Paris, je t'aime

Miracle: Squeezing a month’s worth of clothes and necessities into two small, brown vintage suitcases for my trip to Paris. My packing lists (carefully divided on various pieces of paper and recycled envelope flaps) had been spread throughout the week prior to my departure. Despite my carefully calculated schedule which included my annual health exam, family game night, an out of town trip for my friend’s birthday and a very necessary pedicure I found myself making a last minute trip to the laundry mat and scrounging the mall for gold earrings to match my outfit four hours before my flight was to take off.

Eight hours later and my perfectly planned outfit was but a flash of leopard print as I raced to make my connecting flight. As I scrambled from domestic to international departures, I contemplated my choice of wearing four inch pumps on a thirteen hour flight. One would not exactly classify my choice of footwear as “practical”, but I figured my shoes would accent my calves, snug in their pleather leggings and lift my butt just enough to catch the attention of my love who awaited me in Paris. Somehow I managed to maneuver the steel grates of the moving walkway whilst pulling my carry-on baggage behind me without casualty, arriving on time at my gate.

Six hours later, and three in-flight movies had me fidgeting in my seat like an anxious child wondering, “Are we there yet?” The runway at Charles De Gaulle was seemingly endless, but customs was quick and easy. As I passed through the sliding door that separates baggage claims and eager attendees waiting for their arrivals- there he was-my tall, handsome, dark Andreas.

Jet lag allowed me the pleasure of sleeping in late and viewing Paris at night. As Andreas drove me around the city, I realized that Parisians are crazy drivers and parking is a skill one acquires when living in a crowded city where cars seem to outnumber people; I was amazed at Andreas’ ability to maneuver into the tiniest spaces between a trail of cars that line both sides of the street bumper to bumper.

Andreas driving me around

I was easily swayed by the notion that Paris is the city of love. What is there not to love about some of Paris’ most impressive districts? However, there are parts of Paris that are run down- dilapidated buildings standing as eye sores in comparison to their impressive architectural counterparts-beautiful concrete buildings with their gigantic wooden doors filled with the bustle of beautiful people as they stroll along brilliant cobblestone paths.

Can you see the love?

Despite the contrast between the various districts of Paris, I am easily convinced of Paris’ beauty. I’ve only been in Paris one week, but here are my recommendations based on places I have visited.

• Start the day off by taking a quick trip up to Montmartre where you can view the city.

• Stop for lunch in the Opera district and choose amongst the many lovely cafes.

• Spend the early morning getting lost in the Louvre where you can spend hours meandering around the maze like museum that is filled with century old paintings and impressive sculptures. This is where you’ll find the Mona Lisa. She is quite impressive in real life and it is true that she sees you wherever you stand.

I see the love...

• When you’ve had enough culture at the Louvre stop in at Champs-Élysées for what every girl loves best-shopping. Wander the street and muse the shops. Stop in at Ladurée and sample some decadent macaroons. The busy shop boasts an assortment of unique flavors. If you have time to kill, catch a Hollywood film at one of the theatres and sample their “sweet” or “salty” popcorn.

• Make your way to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and view the Pantheon Paris. Get lost in a side street where you’ll find a hub of restaurants specializing in everything from Southern French to Japanese cuisine. Remember the French dine no earlier than 8pm.

• After you’ve had your fill of French cuisine make your way to Trocadero where you’ll have a fantastic view of the Eiffel tower against the night. Don’t forget to steal a kiss from your lover when fives minutes on the hour, the tower is brilliantly lit with sparkling lights.

Paris is filled with so many magnificent buildings. Don’t be afraid to get lost in its beauty and take many pictures along the way-I know I did.

]]> http://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/2011/10/21/travel-to-paris/feed/ 0 http://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/2011/04/14/paris-fashion-week-fw-2011-a-review/ http://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/2011/04/14/paris-fashion-week-fw-2011-a-review/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:27:33 +0000 Safra http://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/?p=11378 Read the Rest...]]> It was a sad week in Paris. Carine Roitfeld, no longer known as Vogue Paris editrix, was sitting solo (as of March she was replaced by the magazine’s fashion director Emmanuelle Alt). Then, John Galliano, the iconic couturier who headed Christian Dior for 14 years, was dismissed from the house for making unnecessary and disturbing anti-semantic comments – a video surfaced in the media. And the dive was getting deeper still. Christophe Decarnin, Balmain’s creative director was in the hospital for depression and announced that he would not be returning to label. But as they say ‘the show must go on,’ right?

Despite the debacles, Paris Fashion Week was stronger than ever. While a lot of the trends were repeated rather than created, the detail, the look, the ambiance was a testament showing the world why Paris is the godmother of fashion.

The amazing

Alexander McQueen

 Since Alexander McQueen’s tragic death, his loyal assistant Sarah Burton accepted the post as Creative Director. She may have been reluctant at first, but the king taught her well. There have been rumors – which she’s dismissed – of designing Ms. Middleton’s wedding gown. Her eye for dramatic romance is there but maybe too over-the-top for such a simple Queen-to-be. Nevertheless, there’s a promising career in the horizon for Burton.

Givenchy

Givenchy is ‘amazing’ comes from a (very) bias standpoint. Regardless, Riccardo Givenchy just doesn’t fail to provoke an awe-inspiring collection each and every time. The tailored looks were – as per usual – intriguingly dark. Even when embellished with beautiful floral prints.  But it’s that signature – the dark side of fashion – that pulls you in like a dream, and you never want to wake up.

Haider Ackermann

Karl Lagerfeld said he wanted this man to take over Chanel when he retires. He’s a lover of leather and sharp, edgy designs. So what’s so special about him? Well, it’s his consistency. Ackermann plays on his strengths, and of course, we all love a bit of drama in our fashion. Ackermann embodies both, and then some.

The great

Balmain

Melanie Ward stepped in as Balmain creative director in Christophe Decarnin’s absence. But she stayed true to Decarnin’s eye. The collection glimmered with embroidered sequins and glamour, but there was a bit of crotchet beading reminiscent of Navajo textile. Whether or not Balmain will have a hit year is hard to determine. But the collection was a work of art.

Carven

Carven was great because it was simple. Creative director, Guillaume Henry played on a universal trend that will add to his relevance – fur sleeves. Be it goat, fox or anything else, it was a brilliant idea. And the overall concept of the collection– too detailed to be minimal, but too simple to be maximal – can only mean there’s something for every taste.

Issey Miyake

“In a week where good-byes have been very much on fashion’s mind [Issey Miyake] was one that you wished more people had taken the opportunity to experience.”  As it turns out, this collection, designed under Dai Fujiwara, was his last. So, kit was only right to give his audience a one-on-one on the art of fashion. With every model that wore one  ‘paper’ design, it was broken down in five ways. And in true Miyake style, the collection flourished with rompe-l’œil concepts that few designers could ever pull off.

The Good

Balenciaga

Over the years Nicolas Ghesquière, helped to catapult the house of Balenciaga into a new stratosphere. It was a must in Vogue’s pages and everyone wanted to wear the line, despite the unattainable price tags. That hasn’t changed, but this season was rather safe. The tweets did sparkle, but aside fro m the minimal detailing – swatches of leather, peaks of colour – it didn’t steer too far from sports motif territory.

Chanel

Mr. Lagerfeld did something unpredictable this season – he dressed women in men’s clothing. Not literally, but a bulk of the collection was a stylish man’s attire. Which rings true to madame Coco’s initial concept when starting Chanel – freeing women from restrictions. The collection was – very – relaxed, much younger than previous seasons. But this can only lead to curiosity – where will he go next?

Lanvin

When Alber Elbaz, creative director for Lanvin, said yes to designing a limited-edition of ‘affordable’ pieces with H&M, his trajectory to fashion mega-stardom was inevitable. However, in contrast to the ‘happy’ pieces from his fast-fashion collaboration, his actual collection was rather dark this season. Maybe he grew tired of all the whimsical meanderings – for the time being. But the mood was perfect timing with the current climate. Luckily, he let us know – with a few pieces – that even if he was gone for a while, don’t worry, he’s coming back.

There are 6 days left for you to upload your ideal passport-style picture onto our site. Starting April 18, all contestants will share their picture on Facebook and Twitter and get their friends voting. The picture with the most votes wins!

So if you haven’t done so already and feel the need to take a stroll by the Eiffel tower, then upload your best passport picture, get votes and start packing. BHD will be there too!

See you in Paris!

 * A special thank you to Guess? Inc, Contiki & Universal Music Canada for their support.

Photography: Di Mora

This Saturday BHD we will be at Guess Yorkdale Mall for Passport To Paris – in store event. Come by and say hi, take a pic in our BHD photobooth and of course check out some fashions and special promotions at Guess. You can come by between 12-5pm.

This event is to support the amazing promotion we have going on with our partners  GUESS INC., Contiki & Universal Music Canada.

The Broken Heel Diaries & GUESS want to send you and a guest on an 8 day Contiki Holiday to London and Paris to see Rihanna live.*

The winner gets to experience  4 days in London and 4 days in Paris, and let’s not forget a Rihanna concert in Paris. Now that’s HUGE ! There is also a $500 Guess Gift Card and Rihanna’s discography for the grand prize winner.

Enter by uploading your best passport, you have until April 17th. Voting begins on the 18th.

For more information on the contest and to read the rules and regulations – please go tohttp://www.thebrokenheeldiaries.com/passporttoparis

*Please note you must be 18 & older to enter

Spring/Summer 2011 showcased some of the best in Haute Couture. And though we drooled over them all, here are the ones we loved the most:

Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld doesn’t need excess, and he proved that at the house of Chanel. The looks were romantic and reserved, with reference to the 1920s when Madame Coco Chanel was at the helm. You may not take to this refined collection when compared to the more contemporary ready-to-wear line. But your grandmother, and the generations before her would certainly be proud.

Dior

The house of Dior, thanks to John Galliano, is always theatrical. The beauty of this show lies not only in the clothes, but in everything from the make-up (which is almost always over-the-top), to the emotions that the models and Galliano convey. This season, Galliano drew reference from the `50s with synched waists and ballroom gowns, while also making use of pastel hues. Overall, the pieces were sexy, yet somewhat conservative.

Armani Privé

Giorigio Armani made history with his masculine tailored women’s wear, but he’s also a master of ultra-feminine clothing. This collection calls upon the days of art deco with its elaborate embellishments yet minimal construction. This woman, compared to the typical haute couture muse, is strong and knows how to work her body. As well as what clothes work for her. And Armani, regardless of decade, will forever be known as the man who liberates women, as exemplified here.

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier once said to not take fashion so seriously. He’s focused on having fun with fashion and the women he dresses, rather than bogging them down with intensity. Gaultier is a worldly man; he takes his inspiration from the street and it shows in this collection. It’s a mix of many things: the middle-east, the `90s, and even a little bit of punk. This collection was in a league of its own, a highlight in the couture shows.

Valentino

Now that Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are the hands of Valentino, consider its old world romance dead. In its place is a fresh modern love. Chirui and Piccioli had a very specific goal when they took over the line: to make haute couture appeal to a younger generation. And by the art direction of this collection, they’re getting quite close to their goal.

Who were your favourites?

Links: www.chanel.com,

www.dior.com,

www.giorgioarmani.com,

www.jeanpaulgaultier.com,

www.valentino.com,