I’ll quickly paraphrase Balzac because I find his formulation very accurate: Azay-le-Rideau is a “multi-cut/faceted diamond crimped by the Indre river”.
Azay is a true Renaissance gem, its finesse makes it look like a little ornament floating on the water. Continue reading “AZAY-LE-RIDEAU”
It is urgent that we start loving. Loving ourselves in order to love others.
This motto, which is already engraved in the very DNA of this website, is the main idea in Renee Engeln’s book: “Beauty sick: How the cultural obsession with appearance hurts girls and women”, published in April 2017. Renee Engeln is Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University, USA. Continue reading “MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS”
This may seem strange but the castle of Chenonceau left me with mixed feelings of amazement and sadness. The place is utterly gorgeous but something (other than the hoards of tourists) creates an atmosphere of utter melancholy, which might have something to do with its history. Continue reading “CHENONCEAU”
The Parisian Arts Décoratifs museum celebrated in 2017 the 70th anniversary of the creation of the house of Dior. This lavish and comprehensive exhibition invites visitors on a voyage of discovery through the universe of the house of Dior’s founder and the illustrious couturiers who succeeded him : Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and, most recently, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Continue reading “CHRISTIAN DIOR EXHIBITION – PARIS”
I happened to very intentionally stumble upon Ivanka Trump’s Instagram page, given that I’ve been observing her and her public initiatives from a distance for some time now. The persona intrigues me (the underlying question being: what will she actually do with all the cards she has in hand to trigger progress in some areas?) Continue reading “THE BLACK SWAN”
“Jet lag, also called desynchronosis and flight fatigue, is a temporary disorder that causes fatigue, insomnia, and other symptoms as a result of air travel across multiple time zones. It is considered a circadian rhythm sleep disorder, which is a disruption of the internal circadian clock”. Continue reading “JET LAG”
In this post, I felt like discussing – in my own way – a movie that I absolutely love: “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.
I have no particular affinity with Tiffany & Co but my love for Bulgari is limitless and well-documented, therefore this photoshoot became Breakfast at Bulgari’s, with the help of a coffee and a croissant. Continue reading “BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S”
A stunning vintage Yolanda dress from the sixties. I admire the refinement of the embellished collar but I admire way it falls and flows perfectly. The coral-beset lady is older than me but it would make any young woman pale in comparison given its holding (so imagine how pale this 42-year-old young woman looks). Continue reading “HANDOVER OF POWER”
Deauville is first and foremost the crazy story of a financial coup.
In only four years, thanks to the funds of powerful Second Empire businessmen, who had seen the juicy potential of the project, Deauville sea resort emerged from the swamps and from 1864 to this day, the rich Parisian society enjoys spending time in the « town of pleasures ». Continue reading “DEAUVILLE”
I really like this beautiful Hugo Boss dress, because its perfect cut gives it a fluidity that matches my Spring/Summer desires. Incredibly comfortable and aerial, it is, in my opinion, the example of the chic that is just enough on its own. Continue reading “LET’S KEEP IT SIMPLE”
I have two very personal reasons to maintain my website and its related IG page: the two young ladies surrounding me at home. One is 4 years old (and we have time). The other one is almost 18 and, bottom line, is the core reason of all you see here. Continue reading “MEANWHILE, IN REAL LIFE…”
An exquisite Fendi blouse that I pre-ordered during the Milan Spring/Summer fashion shown, and the only existing one at that. Continue reading “PROTOTYPE”
Guédelon is a crazy story: in northern Burgundy, a team of experts have taken on an extraordinary challenge: building a castle using medieval techniques and materials.
This explains why Guédelon celebrates in 2017 its 20th birthday. Continue reading “GUEDELON”
Now, here’s a dress that I don’t wear all that often…. Even though it’s excessively well cut and pleasant to wear, I am always a little uncomfortable with how low-cut it is. To paraphrase Dear Mother, this dress doesn’t leave much space for imagination. Continue reading “SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER”
This Burberry dress with its pretty bejeweled collar often – depending on the posture – makes me look pregnant. That’s because of its Empire waistline combined with a balloon-shaped skirt. But at the end of the day, looking like you’re pregnant isn’t the worst thing that could happen once you stop running after a skinny figure. Continue reading “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”
Don’t ask me why but I’m going to tell you about Harlequin books.
The context was simple though: it was just another studious night during which my teen and I were working each on her side of the table – like it is often the case – when we started drifting towards Harlequin books, cheap and totally unlikely romance novels that neither of us had ever read. Continue reading “SO CLICHÉ”
I am somewhat concerned by a few female celebrities, who owe their notoriety solely to the bikini-clad pictures they post and proclaim themselves feminists, although they do nothing else on the side. Continue reading “AM I A FEMINIST? – PART 3”
Two ways to honor this ravishing white white Japanese wool Characters jumpsuit. The red Fendi fur gives the silhouette a bit of pzazz and structure, whilst the Marni jacket’s golden touches, combined with Jimmy Choo stilettos and a Louboutin clutch create a softer, more discreet silhouette. Continue reading “WINNING COMBO”
Although we don’t have many clothes left from before the 18th century, sociologists quickly understood that clothing was, back in the day, a sign of social status, which could indicate your status, age, fortune, and first and foremost, the social class you belonged to. Continue reading “SOCIOLOGY OF CLOTHING”
I wanted to begin this text by declaring my love for Paris and by claiming that I feel like a true Parisienne… but, beyond simply being born in Paris, how is one Parisian?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was asking himself the same question as early as 1761, when he declared that “fashion dominates provincials but Parisians dominate fashion”. Continue reading “LA PARISIENNE”
Don’t ask me why, but this outfit reminds me of Katharine Hepburn’s inimitable silhouette. Continue reading “THE PHILADELPHIA STORY”
This museum is an early 20th century mansion, built and decorated by a banker who loved the Age of French Enlightenment.
It’s my favorite museum in Paris. I have been visiting it regularly for the past twenty years, like I would an old friend, just to make sure it hasn’t changed and everything is fine. It is a place outside of time, both magnificent and tragic. Continue reading “NISSIM DE CAMONDO MUSEUM – PARIS”
What is more emblematic of Paris than the Haussmannian building? When Napoleon III commissioned Georges-Eugène Haussmann in 1853 to modernize Paris, an architectural revolution began. Continue reading “HAUSSMANNIAN STYLE”
Delicious day with the three kids: we thought that the return of beautiful weather deserved an outing at the Monceau Park. Really, though, we were five, given that my youngest decided to take her baby doll with her. Continue reading “SO FAR, SO GOOD”
Those who know Paris are aware that its docks are full of life. Full of life first of all… because people live there, on barges, which are often charming and graceful.
Full of life also because, depending on the spot, you’ll find either an astonishing number of bars and restaurants, or simply a welcome solitude. Continue reading “ON THE WATERFRONT – PARIS”
Am I a feminist ? Still unclear.
I came across this article from Harper’s Bazaar titled “Motherhood is not a woman’s most important job”. Continue reading “AM I A FEMINIST? – PART 2”
This Mulberry dress is absolutely outstanding and mirrors everything that I love: an apparent simplicity, a savoir-faire and most of all a work of embroidery that just makes the dress a marvel. Continue reading “APPARENT SIMPLICITY”
Let’s talk about these lovely open-toed stilettos, which are the cherry on the cake of a new, confidential, luxury brand: Varadi.
Varadi’s founder, Diana, started her project from a very simple simple observation: given that she loves wearing very high heels all day long but that she’s never found a match made in heaven, she simply decided to launch her own brand. Continue reading “VARADI”
This strict Tara Jarmon cape – which can easily make one look like a communicant – definitely deserved the slight enhancement brought on by the simple addition of this removable collar, which originally came with a Fendi coat. Continue reading “BLUE COLLAR”
The hood of this beautiful Loro Piana jacket made with leather and wool lacked a little something in my opinion… That’s why I took it onto myself to add a touch of fox fur, giving it the presence it deserves. Continue reading “FOXY LADY”
“Navy and black should never, ever be worn together” is a rule I have heard on countless occasions.
As if the flames of hell awaited those who broke this sacrosanct rule. Continue reading “THE IMPORTANCE OF BREAKING SOME RULES”
Nice try, but no, I’m not referring to my lawyer’s robes.
I’m talking about the little black dress, which should systematically be a basic in any half decent wardrobe.
It allows you to put and end to one of the most distressing morning dilemma’s: what on earth am I going to wear?
Will I ever say that I love red too much?
(Well probably but I’m not going to stop now). Continue reading “VIBRANT RED”
This beautiful pocket watch was a birthday present from my dear teenager, who knows about my taste for retro only too well. She also knows that I don’t wear my regular watches anymore from fear of hurting my little princess when I carry her in my arms. This pocket watch is absolutely perfect and, worn here as a necklace, it adds a touch of refinement to this Yves Saint Laurent dress. Continue reading “MONDAY MOTIVATION”
The champagne color of this dress goes perfectly with the season’s flamboyant hues. I have a soft spot for this warm color that I find so very becoming and that always makes me think of the festive and sensual Champagne wine that I love so much. Continue reading “CHAMPAGNE!”
I absolutely adore Carolina Herrera. The brand and the person. The gorgeous woman, with her atypical life path and her iron will manages to imprint a definite femininity and flawless taste in every one of her collections. Continue reading “TREASURE HUNT”
To end this unforgettable year, here is a dress that I particularly like Continue reading “11TH HOUR”
A desire for comfort, even for cosiness, and here we are in the atmosphere of a log cabin, with wood, fur and warm tones. Continue reading “LOG CABIN VIBES”
I seriously think I should be more active on Twitter. Thanks to the three children that surround me every day, I am the witness to brilliant comebacks and hilarious retorts Continue reading “TWITTER MATERIAL”
Although I am a Parisian, I never get bored of exploring my city and I particularly love showing it to the children. And discovering Paris from a side-car is kind of a dream, isn’t it? Continue reading “SIDE-CAR – PARIS”
What is youth?
As the notion evolves century after century because of longer life expectancy, there are thousands of ways of defining youth (statistical, sociological, biological, literary, etc) but most scientific papers have chosen the 15 to 24 years old range, based on the definition given by the United Nations. Continue reading “RELATIVITY THEORY – PART 2”
For the past year, I’ve been receiving a diversity of rather interesting direct messages on Instagram.
A few examples: Continue reading “INSTASWAG”
If there is one place where time froze for eternity, that place is Pompeii (no bad pun intended).
The town was destroyed during the eruption of the terribly close Vesuvio volcano in 79 CE, under the Roman Empire. It was burried in over 7 meters of volcanic sediments for 15 centuries. Continue reading “POMPEII”
I feel a little bit sorry for Balmain’s little hands. Creating and crafting a haute-couture collection like the one that was presented by Balmain during the SS17 Paris Fashion Week requires thousands of hours of work and represents – in my opinion – art, craftmenship and pure perfection. Continue reading “BALMAIN”
“Game changer: a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way” (Thanks, Merriam-Webster). Continue reading “GAME CHANGER”
The sailor top… We can thank Gabrielle Chanel for this brilliant addition to our feminine wardrobes. Continue reading “THE SAILOR TOP”
This 1970s Yves Saint Laurent skirt has always made me think of Ava Gardner, in the mythical scene of the Barefoot Comtessa movie when she dances with the gypsies, or during her Spanish years. Continue reading “GYPSY”
Itsi bitsi petit bikini Burberry…
Well, to be honest, I was not crazy about the idea of a bikini photoshoot. Continue reading “ITSI BITSI PETIT BIKINI”
Dior, j’adore… even at the beach.
I like the idea of being elegant even at the beach… Continue reading “DIOR J’ADORE”
Another way of admiring Paris and its monuments, from the Seine…
The Seine, the unconscious division between the Rive Gauche and Rive Droite. Continue reading “SEINE AVENUE – PARIS”
I love this Dior dress, which I find to be the perfect illustration of the House’s spirit. The cut is perfectly feminine, the collar is discreetly pleated, the patterns are fresh and delicate, and the fine black belt gives a touch of retro to the body hugging silk crepe. Continue reading “DIOR SPIRIT”
How wonderful it is to enjoy the Parisian pleasure of « terrasses de café »… And how wonderful as well, to be wearing this Missoni dress, which I find positively luminous with its color scheme. Continue reading “A PLACE IN THE SUN”
The boat is vintage, the dress is vintage, I am vintage (Probably.)
It is always a great pleasure to wear this Dior dress, which is assuredly as older as I am. Continue reading “ORGANZA”
When you accidentally discover Michele Esposito’s Laboratorio Capri whilst strolling down a charming street in Capri you only want one thing: buy the whole store and bring the said Michele back to Paris. Continue reading “LABORATORIO CAPRI”
Is “Funny Face” funny? Well, not even.
“Funny Face”, directed in 1957 by Stanley Donen Continue reading “FUNNY FACE”
I know that I repeat myself often, but the way that our occidental societies have of seeing women’s bodies really strikes me.
The number of times that I’ve heard, regarding other women or myself, that « this woman is beautiful for her age » or else that « she has a great body for a woman with so many children ». Continue reading “RELATIVITY THEORY”
A kind spirit advised me once to stop posting pictures of myself on the Internet, because, being over 40 and not having a model’s physique I was on my way to the “paroxysm of ridicule” (dixit). Continue reading “GOAL”
It’s amusing to observe how human nature sometimes goes against the rules that pervade the animal world.
The laws of the animal kingdom often require the male to be most attractive, adorned with the most sensational coats and featherings. Continue reading “DIMORPHISM”
And here we are, in this haven of peace and nature smack in the center of Paris, Palais Royal.
This is where you will find Didier Ludot, the antiquarian of fashion.
I absolutely love the Jacquemart-André museum, which I have already talked about. The fact that it was an actual place of life before being turned into a museum always moves me in a special way. Continue reading “JACQUEMART-ANDRE MUSEUM – PARIS”
Please let me introduce you to my favorite trench. I love its icy color, changing from baby blue to light green, depending on the weather. Continue reading “A TRENCH STORY”
I love the refinement of this beautiful Dior dress, be it its material and its prints, its buttons or the work around its belt. I also adore the retro touch of its cut and of its collar, which inevitably make me think of the wonderful movie, In The Mood For Love. Continue reading “IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE”
This gown is spectacular. The delicacy of the embroideries gives it a precious aspect and its light pleats inevitably reminds one of Greek goddesses – neoclassical version. From time to time it feels good to be a Greek goddess, right. Continue reading “GREEK STYLE”
When Fendi opens up its fur archives to let you discover its best pieces from all the previous collections, you feel just like a child in a candy shop… Continue reading “FENDI”
To be totally honest, what I prefer at the Rodin Museum is Camille Claudel.
Although I admire the great sculptor’s art, I have always been more moved by Camille Claudel’s work, that is full of delicacy and fragility. Continue reading “RODIN MUSEUM – PARIS”
I am particularly sensitive to Alicia Keys’ initiative, which consists in not wearing makeup systematically, Continue reading “NO MAKE-UP”
After an incredible number of photo-shoots for this website, I understood that being photogenic doesn’t really exist.
Being photogenic (a state which I did not find any precise definition for, except perhaps “that looks good in picture”) is first and foremost a question of lighting (which is actually quite obvious given the fact that “photo” means “light” in ancient Greek if my memory serves me right). Continue reading “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE – PART 2”
I have a certain tenderness for La Rochelle.
There, I find the remanents of the beautiful protestant citadel it once was, besieged and isolated. Bled dry because it was protestant but also resiliant, dignified, noble, commercial and flourishing because it was protestant. Nowadays remains a magnificent historical center, simply majestic and quite impenetrable. Continue reading “LA ROCHELLE”
There is simply everything in Courchevel. It is the only place 1850 meters high where you can find luxury, skiing, classified architectural heritage and an active nightlife. The International Festival of Pyrotechnic Arts is even held there. That’s something.
I’m going to be honest: I don’t, I absolutely don’t understand the youth culture which has invaded our modern occidental societies.
From a historical standpoint, and therefore from an intellectual standpoint I do understand – youth as a synonym of vitality, fertility and thus as a perpetuation of one’s lineage. Continue reading “THE SUM OF A LIFE”
It used to be quite simple to answer the eternal « What do you do in life? » question. But that was before.
Before happily starting my anonymous double life as a digital endorser. Continue reading “A COMPASS STORY”
Am I a feminist?
Well, I really don’t know. I have read Simone de Beauvoir and Benoîte Groult during my youth, I still read a myriad of studies and articles on the subject daily, and I still don’t know.
What is feminism? Continue reading “AM I A FEMINIST?”
Some places firmly resist the passage of time: the Galerie Vivienne is definitely one of those places. Built in 1823, filled with shops, far from the urban commotions, it was the ideal place for wandering Parisians. Continue reading “GALERIE VIVIENNE – PARIS”
“If there were no clouds, we should not enjoy the sun”. No surprise for those who know the country, this is an Irish saying.
Indeed, Irish clouds have a certain way of playing with the sun, a thousand different lights pour down on the land which is at once arid and generous. Continue reading “IRELAND – COUNTY KERRY”
I love this Dolce and Gabbana dress, covered in iridescent sequins and enhanced with midnight blue velvet. I love this perfectly cut dress that fits the waist and hips flawlessly. It was tailor-made in some prehistorical times, otherwise known as over seven years ago, before my two youngest were born. Continue reading “GLITTER & SPARKLES”
You may be wondering what lightpainting is?
Nothing less than a unique photography technique which requires an incredibly long posing time and uses rays of light which appear like trails on the final photo. Continue reading “A LIGHTPAINTING SESSION”
To achieve a beautiful journey through time, a historical immersion in Vienna, Prague and Budapest is highly recommended.
The tour of these three Central European jewels enables to travel through time in a few days only from medieval period to Art Nouveau, by going through the baroque era. Continue reading “MITTELEUROPA – A TALE OF THREE CITIES”
If only someone had told me that one day I’d be shooting in a yurt and a luxury yurt at that… Indeed, I think we are quite far away from the traditional Mongolian yurt and its ancestral tradition…
Organizing a photo shoot late November 2015 in front of the Eiffel Tower adorned with the colors of our flag, only a week after the attacks that hit our city. It seems frivolous and inappropriate.
Obviously… Continue reading “FRENCH SPIRIT”
What an amazing vintage Castillo dress…
Antonio del Castillo is a remarkable designer who worked with the greatest fashion houses – Paquin, Piguet, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden and Lanvin – before opening his own house in the 60’s. Continue reading “CASTILLO”
Autumn and its flamboyant colors, Autumn and its hot chocolates Continue reading “AUTUMN”
Beyond the skyscrapers, the yellow cabs and urban frenzy which are the soul features of this city, one can find a more subdued New York, where you will spot numerous architectural beauties, provided that you raise your eyes. Continue reading “NEW YORK CITY”
I adore this Dior dress, which must date back from the 50’s. It does present an inconvenient though: once you slip it on, impossible to breathe (but honestly who needs to breathe, it’s so overrated). Continue reading “WHO NEEDS TO BREATHE, DEAR? IT’S SO OVERRATED!”
This lovely Miu Miu dress is slightly too strict for my taste. Composed of a fine black jumper and a navy blue skirt with pockets, I cannot say that this dress is not classy and well cut but it lacked a little wow factor, a little twist. Continue reading “WOW FACTOR”
Whilst reading articles on the Internet, I strumbled upon the Dove Self-Esteem Project.
The study reveals the impact that regular selfie-taking can have on teenage girls’ self-confidence. Continue reading “SELF-ESTEEM”
Clad in the purest silk… The strictness of the pencil skirt and the Mao collar give the outfit an austere aspect, which I like a lot. Continue reading “MAO STYLE”
If Paradise exists on Earth, it is in Capri, for me at least.
In just a few square kilometers, far from the continental frenzy, Capri conciliates and magnifies History (both big and small), splendid Mother Nature, urban pleasures, local handicraft, culinary arts and absolute kindness, basically the dolce vita you dream of. Because Capri is a sweet dream. Continue reading “CAPRI”
Life is a beach, they say…
…And some other times, life is not a beach.
This is the story of our lives: juggling different tasks and roles all day long. Continue reading “LIFE IS A BEACH, THEY SAY”
Let’s admit it, Northern Italy and Southern Italy are – under certain circumstances, including business – two different countries, in view of their respective functioning, mentality or in the explicit (and especially) implicit rules governing them. Continue reading “MILAN”
A beautiful haussmannian building, a ravishing black dress and a white bow. You can even add a pearl necklace, as long as it is not too classical. Continue reading “TWIST”
One lucky day 10 years ago I found this beautiful Issa dress at L’Eclaireur, the first French concept store opened by Armand and Martine Hadida in the 80’s. Continue reading “SILK ROUTE”
Paris, Place Colette, in front of the Comédie Française. Although the square is named after one of my favorite writers, that morning, I hated it. It was simply freezing outside. And that was only the beginning of a somewhat strange day. Continue reading “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE”
Eleven buttons. This dress has eleven buttons on it. Eleven tiny buttons that you have to put through eleven minuscule button holes. In short, you have to be awake and alert to put this dress on and you better not be in a rush. Continue reading “THE WAR OF THE BUTTONS”
Let’s be honest: as soon as I can, I change into my jeans and flats. Let’s be honest again: my dear teenager would love nothing more than to make a bonfire with my favorite sweater Continue reading “LOVE BOAT”
Everyone here knows that I do like black and white outfits. Continue reading “BLACK & WHITE”