Monday, July 23, 2012

Capsule wardrobe #66 - Crocodile rock


Last Saturday, we went to see an open-air concert in the 'Arènes de Nîmes'. Build around 70 AD, the arena is one the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, and also one the most breathtaking and spectacular open-air concert venues I know. Ever since it had been announced that Elton John would be performing there this summer, I have been greatly looking forward to seeing him in these magnificent surroundings.


The arena consists of two levels of sixty superposed arches

Capsule pieces: dark blue jeans, black tank and black blazer
Shoes: blue patent leather pumps
Accessories: Hermès 'Le Laboratoire du Temps' 90 Carré, Collier du Chien bracelet in black croc
Scarf tying method: basic bias fold worn as a belt with ends secured in a double knot


The arena is ringed by 34 rows of 'cavea' (terraces), which are supported by semi-circular vaults. Under these vaults, five circular galleries and 162 stairwells and “vomitoires” (they are not what you think, but how the corridors leading to the terraces are called) allow spectators (up to 20,000) to quickly access their seats.

The concert started off in the 'l'heure bleue', and the atmosphere was magical,

while Elton gave a fantastic performance



And since it was beautifully balmy and mild, we met with friends on the terrace of the brasserie next door. We were almost the last to leave.. it was a wonderful and fabulous evening.



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50 comments:

  1. It sounds like a wonderful evening dear MaiTai! And I do love Elton's twinkly suit! :) You look stunning as always. I love how your look is so simple and yet so stylish at the same time. Your new scarf is lovely too, and thank you for giving us a tour of it in your last post.

    Last summer we went to see the amphitheatre at Arles, but sadly did not get to go to a wonderful concert. Something for the next trip! ;)

    And sorry for not having commented on your last few posts, but having caught up I'm in love with your new waterfall necklace, especially since I adore lavender! And your new travel pochette is such a great idea. I LOVE that fabric - toile de jouy is one of my favourites and it's great that you've had it printed by specialists in Provence itself. Created by artists it is suitable for H!

    Have a lovely week - here the sun has finally appeared!

    Melusine x

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    1. My dear Melusine, so lovely to see you again, and wonderful to hear the sun has finally arrived!

      Elton's suit was 'da bomb', and only overshadowed by the rocks in his ears ;) The concerts in the Nîmes arena all take place during June and July, here's the link to the festival's site: Festival de Nîmes
      Let me know if you come, and we can meet at the brasserie afterwards!

      Many thanks also for the kind compliments, and for the warm welcome to the latest members of the MT Collection members <3

      Enjoy a lovely and sunny week too! x

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    2. Thanks for the link dear MaiTai and I will definitely let you know if I come over again! ;)

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  2. PS: I meant to add how much I enjoyed your post on the anthropological museum in Cologne. A month or so ago I went to the one in Cambridge that has just reopened, and it was fascinating! I loved the display of H too!

    Melusine

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    1. Hope to see the one in Cambridge one day too.. love visiting anthropological museums x

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    2. I know, they're fascinating aren't they? The one in Cambridge is very interesting, plus Cambridge is a lovely city too.

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  3. Great post! I enjoy seeing MaiTai posts "on the road." Any chance you'd share the brands of clothes featured in your capsule wardrobe? I enjoyed your Vivier post!

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    1. Happy you enjoyed the post. The clothes are nothing special, any pair of dark jeans and black blazer/top will do. The ones I wore that evening were: jeans - 'Paul&Joe' (they replaced my worn out Hilfiger pair), cowl neck top -'H&M' (it's been fabulous, wish I'd bought it in other colors too), blazer by 'The Kooples'.

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  4. How lovely!

    By the way, I see you are making the most of those gorgeous shoes you recently purchased. They still take my breath away.

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    1. Merci, Lisa! The RVs still take my breath away too, I love them like no other shoe before..

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  5. Great post! I love how you are rocking your Roger Vivier pumps! I wish that I'd bought a pair when we were in Taipei last Easter.

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    1. Thank you, dear cewek! Hope a red bag will come back home with you on your next trip :-)

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  6. How much fun! I love getting a detailed description on the amphitheater,architecture, and the concert! Last year Sting, this year Sir Elton...what is in store next? Love your easy, elegant outfit...perfect really! Those shoes must really be comfy ;) Love that you closed down the brasserie with friends! The only thing missing was, moi! LOL!
    Summer fun and great memories...wishing you that and many more! T xx

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    1. I knew something was missing!!! Perhaps next year?! Sting might even come again one day, but if not, they always have something wonderful lined up. Wishing you tons of summer fun too! Bisous to you, my dear friend xx

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  7. Oh, dear MaiTai, what a magical evening! Elton John gives a wonderful concert, and to be able to attend a concert in a Roman amphitheater--wow! You look fabulous, as always. Thank you for sharing with us. xoxo Pam

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    1. It truly was magical, dear Pam.. the arena makes it so special for the audience, and I am sure the same is true for the performer too. Enjoy a wonderful rest of the week xx

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  8. I'm a big fan of Elton John, too! I enjoyed your recent posts on your travel. It makes me all the more determined to save up & tour Europe/France one day!

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    1. Here's to Elton! Hope your dream will come true one day soon <3

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  9. You look spectacular. Perfect for this concert and so well put-together. The venue and the concert sound wonderful. Thank you for sharing your pictures.
    Warm greetings from the neighbor country and hugs.
    Maedi

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    1. So nice to be neighbors with you, my dear Maedi, hope you are enjoying a wonderful time in the Heimat! Hugs and viele liebe Grüsse xx

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  10. Dear MaiTai,

    What a wonderfull detailed post it was almost like being there, you are so lucky to have had this wonderfull experiance i am sure you will rememer it always, loved how you wore your new scarf and your whole outfit was so simple yet elegant.

    est Jane

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    1. Many thanks for the lovely comment and compliment, dear Jane. So happy you enjoyed coming along <3 Enjoy a wonderful rest of the week.

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  11. What an amazing venue, I'm sure it was a fabulous evening. Definitely one to remember. You look stunning as always MT. Its making me wish winter was over here. Or that I was in France. Axo

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    1. Wish you were here, my dear A! Enjoy the scarf friendly temperatures though, here, there is no chance to wear scarves around the neck for the moment! xx

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  12. Oh I had tickets to go see him in Liverpool but my car collapsed in a heap the day before.
    Do you know, I have worn my Viviers once? I stupidly bought them in suede which is completely foolish, when you consider I live in Scotland.
    I wish I could take lessons from you in capsule wardrobe building, I never seem to have anything to wear unless it's black tie!

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    1. Awh, so sorry re the missed concert! I would love to add a pair of suede RVs one day, and will come to your blog when in need of black tie wardrobe ideas!

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  13. Vous avez vécue une magnifique soirée sans trop de mistral c est super
    Toujours belle est elegante et si confortable dans vos vivier
    Quelle bonne idée de porter votre foulard en ceinture il fait tellement chaud ici
    Je vous souhaite une belle fin de semaine
    Amitié
    MYRIAM

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    1. Oui, on a eu de la chance avec le temps! C'était une soirée de rêve, et un l'heure bleue magnifique. Restiez frais pendant la chaleur, chère Myriam.

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  14. You look very chic! Glad you had a great time!

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  15. Oh, thank you, thank you, dearest MaiTai for the full length action shot of you wearing your RVs! I can see now why they have become your favorites! They add just the right touch of elegance to your outfit - such a stunning look. You look like a super model! Thank you again for the accommodating action shots.
    Your evening looks so perfect all the way around, from the gorgeous amphitheatre, and seeing Elton John(!!! - I, too, love his jacket!), and such beautiful balmy weather. And, of course, your casual and yet elegant outfit. Sigh...what a lovely evening!

    Orange hugs, dear.
    CS

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    1. It took some time, but I am glad you enjoyed the pics! Thanks so much for the sweet compliments. Chin chin to Elton's jacket and orange hugs to you x

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  16. I love you blog and pictures! I'm having trouble finding square scarves to try you ties on here (in the US). Any suggestions?

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    1. Thank you! Square silk scarves can be found in major department stores, and of course also on www.hermes.com Good luck!

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  17. Sounds like a fun night, and you look elegant and fresh as always! This is one of my favorite ways of tying a scarf in the summer months!

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    1. Happy you enjoyed the post, thank you dear sushi queen. Wearing a scarf as belt today too (again the Circuit 24 Faubourg). Hope you are enjoying a lovely summer!

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  18. What a blast, dear MaiTai! Going to the opera festival at the Orange amphitheater is on my "bucket list" but the Arenes de Nimes are a marvelous place too.
    And I'm loving your new Mecanique du Temps worns as a belt. It's funny, I bought Point d'Orgue last season, which is also by Pierre Marie, and my favorite way to wear it as a belt - something about his geometric/colorful designs that works well that way.

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    1. The opera festival at the orange (!) amphitheater must be amazing, hope to be visiting it one day too. Interesting observation re the Pierre Marie designs, both scarves definitely have a strong relation, and I can imagine how fabulous the PdO must look as a belt. Looking forward to seeing PM's future designs!

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  19. Seriously - you're a THE classic rockstar! :D Absolutely love your outfit, which is very chic, yet partyish at the same time. Wish I could sport those RVs as you do, but they make my feet look too long (or maybe I'm not tall enough ;-). Either way, I very much admire them on you and an happy to read, you had such an awesome (and long) evening! ;-) xox, Macs

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    1. Awh, you are so sweet and kind, my dear Macs! Re shoes, it's good to know one's feet, and you always make such beautiful choices. Have a wonderful rest of the week! xx

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  20. Love the Crocodile Rock theme MT! I am laughing about the sign - the first time I heard the term was when I was designing for a stadium here in our area too...I gasped when the head super of the facility used it! I had to delicately state it might be nicer to use the term exit passages and tunnels! Love EJ too. Glad to see you enjoying your summer!

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    1. I could not believe the sign either! Glad to hear it's not just a local custom ;-) Here's to EJ, and wonderful summer evenings.

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  21. Just discovered your blog and I love it! All your pictures look so pretty.

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    1. Many thanks, dear Hanna Marie, and a warm welcome to you :-)

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  22. We spent a week in Nimes earlier in the month. I almost passed out when I saw the arena. Do you live nearby? If so--lucky you. So many beautiful places.

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    1. Hope you had a wonderful time visiting the area! Nîmes has amazing history, and so many beautiful buildings. The 'Maison Carré' is one of the best preserved roman temples, I hope you had a chance to see it too :-)

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  23. My dearest MaiTai,
    What a perfect title! Thank you so much for sharing this incredible evening with us. Must have been an indescribably special experience to be enveloped in music in such phenomenal surroundings…nothing like a soaring summer evening concert under the stars. You are breathtaking, dearest MaiTai. So very wonderful to see your new Ms. LdT enjoy a fabulous evening out, and your gorgeous blue RV's leave me speechless…of course, your amazing Ms. CdC croc is a stunning accompaniment. Wishing you the best weekend and happiest summer days ahead. Sending you much love and a million sparkling hugs xxx

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    1. My dearest Scarf Enthusiast, like so many times, your beautiful descriptions leave me speechless, you have such an amazing and out of this world way with words. The sweet compliments are so precious, thank you my dear friend. Wishing you a most wonderful weekend ahead too, and sending a million sparkling hugs right back xxx PS. I could not resist copying the sparkling hugs, just for wanting to know how it feels to write such entrancing and magical words! <3

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  24. Wanted to leave a note that you and your blog is a great resouce on Hermes carfsmanship, Hermes scarves and ways to incorporate them into a daily wear. I've learned so many ways to tie my scarves, that I can't way for tomorrow day ;) If you do not mind, I will be leaving a link to your page on my blog-to help my readers learn from you! Thank you so much for a great work!

    Tanya

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    1. Dear Tanya, iit is so lovely to hear that you enjoy my blog, many thanks for the kind note :-) Thank you also for linking to my blog on yours, it is much appreciated, and I hope your readers will enjoy my posts too. Best, MT

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