Attention to detail is one of their strongest points, as seen in the inspiration range of period-inspired hairstyles. Exaggerated waves, afros, and braids are featured.

Focusing on 16 most influential pieces, the retrospective spans five designers, from the work of original designer Gaby Aghion to (my favorite) Phoebe Philo, up to present-day designer Clare Waight Keller.



As assistant to Stella McCartney before taking over as head designer in 2001, Phoebe Philo can be credited for establishing Chloe as a modern, polished, classic French brand. Notice her distinct style, in few of her best ad campaigns above.







xoxo.

The bustling center of Châtelet Les Halles is a confusing mix of chain restaurants, wholesale shops and an expansive, never-ending construction site that contributes to a confusing environment and attitude. 

Marnie: The totem of chat is as follows--Facebook is the lowest, followed by Gchat, then texting, then email, then phone; face-to-face is of course ideal, but it's not of this time.


I've already professed my love for HBO's Girls, the show created by Lena Dunham, the often-naked girl I love to hate (yet secretly understand). A la Sex and the City, each of the four main characters offers a distinct style and personality. Anal-retentive Marnie is by far my favorite, mostly for spending hours in sweats stalking her ex-bf to the soundtrack of post-rehab Demi Lovato. She's pretty and keeps it real.  Just when you peg Marni to be a self-absorbed prep, with no concept of reality and lacking self-actualization, she spits out the "totem of chat," a surprisingly articulate and socially astute analysis of communication in the 21st century. 


I swear I have a point. Living abroad makes a lot of things difficult, but thanks to iMessaging and internet-based communication, keeping in touch with the East Coast is something simple. 

Every au pair should have access to VoIP. EVER HEARD OF IT?! I hadn't either, but it is the best thing ever. Nerd out and learn how it works. Then go call your mom. 

xoxo. 

Each year at Christmas, Galeries Lafayette celebrates the season with an enormous sapin de Noel. This year celebrates the 100 year anniversary of the stores gorgeous coupole, and in accordance, Swarovski has collaborated in designing The Most Gorgeous Christmas Tree.



Move over, Rock Center.

Over 21 meters high, the tree is studded with over 5,000 crystals and perfectly illuminates the gorgeous cupola: panels of stained glass and gilded woodwork.

Reaching the 12-month mark of living in Paris inspired me to switch over all my electronics from English/American-based in favor of full-blown French.

Making the transition from an Anglophone iTunes store to one in French offers a world of new podcasts. December marks the end of my 'probationary period' here and with fluency so close within my reach, I've taken it upon myself to immerse myself completely through French podcasts for native speakers.

Oddly enough, Le College de France offers complete lectures of a various range of subjects including the History of Perfume. { So, so cool. }

Proving yourself to be a true French speakers is difficult, and the test is often won or lost due to the ability to understand and use slang! The search to improve my knowledge of idioms, l'argot and verlan led me to a hilarious { English-explained } podcast, katia and kyliemac. Once a week, this duo of Anglophones pick out obscure, useful phrases and break it down for textbook-taught French speakers.

Even better, the ladies analyze each phrase for appropriateness in certain settings: when speaking with children, colleagues, bosses, and in-laws. In addition, they offer crucial tips on proper pronounciation. { Forgot the "t" in "chat" or you will be sorry. }

 Short and sweet. Funny and practical. In under ten-minutes, you'll learn something new. Voici your new defense again boredom on the métro in 128 podcasts. 

xoxo.