Paris Diary Part 2

Today we awoke at two....With half the day gone we decided to do some shopping in the Marais and visit the Musee Carnavalet. Our first stop was the Guerlain store, a store made famous for housing some of the worlds finest quality perfumes accompanied with breathtaking window displays. Guerlain is said to be one of the worlds oldest esteemed perfumeries  founded in Paris all the way back in 1828. After burning two rather large holes in our pockets our lipsticks in hand we traveled just down the road to visit the Musee Carnavalet. Anyone interested in attempting to understand Paris's complex history should pay a visit to the Museum Carnavalet. Housed within the walls of two very large Renaissance era mansions the Musee Carnavelet spans over one hundred rooms.   The museum has a permanent collection that traces the history across many eras and Paris. And best of all the entrance is free of charge, a definite perk after an afternoon of shopping in Paris!

New arrivals....

Anagram cotton dress under Italian Blayde trench coat

Marc Marmel Mini Herman leather bag

Guidi Italian leather heels

Necklace and earrings by Thalia

Bracelet by Renee Sheppard

Paris Diary - February 28

Arriving in Paris is a whirlwind of excitement, culture, and jet lag. You never know which ones going to hit u first. Unfortunately for me it was the jet lag. We arrived in Paris at noon with the best intentions of exploring the city and staying awake until night. Arriving in the heart of the Marais, one of paris's oldest and most charming quarters. Built in the 12th century the Marais is one of the only neighborhoods that still possesses the narrow streets, cobble stone roads, and architecture reminiscent of the Medieval and Renaissance era in Paris. The name Marais actually means "swamp" which it was renamed after falling into ruin during the 1789 revolution. Since it's revival it stands apart as one of paris's most historic and happening neighborhoods bustling with artisans, wonderful boutiques, shops, galleries, lavish squares, restaurants, and an array of night life.

Our first day in Paris consisted of exploring the Marais visiting our old friends from the neighborhood cheese shop "Les Formages de Raphaele" and another small local deli "Little ItLy Trattoria" famous for it's meats and wonderfully pre packaged sorbet parfaits.

For dinner we went by no other than our favorite little Thai cuisine "Au Peti Thai" and drank champagne excessively with the owner himself Patrick Courtinat. After several glasses of champagne he escorted us just down the street to his new little Spanish restaurant "La Carta el 4arto" where we ordered a camarones with spanish ham and "thon" a raw tuna as an appetizer. The restaurants brilliant combinations of food and an ambiance of candle light and rose petals tells a story beyond words, one which displays his knowledge of culture and Patrick's worldly appreciation.

This Weekend in the Bay Area

1. New, amazing arrivals at Blanc Boutique you don't want to miss before they're gone - so come into the Blanc this weekend!

2.  Mozart at the SF Symphony (click here)

3. View all films nominated for the Academy Awards Short Film Category (click here)

4. Watch the Academy Awards ceremony (click here)

In Store: MARC LE BIHAN

MARC LE BIHAN, French designer Marc Le Bihan is known for his romantic draping and deconstructed, menswear inspired looks. Marc Le Bihan was trained in the ancient art of tapestry weaving at Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins. He worked as a tapestry weaver until the 1990s, and on the side experimented with forging old garments such as dinner suits and uniforms into his new apparel. In the early 1990's Marc Le Bihan returned to school to be trained in clothing design and construction at both the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. In 1994 he started his own label incorporating his passion for texture and lived-in fabrics into his spectacular designs.

Must See Films: THE ARTIST

It's the late 1920s in Hollywood and handsome George Valentin is a silent movie idol. During the premiere of his latest film, Valentin meets Peppy Miller, a star-struck extra and aspiring actress. The two are attracted to each other and Peppy is given a small dancing role in his next picture. As their romance progresses, Valentin's producer has to cope with a love-struck star who is distracted on the set, Peppy's career begins to take off, and Valentin fears that a new fad in the movie business--talkies--will ruin him. Check local listings....