Indulge Decor Blog

Cote d'Azur

 

Cote d'Azur

It is no secret amongst my family and friends that I love to travel. On my trip to the Cote d'Azur, I came to the startling realization that I am actually living vicariously through myself. It's as if I exist in some type of incredible John Malcovich work/luxury travel portal in which I get to travel to all these fabulous places in the world for work, and it (luxurious travel) is legitimately expected of me. And, I should even be doing it (luxurious traveling) more often than I do!

  After the Paris Show, we (Issac, my fun friend A, and moi) headed South to the infamous Cote d'Azur to check out Blanc d'Ivoire's new 5,000 sq ft flagship store in St. Tropez.

 Issac made the executive decision that we should stay in Eze because it was so centrally located to everything that we wanted to do on our, ahem, 'work' trip - Eze, Cap Ferrat, St.Tropez and Monaco! (I may own Indulge but Issac holds the esteemed title of 'V.P. of Travel'.)

 

The Village of Eze

 

Where We Stayed . . .

Domaine Pins Paul

 

Every afternoon, we drove 15 or so minutes to the beach for an afternoon swim/bob. Our 'local' beach just happened to be in the reluctantly super-trendy Cap Ferrat.

(Cap Ferrat was recently named the second most expensive residential location in the world. Can you guess number 1. . . ? If you're not sure, not to worry - we will get to number 1 later in the blog, patience.)

 

 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Cap Ferrat was once the domain of King Leopold II of Belgium

(In the immortal words of Mel Brooks in his hit comedy History of the World, Part 1 - "It's good to be the king.")

 

 

Our Picturesque Beach Locale . . . 

 

 

 

I love the fact that you can order a bottle of champagne from your  beach chair, no problem, but you are on your own if you mistakenly drown.

 

 

 - - - - -

Village of La Turbie

A short drive for dinner.

 

A l-o-n-g drive home after a glass or two of wine, very tricky roads. Very tricky, shudder.

 - - - - - -

Day 2

St. Tropez

 

 

Don't let the harbor of anchored super-yachts mislead you, we arrived by, ahem, . . .

. . . ferry.

 

 

 

Our legitimate 'work' purpose for going to St. Tropez - to visit the new 5,000 sq ft Blanc d'Ivoire flagship store.

'Oh, there are 2 BD stores on the island. The new flagship store is just down the street you say.

Could you please repeat the directions, again? Perhaps this time a little bit more slowly and, if possible, could you use a few more of those English words.' 

 

Joyfully Lost

 

Always Moules

 

I have observed over the years that it is very French to find some shade and take a respite after an arduous afternoon meal.

 

 

Even the beloved pets observe this classic of traditions.

     

 

At Last, Blanc d'Ivoire's New Flagship Store!

 

Actually, the new BD flagship store is quite easy to find if you don't ask for directions, ha ha.

 

Waiting for Brigitte Bardot to Pop Her Head Out.

 

 

Eze

(Just another ubiquitous 'work' photo of me taken infront of significant French vendor to substantiate business trip for tax purposes, wink.)

 

Beaulieu Sur Mer

Fun dinner at the African Queen

 

More Bol de Moules . . .

 

- - - - - 

Day 3

More to See in Picturesque Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

      

The writer W. Somerset Maugham was quoted as describing CF as 'the escape hatch from Monaco for those burdened with taste.'

 

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Gardens

 Seaside palazzo owned by Beatrice de Rothschild

 

Qunintessential Pink

Estranged louse of a husband obviously not consulted on decor. All matters of decoration, very rosy.

 

 

In the eyes of her husband, B had a million dollar smile $$$$$$$

 

 

View of the Gardens from the Villa

 

The Notable Rose Garden

 

Featuring, Big Brother's Signature Stunning Pink Rose

     

 

View of the Villa from the Garden

 

Synchronized Aquatic Show

(Think water ballet but without the smiling beauties.)

 

Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat

 

 

We disregarded the video surveillance threat, rushed the door, and snapped this picture of . . . . nothing? Brad & Angelina had already left the building, shucks. 

 

 

- - - - - -

Principality of Monaco

 

Formal Signage Reminding Pesky Tourists of the 8 Commandments of Monaco

 

What a Spectacular Treat to See the Tall Ships in Full Sail Practicing Before the Big Regatta!

 

 

It is Hard to Conceive the Unbridled Opulence of Monaco

 

Hotel de Paris

 

 

 

 

The Usual Suspects

 

The Bauble Store

 

The New Rose Gold Collection By My Personal Jeweler

Such Pretties 

Answer to the before mentioned question of - Where is the most expensive place to live in the world? Monaco is the undisputed world's most expensive location to live $$$$$$$$

 

- - - - -

 

Drum roll, it is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I introduce the Blanc d'Ivoire Cote d'Azur Collection inspired by St. Tropez and plagiarised by moi.

 

All Weather Wicker

 

Accessories Charme

 

Love the 3 Mirrors Arranged as a Grouping

 Driftwood Lamps light up the room

 

Even a Simple (Home Depot!) Aloe Plant Looks Significant When Placed in a Striking Urn

 

Fish Lure Spreaders, Anchor Olive Forks, and Crab Place Card Holders add Whimsy to Any Table Setting

 

Pewter Finished Metal Lamps 

 

Linen Napkins & Table Runners

 

My Ideal Bol de Moules Dining Table 

 Yes, you can just wipe the tabletop clean!

 

Lots of fun accessories for the bath.

 

Can ya feel the cool breeze blowing in from the Mediterranean, ahh.

NYIGF Winter 2010: Back to New York

                                                                                      

         
 

    

 

 

This year's winter trip to NYC for the New York International Gift Show was really about three things: working the show, eating, and trying to get as much window shopping in as humanly possible in the abominable cold.  

 On our trip in August we made time to go to Central Park, we shopped at our favorite stores (remember the three B's: Bendel's, Bergdorf's, and Barney's?), and even we made plans to visit the Frick Collection on our next trip. This time, the winter weather was so unbearable that we didn't make it to the park (or walk anywhere at all really), we only made time for one store (Bergdorf's, because we had lunch reservations there), and made no effort at all to do anything cultural or interesting like going to a museum. 

 This trip was (mostly) all work! I guess we'll have to save the fun stuff for next August.
 Needless to say, we did find some wonderful things for the two stores on this work trip (after all, it is really warm in the Javitz Convention Center)...   

 

Temperature On Arrival: 16 degrees

Felt Like: -0 degrees

Purpose of Trip: NYIGF

Accommodations: Hotel Elysees

 

 

Freezing Fashionistas

Red flouncy dresses at Bottega Veneta - seems just mean to have cruisewear in the window when it's freezing outside!

 
 Prada - the ones in Paris had crystal embellishments... hmm.

 

The window at Henri Bendel - love my jewelry with some cakes, cupcakes and other confections!

 

New York Insider Tip: On our last evening there, Kathy (who lived in NY in the 80s) told us about Searle, an amazing ever-sought-after-fitted-puffy-coat store. Yes, they have warm insulated puffy coats there that are fitted and stylish. And cute weather boots too!

Note to selves: Next winter trip to NY, visit Searle on first day instead of last

 

On to Bergdorf Goodman! First we had lunch at our usual spot, BG Restaurant on the 7th Floor.

 

Then we went downstairs to the shoe department. Note the 60% off signs everywhere.

 

Then we moved to the couture where I did some wishlisting (note to self March birthday) - love these Fendi Spring dresses. Throw them on with a pair of gladiators and you're out the door!

   

 

Then we went downstairs for our semi-annual Van Cleef and Arpels visit where C. did some of her own wishlisting (boyfriends and husbands, are you paying attention?)

 

Gorgeous rose gold bangles, rings with diamonds.

 

Dining Out

Monkey Bar - a place to see and be seen. Lucky for us it's literally in our hotel (as in, if you order room service you get Monkey Bar food). Also has a fun bar inside that's great for Happy Hour.

(Seen at Monkey Bar the week we stayed at Hotel Elysees: Jon Bon Jovi, Rudy Guiliani, George Clooney, Becky Vizard with B.Viz Designs, ahem)

 

Orsay - sister restaurant to the temporarily-closed favorite of ours La Goulue. Similar French fare but better and brighter ambiance.

 

Here we are with the Elizabeth W. guys after dinner. I was brave enough to ask the maitre'd to take a picture of us for the blog!

 

 

Il Corso - An old standby of ours (because its delicious and it's right near our hotel) that serves delicious Italian fare and is ranked as one of the best NY restaurants for wine (we went there on our last night).

 

 

Places where we made reservations and had to cancel them because it was too cold to get to them (they weren't in the close vicinity of our hotel):

Alto - You might have read about it in US Weekly as being the place Brad and Angelina had their 6 HOUR dinner in the weeks leading up to their rumored-and-now-proven-false breakup last month.

 

Pastis - We made it there for a drink last time we were in New York and wanted to go back for the food. We should have gone for breakfast - Beyonce was seen eating there one morning last week!

 

Places where we ate but didn't take pictures (because it was too cold!):

Le Bilboquet - Refer to our August NYIGF blog entry - and yes, we had the mussels and frites again. Yum!

 

 

NYIGF - The Work Part

Our focus was on Tabletop, Baby, and what we'll call Fashion. Now that the Carlton House has closed it's doors after 53 years (very sad; it was a Houston institution) we will introduce tabletop at our Blvd store. As for Baby things, we have baby departments at both stores (but also we just have the most fun buying toys and baby clothes!). And Fashion - I think you'll see why we were so inclined to buy things we can wear this spring and summer.

Tabletop

Juliska - Always a beautiful booth. Love the glass mixed in with the ceramic and the spring greens and violets.

 

Cute new honeypot sugar and creamer...

 

    

 

Match - Beautiful Italian pewter pieces. They did a wonderful job on their booth with all the colorful foods - except several people kept walking by and eating the display! Gross.

 

Arte Italica  - Another Italian company that makes pewter and glassware pieces. You're probably familiar with their gorgeous pewter and ceramic pieces at the Saint Street store, but we're introducing this beautiful glass with silver inlay at the Blvd store.

 

Rattan Glassware - We got this beautiful trio of rattan covered pitchers - perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Under the Sea - Really cute crab wood serving board with seafood accessories - great for a beach house!

 

 

 

Baby

Kaloo - The softest and sweetest French baby toys - love this line! We ordered some really cute animal rattles and extremely soft (like, do they come in my size? soft) baby booties too.

  

 

 

 A Danish toy company we found makes the funniest nursery rhyme toys, like The Princess and the Pea (complete with wooden bed, mattresses, princess, and said Pea).

 

Doggy Purses - Remember the one C. found in Paris for her niece? We found them at market! And we bought them for the Blvd store.

* Update February 20th, 2010: We just got them! The puppy purses are in stock and TOO CUTE.

 

 

 

Fashion  

 

Cashmere - Need I say more? We loved this feather-weight cashmere line - they sell at Barney's of course. We loved it so much we bought sweaters, cardigans, cashmere tees, and scarves. Gosh, I hope after we're finished picking through it there's some left over for you guys.

 

 

Hats - We got several styles of straw hats. Perfect for gardening or sunbathing!

  

 

Claridge & King - Okay we are too excited about this new line... Laurann Claridge (of Papercity) and her sister have formed Claridge & King, a line of menswear-inspired pajamas. We bought several of the oversized (long, but more fitted than an actual man's shirt) button downs that can be worn as nightwear, bathing suit coverups, or over leggings for a cute daytime look. We also bought some of the adorable boxer shorts (again, more fitted than mens' boxers) to pair with them for sleeping. It's like sleeping in your dad's/boyfriend's/husband's shirt but cuter. What a great idea, huh?  

 

(Here's C. with Laurann in the booth)

 

Petit Bateau - Of course, our trip to NY always includes a visit to our friend Carla who works at Petit Bateau. This season, we selected some adorable striped sailor tees and rain jackets. Very Coco Chanel. And we got some corresponding pieces in childrens' wear too! Mommy and me rain jackets - too cute.

 

How adorable are the two dresses on the left? They come in 12 month, 18 month, and 2 yr old sizes. But I want that gray one in my size! And on the right is cute Carla holding up a striped double-breasted jacket we also ordered.

  

 

That pretty much concludes the very exciting things we ordered in New York and the very un-exciting trip we had due to miserable weather. But it will be the perfect Spring-time weather in Houston soon (and not for very long) - luckily for you we have featherweight cashmere, Petit Bateau rain jackets, glamorous hats, and chic bathing suit coverups coming your way!

Stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Paris - January 2010: Shopping

C:

Fashionistas around the world flock to Paris in January for the winter clothing sales. And, one of my favorite places to start is the legendary Le Bon Marche. Founded in 1852, Le Bon Marche is often referred to as the world's first department store.

  Shopping at Le Bon Marche is also a favorite rainy-day-in-Paris past time for many fashionistas, so expect a crowd. The store is so beautiful and inviting that even my husband didn't mind coming out of the rain to help me shop.

 

As you step off the elevators, you are reminded at every glance that there is a big sale.

         

  

Look how cute the Balenciaga straw tote is! Wouldn't it make a really cute new beach bag, hmmm? Of course, the one thing I really wanted was not on sale, typical. 

Take note of Le Bon Marche clever window display! All windows turned into framed fish tanks.

And yes, that is not a cold rainy day mirage! It is exactly what you think - a cute little fish swimming around a pair of summery white Havaiana flipflops. I would love to see Anna Wintour's contorted face as she falls over from fashion shock. Is this the end of fashion as we know it in Paris or just a cute visual?

 

Cute Merry-Go-Round in little park across the way from Le Bon Marche.

Perfect for nannies to distract unruly children while mommies shop.

Window shopping in Saint Germain:

Prada

Gray for spring?

Shoes and bag - crystal clear this season.
           

YSL

Our little Ali would look so great in this dress!

   
Fabulous agate necklace sold right off the mannequin while I was taking the picture. Notice how great the matching bracelet is.

And, my YSL window!

             

Love the new YSL Roady bag in black raffia with patent leather handle, hmmm. Maybe that's my new summer bag! Shown with simple black dress and kitty-cat heels.

Christian Dior

Love thy purple. White is nice for spring too.

 

Hermes 

Coming 2010 
 
(Adjacent to Hotel Lutetia )

Louis Vuitton

Do you ever get the feeling of - Being 'caged in' by your designer handbag and designer sneakers?

 

Window Shopping with the 'big boys' - Right Bank:

This would be a good time to ask you dear, sweet husband if he would like to see just one last great monument erected in Napoleon's honour. You know, something historical that he would enjoy.

Vendome Column

 Vendome Column was made from 133 captured enemy cannons from the battle of Austerlitz, you explain oh-so-matter-of-factly.

"And, oh look at all the pretty stores," you innocently point out with just a hint of a smile. "While we are here, we should just have a look around."

Van Cleef & Arpels

My husband is so relieved we do not have a VCA store in Houston.

  Gifted very thoughtful VCA gift certificate for Christmas. Just showing my husband some of the pretties that I may choose from.

     

What you don't see is my husband clicking away on the calculator on his little iPhone to see which is the better deal - Euros versus dollars. Answer: still dollars.

The Others:

  
   

         

 

Goyard

Can you believe they leave that 'stuff' just sitting around? What is that about $20,000 or $30,000 in street signage?

 Wondering what I bought for presents on my shopping expedition?

 

A puppy dog purse for her (my niece) and a French soccer ball for him (my nephew).  

Laduree

Macaroons for everyone else.

And oh, maybe a few for the plane ride home, wink.

Coming Soon: Pictures of all the 'good stuff' I bought for you at The Objet Show.

Au revoir for now!

Paris - January 2010: The Museums

 

C:

A visit to a museum is the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Paris. And, since I've already confessed my monotonous and repetitive personality, I'm sure you will not be the least bit surprised to learn that my January museum tour began with an old favorite -

The Rodin Museum:

And, what luck! The Rodin Museum was having a special exhibit called Matisse & Rodin   comparing the two great artists.

Wonder how Matisse got first billing, hmmm?

I have to be honest with you, my art history knowledge is somewhat lacking. I did take several courses after college that focused on 'modern' artists from 1890-1925, and I had studied the similarities of Matisse and Picasso. But, I had never made the connection between Matisse and Rodin (and, I'm not sure the artists had either, at least not Rodin). There was a 29 year difference (plus success and reputation) between the two men when they first met. The story the exhibit tells is that Monsieur Rodin was not very encouraging of the younger artist and certainly not the mentor type. Rodin basically told the much younger Matisse that his work was too easily done and  that there was not enough effort made (what a jerk!). That was the last time Matisse asked to meet Rodin.

The comparisons the exhibit makes are really extraordinary in technique and ability. The works are so parallel that you would have thought that the two men were working side by side in the same room. I, personally, loved this exhibit.

Why I came - My Van Gogh.

His Balzac.

I still can't believe how friendly this museum is! They are so unpretentious (careful) about their treasures.

Musee National Picasso Paris:

The Picasso Museum was an old favorite of mine. Located in the Marais in a former Mansion, the Picasso Museum is what I would call - a one man show. It's all Picasso! What I remember thinking when I left that museum the first time was - My God, he must have never stopped working. There was so much Picasso, and if I'm correct that is not the only Picasso Museum, there is even another Picasso Museum honoring the great man in Spain.

 

 
  

But, too bad for us. Even though we checked the website for the Picasso Museum, we failed to read in French that the museum would be closed for restoration until 2010.

Note pinned to shut gate.

Musee Jacquemart - Andre

For all you ladies who love to shop, this is the museum for you! I recommend this museum to you because of it's proximity to the Champs Elysees and because the museum is very clever. You will want to (should) go to the museum to see all the French masters, and the beautiful Flemish and Italian Renaissance works, but while you are walking around the museum (mansion) you suddenly feel like you are visiting an old relative who you have heard of for years but have never met.

Please note, the backside of the house conveniently faces the busy boulevard.

You actually enter the museum through the driveway.

   

Look, no lines!

 

As you walk up the driveway, you are welcomed by the two most beautiful Magnolia trees I have ever seen!

  

And now, you have arrived at the front door of the Museum. Let the tour begin!
   

The Jacquemart Mansion was the home of Edouard Andre and his society painter wife Nelie Jaquemart. The mansion took six years to build and was completed in 1875. Many of the rooms were specifically designed to showcase their extensive art collection. 

You can pickup an audio set when you walk through the front door and a narrator (who happens to sound a lot like my Uncle Charlie) will guide you through the home. In the grand ballroom (that could hold up to a 1,000 guests!) you can sit and listen to a waltz and close your eyes and imagine that you had been lucky enough to be invited to such a grand home, for such a lovely party, on such a beautiful French night, ahhh. 

*** Pay particular note to the winter garden and it's beautiful double staircase - quite extraordinary.

After the tour, you can enjoy a refreshment in the grand dining room or weather permitting on the outdoor terrace.

Upon Nelie's death, she bequeathed the mansion and it's contents to the Institut de France as a museum and it's doors were opened to the public in 1913. (The couple sadly had no children.)

***I learned of this museum from an Indulge Blog reader, thank you for you wonderful suggestion :} We loved it!

Tomb of Napoleon:

On May 5, 1821 Napoleon passed away on the island of St. Helena where he had been in exile since 1815. In 1840, King Louis-Phillippe transferred his body to the Invalides and was laid to rest in a grand ceremony on April 2, 1861.

The Tomb of Napoleon is a great museum to take your husband to and is a wonderful lesson in French history and I guess French logic. Again my history isn't that great (blame the private school education), but isn't it kind of contradictory to exile the guy twice, imprison him on an island, and then make him a French legend?

As soon as you walk into the church you will see a beautiful black marble coffin:

 
Not Napoleon, this is brother Jo. Although this is probably the grandest coffin that I have ever seen, just keep walking. Remember, we are honoring the great 'little guy' himself

Walk to the center of the church, now look down.

The 'little guy' is buried in a casket within a casket, within a casket, within a casket, within a casket (total 5 caskets).

Aside from all of Napoleon's victories at war, what the French chose to honor Napoleon the most for is his 'Civil Codes.' The Code Napoleon established in 1804 allowed freedom of religion, forbade privileges based on birth, and government jobs went to the most qualified.

I just had to snap a picture of Napoleon dressed in his 'Bee Gown.'

       

I bet our little Queen Bee, Martha S., has one in every color, tee hee.

Museum Tip:

Check on line with each museum to see what days and hours they are open. Also, try to go the 'smaller' museums on the weekends and the larger ones (Orsay) during the week.

Hope you enjoyed the fourth installment, tomorrow is Shopping! 

Au revoir.

Paris - January 2010: Restaurant Reservations

C:

When I think of eating out in Paris, I always think of Napoleon's famous quote: "An army marches on its stomach."

Take heed ladies, Napoleon was a wise leader. If you want to drag your husband to one more museum, or shop, or garden, or church, make sure he is well fed. It is a commonly known truth that husbands (or boyfriends) are much more agreeable (and generous) if they are not hungry.

With so little time in Paris this trip, I had to really give some consideration to where I would like to eat. When I asked my husband if he had any preferences or suggestions, his only comment was, "Let's try something new."

DINNER RESERVATIONS:

Now, my husband and I like to eat dinner at what the French affectionately call - Le Bistro. And, please be advised, that the French maitre'd prefers that you have a reservacion whether he is full or not.

So, again, I consulted my American Express Departures Magazine - the France Issue, October 2009, for their blackbook favorites: Titled - The Bistro Chronicles. Here are their 4 suggestions:

Le Bistrot Paul Bert

Le Bistrot de Paris

Chez L'Ami Jean

Chez Georges

Then, I remembered the story of when Obama was in Paris with his family last June, and 'He' managed somehow to cancel dinner at the last minute with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his lovely wife Carla Bruni (ahem) to take his own family out to dinner to a classic French Bistro - La Fontaine de Mars.

Remember the funny scene in the classic movie Roman Holiday, when Gregory Peck tricked sweet, little Audrey Hepburn . . . ?

Fierce lion awaits cowardly tourists across the street.

So, of course I had to see the restaurant the Pres. chose to eat at instead of having dinner with an ex-supermodel.

 
Maybe Mrs. Obama made the last minute restaurant reservacions, hmmm. (I doubt Mrs. O. brought her bikini to Paris )

My next 'Bisto-out-of-the Hat' coup was Le Grand Colbert. 

Remember that wonderful scene in the movie Somethings Gotta Give when Diane Keeton is having her birthday dinner in Paris at her favorite restaurant Le Grand Colbert with hottie doctor, Keanu Reeves and in walks man-about-town Jack Nicholson . . . .? 

Movie poster at front door of LGC restaurant, confirming you chose the correct movie restaurant.
Well, I got to sit in that exact booth . . . . . .eeeccchhh!!!! Hollywood history!

Note - cute little 'take 5' sign on display at booth that I'm sitting at.

As I sat there enjoying my dinner as much as I have ever enjoyed a dinner in my entire life and channeling cute Diane Keaton,  I can't help think -  How in the world did American Express miss putting Le Grand Colvert on their top Bistro list? What an incredible blunder?! Heads should roll (bad Revolutionary French humor, ha). Then I tried to pay my bill. The waiter smugly handed me back my American Express card and replied, "We do not take that. Only, Visa and Mastercard."

(Sign on the wall at LJC. I don't read French but even I get that - No checks or Amx.)

Ahhh. That's why LGC wasn't on the list. No problem for me and my reservation list, I don't care if I had to pay in shoes, LGC was my favorite dinner in Paris this trip. In fact, we liked it so much we made reservacions to come back to eat two nights later. On the second night we were seated in 'The French Section,' probably because I forgot to pack (wear) a slip with my dress. The Maitre'd must have assumed I was European, tee hee.

  May I suggest the artichoke salad, curried lamb, and apple crumble a la mode.

LUNCH RESERVATIONS:

The Jules Verne Restaurant

Eiffel Tower, 2nd. Level

The Jules Verne Dream:

I have wanted to eat at the Jules Verne restaurant for at least 10 years. And, that is a really long time for someone like me to hold out for something. I was able to make my reservation for lunch 'on-line' using my American Express card and agreeing to an 85 Euro/per person cancellation fee. I can't tell you what the terms of the cancellation deposit were because I didn't even bother to read it. JV obviously did not know that I had waited ten years for this reservation.

J.V. Reservation Tip: Ask for a table by the window! And, pray for a beautiful, sunny day.

The Jules Verne Reality:

My first 'full' day in Paris was perfectly planned - morning at the Rodin Museum, lunch at J.V., and then the afternoon at the Picasso museum -so was the plan.

(Read more about the Rodin Museum in Paris - January 2010 Museums.)

The Rodin Museum shares a neighborhood with several official government buildings. And, wouldn't it be just our (my) luck that just as we left the museum to catch a taxi to lunch, about 50 police cars descended on the quiet neighborhood, blocking all streets, and cutting off the flow of all traffic except blue government official cars.

   

So, as an American you rationalize and you think - How long could this blockade possibly last? And, thirty minutes later, you are now terribly late for your reservation, and you are wishing that you had read the stupid JV cancellation policy. So now is about the time that my 'happy day' takes a definite turn. I don't want to leave my 'waiting-for-a-taxi-post,' and, my husband is pulling toward the Metro. Two trains and four stops later, the Metro deposits us still four long blocks away from the Eiffel Tower.

I'm actually not smiling. That was definitely more of a  ---- you smile.

Now, my husbands says we have to make a run for it before they give our table away, because now we are really late for our reservation even by American standards.

 This is not what I had planned for my 'perfect day.' I feel that I can safely say that we were the only two guests lunching in the Jules Verne that day that had taken the subway, ugh. Lunch is incredible and it is very long. After three hours of 'lunching' my husband's mood was wearing thin. And, when he got the bill, I think the air in the restaurant got a little thin too, because he started to look a little pale. Note to American Express Departures Magazine - You should definitely add the J.V. restaurant to your list. Don't you guy's work on some type of percentage fee? $$$$$.

JV. Tip: Ladies, for those of you whose husbands can suffer from 'the-air-is-a-little-thin' moments at over the top tourist-expensive restaurants, may I suggest this approach:

Tell your husband that you have booked special passes to ride in a 'private elevator' to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. 

And, private access to the 2nd. floor observation decks.

And, oh by the way, lunch is included! My husband would so go for that, tee hee!

Price: Bring your Texas size wallet.

Benefit: Memories that will last a lifetime!

Very brave man working on Eiffel Tower. Hope he doesn't have to pee any time soon because he is way up there.

I like to leave at least a couple of nights free toward the end of my Paris trip in case I want to repeat a restaurant, or I discover a new restaurant to try. Walking around our neighborhood (St. Germaine) one night,  we discovered this beautiful restaurant that we had never seen before. (The actual story is we took the wrong street home from dinner one night and were slightly lost.) Infatuated with the architectural design of the interior, my husband went inside and made dinner reservations for our last night. He chose the restaurant simply on design. 

Bouillon Racine

Grand Bouillon Parisien Despuis 1906

 
The restaurant is now listed as an historical monument honoring the Architectural style - Art Nouveau.

Sorry the picture is so dark because I wanted you to get to see how beautiful the building is.

Le Comptoir du Relais:

Le Comptoir is the oh-so-trendy-restaurant in our neighborhood (St. Germaine) that we called twice to make a dinner reservation, and the maitre'd said they were booked until June 9th. Whatever . . . .

This is Le Comptoir at 8:00 p.m.

 

I snapped this shot as I walked by the restaurant on the way to dinner at Racine. Remember, the snooty maitre'd said they were booked, huh.

The is the L.C. restaurant at 10:00 as seen by me walking home from our lovely dinner at Racine. So-o-o busy, lucky I could manage to navigate through the crowds spilling out of the oh-so-trendy-we-don't-need-any-customers restaurant. Good luck to 'ya.

*** Note: Le Comptoir is part of a 4 star hotel called Relais Saint Germain.

Hope you enjoyed the third installment, tomorrow is The Museums. 

Au revoir.

Paris - January 2010: Hotel Reservations

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Hotel Reservations:

As I mentioned earlier, my trip to Paris is for work. Therefore, I do not expect to spend much time in my hotel room. The hotel that I always choose to stay at in Paris is called Hotel de Saint Peres. The accommodations are what I call 'working' style not 'trendy' style. It is a very gracious, friendly hotel located on Rue de Saint Peres, located in the St. Germain area in the 6th arrondissement. For me, the hotel is in the center of everything I love in Paris - the cafes, the shops, the museums, the churches, it's all within walking distance. Once I am back at the hotel, I very seldom need a cab and am completely entertained by all the goings on of the St. Germain area.

 

But, I know this hotel will not meet the expectations of everyone so I would like to include the American Express Departures Magazine - the France Issue, October 2009 list:

Hotel Daniel

Hotel Particulier Montmartre

Le Bellechasse

L'Hotel

Hotel Le Placide

Hotel Travel Tip:

French Hotels and French Restaurants do not have the same rating system. A three star hotel is not the same thing as a three star restaurant and vice versa. Be sure to research carefully which ever hotel you decide to pick. I start with location, then price, then comfort - but remember my trip to Paris is a 'working' trip. You might have a completely different set of parameters.

You simply might be trying to decide between The Ritz, The Plaza Athenee, and The Georges V. (poor you)

Hope you enjoyed the second installment, tomorrow is Restaurant Reservations. 

Au revoir.

Paris - January 2010: Preparation & Packing

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Paris in January is cold. And, when I say cold, I mean sunny cold, windy cold, cloudy cold, drizzly cold, rainy cold, and snowy cold - in any combination on any single day. I will be in Paris for a week, so I am completely expecting to enjoy all the 'states' of cold weather, after all - if you can't enjoy yourself in Paris in January than you just shouldn't have come. If what it takes for you to have a 'nice' holiday is warm sunny weather than may I suggest a Carnival Cruise, those boats are full of fair-weathered tourists. I, on the other hand, am happy to be in Paris. I share a more 'the-wine-glass-is-half-full' type of sentiment and enjoy Paris any time of the year and am thankful to get to go at all.

My trip to Paris is mostly for work. I am to attend the Maison & Objet Show held January 22-26 at the Villepinte - Parc des Expositions (You might notice the sign along the freeway just as you leave the Charles de Gaulle Airport.)

 

But alas, not to worry too much for me because I hope to have at least a day before the show and at least a day after the show to sightsee. (Trip shortened greatly because crammed between Harbour Island and New York - 3 great trips - 1 short month)

PROPOSED SCHEDULE:

Leave Tuesday afternoon - 3:30 p.m.

Arrive Wednesday morning - 7:55 a.m.

Travel Tip: For those of you traveling from Houston or anywhere else that the airline drops you off inconveniently 7 hours before hotel check-in, I wisely book the hotel room for the night before and tell them that I will be a late check-in, very late. That way, when I get to the hotel, I can have a bath, take a nap, and wake up refreshed to start my day with brunch at none other than my favorite serves-breakfast-all-day cafe - Cafe Flore.

               

Thursday - Sightsee

Friday - Showday

Saturday - Showday

Sunday - Showday, expect to skip out early

Monday - Sightsee

Tuesday - Leave Paris 9:25 a.m.

PACKING:

Apparently, I must be drinking from the 'Blogging Kool-Aid.' I wrote that blog (The Concealer) right before I left for Paris - Coats, scarves, boots, sunglasses, jewelry, purses - all 'Concealer Clothes.' All tips ideal for traveling, too.

On the way to the hotel, 12 hour travel day later, ugh. 'Concealer Clothes' holding up better than 12 hour travel breath. Notice darling husband not sitting very close.

My husband has a saying - "If you can't carry it, don't bring it." Translation - he, too, only has two arms and can not manage to schlep more than two bags at a time. Meaning - one reasonable bag for him and one over-packed bag for me. The rest of the so-called necessities (my stuff) is up to me to carry. So over the years, I have managed to convince myself that I can do without a lot of incidentals when it comes to traveling. Besides, if I do conveniently forget something or gleefully managed to way under pack, I am in Paris, and, almost anything can be replaced (upgraded).

Here is my 'Winter Concealer' packing list for Paris in January: To include - show clothes, sightseeing clothes, and special 'date-night-out' clothes.

Full disclosure - this is everything I took to Paris. Including my sleepy-time clothes.

Coats:

• Black Cashmere - for the coldest days.

• Brown Suede - for sunny days.
  

• New Shortie Trench coat - for all the drizzly days. (Which happened to be all but 2 days)                                    

Scarves:           

• Black and Gray Cashmere - (Gifted to my husband years ago, but absconded by loving wife, wink.)
• Kitty-Cat - just for show.
• Mink - showy and warm! Perfect for dress up.

Purses:

• Grey Bag - for all occasions
• Kitty-Cat Satchel - the ideal show bag (I get tons of compliments on this bag. Don't tell, purchased years ago with HSC, shhh.)
• Petit Evening Bag - brought for date-nights. Restaurant tables in Paris are positioned so closely, that I have learned it can be very awkward for waiter and neighboring tables if you have huge purse that needs to be put somewhere. Small bags are tres chic for dinner.

Footwear:

• Work Boots - several years old, way comfortable.
• Glam Boots - for 'date-nights.' Look great with all the dresses I brought.
• Flats - known as my 'shoe-shoes.' Comfortable for walking around the show for hours on end. Who would think flats could be so comfortable.

* Note how small hotel closet is. If my feet were any bigger, I don't think my shoes would have fit!

Shoe Tip: Compede

I buy 2 packs of Compedes at the local Pharmacie as soon as I arrive.

My year round madness of Havainas wearing leaves my feet quite unprepared for the 8 hour grueling show days. I don't care how comfortable those shoes or boots are - there will be blisters. There are always blisters!

  

Jewelry:

I only bring what I will wear constantly. Without hesitation, I took the ring my husband so lovingly purchased for me for our tenth wedding anniversary (After he was reminded on blog that he had forgotten - 3 months later, tee hee. Love the blog!)

 

Notice - French girl carrying an umbrella, hum. Rain is certainly a motif for Paris (and Houston) in January.

T-Shits & Sweaters: for layering.

T-Shirt Tip: I like to wear T-Shirts under my sweaters. Don't think that just because it's winter that you don't sweat. Well, maybe I should make that an 'I' statement. I sweat regardless of the temperature. I think that my sweating is spurned on by the claustrophobic-ness of wearing so many clothes at one time. Just thinking about it makes me sweat.

Jeans: Of course. Jeans are not just American, anymore. You see lots of jeans being worn in Paris - both styles skinny with flats or tucked into boots, and fuller cuts worn out over the boot. Jeans worn with long sweaters, short jackets, and gorgeous minks. (Even in the Anna Wintour movie The September Issue, 'Anna' dares to mention J.Brand jeans in her opening interview, aghast!)

Hair: I know! I know! It wasn't for trying. I remember very well my 'Personal Resolution.' I brought the stupid thing (Chi) and it would not work with any of the converters we brought. So, of course, my hair was wildly frizzy the whole time. I tried to keep it (the heap) up in a ponytail as much as possible but even I started to get a 'pony' headache. 

And, don't even get me started on that 'thing' (apparatus) the hotel calls a blow dryer. My dog Spotswood emits 'toots' with stronger currents than that damn thing had on 'high-speed.'

 

My Packing Essentials:

Products:

The older I get the more 'products' I seem to use. Even though hotels usually provide lovely bath products, I like to begin my day smelling like 'me.' I can not live without my Frederic Fekkai shampoo and conditioner (I buy the large size for home and a special small size for travel.) My own personal crack cream - VRAI.

(Ignore image of Chi. Am still mad at it.)

Things to swallow:

Melatonin - a tablet under the tongue and I sleep like a baby until the dreaded 4 a.m.

Flaxseed Oil - because I can feel the elasticity evaporating from my skin on the plane.

Psyllium - will not explain further. If you know what it is you probably have to take it too. If you have never heard of it than lucky you, for now.

*All pills dumped into convenient ziplock bag because bottles are large and cumbersome.

Hope you enjoyed the first installment, tomorrow is Hotel Reservations.  Au revoir.

Harbour Island - My 'Secret' of 'Secrets'

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Warning - For Indulge Bloggers Only

This is my own personal 'Secret' of 'Secrets.'

You know the stories of men tracing all over creation in search of The Lost City of Gold or The Fountain of Youth? Whatever. In my opinion, today's greatest prize is peace and quiet. And, by the size of the yachts anchored in the harbour and the quantity of $35 million plus dollar homes on the island (non of which are for sale, ever), apparently, I'm not the only one who puts such high value on - peace and quiet.

If you have school age children, I would imagine that you look at the year in trimesters: fall semester, spring semester, and summer break - meaning everything revolves around the kids, the kids' sports and their school year. Your year begins somewhere in September around Labor Day when school starts and, subsequently, ends somewhere in August when the summer break is over.

If you have a business, you look at the year on a more traditional yearly accounting basis. Traditional being: 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter, 4th quarter. Your year ends in December and begins again in January. And, if you have a retail gift store, your year, for all sense and purposes, clearly ends Christmas Eve.

Like any typical plow horse, I seem to work best under two basic conditions: dangle a carrot out in front of me and point me toward the barn at the end of the day. My carrot and my barn being my mini holiday to Harbour Island, Bahamas. Flight reservations and hotel accommodations are booked way in advance and every time I get down trodden or simply exhausted, I think about my lovely upcoming holiday on an island in the middle of nowhere. My peace and quiet has been booked way in advance, ahhh.

My husband and I have been going to Harbour Island for many years now. If my family joins us, we rent a house. If it is just the two of us, we stay at a hotel. Over the years, I have talked Harbour Island (H.I.) up so much as being my favorite beach holiday anywhere, ever, that now I have lots of friends (and family) that vacation there too. So, I guess you would say that I'm a pretty good H.I. aficionado/tour guide. It is with great pleasure and much exuberance that I would like to share my tips for having the perfect H.I. beach (or bay) vacation ever. And hopefully, you will discover your own secret treasures on the island.

Travel Tip: Let me warn you, when making your reservations add two more days for 'travel days.' One travel' day to get there and one 'travel day' to try and get home.

Travel: Destination - North Eleuthera

Flights: Continental (Miami and Ft. Lauderdale), American, Private Charters (if you're fortunate enough), or of course your dazzling new G5.

 

 Who can forget Tattoo on the TV show Fantasy Island - ze plane, ze plane! I say - ze scary, ze scary!

And, if you are coming from Nassau, there is a ferry.

Not exactly the Hampton Jitney Luxury Liner

Taxi: from airport to dock. Cost: $5 per person

Water Taxi: from North Eleuthera to Harbour Island. Cost: $5 per person

 

    

                    

                                                                                         (Smile, make a friend.)

                                                                            

Taxi: from dock to hotel. Cost: $5 per person

Tip:At each point along the way - airport, taxi, dock, taxi, hotel, a different person will kindly carry your bag for you to the next leg of your transportation odyssey - be sure to tip him! He is not there because it's a nice day, that is how he earns his living. They are porters.

  

Welcome To Harbour Island

 

Home of Friendly People  

(I'm going to regret this romper, ha ha on me.)

Harbour Island is of course an island. But, just in case, you were still wondering, I'm glad that we got that cleared up. The island is roughly 3 miles long and a half mile wide. When making your hotel/rental home reservations you will need to decide on a basic fact - Are you beach people ? or, Are you harbour people?

BEACH SIDE

Coral Sands Hotel

I love this hotel! It is exactly what I think a hotel in the Bahamas should look like. And, it's on the beach!!
 

Pink Sands Resort

 

Now owned by the Coral Sands. This is the hotel all the Hollywood folks prefer. No telling who you might see under those Foster Grants, tee hee.

Dunmore Beach Club Hotel

 
They're kickin' it old school here. British, very British.

  

HARBOUR SIDE:

The Landing

 

As seen in countless magazines, very charme. Featured in Hip Hotels of the World. Best bar on the island. If you want to see who is on the island just drop by the Landing Bar, you are sure to run into them there, or at least someone who can tell you who is where.

Rock House

 

Lot's of pictures of the owners laughing it up with special guests - President Bill Clinton, Elle Macpherson, & Mic Jagger.

*Sun chairs available on the beach and a beautiful pool to lounge by if you don't like sand. (Hmmm, for the people who go to the beach and don't like sand?!)

Lunches Out

Sip Sip

Have a cheese burger in paradise :}and, say hi to Jimmy B.

The Deli

Love the curried chicken salad. Great take out for boat trips, too.

Coral Sands Hotel

 

Try the seared tuna sandwich with wasabi mayonnaise. And, go ahead order a Kalik beer, you're on holiday.

Arthur's Bakery

Arthur's Bakery / Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Real Estate office

One stop shopping - order a key lime pie and make an offer on a house. Could they make it any simpler. And, if you didn't go to the Landing the night before, you will need to stop in here for the local gossip.

Queen Conch

 

  No conch for me today!

Grocery Store

Pigly Wigly Food Store

Buy water here, as much as you can carry.

Captain Bobs Seafood Market

If you are renting a house, you will want to become very good friends with the fellas behind the counter. Nothing like the freshest of the freshest seafood. Here the fish is just-off-the-line-fresh.
 

Shopping

Sugar Mill

If you forgot something, or said you did.

Blue Rooster

Great for beach cover-ups. I have a favorite from years ago that I bought here and still wear every summer.

Local Straw Market

Tired of that 'ole beach bag . . .

Spirits

Gusty's 

Incredible view
 

Vic-Hum Club

  Owners name is Hitler, enough said - quirky. A local favorite. I mean, a favorite with locals.

Fishing

Bone Fishing

Bone Fish Joe 333-2663

Vincent Cleare: 333-2154

 

Deep Sea Fishing

Jeff Fox: 333-2323

(My brother went on a half day deep sea fishing trip and caught a marlin. Jeff congratulated him and told him the catch was one of the largest in the area in years. Another infamous catch-and-release story, wink, wink.)

Sun Screen

Kiehl's is my favorite sunscreen. Never scrimp on good sunscreen. How can you justify that expensive swimsuit cover-up and shitty sunscreen, tsk, tsk.

Dress Code

Missoni - by day

 

Pucci - by night

Note - comfortable sandals. There will be walking, lot's of walking.

Golf Rental

You will want to rent a golf cart. Like I said, the island is very small but it is very convenient if you run out of water, again, to run into town and pick some up at the Pigly Wigly. Also, after yet another too delicious dinner, followed by yet another Gum Bay Smash (don't ask what's in it) you will certainly appreciate this tip - Take the golf cart to dinner just so you can take the golf cart home!

Johnson's Rental: 333-2376

Sunshine Rentals: 333-2509

Local Folk Art

Junkanoo parade - shrimp mobile?

 

A busy street corner

 

Well, if you are anything like I am, you will fall in love with the island and the idea of owning your own little piece of 'peace and quiet.' You will begin to idealize whether you are harbour people or beach people. Your day dreams will start to become serious conversations in your head, maybe even something you would like to say out loud to your husband. Congratulations, you are now relaxed. You now feel 'peace and quiet.'

Harbour Island Tip: Wherever you are staying - rental home or hotel, book your next trip now for next year. All on the island, operate on a reciprocal basis. If you had the room this week, it is yours next year if you pay now. No holds. There are limited rooms and limited homes to rent and pretty much everyone returns. I know that I do, hopefully you will want to also. Ya ma'an, have a nice stay!

And, if you did have one too many Gum Bay Smashes - Yes, that was a chicken crossing the road, tee, hee.

Paris Part VII: Window Shopping

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Given the right conditions - a faint breeze, comfortable shoes, and a patient husband, window shopping in Paris can be just as fun as shopping-shopping, but without all the cumbersome bags and obviously, a lot less guilt.

For the best-of-the-best, head over to Rue de Honore.

Chanel - No shirt, no shoes, no service. Admittedly, in some cases, the whole no shirt thing might  get you a better table. Not me, maybe you.

Hermes - My highschool colors were purple and gold, I never thought I would see that particular color combination on purpose. Off a football field. Looks like the set designer for Priscilla Queen of the Desert is working again. I'm not even sure Victoria Beckham could use a suede purple and gold Hermes bag.

 

La Perla - Sometimes, it's not the clothes.

 

Lanvin - Are they getting up or going out?

Count the Kitties! 20% discount off any one item at either store (Indulge and Indulge Linens) if you guess the correct amount of kitties in the picture!

Laduree - In this case, it is the 'window shoppers themselves' that we were taking a picture of - pink bermudas or a 'onesie' go with any style man-bag. 

 

 

Penhaligons - Don't know what to get your father for Christmas - anything in this store!

 

 

Goyard - Thank God they don't have anything to fit my woolly mammoths!

 

Pascal Mutel - the 'new' Christian Tortu

 

Colette - For the person who really doesn't need anything practical.

 

La Coup d'Or Cafe - A location where you will find many exhausted and slightly less monied husbands sitting and patiently waiting with the wives' (or girlfriends', after all, this is Paris) shopping bags. 

In conclusion, I saved $150 on my new French handbag when I purchased it at the Galleria, which left more money to spend on more things. Wink.

 

Paris Part VI: How I Get All The Good Stuff

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SHOPPING: How I Get All The Good Stuff

Plain and simple, here's the beautiful Cote Bastide store on Rue de Poissy. No explanation needed. Please keep in mind the following pictures are amateur snapshots and not professionally styled photographed shots. And it still looks this gorgeous!

Creeky thing in jacket on the left is obviously not Cote Bastide.

The original French provencal store. 

Blanc d'Ivoire's new 5000 square foot store in the Marais - three stories. Unheard of in Paris.

 

Love the open kitchen! I have all this great white pottery on order. Hope they don't keep it all for themselves.

 

 

Don't be fooled by the Restoration Hardware knock-offs. They're not the same.

Baby Blanc d'Ivoire is just around the corner. Check out the cute feetsies on the door.

More shops of interest...

Diptyque - if you have not heard of these candles then go get a glass of wine, and go back to the beginning of the blog, start over again, and don't ever miss a post.

 

Next to it is Claude Nature - the new-old taxidermy store. The store is very cool until you remember that they were somebody's tweety bird before they became somebody's coffee table accessory. Taxidermy is very popular in Paris. Ick.

Shopping Tip: Very difficult to bring back to the U.S. There's not a box on the U.S. Customs form for "Dead Stuffed Animal."

Merci - Paris' new concept store.

Christian Tortu has his flower shop at the front (just like he did at Takashimaya in New York).

 

My husband the architect couldn't stop talking about how much they must have spent on the build-out. I wouldn't have noticed that, I just noticed that this is the coolest, hippest, most crowded store in Paris.

Cool street art. How Parisian to take the side of the building and make it so interesting.

 

And, a real French Briard. Must tell my Texas Briards when I get home.

His name is Iggy and he's 3 years old. What a cutie pie!

 

Paris Part V: The Work Part

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Oh yeah... work.

The Maison & Objet Show happens to be the reason I am in Paris.  The Show occurs twice a year - January and September. I prefer to go to the Show in September only because I prefer Paris in September. January is quite cold and I do not feel as adventurous with my sightseeing when I am miserably chilled. The Show is held at the Parque de Exposion. As a normal tourist, you should have no idea where that is.  As you leave Charles de Gaulle Airport, look up quickly because it is the next exit on your left.

See it's raining!

You can get to the Parque by subway, forty-five minutes and you have to change trains, eeech, or taxi - again, forty-five minutes, costly and traffic-ey. Pick your mode of transportation and don't whine, there is no other way.  The subway is cheap and noisey. The taxi is quiet and costly.

Once at the Objet show, you will find the show broken down by categories:

Hall One: Ethnic Chic

Hall Two: Textile

Hall Three: La Table

Hall Four: L'espace - Interior Decoration

Hall 5A: Cote Deco - Interior Decoration

Hall 5B: Now!

Hall Six: Accessories Maison

Hall Seven: Outdoor/Indoor

The first couple of years I went to the show, I walked down every aisle in Halls 2, 3, 4, 5, and 5a. Surprised ?  Now, since I spend almost my entire show budget with about ten vendors, I have a lot of time left over for sightseeing.  When I first started coming to the Paris Show, I  bought a little bit from a lot of different vendors. That worked out well for a while, but it always left the customers wanting more. Now I buy enough from each vendor to really get 'a look." If I buy a new headboard style, then I will get the bedside tables, lamps, picture frames, bench, mirror, chandelier, and chest to finish out the 'vignette.' Very few people will need to buy the whole room 'turn-key,' but you would be surprised how many customers will choose several elements from the 'collection' that will all go together, but not look overly decorated. Customers are always exclaiming how 'pulled together' the stores are. Well, let me let you in on a little secret: it's not exactly me - it's the products. I just try to stay out of the way and not muck it up too much with my own details.

Show Tips:

Bring a calculator!!! Everything you buy at this show, you must pay for in Euros. So, when you look at a price, remember to multiply by the exchange rate. Also, you will need to ship your purchases home. Another very costly expense. Somehow, you must factor the cost-of-goods purchased/exchange rate/shipping (also paid for in Euros), customs and duty, and decent markup. Whether you factor in the cost of your shopping expedition on Rue de Honore, that is up to you and your excel spreadsheet.

This year, more than usual, were the signs: NO CAMERAS! NO CAMERAS! NO CAMERAS! With almost bodyguard-looking gentlemen standing around with their French arms crossed. So, I was not able to get very many good pictures at the booths, but I have some great catalogue shots.

Cote Bastide - I went here first for inspiration. I love everything Cote Bastide. This was one of the very first lines I ever bought for my store. I actually own these plates and flatware...

(Coming Soon: Heart/Cross napkin rings in three styles. Hope there's some left for you guys!)

Oh yeah, and I own all of that. My husband gets nervous every time he sees that I own more Cote Bastide than Cote Bastide does - I have the discontinued pieces too. Ten years of collecting!

New this year: Sleepytime Cote Bastide.

 

Blanc d'Ivoire - The Blanc d'Ivoire booth is 5000 square feet! They bring in antique flooring, antique windows and doors - you actually feel as though you are at a French country home. Just to put it in perspective, their five-day temporary booth is bigger than my brick & mortar stores in Houston.

Waiting to get in line to place an order...

This is one of the busiest booths you'll see at the Paris Gift Show.

 

 

Trade Show Secret Source - linen table runners, napkins, and tablecloths. We had them last Christmas and they sold out in just a few days so I ordered twice as much. Probably still stupid shopowner, should have ordered 10 times as much.

Juliska - An American company with products made in Eastern Europe, sold at the Paris show, whooooeee! Congrats!

Love the feathers - very Vegas Showgirl.

Paris Part IV: The Rodin Museum

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A short walk from Rue de Bac is the Rodin Museum.

Now, don't be put off by the word 'museum.'  This is no ordinary museum.   I wouldn't dream of coming to Paris without planning on spending at least half a day here .

We skipped the gift show today because the weather was supposed to be fair and the next two days it's predicted to rain. So while all the other worker bees are droning on at the Objet Show, I'm sticking it to the big guy and playing hookie. Oops, I am 'the big guy.'  I keep forgetting that.

A day at the Rodin Museum is my own personal reward, so to speak, for a job well done at the gift show, but I couldn't risk the rain ruining my favorite day in Paris. So, I promise to get up on time tomorrow and work really hard at the Objet Show. 

For me, the Rodin Museum is a two part-er.  The museum itself, and then the gardens. Oh,the gardens.

My Van Gogh - this ain't no coffee table Van Gogh. This painting is part of Rodin's personal collection. You will never stand this close to a Van Gogh ever again in your life. I could stare in amazement at this painting all day.  

      

The Monet hanging across the room isn't so bad either! I'm not sure anybody even knows it's there.

Balzac - Every husband has 'one of these' for a best friend, aghhh.

     

The Thinker - just makes you want to go - hmmmm.

The Hands  - Calgon take me away.

The Young Girl with Roses on her Hat - The Southern Belle in Paris?

Madame Roll - The Mother-in-Law. She probably made her poor schmuck son-in-law pay for it also.

The Kiss - stay tuned for next week's episode of Luke and Laura...

And there is the great man himself !!!

 

How clever are these figurines?! Pre Cirque de Soleil.

The Gardens . . . Simply phenomenal!

Look at those hydrangeas! They're bigger than snowballs!

It is unbelievable to think that this exists in the center of Paris. No King owned this, just a 'simple' sculptor. Ha!

The Gates of Hell - Are you in or out?

We spent the afternoon just hanging out in the gardens, pretending that we belong there.

Paris Part III: Reservations

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RESERVATIONS:

This trip to Paris I had a completely different prerequisite for making my dinner reservations - the restaurant had to be within walking distance of our hotel. There are so many incredible restaurants in the St. Germaine area that I didn't want to spread myself so thin racing all over Paris for the latest and greatest when some of the all-time best restaurants are just around the corner.

These restaurants may not be on your short list, but let me just say - I've never had a bad meal, ever. 

Le Mediterranee - For the Boulabaise, Why you would go - Cocteau did the murals hanging on every wall, the design on the menu, plates, ......and anything else you could conceivably print on.

Brasserie Balzar - despuis 1886.  Look for our good friend, Gabrielle.  What's good - for starters - the tapanade and a Kir Royal. It's a salty sugary thing. On Thursdays the house special is Casoulet.  And. who doesn't love Profiteroles !? The crowd is very friendly and the local French patrons don't cover their ears while the Americans talk.

   

A La Petite Chaise - Fonde en 1680. This restaurant is on record for being the 'oldest' restaurant in Paris. The concierge made our reservations and although the restaurant seemed a little kitschy or touristy for us, the food was incredible. Being American, we were, of course, banished upstairs with the children and the rest of the tourists. But the food was so good, who cares? And, actually, we might have been kind of loud, oops.

 

La Cigale Recamier - I hate to tell you that the restaurant is really good because you'll never get in.  See, Michelle Obama said it was her favorite restaurant in Paris so now it is booked through 2012. Try lunch, and of course, have a souffle! It's all about the souffles.

Chez Maitre Paul - Known for the Chicken with white wine sauce and mushrooms. Listed in the 'Best Restaurants Paris 2009' book. Huge honor.  It's all about the food, minimum ambience - except if you count the owner. He takes your order, and he is too charming in a completely French chef way.  

La Locanda - Italian ! Sometimes you just need - 'not French!' The gentleman who owns La Locanda is a very friendly Italian from Argentina ? Every time we eat at his restaurant he comes up to my husband double handshakes / double hugs / double kisses "I'm so flattered you are back. We have an excellent table for you!" and then turns to me with a smile and says 'ah, you've brought a friend.' grrrrr.

Le Comptoir -  Dying to eat here but I never think far enough in advance to make a reservation. Crazy crowded. Named "Restaurant of the Year Paris" a few years back. Adjacent to the Hotel Relais Saint Germain for you younger, groovier gals.

Across the street is Les Editeurs - same scene. I ate here last year and it was great!

Paris Part Deux!

C:

SIGHTSEEING/SHOPPING:

For the sake of simplicity, let's pretend you just finished breakfast/lunch at Cafe Flore, you are well caffeinated, and your wallet is full of Euros. Your goal is to find presents for friends and family. This just happens to be my personal favorite past time of Paris - the sightseeing / shopping excursion.

If you start on Rue Bonaparte you will find:

Achiles - a store for crazy socks. My husband must own at least 50 pairs by now. I call these 'airplane socks' because the person across the aisle on the plane is going to laugh at you when you take your shoes off.

 

Pharmacie - for the 'compedes' (buy these now for the walking blisters you'll get later, ha); known to be the least expensive pharmacy in the area for some reason, so expect a bit of a wait.

Le Jacquard - wonderful table linens!

 

Pierre Herme - the latest and greatest pastry guy - formerely the head pastry chef of Laduree. Expect a bit of a wait again. Macaroons said to be better than Laduree! Can't we just say that they're both incredible? A cookie tie!

On Place St. Sulpice, you'll find:

Yves Saint Laurent - Fashion's Monument

 

Annick Goutal - Monument to Perfume

 

Monument St. Sulpice - that other kind of monument

Jardin du Luxemborg - Whenever the opportunity arrives, walk through a garden. 

 

This is one of the only places in Paris where you will actually see people jogging. I just happen to notice a curious "-ism" in the garden - female joggers entered the garden and turned right, while male joggers entered and turned left. 

 

In economics, this is called the 'law of marginal return.' One group of joggers figured out that if they started their run going in the opposite direction that they will get to view the other group twice as much. Hmm.

La liberté éclairant le monde (the actual model for the Statue of Liberty)

      

L'Ecole D'Horticulture du Jardin du Luxemborg (Bee School) - Honey Sale September 26-27.

On Rue Vavin, you'll find several of the brands we carry at the store:

 

In the area still:

All roads lead back to the horse's ass. Five roads, literally, intersect with this guy. If you're ever lost, just keep walking until you find him.

 

The whole St. Germaine area has the best shops in Paris. Later, we visited Eres, known to make the best bikini 'known to man,' and Poilane, the most famous bakery in France. Every restaurant that cares about their reputation serves their bread. Buy a bag of butter cookies to take with you back to your room!

Obviously a cruel twist of fate that the swimsuit store would be just a few doors down from the bakery. It is obvious to me that there would be no reason to visit Poilane and Eres on the same day or even in the same season for that matter.

Comtesse du Barry sells assorted pate snacks that you can also take back to your room:

Down the street is the Mens' version of Eres, Vilebrequin.

 

But don't try to go to Vilebrequin for a bathing suit in August, when you'd need a bathing suit, because they're on vacation, grr.

I like to also visit Repetto, a store for the little ballerina in one's life. My niece is going to squeal when she sees her present!

 

Not enough for you? In the area there is also Herve Chapelier and Longchamp - if you need to buy an extra sack for the airplane like I always do...

 

I must have about eight of these by now - somehow, I always seem to over do it on the shopping.

Did I mention there is also Etro, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Armani, Marni, Sonia Rykiel, Custo, Max Mara, Burberry, Zara, newly opened Hermes...

 

The new Hermes Store opened while we were there. It was fun to walk by it each day to see all the worker frenzy. The store was built out to be open for only one year and then they will move to some cool grotto - swimming pool 'building' adjacent to the Hotel Lutetia, which is across from the Bon Marche.

The new store is very young and cool with concrete floors and two giant trees made of 'recycable cardboard tubes' with canopies made of Hermes scarves. Even Hermes is going green! (No silk worms where injured in the making of this canopy, ha)

...and coming soon is Ralph Lauren.

 

Sooo American! Can't we even TRY to fit in? Grr.

Began the day in Prada Python Gladiators...

Ended the day in Havaianas...

 

Shopping Tip: I always have a coordinating pair of Havaiana flip flops in my purse - would never want to cut a shopping day short due to a shoe malfunction.

I knew I was on to something with the whole gray thing when I noticed a tradtional French blue or green door painted cashmere gray.

Paris! Part I

C:

 

ACCOMODATIONS:

The Seine River is the dividing line between the Right Bank and the Left Bank in Paris. The only way I can remember which side is which is to refer to the eighties straight/gay urban myth  -  left is right, and right is wrong.

 

In the Right Bank is the Georges IV,  Plaza Athene,  Avenue Montagne,  and St. Honore.  All pomp and circumstance.  A lot of people would say it is the only place to stay in Paris.  Having said that, I stay in the Left Bank! The Left Bank is all about cafes with dogs asleep under the tables, curious little shops selling bread, chocolates, cashmere, or hats. And, sitting at one of the numerous outdoor cafes that seem to be on almost every block.  And  walking.  Plan on doing a lot of walking.

My hotel of choice is Hotel Des Saint Peres, located on Rue des St. Peres just one block off St. Germaine. 

 

 

Everything I could hope for is within walking distance from this hotel.  I start my day with breakfast/lunch at Cafe Flore.  

 

 

For some reason that I can't even remember now, I always eat at Cafe Flore and not next door at Cafe Magot.  I suspect the decision was made years ago simply because we come upon Cafe Flore first from the direction of our hotel.

TIPS:

- The Metro is located right next to the cafes. Not that any of the cafe's customers take the Metro - just me and my husband. The taxi stand is located right in front of the cafes - much more civilized.

- New last year, bicyclettes to rent. Pay-as-you-go.

 

 

Maybe not so great after heroic shopping day.

- The money exchange business is next door to the cafes, in case you didn't have a chance to change any currency at the airport.

 

- An ATM is across the street.  I put my American Chase debit card in and out comes Euros for a nominal fee.

 

Note: American Express Travelers Cheques are basically useless now. With the ever fluctuating dollar (and by that, I mean downward trend) French business' do want to bother with A.E. Travelers Checks. 

Oh, and just heard of very cool hotel nearby that I am going to recommend to some friends going to Paris next month - Hotel Particulier Montmarte.  

 

Just the type of hotel that you would hear about on a blog :}  The Hotel is in a house that once belonged to the Hermes family and features five suites - 4 junior (390 Euros) and one deluxe.  Enjoy, because now that I have disturbed their discreet tranquill reputation by blasting it on my blog - they will never let me stay there. The sacrifices I must make for blogging, ha.

In Préparation

 
  

PREPARATION :

In preparation for my trip to Paris, I head straight to the Galleria - shopping mecca of Houston (a three city block long, airconditioned 'ode' to the vice of spending.)

 

It is important for the Bi-Continent-Shopper to be able to spot the differences between the American styles and the Parisian styles amongst her favorite boutiques. It is my theory that many of THE fashion labels have developed a 'look' for the department stores, a 'look' for their boutique stores, and saved yet another, chicer 'look' for their  Parisian stores.  I'm sure that you could expand my fashion philosophy further to say that even the L.A., N.Y., and Houston stores receive different pieces. All this inconsistency makes it very difficult on the weekend shopper. Sometimes, 'Vogue' just isn't enough.  Therefore, the Bi-Continent-Shopper wants to spend her time, energy, and resources on 'unique' pieces not common to her hometown. Unlike a big-game-hunter posing next to his kill, the Bi-Continent-Shopper when complimented on her never-before-seen scarf, sweetly smiles and effortlessly states: "It's lovely isn't it? I picked it up in Paris."

Now, on this particular trip to the Galleria, my obliging husband came along, muttering something about prices and exchange rates. There I am, looking for inspiration and, there he is like rain man trying to memorize the price of every item I pick up. 

OOPS, I bought a gray purse. Well, it was done in the name of research. Now my husband can enjoy spending his time calculating the difference between a handbag purchased at the Galleria in dollars and like handbag puchased on St. Sulpice in Euros.  

Au Revoir for now. Next entry: Paris! I'll let you know how I came out on the handbag. 

The Perfect Hostess Gifts

 

Hostess Gifts are not like wedding gifts – you don’t have a year!

 

So, you ran out of time before you left for the trip.

You were overwhelmed by the idea of buying the perfect gift for the hostess who seems to have everything. You thought you would just pick something up when you got back, ha.

  Well, now you’ve been home a few weeks, school has begun, and you still haven’t bought that gift.

-  A great, fun group photo - not of yourselves - in a good looking frame that matches the home's decor. I love these brassy, antique-y looking ones from France that we sell at our Blvd. location. Did I mention how reasonably priced they are?  $42 for the square size (4" x 4" photo) and $48 for the rectangular one (4" x 6").

    

-  If you are the least bit photogenic and not in a bikini or otherwise compromising situation -  A Photo Book  - shutterfly.com - is so clever. Should provide hours of good laughs in future viewings. Make sure there are plenty of really good pictures of the hostess to insure invite back.

-  A soft, comfy throw in the color scheme of the guest room or den. I love all the throws by Sferra, the Celine ($70), the Bristol ($150), and if the visit was completely over-the-top, the cashmere Dorsey ($400). We try to stock all styles in all colors at the stores. Very popular, year round!

 

   

-  A serving piece out of the hostess’ tableware.  Shown below is the Juliska ceramic dinnerware (we sell a TON of this in the store too) and Arte Italica - pewter goes with almost anything.

 

-  A fun DVD collection of favorite movies - classics or just released! I love 'How To Steal A Million', with Audrey Hepburn for her Givenchy ensembles, 'Priceless' with Audrey Tatou for her Chanel and Louis Vuitton ensembles, 'The Thomas Crown Affair' for Rene Russo's Michael Kors' ensembles, and, of course, anything Agathe Christie (no fashion there, ha.)  Who doesn't love a good Who-Dunnit amongst friends while staying at a completely isolated locale, shivers. BBC and A&E sell some of their best loved miniseries online.

 

 

 

 

-  A Juliska Vase (the mini trio set is one of our bestselling gifts and one of my personal favorite gifts to give! Makes me want to accidentally drop a few of my old vases, they're so wonderful!)

 

And, it should go without saying - anything that you, your husband, children, or dog might have broken, soiled, stained, ripped, or ruined - cherished or not so cherished - should be replaced immediately with same not like replacements.

Note: You really don't have up to a year to buy a wedding gift - Can you say "rationalized"?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

August 18th, 2009: New York

Indulge

ON THE JOB (OFF CAMPUS):  Our bi-annual trip to the Petit Bateau offices and showroom is by far my favorite job-related part of the whole trip. We always leave it until the last thing because it's such a treat!

 

 

 

We work with the very sweet and very cute Carla, pictured on the left, who's from Louisiana. We picked out some really great things; of course, there was a lot of GRAY. We got great tees, cotton dresses, tank tops, and the company's new CASHMERE line which is SO SOFT. Everything we got is going to look fab with the scarves we found!

 

RESERVATIONS:  Okay, don't laugh but we went BACK to our favorite Le Bilboquet for dinner! And we got the mussels and frites AGAIN. But the real story about dinner was that we saw the man who was seated at the table next to us the night before there with different woman! When we asked him if we had seen him on Monday night, the woman he was with quickly interjected: "No, he was in Panama last night." Yikes.

THINGS WE MISSED:  We were sad to miss one of our favorite local haunts, Sarabeth's, a wonderful place for breakfast on a Sunday morning (apparently you have to try the bread basket, although we never make it out of our lovely hotel for breakfast as we get to have it in our robe there).

 

 

The reason we really go? We got a tip from a 5 year-old friend of ours, Carol. The pudding! It comes in an old fashioned mason jar with whipped cream. Perfect for storing in the mini fridge at your hotel!

 Believe it or not, there are fabulous things to do in New York other than shopping and eating. Sure, there's the compulsory Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Metropolitan Museum of Art, or even the Sex and the City Bus Tour - but the place we're dying to visit is the Frick Collection on East 70th St.

Can't wait till next time!

 

 

August 17th, 2009: New York

 Indulge

ON THE JOB: Of course, we would be finished with the Gift Show in a lot less time if we just scoped out our vendors in the show's catalogue, found out where their booths were on a map, and configured a route to visit the aisles on which we have vendors. But that's not how we do it. Cynthia likes to walk every single aisle! It's time consuming (ugh) and somewhat overstimulating, but I will say that it always pays off: this year, we found some amazing scarves!

 

     

And look at all the wonderful GRAY tones! You know Cynthia loved that.

Here's Cynthia in the booth - note the pictures of several of Hollywood's "it girls" wearing the scarves on the left.

We also happened upon Kaloo, a great French toy company that Cynthia's been a fan of for years. They have several of their own stores in France and now we'll have them at Indulge. They are too cute - we bought the whole display!

 


 

RESERVATIONS: Kathy (of Thompson-Hanson fame) told us about this great place on E. 63rd between Park and Madison that is very local New Yorker. Apparently it was big in the 80's (wasn't everything?) and Eric Clapton used to go there with Elle Macpherson. It's called Le Bilboquet and it's literally my new favorite place.

 

If I can leave people with one tip for a trip to New York it would be this: Go to Le Bilboquet for dinner and GET THE MUSSELS AND FRITES!

 

The tables are so close at Le Bilboquet that you hear a lot of New York gossip - one girl, who we overheard her friend saying was the daughter of famous disgraced politician, had just gotten back from a two week trip on a yacht and had (poor dear) lost so much weight that her watch was too big for her!

August 16th, 2009: New York

ON THE JOB: Let me give you a rundown of the JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER  at the New York Gift Show:

 

·        30,000 buyers

·        2,900 exhibitors

·        77 countries

·        50 states

 

 

 

I consider the Piers the warm up for the Javits. The Javits, if done correctly, should take you two days. Again, be organized! Start somewhere – either top floor or bottom floor. Either left of the room or right of the room. I’m old school, I walk the aisles, up and down. I found seven new vendors this year just walking up and down each aisle! 

 

The only appointment I had at Javits was with Matteo.

 

I made the appointment instead of just dropping by the booth because I wanted to add Matteo's "Bambino" line to our store and I needed someone to give us a thorough rundown of the line and what is offered.

 

 

 

The Matteo Baby line fills this niche in my store that I have been trying to fill for years - neutrals, vintage, soft, and chic. The patterns are not baby, they are the same styles they use in their regular line. This is my new favorite baby bedding! And that's really saying something because I love all of our baby bedding.

Oh, and Congratulations to Juliska for winning this top award! Juliska is one of the few brands that I carry in my store that seems to be completely recession-proof.

 

 

 

  

Note: I love how they displayed this elegant, handblown glass on the distressed oak table... Oh, what a coincidence! That's how we've been doing it for years! We should give ourselves an award, teehee. 

 

I love toys! What can I say? I always buy too many. Look at this cute bear we found? The same company that makes our cute and cooky Deglingo toys makes this cute "Woodbear."

 

 

Toys are definitely my show weakness.

 

Oh! And look how cute this travel set is? The boys from Elizabeth W., who we had dinner with last night, designed this for those jet set customers.



I ordered three colors for the store and talked them into doing a lavendar silk set exclusive to Indulge. Too bad I won't have them in time for my trip to Paris next week :(.



 


Look what a cute booth they put together! They should have won some kind of award, too!



- - - - -

 

ON THE JOB:  It's definitely not "all work and no play," as you can see, but we do actually get down to business when we're in New York for the Gift Show.

    My Gift Show Tips: 

       - Bring snacks! Cynthia is a robot - she does not need lunch. Or any food for that matter between our morning croissant and dinner! I've learned that I eat a LOT; I work best and have the most energy when I graze throughout the day. I typically bring things like protein bars, nuts, and beef jerky to snack on at the show so I don't starve to death because...

       - The food at the show is terrible. And expensive. Go with the $11 baked potato if you absolutely MUST.

       -  Bring business cards! If I leave a vendor with my business card they can simply mail me their catalogue upon my return to Houston. Otherwise, I have to take a catalogue and carry it with me for the rest of the day. Dozens of catalogues get heavy after hours upon hours of walking around. Trust.

       -  Wear an outfit that is comfortable to wear for 12 HOURS. For me, that is a loose-fitting dress and flats. It is certainly NOT tight jeans.



RESERVATIONS:  After a long, busy, and exhausting day at the show you absolutely have to indulge in a fabulous dinner at a chic New York restaurant... we always do! One of my most favorite places to eat in New York is Da Silvano.

 


We went on Sunday night with Cathy, the manager of Thompson-Hanson, who was also in New York for the show. It's so fun to go to Da Silvano in the summer when it's warm outside because their outdoor seating is on the sidewalk in the very hip and lively Greenwich Village. Some great people-watching.

We like going there on Sunday nights for the celebrity sightings and delicious Italian fare. I saw Famke Jannsen sitting at the restaurant next door, Bar Pitti, with her Boston terrier. And Cathy thought she saw Magda from There's Something About Mary. Hmmm...



 

I personally like going because the waiters there are cute! Ours looked like a Sicilian Jude Law.

August 14th, 2009: New York

 

I always book my trips to arrive around 6:00 – I hate to miss a meal – especially in New York!

RESERVATIONS: La Goulue –  This is my favorite old stand by- I have eaten at this French restaurant every trip to New York for the past twenty years. I can’t believe it or I are that old. I had heard rumors that it was closing or moving or ….? I have it on record that they don’t know what they’re going to do. So, for the time being “nothing has changed” – just like I like it!

 

My Restaurant Tip: I love a Kir Royale to start, so refreshing! The “Price Fix” Menu - usually, three smaller courses of “House” favorites is a great way to go. And, don’t forget the frites! 

WINDOW SHOPPING: Another reason I love La Goulue is because it is a “short New York” walk from our hotel. Located at 746 Madison, La Goulue is just past the three “B’s”- Bendels, Bergdorfs, and Barneys. I would imagine window shopping done well is equivalent to ‘level two’ on your “PRECOR.” The perfect antedote to the profiteroles you just polished off.

My Shopping Tip:

 

 

Look at the window at Barney's on Madison! Ha, Ha! Man, did they get it right! Purses on top of the mannequin’s heads!!! At these prices, you might as well wear the damn things on your head.

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

Getting Ready for the New York Gift Show

 

This will be our first blog entry and we wanted to kick it off with something really great like the New York Gift Show - great city, great show, great time!

 

This is about my 20^th New York Gift Show, add in an equal amount of Dallas Gift Shows and at least ten Paris Gift Shows and I guess you could call me a Gift Show "veteran." Not something I’m unusually proud of – it’s just my life and my job. So, having said that I really LOVE the New York Gift Show! 

Over the years, I have perfected a plan that is equal parts fun and work. Did I say that – I meant work and fun.  Every time I mention to a customer or friend that I’m making my plans for the NY Gift show, they respond back “How exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back!” So, I one upped you all and decided to blog about it! Now you can follow my whole trip; even the stuff I don’t tell anyone. Here we go – The New York Gift Show – Fall 2009!

PACKING: First of all, it’s New York! And Manhattan for that matter – take the “good stuff.” For NY in August, I pack the trilogy – black, white, and khaki. This year Khaki took the form of python, or as I like to say “slitheren.” 

  

 

For summer, I pack dresses, sandals, scarves, a fabulous straw bag, and always a rain coat.

 
 

 

It happens to be very chic to carry last seasons handbag which makes me chicer than chic because my YSL straw bag is from three seasons ago and nobody even knows it ! Love YSL for repeating the exact same purse three years in a row!

My “Packing” Tips:

·        Wear a dress for dinner, and then recycle it the next day for street wear with a scarf or more casual shoes.

·        Don’t forget a chic little clutch for dinner that can be tucked behind your seat or set on the table to impress your friends (at the current handbag prices who could enjoy dinner knowing “your precious something- special -satchel” is tucked under the table next to a borderline housebroken FiFi dog.)

·        Bring the good shoes and leave the good jewelry at home. Did you hear about the Saudi Princess who had $15 million in jewels stolen from her hotel room in Sardinia?  Only bring the jewelry that you are comfortable wearing day and night. (Being from Texas – we don’t have a problem with that! If people can wear their sunglasses at night, surely you can wear your jewelry during the day!)

 

TRANSPORTATION: Do I need to reiterate this – ask your hotel for the number of a driver to pick you up at the airport and deliver you to your hotel.  Car service does not cost that much more and it is so worth it to hear your name called out at baggage claim “Mz. Daviz,, Mz. Daviz, car service for Mz. Daviz”

My “Transportation Tip:

·        Change! Lots of change! Funny how drivers never have change. “Sorry Mz. I only have $100s.” Whatever!

ACCOMMODATIONS:  We stay at Hotel Elysee on 54^th Street between Park and Madison. I love this hotel! Hotel Elysee reminds me of Bertrams Hotel in a  Ms. Marple movie – “nothing ever changes."

The hotel is very European with wine and cheese served Monday thru Friday evenings and tea and Milano cookies set out all day and all night on the second floor for the jet lagged Europeans or the piggy Americans. It’s not exactly The Pierre, but I love it. (I shouldn’t say that – I’ve never stayed at The Pierre.)  

A word of warning, though –  at the Elysee there is no room service for you princesses, you actually have to go down stairs and get your own coffee. If I can do it so can you.

My Hotel Tip:

·        Ask the breakfast hostess for a tray and small pot of coffee to sneak back to your room.

 

 

My Travel Tip:

-  I always pack a pair of Havaianas in my carry-on to wear at least until I get through security  - I hate having to sit there and take off strappy sandals or boots. It's much easier through the whole "no shoes past this point" part - gross!

-  I also like to pack my own Sferra cashmere throw to take with me on the plane - airplane blankets: also gross!