Tag Archives: Louis Vuitton

Culture, Fashion

Custom “Made in Italy”

As an American who has worked in the world of retail and fashion for most of my career, it was top on my list to explore, discover and purchase all the incredible “couture” I could find during my 3 months living abroad. My first week alone, I can recall walking…or rather, sprinting on a serious mission to find my new fashion mecca for something unique and oh so french.  Sadly, I was rather disappointed to find most of the boutiques were of the brands I’m already well versed in.  Not that I was disappointed to find the original Goyard, or strolling along streets that housed Dior, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and the like.  Though I was hoping to find my very own treasure trove.

After weeks in Paris doing my own “research” and coming up empty handed.  Ok, that’s not entirely true, as I was still scoring some incredible fashion-obviously.  I was not finding the Made In France finds I had hoped for.

So, before heading to the U.S., I went to Italy now completely determined to find something custom and rare throughout my tour-de-Italia!  Off to Florence, I went.  I mean, this is after all, the home to some of the top world renown brands that put Italian fashion on the map!  Although I did manage to find a few boutiques that offered Made In Italy labels, it wasn’t what I had dreamed up on my hunt. In addition to the fashion houses that call Florence home, you can also find the Gucci Museum as well as the Salvatore Ferragamo museum, which I personally LOVED.  It housed years of collections from the most glorious, gorgeous shoes a girl could dream of!  Needless to say, I was able to get my dose of fashion while in Florence, even if I didn’t find a new collection of “collectables” along the way.  Thankfully, however, I made up for my minimal shopping by consuming as much glorious pasta and vino I could get my hands on.  So much for shopping, time for a new Italian indulgence!

We travel to experience something new.  To experience new culture.  To enjoy a new viewpoint in life.  To FIND ITALIAN CLOTHING.  Luckily, I experienced new culture, appreciated the historic beauty and essence of Italy, though I came up empty handed in regards to discovering some new Haute Couture.  For me, it’s about exploring and discovering not only the local flavor and certainly the fashion.  Guess that means I’ll just simply have to be back again soon to Do it Again!  Ciao for now Couture…

Fashion, Travel

Luxury on the Cote D’Azur

The French Riviera…known to play host to the elite of the elite!!   And Monico certainly is one of the top destinations to experience the luxury of the Cote D’Azur!

After arriving by train from Nice I wonder if the immaculate streets to discover once again, what this lovely town had to offer.  And to no surprise I was delighted to see that Monica was all that I remember and much more!!

You see my first trip was when I was back in University while studying abroad in England, backpacking around Europe.  Needless to say, my experience back then was a bit more simplistic, though just as memorable.  This time, however, I was out to seek out all the luxury I could take in.

From the top of the hill, you wind your way through a shopping center to find modern structures the house the finest in global brands- Saint Laurent, Celine, Chanel, Dior, Bottega Vaneta, Fred and Louis Vuitton all en route to the world famous, and simply sensational Grand Casino!

Even once you arrive at this picture us casino there is even more in store,  with literally even more stores, need I say Valentino?!  And if you’re ready to don your new wares at the always ambient Buddha bar after celebrating your winnings at the casino, you’re in luck as it’s just steps away!  Just be sure you’re on your winning streak, to ensure happy shopping afterwards.

Luck be a Lady, in the lap of luxury, and on the stunning blue coast of the Cote D’Azur.  Bonne chance my fellow fashionistas and gamblers alike!

 

Fashion

La Rive Gauche et Le Bon Marche, S’il vous plait!

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I’ve always heard about life on la Rive Gauche…and I am thankful now to be living it, myself.   As I now reside, just a mere two blocks away from the spectacular and historic, Le Bon Marche, which is simply divine and dangerous all at the same time!  As this grand magasin, has been open and offering incredible wears since 1852 and now in 2015, it’s my turn to experience the luxury and beauty that is offered here.

From it’s stunning collections,  unique art installments and historic look-and-feel that has been carefully crafted and maintained, this place is truly divine.

The architecture inside is impeccable and yet still offers clean lines that make it feel quite open and easy to navigate within.  The center escalators frame the interior space and offer a pristine and lovely focal point, as you find your way strolling through some of the best fashion and global brands alike.

Now, onto the shoe department!  (As if this goes without saying!?)  It is almost as if these delicately gorgeous shoes are on display within a dome shaped, bird cage.  Absolutely stunning and makes me want to sit on my pirch all day, trying on each and every pair!  Tweet, tweet.

Lastly, and certainly worth the mention, is their upcoming Brooklyn Rive Gauche animation and inspiration, featured throughout the shopping experience.  You can find “Made in Brooklyn” items by various artists and designers, starting September 3rd-officially.  Luckily, on my walk about this morning, I caught a glimpse at what’s in store.  Though it’s not just in the themes, or items sold within that are note-worthy, it’s an entire experience!   From the moment you enter, you will notice the BROOKLYN inspiration throughout.  Colorful lounge chairs set up in a museum-like black room, featuring gigantic LED screens, showing visually pleasing images and videos of Brooklyn, as part of this exhibit are not to be missed!  Especially for me, being an east coaster by birth, nothing is more exciting than to see your original favorite city being featured, in your new favorite city, of Pareeee!  Through this installation and thematic inspiration, they have truly done a spectacular job creating an experience for their shoppers.

As they say…Art is Fashion.  And as far as I’m concerned, Le Bon Marche epitomizes these two cultural essentials- bringing together the best of both.  So with much appreciation and adoration, this little Rive Gauche Dweller says:  Merci Beaucoup!!!!!

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.  -Coco Chanel

Life

Treasure Trove…and Luxe alike…

Aside

Marche aux puces,  Saint-Ouen on a Sunday afternoon.

Designer finds and uniqueness extraordinaire.  Guaranteed to be a feast for your eyes, with offerings ranging from very pricey and tres jolie chandeliers to vintage Chanel pieces that are in pristine condition.  And might I add, way better than bringing home yet an eiffel tower keychain!

Although most items are simply to be adored, as although I’d love to bring home a historic chaise lounge or gigantic chandelier, I’m not sure that will fit within my suitcase.  However, Paris is known for it’s open air and antique markets that are not to be missed.

If you enjoy museums, unique art and creative displays, this is certainly where you can get your fix.  Especially when most stores are closed on Sunday….and even more so in August when most Parisians pack up for a more coastal locale.  So head out of the city, to indulge your senses….do some antiquing…and fill your soul, just be careful not to empty your wallet while doing so!

The best things in life are free, the second best are very expensive.  – Coco Chanel