Tag Archives: America

Life

La-La-Lockdown

March 30, 2020 Francine 1 Comment

Here we sit in 2020 with great hope and anticipation for an amazing year ahead. Thankful to say Good riddance to 2019. And yet oddly enough, here we are on the eve of isolation and lockdown. We haven’t experienced anything like this before and it seems this new change is not only quickly approaching but is here. Right here. Right now. Never having to minimize our lifestyle, nor certainly not remaining with our 4 walls for an extended period of time. As we, as a society, simply never shut down. Business and work ethic is seemingly inherent in our veins. Our DNA. Like it or not, that has been the legacy of America. So now what? What is one expected to do when the world has come to a screeching halt?! Stay at home you say?

How does life go on….now that we’re on lockdown? Americans have always been known to be big consumers and with that comes supply, demand and plenty of options. Options for days. For anything and everything. From products to dating- we have come to expect options in every aspect of our life. Shop in the grocery stores now with little to no options, certainly is a lesson within itself. And dare I discuss the issue of toilet paper? I digress….
This may not be a big deal in say, France, where if you’re in the market for a bar of soap, you may have a few options. That’s it, C’est Tous. It is what it is. And to be honest, do you really need 543 different types of soap? Now, let’s be clear, I’m by no means saying I’m not a girl who loves her options…I certainly do. However, it’s times like these that we realize the excessive ways in which we live. The times like these when our shelves of supplies are cleared out and there simply are no options whatsoever. (Once again excessive- only in this case, hoarding for hoarding sake.) We need to find balance in all this recently disrupted and ever-adjusted way of life. And hopefully find also a replenished stock of toilet paper and hand sanitizer!

How can we learn and LIVE from our global neighbors who have already been on lockdown? Well, for starters, The Italians have ALWAYS known how to live. And this time is certainly no exception. In fact, it only further demonstrates how much they embrace the joy of living each and every moment. Singing on the streets together while locked in their homes to avoid the spread of the virus. Instead spreading notes and words of cheer in moments of despair. Inspiring themselves, one another, and in the process the entire globe. This time of coming together as humanity is long overdue. Although this moment brings with it heartbreaking tragedy and daily news to reflect this, I believe this is also offers us an incredible opportunity to grow stronger together in a more connected, conscious and loving way. Maybe share a roll of TP with a stranger? My hope and belief is that we will see great gestures of love and humanity rise to the occasion. A girl can dream. And I encourage everyone of you to do the same. It takes a world to heal the world. With wishes for good health and good cheer, friends.

Fashion

All STOCKED up!

September 9, 2015 Francine 3 Comments

I’ve worked in the “World of Retail” for most of my career- starting in my teens, working on the floor of Ann Taylor outlet and moving up the chain for many years, to becoming Director of Marketing and Business Development for one of the most profitable shopping centers in the United States. So, I’ve seen it all for decades…and understand costs, value and the like, for domestic and global brands alike. Therefore, I KNOW how to shop…and since I do it so frequently, it’s imperative I know how to score a good deal. Especially now, as I’m living in Paris for a few months and need to maximize my Dollar…or Euro, as it were.

When I arrived in Paris during the summer months, many of the retailers were closing out their summer collection and there were deals to be found. However, I knew there were even better finds to be had, pending I did my research. I quickly learned about Stock stores, which are what we call Outlets in the States. Outlet stores, which offer highly discounted items from previous seasons and/or remaining items from collections, are a great way to get your hands on some of your favorite brands, at a fraction of the price.

Besides, we’re not talking about your average brand outlets, we’re talking Sandro, Maje and Zadig & Voltaire! Phenomenal brands….and hey, I AM IN PARIS! Zadig & Voltaire & Sandro are located in the Marais. Luckily, I just so happen to live down the street from the Maje stock stores. So, now when it comes to the weekend and I NEED something to wear, I just pop down to this fabulous boutique for a gorgeous, and might I add, less expensive attire for the evening!

I am thrilled to have these incredible boutiques so easily within my grasp and even more happy to find spectacular bargains, as well. After all, these brands are more expensive in the US, so to get a markdown on these highly stylish and ever fabulous clothes-I am one happy girl. And also need to share this shopping tip- that while in Paris, do as the locals do….and shop STOCK.

Anyone needing a “little something” from Paris, just let me know, as I’d be honored to “be on the job” in seeking out fantastic finds, while living in the Fashion Capital of the world! As a matter of fact, I’m headed over to have a visit with Zadig & Voltaire and Sandro today in the picturesque arrondissement of Le Marais.

Side Note for your STOCK Shopping excursion: While in the Marais, be sure to grab a falafel- known to be some of the best in the city! Who knew that Falafel & Fashion go so well together, hand in hand? Bon Appetite & Bonne Chance with the bargains, mes Amies.

Maje Stock, 9 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006

Zadig & Voltaire, 22 rue du Bourg Tibourg, Paris‎

Fashion, Travel

What a difference a day makes…

August 27, 2015 Francine 1 Comment

Like most places, when you’re a “stranger” in a new city (as they call foreigners here in Paris), there’s always adjustments to be made. The continual joke for living here in Paris is that perhaps I’m too smiley for this town and that I somehow need to perfect my “resting bitch face!” Well, today it seems I have mastered my RBF being out in the chilly rain.

From the simple things in life of getting around, buying groceries, even just ordering an espresso can be tough. It can be challenging when you’re here, doing your best to be the person you are at home- yet a bit more subdued, a bit more quiet, a bit more Parisian, if you will. I’m fine on that front, though it can be tough navigating your way through the world in a place that’s entirely new and different from the world you know at home. Especially in the rain!

It’s not just the language barrier- there’s more than I’m sure I can even describe at this moment. For instance, today it has been raining non-stop. So, does that mean you stay indoors? Or do you venture out in the pouring rain for a new adventure? Well, that’s exactly what I did. I went out in the rain to make the best of my day. Yet again, poorly equipped for the conditions as I have sandals, ballet flats and other open toed shoes thinking It’s summer still here, after all? WRONG. I need boots. So, yet again, clearly the shopping gods are supporting my habit by “allowing” me to do what I’m best at, each and every day.

As one day it’s sweltering, the next day it’s freezing…and then today, it’s pouring down rain. So, here I sit with soaking wet feet, another pair of shoes ruined. (currently we’re at pair #3) that have suffered the loss due to these unpredictable conditions and weather.

They say that tomorrow it will be hot once again….though, for now, it’s soggy feet, a turned upside umbrella and a new pair of shoes. Looking forward to seeing you again hopefully soon, Sunshine!! So, for now, I will simply have to listen to Sous le Soleil, since I can’t be under the soleil today!