A glimpse into Spring!

After the gorgeous and warm day we enjoyed today, I'm ready for spring: tulips, pretty colors , sandals,   pedicures and flowered patterns.

There will be lots of flowers everywhere this spring as this slideshow can attest. 

Speaking of spring and pretty flowers, I'm also happy to see two of my favorite leading ladies sitting side by side in Paris. I was lucky to be there one year ago to take in all of the magic.

(Images streetfsn and tiny white daisies, Sterling Style)

Happy Golden Friday!!

Happy Friday!! There's a delicious golden hue in the trees outside my window this morning  and it's simply magical.

I've beens sipping my coffee while listening to Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton's CD, a fantastic ode to the blues with a perfect rendition of Layla. I picked up a copy yesterday and if you love jazz and the blues, I encourage you to do the same.

Finally, if you're like me and wonder how all those fashion bloggers, models and editors manage to fabulously swoosh around town on their bikes looking fresh as a rose, without a trace of sweat, grease or  a wrinkle, you might want to read these tips from the pros.

I wish I could look this great on a bike ( see Garance below), but usually end up a total mess, my hair winded,  beads of sweat running down my shirt and my mascara running from the wind hitting my eyes. For now, my preferred method of stylishly getting around town remains walking.

What about you?? Can you pull it off?

Have a fantastic weekend!

(images via Classy in the City, Crush Cul de Sac,  Bikes and Babes)

Happy Monday! It's all about COLOR!

Happy Monday!! Hope you had a lovely weekend!! Mine was great, filled with nice dinners, some fresh air and writing. I was totally inspired on Saturday, and this sent my spirits SOARING! As a writer, there's nothing greater than being sparked by the MUSE.

I have a few things to share this week, including an interview and a giveaway...

In the meantime, if you are looking to add a dash of color to your wardrobe,  you can find some great bag ideas at Refinery 29.

(images via Harper's Bazaar via Fashion Gone Rogue and Refinery 29)

Flowered Inspiration

A picture taken near the metro in the 15th arrondissement that made me feel Happy!

A window from the Colette & Chanel pop-up store.

Flowered selection from Refinery 29

A sweet iPhone cover from Shopbop

 A cover girl from a vintage Galeries Lafayette publicity ( Cover Girl Exhibit).

 Every spring, an euphoric sensation comes over me as the seasonal fashions change from dark, muted and cold to light, bright and cheery. My mood immediately lightens as I pass by the colorful windows and displays, dreaming of candy colored shoes and bags. This spring, it looks like I won't be disappointed with all the bright colors I saw while window shopping in Paris!

Also, it always makes me smile when the wearing of flowing flowered dresses coincides with the burgeoning of the crocus, tulips and daffodils.  To me, this is what fashion is all about, having fun, feeling great while being in tune with the seasons.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Isabelle

(My personal pictures and Air France Madame)

Christene Barberich: Founder of Refinery 29

I came across a lovely article in the New York Times about Christene Barberich, the founder and creative director of Refinery 29, the fashion website. I was immediately smitten by her vintage sensibility; She rarely wears jeans ( she only owns two pairs, including a vintage pair from France) and given that I am feeling a bit "jeaned-out" at the moment, I admire her sense of refinement and style. Having also recently cleaned out my closets because of a move, I must admit to being a bit tired of all the "fast fashion" items I've picked up in the recent past. Perhaps I am moving to a more selective, restrained and quality conscious shopping mindset? I must be getting older and wiser...!