Fall-Winter Boot wishlist

13 Nov

These may not be the most practical of footwear, but they are orgasmic, and I want every single one to be a part of my closet. I have a shoe issue. But that’s not news, and nothing to be ashamed of. Right Kelly?!?

So back to the shoe subject at hand…. here’s my drool list for this season :

Oscar De La Renta : Ella suede trim and gold brocade baroque inspired ankle boots

Givenchy cuffed and layered shaft knee boot, in moka

Alexander Wang, super sleek ankle boots

Nine West feminity low boots in purple suede

Givenchy cuffed box calf three toned ankle boots

Nina Ricci low boots in python with zip in the back

Nine West Nwcosy low boots with ankle cut-out

Alexander McQueen black low boot with a spike heel, interior platform and a giant bow in the back

Visconti London brown biker boot

A.F. Vandervorst bi-material suede and leather low boot with wedge heel

See more of my looks at ShopStyle. And then after walking around Paris all afternoon in these shoes, head to Le Nid du Phénix for a foot massage!

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Two New York designers in Paris

12 Nov

Kasia Dietz is a pretty regular subject on my blog. I want to share with you all some of her recent achievements.
Her Pop Art and City Bag collection, plus a sneak peek preview of her upcoming collection and her new found popularity in Hong Kong fashion!

U Magazine did a spread on Paris Style and included a piece on Kasia’s work! Congrats to this fabulous expat designer on getting a great start on conquering the Asian market!

Also, her Pop Art and City Bag collection is available still on her site, these are the perfect Parisian accessory. One of these chic totes I brought with me on my honeymoon in August…Can you guess which one?!?

And now…. for a sneak peek at her upcoming collection… warm, strikng and vibrant. With a little bit of the exciting geometrics that we are now used to seeing in her fabrics, and a little flora htossed in to soften some pf the edges, the new collection promises to be a fabulous one!

And now to introduce another New York designer in Paris…

Square Modern, by Suzanne Flenard

Square Modern is a home décor brand. Pillows, to be precise. Suzanne Flenard is an American expat who found her destiny leading her to the City of Light, for quite a bit longer than she originally anticipated and where she created her company for cushion design. I was lucky enough to have her donate one of her gorgeous designs for the raffle at my 3 year blog party. But I would like to introduce her to all of my readers worldwide.

Square Modern, by Suzanne Flenard, new collection

  1. Where are you originally from ?

I’m originally from New York.

2. What brought you to Paris?

My husband and I came to Paris for a “six month break” four years ago and never looked back. We have really enjoyed our time here, as we have settled into our Parisian life quite nicely.

             3. Before designing interior design cushions, what was your occupation?

In New York, I was working in interior design selling modern furniture for a well known company, selling to corporations and individuals. 

4. What brought about your creation of Square Modern? How long has Square Modern existed?

I created Square Modern in March of this year. After not being able to find any cushions that interested me for my own apartment, I decided to create my own using designs that I have always had a passion for. 

5. Where do you pull your inspiration from, and what helps you continue to find new designs?

Color inspires me, in addition to items with practical, minimal design elements. Currently, all of my textiles are purchased from the United States. The collection uses only fabrics that are reclaimed remnants, therefore adding an element of sustainability to the products. Because these remnants are usually found in limited supply, each collection is produced in limited quantity. 

6. Do you have any plans to expand beyond the cushion concept?

Because the company is still so new, I’m only focused on this product right now. However, I have just launched my second collection last week and the designs will continue to evolve as other interesting textiles become available. 

7. How many cushions do you now have on your couch or bed?!?

            Currently, I have three cushions on both! Two square cushions and a rectangulaire cushion.

Suzanne Flenard, Square Modern

I have my eye on a few of her cushions…and just may give on to temptation after the holidays!If you want to check out her designs on the weekend of Nov 16, 17th and 18th head to the “vente éphémère” at Galerie Simone, 77 rue Charlot 75003 where you will find her and Kasia Dietz among other Paris designers!

All cushions are produced in Paris and include a high quality feather insert.

Each cover has finished edging, a hidden zipper closure and can be removed for dry cleaning.

Square Modern, by Suzanne Flenard

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Chanel cruise collection 2013

10 Nov

Chanel cruise collection 2013

What is a cruise collection you ask???
Darlings, it is what you wear on your winter cruise! No not one of those giant boats that ferries around the carribean with hoards of people all jiggling in line for dinner silly. I am talking about the winter cruise on your private yacht, around the Seychelle islands of course! N’est-ce pas….

The 2013 Chanel cruise collection is youthful and flirty, a little retro, a little glam… You don’t have to dye your hair blue sweethearts, not do you have to purchse these aweful black, pink or gold sneaker shoes to fit the part. Promise.

But the little jacket and capri pants are perfect for lounging around the yacht among other things, don’t you think?

Chanel. Photo : Karl Lagerfeld

Continue reading →

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What I miss about NYC

9 Nov

In wake of the storm Sandy, I have had New York on my mind a lot lately. I have been checking up on friends who live there or in the area, I have donated funds to a friend who is making trips there frequently with supplies that people donate. It’s heartbreaking to know that winter is arriving in giant strides, and there are people in New York and New Jersey who’s homes have been torn away from them by mother nature. Imagine no longer having your home? None of your belongings. No bed of your own to sleep in. Your couch where you would curl up with a good book, gone. Your kitchen where you were planning on making a giant turkey for your family and loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving…disappeared. Scary thought, non? If you can, please take the time to go donate, or spread the word to keep people aware that the problem is not over.

So in the aftermath of this terrible storm, and all the reminiscing I have done about New York lately, I thought I would share with you my favorite things in New York. Continue reading →

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Winter Cocktail Ensemble

8 Nov

I am sure many of you fashion fans that read my blog, know about the site ShopStyle.

When I have time to kill (not very often) or when I need to let my brain take a break (meaning I need time to kill but don’t have any), I sometimes go to websites and browse fabulous real-estate, or I go to ShopStyle and browse fashion. It’s a great site where you can “play” stylist and creat your own outfits for any occasion, mood or trend.

Continue reading →

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Pretty Paris Pictures

6 Nov

A picture is worth a thousand words…they say.
And Paris is worth a thousand pictures…(hmmm, maybe more).
Here are a few to start!

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Prête-Moi Paris photography

Continue reading →

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Science et Mer Paris – Make-Up Remover

4 Nov

After an article on make-up by Serge Lutens, I thought it would be fitting to write about a make-up remover!

A while back I introduced a cosmetic brand that I have been using ever since, but I didn’t talk about one of the products that I received from them at the presentation of their new cosmetic line : the make-up remover. To be precise : the écume lactée make-up remover 2 un 1 all skin types hypoallergenic paraben-free make-up remover for face and eyes. Whew!

Science & Mer Paris
Photo : Prête-Moi Paris

Why didn’t I mention it before? Because I didn’t use it right away. I am one of those people who instead of using a make-up remover in the evening, I just wash my face with a delicate cleansing gel at the end of the day since I can’t stand fussing with cotton pads and cold creams. I know, I know… for all you epidermal snobs out there, I am committing the ultimate skin care crime (other than smoking and exposure to the sun of course). And yes, perhaps I will get premature wrinkles, but I am impatient when it comes to skin care. I like things that are quick, easy and simple. There. I admitted it. I even have a bottle of eye makeup remover that has lasted me 3 years so far, that’s how little I use it!

But the other day, I realized that I had this giant bottle of excellent make-up remover from Science & Mer Paris sitting there going unused and ignored. So I thought I could gave it a try.

WHAT a revelation to have clean yet moisturized skin at the end of the day before going to bed, and without a single drop of that calcium-rich-skin-drying Paris water! With just a few cotton pads and about 2 full minutes, I have a fresh new face. I am making this my new habit. It gives my face a smooth and healthy texture at the end of the day and I feel like the fatique from the day is erased off of my face (even if I still do feel it in my feet), and perhaps I CAN fight back some of those premature wrinkles before they install themselves for good, with just a little bit of patience and a quick, new and simple skin care routine.

This fabulous product is available on their site for under 15€! A great price for a great product.

(Delivery from their site is currently available only in Metropolitan France)

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Nécessaire de Beauté – Serge Lutens

3 Nov

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Recently I was graciously invited to join a small panel of bloggers for a presentation of the Serge Lutens make-up line and what he calls the “nécessaire de beauté”. Beauty essentials. I love the Serge Lutens boutique at Palais Royal and have purchased and tested several of his perfumes. I love his work for its originality, it’s search for artistry with a palette of scents, and the way his perfumes can whisk me away somewhere else or invoke a striking emotion. So, of course I was curious to discover what he can do with make-up.

Récemment on m’a gracieusement invité à joindre un petit groupe de bloggers bien choisi pour assister à une présentation de la ligne de maquillage de Serge Lutens et ce qu’il appelle le “nécessaire de beauté”. Les essentiels de la beauté féminine. J’adore la boutique de Serge Lutens au Palais Royal et je suis une cliente et fan de plusieurs parfums. Son travail m’attire pour son originalité, et la recherche artistique avec une palette de parfums et sa capacité de m’envoyer en voyage ou invoquer une émotion simplement avec l’odorat. Alors j’étais bien évidement curieuse de voir ce qu’il arrive à faire avec le maquillage. Continue reading →

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Peachoo + Krejberg SS13 Paris Fashion Week

31 Oct

Black and white. Striking. Stark. Contrasted. Macabre. Dark. Light. Hard. Soft. Asymmetrical. Constructed. Deconstructed.

Fashion for the with a modern twist, with a hint of thinking outside of the box while at the same time using the trends of the times and an edge of daring. Continue reading →

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Manish Arora SS13 Paris Fashion Week

29 Oct

Manish Arora fashion shows usually have a blatant element of theatrics involved. This SS13 défilé Manish Arora let the clothes do all  the drama.

Manish Arora from Prete Moi Paris on Vimeo.

Continue reading →

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Nid du Phénix massage parlor

26 Oct

Reflexology… I am a believer. But I have yet to believe in any reflexologist since I left the United States where I had a very talented woman in Northampton, Massachusetts who was the best reflexologist I have known to date. No where in Paris has inspired me to even test. Usually Parisian massage parlors focus more on aesthetic massage and not wellness healing massage (even if it’s advertised as such). So you can image my joy when I was contacted by the Chinese massage parlor Le Nid du Phénix and invited to come test their massages for my blog. They let me chose from the menu. Oh joy! I saw reflexology, and my instincts told me that I would find what I have been looking for…
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♥ Prête-Moi Paris celebrates 3 years! ♥

23 Oct

♥ ♥ ♥

Moi, Photo by Kasia Dietz

So Prête-Moi Paris turned 3 years old very recently (plus I am celebrating 10 years since my arrival in Paris!!!) and I thought I deserved a party….so I threw one!

Within just one month’s time of organisation, I gathered together some of the best people and elements I know in the City of Lights, to collaborate with and help me create and event that not only I would enjoy and celebrate but where my friends could benefit too! There was champagne, and cupcakes and frills and a specially made cocktail (a recipe post is in the works), and lots of pink, and sweets, and awesome prizes that were raffled off (for free of course) so that I could promote some of my favorite brands and services that I have blogged about or tested over the past three years.

Happy 3rd Birthday Prête-Moi Paris! from Prete Moi Paris on Vimeo. Continue reading →

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Celebrate Halloween in the City of Lights

21 Oct

Post by Jenny Baily

 How To Celebrate Halloween in Paris

Ghost Tower

Photo : Leucippus (on Flickr) or here

Although not a typically French occasion, Halloween is a wicked excuse to coddle your creative side, and slip into something scary. If you’re keen to dress up and celebrate, there are still plenty of places to go to show off your costume. From ghost walks in the city’s old town to a spooky day out at Disneyland Paris, we’ve rounded up a list of the top Halloween hotspots to celebrate the late-October occasion. Continue reading →

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Liu Fang SS13: Sculpted Cashmere

19 Oct

 Post by Quinn Connors

Photo by Quinn Connors

Dubbed “the sculptor of soft gold” by Vogue China, Liu Fang was the chosen designer for the China in Paris Initiative this year, showing on the runways of Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 for the first time. Liu Fang presented a collection of three dimensional, geometric cashmere pieces that were sculpted by using a special knitting technique. On the cream-carpeted runway, taught cords stretched from ceiling to floor, suggesting the instrumental strings of the simple soundtrack and framing the ethereal beings who floated on sky-high platform shoes that tapered forward without heels.

Photo by Quinn Connors

Continue reading →

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The Paris Money Can’t Buy #PricelessParis

15 Oct

This past summer I was invited to the Rolland Garros opening day by Happy Curious (a PR, communications and social intelligence firm) and Mastercard France for their project Priceless Paris. The goal was to offer a “priceless” moment to a selected bunch of Parisians (and I happened to be one of them! Lucky me!). But the project was more than just an afternoon of tennis. Happy Curious spent the Summer concocting and conducting a study for Mastercard on what Parisians feel are priceless moments in the city of light.

Happy Curious soirée for their MasterCard Priceless Paris study results

And so I was invited recently to a dinner at the Chambre des Oiseaux restaurant (a darling place with REAL homemade food, that I will surely return to) with a group of Paris bloggers for the revealing of the results of the study. What was discovered surprised me. I was heading to the dinner expecting to hear all sorts of “priceless Paris moments” that were full of wildly opulent desires and luxurious memories, costly events and exclusive venues. But no, the Parisian is much more simple than I had judged…the Parisian appreciates that which money cannot buy. My faith in the Parisian has hence been restored. :-)

Photo : Léna Balacco de La Chambre aux Oiseaux)

Continue reading →

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CupCake Camp Paris – III COMING SOON!

12 Oct

CUPCAKE CAMP RETURNS TO PARIS : ​Third Time’s a Charm as The City of Light Gears Up for the 3rd Edition of this Annual Charity Event

27 October 2012.

(version française en bas!)

Cupcake Camp Paris III

Cupcake Camp Paris III

Paris, France, 1 September 2012 – Cupcake Camp Paris is back and it promises to be bigger and better than ever for its 3rd annual edition! Cupcake fans of all ages, Parisians, expats, and bakers of all levels are invited to gather at Le Comptoir Général, along the Canal St-Martin for the 3rd installment of Cupcake Camp Paris; this year will be a special Halloween-themed event. Attendees will taste, share, and judge (for those who want to participate in the contests) their home-made cupcakes in a friendly and festive atmosphere.  There will also be contests and a raffle with an amazing variety of prizes.

Cupcake Camp Paris III:
Saturday, October 27, 2012
15H – 17H
Le Comptoir Général
80 Quai de Jemmapes

75010 Paris

(Sign up to bake cupcakes for the competition or just for sharing!

Continue reading →

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Guy Laroche SS13

11 Oct

Guy Laroche SS’13 from Prete Moi Paris on Vimeo.

The Guy Larchose SS13 show at the tent in the Tuileries garden was as straight forward as fashion gets. Marcel Marongiu who hasbeen designing for the brand since 2007, created a streamlined collection with straight lines and skin reavealing outfits that interestingly enough retain a certain aura of a “good-girl” look. The looks are topped off with shoes and/or handbags to match. Continue reading →

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Luis Buchinho SS13

8 Oct

Luis Buchinho focuses his Spring 2013 collection on an idea of duality and modern timelessness.

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Festival Baroque – Paris

5 Oct

I discovered recently through a friend of Chéri’s that there is a new and first-of-it’s-kind event happening in Paris : a baroque music festival.

It immediately caught my attention and I feel it is imperative to share it with my lovely readers! I will be attending at least one concert from the festival, and if you are in Paris from November 23rd to December 9th I urge you to grab tickets! To listen to quality baroque music in some of the most architecturaly beautiful monumetns in Paris will be quite a treat, especailly as many of the places were meant to have music notes wafting over our heads in the lofty vouted ceilings.

Festival Baroque : YouTube ; Facebook page ; Twitter Continue reading →

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Steffie Christiaens SS13

3 Oct

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I almost didn’t go to this show. I was running from one show, to the next (literally) and really didn’t think I would make it. But I surprisingly did! Although I arrive panting and prespiring, just in time for the show to be…delayed. Yay. But it gave me a chance to cool down. Unfortunately my alloted seat was long gone, but I got a spot on the side where I would get good pictures without bothering anyone. Continue reading →

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