The French Plait Hath No Secrets

French Plait

Hermes, Paris

Alexander Wang

Rachel McAdams at the premiere of Sherlock Holmes

What I call a super-long side braid is apparently called a french plait. I am obsessed, hello Spring 2010! This alluring hairstyle could be spotted all over New York's runways, particularly the long catwalks of Alexander Wang and Miu Miu. Check out this video with 5 easy how-to steps to create your braid &/or plait, but don't forget to always make it your own. Try adding a scarf or ribbon like the bohemian-inspired braid from Hermes above. Lastly, if your hair just isn't quite long enough yet, I suggest you start taking some B-vitamins and amino acids. See your plait on the street!

Have Your Film and Eat It Too

a polaroid

a digital

a poladroid

To begin, let me say: Save the Polaroid!!!

Why take away the instant camera during the instant gratification generation? So you want to have the real deal, an authentic polaroid developing right before your eyes, each color emerging as the seconds pass until a moment caught in time displays itself before you? Holding the resulting polaroid is the best part, a thin outlined square in the palm of your hand or in-between your fingers, something real, palpable proof of being part of the process. A polaroider walks away with the development process, not just the result; it's an intimate fulfillment that a digital camera or images on a computer screen cannot give you, a secret among secrets shared between camera and artist.

Now, let's really get down:

So, you can't afford the soon to-be-extinct now $20-something film or you have searched and cannot spot a vintage instant polaroid camera that suits your fancy. Even though I know you are hoping as much as I am that the film will make a quick comeback in the near future, you're in luck for now; just check out the free, user-friendly, super hip poladriod. It's easy, simply download, then take your already uploaded digital photos and convert them into "polaroids" or "poladroids." To top off the goodness, the desktop icon is a polaroid camera which imitates the authentic polaroid sound every time you convert, even taking a few real-time minutes to develop your pola instantly right before your eyes. No one will ever know the difference (just check out the polaroid and poladroid above). Sure, it's not the real deal, but it's okay to fake it every once in a while, especially when times get rough. Go ahead, try it... you'll be addicted in no time!

Mint Condition

My winter 2010 hot drink of choice is from Caribou Coffee, a small Peppermint Coffee Misto, that is medium roast coffee with steamed milk and a couple pumps of peppermint syrup. This refreshing drink does not quite empty the wallet as much as a fancy latte or mocha. Not only are you not drinking Starbucks for a change, but you are enjoying the northern exposure atmosphere and ambiance created by the company. Inspired by an Alaskan adventure, this company has spread across the U.S.A., a feat that began in the 1990's. I always feel as if I am in the mountains as soon as I step foot inside the heavy wooden doors; I'm immediately warmed by the toasty stone hearth, soothed by the earth tone color palate, and enlivened by the robust aroma of roasted coffee. The rest is up to the roastmasters.

A little tip, you can always judge the ability of your barista by the thickness and foaminess of your drink's steamed milk; it's kind of like a good beer pour by a bartender.

Chick-fil-A or Chick-in-Fila

Tencel Pant, Fila

Us women, well, we don't make New Year's resolutions, we make purchases. However, if you are stuck in the New Year's resolution theme of the now, then I have the answer for you, comfy active wear from Fila. Not only can you lounge comfortably while reading your favorite blog in this super soft gear, but you can also hit the park or gym without the slightest wardrobe change. So put down the fast food, Chick-fil-A, and become a Chick-in-Fila instead. It's nearly as good, I promise! Chick-fil-A chicken strips (4 pack) or Chick-in-Fila strength and stride (6 pack)?

I highly recommend the black tencel pant, super chic worn any way you like, bordering on trendy while maintaining class (great for travel). Not into the tencel pant? Then check out the soft-to-the-touch, sueded micro poly jersey, cropped pant. They are like laying in bed all day, but in workout wear- see, you can get the best of both worlds in one pair of active-wear pants, cozy bed and much-needed gym.

Island Hopping Our Way Through Winter

Island Hopping, Essie

New Year's toasts and Friday nights' cheers deserve a taste of cool. My personal nail polish pick of the winter season 2009-2010 is Essie's Island Hopping. A pink mauve tone, Island Hopping works well with cool and warm skin tones. Not too pink or too purple, it's a creamy, mystical in-between shade, maintaining class and playfulness. Keep the frigid months of January and February warm and romantic with this thoughtful shade of whimsy.

Bedew Your Winter Blue

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

Johnson's Baby Oil with aloe vera & vitamin E

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner

Got the winter blues? Why not defrost your daily routine with these three bounce back products. The vitality of spring is found in winter. Love winter and treat yourself kindly by healing torn cuticles, ameliorating dry skin, and thawing brittle hair. Revival at its best in a bottle.

Don't just butter your holiday cinnamon bread, butter your body too. Resuscitate cracked and torn cuticles with Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme. Emitting a perfect lemon scent, rejuvenation begins with the opening of the tiny circular tin. Simply spread the butter around your finger and toe nails sometime before showering or before falling asleep at night. Supple skin and cuticles make for shiny nails and happy hands.

To add a boost of long-lasting moisture, simply go back to the basics. Apply Johnson's Baby Oil with aloe vera & vitamin E after bathing or showering, but before toweling off. Quick and easy, just squirt a handful and apply generously to damp skin; you're skin will thank you as well as your tights (which will glide on without one tug).

Lastly, for those wind-blown tangles, one of my all-time favorite hair products, Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-in Conditioner, a sweetly scented spray that stays with you all day. A couple of fine mistings and your hair is immediately spirited, elasticity and sparkle renewed. Innersense is an organic company and with each purchase a donation is made to aid environmental causes and other charities. Check out their philosophy. As an added bonus, there is no shipping and/or handling fee when you order from their website!

Happy Holidays!

Who says Disco isn't Christmas-y?! Wishing you peace and love. Don't forget to listen to my favorite Christmas song!

Everything French and Little

Just what is it about those French kids? Why not add a little "je ne sais quoi" to your American bebe?!

P'ti Chou.

Paris, France (2009).

A scene from the French film, Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain.

French Fashion for the wee ones.

Suivez Milk, a hip French fashion magazine for kids.

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Check out the two famous French children's books below. You can find them translated into English quite easily at your local bookstore.

Le Petit Nicolas

Le Petit Prince

Le Petit Prince's Interactive website.

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Extra fun French whimsies to check out:

P'ti chou tells a whimsical story, an adorable video.

Get on the bilingual bandwagon! Teach your children French!

Improve your French vocabulary.

Lanterns Aglow

"Thai Lanterns"

A Photo taken by Katie Shea S.

Illuminate your space with enlightening paper lanterns, not only will they add warmth to any dark space, but will add that cozy factor your room has been missing. Lanterns shed light on different cultures around the world, why not brighten your own home with these mottled, charming, little gems. Embracing these colorful beacons may just rekindle your romance, irradiate a chilly space, or lighten a reading nook. Only the most intriguing at night, remember to place them inconspicuously as to not look tacky during the day.

Get creative, such lanterns make great gifts, unique wedding decor, and great party lighting inside and out (covered area recommended). Don't let the dim winter blues get you down, shed some sunny light on your life in an attempt to remember the dog days. Revival at its best!

Ernesto Caivano, my love

Ernesto Caivano

Rope, Blooms, and a False Phallus, 2004
Ink on paper

Ernesto Caivano
Screens and Chroma Fractals 2008
Ink and graphite on paper
9 3/8" x 6 3/8"

Ernesto Caivano
Arbor Axis (Body of Leaves) 2006
Diptych, Ink and watercolor on paper
88 3/8" x 36 3/8

Ernesto Caivano

Arboreal Engines 2006

Ink and watercolor on paper

47" x 139"

Please check out contemporary artist Ernesto Caivano from Madrid, Spain. He received his MFA from Columbia University in 2001. Caivano's meticulously detailed ink, watercolor, and graphite drawings have an organic feel, the result of an underlying romantic narrative that underpins most of his work. The lines and composition are discreet yet bold. Each piece continues the love story of a long-separated knight and princess who are trying to reach other. Their only form of communication is through ornately feathered birds called philapores who carry undecipherable messages. Caivano slowly unfolds each piece as the two long-separated lovers search to find each other. His work can be seen in multiple galleries across the U.S. One of my personal favorites is Arboreal Engines 2006, shown above.

Sources:

Richard Heller Gallery Santa Monica, CA

Guild & Greyshkul

White Cube

Pocket Full of Rosies

My Marrakesh

Moroccan Rose Eau de Toilette at The Body Shop

Smith's Rosebud Salve at Sephora

Rosewater

The Rosebuds

The fragrance of a rose tends to intensify as the end of the day comes to a close and the sultry night approaches. No wonder the scent has been said to swoon. There is nothing more feminine than this fairy tail floral scent. Romanticize your life with one of these lustful pink products-perfume that takes you to the rose gardens of Morocco, salve to scent and pucker your pout, and finally the multitasking rose petal rosewater which can be used as a room spray, linen spray, body spray, or even as an added zing to your favorite body lotion or kitchen recipe. The rosewater can be found at any local health food store. Lastly, as if seeing, smelling and tasting aren't enough, to titillate all your senses, listen to the rosebuds, a charming indie rock band straight out of Raleigh, NC. Be sure to check out there website as well. Let these rose-themed items lift your spirits and provoke your playful side. Awwwe amour.

Stay in Bed

Anthropologie
Urban Outfitters

Winter is on its way and Sunday morning sleep-ins just wont work without a vintage quilt to snooze under. Snuggle down into the colorful patchwork and warm batting for a couple more hours of sleep, it's painless. Don't forget to check out Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie for not only your walk-in closet, but for your entire home. You can also find a unique quilt of your own at many of your local antique shops or even in your grandma's trunk.