Competion 'Chant du coq'

A few days ago, we went en famille to a country fair, showing DS some of France's finest varieties of farm animals.

The highlight of the show was a 'concours chant du coq' (rooster crowing competition). Of course we missed the early morning round, but every rooster's result was pinned to their cage.
The winner of the show is this imposing looking bird, with an impressive 58 score of early morning 'chanting', followed by 23 bonus chants. As beautiful as he is, I would not want to live anywhere near him...

this, slightly less spectacular bird, was my personal favorite, he had a total 'singing' score of zero. Definitely my type of rooster!

Other than that, there was a beauty competition, which Ms Fluff won single handedly, and various showcases of award winning geese, rabbits and ducks.

I spiced up jeans and a cardie with 'Aux Pays des Epices' in a basic bias fold, Lena necklace and 32 Kelly in Ebene.


Have a great weekend everyone!
xx

Scarf profile ~ OP'H 70 Carré, vintage silk

Design archives Bucol, first issued in SS2008

1st column, from top:
• Double knot
• Tie knot, one end left longer
2nd column, from top:
• Double knot
• With Gavroche scarf ring
3rd column, from top:
• With Mors scarf ring. Click here for a how-to
• As sash (folded in the basic bias fold and secured with a double knot at the back)




Reference number 982423S

Accessorizing with blue

Ms Bolide is the first blue bag I have had in all my life, so teaming her up with my wardrobe and accessories is a fun and exciting challenge.

Yesterday, I've been wearing a light and neutral outfit (Esprit cardie, Anne Fontaine shirt, Kookai trousers), and normalement would have taken my taupe Picotin along... but of course, Ms B had to come with me! Just adding the bag would have seem a bit 'unmotivated' , so I needed something to 'tie' her into the outfit. Trying out a couple of scarves and accessories, I found that a Belle de Mexique mousse with it's blue accents, and a blue/black/silver Chaîne d'Ancre enamel, provided just the right touches to pull all elements together into a harmonious look.

DH and I took DS to the open day of a school he might possibly attend from next year on. The day was a success, and DS very much liked the place. Walking the school grounds reminded me to plant a lilac bush this summer, their sweet fragrance is so wonderfully evocative of spring.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Sunday!

MaiTai x

FSH update

The partial refurbishment of FSH is not finished yet, and as before, the main corner window, and those along the Rue Bossy d'Anglas were still boarded up. The two big windows on the Rue Faubourg St.Honoré were decorated in orange, lemon and lime, a very joyous and bright spring time display

The orange Kelly (collage below, top right photo) had discreet croc trimmings, and was absolutely stunning. Inside the store, orange was the predominating color, there were orange Lindys, Paris Bombays, Jypsieres, SO Kellys, Plumes and Victorias. Also quite a few yellow (soleil), white and rouge vif and rouge garance ones. The most spectacular bag on display was a 35 sellier black shiny croc Kelly with diamond studded hardware.

On the rooftop of the building, the 'Lilanga' Carrés from three weeks ago have been replaced by the 'Mosaïque au 24'

Update on Autumn/Winter 2010 colors. The swatches were not available yet, but will be in the store by July/August. I asked about rubis, and apparently there is NO pink in it. It was described to me as a warm and rich color, a lighter version of bordeaux. Sounds intruiging, it could be just the perfect red!

How to ~ Weave knot

Start by folding your scarf into the basic bias fold, and place around your neck with the ends hanging down in front of you. Then follow the video instructions below:

If you are having trouble viewing the video, please click here to see it on YouTube.

Bringing home... the Bolide!

The railway strikes came eventually to an end, and all trains are running smoothly on schedule again. So finally, I was finally able to make the long awaited for trip to FSH, and picked up Ms Bolide yesterday!

Inspired by Jerrine's suggestion to snap a pic of her at the Train Bleu, and emilyatheart's request for a reveal, here a reveal at the Train Bleu!

the box waiting to be opened..

a first peek

Welcome to 'chez MaiTai', dear Ms Bolide!

I don't think I ever enjoyed waiting for a train as much as I did yesterday, I only wished we could have all celebrated together!

At the end of a wonderful day, having met old friends and new, I went back to FSH, where Ms Bolide has been stamped with my initials in the meantime. I chose to have them on the clochette, prefering a 'secret' place, and while they are hardly noticeable,they make this beautiful bag so much more special to me. At a final visit of the scarf counter before leaving FSH, I couldn't resist choosing a scarf to go with her. I picked the Jouvence Gavroche in indigo/bleu ciel/vert.. it is so pretty with the Bleu de Prusse! (Bleu de Prusse?!? Apparently she is and has always been a 'BdP'!)

When I came back home, it was past midnight.. I was happy and tired, and of course should have gone to bed straight away. Instead, I began to try out my scarves with her, and it was such fun. It was way past 2:00 am when I finally went to sleep..what a wonderful and happy day it was!

Specs

31 Bolide, Epsom leather in Bleu de Prusse, Palladium hard ware

Simple pleasures

It was a beautiful day today, and in the afternoon, DS and I decided to go on a bike ride. We rode through the vines and little country roads, both very much enjoying the warm spring sunshine.

It was wonderful to see new and fresh green everywhere, and all those pretty little blossoms between rows of olive trees.

DS stopped to pick 'flowers' for mum

When we came back home, I arranged his offerings into little posies, and placed them in antique french bistro glasses in my kitchen.

They may only be little wildflowers and weeds, and may not last long, but the joie de vivre that came with them, puts them on the top of my list of most cherished bouquets.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!

MaiTai xx

The power of accessories

Accessorising is my favorite part of getting dressed, I just love the way a few additions transform an outfit into a 'look'.

A few weeks ago, I posted this simple outfit, back then teamed up with a few items of jewellry (enamel bangles, silver rings, and earrings made by a friend) an etoupe Picotin and the turquoise Brazil II Gavroche.

Here's the exact same look, only replacing the Gavroche with a jumbo pearl necklace. It is such fun to play around, and to see how the swap of even one accessory creates a totally different atmosphere. It is also a great way to maximize one's wardrobe, especially when travelling.





To compare, here is the Gavroche version from a while ago. To view the full post, please click on the image below.


One outfit ~ several looks. Here's to the power of accessories!

Where's the blue?

Todays post should have been all about the homecoming of the lovely Bolide, BUT... there has been a major railway strike in France, and so yesterday's trains to Paris were cancelled. Normally the strikes last for just a day or two, and I was lucky to be able to rebook for tomorrow... until I got notice last night that this trip has been cancelled too! C'est la vie.. en France ;-)

But the sun is shining, and there's no time to feel bleu, so enjoying another day of happy orange and pink instead.
I've folded the scarf in the basic bias, placed it around the neck, and pulled both ends (coming from opposite directions) through a round scarf ring. Leaving one end longer than the other, permits to show the most of this beautiful design.

Today teaming up my pink cardie (a H&M find, btw) with enamel bangles, etoupe Picotin, Evelyne scarf ring and Tour de Clés scarf.

And for the moment, I just continue to dream of her... at least I know she is waiting for me!

Spring colors

Yesterday was a glorious day, blue skies and sunshine, and looking out of the window in the morning, all appeared green, as if wines, bushes and trees have grown their leaves another inch over night.

I left the house early, and since the mornings are still chilly, teamed my 'De Madras à Zakynthos' scarf with the new Poudre scarf fur collar.

Coming back home, I saw our little orange tree has been moved back into it's summer place, it's beautiful fruit matching my new spring scarf, Tours de Clés, in happy orange, pink and fuchsia. The scarf's background is a very light taupe color, which has a calming effect, pulling the brighter shades together, making it wonderfully easy to wear.

The Tours de Clés design (by Cyrille Diatkine) is a joyous and fabulous take on Les Clés, it appears as if a key has turned the pattern several times, alternating between clock wise and counter clock wise. It is fun to 'move' the dials until the keys match, it takes a little bit of patience though!
Tour de Clés, ref 982550S color 02 (orange/mastif/prune)
Wishing everyone a happy Sunday!

Happy Easter!

This year, an array of macaroons, chocolate eggs and rabbits made a happy and colorful contribution to our Easter breakfast table..

completed by home made cinnamon rolls, after a recipe of my finish grandmother

A couple of weeks ago, the postman delivered a most wonderful surprise, a box of beautifully handcrafted Easter eggs, sent to me by a very special and dear friend. She is amazingly talented and creative, and I am so honored to be the recipient of these beauties!

I've cut some olive branches, and placed them into a large vase on my kitchen counter, then suspending the precious eggs from them. A simple arrangement, bringing much joy and happiness!


Happy Easter, everyone!!

MaiTai xx

Easter window displays

in Paris, France

Düseldorf, Germany

Paris, France

Leaving Paris ~ le Train Bleu

Most high speed trains going from Paris to the South of France depart from the Gare de Lyon. I always try to get there half an hour early, so I have time to stop by the 'Train Bleu', a beautiful and ornate restaurant and bar within the station.

Looking through the arched windows of the first floor..

you can see it's magnificent crystal chandeliers, giving a hint of the old fashioned splendor inside..

Inside the station, by the platforms, you see a wide, curving staircase, leading to the 'blue train'

Once you go through the revolving mahagony door..

you are transported to the grandeur of an era gone by. The restaurant opened in 1901, it's large room has gilded arches and ceilings, wooden panelling, brass fittings, parquet floors, leather banquets and 41 vast paintings, covering the walls and ceiling. I just love the opulence and elegance of this epoque.

View from the bar, the restaurant is located further back in the room

toasting Paris good-bye with a glass of champagne

my 'photographer' had an unsteady hand ;-) Still wearing LFDSDV, Farandole necklace and Jumping boots, minus the Bolide(s) that is, lol.

From where I sat, I could easily keep an eye on the station clock on the platform

Stepping outside and seeing my train waiting, I could not imagine a more romantic way to leave the city of lights.

Le Train Bleu, First Floor Gare de Lyon, Place Louis Armand, 75012 Paris
Te: +33 (0) 1 44 75 76 76
http://www.le-train-bleu.com/

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter weekend!