Fire Up Your Little Black Dress

Bonjour Blogsphere!

Summer is winding down here in Paris. The days are getting shorter, and the Parisians are trickling back into town. The weather is still warm, but not quite as broiling as earlier in the month. Fall preview has hit the golden triangle, and fashion week is quickly approaching!

Lapin a la Mode Look du Jour: Fiery Little Black Dress

When Coco Chanel created the little black dress, she had a singular goal, to create a dress which could be worn at all times for all ocassions, while remaining timeless and elegant. American Vogue called it the Ford for women, such was its revolutionary impact. Today, the little black dress continues to flourish in myriads of designer collections as well as in the closets of women everywhere. What makes the little black dress so versatile is that there are the limitless accessorizing possibilities, each giving a totally new feel and style to the wearer.

For me, there is nothing classier than a LBD, stilettos, pearls, and red lipstick. With that in mind I created this lookbook collection. (Note: I was also inspired by my new cherry red Jimmy Choo pumps which I'm just aching to wear.) For deliciously decadent red lips, my favorite lipstick is Lancome's - Le Rouge Absolu in Red Light, topped with Yves Saint Laurent - Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss in #04 Gold Fuschia. The YSL lipgloss is always my failsafe for cocktail parties- it gives enough color by itself, never bleeds, and can be applied flawlessly without a mirror.When fiery lips are the focus of a look, I'm partial to a soft golden glow for the eyes . My favorite choice is Chanel's D'Eau Ombre Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Beach #82. Because it is a liquid eyeshadow, it gives more of a natural glow to the eyelids than powders alone, and has incredible staying power. To make the eyes pop, try Benefit's BADgal waterproof eyeliner (always best to be prepared- you never know when rain/allergies/emotions may strike). For the finishing flourish, liberally apply Lancome's latest mascara- Oscillation! I've fallen in love with this mascara and its vibrating wand- it's amazing how much mascara you can get onto your lashes without double dipping!

Click of French Culture:
One of my favorite places to grab lunch is in on Rue Saint Anne. This quarter which is located in the second arrondisement (near the Louvre) harbors a plethora of Japanese restaurants and is home to the yummiest sushi in Paris! The key to knowing which restaurant to choose is checking out the lines- because many of these restaurants are tiny and do not take reservations, if a restaurant is popular, you will probably have to wait a bit. The best part about the restaurants in this quarter is that the price is budget friendly- quite often you can get a full menu for 10-15 euros.

If you are up for trying something different, check out the bubble tea at Zenzoo. Bubble tea originated in Singapore in the 1980s and is a drink which contains large tapioca "bubbles" so you have the sensation of eating and drinking at the same time. There are plenty of beverage flavors, from mango and lychee, to almond and sesame. Plus the food there is fabulous, especially the Saturday special!

With that, I am starving! A bientot readers!

-Liz Anne

Routine Quotidienne

Bonjour Blogsphere!

Thanks to the Lancome blog, I have discovered a wonderful website called Polyvore which is awesome. It allows you to create your own fashion layouts like you would find in a magazine (such as Vogue) using real products from a plethora of different brands. Whether you're an aspiring Beauty Editor, fashionista, or just a creative person with lots of time on your hands; you will have loads of fun designing your own fashion layout! The finished version can be shared with friends and user groups, plus there are links on each of the products that give you product information and price as well as a links to buy the products! So without further adieu, I present my first Polyvore layout!

Here is the collection of products which make up my daily routine, inspired by a friend asking what I actually use on a daily basis. If you notice, they are all Lancome. As many of you may know, I spent four years working as a make-up artist for a plethora of different lines. I got addicted to Lancome while working as a counter manager, and am in love with their skincare for three reasons. First, Lancome dedicates a huge chunk of change towards research and development, leading the industry on product innovation. There's a lot of technology in their products, and you can see the results on your skin. Second, out of all the "lifers"- women who have spent their entire careers in cosmetics- the lovely ladies of Lancome have hands down the best skin. If that is not the best testiment to their products, I don't know what is. Third, I love how the products smell and feel on my skin. Skincare with Lancome is an experience, not just a necessity.

So, onto my day-to-day habits. Keep in mind that these products are geared toward my skin's needs- there may be products are a better fit for you.

1. CLEANSE: A cleanser is an important part of any girl's daily routine as it breaks up make-up, dead skin, and the dirt of the day to keep your skin looking fresher and acne-free. The Lancome cleanser I use has a rich foam texture and feels absolutely decadent when I'm using it. Plus, all you need is one pump, so the product really lasts for quite some time.

2. TONE: Toners provide light exfoliation and get your skin to return to a normal Ph balance after cleansing. They are particularly helpful with you have dull skin. In my case, I use Lancome's formulation for dry skin because my skin is often on the parched side. If you REALLY can't be bothered to use a toner, I recommend choosing a gentle exfoliator in place of a cleanser. This way you get the added exfoliation of the cleanser. My favorite is of course Lancome's Exfoliance Clarite, which has two sizes of beads for both purifying and deep cleansing. Plus, it has pineapple and papaya extracts, which makes it smell yummy.

3. TREAT: For the serious skincare person, serums are great targeted treatments which can help with a specific skincare need. They should be slipped on underneath your moisturizer, and can be used day and night. In my case, I have been using Genefique during the day (for fresher, younger, and more renewed skin) and Primordiale at night (which attacks the first signs of aging).

4. EYES: Eyes are the first place we see aging, and the eye area has different problems than the rest of the face (ie puffiness and dark circles). Most eye creams contain caffeine, which helps reduce puffiness. When applying eye creams, you should always use your ring finger and pat (not rub) the cream in on the orbital bone. Otherwise, you can tear the eye area and make the problems worse!

5. MOISTURIZE: I prefer a moisturizer which also acts as a treatment product so that you can have added benefits. Day creams tend to protect the skin from aging (especially those with an SPF), while night creams are more repairative in nature. While your skin is at rest (during the night), your body is able to do more restoration. If your budget only allows for a day cream or a night cream, I highly recommend going with a day cream for two reasons. One, night creams do not contain SPF, so you will need to add a sunscreen to your regime as the sun is what ages our skin the most. Two, the saying "A stitch in time saves nine" is true of our skin- preventive measures are much more effective than reparative.

6: LIPS: As a cosmetic junkie, I started using Primordiale lip cream a few years to soften my lips and prevent aging. For someone who has problems with their lipstick feathering into their lines, it is a great product.

7: BODY: Moisturizing the body is just as important as moisturizing the face! Remember that in 20 years, we won't just see your neck! My personal choice is Lancome's Glow Sensuale because it has a light self-tanner (which you can't screw up) and a very light scent which will not overpower your perfume.

So that, dear readers, is what I currently use on a daily basis from the plethora of products which are in my vanity. If you are interested in any of the products, click on the image and it will take you directly to the Polyvore layout and individual product purchasing links.

Click of French Culture
If you are going to be shopping in Paris, something you may want to consider is vintage shopping. The French themselves do not frequent many of these stores, and you can find absolute steals. Les Puces is an amazing flea market (and potentially the original flea market as well!) and there are some true bargains to be found. With this economy, who DOESN'T want a bargain? There are also a lot of great vintage shops including Reciproque (the largest in Paris with an entire rack dedicated to Chanel suits) and Didier Ludot (focused on haute couture, with one of the stores focused entirely on little black dresses).

A bientot readers!
-Liz Anne

Prince Charming and the Cleaning Demons

Bonjour blogsphere!

Today, I want to start off by saying I really and truly have the perfect husband. Case in point, this weekend, I went to Printemps with a friend to cruise the very end of the sales. As my wardrobe is bursting through the seams with pretty little dresses (I have a collection which would be the envy of many a Stepford Wife), I resisted the temptation to browse the dregs of clothing, but fell prey to the temptress known as the shoe section. Jimmy Choo just happened to have TWO beautiful pairs of shoes (last pairs, in my size!)- a fabulous pair of stiletto bootie sandals in black with bronze gromits and a classic pair of deep red patent leather mary janes (with stiletto, of course!). How could a girl possibly choose between two such amazing pairs which were on SALE FOR HALF PRICE?! It was the classic conundrum- did I need the unique and slightly trendy booties (keep in mind that EVERYONE is showing booties this fall), or did I want the classic/never out of style perfect red shoes? As we are saving to purchase an apartment, I couldn't decide which pair of shoes I could live without. So, I called my husband. He laughed and told me to GET BOTH, if it makes me happy, and that we could more than afford it. How perfect of a man is he?

Meanwhile, I've been possessed by all kinds of cleaning demons, which I will use as an excuse for my lack of recent postings. As we live on the ground floor, and France windows have bars instead of screens, I had the unfortunate experience of watching a cockroach come in through the window. Somewhere between screaming profusely, attacking the miscreant with heavy duty hairspray (in lieu of bug spray) and watching the roach succumb to the fumes of the hairspray, I made the resolution to further clean our cozy apartment (as well as coat the window bars with roach spray on a regular basis so none of those horrible pest will try to come in). It's been good, as my mania has inspired my husband and I to clean out our drawers and closets...

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour
So. I've been lacking in the sleep department again, probably due to nightmares related to the roach sighting. One trick for getting tired, red eyes to look brighter is to use a blue eyeliner, especially inside the lower lashline. My personal favorite is Lancome's black lapis Le Crayon Khol as it is relatively waterproof and an amazing shade.


Click of French Culture
Most of France goes on vacation during the month of August, so like the world of fashion, the year pretty much begins in September. In France, workers legally get at least five weeks of vacation along with scads of holidays, so many people actually take the entire month of August off (or a massive portion of it). France also has a 35 hour work-week, with no overtime allowed for many positions (including mine). For those of us who work more than our 35 hours, we accrue some additional vacation in lieu of overtime pay. For an interesting article on the subject, click here.


A bientot!
-Liz Anne

It's 5 o'clock Somewhere (although, it's 1 am here and I'm still on a conference call)

Bonjour blogsphere,

Another day has come and gone, here in the city of lights. Unfortunately, I'm not able to enjoy this Friday night, as I'm on a conference call with the US until well past 1 am (ah the joys of having the rest of my team sit in Cupertino), but I'm looking forward to tomorrow night! We may head to Murano which is a beautiful vodka-focused bar which always has great music and gorgeous ambiance. It's possibly the hottest ticket with the Paris insiders right now- Hotel Costes, while it has great music, has gotten a bit too tourist filled. We may also try discovering a new arrondisement, or checking out the tail-end of the sales... (there are a pair of Jimmy Choo's which I'm salavating over but not sure if I can justify with our apartment-buying budget)... Oh the possibilities!

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour
As I have a worldwide marketing role in the very large tech company, my conference call schedule gets a little crazy- I have 7 am calls with Asia and India and 10-11 pm calls with the US on a regular basis, with the very occasional middle of the night call. The one product that saves me from having massive dark circles on a regular basis is Touche Eclat from YSL. It's definitely the best concealor every created- it can help with lines, acne, dark circles, brow highlighting, cheek highlighting, etc. If I had one make-up item I was allowed on a desert island, that would be it! And I'm not alone- makeup artists and beauty editors worldwide consider this to be an essential must-have.

Click of French Culture
With the month of August coming up, many of the Parisians are starting to head to the beaches to beat the heat, and partake in the pleasures of coasts. For those of us who are stuck here in Paris, this weekend Paris Plage opens to give us an oasis of tropical relaxation in the middle of the busy metropolis. Every year, the city of Paris closes off some streets by the river Seine and brings in palm trees, sand, deck chairs, and floating pools. There are lots of great events which happens as well, like free concerts, dance lessons, and a climbing wall. I personally can't wait!

A bientot readers!
-Liz Anne

Boom Boom POW

Bonjour blogsphere,

Today's title is an homage to the fantastic fireworks display my husband and I enjoyed yesterday at the Eiffel Tower (and also a reference to the madness of trying to get a good viewing spot!). Watching a plethora of plumes shooting off of France's most recognizable structure with other fireworks glittering in the sky. We wrapped up the evening watching the crowds of people go by while sipping cocktails at the Deauville bar on the Champs Elysees.


Before the festivities, we also got to discover another arrondissement- the 16th. I LOVE this quarter. The buildings are beautiful, there is no graffiti to be seen anywhere, there are TONS of really nice cafes, and it is calm but full of life at the same time. It's also next to the second largest park in Paris, and bordered by the Seine. There are also a lot of sports venues in the 16th- such as the stadium where the city's soccer team plays as well as the complex where the French Open (tennis) takes place. The only question is, can we find something affordable there? Apparently, the 16th is the richest arrondisement of Paris and boasts some of the most extensive real estate. (The most expensive places have got amazing views of the Eiffel Tower.) Luckily the housing market is, as in the rest of the world, struggling a bit at the moment, so it may work out for us. At least a girl can dream!


Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
Have you ever wished that your eyeshadow would look as vibrant on your eyes as in the package and wished that it would stay on all day? One trick that is part of my daily routine is to wet my eyeshadow brush before application and then pat the eyeshadow on. Applying the wet eyeshadow makes the eyeshadow more vibrant (and more shimmery if you're using shadows with shimmer in them). Your eyeshadow will also stay on much longer. Not all eyeshadows can be used wet (especially the cheaper varieties)- my personal favorites are Chanel's and Lancome's Color Design.


Click of French Culture:
The trendiest treat in France currently is the Macaron, and it is DELICIOUS. It's a pastry that has flavored cream flanked by two cookies- the oreo's more sophisticated French cousin. La Duree is known to have the best, but for those of you stateside, you may be able to find them soon at Chez Paul (which has started infiltrating food courts in Florida).
Now I'm hungry! ;-) Maybe I'll jaunt off to the nearby bakery to grab a macaron for myself! A bientot readers!

-Liz Anne

Arrondissement Immersion

Good morning blogsphere!

It's yet another sunny day in Paris. I know the classic song is all about Paris in the springtime, but personally, I love Paris in the summer! Since we no longer have a wedding to plan (as we are now married), my husband and I have commenced with project "Acheter Appt" in order to fill the void. As I have spent the last 14 years renting (with the longest stay in one apartment being my nearly two years in Zurich), I look forward to actually owning a place and nesting.

We're currently searching for a "3 Piece" (ie 3 room) apartment. My main criteria is that the area must be cute, there must be a metro within a 5-10 minute walk, and there must be lots of little cafes nearby (with at least one open on Sundays). We would potentially prefer to have a park nearby, but can live without it. The area must also be safe and secure. We know that we like the Marais (4th), Rue Moufftard, and Levallois (which is right on the edge of Paris); however as neither one of us are from Paris (my husband grew up near Versailles), we are not 100% familiar with all the unique neighborhoods Paris has to offer.

So this weekend, we decided to discover two arrondisements- the 7th and the 15th. We have definitely ruled the 7th out as a potential place to live- there's not really much life other than the governmental offices. The area seemed devoid of the little cafes I love about Paris as well, so that was definitely a downside. In the 15th, however, we were pleasantly surprised. There's more grit in this neighborhood than in our current one (the 8th), and it just feels more urban and real. I also love the fact that the metro is a train on an elevated platform in this area. It adds movement and charm. The streets are also more narrow and less planned, which I prefer to the wide avenues. And, in good news, the 15th is both safe and more affordable than some of the other neighborhoods in Paris! So, it's now on our list (particularly near rue Commerce, quartier Grenelle and Vaugirard).

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:

Every woman wants lush, long eyelashes. In fact, when forced to choose only one make-up item, the majority of women choose mascara. In an effort to make lashes even longer and fuller, many cosmetic lines offer a mascara primer. My opinion- eyelash primers do make a huge difference. I experimented recently and did one eye with Lancome's Oscillation Powerbooster under my regular mascara (which is Lancome's Virtuose currently) and the other eye with just the mascara. Not only did my lashes look longer and fuller with the primer, but I found it much easier to apply the actual mascara- much less clumping. For those of you in Europe, Oscillation Powerbooster is currently only available in the Lancome boutique in Paris or in the USA; however, I have always liked Lancome's Cils Booster XL (which is also less pricey). I also prefer the usage of mascara primers plus mascara to the mascara layering techniques some of my former make-up artist collegues employed- anytime I layer mascaras, they have the tendency to flake on me!

Click of French Culture:

Paris is split into 20 different neighborhoods called arrondissements. They spiral out from the center of Paris in a snail-like formation and are flanked on either side by two huge parks- Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. Each one has its own color and flavor. If you want a taste of each of the arrondisements without traveling to Paris, check out the movie Paris, je t'aime, which hosts a series of 18 short films, each about a different arrondissement!

Well readers, I'm off to get ready for my day and potentially go explore another arrondissement! A bientot!

-Liz Anne

The sun is shining, the weather is sweet... yeah.

Bonjour Blogsphere,

Another Thursday drags on here in Paris. The sales are winding down and Parisians are starting to relocate to their summer homes. My mother in law has relocated herself to her house in the lovely La Tranche sur Mer, on the French atlantic coast and is basking in the sun's rays. I, meanwhile, continued to beg, plead, cajole with my work laptop which is still on strike. (I also tried the swearing profusely and violence threatening methods). Ah well, c'est la vie...

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour
Many of my friends are fans of the traditional French manicure, but are not graced with the hand coordination to successfully pull off flawless nails. And then there are those people, like me, who are prone to chipping/ruining any and all nail polish within a day of application. Sephora has invented the coolest nail product yet- the French Manicure Nail Patch! Took me 5 minutes to put on, looked better than many of my manicure efforts, and looked perfect and fresh for over a week! As an added bonus- there's NO drying time!

Click of French Culture
Last week, my American friends gloated about their long weekend courtesy of the US independence. Now, it is my turn to gloat- Tuesday, July 14 is Bastille Day, the French national holiday. Like the US, France celebrates with picnics, fireworks, and a day free from work. In Paris, there is a giant costumed ball in at the Bastille area with free music and a different theme each year. The firemen also open their doors to the public offering live demonstrations and dancing. I can't wait to put on my dancing shoes to celebrate!

A bientot readers!
-Liz Anne

On my Computer's Cultural Adaptation...

Bonjour blogsphere,

So, I've decided today that my computer has decidedly turned French. Why, might you ask? My work computer (and bear in mind, I work for the company who created it) has decided to go on strike, something which could be considered the French national past-time. The French, especially the students, enjoy organizing grand Manifestations, where people demonstrate against whomever is the oppressor du jour. A good friend once explained that Manifestations are such an integral part of French life- babies go with their mothers to shake their fists and learn the art. It is, perhaps, the only time the French actually arrive to an activity on time. At the same time, I am also thankful for the 35 hour work week and the 5 weeks that have come of such manifesting! :-)

After living in three neighboring countries, Germany, Switzerland, and France, I firmly believe that the train strikes in particular really give you an insight into the cultures of the country itself. In France, when the trains go on strike, you don't really know which trains will be affected. So you go to the train station, and maybe the trains will run. Maybe they won't. It's always a fun question. In Germany, if the trains (especially the city network: S-Bahn/U-Bahn) are on strike, there is an announcement in advance which trains from what time will be on strike. So, even though it is a minor annoyance, it can be planned for and avoided. In Switzerland, there are no strikes. Period. (Please note: the Swiss start freaking out when the trains are a minute late, and you can literally plan to the minute when you will arrive at your destination.)

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
With summer, something every girl needs to get by is some good waterproof mascara to get you through any sudden poolside splashes. My take: Hypnose Waterproof (Lancome), DiorShow Waterproof, or Urban Decay Big Fatty Waterproof. One major no no with waterproof mascara is using any lash primer- many times it will cause your mascara to flake.

Click of French Culture:
Coming back to the trains, anyone who's spent their fair share of time in French train stations will be quick to tell you about the singing announcements. Yes, that's right. Before any announcement is made by comforting computer generated woman's voice, the computer woman sings a few notes to announce the announcement. It's so well recognized that it has been turned into various remixes and is used to close out most of the SNCF commercials.

Well, blogsphere, here's to hoping my work computer will not need to be reimaged again. Off to the office for some IT TLC!

A bientot!
- Liz Anne

My Heart is Yearning, as Paris is Burning...

Bonjour Blogsphere!

Paris is still broiling, and by the end of yesterday evening I was completely missing the hardcore standard air-conditioning all Floridian buildings are outfitted with. Luckily, the professional photos from my wedding arrived, so I had something to distract me! :-) I'm working on a massive wedding album, and promise to post once it's finished!

I must admit, we truly had a magical wedding, thanks to the best bridesmaid ever (Katie) and my very own French Prince Charming! For any of you interested in doing a destination wedding, I highly recommend La Tranche sur Mer, on the French Atlantic Coast!

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
The Lancome Blog, which I adore, posted a great article from Vogue about the importance of sunscreen, with a few product recommendations. The best way to prevent aging/sun damage/etc. is to wear the sunscreen. One of the easiest ways to make sure your face (and neck) are protected is to make sure your daytime moisturizer has an SPF in it- you are exposed to the sun even when you do not realize it (especially driving!). No matter which one you choose, just make sure you're covered!

Click of French Culture:

France is peppered with many adorable little chateaus. In addition to making excellent wedding reception venues (we had ours at the chateau in the picture), many chateaus also double as hotels/bed and breakfasts. Quite often, they are less expensive than hotels and have ten times the charm! Besides, which girl does not dream of being a princess? While the Loire Valley is the most famous region for chateaus (there are over 300 there!), you can find them throughout France. I recommend this site or this site for if you're interested in booking a romantic getaway!

Well, my husband needs some attention, so I must be off! (Maybe I can persuade him to buy us a fan tomorrow... ;-)

A bientot readers!
-Liz Anne

Steamy Summer Soldes

Good morning blogsphere!

It is another hot, steamy day in lovely Paris and the sales are about to hit their second week. While most of the good couture is gone at this point, there is still the deuxieme demarque to look forward to! :-) Either the buyers planned better or the economy is picking up, because this set of sales did not see nearly the amount of discounted couture available that I was able to snag this winter. Or maybe I just have good taste, because it seemed that the dress I'd been debating about from Maje and the scrumptious velvet Chanel sandals I could not justify paying full price for (after having bought a pair of Chanel white wedges and my Dior wedding shoes in the past month) had both sold through before the sales. My main win was the two pairs of Tod's ballerinas I was able to grab after waiting patiently for nearly an hour to actually get into the store. My shopping partner did score big with a beautiful pair of Prada snakeskin sandals, and we were both able to pick up some cute summer dresses at Derby. Good times. I look forward to hitting up Printemps and Lafayette after the next round of markdowns... :-)

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
Summertime equals pool time; and if you enjoy taking a quick dip in the pool for some refreshment from the heat, you know that you will be faced with one of hair's greatest enemies: chlorine! As a blonde who adores floating lazily around a pool for entire afternoons, I've had to battle with brittle, dry hair afterwards. One of the best solutions to the problem is to wet your hair in the shower before you hop in the pool. If your hair is already wet, it will not absorb as much of the chlorinated water. If your hair does get dry and damaged, try a conditioning mask. I have used Borghese's Fango Active Mud for Hair for years. I also recently tried Matrix Sleek.Look Miracle Reconstructor which is more of a hard core conditioner than a hair mask, but I was also pleased with the results. (I love the Sleek.Look shampoo and conditioner so much that whenever family or friends come to visit from the US, I implore them to bring the economy size bottles for me!)

Click of French Culture:
When it comes to weddings, the French love to party until dawn. My American guests were quite amazed by the number of people still going strong on the dance floor at 4 am. At dawn, it is traditional to serve the remaining guests onion soup before they head to bed- a great way to finish an entire day of celebrating! The tradition apparently started long ago, when the bride and the groom would leave the wedding party (leaving everyone else to dance and drink) to consummate their marriage. After an appropriate amount of time, the partiers would arrive with a massive pot of onion soup to wake up the bride and groom. Afterwards, the remaining revellers would come to finish the soup. Today, the bride and the groom party with the guests and retire after the onion soup. Jonesing for your own bowl of onion soup? Try this recipe.

A bientot, readers!
-Liz Anne

Bouncing Down the Aisle...

Bonjour blogsphere,

After a brief two-week hiatus (I know my husband in particular missed his daily dose of fashion tips) I'm back! Refreshed. Suntanned. Officially married. Planning a wedding in a foreign country in a remote location can be quite a challenge! Everything went smoothly on the day of the ceremony, and I promise to regale all of you readers with tales from the wedding, after I conquer the 500+ e-mails awaiting me in my work inbox...

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
So, friends, I must admit that I did something completely horrible before the wedding. I went to the tanning bed. I know. I know. I KNOW. I think the trade-off of three tanning sessions (and the added skin damage) for tan wedding pictures is totally worth it. While I was there, the spa attendant convinced me to pick up HOT! Indoor Tanning Lotion by Australian Gold, and I must admit, I have never tanned faster. While I have sworn off tanning beds unless ABSOLUTELY necessary in the future, for those of you naughty people still partaking in fake-baking, definitely pick up the HOT! Lotion. As an added bonus, it smells really yummy- like chocolate and oranges!

Whether you are a perennial tanning bed user or a sun worshipper, with age you begin to notice more and more "beauty marks" appearing. Don't fear! There is a solution: Lancome Bright Expert. Back when I was still working in the cosmetics industry, I had a client that had developed a really bad pregnancy mask. I convinced her to try the Absolue Spot Serum (which was a precursor to the Bright Expert) and it really broke up a lot of the discoloration. I've heard that the Bright Expert was able to almost completely clear up her remaining discoloration. Next time I'm at the Lancome boutique, I totally plan on picking some up!

Click of French Culture:
Sticking with the wedding theme, today's topic is the ever delectible dragee- served at every French wedding! Some of you may know the dragee as Jordan Almonds- essentially, it is an almond wrapped with a light layer of chocolate and finished with a hard sugar coating. Dragees can be any color- ours were royal blue and white. Another minor tibit is that the thinner the sugar coating, the better quality of the actual dragee. You also take a look at the following detailed pictorial process of creating dragees.

That's all the time I have for today! I promise to post some wedding photos soon!

French Administration: the Customer is Never Right

Bonjour readers,

Every expat living in France (as well as most French people) has a story or two about the trials and tribulations of dealing with the French administration. There is nothing quite like the French administration. You never really know what documentation they will decide they need, or if they are giving you the full instructions. Also, keep in mind that every individual public servant has their own interpretation of the law and the necessary documents which you need to provide. Depending on the person (and the person's mood), the French administration can be incredibly nit-picking. Also, bear in mind that no amount of crying, cajoling, screaming, table banging, or threatening will change the mind of these dear civil servants, so it is best to bite your lip, sigh, and give in to their demands. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse.

Today, in my never-ending quest for a permanent resident card- Carte de Sejour- I had an appointment with the prefecture. Even though the immigration lawyers and the people at the first phase of our application process found the documentation with our names, address, and bank account details perfectly fine as proof of our joint bank account (I'm legally married), today's public servant decided that it was necessary to have a copy of the actual bank contract along with statements for the last three months. Translation, I have to go back again tomorrow. YIPPEEE. It does give me a way to get out of a horrendously boring teleconference tomorrow, so I shouldn't complain TOO much. ;-) And this is not nearly as painful as what I went through in an attempt to get the CAF allowance when I was a student (10 trips to four different offices and twelve different forms later, I discovered that I did not in fact qualify) or what some of my other acquaintances have told me.

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
Even though we may be constantly warned about the threat of skin cancer and the sun's violent rays, many of us women will still be baking in the sun this summer, working on the perfect shade of bronze. However, even with proper sunscreen (ahem), there are times when even the most careful of us turn a delicate shade of lobster red. Don't worry, dear readers, there is relief! I personally never go to the beach without my Clarins Ultra Soothing After Sun Gel. It really cools down my skin and prevents unwanted peeling. In the case that I do burn badly (usually caused by an accidental nap), I always keep a tube of Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream handy. It's a classic product created in 1930 which is great for healing burns, abrasions, chapped lips, etc. There's a reason why it is still around after all these years!

Click of French Culture:
Most tourists to Paris visit Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur; however, Paris is peppered with myriads of grand cathedrals and churches. One of my personal favorites is the Madeleine. The church itself is quite impressive both inside and outside, and sits atop one of my favorite streets in Paris- Rue Royale- home to some of the best shopping in Paris. Today's click of French culture is also inspired by current craving for Madeleine cakes, a yummy treat! Even if you're not in France, you can make your own at home.

A bientot readers!
-Liz Anne

I see London, I see France....

Bonjour readers!

I'm baaaaaa-aaack! After a lovely jaunt over to England, home to light drizzle and amazing Indian food, I have returned to the city of lights. I never realized just how close and accessible London really is to Paris- the TGV take a mere two hours to go from Gare du Nord (in central Paris) to St. Pancreas (in central London), much faster than taking a flight or even driving to Deauville for the weekend. So, with that in mind, I totally plan to hop across the channel more often!

For me, the nicest part about being in London (other than visiting with my friends from school), was being back in a country where everyone speaks English. Don't get me wrong, I have a good mastery of the French language and enjoy the lilting cadence and accent; however, every once in awhile it is nice to have signs, menus, and store clerks available in English. Even if some of the British accents sound like a complete foreign language and there are some bizarre words such as loo and codswallop, it's still nice to understand *almost* everything!

I know Paris is the fashion capital and all, but I really enjoyed shopping in London. London has a really cool scene at the moment and a lot of great brands (and the Euro/Pound exchange rate is insanely good for me at the moment!). The sizes are also a bit bigger, and clothing can be a bit more flattering for those of us with a little extra winter blubber still on our bones. The British also have much more colorful clothing- brights and neons were definitely in- where as in Paris, there are many shades of drab from many of the stores (although places like Manoush have great colors). I particularly enjoyed browsing in the massive Top Shop in Oxford Circus. They had a lot of great dresses, but they also had a ton of knock-off classic Chanel bags... they dominated the entire first floor of the store! And gladiators seem to be back in full force again; however I have yet to see a single person sporting a pair. It was so cold on Saturday that the majority of the girls were traipsing around in their Uggs still!

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour
One thing many people dread about summer is that their skin gets much more oily and shiny in the summer. While some people choose to combat the shine with powders and blotting papers, I have my own secret weapon. One of the best kept secrets from Lancome is their T-Zone Matifier. When I used to work for Lancome back in college, I used to pour one of our massage oils on my hand and then apply the T-Zone Matifier. It would instantly suck up all the oil! The great thing about this product is that it can be applied over make-up as a quick touch up without ruining your make-up. No mirrors necessary! It also can be applied under your foundation to keep you from getting shiny during the day. Great product for any time.

Click of French Culture
France music is not just about cheesy pop or techno. The French are also known for their storyteller musicians who weave a tale with each song. Benabar is the most famous example of this style. One of his songs, Y'a une fille inhabite chez moi (translation here), is all about a girl taking over a guy's apartment. Renan Luce (Les Voisines - about how a guy prefers his female neighbors to his male neighbors) is the latest in the grand tradition.

A bientot everyone!

-Liz Anne

PS: J-15 until THE SOLDES!

French Women Don't Get Fat (but Americans can...)

Bonjour everyone,

So, tomorrow I'm off to London for two days to see some friends and to take advantage of the Euro/Pound exchange rate! I love that I can just catch a train and be in London in about two hours. SO convenient.

The main reason I'm hitting up the London stores for some shopping stems from the fact that there are not many heavy French women. Therefore, the body slimmers which have allowed my gourmand consuming body to look sleek and fit in suits and dresses (I hate seeing any lines) simply do not exist here. There are a few, but the ones that do exist do not have the complete fat sucking-in abilities that I love so much about my American ones. So, I plan to take full advantage of being in the homeland of Bridget Jones to find a proper body slimmer!

While there are not so many obese French women, this does not mean that French women are not weight conscious or constantly stuffing their faces with macarons, pain au chocolat, and cheese. There are many diet methods popular in France, and gyms are starting to sprout up more and more. The current diet trend in France is Methode Dukan. It's like the South Beach diet's big bad older brother. You spend five to seven days eating nothing but protein (fish, eggs, sandwich meats, chicken, etc.) and NOTHING else. No butter, no oil, no bread, no fruit, no veggies, no alcohol, NOTHING. The next five-seven days, you eat protein plus veggies. The you rinse, lather, repeat until you're down to the weight you want to be at. (There's a stabilization period afterwards) I did try it- eating nothing but protein is REALLY boring, and I did not lose the weight instantly like some of my friends. However, it did help me cut down on my portion size, and a few of my friends have been quite successful with said diet. I may give it another try, but as I will be having a lot of guests for the next three weeks, I think it's better to start afterwards... it's much less torture when you don't have to be tempted by what everyone else is eating...

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
Keeping with the summer theme, let's talk self-tanner. As much as I love the sun, I do not love the thought of skin cancer or freckles/age spots (I have also lived in FL, where many older sun worshippers now have spotted leather for skin). I can be quite incompetant with self tanner, so I need something idiot proofed. (Case in point, when I was working as a Beauty Advisor in college, we got in a new spray on self-tanner. I made the mistake of testing it on my arms, thinking that it would not be so strong. WRONG. It was more like a spray tan, and it turned me BROWN. I had to apply it everywhere to try to even myself out, and not only did I end up with some white streaks on my legs, but my arms got a second dose... people were calling me Bahama Mama for WEEKS) Anyway. My favorite self-tanner is Lancome's Flash Bronzer for Legs which I have never once screwed up. :-) It's got a shimmer to it, so you can see where you are applying it, and it builds over time, so it's not uber dramatic in the first application. I've also been a HUGE fan of Clarins self-tanning products as well, they are worth the money and again are pretty idiot proof.

Click of French Culture:
France has always had a huge film culture (Cannes film festival, anyone?), but what many Americans do not realize is that the French have a lot of great comedies. My personal favorite is Hors du Prix which is about a gold-digger and a bartender which will crack you up. Click here for the IMDB synopsis and click here for a trailer. It also stars Audrey Tatou, who starred in the classic Amelie. I guarantee you'll love it.

Well, that's a wrap for today! A bientot!

-Liz Anne

Seven Days in Sunny June

Bonjour everyone!

It's another beautiful June day in Paris- the sun is shining, the weather is balmy, we are halfway to the weekend... Everyone always talks about springtime in Paris, but personally I always prefer the June/July months. There are leaves on the trees, the flowers are in bloom, and the cafes are full! I spent lunch lazing in little park near my apartment (which I consider to be my extended backyard). So peaceful to enjoy a nice parisian salad and a bottle of Badoit. I'm totally addicted to bubbly water- the bubblier, the better! Nothing is crisper and more refreshing on a hot day!

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:

Summer means sandals. While are feet are vacationing from winter tights and socks; they tend to get all dried out. And no sandals, no matter how gorgeous, look good when you have cracked heels and chipped polish. One product I've always found to be quite useful over the years is softening socks- you wear them for 45 minutes, and they really help to restore the softness of your feet between pedicures. I tradionally have used Borghese; however, I recently picked up a new pair from Bliss in Sephora that seem to be quite efficient as well.

Click of French Culture:

Since the 1980s, the stars of the French music scene have gotten together each year for a benefit concert and to record a song together. The collaboration is known as Les Enfoires and the proceeds benefit a charity organization known as Restos du Cœur, which delivers hot food to the homeless. This year's song, Ici les Enfoires, is currently getting a lot of radio play; however, my favorite of the collaborations is the 2006 Le Temps Qui Court which is a remake of an old French boyband song. It's about how time flies.

And speaking of time flying... I too must run! A bientot everyone!

-Liz Anne

Bienvenue and Welcome!

Bonjour blogsphere,

Lapin a la Mode kicks off today! And what could be a more appropriate topic than the upcoming SOLDES! As of today, there are just 22 days until the summer sales commence in Paris. Have you planned your shopping route yet?

For those of you are not familiar with the French sales (there's still time to book tickets!), there are no words that can fully describe this bi-annual bargain-fest. Unlike the US, where many stores have a different sale every week, in France there are two major sales per year- one in late June/July, and one in January/February. During this period, EVERYTHING goes on sale, starting from 30% and dropping down to 70% off or more. Keep in mind that 30-50% off of a Chanel handbag equates to a lot of money. Traditionally, there are three sets of mark-downs as the sales progress. Usually couture is done after the first mark, but the best deals are during the second mark. Due to the economic crisis, the sales are proported to incredible this summer... although, I was in Hermes on Saturday and business was BOOMING... If this summer's sales are anything like the winter sales...

Anyway, I'm in the preshopping phase for the sales and am determining my plan d'attaque. I have the good fortune of a very short walk from the two biggest department stores in Paris, Printemps and La Galleries Lafayette as well as Rue Royale and Place Vendome. As I will have a few sales virgins with me, I'm still debating whether to hit up the complete chaos that will be the department stores Wednesday, or if I should hit up the shops around Rue Royale/Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore, which will be slightly less crowded and have a higher proportion of true fashionistas to the tourist bargain hunters. The main benefit of the department stores is that you have a lot of brands all in one store; however, the reality is that almost all the high fashion lines I want to hit up are strategically positioned on or near Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore... The only drawback to Rue Royale/Faubourg Saint Honore is that the stores are much more spread out than in the department stores.... I'm not wild about hitting up the Champs Elysees for two reasons: it will be packed with tourists and there are not many good brands to speak of (although it does have an AMAZING Sephora)... Hmmm.... Readers, what are your thoughts? Where will you be starting the sales?

Lapin a la Mode Tip du Jour:
Summer is here! Whether you're bronzing in the sun or starting a self-tanner regime, tans develop much quicker if you've properly exfoliated! Exfoliating regularly also gives your skin a much more even tone as well as boosted radiance- making you look even better in the more revealing clothing of summer! My personal favorite body exfoliator is Exfoliant Fraichelle from Lancome- it smells divine and is very effective at sloughing off the remains of your dull winter skin. I also am a fan of The Body Shop's Brazil Nut Body Scrub.

Click of French Culture:
I have to admit, I'm a huge French music fan. For your enjoyment, I present a current hit: Bob Sinclair's La La Song and the disco classic Dalida's Laissez Moi Danser which I guarantee will get your head bopping!

A bientot readers...

-Liz Anne