A CLOSE LOOK AT MY BRAND NEW CÉLINE TRIOMPHE BAG, THE QUINTESSENCE OF PARISIAN "ALLURE".

Here is one more post dedicated to a French bag. It's been almost three years since the Céline Triomphe Bag popped up on Celine’s website along with the rest of Hedi Slimane’s debut collection for the brand. In that time the bag has slowly, but steadily found its way into the hands of several style stars, who have been spotted with the Triomphe bag in tow. When these VIP ladies take notice, so do we, and while this isn't the first Céline by Hedi Slimane bag we’ve lusted after, it also likely won’t be the last. 

The Triomphe logo is rooted in Celine’s history and the story goes a little something like this: Céline Vipiana’s car broke down in Paris, right in front of the Arc de Triomphe, and she was inspired by the chain that surrounds the iconic monument. The inside of the double links represent two Cs and Celine’s founder immediately adopted it as a house emblem, using it on bags, jewelry, in prints and on shoes. The iconic house motif was adopted and reimagined by new creative director Hedi Slimane, appearing as the finishing touch on a classic silhouette, which we now know as the Triomphe Bag. Lined in lambskin, both sizes of the Triomphe bag contain a separated interior for maximum organization, as well two interior pockets—a slit pocket and a zippered pocket. The strap is designed to be worn either over the shoulder or crossbody as it’s adjustable. 

The larger size is the less eligible, 24.5 cm L x 18.5 cm H x 7.5 cm D.

The medium size works well for the everyday, though it's a bit on the smaller end for an everyday bag with overall dimensions of  22.5 cm L x 16.5 cm H x 7.5 cm D. 

The teen size is perfect for the mini-bag lover with dimensions of 18.5 cm L x 14 cm H x 6 cm D.

The Nano size is 16.5 cm L x 11.5 H cm x 5 cm D. 

As for the colour and leather type selections, I chose the medium version of the bag, in classic black, smooth calfskin leather, but the model is available also in beautiful neutral, pastel, or vibrant shades, as well as in exotic skins or Triomphe logo canvas + tan leather. 

Anyway, what I like most of this bag is its quintessential Parisian "allure", which inspires me unexpected, imaginary journeys to the "Ville Lumière", in a period of so many travel restrictions.

FRENCH-STYLE GIFTS FOR MODERN WOMEN: LOUIS VUITTON'S B BLOSSOM JEWELLERY COLLECTION.

When it comes to gifts from my dearest ones, it's renown they want to make sure it will be an investment I'll wear for years to come and good enough to pair with just about anything in my closet. But that doesn't mean the decadent pieces shouldn't feel of-the-moment and decidedly modern, so that I'll reach for them day after day this season. Louis Vuitton's B Blossom Fine Jewellery collection manages to do both, with beautiful pieces that are guaranteed to make any outfit bolder now, and probably forever.

When you take a look at this fine, timeless jewellery collection, you may seem something you recognise. since it features the iconic star-shaped flower that's found across the monogram. the timeless floral design, created by Georges-Louis Vuitton in 1896, adorns the luxury jewel pieces, for lots of glittery, elevated glamour from every angle.

The stunning collection was inspired by modern women and includes pieces that range from bauble-shaped rings, oversized charm bracelets and cuffs, pendant necklaces, and dangly earrings, all of which are practically made for stacking and layering (here, less is not more). And like Louis Vuitton's timeless monogram print, they're simultaneously contemporary and classic - so they're totally worth the investment. And though the design may be bold, they're not overly ornate. In fact, each piece is simple in essence, with geometric shapes like spheres and squares complementing the modern interpretation of the Louis Vuitton star-flower for a playful effect. But the high-shine metals of yellow, pink, and white gold, and the luxurious materials including pink opal, white mother-of-pearl, onyx, malachite are what take these statement pieces to the next level.

One of this year's birthday present was a pair of dangly B Blossom earrings in yellow gold, which feature the floral motif in mother-of-pearl & small diamonds within yellow gold squares, paired with one of the collection's modern charm necklace, a yellow gold iteration with the same square design. Apart from dying for wearing both of them them immediately, I'm certain I'll go on wearing them for a long time, since their ethereal neutral hues are a passe-partout which will instantly elevate a basic ensemble of a skirt and a blouse, but would do equally well worn to a black-toe event.

Was this little peek enough to convince you to invest in a new piece or two for your own jewellery collection, or include them in your own Christmas wish-list? Whatever your answer, keep scrolling to see my wonderful new additions, and head to Louis Vuitton's site for the whole line.

FLIRTY BOHEMIAN LOOKS AND COLOURFUL MINI BAGS HAVE LANDED AT LONGCHAMP S/S 2020 COLLECTION.

During this June inclement weather and COVID-19 post-lockdown phase, I have been longing to wear Summery garments, and again one of my favourite inspirational brands ever has been Longchamp. Certainly, a few new additions to my Summer wardrobe will be some pieces from its modern, feminine, Spring/Summer 2020 collection, whose starting point is a French-style solar journey from dawn to dusk. For her third show at New York Fashion Week, Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine recalled the colourful artwork of Judy Chicago, as she visualized looks that follow a woman as she traverses her day, faultlessly outfitted for every occasion. She's mixing and matching pieces that resonate with her active, on-the-go lifestyle, while keeping to a sophistication that is part and parcel of Parisiennes. This blurring of time also applies to the way the collection combines inspiration from the 1970s and 1990s—seamlessly blended to form fresh, eye-catching styles. My favourite pieces are certainly the short and colourful button-down suède dresses and the mini-skirts/dresses featuring smocking details on the waist. The latter flow in a delicate palette of apricot, pale pink, jade and aqua, and imbue the looks with a breezy, feminine quality that meanders between sporty sensibilities and bohemian, holiday spirit. Also nylon crop tops paired with either transparent long skirts or shorts with floral appliqués deserve attention. The thin leather belt with the Roseau bamboo adornment that characterize the bag of the same name is a constant accessory cinching the garments for a very sophisticated effect.

As for its iconic accessory, the bag, a workhorse of the label, with the Spring-Summer 2020 collection, Longchamp goes bold and invents its mini bag vocabulary. For the Spring-Summer 2020 season, Maison Longchamp has placed mini bags at the heart of its collection. Longchamp is surfing on the mini bag trend with the Spring-Summer 2020 collection. The Maison has added XS bags to its iconic leather lines, including Roseau, Cavalcade, La Voyageuse Longchamp and Le Pliage Cuir. The pieces are made from sensual leathers and come in authentic minimalist shapes. Choose sophistication with La Voyageuse Longchamp or go more casual with a Le Pliage Cuir style. Always graphic and feminine, they adopt the visual codes of the brand’s most iconic styles. They come in several sizes and a wide variety of colours.

"E" FOR ELEGANCE: 
DRESSING THE FRENCH WAY LIKE CARINE ROITFELD.

During this long lockdown period, we've focused our priorities on different themes other than fashion, and even the most fashionistas among us have adapted themselves to more sporty and less dressed-up styles, on our errands outside our homes. Now the seclusion has become less strict, but the warm season has not completely settled down, so I still don't feel like writing about beach-style outfits, that we aren't even sure to rock this Summer. That's why I'm going to write again about one of my favourite fashion themes, which is the Parisian chic, but this time, from the point of view of the simple, perfect style embodied in the French icon, fashion editor and stylist Carine Roitfeld, who is the inspiration to the post. As you can see from the following selection of pictures, she never puts a stylish foot wrong, and with a clear preference to clean colour combinations, pencil skirts and high heels she has taught every other woman on the planet how to be French and own up to it in a very unique and personal way, without over embellishments, but always with a touch of allure and elegance. Anyway, she's not the only one. I think there must be something in the water in France that makes those Parisian women so darn stylish. Short of moving to the French capital, I 've tried to sum up six steps to putting a little more 'je ne sais quoi' into your style:

1. Don’t look like you’ve tried to hard. If there’s one thing the French do well it’s looking like they don’t give a damn.

2. Don’t be a slave to trends. Know your signature style and stay true to it, adding a carefully selected edit each season. You’ll never see Carine in anything but her trademark pieces.

3. Get ready, then mess things up a bit. Carine’s messy hair and smudgy, black eye make-up is the key to her look. Think undone polished. See step 1.

4. A classic shirt is your best friend – find a style you love and buy one in every colour. 

5. Stick to what suits you. Carine knows her legs are her best feature and accentuates them with tight pencil skirts and leather trousers. Pick your best feature and work to your strengths.

6. Don’t be boring – classic doesn’t have to mean bland. Add a twist to simple separates with a statement coat or conversational handbag.  

Now it's up to you, dear readers, to try your own personal version of  "Parisian chic"!

1) C.R.'s version of F/W French style:

             2) C.R.'s version of S/S French style:

CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY WITH MY NEW KELLY BAG BY HERMÈS.

If diamonds mean "forever", gifting a Kelly bag says "forever... and a day". Perennially an iconic status symbol of luxury, since its appearance in 1956 on the elbow of Grace Kelly, the Hollywood star who became a princess, this is still one of the most coveted models of bags, thanks to its emblematic Hermès design: both highly desirable yet anonymous.

Personally, I'm fond of structured bags with a classic, timeless flair, so how couldn't this French-chic icon become one of the favourites in my wish list? As a symbol of exclusivity, the Kelly bag revels in its myriad reinventions and shades to its own myth, so it comes in several sizes: 15 cm; 20 cm; 25 cm; 28 cm; 32 cm; 35 cm; 40 cm. 

The gift chosen for me is one of the most fashionable sizes nowadays, the 25 cm in black Epsom leather + golden hardware - who doesn't love the black and gold combination? - which is perfect to be worn also as a shoulder bag or cross-body, for a fresh effortless-chic look in every season, and I'm sure I will never be tired of it...

I love its ladies' bag aspect, which has nothing fancy in it, just a neat, plain, functional bag intended for energetic women, still very modern. Its beautiful trapezoid shape, with two triangular gussets, a sculpted flap, a handle, and good storage space exudes an aura of evergreen grace. And what about its fundamental composition? Namely, thirty-six leather pieces assembled by a craftsman devoted to noble gestures, six-hundred-and-eighty hand stitches, sixteen small studs, a padlock, a swivel clasp and leather key cover or clochette. I'm also satisfied with the pragmatic choice of Epsom leather,  a very popular embossed type of leather which holds true  to its shape in all instances and is completely resilient to scratches and dirt, even when used daily.

And, believe me, no matter which angle I look at this bag, I see an impeccable, iconic structure. Tonight, at our Valentine's dinner-party, I'll be the most proud and gratified wearer of this wonderful jewel!💝💝

A BERGÈRE CHAIR FOR EVERY SPACE.

There's nothing quite like the perfect armchair in a living space. And of course, since I'm partial to French style in general, I just adore a good Bergère chair. It's a versatile and classic at the same time, and it's comfortable, a quality which is not to be underestimated. 
For those who aren't familiar with it, a Bergère is a chair designed in the Louis XV style, with upholstered back, and padded elbowrests on arms and upholstered frames, and fitted with a loose tailored seat cushion on an upholstered seat frame. This antique French chair typically featured either moulded or carved wood frames, which were either gilded or painted and upholstered with fine fabrics. 

Nowadays, we may tone down the gilding and silks, but the bergère chair remains as popular as ever, thanks to its design which allows to move it about to suit convenience, rather than being ranged permanently formally along the walls as part of the décor. And to me, these are the key features! Today, bergère chairs are often upholstered in simple fabrics, such as linen, ticking, or Toile de Jouy. In a pair, or all alone, these versatile chairs are still perfect for moving and can slide seamlessly into any design scheme, thanks to both their symmetry and the right proportion of upholstery, perfectly balanced by their open legs that create visual space. And that's what I love! As I've shared before, I love ornate French style, but my take is a bit more casual, to avoid fussiness: I like the combination of simple with elegant, the essence of casual chic style. 
So, here follows a small selection of my favourites in different styles and finishes:
1) Pale/white wood framed bergères covered in either simple crisp neutral shades of linen or white-and-blue stripe ticking fabric, for coastal/rustic casual flair.

2) The juxtaposition of traditional wood-toned or white-painted wood with more elaborated fabrics such as Toile de Jouy.

3) Caning accents, especially in a room with a passageway, to ease the transition from room to room while keeping the sight-line open.

4) Paired with a matching stool to create the perfect place to curl up with a good book.

If you're interested in giving your home a touch of 17th century French elegance, you can look for genuine vintage pieces at local antiques markets/stores. Sometimes there just isn't time to shop for those, moreover they can be more expensive than the reproductions are. So, if you're either in a hurry, or on a budget, or simply don't love "the chase", then one of the models found at stores such as Maisons du Monde or online at Westwing might just fill the bill!

THE CHANEL BROOCH: HOW TO WEAR THIS ICONIC ACCESSORY.

I think there's ONE particular brand that I consider my beloved: Chanel; and its brooch has been in my "wish list" until recently, while browsing through some Chanel accessories at a vintage shop in St-Tropez, I found a beautiful piece in gold metal and strass crystal brooch, neither too big, or too small, a size that is just not too loud. This chic, stylish brooch is perfect to elevate any of my Fall outfit, since in this season I tend to wear more dressy outfits, while in Summer I prefer more basic looks and accessories.

So that's why today, I'm going to sum up various ways to include this classy accessory into several outfits:

1) Nicely standing out on a jacket lapel, simply my favourite way...

2) On one side of either a sweater or a cape, even in duplicate, to elevate a basic everyday outfit.

3) Adorably pinned to a beanie in Winter, or onto a beret for French-style inspiration.

4) On the side pocket of a tweed dress or jacket: so Chanel-inspired!

5) Nothing beats matching a Chanel brooch to a LBD: ultimate classy!

6) Pinned onto the mid-collar of a simple shirt makes it obvious yet not loud.

7) Stylishly placed at waist area on a skirt, so cool!

As you have already seen, all you need to style such a wonderful accessory is to use just some creativity and the result will be an effortlessly chic and classy look. If you already have one Chanel brooch, perhaps a vintage model inherited from some female relative and you are stuck as to how to match it, try the above ways!