Thursday, February 2, 2023

January recap

2023 could not have had a better start; I took delivery of my long-awaited new car. I've been driving an electric, mostly solar-powered car since 2017 and went without hesitation for the same brand and model as previously, a Tesla Model S. Only this time I chose the performance version called Plaid!

I always love planning outfits for an occasion, and since the Plaid's badge is black red and white, it was immediately clear what the outfit and accessories theme for the delivery event was going to be.

 When I was with Jerrine in Paris last November we had so much fun finding the things for the boys and me to wear. For Wiener and Roley we got Plaid bandanas and leashes in the Bon Marché, and a plaid skirt and red coat for me.  I completed the look with a black turtleneck sweater and my black Jumping boots, and medium Chanel Classic Double Flap bag.


I've never been so excited about a new car, and went as far as identifying via a VIN tracker the cargo ship on which my car crossed the Atlantic. For two long weeks I monitored the ship's progress and was so excited when it finally arrived in Europe through the English Channel ... I never thought I'd be a ship stalker one day!


 Here she is, saying hello for the first time:


Overexcited and overjoyed!


I named her Cheetah Electra. Does anyone else name their cars?


I  love the clean white interior, the absence of buttons and stalks and the yoke steering wheel. 


For those interested in electric cars and their environmental role and impact, find out more here

In other news, I've been checking Dior's beautiful fabric options as I needed a lightweight but sturdy tote. I decided on a beautiful Toile de Jouy reverse embroidered Book Tote bag in the medium size. 


The dedicated, bi-colour French Toile linen with an anthracite cotton satin insert offers complete protection for the Book Tote's interior. The Book Tote insert is available in my online store here


 A couple of weeks ago, I went for another short trip to Paris, this time for the Déco Off event and Maison and Objet trade show.

During Déco Off, fabric houses and makers from many different countries come to Paris and set up pop-up stores in Saint Germain and around the rue du Mail. At the same time, the established showrooms have late-night openings and host evening receptions. It is such a great event to source fabrics and ideas for my bag insert lines and decoration projects. 




The Maison and Objet is a huge, bi-annual event; the endless halls are filled with beautiful objects and furniture. I fell in love with these fabulous candles from Italy and couldn't resist placing an order. They'll be available in my shop in the spring!


During a quick visit to the Bon Marché, this stunning little gem of a bag at Dior caught my eye. It's part of the Dior Lady Art collection by Chinese Artist Wang Yuyang ... the bag is entirely covered in embroidered sequins and pearls depicting the moon and universe. 


I loved trying it on, and it worked so well with the outfit I wore that day that I nearly gave in. However, rationale prevailed in the end; I could not imagine many occasions where I could wear it, especially since travelling with it would probably prove to be on the complicated side. 


First tulips of the year


Cheetah Electra at the spa, receiving ceramic coating paint protection.


Mimosas are out, always the first (and very welcome)  sign that winter will come to an end


The boys in the Cheetah. As with my previous Tesla, I so much appreciate being able to set the climate to "Dog Mode", which allows you to run small errands while leaving the dogs in the car.  Dog Mode keeps the cabin temperature at 20 celsius using AC in the summer and heat in winter. On the screen, a tail-wagging balloon dog assures any concerned passers-by that the climate is regulated and that the owner will be back soon.


42 comments:

  1. Glad that you are so please with your new car, it look wonderful - and I can understand how you had a problem leaving the handbag in the store..

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    1. Thanks so much, so happy that you like the car. And yes, it wasn't easy to pass on this little gem of a bag. Hope I won't regret it!

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  2. Ha, the only thing we did NOT shop for was plaid underwear! Seriously, though, you looked fabulous in your outfit, as did the boyzz . . . perfect walking billboards for the very sexy Plaid (if Tesla advertised, the three of you would be hired on the spot.) And, “Dog Mode” is genius - Elon must have pets!

    I can’t wait for a ride in Cheetah Electra at near warp speed, no doubt, with a very large glass of nerve-calming wine afterwards. So happy that you’re thoroughly enjoying this uber-fantastic piece of engineering wizardry.

    Love to you,
    Jerrine

    PS - Love the candles, too. Such a unique eye you have.

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    1. Oh what fun the outfit shopping was, but glad we didn't think of underwear 😅 For a moment I thought you suggested a calming glass of wine before the ride ... but glad you meant afterwards. Can't wait to show you the "cheetah stance" (drag strip mode), where the car lowers itself before the pounce! I think we might need two glasses afterwards ... Much much love xxx

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  3. Dog Mode! How utterly brilliant! This alone would tempt me Tesla-wards. Gorgeous outfit for your Cheetah Electra welcoming. The boys look so handsome and excited. Delighted to see mimosa as the first signs of Spring. Yes please!

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    1. Haha ... it's very easy to convince dog lovers of a Tesla 🥰🐾 In the early days you would just keep the climate control running to keep your dogs warm/cool, but then someone had their window smashed by a concerned passers-by and so Tesla added the feature. They always do things like that, it is one of the many reasons I love that company. The boys send love, and I hope the first signs of spring make an appearance soon!

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  4. How amazing that you could follow your Cheetah Electra's journey on the cargo ship! Thanks for the gorgeous spring photos, as we are still in winter's depths.

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    1. Following the progress of the Höegh Transporter became part of my morning routine 😂 Hope signs of spring will come to you soon, it is so uplifting to see those first tiny blossoms and leaves making an appearance 🌸 🌿

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  5. Our cars always have names! There's Phyllis (hot rod), Phoebe (Plymouth Sports Fury), Marilyn (HR Station Sedan) and Sweet Sensation (S series Valiant), then the daily drivers Bob-the-Barge (or Robert the Land Yacht - a Chrysler 300C) and Cholmondley (VW Caddy). Watching the development of alternate fuel sources quite avidly - retro-fit to battery isn't quite where we need it to be for the toys because the aesthetics matter and distance isn't yet sufficient for a longer trip here in Australia. Plus, want them to be graphene rather than lithium and I really want green diesel to become an option, because that means I can keep my little VW-shaped TARDIS.

    Having "Dog Mode" is brilliant!!!

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    1. Love your car names, particularly Bob-the-Barge! Retro fit isn't a great solution as aerodynamics matter. Not sure how developed the Super Charger network is in Australia, but in the US and Europe you can get anywhere with a Tesla (the range of mine is about 600km). Regarding batteries ... you might find this interesting (starting at page 97) https://www.tesla.com/ns_videos/2021-tesla-impact-report.pdf
      Dog Mode rocks, have a happy weekend!

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  6. Car looks great! Enjoy it! Some of these LDior art bags are just fabulous…what a putty there is no insert for the large size book tote! Is there going to be one on the MT shop? E

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    1. Thanks so much, happy you like the car 🙏🏻 So true re the Lady Dior Art bags ... I haven't looked into them before and had no idea how fabulous they are. No plans for a large BT insert for the moment, but perhaps at a later point. Have a lovely weekend!

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  7. I got my Tesla model three in 2018 and I love love love her. I had just read a book on the life of Princess Margaret so I gave her another chance and my white TESLA is named Princess Margaret. She has a sparkly crown brooch attached to the top in the front. I have always driven ‘mom’ cars so this is so much fun. Enjoy your new cheetah Electra.

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    1. Aww so happy to know that you love your Princess Margaret Model 3! Very cool that she has her own crown brooch, must think of something nice for Cheetah Electra. I've driven mom cars before too ... never again 😉 🚀

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  8. Dear MaiTai, what a great car with great features! I wish you a good trip all the time! Your pictures are once again a feast for the eyes! I myself can hardly wait for spring and the sun. Funny: when you wrote that you were looking for a sturdy bag, I rather thought of hiking or mountaineering equipment... :-) :-) :-)
    BTW: my car is named Karl. Alles Liebe, Claudia

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    1. Thanks so much, my dear Claudia, I am so happy that you like the car! So funny re the bag ... although I think it could handle some hiking equipment 🥾🧗‍♀️ 😅 Love the name of your car, reminds me of Karl Lagerfeld. So sad that he died, his interviews were the best ... like fireworks! Have a wonderful weekend. Alles Liebe x

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    2. hihi... to be honest I also thought of Karl Lagerfeld, by naming my car. But, please, don't tell my DH ;-)
      I have just forgotten to tell that the outfit you've chosen for picking up your cheetah was really great! It looks stunning on you <3 Alles Liebe

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    3. Good thinking!! Won't tell anyone 😅 Alles Liebe und hab einen guten Start in die neue Woche ❤️

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  9. Merci pour ce nouveau "plaisir des yeux". Votre "look" me rappelle les collégiennes des années 60, ma jeunesse, hé oui. Grâce à vous j'ai découvert l'air conditionné en mode doggy - pourquoi personne n'y a pensé avant ;o))))). All the best to you and your family.

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    1. Merci pour votre gentil commentaire 🙏🏻 Quelqu'un sur Instagram a commenté que cela leur rappelait les tenues qu'Ali McGraw portait ... donc bien un rappel des années 60! Je trouve ça génial aussi que ce constructeur considère les chiens. En plus ils n'utilise pas du cuir à l'intérieur ... le voiture est complètement vegan ;) Passez un très bon week-end! ☀️

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  10. Beautiful car just like you are. Enjoy!

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  11. Lovely pictures. I did not know Tesla had dog mode. MAy more cars begin to have that!

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    1. Thanks so much! Teslas are computers on wheels and have so many cool features. Hope others will follow suit! Dog mode only works with electric cars though, as you can't run the climate in internal combustion engine cars while the motor is turned off.

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  12. OMG, everything is beautiful.
    Those bags are stunning, both the tote as well as the Lady Dior Art. WOW!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Onward and upward toward spring.
    Colleen in Canada

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    1. Thanks so much, Colleen. The Lady Dior Art was even more stunning in person, the photo doesn’t do it justice 🥰 Here’s to spring and have a happy weekend! Best, Tai

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  13. What a lovely month you had. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. It's been an absolutely incredible month, thank you so much for your lovely comment✨ 🙏🏻

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  14. SO CUTE AND I ADORE MIMOSA!Here it blooms in MARCH.YOU just keep getting younger and younger looking!I think you should share your skincare regime with us one day!I have been fighting PNEUMONIA.......the entire month of January in hospital and at home in bed!Still not ready to tackle the world!XXX

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    1. I am so sorry to hear that you caught Pneumonia, sending you my best wishes for a thorough, and hopefully speedy, recovery! March will be here before you know it, you'll be in Mimosa paradise then < 3

      Regarding skin care ... I'm cleaning my skin with whatever mild foam cleanser I have (Avene, Caudalie etc) and apply Bioderma's Créaline H2O (basically an eau micellaire) as a toner afterwards. Instead of creams I use a mix of oils and essential oils (30ml Jojoba oil + 30ml of Hélichryse mixed with 2.5ml of Ciste ladanifère and 2.5ml Hélichryse essential oils). I'm currently trying out Recherche Biologique's Lotion P50 because a friend had very good results, but am still waiting for these to materialise on me ;)
      Get better soon, Dear xxx

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  15. I cannot get your comments to works!
    ANYWAY Lovely share and how exciting!
    I have pneumonia and am here happily reading your adventures.
    MIMOSA blooms in March in California!!!
    XX
    LA CONTESSA

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    1. The comments don't show up immediately because they are moderated (I have to do this because of spam issues, and to keep the occasional troll in check)

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  16. Oh you incorrigible ship stalker you! Congratulations and well done for treating yourself to that beautiful piece of engineering. They are ever so smart to be considering dogs, I admire their ingeniosity: it's marketing really geared at practicality!
    Also, I love how you make a true occasion of events like this and even dress the boys accordingly.
    All our cars have always been called Titine, We are true originals...
    Enjoy the last of winter as it will be gone soon.
    Bea from Sydney

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    1. Haha ... I'm glad that my ship stalking got noticed 😆 Thanks so much for your lovely good wishes for the new motor, I admire the company for the same reasons as you 🥰 The boys do love an occasion, they always get extra excited when their "special collars" come out. Titine is such a fun name for a car, no wonder it sticks 👍🏻 Enjoy the end of your summer, and have a wonderful autumn ahead 🍂🍁🍂 Tai

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  17. Dog mode - such a lovely feature! Enjoy reading your blog!

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    1. Thanks so much, I'm so happy that you enjoy the blog! Dog mode is fabulous indeed, I often run a quick errand after walking the dogs and it is so nice not having to deposit them at home first.

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  18. Finally getting a chance to see this post. Love the car and all your photos. What lovely tulips! The toile tote is elegant and functional. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

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    1. Thanks so much Mary for your lovely comment, so happy you enjoyed the post. The car is my treasure and I love the toile tote too, it is surprisingly hard wearing!

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