Happy Halloween!

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon carving pumpkins with Sophie. Lucky for me, she had already done all the hard work: picked up the pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, bought the carving tools and Halloween candy, and even set up shop in the kitchen (thanks Sophie!) All I had to do was show up for the fun.

I can't even remember the last time I actually sat down and carved a pumpkin, let alone dedicated a couple of hours to arts and crafts, so it was nice to just sit down and revisit an old childhood tradition. I had almost forgotten how incredible pumpkins smell when you first cut into them and how satisfying it can be to scoop out handfuls of their slimy flesh.

Anyway, here's what I came up with. Aside from the interesting situation that is the witch's feet, I would say that my pumpkin turned out pretty good!

The great pumpkin!

Trick or treat!

After dinner, the Halloween festivities continued when Lily and I met up to go to the Corn Maize on Sauvie's Island. Every time I've gone in the past, the place has been packed with large groups all anxiously awaiting entry into the maze in a line that stretches out into the parking lot. But this time, being a Sunday night and all, the place was pretty empty. I half expected the lack of a crowd to bum me out, but it actually made the whole experience all the more eerie. Lily and I spent a good forty-five minutes trudging through the dark, muddy maze alone, looking up at the charcoal-mauve sky with its translucent floating clouds, and breathing in the cold, farm air smelling of rain and muck. Ahhh, pure bliss.

The only two, blurry pictures that exist from the night

I hope you're all enjoying these last few hours of Halloween (and of October too!) The countdown to Paris continues... Only 16 more days!!!

Happy Halloween and à bientôt!

Thursday Night at June

Home, home, home again. Coming back to Portland for the weekend is always such a treat, and this weekend was no different. The second I stepped off my plane, I just felt... better. I even enjoyed the 20 minutes I spent waiting outside the terminal for my ride; taking in the fresh air and watching people greet their friends and family, coming and going.

By the time we got home, the sun was setting and our little street was glowing with the colors of Fall.

My street at sunset

That night, I met up with Whitney and Erin for some dinner at June over on East Burnside. As always, it was so great to see them and dinner was full of the usual hysterics, exciting news, crazy conversation, and mild harassment of our waiter. It all began with Whitney, as it usually does. She arrived about fifteen minutes early and discovered a great French wine at the bar while she waited for Erin and I. Of course, it being French and tasty and all, I had to try a glass at dinner. Sounds simple enough right? "I'll have a glass of whatever it is she ordered." No joke, it took our waiter about five tries to get it right; bringing out bottle after bottle of wine, each of which Whitney and I tasted and compared to her own glass. Suddenly we were wine connoisseurs. Who knew?

The food was pretty good. A small menu with a lot of meat dishes (not really my thing) but I decided on a pork sausage that Whitney claimed tasted like "Christmas in your mouth." Then, about midway through our meal, we became distracted when we noticed an odd group of diners admiring a wooden table from afar. The very second the people sitting at 'said table' paid their bill and got up to leave, the aforementioned 'odd group of diners' flocked to 'said table' like geese. These people then gathered around the table, petting, discussing, and staring at it for a good ten minutes... I kid you not. They even pulled aside one of the poor waiters to grill him about it; asking him how much it cost, what kind of wood it was made from, who had crafted it, etc. Literally, a live episode of Portlandia right there.

We stayed until we were the only ones left in the restaurant and convinced one of the waiters to snap some pictures of us outside before we left. You just can't end a night like that without some visual souvenirs. Overall, the atmosphere and the service were great and we had an absolute blast. Granted, we would have had a blast just about anywhere, but June proved to be a charming little place for food, beverage, laughter, and free entertainment all in one.

Whitney, Me, and Erin at June - I'm wearing Fiorentini + Baker boots, Helmut Lang leather leggings, and an Étoile Isabel Marant mohair sweater

Snapped this fuzzy little photo on the way home. I just love that old Portland, Oregon sign when it lights up at night.

Burnside bridge at night

Lots more from this weekend to share with you later. But now, I'm off to enjoy my lazy Sunday - as should you.

Happy Hallow's Eve and à bientôt!

Je Voudrais...

The DANNIJO Annabelle Necklace


DANNIJO Annabelle Necklace

I'm not usually one to go for many jewels on my accessories, but this necklace is just perfection. Balancing an array of gorgeous crystals with an edgy oxidized chain, the DANNIJO sisters have created a piece that is as unique as it is versatile. As seen on the Man Repeller, I'm just dying to get my hands on this thing and never take it off!

If you're a fan of DANNIJO like I am, you'll be glad to know that their holiday collection is now available for purchase online. Check it out here.

Happy Thursday and à bientôt!

OooOOoOoO it's Halloween Weekend!

Hey! It's almost Halloween! How on earth did that happen? Does anyone else feel like October just flew by? Well, I'm not complaining... the end of October truly marks the beginning of my absolute favorite time of year. The leaves are blanketing the streets in magnificent colors of burnt orange and deep yellow, the air feels a little more crisp with every passing day, and there seems to be an ever-present scent of evergreen in the air... that is, if you're in Portland of course.

Luckily, I'm headed back home this weekend to partake in some serious Halloween festivities: sip on some warm apple cider, visit the Sauvie's Island pumpkin patch, brave the haunted corn maze at night, and host a scary movie marathon for some close friends. Ever since I became "too old to dress up and trick or treat," (?!?) this has been my favorite way to spend Halloween. There's just nothing better than the feeling of the holidays, and Halloween is no different. I love seeing how creative neighbors get in decorating their houses, hearing all my friends brainstorm their costume ideas, and feeling that giddy childhood sensation of excitement in the air. If you're still not convinced, well then, you can't beat a day that's devoted entirely to free candy: just try and say no to that argument, my friend.

Needless to say, I'm quite the Halloween person. So, you can imagine my disappointment when I spent the holiday in Paris last year. No one tells you on the study abroad brochure that Parisians don't celebrate Halloween! There are no "13 days of Halloween" on the television, no abundance of candy in the markets, and definitely no Parisians sporting costumes in and out of the métro. The horror!

Okay, so I'm being a little dramatic. Paris is awesome, there is really no need to complain. But I was feeling a little homesick for my favorite holiday, so ma copine Lily and I decided to get creative. And creative we were! After a little research and planning, we came up with an entire 'Halloween in Paris' agenda: a spooky visit to the famous Catacombs, an eerie, albeit beautiful, stroll through the Père Lachaise cemetery at sunset, a scary movie marathon (think Casper, Sleepy Hollow, and Dracula), finished off with a scrumptious Sunday brunch at home.

Adorable Lily on the métro. See, no costumes!

Claustrophobic walkways at the Catacombs

Real human skulls and bones creatively stacked (seriously, who's job was that??) along the walkways at the Catacombs

Mysterious and consistent drops of water falling from the short ceilings of the Catacombs... hmmm

"Where is she, the dead? Always future or past. She is hardly present and then she is already no more."

Graves at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Lily laughing in the face of fear at the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Beautiful sunset over the Père Lachaise Cemetery

Sunday Brunch: jus d'orange, bananes, fraises, oeufs brouillés, pain aux raisins, et pain au chocolat!

While it may not have been as "festive" as Halloween at home, Lily and I sure had a great weekend in Paris last year. It just goes to show that when you are willing to get a little creative, you can make new traditions in new places with new friends. Now, exactly one year later, Lily and I will be meeting in Portland to indulge in all of the traditions we so fondly reminisced over while we were abroad :)

So, how will you be spending Halloween this year? What are some of your favorite traditions? Whatever you may have planned, I hope you are all looking forward to a fun weekend (wherever you may be)!

Joyeux Halloween and à bientôt!

Can't Miss It: The Neiman Marcus Sale

Many of you may already know, but there is an amazing sale opportunity going on at Neiman Marcus right now. I just had to share it here! Purchase 1 item, save 20% off your purchase, purchase 2, save 25%, or purchase 3 items for the chance to save 30% off your entire order. Save now on this season's pieces from great designers like Vince, Theory, Theysken's Theory, Tibi, Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, Equipment, Graham & Spencer, Joie, Opening Ceremony, and many more!

Talk about an opportune time to save big on those expensive leather pieces!! Sale ends tonight, so hurry on over to Neiman Marcus.

Happy shopping and à bientôt!

Stylish Parisians: Carine Roitfeld

While she may have stepped down from her power position as editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld isn't going anywhere. Since her resignation last January, she has completed an ad campaign and book for Chanel, guest-edited the October issue of V magazine, begun work on her own magazine due out next September, and, oh yes, even found time to release Irreverent, a book of more than 360 pages chock-full of images chronicling her extraordinary work in the fashion world since the early 1990s.

There is no question; Carine Roitfeld is one busy parisienne. But at 56 years old, she is also one of the most stylish. My aunt recently suggested that I provide some tips for the older gals out there, and I think Mme. Roitfeld makes for a great first example. While she may be middle-aged, there is nothing old or outdated about her signature pencil skirt and blouse ensembles.

Photos via The Sartorialist, StreetPeeper, Fashionologie, and Zimbio

And so, a word of advice to fashionistas old and young: when you find a silhouette that works, stick with it. Play with materials, prints, colors, shoes and accessories, or mix in trendier pieces from the season, but know what looks best on you and don't be afraid to repeat it! After all, when you look your best, it's never boring.

À bientôt!

Lately

Last weekend in Eugene was such a great time. My friends and I spent our time mostly indoors watching movies, eating lots of food, and sitting around the hot tub. There's something so calming about being outside on a cold, gray day in or next to something warm... by a fire, in a blanket, or in this case, feet dipped in a hot tub. Watching the steam rise around all that beautiful greenery sure made for a great and relaxing weekend escape.

That's not to say we didn't have our big hoorah. Friday night was a consistent flow of rum among old friends and Saturday was the big Oregon vs. ASU game. Check out the view we had!

Of course, the game just wouldn't be complete without a hot dog, chips, and cold beer.

Sunday morning, the five of us booked it back to the bay to get ready for midterms week. Luckily, my plate wasn't too full this week though, because right before we left, I came down with a terrible cold... The past four days have pretty much looked like this...

Some new reading material: the latest issue of Vogue and Paula McLain's The Paris Wife (you just can't go wrong with Paris in the 20s!), and hourly cups of ginger peach tea with honey. Hey, in my family, there's nothing better than a sick tray.

I've also logged a pretty ridiculous amount of TV viewing hours. So far, I'm newly addicted to BBC's Luther (if you're at all a fan of CSI or Dexter, you've gotta check this one out), a few episodes in to season 1 of The Hour, and making my way down the list of annual must-see Halloween movies. Hate to say it... but sometimes it's kinda nice being sick, huh?

Hope you're all well and à bientôt!

All Things Leather

There's just something about leather... it feels great, it looks great, it even smells great. Not to mention, it's ALL over the runways for Spring/Summer 2012. And while leather is timeless, I say get a head start on next season's biggest trend and start sporting the leather now. Throw on a leather jacket and instantly feel cool, elevate any top with leather bottoms, or up the sex appeal with a full on leather dress. Here are some of my favorite picks for Fall...

JACKETS

Madewell Belted Leather Bomber / Zara Leather Jacket / Veda Max. Classic Leather Jacket

PANTS

Isabel Marant Poe Leather Skinny Pants / Zara Leather Trousers / Current/Elliott Leather Leggings

SKIRTS/SHORTS/DRESSES

Shakuhachi Pleated Vegan Leather Dress / Zara Leather Miniskirt / Veda Serge Leather Shift Dress

Urban Code Leather Hotpants / Parker Leather Skirt / Veda Bowie Leather Miniskirt

Possibly leather's only drawback is that it can be pretty expensive. I've mixed in a few less expensive pieces in the jacket and skirts category from Madewell and Zara, but for the leather pants, there are a few other alternatives. J Brand makes a great waxed black legging that looks just like the Current/Elliott's but for about half the price. They also make a treated jean very similar to the clay colored Isabel Marant leggings. Bargain! And lastly, if you're drooling over Veda's leather shift dress, check out this style by Urban Code at ASOS. Hey! It's even on sale!

I'm in Eugene this weekend with some friends for the big Duck game vs. ASU! We've all been so busy with other things, it will be nice to catch up and have some fun together. I hope you are all having a great weekend wherever you are!

Happy leather shopping and à bientôt!

Street Style: Paris Fashion Week

Taylor Tomasi-Hill looking fabulous as usual with her red locks, killer shades, and unique take on the utility jacket

A standout print balanced by some serious double arm party action

Hanne Gaby Odiele owning the Jardin des Tuileries in one of my favorite must-haves this Fall, leather pants!

Crazy mismatched prints, purple eye shadow, and a refreshment topped off with a wink: perfection.

All photos via STREETFSN

Man, I wish I were in Paris right now... The countdown continues: 5 weeks left!

Happy Wednesday and à bientôt!

It's Here! Nowhere

Today marks the much anticipated release of Elin Kling's new line, Nowhere. A collaboration with designer Nhu Duong, Nowhere features several fabulous and affordable pieces with that coveted Swedish edge. I've been a devoted reader of Elin's blog, Style by Kling, for some time now, and have always admired her for her incredible sense of style. She has this perfect ability to keep her looks simple, yet undeniably chic and edgy. Mixing classic staples with unexpected twists (cue the cutout booties with some stellar hardware on the pointed-toe) Kling and Duong have hit the jackpot.

Designer Nhu Duong and Elin Kling - Photo via Style by Kling

Photo via Style by Kling

Photo via Columbine Smille

Carolina Engman rocking Nowhere from head to toe - Photo via Fashion Squad

Chunky, heavy, throw-on knits, badass hardware on my clutches and heels, cutouts and hi-low details on my skirts and dresses? Yes, please! Thankfully, international shipping will be available soon because I just can't wait to get my hands on some of these pieces!

View the collection and read about Nowhere here, or check out the online store at Nelly.com

À bientôt!

Weekend at Home

My spontaneous weekend trip home was just what I needed...

An early morning jog in the crisp, Fall air

A little French ambiance at La Petite Provence

A delicious and extra foamy latte

Beautiful, green, and rainy Portland (blouse: BA&SH, watch: Michael Kors)

A fabulous dinner out with my mom and Chrisanne at Irving St. Kitchen

Finished off with my famous Sunday morning Banana Pancakes

Friday, I even got my mom to step in to the downtown Nordstrom's (quite possibly their most pitiful branch in the entire country). To our surprise, they've started carrying some new lines: Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, and Balenciaga handbags, a solid selection of Jil Sander for the sophisticated crowd, and even some of my favorite French line, Carven. Big steps for a Portland department store!

Now it's back to California and back to the grind. But not for long... next weekend I'm headed to Oregon again! This time, with some friends for the Duck game in Eugene - so excited!

Have a beautiful Sunday and à bientôt!

For Lovers Only

In the past year or so, I've turned in to a total movie buff; always asking friends and family for recommendations, regularly going to the theater, and watching a lot of the old classics. I think it has always been something that I would inevitably inherit from my mother over time... There's nothing she loves more than spending an afternoon watching old black and white movies; a pass time that I, as a young girl, used to enjoy with her. Yet, sadly, black and white film has become such a thing of the past; embodying a completely different time in American cinema.

Then, about a week ago, a friend of mine shared with me a trailer she stumbled upon for a film called "For Lovers Only." Released in 2010, I was delighted to discover that not only does the movie take place in various locations around France, but it is also shot entirely in black and white. Of course, I had to see it.

There is just something so simultaneously magical and mysterious about this film that I think can be attributed to the use of black and white. The places and the characters become almost other-worldly, like distant visions from an old photograph that you desperately try to hold on to. The result is "a study and meditation on two lovers. A picture that practices restraint and embraces limitation—that allows the viewer to hold no judgement on the lovers behavior, but to accept these two and their passion for one another as something beautiful and rare."

Just to give you a little taste, here are some of my favorite stills from the movie.

Honestly, I'm not usually a big fan of the romance genre, but every frame, every word, every sound, and every moment of this film is absolutely stunning. Even the clothing, accessories, and make-up are executed masterfully. I'm dying to find a pair of sunglasses like the chic ones she wears in the first photo, and I can't wait to play around with some dark, dramatic eyeliner and bold lashes like she wears throughout the entire movie. A beautiful film filled with sartorial inspiration, I strongly urge you to check out this movie as it is truly a work of art.

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

À bientôt!

French Films: Les Petits Mouchoirs

Since its release in 2010, my Aunt has been talking about a French film called "Les Petits Mouchoirs." Close friends had recommended it to her, but due to the closing of so many movie-rental stores (including one of our favorites, Trilogy) it seemed impossible to find. While the constant evolution of technology can be exciting, it's times like these that make me miss the good old days when the whole family had to pile in the car and drive down to Hollywood Video to pick out the weekends rentals. Services like OnDemand and Netflix may be convenient, but they don't always have the films that you want, especially in the foreign category. So, what do we do when one technology fails us? Well, move on to the next one of course! Finally, I took to the Internet and, within a matter of minutes, found "Les Petits Mouchoirs." With such anticipation behind this film, my expectations were high. And rightly so, for it was incroyable.

The film takes place in the South of France where a group of seven friends go every year for their summer holidays. There, the friends enjoy each others company in the sun; spending their days on the water, swimming, eating, laughing, and drinking rosé. But what seems like an enjoyable vacation quickly takes a dramatic turn when a tragic accident back home in Paris forces all of the friends to face their looming problems, changing their lives forever. Written and directed by the swoon-worthy actor, Guillaume Canet, and backed by an all-star cast including Marion Cotillard and François Cluzet, "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is a lovely and honest story that is as hilarious at it is heart-wrenching. All in all, the perfect film for a rainy autumn day.

Director Guillaume Canet hard at work

It may be sub-titled, but I promise, it's worth it! At the very least, you can indulge in some French eye candy and study their curious capacity for cheating. As for me, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... Enjoy!

Note: the direct translation of "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is 'the little handkerchiefs', but you can find the film under its given English title, "Little White Lies."

À bientôt!