last and least

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

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

Even though I haven't actually had class since December

I'm still glad the weekend is here

School starts Tuesday

Merde

fiesta

These outfits NEED close-ups



Some critics are convinced it will be the greatest collection of the year, others think it was a disaster. In truly irritating fashion I find myself firmly on the fence. Gaultier presented some of the best tailoring that we've seen this season, those basket weaved palm dresses were unbelievable, but the theme was so overwhelming and the first half of the collection doesn't do much. His sartorial genius could have been better appropriated to clothing that appeals to the modern women, who is currently yearning for something other then a denim jumpsuit. I would have liked to see more pieces that fell into line with the fringe dresses or sharp blazers. I can do without the pseudo chap pants. All that being said, there was quite a lot of stunning evening wear to choose from, and at least Gaultier did something really interesting in a week of less then inspiring couture. The more I look at this collection the more I like it.

For Esmé – with Love and Squalor

J. D. Salinger died today, one of the greatest writers of our time. He is outlived by his characters who brought understanding and comfort to those that entered his poignant world. His memory lives on in Holden, Franny, Zooey, Buddy, Seymour, Muriel, and the others who touched the lives of so many.

R.I.P Salinger.

The suspense surrounding Tisci's new vision for Givenchy seems to have reached a fever pitch. I was pretty exited to see his new collection, but after reviewing the photos it left me feeling rather ummmm.....blah. I've had my fill of dark encrusted shoulders and could probably do without most of the evening wear. The standout pieces of the collection were the emerald and cobalt jumpsuits that will be photographed to death in editorials, worn once by Rhianna on the red carpet and then forgotten about. I fell in love with the black silk cape, but everything else I feel like I've already seen before: Nicely cut tuxedo jackets, flippy feather skirts, suede over-the-knee boots? It wasn't terrible by any means but Tisci didn't exactly hit it out of the ball park. Better luck next time.

living for the present

Chanel is always one of the most anticipated Haute Couture shows and generally a personal favorite. This collection was a huge step up from Lagerfeld's last couture collection, which can only be described as extremely subdued. This season Chanel embraces both pastel and silver for a color palette that looks like Marie Antoinette's birthday cake. With the predominance of metallic one might go so far as to call it futuristic but Karl is quick to maintain that he designs only for the here and now. Apparently the modern women has a desire for silver dipped shorts?? Well, they wouldn't be my first choice but they're still pretty fabulous. No classic little black dresses or suits trimmed in roped tweed, this is certainly a departure from the Chanel standard. Other then a few less then thrilling evening dresses this was a very well thought out collection. I adore the neck rosettes, metallic gloves, and the liquid mercury nails. Uncle Karl does us right.