The French love rituals. They have rituals for dining and rituals for bathing. I of course try to adopt the French way of life whenever I can!
Relaxing in a bath is a great way to de-stress. Bathing is luxurious. Do we say the same about dressing? We’re so time poor that we probably neglect the ritual of dressing. Clothes stuck at drycleaners, buttons missing, broken heel…it can get too hard!
How can dressing become an enjoyable ritual?
A beautiful dressing area will inspire. Chandelier, dressing table and chaise can be added to the corner of a bedroom or large walk in closet. Perfume and jewellery displayed on a dressing table add glamour. Go on treat yourself like a celebrity!
Organisation is also essential. French women favour quality over quantity. They purchase investment pieces at the start of each season. With only a few quality items wardrobes are a easier to keep tidy. Sorting items according to season and colour is one way to keep your dressing space organised. Hmmm if only I followed my own advice.
Surround yourself with fashion inspiration! I keep my favourite fashion mags in my dressing space. They are a fantastic reference tool when putting outfits together.
Most importantly enjoy fashion. Dressing should be fun every day. Enjoy the art and your personality will shine through!
I adore Chanel. The house is classically sophisticated and elegant. I am also a huge fan of Baz Luhrmann the talented film director, screen writer and producer.
The Chanel commercial (mini movie) Baz developed in 2003 is truly amazing. Fans of the film Moulin Rouge will notice similarities between the movie and the Chanel commercial. The objective of Chanel was to reignite an audience’s emotional connection with Chanel No 5. To do this Baz spent time in Paris researching everything Chanel.
He was even given a tour of the apartment Coco Chanel had lived in. Baz’s vision was to create the commercial in the style of a two minute preview of an epic motion picture. The result is beautiful and embodies the essence of Chanel.
Baz and Nicole on the set of the Chanel commercial at Fox Studio’s Sydney
I love love love fashion. I even like some of the really out there stuff. However some fashion is a little too weird to try. Japanese designer Junya Watanabe has featured elephant man inspired headwear at Paris Fashion Week. I won’t be trying this at home…or anywhere else! Then again I can be a fashion victim. If you do see me wearing this in the future please remind me that I initially hated this look!
In twelve days I’ll be living it up in Byron. Hopefully the sun will decide to join me. Yes I love the sun however you won’t see me out baking. I am proud of being sun smart! We can all cover up glamourously! Here are my summer holiday essentials. Don’t forget to add 30+
The Caftan
So glamorous and a pleasure to wear. Spend your day in the sun draped in one of these beauties and you’ll feel like a star! Don’t be afraid of colour. Bright is best! This patterned caftan is the perfect cover up.
Caftan’s can also be dressed up for cocktails at the poolside bar. The embellished caftan below can be dressed up or down for holiday fun.
Add a coloured cuff for a modern touch.
Wide Brimmed Hat
This really is an essential. They look great and also shield the delicate facial skin from harmful UV rays. It’s really just a matter of finding the hat that suits you.
Yes I am in love with the city of lights. My dream is to live in Paris. It’s the best city in the world for many reasons. One of my very dear friends is planning her own trip to Paris. She has asked me to recommend accommodation. I can do better than that! Here are some of my favourite things to do and places to visit in the city of love.
Le petite dejeuner
Breakfast is so much better in Paris! Croissants, pain au chocolat, baguettes….yum yum yum! If you’re on holiday you’ll probably do a lot of walking so eat up.
Le Louvre
Obviously a must see. The Louvre is amazing. My husband overheard some tourists talking when we were in Paris. The conversation went something like this….Warning: Content may disturb you
Tourist 1:Hmmm, we only have 3 hours before we’re back on the bus. Should we go to the Louvre or go shopping?
Tourist 2:Shopping!
Ahhhh I love shopping as much as the next girl, however this is clearly ridiculous. If you have only have 3 hours to spend in Paris I suggest you go to the Louvre.
La Tour Eiffel
I adore the Eiffel Tower! Today I am wearing an Eiffel Tower charm on a necklace. I also bought a pair of Eiffel Tower earrings last week. No I won’t actually wear them they just look nice on my dressing table.
Galeries La Fayette
The most beautiful department store I have ever seen. Fantastic designer fashion and cosmetics. If you’d like to browse many designers in one place then go to Galeries La Fayette. This is shopping heaven. Oh and it’s BYOP – Bring Your Own Poodle!
Dior!
Another of my obsessions is Dior. Maybe leave the cash/cards in the hotel safe when you’re planning a visit Dior. Who can resist a Dior bag and shoes??!
I could spend hours writing about Paris. I hope you enjoyed this little journey.
I clearly have Oscars fever today! In honour of the 80th Academy Awards here are my all time favourite actresses. These starlets are from a classy era, a time when celebrities wore underwear.
These actresses epitomised true glamour.
Vivien Leigh. Gone with the Wind is one of my favourite films. In 1939 Vivien received the Oscar for Best Actress.
Classic beauty Audrey Hepburn won the Best Actress Oscar at the 26th Academy Awards. She wore a sleeveless floral gown and pearls.
Stunning Grace Kelly won the Best Actress Oscar at the 27th Annual Academy Awards. I’m not too sure about the hairstyle or the gloves!
In 14 hours we’ll all have our own opinions on the best and worst dressed at the 80th Annual Academy Awards. In anticipation for the red carpet fashion feast let’s reminisce.
Charlize Theron looked amazing in Dior at the 77th Annual Academy Awards. I love the ruffles!
Cate Blanchett in a Valentino gown, arrives at the 77th Annual Academy Awards in 2005. Cate looked like a true star.
Keira Knightley’s Vera Wang gown was very flattering. The weaved style across the bodice created curves on her tiny frame.
George Clooney should really receive a mention. His Oscars attire is always immaculate. George has said that he loves Gucci and Armani suits.
Now for something totally different. What is Cher wearing?! There are no words…
…..And again at the 60th Academy Awards. Well the lady clearly has confidence. I’ll applaud her for that.
I am in love with the Prada Fairy Bag! This bag is truly a piece of art.
Artist James Jean was commissioned by Prada to create the illustration. The illustration reminds me of the work created by Japanese artist Yoshitimo Nara.
Yoshitimo Nara – Girl with direction indicator flags
Ruffles appeared in many designers collections as did military inspired looks. Moschino combined the two looks with a ruffled skirt and military inspired jacket.
Moschino and Versace featured military inspired pieces.
Versace’s bright palette will no doubt stand out in Autumn/Winter 0809. I am loving the fuchsia coat. Definitely a must have so start saving.
The mini isn’t ready to be pushed to the back of the armoire just yet. At the Fendi show hemlines were high and colours rich. Keep those leg workouts up through winter!
I loved Diane Von Furstenberg’s tailored feminine looks. Dresses worn with coats cinched with skinny belts looked fabulously polished.
