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

Modern Elegance

As you can probably guess based on our previous blog posts as well as the array of fun merchandise in the French Charmed boutique, we love all things vintage and shabby chic. We've focused our whole lives on it, practically! However, with that being said, we absolutely cannot resist the magic of pure, unadulterated elegance, like these rooms designed by Occa Home. You know, the kind of chic frillery at which husbands everywhere roll their eyes and say, "Is that really necessary?" But as we all know, it's not necessary. It's absolutely necessary!

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

Strapped In

There has been a lot of buzz about Vogue Italy’s September cover featuring a goth model wearing a nose ring and a (too-tiny?) corset. Did the magazine go too far? Or did it perfectly capture the feeling of avant-garde, which is what the month’s issue is all about? Personally, I love the slightly sexy, slightly morbid look they chose to splash all over the streets of Europe. But then again, I’ve always had a thing for strangely sexy things. Though I really can’t imagine how torturous it must have been for Victorian women, who were strapped uncomfortably tight into corsets on a daily basis. The look was lovely, but the reality? Horrendous!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: antiquecorsetgallery.com, corsets-uk.com, corsets-uk.com, dallasvintageshop.com, emiliecross-09obsessions.buzznet.com, fashionindie.com, laracorsets.com, taringa.net.

It's A Girl Thing

Have you ever had those mornings where you just want to start singing from the rooftops? Or whistle “I feel pretty” while twirling ‘round and ‘round your dressing room (i.e. closet) with not a care in the world about where you have to be and when? That’s how I felt this morning, loves, after finding out that there was only one tiny mistake, practically invisible, in this year’s tax audit! If that doesn’t make a person want to twirl in delight, I don’t know what would! And in celebration of my joyous mood, please enjoy some delightfully girly and carefree images. A sort of day’s inspiration, if you will.

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: blog.nicolejane.com, champagneandmarshmallows.com, citified.blogspot.com, citified.blogspot.com, parisapartment.wordpress.com.

The Real Living Room

If your house is anything like ours, the kitchen serves as the main place everyone congregates — no matter how lovely and comfortable you make every other room in your home! Considering it's the most seen and used part of an average abode, not to mention it's a room that considerably affects the overall value of your house, it's a good idea to invest what you can and make it the nicest it can possibly be. If you can get away with a full re-do, there are several French country styles you can choose from (it's almost enough to give you a headache!). But even if you're on a budget — like most of us these days —  small additions like new cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can go a long way. Whatever your financial case, here are a few kitchen looks from which to draw inspiration. All with a lovely and distinct French charm, of course!

 

Photo credits from top to bottom: customcabinetsnc.com, modernkitchendesignideas.com, my homeimprovement.org, economicdecorating.com, alibaba.com, hote-ls.com, topicden.com, bestofremodeling.com, bestremodelingkitchen.com.