Italian Bellinis and French Macarons: Sampling “The World” in Chicago

Bellini

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Happy Birthday to me! And how did this Bistro Chic celebrate her extra special day? Not only was I spending two luxurious days in an awesome Millennium Park hotel, but I was also off sampling the world in downtown Chicago.

Take a peek at my itinerary:

  1. Spain – Strolled among Picasso’s (Monet’s, Dali’s!) at the Art Institute
  2. Italy – Dined on small plates at Quartino’s Italian restaurant
  3. Italy – Enjoyed fancy drinks, including Bellini’s, at a swanky Chicago bar
  4. Hawaii – Shopped for Maui Jim sunglasses – check out my new shades!
  5. France - Topped off my post-birthday morning with a few French pastries, like these lovely macarons and madelines, oui oui!

Macarons from raddisson blu hotel

French Madelines 

And the best part of all? I get to do it all again next year!

Ciao!

Beyond Fashion Week: A Guide to Parisian Style

from Trey Ratcliff at www.stuckincustoms.com

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Paris Fashion Week may be over, but that doesn’t mean your love of Parisian style has to end. To help you get by until next year’s fashion week, check out the recently released book Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic, where co-authors Isabella Thomas and Frédérique Veysset describe the key elements of Paris style:

Practical and Realistic – Paris style doesn’t focus on short-lived trends, but rather timeless classics like a camel color trench coat or black pencil pants paired with ballet flats and a cardigan.

Expresses Your True Self – Paris style doesn’t hide who you are like a costume, but rather embraces your inner you – hmm….or maybe your inner French girl?

Leverages an Accessory – Whether it’s a gorgeous scarf inherited from your favorite aunt, a killer pair of black sunglasses, or an authentic Louis Vuitton bag you purchased after months of saving – one perfect accessory is worth a thousand words.

Keeps it Au Naturale – Perfect hair, perfect nails, perfect makeup…..looking too “done” is never a good thing.

Everything in Moderation – A Parisian has no need (or space) for a walk-in closet full of clothes. Her style may include a handful of signature pieces – such as a velvet jacket or black chiffon dress –  from her favorite brands, complemented with several fashion staples, ie. neutral t-shirts and cam is, and a great pair of jeans.

Ciao!

Channel Your Inner French Girl

French girl with umbrella

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Spring is two months away…which means January is the perfect time to dream of Paris in the Springtime! To give your fantasy a boost, check out the latest issue of Matchbookmag.com which features a full spread on how to channel (or dare we say chanel?) your inner French girl.

Suggestions include:

  • Brushing up on a few French phrases – Je t’aime
  • Getting lost in a classic French movie, ie. Amelie
  • Dressing like a French woman a la beret and a striped boatneck shirt
  • Dine like a French girl – Champagne and macarons anyone?
  • Decorate like a French girl – a little lace here, a little toile there
  • Inspire yourself by reading a French-themed book – French Women Don’t Get Fat is sure to be a favorite

Pair these suggestions with a quick wit, a clever smile, and occasional longing glance ….and voilà – Bonjour Inner French Girl!

Anti-Aging Secrets of French Women

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French women are known to age gracefully; some may say they never seem to age at all. But how do they manage to remain beautiful and ageless despite the stressors of life, not to mention Father Time? Books and magazines have chronicled this mystery of the never-aging French woman, but her secret is more attainable than you think.

A recent article simplifies a French woman’s anti-aging ability, noting that she follows a few key principles:

A French woman…

  • Pampers herself – From long showers to hot bubble baths – from head to toe, she doesn’t miss one luxurious spot.
  • Remains confident – Whether or not she is really seen as beautiful by others, she truly believes that she is strong, unique, and beautiful.
  • Has style – Instead of fad fashions that come and go with the seasons, she invests in timeless pieces that are always in style.
  • Embraces her age – A French woman may seem to prolong the aging process (as seen by her outward appearance), but she also welcomes the beauty and wisdom that age brings.
  • Walks – Forgoing the gym and home equipment, a French woman exercises in the most natural way possible – she simply walks nearly everywhere she goes.
  • Watches her weight – Although she is not known to “diet”, a French woman does control her portion sizes, rarely snacking and never eating to excess.
  • Experiences a life of love  - From family, to friends, to significant others, she surrounds herself with people she loves and who love her in return.

Simply put….French women take care of themselves, starting at a young age, nurturing their bodies, spirit, and their self-esteem.

What is your anti-aging secret?

 

Joie de Vivre in the New Year

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It’s time to ring in the New Year – and what better way to do so than with family, friends, and a bit of French joie de vivre! To get you started on the celebration, check out these French/Euro-themed New Year’s articles:

New Year’s Traditions from Around the World

New Year’s With a French Twist

Throw a Tres Chic New Year’s Brunch

Barcelona Hot Chocolate for the New Year

Bonne Année!

 

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