The ladies who lunch

- The it-bag parade -

It all began in the sixties, when New York socialites and other American notables like Jackie O, Babe Paley and Nan Kemper made it a sport to put on their newest of the runway looks to meet their equally fabulous friends at the big apple hotspots. You could say that these slender, perfectly groomed women were the it-girls avant la lettre. And although the New York socialites like Paris Hilton, Tinsley Mortimer, Olivia Palermo and Amanda Hearst still seem to find their ways into the tabloids, I have to say that their Parisian counterparts could defintely compete to the test.

A luncheon at Colette seems to be the perfect hotspot for the Parisian ladies who lunch to show off their it-outfits. Ever wondered what a head to toe Balmain runway look looks like in real life? Or how about fur-heaven? Feel like stealing a YSL - Lanvin - Proenza Schouler it bag? You name it, Colette's basement has got it.

And although it seems like a very SATC thing to do, going out for lunch all dressed up to the nines. These ladies don't really come to enjoy their salade, nor to watertaste a chateau Perrier from the waterbar and definetly not to talk about their love lifes. They come to see and be seen. Everybody who's somebody seems to wanna make a statement. And statements they make, while blowing air kisses to one another and commenting their frennemies new hairdo, they wiggle their perfect behinds on Louboutain stilettos up the stairs to see what holy Colette sees as the next big thing.

After a 30 min wait to be seated, lunch and coffee. I don't seem to take it anymore. Never have I seen so many it-bags re-united under one roof, and I am not talking about the PS1 Proenza Schouler that Colette sold in all the colors of the rainbow, I am talking about the the luxury leathergoods that came for lunch. I cannot deny that I am a bag maniac, I always seem to find an excuse to buy a new one. Bags are like armcandy, they can uplift any boring outfit, give you an instant new look and entertain not only you but also everyone around you. Show me your bag and I will tell you who you are. And believe me, there is much to kiss and tell when being surrounded by the Parisian ladies who lunch at Colette.

How the sun overclouded my wardrobe

- What's the weather got to do with it -

The first rays of sunshine have officially embarked the city. With layers and layers of wool and fur coming off, it looks like the Metropole has been lifted off its feet. Paris feels enlighted by a fulfilling sense of self.

If this beam of yellow light uplifts the most arrogant of cities, I do wonder what summer is going to be like.

I suddenly feel like taking my clothes off and putting on a little Hervé Leger number with Louboutin platforms ... unfortunately  I soon realise my summer tan isn't in the same state of mind. And although I don't like to say NO to this kind of weather, 17 degrees, at this point in time, mid-february - I really do not feel prepared for a skin showing fashion moment.

With Paris fashion week coming up, I can't wait to see the global fashionista community parade around town for those magical runway extravaganzas. These women - on the contrary of moi - do come prepared and don't care if the weather gods are going to be in a good mood or not. They will be showing off their tanned skin - that looks like they just spend 2 weeks non stop on Nikky beach in St Tropez - and this summers hot sunshine approved trends, no matter how cold or grey the city is.

I realise that I should take some advice from these 'I wear my tan all year 'round' women on this matter, they obviously don't need no sun to shine. As for me, I settle with feeling light hearted at the thought that summer is only a couple of months away, first passing by that beautiful time of spring, realising that a tanning bed is all I really need for now.

To suffer or not to suffer, that is the question.

- It's all about the shoe -

Having been a 'petite person' for most of my life, 1m57cm to be exact. I have learned to adapt, by putting on heels from the age of 12 and introducing a voluminous hairdo that gives the illusion of winning some height. But when living in the big city, footwear becomes even more important than before. Not only because the competion is high, fashionista's in Paris are on a firstname base with their footwear. They talk Manolo, Jimmy and Christian - streading on Avenue Montaigne as if those modern works of footart are part of their body.

But me, heel walker extr-ordinaire, I am feeling more and more attracted to UGGS. Walking around Paris, taking the metro, bumping into an arrogant Parisian who starts name-calling you, doesn't invite me to do a Carrie Bradshaw around the city.

That minute of hesitation: 'shall I go for comfort or glamour' only lasts for 5 seconds though. When I think about my personal relationship with my heels, I feel an instant shame. They are too beautiful, too perfect, too wonderfull, too old hollywood glamour... to say NO to. The hesitation has turned me into to the woman and her shoes.

The woman and her shoes, although it might just sound like a regular sentence, there is a higher meaning to it. No man, nor comfort can come in between a woman and the wonderfull things shoes can do to her confidence, mood, state of mind and silhouette. So that moment when a woman stands in front of her closet full of shoes - hesitating which wonder can join her for a night out on the town - she is in another world, the world of Blahnik, Choo and Louboutin, a world of jetset and pure glamour. And although cabfair has gone skyrocking since my arrival into the city of lights. Nothing and I really do mean nothing is more larger than life than living it on stiletto's.

There's a first time for everything

- The Coco wishlist -

Firsts, some are memorable like your first kiss, the first time you make love, the first time you fall head over heels with mister wrong and let's not forget the first time you saw 'Pretty Woman'.

And then there are those firsts you rather ban out of your memory like the first time you had a fight with your boyfriend or the first time you got sick in front of that boyfriend or how about the horrible memory of the first time you got laid off and your hart was broken.

Then there are those first fashion moments... those moments when your credit card magically passes the test of checking off that wonderfull first DVF wrapdress, Christian Louboutin pumps, Louis Vuitton handbag and Hervé Leger party outfit from your wishlist. Come'on ladies, there's no denying that you don't have such a list and that you don't feel up in the clouds when you get to check of an item of it.

Although those fashion firsts are very moving and exciting, it is nothing compared to checking off an icon from the OMG- its- a -Chanel- wishlist. Yes boys, our Chanel wanna- have- list, correction: gotta-have-list, doesn't end with a dose of N°5, the list goes on and on: The 2.55 handbag (in multiple colors that is), the pearl necklace, the never going out of style blazer, the J12 watch,... - and since fashion is ever evolving, especially with uncle Karl on board, this list fluctuates according the VOGUE bible prescriptions.

Let me tell you about that first personal affair with Coco. Walking through that black laqué framed door, housing all those little wonders - knowing you will go home with a little piece of Chanel, is worth having a wishlist for. Even witnessing your friends first Coco moment, it feels like your re-living your own! Whenever in need to know you are still alive, just book yourself a trip to the wonderfull world of Chanel, the beautifull and timeless creations that live there will most certainly reboost your energie. And if you are asking for my opinion: Champagne is in order when mister Visa doesn't bail on you!

Marché Saint Pierre

- How to spice up your creative life -

Who would ever think that you would find the worlds largest fabric market at the foot of Montmartre.

One big fabric store next too an even bigger fabric store. When entering this walhalla of jersey, satin, linen and faux fur, you feel your inner Coco, Valentino and even YSL coming up. 

Yarns and yarns of beautiful (and also very ugly) fabrics make you want to grab a sewing machine. All of the sudden you are convinced that you are able to create your own Chanel jacket, red Valentino evening gown and YSL smoking. Or how about your own Vera Wang wedding dress...

But than again when you snap back in to real life,you realise that you have never sewn anything - let alone an of the runway designer look.

So I guess, this little tip comes in handy whenever you are in need of a little creative pick-me-up. Marché St. Pierre is the place to make your wildest dream come true, that is for 50 seconds... 

Shopping in Paris

- Something for everyone -

The winter sales will be starting in a couple of days. And as a fashionlover myself, I find it upmost important to give you readers some guidances into my Parisian shopping experiences.

HIGH FASHION SHOPPER
If you are looking for the big designer flagship stores, 'le triangle d'or' will be your cup of tea. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, you name, the golden trianlge (Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue François 1er) has got it. Crossing the Champs Elysees and taking the Rue faubourg St Honoré brings you in  another one of Paris's premium shopping hubs. Christian Louboutin, Lanvin, YSL, Hermès make even window shopping exciting. Further down the road, you will be passing Longchamp, Max Mara, John Galliano and off course the temple off all things trendy Colette.

Main streets: Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, Rue François 1er, Rue Faubourg St. Honoré, Rue St. Honore, Rue Cambon

CHIC FASHION SHOPPER

I am a big fan of shopping at the left bank's- St Germain des pres, where typical BCBG French brands like Comptoir des cottoniers, Maje, Sandro, Tara Jarmon, Sonia Rykiel, Gerard Darel are well represented. Hermès and Ralph Lauren recently opened the most breathtaking stores in this district and rumor is that Chanel will soon be joining them.

..."Rive Gauche exprime un luxe qui n'est pas celui de la fortune,
mais de l'attitude' (Yves Saint Laurent)....

Main streets: Blvd. St.-Germain, Rue St. André-des-Arts, Rue de Sèvres , Rue de Rennes, Rue St. Sulpice

ECLECTIC FASHION SHOPPER

Explore boutiques of up-and-coming designers, shop for vintage or visit original stores like Merci and L'eclaireur. All shops are open on sunday, when the area is filled with people from all over the world. The Marais is rich with nooks and hidden courtyards... You never know when an absolute shopping treasure might just wait around the corner.

Main streets: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, Rue de Turenne, Rue des Rosiers

DEPARTMENT STORE SHOPPER

When you are looking to find everything under one roof - Les galeries lafayette, le printemps or le bon marché - will be the best shopping destination for you. Where 'Les galeries lafayette' love to welcome tourists, 'Le printemps' is setting his eye on a luxury shopping experience with a whole new deco and a floor dedicated to high couture jewelry. 'Le bon marché' on the other hand is known to welcome the typical rive gauche client.

When it rains in Paris

- It's raining cats and dogs...What to do -

This morning I motivated myself to go and see the Monet exhibition at the Grand Palais, near the Champs Elysees. As the exhibition is coming to its end and everybody seems to talk fondly of it, I really had no excuse to skip this cultural highpoint.

As I walk out of the metro station, it starts pouring rain...
Arriving at the entrance of the Grand Palais, with my broken umbrella in hand - I realise that I am not the only one wanting to see the last glimps of the seasons most talked about exhibition. As I face to wait outside of this beautiful architectual building for 3 hours in the most depressing rain since Audrey Hepburn looking for Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's - I could not help but to lose my cultural appetite.

And even now, being home, looking online what I should have done...google tells me that when it rains in Paris, you are best of visiting a museum...How ironic