Sissi's Corner

After 3 years, it only made sense that my first stop in Paris was shopping in Le Marais. 

I did some research on the best consignment shops to check out and found Sissi's Corner on a list in Time Out Paris. Located around the corner from Place des Vosges and a short walk from Bastille, it's a quintessential dépôt-vente tucked in Le Marais.

It may be a small space, but take the time to look at every coat rack and shelf at least twice to make sure you don't miss anything that you would regret not buying. In some ways, Sissi's Corner reminded me of consignment shops in southern Rhode Island, except the inventory at Sissi's Corner is filled with a mini arsenal of French designer brands and mid-priced labels in remarkable near-perfect condition. 

It's easy to lose your excitement over shopping when you work in retail. I typically avoid going into a corporate store without the intention of buying, because if I purchase nothing or waste a salesperson's time, it negatively impacts the store's foot traffic-conversion and (possible) sales commission.  I enjoyed speaking with Sissi and learning the history and details about the store, like how the vintage Yves Saint Laurent framed piece in the dressing room is quite rare. 

I bought a vintage Joseph Tricot knit sweater and an Isabel Marant military jacket. I almost walked away from the jacket and wanted to think about it in case I found something else, but I'm glad Sissi convinced me to buy it. The jacket itself is a dream with its infinite number of pockets and removable shearling lining—it also turns out the jacket was a best-seller and is hard to find. 

...

The next time I come to Paris, I'm definitely bringing a bigger suitcase. 

Planning for a Week in Vienna & Paris

Kicking off 2017 with a European adventure

The last time I went was in January 2014 when I studied in Paris, France before my final semester at Salve Regina University. I had every intention of planning a trip in 2016, but work obligations and job searching postponed transatlantic travel plans.

The past few years have been spent whetting my wanderlust by trying new restaurants, reading novels and catching the occasional flight. It is always a comfort finding the Parisian connection

This year, I'll be heading overseas for six days to spend time in Vienna, Austria with Steph and Paris with Baptiste!

I checked out several books from the library* and will continue to pore over every travel blog for different things to do and places to see in each city:

Frommer's Easy Guide to Paris 2017
Fodor's Travel Vienna & the Best of Austria with Salzburg & Skiing in the Alps
DK Eyewitness Travel Top 10 Vienna 
DK Eyewitness Travel Vienna
The Authentic Bistros of Paris by Francois Thomazeau and Sylvain Ageorges
Saint-Germain-des-Pres Paris's Rebel Quarter by John Baxter

*As resourceful and infinite as the Internet may be, flipping through guide books can be quicker and more efficient to gather quick and accurate information

Although the magic of travel has a way of presenting spontaneous moments and (mostly) pleasant surprises, planning a short bucket list in advance helps shape and maximize the limited time visiting.

The fact that this trip is going to happen in a few weeks still surprises me, but I'm ready for days filled with espressos, champagne, gilded art, Austrian countryside and PARIS. Over the next few weeks, my attention will be focused on prioritizing the bucket list and preparing an easy capsule wardrobe...

Fashion's Holiday 2016 Short Films & Campaigns

Christmas is a great time for family, friends and festive holiday ad campaigns

It's time to celebrate the holiday season with fashion-forward film shorts! I am in love with H&M's collaboration with Wes Anderson, but there are also a few other campaigns that are worth watching for a spoonful of Christmas cheer.

Il Neige Rive Gauche, Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche

It is only fitting that the Parisian department store has a commercial that is absolutely and unabashedly exudes the artistic, playful French spirit.

The Tale of Thomas Burberry, Burberry

The British fashion house always delights their followers with beautiful film content and this year's holiday short is no exception. The film is directed by Academy Award winning director Asif Kapadia and features a star-studded cast.

Go Inside Barneys' 2016 Holiday Windows, Barneys

Putting together the holiday window displays in New York City is a fascinating process that is as remarkable and complex as the fashion supply chain. A glimpse at Barneys' creative direction for this year's displays—love, peace and joy—reflects the expression and sentiment felt by many New Yorkers hoping for a better world.

Come Together, H&M

This is it. This is the reason why I am excited about the holiday season. Wonderful film short by Wes Anderson, I hope there's another one next year!

A Very Private Affair, Victoria's Secret

The lingerie brand is all about Paris this year—not only is Victoria's Secret holding their annual fashion show in the City of Light, but they also filmed at their extended holiday commercial at the famous Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte located outside Paris. 

A Moment of Prayer for Nice

My heart is stricken with deep love and sympathy for France.

Whether inflicted by nature or by man, each nation has experienced its episodes of destitution, cruelty and absolute savageries.

But a deliberate attack on a country founded on liberté, égalité and fraternité—a trinity of unalienable rights for all human beings—is a rabid attempt to darken the future for those who want to build a more beautiful world.

For France to experience such tragedy on Bastille Day—their national day of pride for all French people—exacerbates the calamity.

Whether by hand of nature or man, an attack on any nation is deplorable.

Because an attack on the seaside promenade in the South of France stretches beyond French borders.

This is not just about Nice, France.

This is about the series of hurtful and oppressive atrocities committed by humans, inflicted on other humans.

After the waves draw back into the sea
After the final brick falls from the concrete wall
After the last bullet casing drops to the ground
After every stolen breath surrenders to an unknown silence

I hope to always find the strength to work towards a better world

And never it give up.

Wilton Library Hosts "Judgment of Paris" Lecture, Wine Tasting

I love white wine... Aside from that fact, I don't know much else about wine.

As a way to spark a more serious interest in wine, I signed up for the Wilton Library's event with author George Taber and his book, The Judgment of Paris. The premise centers on a 1976 wine tasting which sought to discern fine California wine from its French counterpart. 

The wine connoisseurs selected to participate in the legendary tasting were beyond qualified for the task—think chefs and sommeliers at Michelin star restaurants and editors of wine publications well-versed in chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and the rest. 

Taber—the only journalist present at the wine tasting since the outcome was assumed by all else—highlights Napa Valley's pivotal turning point as a global player in the industry and how its precedent paves the way for other nations to make wine. 

The Judgement of Paris explores the game-changing event for the wine industry that not only validated the efforts of American winemakers in Napa Valley, but proved that a wine didn't have to be French to be superior.

To say that Taber offered interesting insight on the 1976 wine tasting is an understatement. One attendee asked if France publicized the results of the event—Taber gave a resounding no, which was quickly followed by a good laugh. Meanwhile, the news appeared all over Napa Valley headlines and expats looked for the wines used in the tasting. Taber continued to give the audience fun tidbits on personalities involved and illustrate the full scope of the event's impact on the wine industry today.

If you're interested on listening to Taber's take, check out this article on NPR.

I actually tried reading The Judgement of Paris over the winter, but I got caught up in my job search and reluctantly set it aside for another day. I couldn't have asked for a more engaging event hosted by the library and the author himself to renew my interest in exploring wine (and picking up the book!).

And unless I am carried away with prosecco cocktails, I will never pass up an opportunity to get a signed copy of a good book.

Interested? Buy your copy here or at your local bookstore.

18th Century French Chateau to Host Cultural Heritage and Decorative Arts Workshop

Messors and Chateau de Gudanes are partnering together for their second 10-day workshop this summer.

From July 29 through August 7, participants will gain firsthand experience studying cultural heritage and historic preservation in the South of France.

This 10 day experience aims to immerse participants in the conservation of cultural heritage encompassing decorative arts, canvas restoration, frame making and gilding. This will be the 2nd year to integrate a hands-on learning workshop as part of the ongoing heritage conservation projects at Château de Gudanes. No prerequisites are required to attend. This workshop is an open learning workshop under the tutelage of Italian art restorer and Messors founder and director Tonio Creanza, British Fine Art restorer Tim Everett and Chateau owner Karina Waters. The 18th century Chateau de Gudanes will act as our living school of decorative arts history where layers of motifs of past decades and ownership are still present. Its rooms that once welcomed French nobility, philosophers and playwright Voltaire and will also lend themselves as our unique place of lodging and feasting.

Built in the 1700s, Chateau de Gudanes is tucked away in the secluded Pyrenees mountains, an hour and a half from Toulouse. The architect who designed the chateau is Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the Parisian architect who designed the Petit Trianon at Versailles, Place de la Concorde and Hotel de Crillon. 

In November 2013, an Australian family was brave enough to take on the challenge of breathing new life into the chateau. The Waters not only plan on repairing the long-neglected home, but seek to preserve the natural spirit and of the architectural masterpiece.  The family shares pictures of their restoration journey on Instagram and they're absolutely breathtaking.

As the renovations continue, there is still plenty going at Chateau de Gudanes—journalists have been flocking to the site and covering the project, as well as hosting special events (dream wedding, anyone?). 

Over Easter weekend, JOURNEES D'AUTOMNE passed through Toulouse and stopped for lunch at the chateau.

To learn more information on the workshop, visit the Messors website. 

My Paris Dream by Kate Betts

If you're a Francophile and you keep a mini-collection of contemporary books on Parisian journeys, add My Paris Dream to the shelf.

Betts, an award-winning magazine editor and author, shares her coming-of-age story of living and working in Paris, France shortly after graduating from college. Her anecdotes finding her own way through the city and industry are absolutely fascinating—one story about Christian Louboutin is a favorite. 

While reading Betts's story, I can't help but be slightly envious of her background (Princeton) and ability to pursue such an illustrious career in the City of Light (Fairchild Publications). 

With that being said, it's clear that she worked hard for it and getting there wasn't a piece of cake—building her professional credibility, navigating cultural differences and dealing with the loneliness of living abroad takes an extraordinary level of concerted effort. 

My Paris Dream is the perfect inspirational story to move and motivate its readers.

Weekend Reads | 16

Fashion Brands Make the 2016 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations (Fashionista)

After the Paris Climate Change Summit last year, it's been more imperative to plan and implement more eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives for all industries, but especially for large corporations. Corporate Knights, a digital publication which cites itself as "a magazine for clean capitalism," compiled the 2016 Global 100 list, which includes Kering, H&M and Adidas.

Louis Vuitton's Men's Fall/Winter 2016 Collection (The Guardian)

The terrorist attacks last January and November have escalated tensions in Paris, but the city and its people remain resilient. It couldn't be more clear that the Parisian spirit is stronger than ever, an idea embedded in LV's show during Men's Fashion Week.

Save the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs in Lyon, France (Change.org)

The online petition is gathering support to save the prestigious textile museum from closing. The museum has a profound collection of over 2,000 years of textiles that serves as a tremendous resource for scholars, researchers and the public.

Repetto, French Heaven for Ballet Flats (The New York Times)

If you're looking for the French girl essential that's not Chanel, a pair of ballet flats from Repetto is the next best thing. The New York Times visits the brand's first USA boutique in SoHo.

Inside the Net-a-Porter, Richemont, & Yoox Saga (Business of Fashion)

Anyone who has followed the merger between the two fashion e-tailers is still confused—how did Natalie Massenet, the brainchild of Net-a-Porter, end up leaving the company she founded and grew? BoF founder Imran Amed does a fantastic job of piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the Massenet's departure and the official announcement of the merger.

A Brief Education on Champagne

As we all know, the region of Champagne, France is home to its eponymous beverage. 

Reims, the capital of Champagne, played a central role in French history as the city for the country's coronation ceremonies since the 11th century.

There's a reason why Italian sparkling white wine is called "Prosecco" and Spanish sparking white wine goes by "Cava"—although there are other sparkling white wines made elsewhere, they only qualify as champagne if they are made within a certain distance of the proper French province, as well as meet all of the standards set by the AOC.

Here are some quick facts about the popular, most frequently name-dropped champagne houses:

Bollinger

The relationship between the French champagne house and Britain goes back to 1858 when Joseph Bollinger met Ludwig Mentzendorff, a wine shipper based in London. Their friendship left a strong legacy for Brits to keep loving "Bollie" over time—it's even favorited by James Bond.

Veuve Clicquot

In 1798, Founder Philippe Clicquot chose the anchor—a symbol of hope rigour—to brand his corks and to distinguish his champagne from the rest. Other symbols used to distinguish Veuve Clicquot include the comet and its ubiquitous yellow label.

Moët & Chandon

Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of "The Sun King," Louis XIV, did her part for Moët & Chandon by drinking the champagne in royal court. One of her more famous quotes, inspired by her favorite drink:

"Champagne is the only wine in the world that makes every woman beautiful.” 

Taittinger

The House of Taittinger didn't exist until 1932—Officer Pierre Taittinger came upon a chateau in the Champagne region when he was injured during World War I and vowed to return and buy the property if it ever became available for sale. Before Taittinger's takeover, it was known as Forest-Fourneaux and run by a wealthy textile merchant and Benedictine monks.

There's plenty more trivia about champagne—everything from the fun facts about the sparkling wine like Honest Cooking's 10 Things You Didn't Know About Champagne or how to properly drink champagne, as explained in HuffPost Taste by Moët & Chandon.

... Even Chief Executive's list of 10 Best Champagnes if you feel like pretending to be extra pretentious.

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day, put simply, is the French equivalent of the America's Fourth of July.  

On July 14, 1789, the mob of the revolution stormed the Bastille fortress, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Although there were only seven prisoners held at the Bastille during that time, the raid symbolized the attack on the monarchy in France.

The Bastille was torn down by the Revolutionary government in the 18th century, but there are still traces of the fortress in museums and on the streets of Paris.

The 100th anniversary of the Revolution in 1889 was the same year the Eiffel Tower was completed for the World's Fair in Paris.

Bastille Day is commemorated with a parade on the Champs Elysee, an air show with fighter jets, and of course, a fireworks display at night over the Eiffel Tower.

Photo Credits: Pierre-Yves Boudouin, GLOZINE 

Hermione-Lafayette Makes Voyage from France to U.S.

The French tall ship Hermione-Lafayette has been making her way up the East Coast from Yorktown, PA towards Lunenburg, Nova Scotia—she will be stopping at Fort Adams in Newport, R.I. during July 8-9. 

The Hermione-Lafayette—an exact replica of the Marquis de Lafayette's vessel in 1780—is the most authentically built tall ship in the past 150 years. It took nearly 20 years for the tall ship's construction.

Tours of the Hermione-Lafayette will be open to the general public as well as scheduled pier-side events, including, historic shipbuilding crafts demonstrations, interactive conversations with the young volunteer sailors, and a lineup of cultural activities like costumed performances by seasoned re-enactors, concerts of period and contemporary music and food and craft exhibitions. To see the full list of events, visit Hermione-Lafayette's website.

About the Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, Inc.

In 2015, a handcrafted replica of the Hermione the 18th century frigate that brought the young Marquis de Lafayette with French troops back to General Washington, a historic voyage that changed the course in our quest for independence – will return to America. The Hermione's itinerary reaffirms the historic relationship between the United States and France. The Friends of Lafayette-Hermione in America, Inc., a non-profit group, supports this exciting adventure – partnering alongside local heritage and nautical groups, students and teachers K-through-12, and many cultural organizations, museums and universities – with a full program of exciting educational, musical, culinary and special events scheduled at each port during 2015.

How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are

I was already living by this book before I even read it...

I haven't been feeling well for almost a week now and it's been rough sitting at home doing nothing. I picked up How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are when I took a trip to Island Books a few weeks ago and I am so happy I bought it when I did.

This book is my ultimate "feel good" read I could flip through forever any day.

To get a good idea of what the book is like, Into the Gloss pulled a few great passages to read from...

Author of Eiffel's Tower to Speak at Rosecliff

It's been one year since I studied abroad in Paris. I miss it--a lot--and it's gotten to the point where I am searching every online calendar to find out about any event related to French culture.

Thankfully, in Newport, events for Francophiles are fairly easy to come across--I suppose that's what happens when you live in a historical city that has its own Alliance Francaise.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, Author and Historian Jill Jonnes is coming to Newport to talk about her book, Eiffel's Tower. In case you couldn't guess from the title, it is about Gustave Eiffel's construction of his wrought iron monument, but it also puts the Tower in context with other historical happenings during La Belle Époque.

The event is being hosted by The Preservation Society of Newport County at Rosecliff. To learn more about Jonnes' lecture or to register, visit the event's website. Advance registration is required.  

#JeSuisCharlie

Considering the events that have occurred in Paris this past week, it's fitting that the shootings at Charlie Hebdo deserve special attention. 

It's only the most violent attack against the freedom of speech in Western culture...

And it's no secret that political cartoons were offensive, but that doesn't mean that anyone should be killed because of them.

Photo Credit: French Words

Some people have suggested republishing the cartoons across social media and other publications and, to be honest, I'm not really sure what that would accomplish... It would be more productive to reinforce the message that every person is not only entitled to voice an opinion, but must respect every opinion they hear.

Respect.

My idealist mentality does not offer a concrete solution, but a change of mindset is where it starts.

{Late} Weekend Reads | 12

Photo Credit: Bergdorf Goodman via Refinery 29

It's Christmastime in the city! Holiday Window Displays Lure Them Inside, by Dazzling Outside | The New York Times

They bring up a good point. When is wearable tech enough? ... Does the World Need Phone-Charging Jackets? | Fashionista

There are two firsts in your life that really matter: your first kiss, then your... First Time France: Where to Go and What to Do | Lonely Planet

Because my roommate and I are looking into making our apartment feel more home-y... 15 Ways to Upgrade Your Rental Without Ticking Off Your Landlord | Brit + Co

This is one DIY that I'm in the process of figuring out... Bottoms Up! 10 DIY Bar Carts + Hacks | Babble

Paris, Day 23: Père Lachaise, Vogue Café and the Last Walkabout

There was no time wasted on the last day in Paris.

After the final exam, we went to Père Lachaise, the cemetery where several famous people were buried--Colette, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Gericault to name a few. It was amazing to see how old the cemetery was and how large many of the graves were.



Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde's grave was built by a woman who was in love with him. The tradition for many years was to kiss the statue with lipstick...you'll notice that the grave is surrounded by a protective barrier to protect the stone...

Edith Piaf

The grave of Gericault. His friend, Delacroix, made sure that his grave was taken care of and well done. Unfortunately, when Delacroix died, no one returned him the favor--he's buried in an ordinary style grave nearby.

Apparently Gericault still has admirers

Colette

We went back to the FIAP together and had our last lunch at the dining hall. Everyone planned to go to Opéra Garnier afterwards, but since I had already gone with my home university, I went to the Vogue Café at the original Printemps department store, then met up with my friend Jim to give him a mini walking tour of Paris. 

Jim and I started at Opéra Garnier and went through Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, Les Jardins des Tuileries, Le Louvre, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf and ended at Boulevard Saint Germain. It was a good realization that I could comfortably walk around the streets of Paris without getting completely lost.

I met up with the everyone at Linda's apartment on Île St. Louis by Notre Dame for appetizers and dinner. We had invited our professor to come as well, so she joined in on the fun with her students. Linda made reservations at a restaurant down the street from the apartment and treated us to a delicious "last supper" in Paris...

Gnocchi and Gorgonzola sauce

Last night shot of Paris...