spotted at the Ritz: Miroslava Duma

2010-03-08T03:29:00.004-05:00

Hier soir, after a few drinks at the Hemingway bar I crossed paths with Miro while we waited for a cab!

In a moment of temporary insanity I chased her down.

She was so gracious and lovely and decked to the nines obviously.

She's celebrating her birthday on Wednesday with a party at the tents.

Swoon.

sunday shopping

2010-03-06T05:38:00.001-05:00

Love Mark. Love Vintage.

What could be wrong?

Tomorrow bring your post-brunch self to the 10th!

Today begins Paris fashion week.....

2010-03-02T17:45:00.003-05:00

(You know you wish you were getting shot by Scott instead of Kanye...)

and I'm stuck in Fez with spotty internet service, sporting drop crotch harem pants that this society practically DEMANDS I wear. Okay, so I'm being a bit dramatic....I'm having the best time in Morocco but I can't help but wish I were back in Paris, just a little bit. For those still fortunate enough to be stomping the Tuilerie gardens my advice to you is thus: wear something positively fantastic everyday! Why? Because if you're ever going to be spotted by Jak and Jil, or become Lagerfeld's next muse you better not be dressed like you just walked out of the Gap. Get creative and bust out your most outlandish outfit. Pourquoi pas?

There are great parties happening all over the city none of which I will be able to attend (at least until I get back on Friday), so I expect all my Parisian babes to be doing me proud in my absence. I wanna know what you're wearing, where you're partying, and most importantly, who you're doing it with. Report on my desk by Friday. A plus tard!

Bonjour Afrique!

2010-02-25T07:58:00.001-05:00

I hate the idea of leaving Paris, especially because fashion week is starting, but tomorrow I'm bidding adieu to beautiful France and jetting off to Africa. I'm heading to Morocco to soak up the sun (not that I haven't packed by spf 50, but you know....), stroll ancient cities, and wander the outdoor markets. As per usual my dilemma is a sartorial one. Morocco is primarily Muslim so the skimpy sun dresses simply won't do. I'm going to have to buy myself some linen pants so I don't roast in the desert heat.

Bisous babes, catch you on the flip side!

Chanelllo

2010-02-23T07:38:00.001-05:00

My world is just a little bit brighter because of uncle Karl.

I'm in my Russian period

2010-02-22T06:00:00.006-05:00

Nabokov
fur
caviar
but most importantly.....

Miroslava Duma!

She's young, wealthy, impossibly stylish, and exudes effortless chic. If I didn't love her so much I would hate her.

girlfriend knows how to rock leather shorts.....

She's kinda just adorable and my style crush de jour.

Did I mention she's also only 25 and an editor at Harper's?

Blizzard

2010-02-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

It's still cold in Paris.

Still rocking the fur, fuzzy thigh highs, and shearing.

Cynthia Steffe F/W 2010

looking great, arriving late

2010-02-21T07:55:00.007-05:00

Hier soir we started our evening with pasta and dry diva martinis on rue Cler before making our way to louvre rivoli. Outside Wadklub there was a devistatingly long line which we thought we could avoid because we were on the list. Nope. The delightful man at the door was content to hold the list but for some reason he could not be prevailed upon to actually check it. After a few minutes we managed to slip in behind a friend who had skillfully negotiated with the stereotypically inept bouncers. Once inside we enjoyed a lovely evening with the Ed Banger boys and one special Banger girl. We twirled around the dance floor and lounged in the black leather den of iniquity, while hipsters clutching their Nikons clamoring for pictures of Gaspard drinking vodka soda. Sheeesh. Such a good night.

Now I'm off museuming and shopping, on the hunt for fallafel. Happy Sunday.

perfect LBD

2010-02-21T07:00:00.007-05:00

I have a HUGE wardrobe, but like most women I have some clothes I might as well sleep in because I barely take them off, and others that remain perfectly folded or scrunched at the bottom of my closet for 364 days of the year. On top of way too many dresses and tops I have boxes overflowing with broaches, bangles, and rings, and drawer after drawer of scarves and belts. My closet is a tribute to my consumerist addiction but in reality learning to be creative with what you have is what truly makes for stylish dressing. This girl is wearing the same dress different ways for a year, to raise money to educate children in India. I don't know if I could do it, but I'm impressed that she can.

staunch surrealist

2010-02-21T06:34:00.006-05:00

sometimes I feel like Mr. Dali must have.....astounded by the ridiculousness of life, living in a my unconscious.

make you mine

2010-02-20T11:55:00.001-05:00

Ce soir we're off to Wadklub to fête Ed Banger's newest baby, Breakbot. The release party for "Baby I'm Yours" is sure to be a hot sweaty hipster mess. I'm searching my closet for lamé spandex as we speak.

See y'all there.

NY I love you, but you're bringing me down

2010-02-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

I've been really lazy about RTW this season. There are too many collections (both wonderful and tragic) to report on. I guess I have to start somewhere..... I'm going to recap some of my favorites.

Phillip Lim does feminine perfection:

Liking the draping at Doo Ri:

Collection of the week goes to Proenza Schouler:
Love it all.
Want it all.
Please please please?

View from my bed

2010-02-20T02:33:00.001-05:00

- 3 empty wine bottles

- a pair of over the knee leather boots

- grapefruit and crackers

- Hermès scarf

- the entire contents of last night's clutch

- latest issue of Purple

- loads of candles

Yesterday was one of THOSE nights.

caffeinated

2010-02-19T05:15:00.004-05:00

Coffee and cigarettes is to the French what fast food and apple pie is to the Americans. I’m a pretty pathetic excuse of a smoker but I do love drinking cup after cup of steaming hot coffee. In order to appease the cultural desire for moderation but secret love for excess, the French consume caffeine many times a day but they drink it out of cups the size of shot glasses. Every now and then when I’m at Sciences Po and want a cup of coffee that doesn’t look like it was designed for Barbie I hit up Lili’s Brownies a few blocks away. This adorable little shop was clearly designed with the expat in mind. Inside you can buy American sized coffee, gourmet muffins, donuts, and slabs of carrot and lemon loaf topped by thick white icing. This coffee shop is cute, overpriced, and exactly what my non-French soul needs when I’m stuck at Sci Po from 10 in the morning to 9 at night. Not only will they serve you normal sized coffee but, horror of horrors, they will actually put it in a cup so you can take it to go. (The French have a stark aversion to eating and drinking while not at a table. It’s considered very déclassé). When my uncouth self walked into my history class this afternoon holding my piping hot latte I was bombarded with questions from the American students about where they could find “normal” coffee. Lili’s should give me a cut for spreading the good word.

Lili’s Brownies
35 rue du dragon
75006

weekend

2010-02-18T12:38:00.000-05:00

Dinner with the people I love most, themed parties, thigh highs, brunching, and the standard Baron/Montana mix.

21 minutes, 30 seconds, and counting.

VAMP

2010-02-18T11:18:00.005-05:00

Watching far too much Mad Men I’ve become enamored with Betty Draper and nostalgic for an age when women favored proper lip color.

Lipstick is the ultimate feminine gesture and red lips are just downright sexy.

Sheer for daytime, matte or super glossy for evening.

Perfection.

Personal favorites: MAC slimeshine lipstick in Urgent and YSL Rouge Volupé in Red Muse.

Put the Chapstick away won’t you?

Parisian love

2010-02-13T09:14:00.003-05:00

Valentine's Day is tomorrow.

brrrr

2010-02-13T08:40:00.002-05:00

The temperature in Paris has plummeted so it appears my only recourse is to wear fur.

sometimes I think about

2010-02-11T12:26:00.003-05:00

human tragedy

2010-02-11T11:34:00.003-05:00

Fashion week is marked with a terrible tragedy today when it was reported that beloved fashion designer Alexander McQueen took his own life. I cannot begin to express my grief at this horrible lose. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.

RIP McQueen.

Gone now.

Never Forgotten.

pill popping

2010-02-11T01:34:00.004-05:00

Contemporary art and classical styling collide.

Designed by Damien Hirst, inspired by his pharmacy collection.

divine.

Save Ferris

2010-02-10T10:20:00.003-05:00

Would it be so terrible to take a day off, drive a red vintage Ferrari, and dance to "Twist and Shout" in a street parade? I'm currently in my class on Vichy France but right now I'd rather be Sloan, the ultimate 80's babe.

Bueller?

Bueller?

Bueller?

...........

Bueller?

treasures

2010-02-10T09:26:00.005-05:00

Scenes from one of my favorite Parisian flea market, Porte de Vanves.

Every weekend in the 14th arrondissement.

chain stitch

2010-02-09T04:43:00.003-05:00

Luxirare

S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y

2010-02-06T08:05:00.005-05:00

Standard fabulous French weekend, minus me being able to stand on my own two feet.

+13 and sunny
boltanski busing adventures
slip 1
inadvertently defacing an exhibition. OOPS
prance in the garden
drinks and expos at palais de tok
slip 2
classic carpaccio dinner
trip to the underdeveloped world / bathroom
grapefruit, raw egg, vodka cocktail at prescription
dancing to the classics at montana
hey there paul
ending the night at Baron, per usual
slip 3

Much gained, nothing lost, except my dignity.

The rest of the weekend will undoubtedly look pretty much the same. Plus a little school work for good measure. Exposés are coming for me on Tuesday!

Well played Sci Po

2010-02-04T13:43:00.004-05:00

(I may be persuaded to spend more time here)

My last semester classes were pretty much mediocre at best. This semester the Po seems to have stepped up their game. Changing face of conflict, race and immigration, protest culture, francais, media and politics, political thoery and political ideology, rise of american conservativism, love them all! However there is one class, Vichy France, that is destined to be this semester's haymarket. Ugh. Oh well, one out of 7? Pas mal.

Kanye copycat

2010-02-03T20:00:00.004-05:00

Famed French graffiti artist and man about town André is showing a collection of drawings at the devastatingly hip Collette.

Think Keith Herring kitsch with Warhol style consumerism commentary.

I'd like to feel original

but Mr. West blogged this expo first

Merde

Trickster

Anyway.....

On until the 27th.

Check it out.

lovin

2010-02-03T13:56:00.002-05:00

net and sculpt

2010-02-01T11:49:00.001-05:00

yums

2010-02-01T06:00:00.006-05:00

Sciences Po has a serious space shortage. There are thousands of students crammed into buildings that are always bursting at the seams. Study and eating space is limited so we generally all head down the street to Le Basile our unofficial student café and hang out there. Having eaten everything on the menu countless times I was finally forced to search the area for somewhere new to eat, which is how I found Cuisine de Bar. 4 blocks away from Sci Po there is the most adorable restaurant that specializes in Poilâne open faced sandwiches known as tartine. Poilâne is actually France's signature bread, not the classic baguette as most people believe. The best sandwich has my favorite cheese St-Marcellin cheese with French ham. They stick the sandwich under the broiler until the cheese is gooey and the bread is crunchy. At lunchtime for 12 euros you can get a sandwich, salad, café, and a glass of wine or sparkling water. It's like Subway, but better.

Cuisine de Bar
8 rue Cherche-Midi
75006

last and least

2010-01-31T18:13:00.010-05:00

My Haute Couture coverage is coming to a close with our favorite Italian house. Valentino is one of the most respected brands in fashion biz. The current designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli turned out a collection this season that is an inordinate departure from the label's signature. Stating the obvious, this collection looks like a sci-fi meld of Rodarte and Hervé Léger. Hot, but not at all Valentino. Stylistic piracy is normal, but I'm distressed as most other critics are that this new direction is a desperate plea for a newer younger clientele and does not necessarily reflect the foundation upon which the house was built. Throwing a few "Valentino red" dresses into the mix will not solve that problem. If designers do want to stretch their wings it's best to do it in a direction that is not completely redundant. This collection is like a 90's prom updo, it's just trying too hard. NEXT.

the not so well kept secret

2010-01-31T10:54:00.005-05:00

Rose Bakery in Montmartre
cakes by the pound or slice
mini quiches, galette des rois, and sticky cinnamon buns

Rose Bakery is hands down my favorite brunch place of the moment. It seems I'm not alone. Everyone in Paris is nuts for this place so you can definitely expect a line on a lazy Sunday. There are two locations, one in Montmartre and one in the Marais. Montmartre is the original and the one I prefer. Both restaurants are teeny whitewashed spaces where you will undoubtedly end up sitting next to someone impossibly chic (I ate eggs next to the editor of V Magazine last week). The bakery functions as both a restaurant and a take-away joint. At the front, there are boxes of fresh produce crowding the narrow aisle and a glass display of cakes, pastries, and take out offerings. Everything they sell is certified organic and locally grown. (this makes the bakery very popular with the New York fashion set, all of whom seem to be afraid that French food is not "pure" enough for their delicate sensibilities). I'm attempting to try everything on the small but delicious menu. So far, I've had the cheese scones, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and bacon, fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit compote, and the tomato and ham mini quiche. Don't even get me started on dessert...Round individual carrot cakes with the creamiest frosting, slices of lemon orange loaf, chunky brownies, scones, scones, and ummm, more scones! The also have the best drinks, signature house teas and vats of fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Orange, banana, and prune is my favorite but many swear by the tomato or carrot.

Writing this post is making me hungry again....

It's only 5.......

I think I'm going to go make dinner......

Rose Bakery
46 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 (Montmartre)
30 Rue Debelleyme, 75003 (Marais)

happy friday

2010-01-29T09:14:00.003-05:00

Even though I haven't actually had class since December

I'm still glad the weekend is here

School starts Tuesday

Merde