Sneak peek to Le Style Digital Magazine Summer Edition Pour Noël

Shanon Quinn Photography

Online shopping links with worldwide delivery, beautiful inspirations, celebrity interview, property buying and selling in Paris with interactive videos and direct clicks. Available on our site on 1st December.

Joyeux Thanksgiving!

Style Me Pretty.com

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers and followers from America and Canada! 

24 hours in Paris!

What do you do when you have 24 hours in Paris?  What are the places you have to go and see, appreciate and soak in, meet the locals and dine?  What times are the best?  The video below shows some of the popular must-go places in Paris to note.  The majestic Le Meurice, as well as cute arrondissements you can discover.  Travel with an open mind, and you'll have nothing but a good time and life's greatest lesson.

By: concierge.com

Le Meurice; The Hotel of Kings

A five star hotel is no longer fit for a king when visiting Paris, bien sûr! In France, they have a one-up on the hotel ratings called the Palace Distinction. It is earned after achieving the five stars requirements, and then some. Le Meurice Hotel in Paris was the first to achieve the discerning distinction, although this emblematic avant-garde Parisian hotel seduced me in other ways. My stay at the paramount Le Meurice was nothing less than a palatial experience, while I desperately tried to coax Meurice into divulging some of his stories of famous personalities, past and present, who have left their notch on his bedposts.

Le Meurice is known as “The Hotel of Kings” for three reasons. The obvious being that it has been the preferred place to stay in Paris for international royalty since the beginning of its establishment in the nineteenth century. Secondly, because the hotel has earned this reputation as the king of all Parisian hotels for its incomparable service, style and savoir-faire in hospitality. Lastly, Le Meurice has been blessed with the official Palace Distinction in hotel establishments by the French government; in the luxury world, that is a step above the blasé five star ones.

If only these walls of Le Meurice could talk, they would whisper to me the secrets I so desperately want to know! The visits from the King of Spain, the Shah of Iran, the Grand Duchess of Russia and a slew of other aristocrats from all over the world. The stories of patron Mata Hari, the exotic dancer executed for espionage during World War I. I wonder how Ginger Rogers and Elizabeth Taylor would spend their time in Paris while at Le Meurice? Rockefeller, Roosevelt, Coco Chanel, and Picasso are yet a few other majestic names worth mentioning frequently seen at the reputable hotel.

And then, there is Dali! Artist Salvador Dali would take up residence at Le Meurice for an entire month every year, for over thirty years. For this, permanent tributes to Dali grace Le Meurice throughout; starting from the moment you enter the lobby. “The 18th century mirror is an old evocation of Le Meurice history,” Anne Vogt-Bordure, Director of Communications, explains of the large frozen mirror leaning against the wall upon entrance to the palace. Coolness emanates from the mirror with no reflection. “Frozen because Mr. Dali didn’t drink alcohol at all. He used to drink water, so it is like a historic tribute to the hotel and to Dali.” People often come up and draw their names with their finger in the frost, as did I. 

Suite Dali

The emphasis at Le Meurice during its renovation in 2007 was in “trying to create some bridges from past to present,” states Vogt-Bordure, “to keep the history, but also to move forward.” I believe the same can be said of Paris as a whole.

“We thought Dali was the right person to give a little bit more fun and glamour and humorous image of Le Meurice, to make it a little less serious,” explains Franka Holtmann, General Manager of the palace hotel since 2007. “I still have members of my team that know all the anecdotes of his visits here,” she says of Dali with a sheepish grin. 

It was Holtmann who commissioned renowned designer Philippe Starck during Meurice’s make over as, “I thought he (Starck) was the only one who could conserve the heritage of Le Meurice, and at the same time make it more modern and glamorous.” The innovative and daring French designer Starck has once again accomplished remarkable work. He recreated Dali’s Leda chair and a Dali lamp you cannot miss when you enter the restaurant appropriated named Restaurant Le Dali. Almost immediately, your eyes are captivated by the art draped high above. Ara Starck, the designer’s own daughter, is the artist of the theatrical scene painted on canvas over the entire ceiling in the room. 

Near the ancient symbolic mirror frozen in time, prominently stands another piece of art in the lobby. However, this one is contemporary. “The Kiss” by Zoulikha Bouabdellah was the first recipient of the Meurice Prize for contemporary art 2008, a competition established by Holtmann to support today’s French artists. Holtmann also headed the revamping of the hotel in 2007, where, “in only 5 days and 5 nights,” the main areas of the first floor were renovated. “My goal was, in a way, to wake up the sleeping beauty,” Holtmann says of the hotel, which took a total of two years work of renovations. “Le Meurice was always anchored in art and culture. I wanted a timeless hotel but at the same time really create a liaison with the past and to wake it up!” The Kiss has awakened this sleeping beauty.

Royal patrons and stargazing is not only a thing of the past at Le Meurice. During my stay I recognized the Olson Twins, royalty in the world of fashion, seated next to me at Restaurant Le Dali. Visitors are still as eclectic and diverse as the hotel itself. One escorted entourage of well-known hip-hop rappers, made their way through the hotel as confidently as sophisticated nobility.

I must mention that this palace is perfectly located across the picturesque Tuileries Garden, and flanked by Place de la Concorde, The Louvre and Place Vendôme. The rooms and suites are extraordinary, as you would expect of a palace hotel, flaunting marble and the finest of all furniture and fabrics from only the very best craftsman and designers in France to Italy. Head Chef Yannick Alleno, a three star Michelin award winner, of Restaurant Le Meurice states, “my cuisine is like my city, and my city is Paris.” The opulent restaurant houses a wine cellar with over 600 of the worlds finest wines,” Vogt-Bordure boasts. 

Restaurant Le Dali

My stay at Le Meurice came to an unfortunate end, however with an appropriate farewell gift from Vogt-Bordure. A book titled French Genius for the Art of Living (published by Le Meurice Hotel, 2009), which romantically describes the rich fascinating history of the hotel. “To recall the history of Le Meurice is akin to telling the story of Paris,” author Sabine Roux states. “The years and even centuries have passed, and crowned heads, captains of industry and the iconic figures of art and culture from around the world have come and gone at Le Meurice,” Roux illustrates, “adding new legends to its History each time.” And that, my friends, is the art of living à la française at Le Meurice!

Thank you Anne Vogt-Bordure and Franka Holtmann for their grand hospitality, personal tour of Le Meurice and for my gifts!

By Slavica Monczka

Le Jour du Macaron!

It was Macaron Day yesterday and as you can imagine, Paris was full of love during this macaron fest.  For 7 years now the arrival of spring is celebrated by the Macaron Day.  A day of delightful French macarons on every table in cafes, homes, picnics and walks around the City of Love including the world.

To this day of celebration, shops like Pierre Hermé Paris and confectioners Relais Desserts, offer a tasting of macarons and invite customers to donate for a noble cause.  This year's Macaron Day takes action in aid of autism, recognized 'Great National Cause' and supports the association Autistic Without Borders in Paris.

Original flavors and a home full of good humor awaited all participating outlets.  An additional reason for all gourmets to succumb to the temptation of the delightful macaron.

You can also find the same in New York: since 2010, François Payard, chef of François Chocolate Bar and François Payard Bakery in New York, organized the first annual Macaron Day in NYC. Macaron Day NYC is inspired by and coincides annually with the Jour du Macaron in Paris, created by la Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in association with the Relais Desserts.  We hope you had a fabulous Macaron Day yourself, if not, it's never too late to celebrate today!

Photographe

Honeymoon in luxurious Côte d'Azur

A country of contrasting landscapes, synonymous with romance and renowned for its unrivalled wines and fine cuisine. The Côte d’Azur is the quintessential playground of the rich and famous with the bluest waters, golden beaches and a mountainous backdrop. Glamorous seaside towns sit next to medieval villages and there are endless chic restaurants, bars and casinos. This region also includes prestigious Monaco with its impressive yachts and the glitzy town Monte-Carlo at its heart.

The Côte d’Azur, known in English as the French Riviera, is home to some of the world's most luxurious cities including Nice, Cannes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Fantastic cuisine and people-watching make up the bulk of the action, along with a thriving beach culture. Provence is famous for its scenery, all vineyards and lavender fields, while the Alps provide a dramatic backdrop.

When to go:
The Côte d’Azur is at its hottest in July and August. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant months to visit.

Currency:
Euro

Website:

www.frenchriviera-tourism.com

Best travel time to Paris

It’s no secret that Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, more than 35 million visitors stayed overnight in the French capital in 2008, and the numbers are growing. Given the high number of tourists -- all with different expectations, tastes and desires -- there is clearly no “best” time to visit the city. Paris has year-round charm and some seasons will be more attractive to certain visitors than others.

One and Only Paris photography

Spring

The famous Parisian springtime might meet all of the expectations of a first-time visitor. The horse chestnut trees lining the Champs-Elysees are thick and lush, and jewel-like flowers are blossoming throughout the city’s many parks. The streets, stores and museums are not yet thronged with summer crowds and there's a slight chance you can get low-season rates with certain hotels and airlines. If you are a tennis fan, you might score tickets to the French Open, which takes place every May at Roland Garros. The primary downside of touring Paris in the spring is the capricious weather: One day it might be sunny and warm, the next day (or days), windy, rainy and cold.

Summer

Summer is the height of tourist season in Paris. Unless you make reservations, expect to wait in long lines at the more famous attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame. The weather can get fairly hot in summer, though cool, rainy stretches sometimes sneak in, and air conditioning is not universal, the way it is in the United States. The benefit of coming to Paris in the summer are the many attractions planned by city officials. Every year since 2002, the banks of the river Seine are formed into a large beach (“plage”) during July and August. Other summer attractions include the outdoor jazz festival at the Parc Floral, Fête de la Musique -- a Paris-wide music festival that takes place on summer solstice -- and the sales: All of the stores from Chanel to Monoprix have sweeping discounts.

Autumn

Fall can be an ideal season to visit Paris. The weather is usually mild and dry, summer crowds have lessened, and Parisians -- having just returned from their summer holidays -- are in good cheer. You can enjoy annual events such as the Nuites Blanches (white nights), where all museums, galleries and other art-related institutions are open to the public all day and night for free. You can participate in the Salon du Chocolat (chocolate fair) that takes place every October, or sample the first Beaujolais nouveau of the season in early November. According to the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotel prices can take a dip in autumn, particularly around late October and November.

Winter

Unless it snows, winters do not show Paris at its prettiest. The skies are slate-gray and gloomy, the days are cold, and rain is inevitable. The upside is that you can settle down at a bistro with a steaming cup of vin chaud (warm, spiced red wine) or a luscious mug of hot chocolate. You also can appreciate the hearty, warming winter foods, such as cassoulet (white beans and confit of duck or pork) and game-based dishes, including rabbit, wild boar and venison. Perhaps best of all, hotel and airline prices are at their lowest and you won’t have to jockey for position in front of the "Mona Lisa."

Christmas

Christmas season is surprisingly low-key. While major attractions such as the Champs-Elysées tend to be awash in fairy lights, in some parts of the city the decorations appear so halfhearted -- or be absent -- that you might not feel as if it is Christmas at all. On the upside, the city is rife with charming Christmas markets featuring many homemade crafts, from knit sweaters to hand-painted wooden toys. It also is during the Christmas season that a large ice-skating rink pops up at the esplanade in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall) and an enormous Ferris Wheel is constructed at the foot of the Champs-Elysées. Hotel and airline prices tend to rise during the holiday season: Lack of decorations notwithstanding, people still like to come to Paris at Christmas.

By: Barbara Diggs

Joyeux Nouvel An Chinois!

Source: photoblog.msnbc.msn.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Chinese New Year in Paris has become one of the city's most popular annual events. Paris has a large and thriving French-Chinese community whose cultural influence grows stronger all the time. 

Parisians of all stripes eagerly crowd the streets of South Paris each year to witness a cheerful procession of dancers and musicians, vibrantly-hued dragons and fish, and elegant flags embossed with Chinese characters. Boisterous Chinese restaurants are packed to the brim with locals and tourists, and the night set may include special theatrical or musical performances or even film festivals. A truly memorable experience. 

Chinese New Year in Paris: Street Parades in 2012:

Source: Uploaded by user via Le Style on Pinterest

In 2012, Chinese New Year falls earlier than in most years, beginning on Monday, January 23rd and culminating on Sunday, January 29th. 

Main Parade in Paris: Sunday, January 29th.
Where: The first major parade is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 pm and starts at or around 44, Avenue d'Ivry in the 13th arrondissement (metro Tolbiac). The second parade falls on the same day and will be held in the Belleville neighborhood, beginning at 1pm at Place Frehel (Metro Pyrenees or Belleville).

Parade Highlights: Chinese New Year parades in Paris are famed for their elaborate decorations (red lanterns, grinning dragons and tigers, bright orange fish) and for their noisy cheer, which usually includes firecrackers.

By: Courtney Traub, Paris Travel Guide

Luxury presidential suite at $26k a night in Paris

The Latest Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Paris
By Slavica Monczka

The latest and greatest addition to Paris, France in luxury hotel properties is the Mandarin Oriental; a modern Parisian “that is infused with a subtle air of exoticism and romance.” Yes, they grabbed my attention here as well.  If not for those words, then a visit to their presidential suite would most certainly lure anyone. As a recent patron of the establishment, I can attest to this romantic and modern attribute of Paris in everything from the décor, to the amenities, to the cuisine of their restaurants. For a segment in my upcoming televised show, Seductively French, I was graciously welcomed by the hotel’s General Manager, Philippe Leboeuf, for a personal tour of the grounds and discuss its sophisticated elegance. With refined luxury at its core, this Mandarin is seducing guests far and wide, as celebrities and the most affluent people in the world are flocking now to Mandarin Oriental, Paris to experience what they call “a new Paris.”

My experience in the crème de la crème of all presidential suites, The Suite Royale Mandarin, was so over the top I (half) jokingly told Leboeuf I was never going to leave. “We want our guests to feel this way,” he reassures me with a charming smile. However at 20,000 Euros a night, I was able to at least enjoy the moment as an invited guest. For those curious, that would be over $26,000 US dollars in today’s conversion, per night.

This suite totals over 3200 square feet, includes a bar, dining room, a study, private gym and steam room. Moving up, picture this: Vast 360 degree views of Paris from the suite’s rooftop patio. I see Montmartre, the Louvre, Beaubourg, and no view of Paris would be complete without the Eiffel Tower, flirtatiously twinkling at me that special night. Dashing décor adorn with fine marble, silk, and art everywhere. “Every piece of furniture has been designed for this suite,” describes Leboeuf. It charmed the pants right off me (the suite, when I was alone, not Mr. Leboeuf) so I took a bubble bath with their luscious toiletries, and sipped champagne while watching the Eiffel flirt with me, again.

The Mandarin is modern in design and décor but Leboeuf states, “we wanted to still be very Parisian, and romantic. We have our savior-faire and Oriental heritage but we want to portray to be very Parisian, hence all the couture elements.” The one couture detail that blew me away was the headboard in the bedroom featuring silk hand embroidery of artist Man Ray’s Neck by the legendary Maison Lesage that took an unbelievable 650 hours to complete. These truly artistic and glamorous interiors Mandarin describes as “haute couture decoration, distinguished by extreme attention to detail.” Would you expect anything less from the French anyway, or from a Mandarin Oriental for that matter?

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris is not what you would imagine for a typical Parisian hotel. It is not flamboyant and fussy, nor overly ornate and grandiloquent. It is however, elegant, inviting, and pleasing to the eyes from the time you enter the lobby and throughout. “I think the ‘Wow’ effect from visitors is certainly what strikes me the most,” describes Leboeuf of the reaction he gets from a visitor’s first time at the hotel. “People want to see something new, something different in Paris.” Evident, as it is the place to see and be seen at in Paris, according to all the celeb sightings in just over their one-year anniversary. Some names of visitors I can mention include Liam Neeson, Queen Latifah, Maggie Cheung, and French classical pianist Hélène Grimaud. During my time spent there, my celeb sighting was the lovely French actress Catherine Deneuve chatting over drinks with friends in the garden.

Ah yes, the garden. To me, it is a Zen-like escape from the big city with an abundance of vegetation seemingly transporting you to yet another paradise. The restaurant Camélia is a “continuation of the indoor landscaped garden,” and is one of two under Executive Chef, the awarding winning Thierry Marx. I very much enjoyed my dinner there of scallops in “the essence of white truffle,” but can you hardly be surprised? The dish was a sort of East meets West (much like the hotel itself) where Marx’s intent was to blend ingredients common to French cuisine to that of the culinary traditions of Japan.

Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx is the restaurant not to be missed. I don’t know if I can say I was more impressed with the fare or the stunning design. The space is entirely white, as it is “the ultimate symbol of timeless elegance.” If you can get past the impressive design décor to enjoy another sensory pleasure, be sure to try the Soya Risotto, and the L’Oeuf Éclat. Feel free to send me a thank you for this suggestion any time after your visit.

All in all, it is an exquisite place to stay while in Paris, as it is also centrally located, near the best shopping and site seeing. It is a symbol of what they refer to as “a new Paris” with an eclectic touch from the art it houses, to the cuisine they serve, to its Oriental aura. Leboeuf stresses to me that quality service is the “very essence of hospitality,” and at the end of the day this is exactly what a visitor wants from a luxury hotel.

Thank you to Philippe Leboeuf and staff for all their generosity and warm reception. Until we meet again Mandarin, where I can wallow in your “subtle air of exoticism and romance,” I shall visit you in my sweet dreams.

 

And you can visit them at www.mandarinoriental.com/paris/

For more from Seductively French, to go www.seductivelyfrench.com/home

Something old, something new

Another treasure on Saint-Honoré, rue

The Mandarin Oriental brought to you

A Parisian gem, a Paris anew.

-Slavica Monczka

A great new year party it has been..

Bonne année et bonne santé!  We hope your beginning of 2012 is as wonderful and fabulous as ours has been..

Guest blogeuse: Seductively French - Le Palais des Thés

Photo Courtesy of Les Palais des Thés

The French tea company Le Palais des Thés owns the savoir-faire when it comes to tea making. For those who enjoy teas, this incomparable quality is in a class of it’s own. Their discriminating taste only allows for the finest ingredients found in remote plantations around the world. If you are not a tea aficionado, simple education of these will turn you into one.

Just in time for the holidays, and new to the U.S. this year, I welcome and share with you the best tea in the world, Le Palais des Thés! The French have a knack for producing and enjoying the finer things, which is why I’m a Francophile. Le Palais des Thés is an example of this refined quality for tea lovers. "The Paris-based team of tea tasters, or tea oenologists, create Le Palais des Thés' exquisite flavors, operating much like master perfumers," states Aurelie Bessiere, president for the company’s U.S. division based in New York.

Bessiere describes to me the journeys to Japan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India: "Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Darjeeling with the team and plan to join them next April in China." The unheard of devotion by founder Francois-Xavier Delmas travels with his team every year for six months "to over 20 countries to find rare crops by visiting small plantations in remote locations," proudly says Bessiere. Once selections have been made, "we spend one to two years of development time to create each of our signature flavored tea blends, using all natural ingredients (fruits, flowers and spices)." Unequivocally, an extraordinary commitment to grandeur!

If you were not already aware, being a tea connoisseur is much like being a wine enthusiast, a gourmet, or other things one might become fanatical about. It is part of a lifestyle enriched by enjoying experiences and the finer things. Bessiere explains to me that tea pairing is much like, what we more commonly hear, wine pairing. "It adds another whole layer of taste experience to have the perfect tea matching your favorite foods.

Be it a piece of chocolate cake with our Thé des Moines or a fresh muffin with our Thé du Hammam, we believe that teas can pair successfully with a wide variety of foods and meals just as wines do."

Wanting to indulge, or find a unique gift for someone who has it all? Try their Jukro tea at $130 per 3.5 ounces. It is a limited edition, "and our customers are happy to pay for exceptional teas with complex aromas like this one," describes Bessiere, "which are available in very limited quantities only at certain times of the year." This would explain the comparison to superior wines. "Like fine wines, these teas are never exactly the same from one year to another, which tea connoisseurs appreciate!"

However, there are numerous selections to be made at Le Palais des Thé at more affordable luxury prices. "For those looking for a true taste of Christmas, we are offering the limited edition Thés N° 25: a collection of teas scented with vanilla, almond, cinnamon, ginger, orange and lemon zests. It’s perfect for those cold nights in front of the fire with friends and family. The teas are packaged in special Christmas gift tins which are $29 each." Try Thé N°25 in the mulled wine recipe below for a more festive concoction!

My personal favorite is the Fleur de Geisha blend that is refined Japanese green tea and "delicately flavored with cherry blossom." The smell is as lovely as its name, and makes the most perfect hostess gift in a beautiful Washi tin for $30. Another reason why it is a favorite is when used in this delicious aperitif recipe below. A perfect drink for a New Year’s Eve party!

To complement the essence of all Le Palais des Thés be sure to explore their candles, other gift sets, and The Tea Drinker’s Handbook. Written by founder Delmas and associates, the book "reveals the keys to the art of tea tasting, essential tips preparing infusions, and their choices of the world’s fifty best teas."

Fleur de Geisha Sparling Aperitif

• Infuse 3 tea bags of Fleur de Geisha tea in 10 oz. simmering water for three minutes.
• Remove tea bags, allow to cool, then chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Add 0.8oz. of a peach liqueur to tea, and shake in a cocktail shaker.
• Pour into flute glasses halfway.
• Top off with chilled champagne or dry sparkling wine.

Thé N°25 Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 750mL of red wine (1 bottle)
• 5/8 cup brown sugar
• 4–5 rounded teaspoons (7 to 11g) of Le Palais des Thés’ Black Thé N°25”

Preparation:

• Slowly heat the wine and sugar in a large pot over a low flame.
• When the mixture begins to come to a boil, turn down the heat and simmer (without boiling) for about 5 minutes until the sugar has completely melted.
• Add the tea to the pot, cover, and infuse for 4 to 5 minutes over a very low flame.
• Filter and drink hot.

Optional:

• Add a vanilla bean to the pot when adding the sugar.
• Remove before serving. When serving, garnish each glass with a slice of orange.

Santé! To purchase this luxury, and for more holiday gift ideas by Le Palais des Thés, visit PalaisdesThes.com.

 

By: Slavica Monczka

Noël treats..

Source: weheartit.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Source: fetefanatic.blogspot.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Source: homebylinn.blogspot.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Le Style on Pinterest

Christmas decor..

Source: shannoneileenblog.typepad.com via Lynlee ~ Lynlee's Petite Cakes on Pinterest

Source: savethedate4cupcakes.com via Lynlee ~ Lynlee's Petite Cakes on Pinterest

Source: thestylesisters.blogspot.com via Lynlee ~ Lynlee's Petite Cakes on Pinterest

Xmas window display face-off

Printemps

No doubt that the City of Lights are stunning especially during the holiday season, but one can't help to compare which is their favourite window display this year - Printemps or Galeries Lafayette?  View more photos of both on Vingt Paris and decide!

Galeries Lafayette

While you're there, you can't miss the snowy Noël in Paris with its showcase of lights around the Eiffel tower, the Champs Elysees, Notre Dame and the Christmas markets.  All can be viewed here.

Paris Tourism

Summer Xmas style with NET-A-PORTER.COM

Click on the image below and shop with our partner, NET-A-PORTER.COM for the 'Heatseeker' stylish getaway trends.  Parfait for a summer Xmas!

Win our Paris to Provence giveaway!

 

Diane and Mark Shaskin has did it again.  A couple from beautiful Canada who are passionate in food and photography, they have released a cook book called 'How to Cook Bouillabaisse In 37 Easy Steps, Culinary Adventures in Paris to Provence'.  

 

In this season of giving, our next giveaway helps you create that French feast for Noël or any occassion. Our friends from Canada at Paris to Provence has a new book released called "How to Cook Bouillabaisse in 37 Easy Steps" and it is nominated for Paris Gourmand Awards. We are giving away this great book to a lucky winner on this Sunday(18th Dec) 5pm! Click 'like' on our Facebook Page or email 'Paris to Provence' toinfo@lestyle.org to enter. Bonne chance!

Read our previous article about them here, and visit their website here. 

Photographe: Paris to Provence

Mode du jour

Source: sittinginatreeevents.com via Le on Pinterest

Miss a snowy Christmas?  The sunny side up in celebrating Chrissy in Australia is the summer fashion, loads of food and love.   Add glitters and golds for that festive look.  Running to the beach?  Goldify yourself, mademoiselle.

Source: weheartit.com via Le on Pinterest

A Parisian escape at Antoinette

 

Since we know of this great interior-designed French cafe/restaurant in Singapore named after Marie Antoinette, we couldn't wait to experience what seemed an authentically-decorated Parisian cafe/restaurant who displays an array of the French signature patisseries.  We decided on starting the day with petit-déjeuner at Antoinette (Mandarin Gallery Singapore) last week.  

Upon arrival, guests are enticed by their delightful range of Saint Honore L'Amour, Versailles, Le Royale, Antoinette (bien sur!) and many more.  We were seated to our chaise longue surrounded with a mix of baroque and French decor.  I was ready to dig in one (or more!) of the desserts eventhough it was just before noon!

 

Le Royale

 

  Antoinette

 

  Saint Honore L'Amour

The Saint Honore L'Amour was absolutely delightful and the macarons were such fresh little beauties.  This is as good as it gets.  Nothing could be better than an oeufs florentine with a special topping of shaved black truffles.  Délicieux..

This feminine eatery attracts many ladies for its obvious elegant charm and Parisian decor.  Located in Mandarin Gallery Singapore, alongside many other luxurious brands, we would love to come again to Antoinette for another decadent experience.  It's not often that a cafe/restaurant to offer a beautiful escape to Paris.  Bravo!

www.antoinette.com.sg

www.facebook.com/Antoinette.sg

Jeff Leatham for Four Seasons Paris

 

Jeff Leatham is the artistic director of the Georges V hotel in Paris. Jeff Leatham creates big and masses many. His rule must be simplicity of bloom and many of them. I have never thought to strip the foliage completely down but I think the way he has massed these just blown roses is gorgeous. I am sure the beauty is in the many dozens of stems.... - French Essence

Parisian Chic part deux

Parisian chic depicts the essence of ultimate style, immaculate tailoring and natural beauty. The gallery below shows Parisian chic during Paris fashion week put together by Harper's Bazaar Australia.  Be inspired by the fashion and get your wardrobe ready for L'Heure du The Melbourne!  For further detailed information on Parisian chic, visit Paris Escapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: Harper's Bazaar, Paris Fashion Week 2011