IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
“In the Mood for Love”, the ethearal movie directed by Wong Kar-wai in 1999 Continue reading “IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE”
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS
“Nocturnal Animals”, released in 2016, is the second film by designer Tom Ford. Continue reading “NOCTURNAL ANIMALS”
CHILDREN OF PARADISE
There is so much to say about “The Children of Paradise”, this 1945 cinematic gem Continue reading “CHILDREN OF PARADISE”
VILLA KERYLOS
Talking about Villa Kerylos, located on the French Riviera in Beaulieu-sur-Mer requires a small detour Continue reading “VILLA KERYLOS”
SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER
“Suddenly Last Summer” stars Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Katharine Hepburn Continue reading “SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER”
ONE DEADLY SUMMER
Tragic and incandescent, here are the adjectives that come to my mind when I think of this movie Continue reading “ONE DEADLY SUMMER”
VILLA EPHRUSSI
Here is a place out of time, out of space, out of everything: Villa Ephrussi. Continue reading “VILLA EPHRUSSI”
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Where do I start when it comes to “Beauty and the Beast”, that wonderful film Continue reading “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”
LA LA LAND
I have a yellow dress, I have two-tone shoes. It didn’t take much to make Continue reading “LA LA LAND”
DIGITAL SPIRITS
Friendly reminder: please clear your head and disconnect from screens Continue reading “DIGITAL SPIRITS”
THE GREAT FORGOTTEN
“The Great Forgotten – Why History has erased women”, Titiou Lecoq Continue reading “THE GREAT FORGOTTEN”
WOKENESS
Wokeness, what is it? I’ll be honest, I have no idea. Continue reading “WOKENESS”
TRAVEL LIGHT
I have been feeding this website for over six years Continue reading “TRAVEL LIGHT”
THE FAVOURITE
“The Favourite” is a film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos in 2018. Continue reading “THE FAVOURITE”
SUCCESS
Having success in life or being successful at life? Continue reading “SUCCESS”
MENTAL LOAD
When men will be equal with women at home Continue reading “MENTAL LOAD”
THE ENGLISH PATIENT
“The English Patient” may be an epic romance movie Continue reading “THE ENGLISH PATIENT”
MARIE-ANTOINETTE
If we have to talk about Marie-Antoinette, then we have to talk Continue reading “MARIE-ANTOINETTE”
LOLITA
Following the publication of the French novels, “Consent: A Memoir” Continue reading “LOLITA”
FAIR DISCOURSE
If you make the same mistake as me every morning (open Twitter, listen Continue reading “FAIR DISCOURSE”
TENDER IS THE NIGHT
There is a lot to be said about Francis Scott Fitzgerald, the “sad young man” Continue reading “TENDER IS THE NIGHT”
THE SUITCASE CHALLENGE – PART 2
I read somewhere that the way we pack our vacation suitcase Continue reading “THE SUITCASE CHALLENGE – PART 2”
QUEEN MARGOT
Without “Queen Margot”, directed by Patrice Chéreau, “GOT” wouldn’t have existed. Continue reading “QUEEN MARGOT”
A SECRET
Here is a mesmerizing autobiographical novel: “A Secret” by Philippe Grimbert Continue reading “A SECRET”
LES PARENTS TERRIBLES
Let’s talk about two cinematic gems: “Mildred Pierce” and “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?”. Continue reading “LES PARENTS TERRIBLES”
TIRED SOLDIER
Are we all tired? Yes of course. Weariness and apathy are everywhere. Continue reading “TIRED SOLDIER”
SPIRIT OF THE ERA
Here are some photos of a time that is recent but has already passed Continue reading “SPIRIT OF THE ERA”
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
It’s quite simple, “Singing in The Rain” should be covered by Social Security Continue reading “SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN”
NEOSLAVERY
Can we defend the “Black Lives Matter” movement and regularly buy fast fashion? Continue reading “NEOSLAVERY”
DEAD CALM
Published in 1963, “Dead Calm” is one of Charles Williams’ last novels. Continue reading “DEAD CALM”
INFLUENZA
What is “digital influence”, really? Let’s be honest: this new expression hides a business Continue reading “INFLUENZA”
TROUVILLE BOARDWALK
Nicknamed the Queen of Beaches, Trouville is the oldest seaside resort in Normandy. Continue reading “TROUVILLE BOARDWALK”
MIRROR CHILD
My six-year-old daughter cordially hates this swimsuit, and this is the perfect occasion Continue reading “MIRROR CHILD”
SUITCASE CHALLENGE
When you travel alone with two little ones, the suitcase test can be complicated. Continue reading “SUITCASE CHALLENGE”
SUMMERTIME
Back to the Auteuil gardens in this summery outfit. The tropical trees perfectly fit the Summer mood. Continue reading “SUMMERTIME”
CACHAREL
Here I am in a beautiful Cacharel dress, which I adore, just like the brand. Continue reading “CACHAREL”
CHARADE
A perfectly Hepburnian dress and a cruise on the Seine. It didn’t take much for me to think of “Charade”. Continue reading “CHARADE”
SOME LIKE IT HOT
“Some like it hot” is a romantic comedy directed by Billy Wilder in 1959 Continue reading “SOME LIKE IT HOT”
THE GREAT GATSBY
I have infinite love for this white dress, which I perfectly picture being in “The Great Gatsby” Continue reading “THE GREAT GATSBY”
MR. KLEIN
If our personal film archives say a lot about us, here is a film that says a lot about me Continue reading “MR. KLEIN”
FEMME FATALE
It is not a secret that I love classical American cinema, and especially film noir. Continue reading “FEMME FATALE”
HAPPINESS TYRANNY
I have been active on Instagram for 4 years and I have seen what I call the “injunction to happiness” time and time again. Continue reading “HAPPINESS TYRANNY”
WITCHES
And here I am in a playsuit that I particularly like, as it combines a strict tuxedo collar with the ease of a bare leg. Continue reading “WITCHES”
TWEED
A autumnal outfit which perfectly goes with the warm and flamboyant shades of the season. Continue reading “TWEED”
LET’S DANCE
And here I am, in my dance attire but also in Marlène Dietrich’s suite at the Lancaster hotel in Paris, where she lived a few years, where she left her piano, to discuss dance. I recently inflicted a thousand stories documenting my dance practices on my community on Instagram Continue reading “LET’S DANCE”
LUCIE MONIN
Let’s talk about Lucie Monin, the gilder, for a minute.
A lover of old tomes, Lucie originally wanted to become a book restorer Continue reading “LUCIE MONIN”
PURPLE NOON
A perfectly retro outfit and a sailing boat: it doesn’t take much more than that for me to sail towards the murky waters of “Mr Ripley”. Continue reading “PURPLE NOON”
JAMES BOND, HERSELF
For over twenty years, people have been telling me that there is something masculine about me. That I behave like a man. Continue reading “JAMES BOND, HERSELF”
IKB
It’s no secret, I love summery playsuits and it’s no secret either, I do love electric blue, this famous IKB or International Klein Blue. Continue reading “IKB”
THE BEACH
Long considered dangerous or of purely commercial interest, the sea, and by association, the beach, only gained in popularity in the 1750’s Continue reading “THE BEACH”
ROMAN HOLIDAY
“Roman Holiday”, produced by William Wyler in 1953, combines the talents of the delicious Audrey Hepburn and the charming Gregory Peck. Continue reading “ROMAN HOLIDAY”
THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE
Here I am, in a retro style, ready to tell you about a novel I loved: “The Swans of Fifth Avenue” Continue reading “THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE”
SUPER SLOW FASHION
Here I am in a gorgeous, timeless, elegant 50’s dress.
I found it at the Puces, the Parisian flea market, in one of my favorite shops, Marcel and Jeannette Continue reading “SUPER SLOW FASHION”
PARISIAN DRESS CODE
What a feeling of dismay that overwhelms you when you receive a professional or semi-professional invitation and try to decipher the required dress code. Continue reading “PARISIAN DRESS CODE”
SERRES D’AUTEUIL
Yellow has been such a trendy color in Paris lately, right?
Here am I, in the Serres d’Auteuil botanical gardens. Continue reading “SERRES D’AUTEUIL”
17h10
5:10 p.m. (in French “17h10”) is that twilight moment during which nearly everything is possible for a busy woman Continue reading “17h10”
MOUNTAIN
When you’re at the mountain, I think it’s safe to say that style is usually the last thing on your mind.
DEFEANING SILENCE
How surprising, I usually overthink various topics (from the emotional development of my children to worldwide geostrategy, which is quite a wide range of subjects). Continue reading “DEFEANING SILENCE”
MOTHER CHRISTMAS
Sorry to state this again and again: I love red, that hot, sensual, lively colour. I love red that instantaneously highlights and brightens an otherwise slightly neutral or demure outfit. Continue reading “MOTHER CHRISTMAS”
ETHICAL CONSUMPTION
I had already mentioned in a post two years ago that, although my Instagram page might make you believe otherwise, I am absolutely not a “shopaholic”. Continue reading “ETHICAL CONSUMPTION”
ROARING
Yes, I am indeed breaking the sacrosanct rule, the law according to which one leopard print item per silhouette is enough. Continue reading “ROARING”
LUXEMBOURG GARDENS – PARIS
We say the Monceau Park, the Montsouris Park and the Buttes-Chaumont Park but the Luxembourg Gardens, which are treasured by many Parisians, deserve their particular appellation. Continue reading “LUXEMBOURG GARDENS – PARIS”
ROCK’N ROLL VIBES
Wearing leather pants can be a perilous exercise. The piece is so connotated that it can easily become vulgar. The main trap to avoid, in my opinion, is to try and erotize the silhouette more than it already is. Continue reading “ROCK’N ROLL VIBES”
CONFESSIONS OF A NON-SHOPAHOLIC
People often ask me if I like to shop. Those who don’t know me imagine that I raid the Avenue Montaigne on a weekly basis.
They couldn’t be further removed from the truth. Continue reading “CONFESSIONS OF A NON-SHOPAHOLIC”
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF STYLE
We are constantly bombarded with tutorials, shows and articles that teach us the supposed ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of fashion, so we all pretty much know the steps to look like an honest woman on the street. Continue reading “TEN COMMANDMENTS OF STYLE”
DUCOTÉ & CÔTE
Today, I want to tell you about a lawyer: Suzanne Ducoté.
A lawyer who chose another path.
Suzanne’s bubbly personality, beautiful energy and intelligence set her up for a brilliant, intellectually stimulating career as a business lawyer. Continue reading “DUCOTÉ & CÔTE”
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK
This item is a UFO: a playsuit by Victoria Beckham designed for target, the massive U.S. department store. Indeed, Victoria Beckham presented Target with an affordable 150-piece-collection in Spring 2017, which includes a line for plus-size women and for children. In all fairness, it’s quite a success. Continue reading “ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK”
SMOKING HOT
It is a challenge not to look furiously elegant in a tuxedo. Some might even say furiously feminine.
However, if dared, the tuxedo must be absolutely perfect. You might find me a little snobbish but in my opinion, a tuxedo is either YSL or it is not. Continue reading “SMOKING HOT”
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
Going up to a Parisian rooftop is the perfect opportunity to talk about Tennessee Williams, as a wink to his famous “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. Continue reading “CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF”
#DRESSUPYOURLIFE
Thanks to the three children that surround me every day, I am the witness to brilliant comebacks and hilarious retorts.
And today, a selection of what could turn out to be an inspiring thematic: #DressUpYourLife: Continue reading “#DRESSUPYOURLIFE”
DIGITAL LIFE VERSUS REAL LIFE
I recently stumbled upon the Instagram page of a very famous blogger who recently gave birth and has been bombarding her 10 million + followers with intimate pictures of her baby. The pictures feature her and the baby in the clinic room, in the arms of the father crying – the newborn baby’s every angle is given for the world to see. Continue reading “DIGITAL LIFE VERSUS REAL LIFE”
A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH INSTAGRAM
To paraphrase Loïc Prigent, who recently pulished “I Love Fashion But it’s Everything That I Hate”, I love Instagram but it’s everything that I hate too.
I love Instagram because it allows you to create a community of like-minded people, to discover new horizons and sometimes it even makes you meet beautiful people in real life. Continue reading “A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH INSTAGRAM”
ALL BLACK
To paraphrase Gabrielle Chanel, one of my favorite colors is black (although, technically, black isn’t really a color but still). Continue reading “ALL BLACK”
ATELIER LES LYONNES
Let’s talk about the Atelier Les Lyonnes.
Its founder, the utterly charming Anne-Claire Thiriot, decided to give spats a new life. The bet was a risky one, given that the accessory is rather dated.
And yet, the bet was worth it because she has, in a nutshell, given it a new life. Continue reading “ATELIER LES LYONNES”
FROM PARIS WITH LOVE
In my wildest dreams, I re-write the script for my life and I become a secret agent (the movie version, because in real life it looks like a pretty dirty job). Continue reading “FROM PARIS WITH LOVE”
MASCULINE/FEMININE
How can you not think of Marlene Dietrich as the Blue Angel when it comes to the Yves Saint Laurent smoking suit?
I believe that it is perfectly possible to be furiously feminine in a three-piece suit and absolutely masculine in a dress. Continue reading “MASCULINE/FEMININE”
SNOW
The Canadians must have been laughing pretty hard at our few centimetres of snow… and their catastrophic impact.
There was hardly any traffic, all the parks were closed, people looked like penguins as they struggled to walk, all wrapped up in layers of clothes: it was a beautiful mess. Continue reading “SNOW”
ATOMIC BLONDE
“Atomic Blonde” was definitely one of my favorite movies of 2017.
In a nutshell: Lorraine Broughton, an MI6 agent played by Charlize Theron, is sent to Berlin a few days before the fall of the wall in order to find a lost list of secret agents. Continue reading “ATOMIC BLONDE”
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE – PART 3
I realize that I have been lying to you.
Partially lying, to be precise. Against my will, in reality. Continue reading “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE – PART 3”
THE TYRANNY OF SEXY
Let’s talk about the objectification of women’s bodies, shall we?
It is a mystery to me that our « modern », occidental societies manage to associate at the same time feminism and hyper-sexualisation of women’s bodies. Continue reading “THE TYRANNY OF SEXY”
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
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”
LET’S KEEP IT SIMPLE
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”
MEANWHILE, IN REAL LIFE…
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…”
PROTOTYPE
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”
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
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”
NO PAIN, NO GAIN
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”
WINNING COMBO
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”
LA PARISIENNE
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”
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY
Don’t ask me why, but this outfit reminds me of Katharine Hepburn’s inimitable silhouette. Continue reading “THE PHILADELPHIA STORY”
HAUSSMANNIAN STYLE
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”
SO FAR, SO GOOD
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”
AM I A FEMINIST? – PART 2
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”
BLUE COLLAR
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 IMPORTANCE OF BREAKING SOME RULES
“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”
MONDAY MOTIVATION
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”
RELATIVITY THEORY – PART 2
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”
INSTASWAG
For the past year, I’ve been receiving a diversity of rather interesting direct messages on Instagram.
A few examples: Continue reading “INSTASWAG”
BALMAIN
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
“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”
GYPSY
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”
DIOR J’ADORE
Dior, j’adore… even at the beach.
I like the idea of being elegant even at the beach… Continue reading “DIOR J’ADORE”
DIOR SPIRIT
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”
A PLACE IN THE SUN
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”
FUNNY FACE
Is “Funny Face” funny? Well, not even.
“Funny Face”, directed in 1957 by Stanley Donen Continue reading “FUNNY FACE”
RELATIVITY THEORY
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”
GOAL
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”
A TRENCH STORY
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”
IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE
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”
FENDI
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”
A COMPASS STORY
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”
WOW FACTOR
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”
SELF-ESTEEM
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”
MAO STYLE
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”
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PICTURE
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”
LOVE BOAT
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”