Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe - a brand most commonly known for its sophisticated fashion - is also a producer of an exclusively distributed cosmetic line under the same name. 

If you asked me, I think these products are a perfect complement to the elegant and playful world created by the beautiful Sophie Albou - the designer behind this ultra-successful brand. 

What may sound as a British brand name, is actually a tribute to her two sons - Paul & Joe. Each and every shop is a perfection in itself - pure elegance combined with tasteful kitsch. The same applies to the beauty line - see for yourself:

www.paulandjoe.com

Mr Boddington

I think I just found the most beautiful, divine, lovely, fabulous stationary of all times!

Mr Boddington's studio (I think New York based) offers an array of social, wedding, baby and holiday stationary and it is PERFECTION. The patterns, the colors, the themes are amazing. 

Check this out and you will fall in love. For sure. 

www.mrboddington.com

City girls

How cute are these city t-shirts by Schumacher?

These oversized pieces come with sketches of Paris, Berlin, New York, Venice, London and Moscow and are a perfect companion for a comfy/glam trip to one of our favorite cities!

www.dorothee-schumacher.com
one of the loveliest designer homepages I have ever seen!

Pretty Ballerina

How about these endlessly darling pretty ballerinas from www.prettyballerinas.com ?!

Truffaut and Hitchcock

If you are into Hitchcock's cinema, just as I am - my all-time favorites include Rear Window and Birds - then you will most certainly love the Definitive Study of Alfred Hitchcock by a french fellow filmmaker, actor and critic Francois Truffaut. Truffaut has conducted a series of extensive interviews with the genius of suspence, the result of which is a masterpiece of journalistic work providing truly interesting insights into Hitchcock's art, interests and personality.

I would love to have witnessed some of the dialogues - I can only imagine how enthralling they must have been!

www.amazon.com

Quote of the day

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast."

Ernest Hemingway

Sound of Paris

Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain is another favorite of mine. Okay, okay, I won't elaborate on how this is an absolute must-see /-watch/-adore movie for any lady. I won't elucidate how this film lead to the discovery of one of the most adorable, enchanting french actresses - the personification of french femininity, fragility and elegance - Audrey Tautou.

Let me just mention, that my firm belief is that one of the most significant success factors of this movie is most certainly its musical accompaniment.

When I studied French in Nice, I remember waking up to my "host brother's" piano performances of Comptine d'un autre été (Track Number 4) across the wall - which rendered any morning marvellous. Till now, I think these are some of my most memorable experiences of the french culture - the reason I fell head over heels for it.

The impeccable Yann Tiersen - a composer from Bretagne - has accomplished a soundtrack so very divine; at times dominant, at times subtle yet always carrying the mood of each and every scene in the most enriching manner.

It's a mixture of folk music, chanson, musette and pop and is the perfect setting to contemplate Paris. If Paris had its own sound, this is what I would hear.

www.amazon.com