Paris Tips: 9 Favorite Shopping Nooks
Three babies and a Queen holding court in Châtelet Photos by Theadora Brack
Elle Magazine scored at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market
By Theadora Brack
I’m always on the prowl for shopping nooks in Paris. For the love of precious time, I hate making the trek for just one boutique. I’m no diva, but I do like to shop-hop without a lot of hassle.
Here’s the scoop: In Paris, there are shopping zones where you can buy anything, as well as scattered districts where clusters of stores carry similar items. For your browsing pleasure, I’ve updated my Paris shopping guide. So grab a handy-dandy ballpoint pen! Got questions? Ask away! (more…)
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Paris Tips: Embracing Dance at the Cimetière de Montmartre
“As the Petals” by Lazell, 1916 (Inspired by Loïe Fuller and Isadora Duncan) Photos by Theadora Brack
Dalida bust by sculptor and pinup artist Alain Aslan (1997)
By Theadora Brack
Celebrating the upcoming rhythmic gymnastics at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, here is a dance-related walking tour in Paris, with just a dash of gossip for fun. Cendrillon, grab your slippers, veils, and tutus because this week we’re headed to a fête with a twist in the Cimetière de Montmartre. Follow my lead!
1. Dalida (18th Division)
On May 3, 1987, Yolanda Gigliotti, better known as pop idol Dalida (the female Elvis of France), took a handful of pills, put on her sunglasses and “left our world for another,” as the official fan website puts it. Try listening to her catchy “Itsy Bitsy Petit Bikini” song without dancing, singing along, and then hitting repeat. I’ve tried but no can do. (more…)
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Paris: Moulin Rouge Riddle Solved (Tin Man Brings Home the Gold!)
The Finishing Touch: Dark Brilliance by Lentheric (Photo by Theadora Brack)
Betty Compson will tumble for you! (T.Brack’s photo archives)
By Theadora Brack
We came. We saw. We conquered with some smashing teamwork! Yes, with fishnets, ruby slippers, thinking caps, and bubbly, along with Olympic-worthy speed and skill, we solved last week’s Moulin Rouge Riddle!
The cinematic nut was cracked wide open, see. Thanks to Tin Man’s heart, wit, and swift responses, Team Bling brought home the gold. In three minutes flat, our Quiz Master answered two of the three questions correctly. Hip, Hip Hooray. Tin Man, Michael Phelps got nothing on you, sir.
Now, let’s roll out the answers
1. Who was the Assistant Director? Alfred Hitchcock
2. What was the name of the film? “Woman to Woman”
3. And who was the red-haired editor? Alma Reville
Meet the Dream Team (Bravo!)
Tales and Travels of the Tinman
Bel’ Occhio’s Blog
Another Thousand Words
Lanier Scents Memory
Help Me Rhonda
Thom Bradley
This Sydney Life (Resident Cheerleader!) (more…)
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Paris Tips: Moulin Rouge Riddle (Part 1)
Come and meet those dancing feet at Moulin Rouge Photos by Theadora Brack
Meet Betty! (T. Brack’s Photo Archives)
By Theadora Brack
Ring-a-ding-ding! I’ve decided to kick-off the week with a cinematic riddle. We’re in need of a detective, see. So grab your pumps, fishnets and thinking caps!
First, here are 29 clues:
1. The film takes place in Paris.
2. The lead actor’s name was Betty. She was a looker. But she wasn’t Mayor Walker’s paramour! See, that was another “Betty” with a similar rising star and last name.
3. “Jolly, effervescent, and firmly practical,” was this jazz baby’s reputation. (more…)
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Paris Tips: 2 Favorite Affordable Hotels with Ritzy Appeal
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on holiday, 1953 (T. Brack’s photo archives)
Raymond Quisfix at the Ritz Paris, 1969 (T. Brack’s photo archives)
By Theadora Brack
Tripping to Paris? Here are two affordable hotels in the city, both dripping with swanky appeal.
I’ll also pay homage to the Hôtel Ritz Paris. On July 31, 2012, the centuries-old beauty will temporarily close for a makeover. Heck, we’ve all been there!
But first things first, here are a few tips! In Paris, most of the rooms are small. So just do like the locals do and don’t plan to hole up in your hotel—spend more time at a café instead! But if there’s a real problem with the room, start off with a “bonjour,” and a little tenderness. Now let’s get a room, shall we? (more…)
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Paris Tips: My Bucket List Recommendations
O Captain! my Captain! Pont Alexandre III Photos by Theadora Brack
Magical Shakespeare & Co.
Text and photos by Theadora Brack
Rumor has it you’re planning a trip to Paris! So bless your soul and grab my hand. I have a few recommendations for a dreamy Parisian bucket list, big or tall. Here is where I find my inspiration!
1. Book it!
While slipping down the cobblestones, why not pick up a Paris-related book or novella? Check out Shakespeare & Co. at 37 rue Bûcherie (Metro: Saint-Michel). Located in a former 16th-century monastery near Notre Dame, it is the most enchanting bookshop in the city. Plus, the cozy 5ème CRU wine bar is located just around the corner at 7 rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
Try their signature charcuterie and fromage platter! (more…)
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Paris Tips: The Eiffel Tower’s Beauty Secrets
At the end of the day in a dream that’s divine (My Prayer, The Platters, 1956) Photos by Theadora Brack
Emmanuel “Manny” Herring at the tower, 1956 (T. Brack’s photo archives)
By Theadora Brack
Today I’ve decided to share a few of the Eiffel Tower’s beauty secrets. How does the century-old glamazon manage to keep her good looks? Maybe it’s Maybelline or perhaps it’s the 2.5 million rivets holding together the 20,000 square meters of intricate iron latticework. Never a mess, don’t hate her because she is still beautiful.
Doll back the clock: Oblong and ruler-straight from shoulder to hip, the Eiffel Tower was built in 1887 by visionary architect Gustave Eiffel (the Couturier in Iron!) to serve as a showstopper at the Exposition Universelle. On inauguration day, Monsieur Eiffel signed an adoring female visitor’s fan with the inscription: “The French flag is the only one with a 300-meter pole.” Mais oui. (more…)
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Paris Tips: Daytripping to Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon at Versailles
Treading the boards in shoes by Roger Vivier Photos by Theadora Brack
M.A. on a side plate
By Theadora Brack
Whenever I need to get far away from the hustle and bustle of Paris, I trek it to Le Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. Nestled behind Château du Versailles is a palace called “Le Petit Trianon,” along with a dreamy little hamlet created for the Queen. It’s the perfect spot for some tranquility, introspection, and splendor in the grass.
Bewitching with its seductive cave, mystic temples, a tiny village (surrounded by farm animals and vegetable plots) and placid lake (complete with island and lighthouse), it’s no surprise that the countryside in miniature was Marie Antoinette’s favorite retreat from the very public and frenetic life she led back up at the main Château. (more…)
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Provence Bound: A Weekend Getaway in the South of France!
Vintage blue, white and red, Porte de Vanves Flea Photos by Theadora Brack
Wallis Warfield Simpson
By Theadora Brack
It’s high time to take a holiday, some time to celebrate! So pack your bags, books, baubles, and lip balm because this week we’re trekking to the south of France. See, there’s no time like the summertime for some brocante shopping, fossil hunting, and Pastis sipping!
But first gather around, all history bugs. I’ve got another royal tale up my sleeve!
Pop quiz! Where was Wallis Warfield Simpson on the day of Edward’s abdication back in 1936?
Well, here’s the scoop: While Edward bid farewell on the radio airwaves, “Wally” and her stylish BFF motored to Grasse, inland from Nice, and toured the Molinard and the Bruno Court perfume factories, according to the newspapers of the day. “Mrs. Simpson Calm; Takes An Auto Ride,” was the zippy headline. (more…)
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Paris Tips: Summertime Window-Shopping at Printemps
Sale on at Printemps! Photos by Theadora Brack
Four Seasons by French sculptor Henri Chapu
By Theadora Brack
It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that Bling! So let’s hoof it to Printemps Haussmann in Paris for a little label-gazing!
But first, let’s look to Oscar Wilde for a little inspiration. After all, our favorite writer and clotheshorse was also the editor of The Woman’s World magazine way back in the original New Romantic 1880s.
Wearing a puffy shirt and breeches (he dismissed trousers as “boring tubes”), along with a smoking jacket and one green carnation, he quipped, “It is only the shallow people who do not judge by appearances.” Touché, Monsieur Wilde! (more…)
Paris: People, Places and Bling 