French Madame

Words of Inspiration

2012-02-09T11:30:00.001+01:00

Images: 1 2 3 4

Pastel Blue Living Room

2012-02-06T11:30:00.001+01:00

Images: Horchow

This Week's Fabulosity: Alexander McQueen

2012-02-03T19:49:00.013+01:00

Pin-sharp military silhouettes are at the heart of the Alexander McQueen
aesthetic and this military tailcoat jacket is a stunning example of the look.

Touches of moss and army-green emphasize this statement piece's
precision tailoring. I've always liked tailcoats in fashion and
the belt at the waist offsets the cut to full effect!

I'm not too crazy about the black Burberry bag Net-A-Porter used with the
styling. Instead, I would opt for this Michael Kors' cinnamon-brown
ostrich-effect leather tote. Did I tell you how much I love Michael Kors bags?

Images: Net-A-Porter

The Achilleion Palace in Greece

2012-01-31T11:51:00.000+01:00

Visiting Corfu in Greece, the first sightseeing I did was
the Achilleion Palace.

Yes, as in Achilles from the Greek mythology.
And yes, as in the part Brad Pitt played in Troy. Yum.

The palace was owned by the Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria,
also known as Sissi, and became her favorite vacation house.

Elisabeth was a woman obsessed with beauty, and therefore took a keen
liking towards the mythical hero Achilles, and, almost in an obsessive
manner, dedicated this house to him.

I loved the decorated ceilings of the house, as well as the breathtaking
garden surrounding the property.

The casino scene of the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only (1981)
was filmed at the Achilleion.

Greece greetings,

Giambattista Valli Couture

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

Bonjour fashionistas!

Today I'm taking you on a journey to Paris. We're staying at the Ritz
and we're wearing Louboutins. Yes. It's haute couture fashion week.

While I normally never do fashion week coverage, these treasures
are just too delicious to keep to myself.

I've admired Giambattista Valli for many years and I am thrilled
that he has finally launched a couture collection. It's just that
more over the top, more chic, more fashion forward.

J'adore this spring/summer 2012 collection! I would wear every
single look from head to toe.

Enjoy!

Images: Style

Pink Fairytale-Like Bedroom

2012-01-25T11:30:00.001+01:00

Images: Horchow

French Mademoiselle now French Madame!

2012-01-22T14:37:00.009+01:00

Bonjour madames et monsieurs,

Just a small anouncement that this blog is no longer FrenchMademoiselle.blogspot.com
I now have an actual place on the web as FrenchMadame.com

No I did not get married or turn older overnight ;)
I just wanted a .com domain and, for convenience, a shorter name :)
So here it is!

Regular readers & Blogger subscribers, don't worry;
you'll still be able to access and subscribe this blog via frenchmademoiselle.blogspot.com

A few minor changes have been made to the layout thanks to DesignerBlogs.

And also, I joined Pinterest! Finally!
I don't know what took me so long; I love it!

You can follow me there @ pinterest.com/frenchmadame
I've made two fabulous pinboards depicturing (what else?) fashion & furniture:
Haute Couture Collectables and Chic & Classic Interiors

Please do take a look!

Thank you for the continuing support and for sharing my
love-affair with Paris, style and interior design :)
I really have the best readers! ♥ you all.

With Love,

(ps. this is my 300th post!)

Haute Couture Collectables

2012-01-19T11:30:00.006+01:00

Images: Pinterest

Guest Post: Jessica from Arcadian Lighting

2012-01-16T11:32:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone! I'm Jessica with Arcadian Lighting. Every day I get to write about beautiful light fixtures and the best of the best when it comes to interior design inspirations. That's why I'm delighted to be guest posting for Danielle today because I'm going to be sharing some very chic interiors that incorporate that traditionally lucky color blue. I hope you enjoy!

This spacious living room is fun and retro with a beautiful deep blue as its accent color. I love the mix of old and new – the velvet sofa and shag carpert recall very different time periods. And the planet mobiles in all dark blue are a cool focal point.

A rather minimally decorated kitchen becomes especially beautiful and fresh with these royal blue chairs and retro frigidaire. I love the single modern pendant light with silver lining over the table.

The chandelier and sparkling crystal glasses and candleholders are the perfect final touch in this elegant dining room. The soft blue wall color and curtains pick up on the beautifully displayed china.

The deep turquoise painted shelves make a lovely accent wall in this living room and subtly sets off the pale blue floor. The crisp blue and white is a cool contrast to the rustic, distressed furniture.

I love the patterns in this bedroom vignette. The turqoise dresser is just beautiful and eye-catching, just like the floral pendant light above it.

Another regal interior with pale blue and white walls – a color combo that always strikes me as classically chic and aristocratic. The gilded wall sconce and dramatic, luxurious bathtub complete the royal scheme.

Dark royal blue is one of the best colors to pair with white because they both enhance each other. The white appears whiter and the dark blue looks even more rich. I like that one single painting commands all the attention.

This California inspired living room is simply cool and relaxing. The varying shades of blue are just right against the neutrals in the rest of the room.

How much do you love using a bit of something blue to decorate your interiors? Stop by Arcadian Lighting's blog for more colorful inspirations every day!
(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

This Week's Fabulosity: Lanvin

2012-01-13T09:57:00.013+01:00

The meaning behind the 'This Week's Fabulosity'-posts is for me to share
with you a fashion item that I've come across that is so special, it stays
with me for months.

This week's treasure is this bow-embellished silk-gazar dress by Lanvin.
This scene-stealing dress is a loosely structured, strapless design.

I have a deep affection for Lanvin's bridal silhouettes.
Just add pearl earrings and a crystal-strewn cuff to complete the look.

And for a fun touch, I would add this Lanvin minaudière satin shell clutch.

Images: Net-A-Porter

Old Estate Interior

2012-01-09T13:27:00.002+01:00

Images: Horchow

Nafplio, Greece

2012-01-06T11:30:00.002+01:00

Pictures of lovely Greece!

Nafplio is a seaport town in Greece. Nafplio is situated on the
Argolic Gulf in the northeast Peloponnese.

Arriving in Naplio and seeing the turquoise blue water, which I had heard
about but never actually seen up till then, was such an amazing sight.
We visited the Epidaurus Theatre which had a beautiful property surrounding
it, complete with the ear deafening sound of bugs.

Then, during the hottest time of day we headed to the Palamidi Castle where we
had to slide and shuffle with our feet because the stones were so incredibly
slippery, but worth every nearly-fall because of the magnificent view of the
Argolic Gulf!

Nafplio was my first time I visited Greece and has done something to me
because I am dying to go back!
I could sure use a sun-filled getaway like this one again!

In Grecian: Adio!

Lovelies

2012-01-03T14:24:00.013+01:00

With this collage of fashion, I'm hoping to be inspired for the new year.

Bisous,

Images: Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter & Tumblr

French Mademoiselle in 2011

2011-12-28T17:31:00.026+01:00

The end of December marks 'French Mademoiselle's' second blogoversary.
This is also the time when I look back at all my favorite posts.

What a wonderful year it has been!
My absolute highlight for French Mademoiselle was blogging two weeks
non-stop from Paris for my 'French Mademoiselle in Paris' series.
But these posts have been pretty special to me too:

♥ Visiting The Queen's Hamlet from Marie-Antoinette in Versailles {click here}

♥ The Week That Was in Pictures {click here}

♥ Checkerboard {click here}

♥ The New Pretty {click here}

♥ Barcelona, Spain {click here}

♥ A Little Piece of Heaven {click here}

♥ Happy Valentine's Day {click here}

I have a few exciting ideas brewing for 2012. Hope you'll come back and
keep on sharing with me my passion for a French lifestyle.
Thank you for all your comments, sweet words & visits!

Yours Truly,

A Very Merry, Happy, Healthy & Safe Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:30:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Picture I took last year on Christmas, see here.

Much Love,

This Week's Fabulosity: Matthew Williamson

2011-12-23T11:45:00.001+01:00

Following the Sparkling Sequins post from last week,
here is one of my favorite sequin-embellished dresses from this year.

It pretty much has everything I look for in a great dress: strapless,
a bodice, a waistband, metallic tweed and multi-colored.

And for that something extra, ombre-effect sequins on the bottom.
Perfect for a holiday party!

And since we're heading in the OTT direction (Over The Top),
I might as well pair it with these 'Fifi Strass' Christian Louboutin pumps.

Images: Net-A-Porter & Christian Louboutin Facebook

Holiday Entertaining

2011-12-20T18:18:00.017+01:00

Now that my busy weeks are over, I can give Christmas my full attention.
I've stocked up on supplies, so I don't have to fight through overcrowded
stores either. These lovely images are giving me inspiration!

Happy Holidays,

Images: Neiman Marcus & Martha Stewart

Coastal Chic Interiors

2011-12-13T11:52:00.001+01:00

Images: Horchow

Put a Little Sparkling Sequins On This Holiday Season!

2011-12-10T21:25:00.029+01:00

Rachel Gilbert

Miu Miu

Hervé Léger - Marchesa

Zara

Haute Hippie - Alice + Olivia

Zara

Oscar de la Renta - Moschino Cheap & Chic

Miu Miu

DKNY - Alice + Olivia

Even when it isn't the holiday season, I like to add a touch of a sparkling
accessory, but this is of course the time of the year to go all out!

Sparkling wishes,

Images: Net-A-Porter & Zara

Venice, Italy

2011-12-05T11:30:00.001+01:00

On July 27 I spend a day in Venice. Venice is like no other city I've ever visited;
the crowds, the narrow maze-like streets, the transportation by water and
the little shops filled with every collectable you can imagine.

Ciao,

This Week's Fabulosity: Valentino

2011-12-02T11:30:00.000+01:00

When it comes to boots, fashion has long evolved from the plain black leather
knee-boots. During winter time you can wear boots that are a light color,
suede... heck, even Uggs were popular once, and over-the-knee boots aren't just
for Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman anymore. (they better not!! I just bought them)

Well Valentino has stepped up their game in the boots-department by creating
unique semi-sheer lace-appliquéd mesh knee boots.

As unpractical as these boots may be, I must admit I find them very pretty.
But then again, the most fashionable accessories usually are the most
unpractical ones.

I would pair them with this white wool and cashmere Valentino coat.

Images: Net-A-Porter

Romantic Dining

2011-11-29T11:18:00.005+01:00

Images: Horchow

Continuing With Every Girl's Louboutin Love-Affair ...

2011-11-27T11:30:00.000+01:00

If I had to pick a favorite ... I couldn't do it.
It would be like asking a mom which child she prefers.
*writes diligently a letter to Santa*

Swooning,

Images: Christian Louboutin Facebook

Quotable Louboutin

2011-11-24T23:09:00.004+01:00

Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck.
Find a Loubi, put it on, all day long you'll have fun.

- Christian Louboutin

Image: Neiman Marcus

Rome, Italy

2011-11-20T11:30:00.000+01:00

July 20th: a day trip to Rome.

I started off with visiting the Colosseum. No I didn't. I started by eating
a Nutella-filled cake in a hotel restaurant early in the morning. Then heading
towards the Colosseum and walking through the ever-gorgeous Roman Forum
and thanking my lucky stars that I opted for flat shoes that day.

The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II was particularly stunning. Then we
headed towards the Trevi Fountain and Spanish stairs, before making a quick
stop at Bvlgari and happily snacking on French macarons in between.

St. Peter's square and the Basilica were really fantastic. Though I'm not
religious, it was probably my favorite part of Rome.

Ciao,

French Country Home

2011-11-17T11:30:00.000+01:00

Images: Horchow

This Week's Fabulosity: Emilio Pucci

2011-11-14T12:54:00.006+01:00

One of the most beautiful dresses I have seen this Fall season
is this beyond-breathtaking dress from Emilio Pucci.

The velvet dress has a crystal-embellished bodice and a deep
teal color.

Pefectly paired with Christian Louboutin's "Duvet" 120 metallic
and patent-leather pumps.

Images: Net-A-Porter

Bumps On The Road

2011-11-09T11:30:00.000+01:00

Picture I took on Day 2 in Paris this Summer.

Florence, Italy

2011-11-06T20:26:00.005+01:00

Many, many years ago I visited Florence on a school trip
with my classmates. We were given the privilege to wander
through Florence without supervision.

As little photos I took that day, I still remember Florence
vividly: the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral,
buying street-art from Asian painters, the Ponte Vecchio bridge,
purchasing knock-off Dolce & Gabbana belts, almost
getting lost, having sore feet at the end of the day...

When I returned to Florence this summer, I revisited
everything but with a fast pace. Due to crowds
(it was July after all) I didn't go inside the main
touristic sites, except stopping at a local cafe here and there
for a refreshment (read: gelato). I was pleased to
see that I still knew my way around and Jersey Shore-free!

Ciao,

Country Estate

2011-11-03T11:30:00.000+01:00

Images: Horchow

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:30:00.000+01:00

Greetings,

Glorious Gloves Part III

2011-10-28T11:30:00.000+02:00

Valentino

Missoni

Agent Provocateur

Missoni

Valentino

Mulberry

Burberry

Alexander McQueen

Donna Karan

Gucci

Lanvin

I seem to be making it a tradition here on French Mademoiselle
every year to write post about my go-to Fall/Winter accessory: gloves.

Click here to read Part I & Click here to read Part II

This year is no exception. I searched for my favorite
Fall/Winter 2011 designer gloves and here they are!

Which one is your favorite?

Gloves Greetings,

Images: Net-A-Porter

Vila Nova des Milfontes, Portugal

2011-10-25T11:30:00.000+02:00

In July I stayed at a friend's summer house in Vila Nova de Milfontes,
Portugal for a week. The property had different guest houses for each person
to stay. I stayed in the cute red, wooden house :)

Vila Nova de Milfontes is about a 2-hour drive from Lisbon and it is
cornered between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mira River.

It is a small village with a population of about 5,000 people, but attracts a lot
of tourists in the summer. I was really impressed by Portugal and enjoyed
many of their famous pastel de nata pastries.

Adeus,

Pretty Please

2011-10-22T11:30:00.001+02:00

Images: Horchow

Interview with My French Life!

2011-10-19T12:48:00.005+02:00

Bonjour!

I recently gave an interview with My French Life for their
Gastronomie section.

French Life is an online magazine and global community of French,
Francophone, & Francophiles. That would be YOU dear reader!

Click here to read it.

Here are some snippets from the interview:

In your opinion, what sets French cooking and
French style apart from the rest of the world?

It just has a certain ooh la la to everything.
French food, as well as French style, is very classic and
has withstand the test of time, yet is always relevant.

What do you like about blogging and advice would
you give to anyone starting up?

I love the comments that my readers write. Sometimes
they’re just questions about a particular recipe, other
times they offer me advice. A blog will bring out the
creativity in you and form friendships with people from
other parts of the world. However to some, it can feel
like a burden to keep up the blog on a regular basis,
bear that in mind when you want to start a blog.

Where is your favourite place in Paris to relax?

I love to bench-sit on Place Saint-Sulpice, a lovely
square just steps away from Pierre Hermé, also the
enchanting tea rooms at Ladurée are a great place to
stop and relax.

Bonne Journée!

Guest Post: 8 French Interiors We Love

2011-10-16T11:30:00.001+02:00

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for Arcadian Lighting, a fantastic online resource for lighting fixtures. I'm so happy to be visiting French Mademoiselle today to share French interiors to inspire your next design project. Each of these rooms has gorgeous design elements that are quintessentially French and oh so chic. Here are 8 French interiors we love, and hope you will love too! Enjoy!

French interiors look effortlessly chic. With a mix of antique and newer furnishings, this living room is a lovely mix of color, pattern and curving lines.

This antique French room is loaded with inspiration for a French interior. We love the pink and gold color combination. The ribbon detail on the chair and wall is gorgeous.

Smoky purple, blue and gold create a beautiful palette in this French inspired living room. Aged plaster on the walls gives the room an antiqued feeling. The twin lamps frame the table setting perfectly!

This chic French country dining room is so charming with its mix of rustic and antique pieces. Love the pastoral themed artwork on the wall and burlap upholstery on the dining chairs.

Pale gray, also known as French grey, paired with cream is a lovely color combination for a living room or bedroom. Love the daybed, screen and pretty little wall sconce in this room; they create a lovely place to read a book or nap.

French blue is a gorgeous color for interiors. It is a blue that has a lot of grey in it. French blue is beautiful paired with either silver or golds, especially that chandelier hanging above.

You can create a French interior even if you use pieces that are not French. This is a Swedish antique settee paired with a French mirror. They work perfectly in this French style room.

Champagne colored curtains and French accents make this bathroom feel decidedly French. A crystal chandelier sparkles above a soaking tub. What other light fixture could we expect in such a lovely bath?

To find more inspirations on how to make the best out of your lamps and ceiling lights, check out Arcadian Lighting Blog for more!

Credits 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Quotable Audrey

2011-10-13T11:07:00.002+02:00

Picture I took on Day 13 in Paris.

Barcelona, Spain

2011-10-10T13:38:00.000+02:00

In July I spend 5 incredible days in beautiful Barcelona.
I fell in love with the city's old architecture, amazing
buildings and great shops.

We stayed at Hotel Pulitzer which was right near the La Rambla.
One of the most gorgeous hotels!

We visited much of the city, particularly Antoni Gaudi's works
of art such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Mila,
Casa Batlló, etc.

Adiós,

The New Pretty

2011-10-07T11:21:00.000+02:00

Images: Horchow

In Love With

2011-10-03T19:30:00.004+02:00

Are you tired of all those plain cupcake holders?
Me, too.

Spotted this Ferris Wheel Cupcake Holder at Horchow.
Too cute!

Is it too early to write a letter to Santa?!

From Emerald Green to Aqua Blue

2011-10-02T18:48:00.009+02:00

Bessings,

Images: Net-A-Porter

Checkerboard

2011-09-29T11:30:00.000+02:00

I'm not one for playing chess, but I do have a bit of a fascination with
checkerboard patterns. I seem to find it each time I'm in France.
Such as the picture above, which was taken in Paris at the historic Galerie Véro-Dodat.

And then this one at Versailles. Marie Antoinette's Grand Trianon.

Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon.

The staircase at Musée Rodin in Paris.

Inside the queen's hamlet at Versailles.

Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, France.

Ladurée's Alice in Wonderland tea party at the Printemps.

Would you care for a checkerboard floor in your house?

Au Revoir,

The Week That Was in Pictures

2011-09-26T14:26:00.000+02:00

Monday: Chanel Rouge Allure autumn lipsticks.

Tuesday: Little bouquet of happiness.

Wednesday: Hmmm... trying to come up with a fabulous pear-recipe. Any ideas?

Thursday: Blogging about my brioche.

Friday: Vogue Paris October.

Saturday: Beachclub festival.

Sunday: Resting endlessly.

How was everyone's week?

Warmest regards,

Note To Paris:

2011-09-23T17:52:00.001+02:00

Picture I took on Day 2 in Paris.

Paris Metro Style

2011-09-20T11:29:00.001+02:00

Images: Horchow

From Camel to Nude

2011-09-17T17:54:00.000+02:00

With Love,

Images: Net-A-Porter

Quotable Audrey

2011-09-14T13:47:00.003+02:00

Chateau d Amboise

2011-09-12T17:28:00.003+02:00

The royal Château at Amboise is a château
located in Amboise, in the Indre-et-Loire
département of the Loire Valley in France.

The château was beautiful, but my favorite
part was the cute, pitoresque French village
that surrounded the castle's walls.

I expected Belle from Beauty & the Beast
at any moment would come singing down the streets.

Click here to see my other posts on my little Loire vacation.

Au Revoir,

Exquisite Gowns

2011-09-09T11:30:00.000+02:00

Oscar de la Renta

Notte by Marchesa

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Alexander McQueen

Lanvin

Marchesa

Ralph Lauren Collection

Sweet dreams,

Images: Net-A-Porter

Mix Mastered

2011-09-06T12:14:00.007+02:00

Images: Horchow

From Burgundy Red to Deep Violet

2011-09-03T11:30:00.000+02:00

A fashion cascade of my favorite fall colors.

Blessings,

Images: Net-A-Porter

'Spun Sugar Paperie' Ladurée Watercolor Painting Giveaway Winner is...

2011-09-01T13:07:00.009+02:00

She chose this watercolor painting:

Congratulations!

Please email me at DolceDanielle@yahoo.com for your contact information.

Thank you Spun Sugar Paperie and everyone who entered!

Golden Glory

2011-08-29T19:35:00.000+02:00

Horchow:
1. Pine Cone Hill - "Fanny" Quilts & Organza Accessories
2. Contessa Mirror
3. Visual Comfort Brass Ring Lamp
4. Woven Antique Gold-Leafing Side Table
5. Gold Mirrored Console
6. Gold Curtains

Giveaway: 'Spun Sugar Paperie' Ladurée Watercolor Paintings! - Closed

2011-08-22T19:34:00.012+02:00

To put an ending to my 'French Mademoiselle in Paris' posts,
I am celebrating my homecoming with a giveaway.

Think of this as a goodbye party.
Party. Wear heels.

The fabulous Spun Sugar Paperie, whose store you can find on Etsy,
is giving away one of her watercolor paintings.

You get to choose which one you'd like!

Here are your 3 picks:

1) Ladurée Macaron Chart (8 × 10)

2) Ladurée l'entremet Marie-Antoinette (5 × 7)

3) Ladurée Saint-Honoré Rose Framboise (6 × 9)

All you have to do is:

1. Visit Spun Sugar Paperie and tell me which item(s) you like.

2. Leave a comment stating which of three watercolor paintings is your favorite,
and write down your contact information. If you have a Blogger account,
and your email is on there, that's fine too.

3. For a second entry, become or be a public follower of French Mademoiselle on Blogger.

&nd that's it! Giveaway closes on September 1st.

Bonne Chance!

This giveaway is closed!

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 15

2011-08-18T13:10:00.009+02:00

Bonjour!

Today is my last day in Paris.
We leave in a couple of hours.

We'll be heading towards Gare du Nord and taking the high speed train
back to Holland.

This morning we did a little bit of last-minute shopping, packing and
cleaning up the apartment.

I have loved every second of these last 2 weeks.
Staying in Paris for so long and having my own little apartment to stay
has been a dream of mine for many years.
I'm so glad I finally puckered up the courage to do it.

I will miss my street, Rue Saint-Sauveur.

Which is just off the pedestrian street Rue Montorgueil, filled with bakeries,
pâtisseries, restaurants and shops.

I will miss getting le petit déjeuner from Maison Collet.

I will miss taking the subway from Réaumur - Sébastopol.

I will miss walking through the beautiful streets of Paris and gawking
at the even-more gorgeous buildings.

I will miss the beautiful parks that lie here and there in Paris.

I will miss walking past the Seine, refusing to take the metro,
just to see the view.

I will miss the lovely window displays.

The stores, of course ;)

But one of things I will miss the most is the Eiffel Tower,
popping out everywhere.

I hope you have enjoyed my journey with me!

Au Revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 14

2011-08-17T20:03:00.016+02:00

Bonjour again!

While I normally buy a demi baguette or a petit baguette, I thought it would
be fun to buy a whole baguette this morning for le petit déjeuner.

The baguette I got was a tad bigger than I had expected.
To be a bit more specific, I would estimate it 1 meter (3.3 feet) long!
We nicknamed it "the samurai sword".

After le grand déjeuner, we headed to the Invalides.
We visited Hôtel National des Invalides, which houses Musée de l'Armée
and Napoleon's tomb, among others.

We were very impressed and glad we went there.

Then another 'boyish' museum, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie.
Paris' science museum. It is located in Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondisement.

After the long metro ride from the 19th to the 2nd arrondissement, we were
both craving something sweet.
And while pâtisserie Stohrer was still closed on Day 5, today it was open!

Jamie Cahill writes in 'The Pâtisseries of Paris':
"Even if you can't make the day trip to Versailles, you can take a
small step into eighteenth-century French royal life by sampling
Stohrer's puits d'amour and famous baba au rhum. These two
revered recipes were likely favorites of Louis XV when
Nicolas Stohrer was the royal pâtissier."

And since I am a lover of all things with rum, I bought Stohrer's famous
baba au rhum (brioche soaked with rum).

My brother picked up his favorite pastry from Maison Collet, a pain aux raisins.

Today was my last full day here in Paris.
We leave tomorrow afternoon, so I still have ½ a day in the city of lights!

Bonne Journée,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 13

2011-08-16T21:30:00.008+02:00

Bonjour mes amis!

Today started as almost every day has started here in Rue Montorgueil:
breakfast from Maison Collet.
Their croissants are perfection ♥.

Today I did something a little different though; instead of ordering a croissant
'naturel', I bought a croissant 'beurre'.
Yes, butter. As if croissant don't have enough butter already.

And as if I haven't eaten enough croissants these past two weeks.
Oscar Wilde's quote "everything in moderation, including moderation" doesn't
really apply here in Paris. Well, for me it doesn't.

Enfin, my brother joined me today.
This is his first trip to Paris so I took him to all of the popular sites.
Starting with the iron lady, la Tour Eiffel:

We walked across the Pont Alexandre III.
One of the best views of the city in my opinion.
I took this picture 2 years ago from the bridge:

Walked by the Grand & Petit Palais.

And then headed to the Arc de Triomphe.
It was so hot, we felt like we triumphed the Champs-Élysées when we got to the Arc.

Then we took the even-hotter metro to Le Louvre, wanting to go in, but it
was closed because today is mardi.

We then decided to take a stroll through les Jardins des Tuileries and enjoy the fair.

After dinner, I took my brother to ~~drool~~ browse the pastry counter at my local favorite
boulangerie - pâtisserie, Maison Collet.
We picked a millefeuille and an éclair chocolat for dessert.

That's it for now.
Tomorrow will be my last full day.

Bonne nuit,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 12

2011-08-15T20:39:00.008+02:00

Bonjour!

I was so impressed with the fashion exhibition held at Versailles' Grand Trianon,
I wanted to pay a visit to Paris' fashion museum, Musée Galliera.

So, I bought another carnet of metro cards and headed to the 8th arrondissement.
Stepping out of Léna's metro station, I marveled at the grand buildings surrounding me.

I came to Musée Galliera to find that it was closed!
Due to construction, the exhibition is temporarily held at Musée Bourdelle in
the 14th arrondissement.

I wasn't too disappointed because the museum still had its park open in the backyard,
which was one of the most beautiful sites I have seen this Paris trip.

Because of the fine weather and high spirits, I felt like taking a stroll,
and that's what I did on the Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité.

Île Saint-Louis:

Île de la Cité:

I am fully aware that my Paris days are soon coming to an end (I leave on Thursday),
so these last few days I really want to only visit special (for me) places,
which is why I headed to the 6th arrondissement to pick up something sweet
from a top pâtisserie.

I knew Pierre Hermé was closed because it's Monday, but, as it turned out, Gerard Mulot
was closed as well because today is a national holiday here in France.
I walked to Rue Bonaparte, hoping that Ladurée would be open (or at least open its doors
for me ;) and thankfully it was!

The window displays looked absolutely lovely.
Walking along the pastries counter it dawned on me that I haven't eaten a single
macaron this Paris trip. Mon dieu!

The flavors are: Salted Caramel, Melon, Rose, Minty Strawberry & Almond - Cherry.

Still wanting to see the fashion exhibition, I went to the 14th arrondissement in the afternoon.
Fermée, again! It's funny how I don't mind coming to three closed doors in one day.
Paris is so beautiful, it's always nice to have walked those streets and discovering a
new neighborhood.

I still got to take some pictures of the closed museums' courtyards:

Bonne Journée!

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 11

2011-08-14T20:14:00.014+02:00

Bonjour!

This morning we lined up to enter Musée d'Orsay.
For me, the second visit this Paris trip.
What can I say? It's my favorite museum in the world :)

After d'Orsay, we ate a Croque Monsieur and walked through the 7th arrondissement.

Then we took the metro to the 16th arrondissement.

We walked through the lovely Jardin du Ranelagh where adults were bicycling and
children were playing in their Burberry clothes.

You might wonder "why travel all the way to this part of Paris?"
Because of Musée Marmottan Monet.
This hidden gem has over 300 paintings of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, with the
largest collection of Claude Monet in the world, such as this one:

We went back to the 2nd arrondissement and revisited Deliziefollie near Les Halles and
ate a salted caramel gelato.

It's weird how ice cream makes you thirsty.
Well, we found the perfect solution: cocktails at happy hour!
Enjoying this view:

This was my mother's last day in Paris.
Tuesday my brother will be joining me.
If any of you have any tips on where to dine, shop or sit, they'd be more than welcome!

Au revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 10

2011-08-13T21:03:00.026+02:00

Bonsoir readers!

Today we visited one of the most touristic, yet beautiful places you can find
near Paris: Versailles.

We went by metro, but had to go by bus for a few stops due to constructions on
the metro lines.
I didn't mind though because it gave us a spectacular view of the Seine and
the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Due to long lines, we skipped the Château
(which we've already seen a couple of years ago)
and went straight to the gardens.

The incredibly beautiful garden (which spans 800 hectares) left me hungry,
so we stopped for a French onion soup and tarte tartin.

The Grand Trianon.

At the Grand Trianon there was a gorgeous exhibition held, featuring costume
masterpieces from such brilliant designers as Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld,
Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, Maison Christian Dior
and many others.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to film or photograph, but I saw some of my
favorite haute couture pieces, all fitting in the Marie Antoinette theme,
such as this one:

Christian Dior Haute Couture, Fall 2007

The Petit Trainon:

Saving the best for last, here are some of my pictures from Marie Antoinette's
farm, the Queen's Hamlet.
I took many more (95 to be exact), but I will upload those later on as I'm pretty beat.

Walking through the queen's hamlet took me to another world.
I could so see Marie Antoinette enjoying her life here, away from the pressures of court.
I particularly loved the little farm with the goats, swans, peacocks and pigs. So cute!

When we got back from Versailles, we were both craving ice cream and since
the famous Berthillion closes it doors in July and August we went to another
famous ice cream shop, just a street away from my apartment, Deliziefollie.

Jamie Cahill writes in 'The Patisseries of Paris' about Deliziefollie:
"Deliziefollie's luscious gelato has won over Parisians to Italian-style ice
cream. Ever conscious about overindulging in rich treats but not willing to
sacrifice taste, Parisians love gelato, perceived as Italy's lighter alternative to
French glace."

Pineapple & salted caramel - delicioso!

Bonne nuit,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 9

2011-08-12T20:47:00.012+02:00

Bonjour!

Not to rub it in, but it was another fabulous day here in Paris.
Honestly, how can you not love Paris?

I took my mother to Boulevard Hausmann and we shopped in the same stores as I did on Day 6.
Always good to have a second opinion on things.

Parched and hungry, we sat down at Ladurée, which has a small café hidden
away between Tiffanys and Bvlgari in the Printemps' second floor.

I ordered, something I've been dying to try, the gorgeous
Saint-Honoré Rose Framboise

Yum, yum, yum.

Et puis, we went back to Le Bon Marché and La Grand Epicurie.

And since we were in the neighborhood, we went to Pierre Hermé to pick up dessert for later.

The shop is so tiny, I always need to pay attention on Rue Bonaparte,
to make sure I'm not passing it.

I bought a lemon tart, which I once baked for Paris Pastry from Pierre Hermé's book 'Desserts'.

Right next to Pierre Hermé lies the beautiful Place Saint Sulpice, which is one of
my favorite places to bench-sit in Paris.

For dinner, we headed back to my (2nd) arrondissemnt and ate on Rue Montorgueil.

Au Revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 8

2011-08-11T20:50:00.006+02:00

Bonjour again!

This morning I devoured another lovely petit déjeuner
from Maison Collet.

I must say, I prefer Maison Collet even over Eric Kayser.
Shhhhh, don't tell Eric!

I then headed to Gare du Nord to greet my mother who is joining me for the next 5 days.

We went to Montmartre (18th arrondissement) and saw so many lovely street corners,
places, and buildings.
The sun was streaming through the streets, which made the day even lovelier.

We walked up to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur.
And when I say up, I mean UP a million stairs! Pfff, left me breathless.
But the view was worth every single step.

Ooh la la! Le Moulin Rouge.

Walking through the lovely Montmartre does make one hungry,
so we headed back to the 2nd arrondissement and ate on Rue Montorgueil.
And sipped cocktails. And sipped some more (happy hour).

Still buzzing from the cocktails, we decided to walk it off and went to Les Halles,
which is really quite lovely to walk through and do some people-watching à la Parisiennes.

That is it for now. Hope you´ll follow me tomorrow again!

Á bientôt!

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 7

2011-08-10T20:06:00.005+02:00

Bonsoir mes amis!

Still in love with Eric Kayser's viennoiserie counter
(and the close proximity to my apartment),
I stopped for another visit today.

I was tempted to have a nice relaxing day spend in my apartment
enjoying nothing but the sweets that I had bought, but the weather
was really too nice to stay inside.

I walked to Les Halles.

Who knew Les Halles had such great stores?
Maisons du Monde, Habitat, H&M among others.

Loved the artwork from Maisons du Monde:

After Les Halles I walked around some more and entered this street:

My kind of street!

Au Revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 6

2011-08-09T17:42:00.013+02:00

Bonjour Madames!

It has taken me 5 days to realize that there is a Eric Kayser boulangerie
just steps away from my apartment.

Both Jamie Cahill and Dorie Greenspan recommend a trip to this artisan boulangerie.

"Eric Kayser, boulanger extraordinaire, is a household Paris name
known for his excellent breads. His eleven shops around the city
(and others in France and around the world) sell every imaginable
variety and combination of grain, nut, cheese, or fruit. The
impressive bread selection overshadows the sweet counter."
writes Jamie Cahill in 'The Pâtisseries of Paris'.

Dorie Greenspan recommends Kayser's baguette, fondants aux pommes,
tarte Normande and brioche au sucre.
I bought the latter and a croissant for le petit déjeuner.

I needed a good breakfast because I had been planning to spend the day shopping.
The next few hours I spend in ~~extacy~~ the Printemps and Galleries Lafayette.

I went to Zara Home, Lafayette Maison and a few other great interior stores.
Blissfully browsing from bed duvets to porcelain dinnerware :).

The dangerous thing of shopping in Paris is that you loose track of time.
When I finally managed to drag myself away from the fabulous furniture
and fashion, I learned that it was 15:30 already.

Time for food! Fauchon food.

When I first started this blog, I wrote a post about Fauchon.
I have also baked their coffee éclairs for Paris Pastry.

And today I enjoyed one of their iconic éclairs.
The Mona Lisa éclair, otherwise known as éclair Joconde.

She was a delight. Inside and out!
Six euros. I find it a bargain for a real Mona Lisa!

"For many people, Fauchon is to food what the Louvre is to art:
the best place to get an overview of the field. Now that I think
about it, maybe a visit to Fauchon is even better than time at the
Louvre. After all, at Fauchon, the masterpieces are all there for
the taking - and tasting." says Dorie Greenspan in 'Paris Sweets'.

Bonne Journée,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 5

2011-08-08T21:25:00.013+02:00

Bonsoir!

Today was all about food.
Seeing it, sniffing it, sampling it,
buying it, devouring it, loving it.

I followed Jamie Cahill's list of the best pâtisseries
in the 2nd arrondissement (my neighborhood).

I first headed out to royal pâtissier from Louis XV,
Stohrer to sample their legendary baba au rhum.
Unfortunately it was fermée (closed in French).

Still dying for something sweet, I bought a delightful croissant from Boulangerie Paul.
Boulangerie Paul is as common in France as Starbucks is in America.
I've seen countless shops but I've never been in up till today.

I then went to G. Detou to browse their endless vary of (mostly bake) ingredients.

"G. Detou has been supplying serious (and not-so-serious) pâtissiers
with every imaginable ingredient since 1954. Shelves are stocked with
tubs of liquid clarified butter, bags of nuts, candied ginger, saffron
and hard-to-find spices, and dozens of types of sugar."

Walking through the wonderful Galerie Vivienne I decided that it was time
to rest my legs at A Priori Thé and sip on a hot chocolate, while enjoying
a scone with "fruits rouge sirop" served with ice cream.

In the afternoon I took the metro to Rue de Sèvres and shopped in Le Bon Marché.

Le Bon Marché is a department store, very much like the Printemps or Galeries
Lafayette in Paris, but they had an amazing section of baking supplies.
It was very, very hard not to buy everything in sight...

As if Le Bon Marché wasn't tempting enough, I'd made the mistake of entering
La Grande Epicurie, Paris' mecca food store.
Me and my wallet sorely regretted ever entering that store...

All in all, a very good day for me and my sweet tooth!

See you tomorrow again,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 4

2011-08-07T20:41:00.000+02:00

Bonjour lovelies!

Do you know what today is?
It's the first Sunday of the month!

Do you know what that means?
Free entrance for museums in Paris!

That's why I visited three today.
Oui, trois!

Firstly, Musée Rodin in the 7th arrondissement.
The sun could not have come out at a better day than today.
The sunny garden was an absolute delight to walk in.

After Rodin I took the metro to Réaumur and had lunch in my apartment.
I bought Poilâne's eponymous sourdough loaf.

Poilâne is one of France's most famous bakeries.
It is run by the third generation of the Poilâne family,
daughter Appolonia, who took it over in 2002 at the young
age of 17 after her parents died in a helicopter crash.
She is now a Harvard graduate.

Et puis, I went to Musée Jeu de Paume in the Tuileries Garden.
Jeu de Paume is a museum of contemporary art showing
different exhibitions every few months.
Today the works of Claude Cahun and Santu Mofokeng were on display.

Die-hard Sex and the City fans (me, me!) might recognize this museum.
It is the museum where Carrie's boyfriend Aleksandr Petrovsky has his exhibition in Paris.
(Last episode, season 6, "An American Girl in Paris, Part Deux")

Then, I walked across the Tuileries Garden and stepped inside Musée de l'Orangerie.
Musée de l'Orangerie has many works of impressionist and post-impressionist artists,
such as Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-August Renoir, Alfred Sisley.
But it is most famous for housing 8 of Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

After all that art, I needed my daily sugar-fix.
So I head out to the Centre Pompidou area and bought 2 cupcakes at Berko.
Key Lime & Rose. Remember my Rose Cupcakes?

My Rose Cupcakes were better! ;)

Au Revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 3

2011-08-06T20:28:00.007+02:00

Bonjour mademoiselles!

Though today is Saturday, I spend the day as if it was Sunday.
I slept in, didn't come out of my apartment till noon, and went to the park.

I stepped out of the overcrowded metro and entered the virtually empty Parc Monceau.
It was mostly Parisians jogging and parents with their children playing.

Parc Monceau lies in the 8th arrondissement, at the junction of
Boulevard de Courcelles, Rue de Prony and Rue Georges Berger.

After Parc Monceau I took the metro back to the 2nd arrondissement
and walked to Square du Temple.

Saturdays in Paris are really too busy to shop and most museums are open on
Sundays so that's were I'm heading tomorrow.

Till then,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 2

2011-08-05T19:17:00.026+02:00

Bonjour!

Day deux arrived and I woke up bright and early to head towards Angelina.
I had planned to walk there, but the rain kept pouring out of the grey sky
so I went by metro.

Although Angelina just openend up, there were already quite a few
Parisians enjoying a petit déjeuner.
I ordered Angelina's legendary chocolate l'Africain.
The best way I can describe it is by comparing it to drinking pure melted chocolate.

After I paid 7,20 for a hot chocolate, I took my umbrella with me and walked
through the Jardin des Tuileries.

Walking next to the Seine, I decided to pay a visit to my absolute favorite museum
in the whole wide world: Musée d'Orsay.
Unfortunately visitors are prohibited to take pictures, but some of the most
mesmerising impressionistic paintings hang in Musée d'Orsay.
Such as this one:

After slantering through Musée d'Orsay for hours, my rumbling stomach
reminded me it was time to eat.
I walked all the way to Rue Jean Nicot to pick up something sweet from
pâtisserie - boulangerie Secco (formerly boulangerie Poujauran) to find that
it was closed (some shops close in the month of August).

If you remember, I baked Poujaurin's chocolate pound cake and honey madeleines
for Paris Pastry.
At least I saw some gorgeous buildings on my way over there.

I took a metro back to the 2nd arrondissement and bought a pithivier at Maison Collet.
I had my first pithivier in Disneyworld two years ago.
A pithivier is a round, enclosed pie usually made by baking two disks of puff pastry,
with almond paste stuffed in between.

For the evening I had planned on paying a quick visit to the Louvre,
since it stays open late on Friday, but the rain has made way for thunder (!)
so I guess I'm staying inside tonight :).

Au Revoir,

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 1

2011-08-04T21:55:00.006+02:00

Bonjour mes amis!

Today I am blogging from my favorite city in the world: Paris!
I arrived today and will be staying for deux weeks.

I unpacked my suitcase in my little, but clean apartment.
Met with the very friendly owner who left me two packs
of My New Favorite Cookies; Coeur aux Noisettes (hazelnut hearts).
Did a little grocery shopping at Marche U and walked around the neighborhood.

This picture I took on my last visit to Paris when the skies were much more blue
than they are now. It is the view from my apartment.

See you tomorrow again,

Fun With Furniture

2011-07-31T11:30:00.000+02:00

Happy sunday!

Love,

Images: Horchow

Look of the Week

2011-07-28T11:30:00.000+02:00

Net-A-Porter:
14-karat gold and feather earrings: Jeeyun Ha Designs
Brushed stretch-cotton jacket: Donna Karan
Leather-trimmed suede skirt: Tory Burch
Glitter-trimmed suede pumps: Jimmy Choo
Bella monogram canvas tote: Gucci
Printed silk scarf: Gucci

Wishing For White

2011-07-25T11:30:00.001+02:00

Horchow:
1. White "Pandora" Settee
2. Ann Gish - White Ruffled Shower Curtain
3. "Petunia" Entry Table
4. Floral Pillow Set
5. White "Abbi" Chandelier
6. White Pleated Bed Linens

Living The "Loire" Life

2011-07-22T11:30:00.000+02:00

Some random photographs from my Loire visit last year.
The first picture is Château de Vallagon, the hotel we stayed in.
A delicious meal at L'Orangerie Restaurant at Château de Chenonceau.
And - my favorite - pastries from Montrichard.

Au Revoir,

Words of Wisdom

2011-07-19T11:30:00.000+02:00

“I like a man who can be a real friend, has a good sense of humor,
a good pair of shoes and a healthy gold card.”

- Victoria Beckham
Image: Giuseppe Zanotti - Net-A-Porter

Plaza Athenee - Part Deux

2011-07-16T11:30:00.001+02:00

The Plaza Athenée recently refurnished some of its rooms,
giving them a more colorful and girlie look.

I love the pink accents.

Perfect for when you book the Sex and the City package!

Parisian Greetings,

Images: Plaza Athenée

Plaza Athenee - Part Une

2011-07-13T11:30:00.001+02:00

The Plaza Athenée in Paris is my favorite hotel in the world.
It has been my starting point in terms of my decorating style.

As many of you French-loving readers know, this is where Carrie Bradshaw
stayed with Aleksandr Petrovsky in the final two episodes of Sex and the City.

Chic Greetings,

Images: Plaza Athenée

Look of the Week

2011-07-10T11:30:00.000+02:00

Net-A-Porter:
Stretch-wool and chiffon dress: Antonio Berardi
Boston diamante-print duffel bag: Gucci
Suede peep-toe pumps: Bottega Veneta
Monogram-print silk scarf: Gucci
Diamanté heart stud earrings: Vivienne Westwood
African mask charm bracelet: Yves Saint Laurent

Château de Chambord

2011-07-07T11:30:00.000+02:00

Château de Chambord is located at Chambord,
in the département of Loir-et-Cher in France.

It is one of the most recognizable châteaux
in the world because of its very distinct
French Renaissance architecture.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Au Revoir,

Traveling In Style

2011-07-04T11:30:00.001+02:00

I'm packing my Jimmy Choo suitcase and my Bottega Veneta travel bag.

My Anya Hindmarch cosmetics case is stocked, and I'm bringing my Burberry umbrella - just in case.

My Prada sunglasses are balancing on the tip of my nose, while my Babajaan sun hat gives me shade.

If I'm feeling less confident, I can switch my Melissa Odabash bikini for a Just Cavalli one-piece swim suit ... which is just as skimpy.

I'm bringing Miss Trish Splash flip flops and K Jacques St Tropez sandals in every color.

On the beach I will be needing a Vix coverup and an Antik Batik tote.

Can't wait for vacation!

Summer Greetings,

Images: Net-A-Porter

A Touch of Gold, A Touch of Luxe, A Touch of Glamour

2011-07-01T11:30:00.001+02:00

Oui, oui!

Bisous,

Images: Horchow

Secret Garden

2011-06-28T11:52:00.013+02:00

Horchow:
1. Garden Table & Bench
2. "French" Urn Planter & Pedestal
3. "Mushroom" Outdoor Sculptures
4. "Garden Party" Dinnerware
5. Outdoor Lantern
6. Three-Tier "Castle" Fountain

Look of the Week

2011-06-21T20:27:00.011+02:00

Net-A-Porter:
Cotton-twill trench cape: Diane von Furstenberg
Lace-up suede thigh-high boots: Emilio Pucci
Zebra-print cashmere scarf: Jimmy Choo
Gold-plated tiger's eye snake ring: Roberto Cavalli
14-karat gold-vermeil feather earrings: Jeeyun Ha Designs

Château de Cheverny

2011-06-19T11:30:00.001+02:00

Château de Cheverny is located at Cheverny,
in the département of Loir-et-Cher in France.

Château Cheverny remains a top tourist attraction,
renowned for magnificent interiors and its collection of
furniture, tapestries, and objets d'art.

Au Revoir,

Ballerinas Galore

2011-06-16T11:30:00.001+02:00

Manolo Blahnik

Chloé, Miu Miu

both Tory Burch

Repetto, Valentino

Pretty Ballerinas

both Prada

Which is your favorite?
I love it when ballerinas have a bow or a
floral-embellishment on the tip of the shoe.
Just as fashionable as a high heel!

Greetings,

Images: Neiman Marcus, Net-A-Porter, Pretty Ballerinas

Feminine Antiques

2011-06-13T18:26:00.012+02:00

Au Revoir,

Images: Horchow

Lilly Pulitzer Home

2011-06-09T11:30:00.000+02:00

Most of you might be familiar with Lilly Pulitzer's bright and colorful clothes.
The "Queen of Prep" has recently launched a home collection.
Ladies who lunch, rejoice!

Horchow:
1. "Sara" Sofa
2. Classic White Dining Furniture
3. "Boulevard" Armchair
4. "Paramount" Daybed
5. "Carrie" Loveseat
6. "Mizner" Bench

Look of the Week

2011-06-07T14:00:00.017+02:00

Net-A-Porter:
Knitted silk-blend dress: Milly
Woven leather and raffia tote: Marni
Newton 45 cutout suede pumps: Christian Louboutin
Embellished beaded drop earrings: Oscar de la Renta
Pearl gloria necklace: Dicha
Lizard-trim sunglasses: Linda Farrow Luxe

Château de Chenonceau

2011-06-05T15:24:00.008+02:00

Just over a year ago I went on a mini-break
visiting châteaus in the Loire Valley.

Château de Chenonceau is located at Chenonceaux,
in the département of Indre-et-Loire in France.

From all of the châteaux I visited in the Loire Valley,
this one was my favorite. The gardens were breathtakingly beautiful,
the castle felt homely, and the food at the restaurant was fantastic.

Au Revoir,

More Gorgeousness From Zara Home

2011-06-03T11:24:00.016+02:00

*swoon*

I'm absolutely in love with Zara Home stores.
Their furniture-accessories read modern elegance with a classic touch.

Bisous,