Friday, November 18, 2011

Oooh La La, c’est Paris!

Some people call it the City of Lights, others will call it the City of Love…but we’re pretty sure that almost all will agree that it’s one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. It’s Paris…the city that conjures thoughts of romance, fashion, baguettes and glamour. It’s a city that has captured the hearts of many and we are no exception.
We love this city. We adore the architecture, the beautiful streets, the incredible details on almost every building and we love the way the city feels…it’s truly alive.
france-paris
louvre
Paris has something for everyone…the foodie inside you will be happy as Paris offers some of the best dining in the world. Those looking for art will need to look no further than at the legendary Louvre and those, like us, that love fashion…well Paris is home to some of the most luxurious and groundbreaking fashion houses such as Chanel, Lanvin and Yves Saint Laurent.
The city  is a work of wonder during the day but at night, this city takes on a whole new look…it’s mysterious and magical…and we just can’t seem to get enough of it.
And as beautiful as the buildings in Paris are, some offer an even more fantastic beauty in their interior walls and ceilings. Remember, that there is a lot of beauty to be found on the inside…in buildings and in life.
paris-opera-anteroom
Galleries Lafayette
Baccarat Museum
We love Parisian fashion…they are effortlessly chic. They wear unknown designers with major labels, vintage items with haute couture and through it all, they maintain a certain elegance that can only be described as Parisian.
Paris street fashion 1Paris street fashion 2Paris street fashion 3Paris street fashion 4Paris street fashion 5Paris street fashion 6Paris street fashion 7Paris street fashion 8Paris street fashion 9Paris street fashion 10Paris street fashion 11Paris street fashion 12
So our job today is to help you recreate this effortless chic…let’s start with some tops, shall we? This season’s top trends are beautiful flowy fabrics with lots of girly touches like bows and delicate lace.
Alice and Olivia Arie Tie-Collar BlousePrabal Gurung Ruffle Sleeve BlouseDolce & Gabbana Leopard Chiffon Blouse  Parker Silk Charmeuse Bow BlouseRed Valentino Chantilly Lace BlouseYSL Ruched-sleeve poplin blouse Patrizia Pepe Blouse BodysuitRobert Rodriguez Tie-neck Chiffon BlouseChloe Satin Scarf Neck Blouse
Next, we are loving the options for warmth and fashion this year. Here are some great sweaters that will keep you looking fabulously warm:
All Saints, Hartland CardiganIsabel Marant chunky knit sweaterCarven Lace Detail CardiganHelmut Lang Loose Knit PulloverLeroy & Perry Button Front Cardigan with faux fur60's colour block stripe cardiganMichael Michael Kors Toggle Cape CardiganMax Mara Wool Cashmere Blend sweaterKaren Miller Roll neck cable knit jumper
Now time for the bottom half…we’re really loving these sexy and sophisticated pencil skirts. You can always pair them with a simple top to keep the look easy or really glam it up for the perfect outfit for drinks at Hotel Costes or L’Avenue.
BCBG Scarlett Bandage Pencil SkirtBCBG Scarlett Lace Print pencil skirtBCBGGivenchy Slim Knit SkirtJill Sander Navy leather pencil skirtVictorias Secret Back ruffle pencil skirtLanvin Tweed Fitted SkirtForever 21 Leopard Print SkirtElisabetta Franchi satin pencil skirt
We all know that the true definition of sexy woman is one filled with confidence…so feel empowered with these classic pants. We love that pants have a little bit of a masculine feel yet these are screaming extra femininity to us…we have no doubt that you will own the room in any of these options.
J.Crew Hutton TrouserGucci Skinny Flared PantsLafayette 148 New York Ludlow Wide Leg TrousersPeter Som Sequined Jersey PantsRachel Zoe Hutton Bootcut PantsRalph Lauren Collection Silk Barton Pants
And you guys must know by now that no Las Bellas post can be complete without a dress or two…Here are some great girly options to wear while in Paris. We love their simplicity and elegance.
Top_SHop_Skater_DressValentino Knit Sheath dressJuicy Couture Guipure Lace DressFree People floral burnout puff sleeve dress317665_10150311957586708_92665856707_7747473_2022642217_nBurberry Prorsum white dress
And since it’s wintertime, we’ve always got to include some good boot options. Here are some beautiful boots that will keep you looking Parisian chic while walking the streets of St. Germain. We’re especially loving the soft use of suede this season.
Valentino Suede OTK Bow BootsElie Tahari Barlette Suede Knee-High BootsChristian Louboutin Vicky 120 Suede BootsMiu Miu Knee-High Cuff BootsChloe concealed-wedge leather knee bootsGuccie Beatriz Flat Riding Boot
Looking for something to “pump” up your evening look? What about these great options that keep your outfit looking absolutely polished and finished. And don’t forget the booties this year…they keep your dresses looking ultra hip.
Alexandre Birman Suede Python pumpJimmy Choo Glittered Platform Pumpr0459252868096R_247x329Valentino_booties_2Prada Suede Ankle BootsLanvin Oxford bootiesAlexandre Birman Watersnake Lace-Back Ankle bootsBrian Atwood Alexa Suede and Ostrich Feather Ankle boots
Lastly, wrap yourself up like a beautiful present in these glamorous coats and capes…yep, we said capes. They're all rage this season and we just absolutely love them…they’re so elegant and in our opinion, they are so fashionable. We adore these next coats:
Valentino Haute Couture white capeChanel Fantasy tweed wool capeRalph Lauren Black Label Wool CapeYves Saint Laurent wool capeVia Spiga Asymmetrical CapeTahari Jacket Bow CapeDior Tweed CoatModcloth Drama Coach CoatBetsey Johnson Corset Laced wool coat
Finally, let’s get to the icing of this cake…accessories.
This is something you should definitely feel adventurous with. Here are some options that will push you out of your normal comfort zone…and isn’t that what fashion is all about?
Don’t play it safe with your tights or jewelry…have fun and go crazy!
Commando Stripe Fishnet TightsKate Spade New York Scallop DetailNew York & Company Rosette Lace TightsWolford Black Leo Lace TightsNew York and Co. paisley pattern tightsTalbots Diamond stripe tights

Ashley Pittman hazy cuffCharlotte Bjorlin D'Elia black agate beast ringFendi Cuff BraceletFenton Pyrite & Gold beaded cuff braceletGivenchy Leather cuffKenneth Jay Lane cuffOlivia Collings Antique JewelryTheodora & Callum Nefertiti cuffWendy Nichol Gold Downward Spike Cone Hoop Earrings
So ladies…we expect you to wow the Parisians off their feet. And remember that it’s not about who you wear but how you wear it…so accessorize your Parisian wardrobe with a smile…you’re in the City of Lights…what’s not to smile, right?
XOXO,
Las Bellas
Our picks for Paris:
1) Rue Grenelle: St. Germain, Christian Louboutin, Sergio Rossi, Isabella Franchi
2) Jardin des Tuileries: perfect place for a walk, best views of the city, romantic park
3) Fouchon: delicious edible works of art, indulgence but worth it, one of a kind
4) La Fontaine de Mars: true French food, rich food, wonderful wines, ideal location
5) Colette: hipster heaven, where design & fashion meet, fun gifts, interesting clothes