Get Carried away!

I woke up this morning and was filled with joy because not only do I leave in 2 days, but the second Sex and the City installment is tonight! Yes, I'm one of those freaks who are going at midnight. I love love the show, because it is not only set in my favorite city, (hopefully home one day!) but the fashion! If you don't watch it, see it just for that reason! Stylist Philip Bloch, who spent some time on the set, told In Touch mag that he puts the wardrobe budget in the range of $10,000,000. It's kind of a big deal!

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is looking better and classier than ever, and it is just learned that mainly because of this show, she has become somewhat of a fashion superstar. Not only is she a mom, but she is working for Halston! Currently she is designing for the Halston Heritage label, there's no word on her actual title as of yet (creative director is what seems likely). Heritage is the secondary line of Halston, and features archival looks.

-A still from SATC2; Halston Heritage Stretch Jersey One Shoulder Mini Caftan in Peach ($325). The one-shoulder style is oh so chic – turban not required.


-Another still. The Stripe Lurex Pleated Cocktail dress in Electric Blue ($435) Sexy and breezy – perfect for dressy summer events.

Most of the stills show Carrie and friends having great time as they arrive in Abu Dhabi.

I'm very anxious to see what happens! I don't want to be a negative nancy, but the last movie tied everything up, hopefully this one isn't a disappointment! If anything, I'm sure it will be uplifting and entertaining! I'll be raving about it the next few days, I'll be sure to inform!

"There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.”
Carrie Bradshaw

Style means never having to say you're sorry

Okay so as some of you may know I've succombed to the phenomenon of the showtime series Weeds. If you haven't gotten into it, you should totally check it out. I am freakishly obsessed. As i'm trying to cram in the last few seasons before I leave Friday, I started thinking of the eco friendly concept, for clothing that is ;)






Sureee, now being "eco friendly" is considered somewhat of a cliche, all the celebs do it, yatta yatta, but I thought it may be fun to do a little research a few "go green" campaigns. Eco Friendly textile continues to become more and more popular.

Raw materials for eco clothing are usually planted in one place. When harvested, they are processed into yarn, and then yarn is woven into fabric, which is later sent to coloring. Only after these actions a manufacturer gets the fabric and produces clothes.
Another reason I started my research was because I read an article stating that the Parisian it crowd has decided it's glamorous to be eco-friendly. H&M and Monoprix are both offering clothing lines made of organic cotton, and Agnès b. is in the game as well, with bags made of recycled material. The heart of eco-friendly shopping in Paris is Nature et Découvertes. This is the epitamy of adventurous and is also a major player on the "écolo" scene in France. In addition to camping equipment, you can now find a wide range of predictable (organic soaps, organic cotton sleepwear) and unpredictable ways to ecologize your daily life.

-Pieces from H&M 2010 Garden Collection

Now I'm not one to preach, but I am a bit of a hippie, I have to admit. Organic clothing is natural and healthy. 100% organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp clothing last long. If you dress for comfort, the fibers used are breathable. Organic cotton is not man-made in chemical laboratories by large corporations; not artificially grown using chemicals.
Another great fact is that Organic garments let your skin breathe. They are warm in winter and cool in summer. Tops made of organic cotton will run you 30$-40$, and dresses are about 60$-100$.


--Enamore.com
Enamore is a UK based retailer that specializes in selling clothing, lingerie and accessories from organic, sustainable and vintage fabrics.
Urban Renewal (from Urban Outfitters) is hands down one, if not my favorite. Urban Renewal pieces are totally one-of-a-kind - handcrafted in Philadelphia from vintage, deadstock and surplus materials sourced from around the world.



If all of this just seems too much, and you are on a budget like yours truly, just have fun recycling on your own! A nice way is just changeing up old pieces, such as adding a few new buttons or embellishments. You can also visit my cousin Michael and my best friend/ roommate Rachael Landry, and recycle/sell your clothes at her store, Plato's Closet.


A fun way to reflect on this idea- By one of my own fashion icons, Gwen Stefani
"Would you say they find me unstable
'Cause they see me act a little bit different
But I know my way to greener pastures and
Think about it, won't you think it over
Please"
Greener Pastures- No doubt


(2 more days!)

Leaving on a Jet Plane

When I tell you I'm leaving for Paris in just a few hours, I have to repeat it to myself. All the stress and preparation of the past few weeks have finally come to an end and everything else is now left in God's hands. Tomorrow morning will be verrry very hectic so I thought I would just write something real quick tonight. I'm very nervous but super excited at the same time! The flight is 9.5 hours so hopefully my benadryl will kick in and i can snooze for the majority.
Getting through security and the flight is really all I can focus on now, all i know is that I'll be dressing casual and comfortably! I don't know when I'll be able to write again but I hope that you wait for me, I can't wait to post pictures! I will miss all of you so much, I wish you all the best for your summer and what you may accomplish!



Fingers crossed my budget can be redeemable when i get back- (please self control!)

If I'm feeling lonesome...

Can't think of a better way to spend a homesick weekend-
The Paris Jazz Festival is an annual summer event which presents a program of free concerts in the beautiful surroundings of the Parc Floral. Gigs take place every Saturday and Sunday at 25 rue des Pyramides, throughout June and July.

It only costs €5, (discounts for youth under age 26!) with concessions €2.50. Concerts are at 3pm & 4.30pm but the festivities from are from 1pm and onward.


The Parc floral de Paris, created in 1969, is a changing landscape dedicated to strolling afloral art. It is one of the seldom few of France's botanical gardens. In this valley of flowers you'll find a multitude of gardens: the bonsai garden, the garden of mediterranean plants, the garden of medicinal plants, etc. "Delta" is the park's space dedicated to summer festivals such as the Paris Jazz Festival. The parc also has a mini golf, ping pong tables, picnic areas, deck chairs, a garden of butterflies, restaurants, and boutiques.





If you're feeling lonesome...
Phone at the Fiap: (011) 33 1 43 13 17 00 :)
Phone calls will only be connected before midnight, Paris time. There is a 7 hour time difference.

Feeling French

Parisienne chic 2010:

Retro stripes and polka dots mixed with playful ruffles grace Paris this summer. All timeless pieces set to channel coco chanel, so classic and fun to wear while roaming around Paris. Dress it up with pearls, or down with bloomer shorts or a flirty hat and you've translated French without saying a word. Did I mention I leave in 3 days???



(Nature is even responding)



---Topshop.com

---
Do not be afraid to mix and match the stripes with other fun prints and details.


-urban outfitters.com

--------
Dress your look down with a cool pair of espadrilles to watch your swimsuit-

-modcloth.com

Is this real life??

Hello hello!
Bienvenue!
Most of you reading this know that I leave May 28 (4 more days!) for Paris, France to study abroad. I will be gone for 6 weeks (eeeek) so I thought what better way to document my excursions and keep in touch with, well, anyone interested enough to be reading this right now! Right now it all feels a bit surreal and overwhelming, but very very exhilarating at the same time. I have always had a love for fashion so I feel very grateful that I am able to study my major in one of the major fashion capitals of the world, often referred to as the "center of fashion!"



Now, some of you may be wondering what my blog title means. It translates to "To Paris, with love" I chose this because, for one, I'm leaving for Paris, but I wanted to convey to you all that without your love and support this once in a lifetime experience for me wouldn't have been possible; therefore, I am sending all of you my love from abroad. I promise I will get as much out of it as humanly possible. I don't know how much I will miss Louisiana, but do not think that I won't miss all of you! (I may die from phone withdrawals, and if i beg and plea for you to call me, please don't, i do not want ATT to charge me bogus amounts) You can contact me on here, email, or facebook, (please do)! I will have phone cards and other ways of keeping in touch!

I chose the photo under my title because obviously the angle is uniquely beautiful, but it conveys an idea of being on top of the world (and her dress is great). I mean, why not look fabulous AND be above all the chaos of the real world?


I'm taking 3 classes, A french culture class for all program members, Fashion Forecasting, and Design 451 (Fashion field Study).Each of the ten of us going from the fashion department are assigned a French designer and will report and evaluate their work throughout the trip. I am assigned to Balenciaga. In addition, we each pick an article of clothing to follow. I chose casual day dresses. It is said Paris is ahead about a year when it comes to trends, so my goal is to track that piece of clothing and use expertise to specifically focus on that particular piece in the many different areas we will explore in France. When the classes are through we each will form a trend board, and a scrapbook of our findings throughout Paris.
There are many other ULL students attending from other majors, I think it would be safe to say around 40 or so people are going in all.
So I kind of wanted to give you all a brief overview of where I'll be over the next few weeks:

The Fiap (http://www.fiap.asso.fr/index-en.html) is my home away from home. It's located in the 13th district of Paris.
May 28: Depart from Houston at 3:40pm
May 29: Arrive in Paris 1:15am (laffy time)/8:15am Paris
May 30- June 10: Classes and various events around Paris
June 11-13: Depart from Paris 6:43am Paris time for London
(If you want to see where I'll be: Generatorhostels.com)
We are taking a fast train (traveling through the chunnel, underwater, people) Ride takes approx 2.5 hours. I'll be avoiding the window.
June 14-16: Paris
June 16-19: Amsterdam (stchristophers.co.uk)
June 22:Moulin Rouge
June 21-29: Paris
June 30- July 3: Program field trip to Poitiers/Loire Valley
July 4 and 5: Paris
July 6: Versailles
July 8: Final exams
July 9: Galleries Lafayette fashion show
July 10: Depart Paris
As events get closer, I'll give you guys the scoop (not boring brief entrys like this!)

Today I got my things together and finished packing (for the most part). Oh don't worry, I didn't overpack at alllll, cause it's just for 6 WEEKS right??? Well, what can I say, it's a problem, I'm a fashion major. My eurail tickets came in thank goodness so i do not have to worry about getting to places like amsterdam, phew(hehe). Right now I'm just praying the flight goes okay, plug up the volcano already. As for the rest, i'm just gonna do my best to not be overwhelmed, i mean come on it's just Paris right?

These are a few of my favorite things:









Until next time folks, stay classy, stay timeless.