Note to readers:
This is a fashion post. If you are averse to girlie talk about clothes/shoes/handbags/accessories, or if the sheer thought of shopping makes you cringe, you may want to skip this story and return next week. A bon entendeur... (You have been warned...)
"What a beautiful fall morning," I thought today, as I looked through my office window. Then I cracked it open to smell the air and closed it quickly. Brrrrr... Chilly... Fall is here to stay, it seems. Note to self: Re-organize closet and put away t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. The new season calls for a cozier wardrobe. Then I made a mistake. I checked my email. The first message was from a favorite French retailer, Le Comptoir des Cotonniers. I always pay a visit to their boutiques when I visit France and leave with a small item, a t-shirt, a blouse, or an accessory. Today, they had important news to share. Come and meet Mademoiselle Plume, la nouvelle doudoune! A reversible new "puffer" named "Feather;" that fits in its own little bag when not in use; a limited edition by a Japanese designer? Count me in!
"French Girl, meet Mademoiselle Plume. Mademoiselle Plume, meet French Girl!"
Mademoiselle Plume is a big deal and gets
her own website and advertising campaign!
Boden's Rainy Day Mac
in Pewter Falling Petal
Born's Arletta shoes
It is often said that the United States is the land of opportunity; the birthplace of the great American Dream... Yeah, yeah, yeah. I say the United States is the land of extended shopping hours and most generous return policies. Amazon.com. Zappos.com: Dear friends, my life would not be the same without you! Wait. Did someone say: "Accessories?" -- I did? Oh, ok. I can just picture this fun Kate Spade bangle with that new fall wardrobe...Kate Spade "Strike your Fancy" Bangle
Last June, while in France, I found an amazing scarf I had to bring back with me. Heyraud has always been a favorite brand name chez moi. The umbrella caught my eye (it is pictured below,) but it would not fit in my suitcase. I settled for the matching large square scarf made of thick, rich silk instead. Très joli... et très parisien!Kate Spade's Grove Court Cora in black
Cath Kidston day bag in sage green
It also comes as an overnight bag...
Ohhhhh... The matching wallet in Berry...
The computer mouse is beckoning. It would be so easy to click, click, click... but virtual shopping is almost as much fun. Besides, do I really need all these treasures? Des trouvailles (real finds,) certainly... but... After all, j'habite à la campagne (I live in the countryside.)As I type this, neighbors are rushing to local merchants - and websites - to order the Northwest's favorite gear: Fleece-based clothing. Waterproof. Windproof. Moss proof (one hopes.) In a few days, I will see fancy - or less fancy - illustrations of that same trend, as I walk or drive around, and illustrious Seattle labels: Columbia. The North Face. REI. Patagonia. One feels stylish and fit (sort of...) wearing these while walking the dog or visiting the grocery store...
Kristen Stewart, aka "Bella," dressed for the Northwest weather
in the Twilight movie series
Patagonia "Better Sweater" jacket
The ubiquitous fleece Denali jacket, by the North Face
It's ok. I own some of the fleece-based thingies too, but I prefer them a bit more ... fun.
Title Nine's Hepburn Jacket
(It needs a cute pin or a scarf to brighten it up)
Sundance's Helena jacket
Let's be honest. I can't wait to strut my stuff around town in la new Mademoiselle Plume doudoune! If I don't come to Paris, Paris will come to me...Happy fall shopping. A bientôt.Parting words..."A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." "Elegance is refusal." -- Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.