Best and Worst

We don't have too much to say about this because quite frankly, the picture does all the talking.  The juxtaposition of the gorgeous scenery of Versailles with this monstrosity is almost too much to bear.  From the hideously dyed curtains that definitely don't match the carpet to the white pleather hooker boots we wouldn't even be caught dead in on Halloween, this is a walking fashion don't if we ever saw one.

Now this is what we'd call a pair of well-dressed Parisian betches.  

Purple Rain

Honored this year at the Ethical Fashion Show was Dahea Sun, a Korean-born designer based in London, whose goal is to increase awareness of acid raid, pollution, and other environmental issues.  Sun created clothing that when exposed to rain, changes color based on the acidity through the use of water-soluble pigments. The garments are literally pH indicators.  On top of her fantastic mission, the clothes are gorgeous.

Check out her website for more information.

The textures Sun creates with the silk are unreal.

The effect of various acid levels on the color of fabric.

Shoe Envy

Our obsession with these shoes began at the Ethical Fashion Show where Tanya Heath was honored for her innovative and technological designs- shoes with interchangeable heels.  We got the chance to catch up with the designer for a bit about the history behind her shoes, and even received a demonstration on how to easily switch out the heels with the press of a button. From clear, to gold metallic, to bright pink, the options are endless.

Ethical Fashion

Photocredit: Tori Simkovic

We couldn’t pass up an offer to attend our very first fashion show in Paris, especially when we found out it was in the Carrousel du Louvre.  To top it off, there was a good cause.  The Ethical Fashion Show brings together 100 designers from all over the world who feel passionate about creating cutting-edge designs that also respect the environment. 

Beach Getaway

This weekend, we escaped from the hustle and bustle of Paris to the more tranquil region of Normandy. Our last stop of the trip was Deauville, an ultra-chic beach town filled with designer boutiques-and where the Deauville American Film Festival is currently taking place. The beach was so incredible, so it’s no wonder it’s the prime getaway destination for Parisian elite.

The most adorable Louis Vuitton store we’ve ever seen.

We nearly cried when we heard friends on the trip spotted Salma Hayek.  Although we didn’t get so lucky, here’s a pic of the star from this weekend posing in front of her very own beach hut, named after the American stars who have had their careers honored at the festival.  

Fashion Night Out

Much to our disappointment, these were not cabs.

The bustling rue du Fauboug-Saint-Honoré.

Models posing in store windows created a nice live component.

Sampling the most amazing perfumes at Guerlain.  

 From the leather pants to the feather jacket, this fierce Parisian chic nailed it.

When Vogue's Fashion Night Out was created it's original purpose was to stimulate the economy. Jump four years to 2012 and the event seems to be more of a (cost free) drunken night filled with the who's who in fashion. Thursday, September 6th was the universal night to dress to impress, enjoy free champagne at various designer stores, and take over the streets of the many fashion capitals of the world.

Many ask "What is the purpose of this event?" And the answer is "Nothing." It is merely to show your face, attempt to spot some famous fashion celebrities (Anna Wintour apparently stops at all of her friends boutiques) and window shop. If FNO existed when Sex and the City was on air there would have been a fabulous episode, further proving my point that Gossip Girl is this generations SATC, but that's a whole other blog post.

Overall, it was an electrifying first experience at Paris FNO.  Here are our tips for mastering the event:

1. Get there early. They run out of champagne.

2. Dress to impress, and we mean it. Look as if you were going to meet the man of your dreams and interview for the positive editor of Vogue at the same time.

3. Have a plan. Map out which stores are a must and know where all the hot spots are.

4. Bring adventurous friends and be ready for a night of (beautiful and bizarre) people watching.

Faux Pas #1

While we aim to highlight the best of our fashion experiences in France, we couldn’t help but share a particularly cringe-worthy fashion moment.  While waiting to meet up avec un ami for some mid-afternoon coffee, we spotted a family that was obviously not blending in. Americans. Here were the telltale signs:

1) They were eating on a bench. In the middle of a bridge. To the french, meals are considered sacred rituals that might very well go on for four hours at a time. There is very little snacking between meals.  And definitely no snacking on the go.

2) They were wearing sneakers. Not the fashionable kind that are weaseling their way into magazines, but actual, bright white, matching tennis shoes that only tourists would be caught dead in.