PARIS: deuxieme partie...dans photos

Le Marais - love in independent shopping

Protestors


New purchase




Janet

A must on every shopping trip in Paris: buying a pair of Loubous.

ph. by me

PARIS: première partie

ph. by Janet
H&M skirt and blouse, TODS flats, MIU MIU purse, RAYBAN sunnies, KENNETH JAY LANE snake ring, BANANA REPUBLIC purple ring, SHANGHAI lion ring, MARC BY MARC JACOBS leather bracelet, CARTIER watch, GREEK INDEPENDENT DESIGNER necklace gifted from mass from athens

J'absolutely-adore Paris. I'd like to think of it as my 4th home (after Toronto, London, HK). Over my years of residency in London, I've made it there at least once a year. Everytime I go back I fall in love all over again. Maybe it's the language, maybe it's the incredible architecture or culture, maybe it's the butter (I think this could be it), but in the end...I love it more than the first time.

No exception to the rule, I took this trip with one of my gfs for relaxation, cuisine and on every girl's Parisian trip, shopping. And indeed we did. Over the next few posts you'll see some of the items (new and old). One thing we lack in London are fabulous consignment stores. We literally stumbled on dozens of great stores - not just thrift stores - but second hand vintage Chanel pieces that were simply to die for. I was able to purchase a small but fantastic piece - will show you soon!

Above pics are from my favourite area (both to shop and to stay) in Paris - Le Marais. I prefer the northern part because of their independent stores but I soon discovered the delectable bistros/cafes in the southern area thanks to my Parisian veteran friend. It was disgustingly hot in the city which is why my hair was swiftly thrown up each and every day. And can you believe that skirt I found at H&M for £10?

Have a great start to the week and hope everyone in TO is safe and sound from the earthquake and the summit.

Bisous xx

meet me on the other side...

In Paris right now for the weekend + 1 for some girl time and shopping. See you in a few when we'll be back to our regularly scheduled program.

Bisous xx

teddington

Mass has started his own Cigarando blog featuring everything you need to know about them. Stay tuned for posts and links to come!


When I have kids, I want them all to look like this.

With the owners of Casa del Habano in Teddington (& event coordinators) Ajay and his wife.

I'm wearing: Balmain (potential KO) blazer, Gap shirt, Asos trousers, belt stolen from sister, Miu Miu bowtie and shoes, Mulberry clutch (stolen from Mass - it has an attachable strap)

Mass' wearing: Nico Di Donna pants, shirt, and jacket, Italian scarf, Persol glasses

Sunday was slightly more eventful. Actually it was pretty action packed. Started off in London heading towards Teddington where the Casa del Habano is in the UK. Had some prosecco, mojitos and ditched everyone outside at one point to watch the Italy game inside.

Finished off the day at Viajante again for 5 hours and 12 courses (not including two amuse bouche or bread with lavender butter) and 12 wine pairings. I love food, but you need a break every two hours from eating.

I know the above isn't exactly what you would call a perfect BBQ outfit, but nevertheless, worked as a day to night ensemble.

Ciao ciao!

stairway to heaven

I'm wearing: Stefanel sweater, Woo scarves from Shanghai, Uniqlo jeans, Asos shirt, Prada shoes, Banana Republic purple ring, Lion ring and Puma bracelet from Shanghai, Kenneth Jay Lane snake ring

Mass' wearing: Nico DiDonna pants/shirt/blazer, Woo scarf from Shanghai, Pocket square from Italy, Lardini shoes, Persol glasses

Living in London provides full rights to complain about the weather, which so far, has been crap. Summer officially starts today and we've been living in November fall for the past two months. Remember that Stefanel sweater? I had to throw my trenchcoat overtop to go out that evening. I know this girl who left London and moved to Dubai because she hated the weather. I thought she was crazy. Now, not so much.

These pics were from a relatively tame Saturday. Maybe because we were conserving energy for the Italy game (which turned out to be a draw) on Sunday. Quick photos were taken on the steps of the front of our building. Did I mention my love for high ceilings? It adds instant openness to any space.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Let's reconvene with some more interesting photos in a few.

Ciao!

not what you're wearing, but how you wear it.

Wearing: Theory elbow patch blazer, button up shirt from HK, AA shorts, Calzedonia socks, Elizabeth & James cut-out wedges, Kenneth Jay Lane snake ring

Remember my post back in the winter? You'd think that by the time summer came, men (I say this word loosely) would be used to the abundance of leg/skin frequented around the city. Apparently not. I couldn't even link Mass' arm down Soho because of stereotypical judgment glances that I was paid for. Stop wearing shorts you say? No. Stop complaining then? This is why I have you and the blog :)

I see shorts on almost every fashion blog, around every street corner, on every other girl (and sometimes boy). Do they get hoots and hollers?? Tell me, when you go out in above the knee shorts or mini skirts, are you getting the same response?

Regardless, the prime focal point of this outfit is the KJL snake ring that Mass bought me from NYC this past week. Love at first sight.

Hope you're having a great weekend so far!

Ciao ciao!

when you have 'nothing to wear!'...

Wearing: Andy Warhol tshirt by Upper Fifth (stolen from Mass), AA tights, BCBG Mendels, Silver necklace from Sardinia street vendor, Wool hoodie from Japan

So uncreative these days with my seemingly limited wardrobe. I can rack my brain for hours thinking of what to wear without any success. Luckily for me, I almost always have a second closet to dip into: at home it's my sisters (thankfully we're pretty much the same size) and in London, it's Mass (not even close to the same size but at least he's bigger rather than smaller?).

Frantic morning of having nothing in my closet resulted in the above outfit. Any bun this high on your head deserves another Japanese themed item to match. Some guy in Liverpool station commented on my outfit by saying 'I really like your look...' I think he was hoping I was a Japanese fob with a kinkier side. Sorry to disappoint.

Sayonara my readers!!

SOCIAL SUICIDE

Social Suicide, meaning 'to do the wrong thing' akin to 'faux pas', since it's inception in 2004 has always done the wrong thing. This menswear brand takes the staple jacket and suits and makes fashion 'interesting' for the male species. They claim that often menswear plays second string to the women-dominated market, thus providing a niche for those men who are 'interested'.

The line above, modeled by my friend Karim (who upholds the fashion forward French stereotype), is a sport jacket from their winter 2009 collection titled Dictators of Fashion. This line draws style from the likes of Mussolini, Mandela, Chairman Mao, Malcolm X, Fedel Castro, and other tyrannic figures.

Oh and just in case you were wondering, the quality is not substituted in the least despite it's provoking designs. Their block was developed on Savile Row using the purest and finest fabrics.

Thanks Karim for making a guest model appearance on the Italianese!

Ciao for now!

THE LOFT PROJECT

Wearing: Asos maxi dress, DVF Opal Wedges, Calvin Klein bra, Silver necklace from street vendor in Sardinia, Bracelet from Mass' mom, Frog ring from street vendor in Chianti, Mont Blanc silver ring, OPI blue sparkle nails (aren't they fantastic?!)


NB: As pointed out by fellow Chictopian reader: Jolenevuong, this is also the dress that Rihanna was snapped wearing. I had no idea until she pointed it out! Thanks!! Looks like I'm in great company! (that and an inevitable 'who wore it best?' comparison)

Beautiful Saturday rolls around and we head to The Loft Project to test out Rob Martin's newest creations (former chef at Noma).

If you remember from my post here, we went to Viajante to try Nuno Mendes restaurant. The Loft Project is his brainchild to showcase chefs from around the world for three days a week in a very intimate dinner party setting for 18 people. Each week a different chef comes in and this week we had the pleasure of tasting Rob Martin's masterpieces. Former chef at Noma, which is currently the number one restaurant on San Pellegrino's top 50, Rob made an amazing 10 course dinner including his takes on beet salads, lamb, and mackerel (pictured below). This idea is a refreshing and welcome change to the typical restaurant setting leaving me wanting to become a repeat taste tester.



Top picture: Rob Martin in the middle with two helping hands.
Bottom picture: Mackerel, broccoli, ravigote

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend.

Ciao darlings!