Sunday, April 10, 2016

London and a new scarf

It's been a bit longer than usual, and I am really sorry for the wait. Easter came and went, and the following week we left for England for a wedding, and then stayed in London for a few days. All in all it has been a very busy time, which is the reason this post is so late. To bridge the gaps between blog posts, my Instagram page is updated daily. It's not intended to replace the blog, but it is a great way to keep in touch and to share pictures which might not necessarily have a place elsewhere. Hope to see you there www.instagram.com/maitaicollection

Before heading to England, I bought a new scarf which I absolutely adore. Apart from the animals in the centre and a few color and design variations throughout, the scarf is very much symmetrical. As a result, there isn't a big difference between the two basic bias folds, but the beauty and richness of the African themed creatures, flora and border make more than up for it.

La Marche du Zambèze. Design by Ardmore Artists. Ref Nr: H002987S CW 01 (blanc/vert/brun)







Capsule pieces: pale pink cardigan and ecru cotton trousers
Accessories: Hermes 'La Marche du Zambèze' 90 carré, Clic H enamel bracelet in marron glacé and Picotin 22 in etoupe. 
Scarf tying method: Vertical basic slide 






The entrance to Fortnum and Mason reminded me of the colors of my new scarf..





Capsule pieces: camel oversized top, rust cardigan and ecru cotton trousers
Accessories: Hermes 'La Marche du Zambèze' 90 carré and Clic H enamel bracelet in marron glacé. 
Shoes: nude ballet flats ('Caroline' by Tory Burch)
Scarf tying method: Basic bias fold 







Capsule pieces: jeans, ecru silk shirt and grey sweater
Accessories: Hermes 'La Marche du Zambèze' 90 carré and Picotin 22 in sanguine
Shoes: grey patent flats (Belle Vivier by Roger Vivier)



Elephant sculpture on Park Lane/ Hyde Park Corner by British artist Bushra Fakhoury




In a reverse basic bias fold





One of Harrods' magnificently opulent food halls



Jeroboams wine merchant on Elizabeth Street (click here to see more on Elizabeth Street and Belgravia)





Rococo chocolates on the Kings Road. One of my favorites, and not just for the taste, but for the pretty packaging too (to see more on Rococo and Chelsea, click here)





Capsule pieces: jeans and pale blue linen shirt
Accessories: Hermes 'La Marche du Zambèze' 90 carré, Clic H enamel bracelet in marron glacé and Picotin 22 in rubis. 
Shoes: two tone moccasins
Scarf tying method: Cowboy knot


Staircase at Fortnum and Masons,  Piccadilly.




Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A IER,  Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 8040. www.fortnumandmason.com
Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL, Tel: +44 (0)20 77, www.harrods.com
Jeroboams, 50-52 Elizabeth St, London SW1W, Tel: +44 (0)20 8479 5100, 
More info on Elizabeth Street's website: www.elizabethstreetlondon.com
Rococo Chocolates: 321 Kings Road, London SW3 5EP, Tel: +44 (0)20 7352 5857, www.rococochocolates.com


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76 comments:

  1. What a beautiful and versatile scarf! You usual, you look stunning in every outfit. You have such a great eye in capturing your environment and tying the pics to your outfits. So lovely! :)

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    1. So happy you like my new scarf and the 'picture stories', thanks so much!

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  2. London is always a good idea! What an eye taking the picture of Fortnum and Mason’ stair case ! I loved the acrobatic elephant at Hyde Park corner … delicate balance of our existences…

    Even if I am a snake and all kinds of creeping beasts phobic I have to admit that you wear beautifully the « fresh and funny » la marche du Zambeze. Hey! it could be a therapy pretext….let me give it a chance!

    Wishing you a busy week ahead preparing the launching of your coloured Cluster earrings ;-)

    Catherine xx

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    1. 'Fresh and fun'.. you nailed it, dearest chère Catherine! Very good idea to use it for therapeutic purposes, you might get away by paying for it with your carte vital ;) Have a most lovely Sunday evening! xx

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    2. Thank goodness, dear Catherine, I am not alone in my phobia;) Let me know if you decide to do a 'total immersion ' and purchase this silk! I may then have to try as therapy;)) Happy days, T

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    3. Trudye,
      the second I saw MT wearing LMdZ in the vertical basic slide as well as the cowboy knot, I knew that these skin printed corners were far too impressive for me… And once you have this picture in mind …. Dear Trudye, let’s share an H shopping therapy session, our fears will not disappear but at least we would really have fun! Let’s take some very courageous swans with us, Jerrine are you coming?

      Happy week ahead,
      C.

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    4. Dearest MT,

      I’m afraid the vitale credit card limit would not even allow us to buy the care tag !
      I propose all the swans vote for the candidate proposing the health full refund of an H scarf per year for each women!
      MaiTai President!
      Mwahs
      C.

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    5. I just "heard" someone call my name. Catherine, if shopping is involved, count me in!

      All I can say is thank God there are no snakes on the scarf. I CANNOT deal with snakes - not even pictures of snakes!

      I'm ready when you are, so just name the date. I'll feed you and Trudye a bottle of champagne before we go shopping - that's sure to cure the phobia!

      Love to all,
      Jerrine

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    6. Dearest Catherine and Jerrine,

      By all means count me in for a therapy session, especially if the bubbly is involved and of course a visit to H;)
      I am not sure even the bubbly would cure my phobia! J...I think the edges are snake or croc skin like! Yikes!
      Fanning myself and reaching for a glass of champagne,please!
      Mwahs, T xx

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    7. Btw...I must add that I do love many aspects of this colorful silk and I adore any and all references to Africa! Now, if I could just figure out a way to rock around the crocs I would pull the trigger for sure<3 T xx

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    8. It sounds like you'd like to "pull the trigger" and shoot those crocs right off the scarf, Trudye!

      Hugs,
      Jerrine

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    9. I couldn't help laughing with your comments girls! C'mon, I don't like real snakes or crocodiles but these are beautiful!.... I'm desperately looking for this scarf! Love to you all! Manuela xx

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    10. In real life, maybe dear Jerrine, but I hate guns;) I would never do anything to rearrange the beauty of this silk! xx

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    11. Manuela,
      C'est la cour de récréation ce blog! Despite the crocs and snake skins in the corners it is a beautiful carré ! I saw it on the french hermes site yesterday, what about Portugal?
      Bises.
      C.

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    12. Chere Catherine,

      I've just checked H Portugal but they don't have it in that colourway. I guess I'll have to order it from France...
      Bonne journée et bon weekend! Bises, Manuela

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    13. Aww dearest swans, you made me laugh! At least we can all agree on the champagne. Manuela, wishing you the best of luck! Catherine, this would be the first bill to pass! Happy weekend hugs to you all xx

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  3. Simply stunning.....thank you for sharing!!

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    1. Thank you, dear Katie! So happy you enjoyed the post.

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  4. :-) Thanks for one of your lovely scarf intros, dear MaiTai!
    The scarf grows on me, although I'd probably chosen a different color way.
    Awww, London… it's been too long…high tea at the Dorchester, the V&A, Tate Modern… I guess it's time to make some travel plans.
    Very curious about your new jewelry selection.
    Have a very HAPPY Sunday :-)

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    1. Happy you like it! The other CW's are beautiful too...Fifi has the pink one, Desert Mermaid's is blue and Jerrine's contemplating the black.. you'd be in good company! Have a lovely weekend!

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  5. We are scarf twins! Same colour way as well. It is so beautiful.

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    1. How lovely! Wear yours in health and happiness!

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  6. Lovely colours. Happy. I always admire your lipstick colours also. Would it be possible to give information about which lipstick you are wearing?

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    1. Happy you like the lipstick, many thanks! The color is a mix of lipstick and liner.. I filled the lips with a rosewood liner (Spice by Mac), and then followed with a pink lipstick (Rouge Dior, color 263 'Swan').

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    2. Ah, I realize that you HAD to buy "Swan" -- what luck that it turned out to be such a becoming color!

      Mwahs, Azalie

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  7. Dearest Mai Tai,

    What a perfect choice of scarf for Spring and Summer! So crisp and fresh!
    Congratulations! It looks stunning on you! All the pictures are beautiful but the one with the blue jacket is my favourite!!!! I like the earrings with the outfit too and do look forward to their launch.
    I have seen La Marche du Zambeze in many colours but not this one. The white background makes all the difference. I think it´s really beautiful and will try to see if I can find it. Thank you for your very sweet words on the last post. <3 Welcome back, my dear! Have a lovely week ahead. Warmest hugs, Manuela xx

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    1. Thank you, dearest Manuela! I was so thrilled when I discoverd this CW. It's such a happy scarf, and as you said, the white background brings it out beautifully. Spring hugs, and have a most lovely weekend! xx

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    2. My dearest friend, we will soon be scarf twins! I couldn't resist and ordered the same scarf from Paris! Can't wait to try it on! Thank you so much <3 Love, Manuela xx

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    3. Hooray and congratulations, dearest Manuela! So thrilled to become twins with you <3 Hope your treasure will be with you soon xx

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    4. Thank you darling <3 It will arrive on Monday. Thrilled to become twins with you too <3 Have a happy weekend! M*

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    5. Oh how wonderful, many congratulations my dearest Manuela! Exited twin hugs xx

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  8. I love walking through London with you, dearest MT, and stopping to sip the bubbly! Your trip looks like a delight<3
    I love how you have styled your new scarf and you have worked it to the max! I agree with dear Manuela about the pic with the navy jacket being my fav! Looking forward to this and any and all combos you come up with! Simply the best, as always! Have a wonderful week,darling! Mwahs, T xx

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    1. Such fun to stroll through London together, my dearest Trudye! Sharing the fun here makes every trip so much memorable <3 Navy clearly got the most votes.. so inspired by you, Manuela and GSL I've been wearing it again today! Mwahs and have a wonderful weekend xx

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  9. What fun London photos, dear MaiTai! And your scarf is spectacular. I love love love the camel top with it. Wishing you and all the lovely Swans a happy week ahead!
    With warm aloha,
    Fifi

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    1. The camel top was a fabulous purchase, and I was thrilled to discover how well the new scarf goes with hit. So nice to be twins with you on this treasure.. your pink CW is so very beautiful too.

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  10. That scarf is really pretty. I miss London!

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    1. ThaStill so sad that I missed you when you were last in London. Next time! xx

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  11. Beautiful, as always. Your photographs are a lovely treat on a grey day in Chicago!
    hugs,
    Janice

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    1. Thank you, dear Janice. Hope the days have turned into warm and sunny by now!

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  12. Outfit with navy blazer= FAB!

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  13. What a wonderful addition to your scarf collection--I love the colors, but especially love the elephant's ears! It's all so fresh and colorful!

    Thanks for taking us along to London--I haven't been in a few years and your photos make me homesick! Perhaps after we have a Swans' gathering in Paris, we can spend a long weekend in London!

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    1. Of course we can, Greta. Excellent idea! That Eurostar Chunnel train whisks you from one country to another in a matter of a couple of hours. It's a painless trip and well worth the minimal cost of the ticket (anything to avoid Charles de Gaulle!)

      Looking forward to it,
      Jerrine

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    2. I have my calendar at the ready! Swans, take flight!

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    3. Agree on the ears, they are 'da bomb', dearest Greta! Great idea re London and Paris.. here we come, the 'Tour de Swans'!

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  14. Always love your clothes, scarves, etc. I follow all of your media outlets and I am envious of your excellent wardrobe! Thanks.

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    1. Thanks so much for the kind compliment! My wardrobe is actually quite simple, but it works (especially once accessorized) :)

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  15. Dear MaiTai,
    I love this scarf on you! The cowboy knot is my favorite. I took a trip last week and to check out a few s/s scarves but fell in love with this one. Love seeing all your posts for inspiration, reading your wonderful blog and seeing your amazing photos. A lovely week to you dear MT and all the lovely swans. Barb

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    1. Dearest Barb, hope the scarf came home with you! I'm so happy you enjoy it here, thanks so much for the kind comment. Hope you are having a most lovely weekend.

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  16. What a fresh and playful scarf - perfect for Spring and a fresh season. I love the critters. Well, the gators/crocs not so much. I'm with Catherine and Trudye on those bad boys, but I just love the leopard and those silly giraffes.

    So vicariously enjoyed your London visit, and in particular, seeing Rococo Chocolate again. I've saved my shopping bags. I agree with you - they're just too pretty to throw away. The chocolates were delicious, too. I think I dragged home about 10 lbs., most of which was distributed to friends and family, thank God. I think that US Customs thought I was going into the chocolate business, though. There was most definitely a raised eyebrow.

    And, new earrings on the way, too? My, it's just a cornucopia of goodness this week.

    Love to you and your marvelous new scarf,
    Jerrine

    PS - I was going to try and ignore this scarf, but I may have to pay a visit to H soon and see if they still have it. I'm leaning towards the black color way, as white grounds are a bit problematic for me. They're so beautiful, but they're always the ones that are "attacked" by salad dressing and the like!

    And, while we're on the subject of chocolate, have you tried Alan Ducasse's hazelnut praline bars? Oh my God; oh my waistline.

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    1. Love "cornucopia" I learnt a new word today! Waiting to see the new coloured earrings!
      There is a Corner Alain Ducasse chocolate Gare du Nord at the Eurostar boarding room! I suggest that just before we go to London with Greta, we make a stop there! OMG just take large clothes in your suitcase!

      Chocolate flavoured hugs,
      C.

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    2. Greta, that's how I came across Alain Ducasse - waiting to board the Eurostar at Gare du Nord. Heck, why not stuff another three pounds of chocolate into the carry on!

      He has several shops in Paris, and there's one in Saint Germain, so next trip, I'm definitely stocking up again (we can buy even more at the Gare du Nord!). Those hazelnut praline bars were so darn good that I regretted giving most of them away. I will not make that mistake again!

      Oink,
      Jerrine

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    3. The last time I came through customs in Atlanta (ugh), I had so much tea and chocolate! I expected trouble, but the agent laughed and said he had bigger problems to look for and sent me on my way!

      How convenient that there is a chocolate boutique at the Eurostar boarding room--I appreciate the thought that went into that planning as I will need the distraction to endure the Chunnel. Hey, some of you are weird about snakes; I'm weird about several hours in a metal tube under water. But just ply me with chocolates and I'll be fine!

      But I want to get to Paris quickly and eat macarons, so I'll suffer through the underwater shuttle!

      xx--Greta

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    4. Oh, darn. Catherine, I am so sorry. I thought I was responding to Greta, and it should have been addressed to you. My brain is in a state of befuddlement at this point (another new word for you, lol!) How's my little Newton?

      Greta, we think alike. On the last trip, I also had several containers of tea from Mariage Freres in Paris and Harrods in London. They were actually used as decoys. All the H. plunder was hidden under chocolate and tea. The sniffing security beagles were definitely interested in my bag, though. I thought one was going to climb right in!

      The Chunnel isn't bad at all. I'll hold your hand during the underwater part, which is over in an instant. I made the trip three days after the terrorist attacks in November, and it did give me pause to think that it would make a splendid target, but the trip was actually very nice. I got to see a lot of the pretty French countryside, and you're in London before you know it.

      And, if it's macarons you're craving, we'll head straight to Pierre Herme in Saint Germain. He still makes his by hand, and they are fabulous.

      Chocolates in one hand & macarons in the other - definitely a good way to go!

      Love,
      Jerrine

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    5. Oh my word--I'm plunging into sugar shock! As long as there is chocolate to distract me, a swan to hold my hand and macarons on the other end, I think I just might make it!

      Your comment about security beagles made me giggle--they certainly aren't the most threatening of dogs! Thank goodness they didn't find your 'good stuff!' Now I'm laughing even harder at the visual of a beagle wearing a H scarf tied in a cowboy knot, a la Mai Tai!

      xx--Greta

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    6. Jerrine

      Advise about befuddlement (another one learnt!) : stop drinking! Oops!

      Your « little » Newt is about 13 lb (who could have guess) and he’s driving me nuts running and jumping everywhere in the house like a rocket! He is probably a mix of Siberian cat with I don’t know what… My furry old « daughter » lost weight (even if she didn’t need to) she has to run and hide fast! Lol

      Greta and you, underwater eating chocolate what a scene!

      C. xx

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    7. Mean old Catherine! I wasn't drinking (well, just one glass of red wine with dinner.) It's a combination of tax returns, pollen/allergy season and a home renovation project that are doing the befuddling. Hope they'll all be over with soon.

      So Little Newt is going to be a big boy, huh? Guess I'll have to start calling him Big Newt, Bruiser or Rocket Man. But, obviously, he's enjoying his new home and thriving (and you can always re-do the house :-)

      Hopefully, he'll mellow out with a bit of age and stop tormenting his poor "sister." Cats - can't live with them; can't live without them. Kind of like men in that regard.

      Furry hugs,
      Jerrine

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    8. Oh Jerrine, even if I was joking about drinking, I feel terribly sorry about the interpretation of « befuddlement » : my web dictionary is crazy!

      You are going to make me die , I laughed so much reading you! I love your way of resuming our relations to men and cats ! I agree ! ;-)))
      Love,
      C.

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    9. Catherine, of course, I was only teasing you, and believe me, I only tease people I love!

      We'll have to get into some wine in Paris, though. Have to have something to wash down all the chocolate and macarons!

      Happy weekend to you and Big Newt,
      Jerrine

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    10. Oh dearest Jerrine, Greta and Catherine, you are the funniest and bestest.. I've been laughing for days over your witty conversations! Jerrine, must try the AD hazelnut praline bars, although I also wish that you've never told me about them! I second you on Pierre Hermè and follow your and Catherine's lead in the Eurostar lounge. Greta, will bring a bottle of bubbly to ease the Channel tunnel part of the trip! Have a wonderful weekend ladies (and Rocket Man Newton)! xxx

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  17. This is eye candy, dear MaiTai. I'm as much in love with this scarf as you are, you can pair it endlessly- but I wouldn't have thought of navy! Thanks for giving us so much inspiration and taking us to London. Always lovely how you combine fashion and nature. And I adore the two tone moccasins!
    A wonderful week and good luck with therapy, dear phobic swans. Will vote for free H treatments!
    Katja

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    1. So happy to be scarf twins with you, dearest Katja! The navy works well because it's tied in with the blues of the jeans, bracelet, earrings and scarf ring, even though the scarf has no navy in it at all. Happy you like the London pics and many thanks for your vote, everyone counts ;-)

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  18. As usual, I do not have to say much than your swans' club dear Mai Tai. You, your new scarf, perfect.
    I miss London but unfortunately my husband is not found of this marvellous town for me........
    Amities

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    1. Hope you can convince your husband, dearest Monica. Amitiés

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  19. P.S. Alain Ducasse is making too much everything everywhere unfortunately.... He only put his name on everything. Ans all around the world. Bad expensive experience for us in a restaurant with his representation'name, in a very far country!

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    1. Yes, Monica, I was definitely disappointed with the meal I had at one of his restaurants (in Paris no less). The boy needs to stick to chocolate!

      Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens all too often these days. Someone garners some fame; investors jump in; the brand is expanded, and the quality suffers.

      Best,
      Jerrine

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    2. Well summarized, dearest Jerrine x

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  20. Dearest MaiTai,
    This scarf has personality, and you wear it so well. Absolutely gorgeous. Your pairings are endlessly creative. Thank you. Love love love the elephant !
    Hugs from California,
    Terese

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    1. So happy you like the scarf and pairing, thanks so much chère Terese! Hugs right back xx

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  21. Beautiful scarf, definitely one for the collection. x

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  22. Dear beautiful MT. I never comment but I read and admire your style and class since ever. Your are so pretty, your pictures and texts fabulous.
    One question about this H scarfs books? I think that we can obtain them in each H shop no?

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    1. Many thanks for the kind compliments! The booklets are of course available in all H stores, but not everyone lives near one (let alone in the same country or state).

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  23. Its so sad that you replace all your pictures on Instragram.... I really prefer when you blog.
    All the best,

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    1. I am happy you enjoy the blog, but don't quite understand what you mean...the blog has not been replaced by Instagram. Half of the pictures above have only been posted here, and some pictures on IG are only posted there. Two different things :)

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