When I think black, three words come to mind: sleek, chic, Paris! Since the European fashion capital is a huge source of inspiration for moi — check out my 10 Fashion Observations, Straight From Paris — I had to base my first outfit around it. Do I succeed in looking la chic Parisienne?
Join our Paint It Black fashion group to feed the challenge. Click over to see my PIB outfit details and start painting yourself black!
The new December issue of Lonny is hot off the presses, and I'm already inspired. I'm swooning over this Paris apartment of textile designer Lisa Fine, which is heavy on Indian fabrics and other furnishings. The space feels totally fresh, very quaint, and still très Parisien despite its obvious Central Asian influences. Clearly the trick to curating a gorgeous home such as this one is picking up treasures from places far and wide — and Fine also crafted some of these herself — but I thought I'd try to replicate the look anyway from the comfort of my keyboard.
Sometimes it's hard to accept change — especially for the French. In a country and city that thrives on its traditions the Louvre's decision to clutter up the classic Parisian palace-turned-museum with a giant pyramid was met with much skepticism and contempt. 
Twenty years ago, critics called the out of place architectural addition a sacrilegious "gigantic gadget." But today, many Parisians love it, and the director of the Louvre told NPR that visitors give three reasons for visiting the Louvre: "For the Mona Lisa, for the Venus [de] Milo, and for the pyramid." I know I've taken my photo outside the "glass heart" of Paris, and the juxtaposition of the clean pyramid with the more traditional stone architecture truly makes for original imagery. Check out some très impressive photos of the pyramid and tell me in the comments whether you approve of updating historical sites with modern features.
My recent trip to Paris left me inundated with chic fashion observations. Whether I was window shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré or strolling down Rue St. Germain, I would always spot a cool trend, another form of inspiration for my closet. Left and right, effortlessly gorgeous women on bikes and on foot would stop me dead in my tracks. It's a mystery how they don't brush their hair and barely wear makeup, but look so damn good. Bella, any ideas? Fashion-wise, we all know that Parisians love, love, love black. Even visitors, like L'Uomo Vogue editor Giovanna Battaglia, get sucked into the black hole when they go. Curious to know my other Paris fashion observations? Entrer!
In a Q&A in the October issue of Metropolitan Home, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed that her favorite hotel is The George V in Paris. And I can't really fault her for the choice. The hotel, an eight-story landmark 1928 building, offers 245 guest rooms, nearly one-quarter of which are suites. The hotel is so overwhelmingly Carrie Bradshaw, and so absolutely decadent, that I wish I could hop a plane (watching Sex and the City DVDs the whole way) and book a room at The George V right now.
My first point of business would be to book a massage at the hotel's spa (shown here), and then finish off the treatment with a dip in the whirlpool or a sweat in the sauna. Then, I'd take a walk and enjoy some of the local attractions, since the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, and other gorgeous spots are a half hour or less away by foot. The hotel itself is only steps away from the Champs-Elysées. With private terraces, a gorgeous courtyard, an impressive collection of objets d'art, and a two-Michelin-star-cuisine restaurant, it's hard to see how you could go wrong with a stay at The George V. For a complete tour, read more
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My friend was feeling silly, so for her birthday, she invited us all to go jumping. Jumping? Yes. We went jumping on huge trampoline floors and walls at Sky High Sports. I obviously needed to be comfortable, but I also wanted to look as cute as possible.
I started you off with this Delia's Paris Tee ($25) because it'll help me look fun and chic. Let's see your creations!
Look #1, created by nikkeeb, is très chic but still sporty. The harem pants are perfecto.
Oh, what I would give to be in hova24's strappy sandals right now. She has the Eiffel Tower behind her and a Parisian chic outfit to match the romantic scene. I love her one-of-a-kind dress and how she roughened it up with black accessories. Très belle!
Here's what she has on:
Dress: Thrifted
Shoes: Aldo
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Purse: Thrifted
Congrats to hova24!
Everyone else, join the Look of the Day group, and then submit your looks. I might feature you on FabSugar!
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My friend is feeling silly, so for her upcoming birthday, she's inviting us all to go jumping. Jumping? Yes. We're going to be jumping on huge trampoline floors and walls at Sky High Sports. I obviously need to be comfortable, but I also want to look as cute as possible. Will you help me find an outfit with both components?
I'll start you off with this Delia's Paris Tee ($25) because it'll help me look fun and chic.
Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Fab Goes Jumping. Now, you can build outfits by creating your very own widget of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when completing your Fab Finding missions. Learn what
To see some of my favorite online stores, read more
