Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Winter postcard from Paris

There is hardly a time of year when Paris isn't beautiful... on a clear winter's day a pastel sky reflects the soft colors of the buildings which line streets and boulevards, while restaurant and café lights cast a warm and inviting glow over the pavements.








This time we stayed at L'Hotel in the Rue des Beaux Arts in St Germain. I haven't been for a while, but the atmosphere is just as opulent, decadent and rock'n'roll as I remember it from my very first visits... almost thirty (!) years ago. Oscar Wilde famously lived and died here, and Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Dali, Elizabeth Taylor, David Bowie, Mick Jagger and Johnny Depp are among the many famous guests who have come to enjoy the bohemian charm of L'Hotel.

View from the staircase

Velvet and leopard prints reign at L'Hotel



The twenty (some very tiny) bedrooms are arranged around the circular central atrium







Walking down the nearby Rue Grenelle I came across a store called Cos, a brand which specializes in neutral basics in interesting and often oversized cuts. The quality seems great and the prices are very good. I found two fabulous tops at 59 EUR each. What's more, they have online shops in many European countries as well as in the United States: www.cosstores.com




I could not find the dark blue silk panelled shirt online, but my favorite, the camel V-neck top, is at the moment still available in Europe and the US:
France: http://www.cosstores.com/fr/Women/Tops/V-neck_top/46885-40641780.1#c-24479  


The sadness of leaving Paris is always sweetened by the fact that the train going home departs from the beautiful Gare de Lyon. It's wrought iron roof and old-fashioned station clocks are evocative of how romantic travel must have been at the beginning of the last century.



I always make sure to arrive early, so that there is enough time to raise a glass of champagne to Paris in the magnificently opulent and ornate Train Bleu station restaurant. It opened it's elegant mahogany doors in 1900 during the Great Exhibition, and its painted ceilings, gilt decoration, crisp tablecloths and shiny brass details make you feel as if you've been transported back into the Belle Époque.

 



Inspired by the many beautiful combinations in various blue and brown shades in the FSH windows, I paired my new camel top with a 'Cavelleria d'Etriers' shawl in bleu/violet/parme, worn in the basic bias fold.



Capsule wardrobe pieces: blue jeans and camel v-neck top
Accessories: Hermes 'Cavalleria d'Etriers' cashmere/silk shawl in a basic bias fold, Kelly Double Tour bracelet in ebene with GHW, camel Evelyne gloves and a Bolide 31 in Bleu de Prusse. 
Shoes: suede ankle boots





L'Hotel: 13 Rue des Beaux Arts, 75006 Paris, Tel: +33 1 44 41 99 00 www.l-hotel.com
Cos: 3 Rue de Grenelle, 75006 Paris, Tel: +33 1 40 48 28 50 www.cosstores.com
Le Train Bleu: 1er étage/1st floor, Gare de Lyon, Place Louis Armand, 75012 Paris,
Tel: +33 1 44 43 90 06 www.le-train-bleu.com

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49 comments:

  1. Dear MaiTai, I truly hope you never stop blogging. Your posts are always beautiful.
    Thank you. Linda C.

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Linda! Blogging is so much joy to me, and I can't imagine not doing it <3

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  2. You are So beautiful dear Mai Tai.
    Perfect in any circumstances.
    Amities

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    1. Nobody is perfect ;-) and I am certainly not, but thank you so much for the lovely compliment dear Monica!

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  3. I paid a visit to my local COS for the first time today -- and I must say I was super impressed. Very chic pieces (think Marni-like shapes) at very good prices. Quality seems good. It was hard to leave with just the stripy tee I came for. Many thanks for the heads-up on this one.

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    1. Yay dearest Marla! So very thrilled you had a great time at COS, and how lucky to have one locally! Stripy hugs xx

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  4. Dear MaiTai, the Train Bleu looks so evocative of another time, and so luxurious, which is echoed in the Cavalleria d'Etriers, especially in that blue colorway. You, of course, look beautiful. Thanks for the link to Cos. They have what we call "dickeys" and what they call "mock shirts!" I didn't know those were back "in." I like them because I find shirts under sweaters uncomfortable. Now I have a very reasonably priced source! Hope your snowy week is full of funny stories and happy memories.
    Warm aloha,
    Fifi

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    1. Fifi, I think we're dating ourselves, but I fondly remember "dickeys," too - great useful little items!

      Paris is beautiful any time of the year, but I especially love it in winter when it has a hint of wistfulness about it.

      MT, you look beautiful as always and a perfect compliment to the Train Bleu, which has to be one of the most fabulous and opulent train station bars in the world. It almost looks as if Ms. Menchari had a hand in decorating it.

      Love L'Hotel, as well. I think I may have to switch my allegiance from the Recamier for the next trip to Paris. If Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor liked it, that's good enough for me!

      Thank you for another lovely glimpse of Paris,
      Jerrine

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    2. Dearest Fifi, - So happy you found the Cos link useful! They've been around for a while, and I can't imagine why it took me so long to 'discover' them! Will investigate the 'Dickeys' (wonder where the name comes from), I too remember them from a while ago. Thank you for the good wishes, finally we had sun today and great skiing..such bliss <3

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    3. Darling Jerrine, - You have nailed it as usual... Ms Menchari having had a hand in decorationg Le Train Bleu is the best amd most evocative description of its opulance ever! And yes, L'Hotel it will be!! Much love xx

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    4. That's funny, dear Jerrine! I'm always dating myself these days (easier than dating someone else...). The thing with dickeys is, if you get cheap ones they are often not long enough for a v-neck sweater. We'll see how the Cos ones measure up in that respect. I don't have a guess as to how they named them 'dickeys,' dearest MaiTai! Perhaps one of the other Swans might know. xoxo

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    5. Chuckling at your dating comment dear Fifi;))
      Yes, ladies, I remember those dickey things,too! There is a new COS store here that I have yet to visit. It is just across the street from the new H site. Nice to know there is something reasonably priced in the vicinity of H;))
      Happy weekend darling swans, T xx

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    6. Okay, Fifi & MT, Google to the rescue. You just gotta love Google. I don't know what I'd do without it. It's right up there with Scotch Tape and Band-Aids!

      Anyway, a dickey or dickie (even dicky) is a type of false shirt front, originally known as a detachable bosom. Don't you just love that? And, I might add that there are days when I'd like to detach my bosom too!

      It was designed to be worn with a tuxedo or men's white tie, usually attached to the collar and then tucked into the waistcoat or cummerbund.

      The rigid plastic dickey came into fashion in the latter part of the 19th century and was one of the first successful commercial applications of celluloid. Geesh, I bet they were comfortable - ugh!

      And why the name? Here goes. The etymology can be "attributed to a Cockney rhyming slang where a 'dicky dirt' is a shirt."

      So know you know, kind of.

      Best,
      Jerrine (and Google)

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    7. Oh dear Fifi, you made me giggle! Good to know you are in excellent company. Happy weekend! xx

      Jerrine what would we do without you (and Google!) Thank you for giving us the meaning of Dickie in the most fun and sparkling way... the 'Jerrine Way'! I'd read anything coming from your pen <3 Much love and have a great weekend!

      Trudye, so thrilled you have a local Cos store. Opposite H? So it has an airconditioned (!) pavement...lucky you! Mwahs and have a wonderful weekend!

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    8. Jerrine--

      I love your tenacity in finding answers and, even more, I love what you found--a 'detachable bosom' made me laugh out loud this morning! What a great way to start the weekend--with laughter and the swans!

      Happy Hearts Day, everyone!

      Greta

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    9. No, only on the H side...just kidding! Yes, they have the blowers above;)) xx

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    10. This blog is my source of wisdom....grits, dickeys...what would I do without you??? I'd miss out on lots of laughter!
      Well, how convenient is that- COS with airconditioned pavement:))) Odd enough, our local COS is also almost opposite from H...only DH would prefer that I buy more at the former than the latter...
      My bosom still firmly attached to me...enjoy the Weekend!
      Katja

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    11. I guess tenacious is a very nice way to put it, Greta. Stubborn is more like it, though! But, I owe it all to Google.

      I love the idea of a detachable bosom, too, and nearly rolled off the sofa laughing when I read that last night. I mean, really Google, I think women have bosoms and men have chests last time I looked.

      Happy weekend to you,
      Jerrine

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    12. Jerrine, Greta, Trudye and Katja, - I'm literally laughing myself to sleep tonight. Biggest hugs to you, my beautiful smart swans xxx

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    13. OMG, are detachable bosoms in our future? Brave new world, indeed! Jerrine, the Google-fu is strong in you. I just love you gals - what a fantastic group has gathered here under dear MaiTai's wing! Never a dull moment...
      A very fine weekend to all,
      Fifi

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  5. I love, love, love all your posts. I had the privilege of visiting Paris for the first time two years ago. I stayed in the St Germain and absolutely fell in love with the city. Thank you for the lovely memories evoked by your pictures and the link to Cos

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    1. Thanks so much for the lovely comment <3 So happy the post brought back happy memories, and hope you can visit Paris again one day soon!

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  6. Having all the amazing photos of Paris arranged in one "postcard" is just another story...I really love your thoughtful posts and the stories you tell. The style sheet is very classy and I think it's a shame that you can't wear the scarfs completely unfolded, when they unveil their grandeur! I love COS, they really have great basics...
    Glad to hear you finally had sunshine and great skiing weather- my nose is glowing as we speak:)
    Looking forward to your next post!
    Katja

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    1. Hope your weather has become better too, dearest Katja, and that you are having some great skiing!

      So happy you enjoyed the postcard despite the IG previews!, and agree with you on the scarves.. we only ever reveal parts of them. A good way to show a 90 carré to the max is a shrug http://maitaicollection.com/pages/how-to-shrug, or, as you do so beautifully, as a top.

      Have a most wonderful weekend and a great remaining holiday!

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  7. A lovely post, once again - thankyou for sharing your eye for beauty, xx

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    1. Thanks so much for the lovely comment, so happy you enjoyed the post xx

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  8. Dear MaiTai,

    Congratulations on your blog! I am a long-time lurker, but now I have finally decided to properly sign up :) Thank you for your advice on these pages - it certainly is the best way to learn how to extract the best from scarves, plus a bunch of other tips that are always interesting.

    Apologies if I am just being thick, but I wanted to ask you a question: I have been trying to get into your store and I cannot see how to request a password to log in! I am not particularly computer-friendly, so I am sure there is a very easy way that I am missing, but I have to confess that I am totally lost!

    Best regards,
    M.

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    1. Dear Marta,
      A very warm welcome to the Salon! It is always so lovely to see a new face, and I'm so happy you enjoy the blog and posts.

      Regarding your question... I am currently on vacation and have therefore set the shop to browse mode. The password to enter is BROWSE. You can still place an order, but it won't get shipped before Feb 16. Thanks so much for your patience :)

      Hope you'll join our chat corner again in the future!

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  9. Your images are always breathtaking, in this instance immediately transporting me from summer in Sydney to wintertime Paris. Merci for the snapshot! xx

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    1. Thanks so much, dear Monique! So happy you enjoyed the trip. Have a wonderful summer!

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  10. Strolling through this post is pure romance darling MT! You have captured the essence beautifully of the hotel, the train station and the city. These posts sometimes make me feel as if I am on a moving sidewalk with the most elegant of tour guides by my side<3 Thank you for allowing us to step on with you! Wishing you tons of fun on the slopes! Mwahs, T xx

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    1. I have to thank you, dearest Trudye! For whenever I stroll through Paris I feel so happy to be in 'swan company'. To capture and share things I know we'll enjoy together adds a special dimension to my life, and I feel so blessed that we've all found each other! Biggest mwahs xx

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    2. Aww, thank you darling for this heartfelt sentiment<3 It is a win, win for all!
      It is your beauty and grace that have brought us all together!
      Blessed indeed! Mwahs, xx

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    3. Yes, win win for all <3 Biggest mwahs xx

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  11. Dearest Mai Tai, your description of Paris in the Winter couldn´t be more accurate and your pictures speak for themselves. Le Train Bleu is probably the most sumptuous place I´ve ever seen. <3 It is a dream and a must if one is in Paris.
    Thanks for the info about your new tops. They look great! I´ll pass by Cos next week;-)
    I hope you are enjoying your Winter holidays and wish you a gorgeous weekend. Big hugs, Manuela xx

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    1. Dearest Manuela, - So very happy you enjoyed the 'winter promenade'! You described Le Train Bleu so well.. is a sumptuous dream indeed. Plus it's one we can admire with a glass of champagne in your hand! <3 Thank you for the good wishes and have a most lovely and happy weekend too! xx

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    2. Definitely, dearest friend, and wouldn't it be great to meet, all of us, there and toast with a glass of bubbly in the hand? Sending you and all the dear swans biggest hugs, Manuela xx

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    3. Oh, dearest Manuela, a dream come true!
      That would be one swanky soirée for sure!
      Champagne hugs to you, T xx

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    4. Agreed, dearest Manuela and Trudye...the fun we'd have!! Champagne hugs right back xx

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    5. Champagne hugs to you both, darlings Mai Tai and Trudye! <3 M xx

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  12. Comme je te l'ai déjà dit sur instagram tu es fabuleuse et les endroits que tu as fréquenté sont sublimes .Bonnes fin de vacances Bises Myriam

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  13. Adore your new shawl!!! It is fabulous on you - may have to twin on this one ,). Any chance the tassel necklace can come in noir/or pretty please?? Hugs Bagmoma

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  14. Dear Mai Tai ,

    Wonderful photos you capture the atmosphere sooooo well!!!!!!
    ven the crispness of the air..

    Paris it’s beautiful no matter the weather..

    We have just come back home from our anniversary trip to Paris.. and this time was so magical... I have been following your steps... and every time I saw a window of FSH.. have a tea at Laduré , browsing at Buly , or went to the , new to me Hermès Rue Sevres.. I almost can feel your company and all the other fellow swans chatting around and sharing precious moments.

    We went to la Plaçe de la Republique to pay our respects and was a moment of mixing feelings, deep sadness, but hope and pride too... Paris will be always be Paris ... J’ai deux amours mon pays et Paris... who could put it better!!!

    It would be a dream come true if sometime we can have a Swan meeting there… if only!!!Anyway you were all with me in this special trip !!!

    Thanks again for your kindness and generosity!!!!!

    Regards from Barcelona

    PS: Ah, spring it’s in the air... silk time

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    1. I envy you, dearest Ilsa- you just did exactly what I intend to do sometime this year...only - if I take DH plus kids with me, that's not going to happen:))
      Set a date - I'm in! I'll leave family behind (bad girl...) and instead stroll with all my lovely swans through the streets (and shops, and restaurants, and cafés) of Paris ... Enjoy your wonderful memories, have a great weekend and send spring to me- we have snowflakes again today.
      Hugs to all the swans dreaming of Paris,
      Katja

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    2. Happy Anniversary to you and so happy you got to spend it in Paris!
      We just celebrated a very special anniversary,too! We had hoped to be able to spend it in Paris,also, but the logistics just did not work out for us at this time! Our main airline carrier dropped their direct flight into Paris a few years ago,argh! A twelve hour flight now,ugh!
      Thank you for thinking of us and, yes, a meet and greet in Paris sounds divine<3
      Spring hugs, T

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  15. It would be so great to meet, wouldn't it dear Ilsa? So happy to hear you had a great time in Paris. I hope you are doing well now and wish you a lovely weekend, Manuela xx

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  16. Daear ladys,

    Set the date and I'll be there!!!

    Live has it's upas and downs but sharing beaty, wisdom, and laughs with all of you will be something to looking forward !!!

    Thanks Mai Tai , you and your kindness, are the one that brought us toguether

    Warm regard from Barcelona

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  17. My favourite hotel in Paris! Every room is a surprise! Which one did you stay in like the best?

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  18. My most loved inn in Paris! Each room is an amazement! Which one did you stay in like the best?english today

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