Golden Girl

2010 has been such a crazy fantastic year. Many highs, many lows, but probably the best part of it all has been the expansion of French Charmed The Boutique, and of course the beginning of this blog! We’ve shared many experiences together this year (remember waking up with the distant dreamt memories of spring blossoms in Paris? Frolicking through the puddles in satin ballet slippers?), and I can’t wait for all the fun 2011 will bring! Speaking of the New Year, I’ve been searching high and low for the perfect dress to don the night of the big New Beginning, and I couldn’t help but notice that golden sequin dresses are all the rage - so of course I had to post a few of my favorites! What will you be wearing to ring in the New Year, darlings? Send me photos of your holiday outfits – I’d love to see the creations you come up with! And to you all: Thank you for making 2010 such an outstanding experience for us at French Charmed, and here’s to a fabulous 2011! Cheers!

~ Chelle

Photo credits from top to bottom: EDressMe.com, Bloomingdales.com, NeimanMarcus.com, NeimanMarcus.com, Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom.com.

WINTER SALE IN THE BOUTIQUE!

The WINTER SALE begins today. 20% OFF SITEWIDE plus FREE SHIPPING! Dec. 26 - Jan. 1

Wishing you Peace, Happiness and Good Fortune in the coming New Year! oxox ~ Chelle

Monochromatic Christmas: Red

Sadly, this is the final installment of the monochromatic Christmas special. And it's not because I didn't love doing it, but because the holiday season is fast approaching its end already! Though I haven't had quite as much time this year to do Christmassy things, I've been so in the holiday spirit, it seems kind of sad that there are only a couple more days of festivities to look forward to! Anyway, please enjoy these photos of the most classic Christmas decor color, and merry holidays, lovelies! May you all get everything you wished for and then some!
oxox, Chelle

Holiday Glogg
12 oz. SKYY vodka
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
1.5 tbsp. mulling spices
1 tsp. fresh orange zest
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. blanched almonds
4 tbsp. raisins

Wrap mulling spices in cheesecloth. In a large saucepan, combine the wine, SKYY vodka, cheesecloth with mulling spices, orange zest, and sugar. Allow to very lightly simmer over medium heat for at least 30 minutes (do not boil). Discard the mulling spices. Drop a few raisins and almonds at the bottom of each mug and top with the hot liquid.

Photo credits from top to bottom: MarthaStewart.com, Anthropologie.com, Delish.com, PotteryBarn.com, EncoreEvents.blogspot.com, MusingsOfANightOwl.blogspot.com, MarieClaire.com

Monochromatic Christmas: Green

Wanna make your friends green with envy? Then use the color for your holiday hue, which sets a striking and yet earthy feeling that will have them falling all over themselves in their attempts to compliment you! And it also sends a subtle message that going green really is the way to go, even during Christmas.

Dreaming of Zen

• 1 oz Zen Green Tea Liqueur
• 1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
• 3 oz mango juice
• white pepper
• 2 oz cream
• mint leaves for garnish
• grated nutmeg for garnish

Pour ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, strain into a champagne flute and garnish with mint leaves a dash of nutmeg.

 

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: PotteryBarn.com, Shutterstock.com, AGiftWrappedLife.blogspot.com, OrganicBug.com, SouthernLiving.com, YoungHouseLove.com, About.com.

Monochromatic Christmas: Pink

French Charmed is about all things girly, so of course we're in love with the idea of having an all-pink Christmas! Now if only all you girls out there can convince the men in your life to go along with this chic and feminine holiday look! We're crossing our fingers... xoxo

The Pama Kiss

1 1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
3/4 oz. sour apple vodka
1/2 oz. cranberry juice

Mix ingredients in martini shaker. Shake well. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with sugar-dusted raspberries.

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: WhisperedWhimsyVintage.blogspot.com, FotoBank.ru, AThingForPink.blogspot.com, Flickr.com/photos/twinkleshappystar, Etsy.com, CountryLiving.com, MarieClaire.com

Monochromatic Christmas: White

If blue isn't necessarily your favorite holiday color of choice, how about trying a nice, classic white? You can't go wrong with this look, and it stands out as simply stunning amidst the usual mix of reds and greens that traditionally go along with Christmas.

Ginger Cosmopolitan

2 oz infused vodka
Squeeze fresh lime juice
1 oz triple sec
2 oz white cranberry juice

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: SouthernLiving.com, Anthropologie.com, BijouLovelyDesigns.com, MarthaStewart.com, MarthaStewart.com, TaraBradford.com, TheStateOfThings.com

Monochromatic Christmas: Blue

I know there’s something nostalgic about multi-colored, flashing and in-your-face Christmas décor, but despite the memories associated with the look, I’ve always preferred a more peaceful, monochromatic holiday feel myself. I’ve done several different one or two-pallate trees over the years (I’d post photos, but most of them were taken far before I got a digital camera, and I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I’m the type who has boxes and boxes full of undeveloped film rolls)! Anyway, for some reason, I’m finding myself very attracted and pulled toward blue Christmas décor this year. Maybe it’s because I’ve been quite a stress-basket for months, and there’s something simple, clean and soothing about this look? Nonetheless, I’m hoping to find the time to decorate this year, and if I do, you can bet I’ll be taking my cue from these photos. If you’re not feeling the blue look, don’t fret: I’ll be posting several different monochromatic looks organized by color over the next several days. And I’ll include an idea in each color for your tree, wreath, stockings, table setting, gift wrap, decorations and even a party drink recipe to match! Just call it an early holiday present from me to you! xoxo

Tinsel Bellini

2 oz. HPNOTIQ
1 oz. limoncello
1 oz. Champagne
Splash of lime juice

Rim the Champagne flute with a light coat of sugar. Pour chilled HPNOTIQ, limoncello, and Champagne into the champagne flute. Add a splash of lime juice.

Photo Credits from Top to Bottom: SouthernLiving.com, CountryLiving.com, AGiftWrappedLife.com, CountryLiving.com, TheArtfulLifestyle.blogspot.com, MyHomeIdeas.com, MarieClaire.com

Tea Time

It's such a chilly and drab day in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd dip into one of my latest luxuries from Paris: my Kusmi rose green tea. I was aimlessly wandering some narrow streets near my hotel when I stumbled upon this sweet little Parisian tea shop that boasts the most wonderful selection of whole leaf teas. I couldn't fit too much in my suitcase (I had clothes and antique purchases I needed to squeeze in there and get back to the States!), so I bought this flavor and Sweet Love. I can't get enough of either, so it's a good thing one can order from their website!

Cheers, and happy tea toasting!

Chelle

PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SALE EVENT!

French Charmed is starting today with our BLACK FRIDAY SALE EVENT! Merchandise is 20% - 35% OFF in our Pinkalicious Christmas Shoppe. Stop by for some tres chic deals! And remember, FREE SHIPPING every item, every day! Also, some great sales going on at Shabby Cottage Shops this week:

"PRE BLACK FRIDAY BLOW OUT SALE at Shabby Cottage Shops!

Enjoy up to 30% OFF ~ NOW THROUGH SUNDAY!

Some shops will also offer free shipping,

free gift with purchase and free gift wrap!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Shabby Cottage Shops!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING READERS!! Hope your week is filled with many blessings ~ OX, Chelle

Chocolat (oui, without the “e”!)

I’ve been so proud of myself for avoiding sugary treats and desserts and sweet yumminess for the last two months, but now that the holidays are fast approaching, I know I won’t be able to stay strong much longer! How could I, with traditional indulgences popping up left and right? But what I can promise myself is to only allow sugary concoctions of the finest quality, kind of like little luscious luxuries! First on my list (and believe me when I say it should be on your list, too) are champagne chocolates from the London delectable company, Charbonnel et Walker. Okay, so not a French company, but if you pop in the film Chocolat, it will give you all the French you need to go along with the silky, luxurious English truffles! Bonus: The sweet round boxes of deliciousness would make a little fab holiday gift for friends, co-workers and neighbors, don’t you think?