Glam Camp

We’re in the midst of summer, but I can’t help but start to feel the dread, knowing that the warm days are almost over and I’ll have to start bundling up against the cold, icy wind that fall days begin to bring. I’m trying to really submerse myself into enjoying the dwindling days of summer, and I’ve been doing everything from sipping honey iced tea and fishing to watching outdoor movies at the park. Next on my list: Camping! And you can bet that this super warm and luxurious pom pom throw is coming with me! Because, as I like to say, why the heck not?

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: kellibird.tumblr.com, imgfave.com, maisonboheme.blogspot.com

The Haunted

Damp. Silent. Creepy. Not usually words most associate with France, thought to be one of the world's most romantic and glamorous countries. But it certainly boasts its fair share of the macabre and horrifying! Some of the earliest Halloween traditions started in the region, and with so much history lurking in every crevice and corner, it's a wonder most visitors don't shiver straight out of their designer footwear!

Eiffel tower

Loire village Bois

Paris catacombs

Church of Saint-Catherine Bell Tower in Honfleur, France

Scene from Les Vampires, 1915

La Garangeoire, Saint-Julien-des-Landes, France

Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris

Subway entrance, Paris

* The first picture, as well as the last two, can be purchased as art prints here.

Photo credits from top to bottom: etsy.com, eyefetch.com, iphone-photographer.com, flickr.com, oliverdegabriele.posterous.com, filmsquish.com, panoramio.com, wackyowl.com, etsy.com, etsy.com

Wanderlust

Paris, New York and Milan are the epicenters of fashion, but after seeing the debut collection from Russian photographer-turned-designer, Ulyana Sergeenko, we're thinking a trip to the North is in order! Her retro-fairytale  fall/winter 2011 collection not only made our jaws drop, it had us rushing to the mirror with bobby pins and red lipstick. We've seen some pretty stellar takes on the 1950s housewife look as well as the fairytale princess look, but this mix of both with a modern edge by far blows anything else we've seen out of the water. Or ice, if we're thinking in Russian terms.

 

Photo credits: Russian Vogue 2011

Stewing Over It

Is it just us, or is fall the best thing that ever happened to the planet? The trees look so beautiful, pumpkin lattes hit the streets, fashion is at its best and cooking sounds much less like a chore and much more like the most comforting, fun activity to ever have been invented. I'm a sucker for any recipe featuring pumpkins, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and savory meats like roast and pork chops. In fact, my daughters swear because of that, fall is the second time of the year I put on my bi-annual extra 15 pounds (the first being when Sheri's Restaurant features their yummy strawberry pies!). But in all my revelry for fall, I've never tried tackling one of the most basic, popular French comfort foods: boeuf bourguignon. I'm really excited to give the classic dish a whirl this year, but I'm inexplicably a bit intimidated. Have any of you ever successfully given it a try? I'd love to hear some words of boeuf bourguignon wisdom and get some gentle encouragement before traversing the yummy waters! Or you can just help me channel Julia Child. That will work, too.

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: cookingafterfive.com, lawrenceandjulieandjulia.com

STRAYING

HAPPY FALL! Straying away from all things French, (yes, from time to time we do check our own backyard!) we found some VERY sweet photos of Fur Kids in fall, that we just had to share. Hope your new season is filled with La Joie de Vivre!

 Pet Photos: http://www.weather.com/activities/driving/fallfoliage/slideshow/furryfall.html,flickrhivemind,coolpetsinfo,lipetplace

Fall Made Up

No doubt you've already been out shopping fall's latest looks, but don't forget to update your makeup routine to go along with all your fab new finds! Perusing the runway had us noticing two major trends: bold eye brows and bold lips. And if done right, they're two bold looks that are easy to achieve!

Brows:

The first step to full brows is to stop over-tweezing! General maintenance is key, but the skinny thin brow look is definitely out. Next, fill in your arches with a matching eyebrow pencil. We recommend Laura Mercier's eyebrow pencil; it comes in five different colors to ensure you get the right match.

Lips:

Luscious lips don't have to be difficult. And berries and reds are absolutely foolproof for fall. If you can get away with it, skip the liner, which only ages you. And choose a bright color that is sure to get you noticed, but also matches your skin tone. We've found that Mac Red is a good fit for most. Or you can try the color in the lead photo, which is Rouge G de Guerlain in Garconne #25 (not yet available). And if it's your first time rocking red? Yes, you will feel like a clown. But wear it anyway; trust us, every woman feels that way when first donning the bold shade. But you will quickly start feeling comfortable and look stunning in the process!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: alipstickaday.blogspot.com, blogs.babycenter.com, iheartmake-up.blogspot.com.

Last Fling for the Summer!

This is it. The U.S. traditional "last day of summer". How are you spending your Labor day? A family barbeque, perhaps a last trip to the beach? In times past, I spent this holiday weekend camping. It seems that much of THIS decade, I have re-traditioned myself. No longer spending time in the great outdoors enjoying the waning warm weather, I now find myself indoors doing my Spring cleaning! Ick! How is it possible that I missed another Spring and am now falling head first into Fall?? Well ... that's another story for a rainy day. Lucky for me, Fall is my favorite season! I love the purples, golds and rust colors. I love the warm cozies I get, slipping on boots and my favorite faded sweater (from age, not couture) as I crunch through the leaves on my morning walk. Okay, okay. I'll dispense with the reference to cool weather ... for now. I will leave you to enjoy your last fling of summer. Have fun and keep safe!! ~ Chelle