a french girl's wardrobe: fab five for fall...

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Though Summer is my favorite season, I adore Autumn. The weather is still quite warm, with a crisp breeze. The natural light is spectacular; our Midwest trees and foliage turn red, orange, yellow, and every shade there of. High school football games and tennis matches. Chilly evenings, perfect for soft cashmere sweaters, wraps and cuddling with Mr. G. In honor of Autumn, I've curated a list of five fab must have things for fall...

1. Simple luxury...

Stemless Wine Cup (12oz.) in 'Lively Floral Cream - Rifle Paper Co. + Corkcicle ($30)

"Simplicity boils down to two steps: Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest." - Leo Babauta

I spend a lot of time in my convertible; driving, to and from, my 3's sports events, photoshoots and errands; long country drives with Mr. G. There are several essential comforts that are always in my car, one of them is my prized Corkcicle mug, that holds my daily splurge of a Tall Flat White from Starbucks. I found this beauty in a lovely little shop in South Carolina. While the unique shape and lovely floral design first drew my eye; the particulars of this product had me sold. It keeps drinks cold for 9 hours/hot for 3 - especially appreciated on those chilly top down days. A coffee travel mug that's beautifully impractically practical.

*This Corkcicle does not fit in a standard auto-cup holder. 

Easy fix: The Bottle Pro: Auto-Cup Holder Adapter (32/40 oz) @Amazon, $17. 

2. Very Berry...

"I got that red lip classic thing that you like." - Taylor Swift

In my humble opinion, nothing says 'Bonjour Automne' like sassy, sexy Berry kissed lips! I'm loving how easily Berry lips transition from day: sheer or gloss (my favs: Clinique's 'Black Honey' and Lancome's 'Gospel Caramel' gloss (or the latter over the former) to night (my favs: Clinique's 'Avant Garde Pop,' with the especially dramatic option of Lancome's Clear gloss slicked on top). It's gorgeous on all skin tones, alone or with a fully makeup-ed face. And is equally beautiful dabbed on your eyelids or the apples of your cheeks. Fantabulousity in one little tube - love it.

1. Clinique Almost Lipstick: #6 Black Honey $19.50 USD
2. Lancome Juicy Tubes: "Clear" (top), "Gospel Caramel"(bottom) $19. USD
3.  Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour "Avant Garde Pop" $19.50 USD

3. Bien sur, Champagne daaaling...

"There comes a time in every woman's life when the only thing that helps is a glass of champagne." 

- Bette Davis

Full disclosure, Champagne is on my fab five list all four seasons ;-} While I have my favorite everyday and splurge labels, I'm always on the lookout for new bubbles to discover and fall in love with.

"You don't eat the same meal every evening, why would you drink the same champagne every day"? 

- the Champagne Chick

I've been a huge fan of the Champagne Chick for several years. C.C. curates a site dedicated to all things champagne. Her 'passion project' "...came to life purely out of [her] love for champagne." C.C. painstakingly details industry and brand news; hotels and bars with fabulous champagne offerings, events and champagne related merchandise (clothing, jewelry, home decor, etc). C.C. is my go to for all the latest news and happenings with my favorite labels as well as her reviews of new labels. She has several sections on her 'site that one could easily spend several hours exploring (while sipping bubbly, bien sur). My favs: Bar of the Week, Champagne Cocktail (recipes), and Champagne travel. the Champagne Chick is a virtual version of Shangri-La for serious champagne lovers; and I'm not the only one who thinks so. C.C. has 92K Facebook followers and 16K+ Instagram followers. I especially enjoy her Champagne-centric photos with funny and endearing quotes. i.e.: "I have three moods: glass of champagne; bottle of champagne; whole damn cellar. Or "Relationship tip: always show up with champagne." 

"...to elevate it from the ordinary, that's when you open up the champagne. To make it sparkle." 

- Christoph Waltz

Club Bubbly proudly declares they're 'the club for the champagne...obsessed.' Launched in April 2016, Club Bubbly is a virtual club that, for $100 USD a month, will ship hand selected bottles of small batch productions of Champagne, Proseccos, Cavas, domestic sparkling wines and related artisanal products to your front door! They offer 3 memberships: Champagne only (2 bottles -$100), Sparkly only(3 bottles-$70) or a Mix (3 bottles - $100). What a wonderful way to discover and enjoy new bubbles; and there's enough to share - or not ;-} Club Bubbly is definitely at the top of my Christmas list.  

4. Statement Pieces...

"Fashion is instant language." - Miuccia Prada

A fun, affordable and easy way to spice up the pieces in you French Girl's Wardrobe is with Statement Pieces: a purse, scarf, hat or, my personal favorite, costume jewelry. For my 50th, I gifted myself with a ginormous pair of gold hoop earrings with my name in the middle (from a designer friend $50; message me if you want her info). They're also readily available from Etsy and Amazon (starting at $35 USD). 

"It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude." Iris Apfel

But my favorite Fall Statement Piece are sparkly bangles - and they pair perfectly with my Temple Hoops. I'm totally digging the rhinestone and metal bangle Indian jewelry from I Got Sparkle. I prefer stacking 4 or 5 and they go with everything - a pair of jeans and Chucky Ts, topped with a chunky sweater; a cocktail dress and sky high heels; knee high boots with corduroy shorts and tee shirt, under a crushed velvet blazer. The possibilities are endless  

5. The one tote to rule them all...

"Life is short. Buy the bag."

After to my convertible, I live out of my tote. It's got to hold a small makeup bag, notebook & pens, at least one paperback (usually two), Coco's leash, a knit wrap but, most importantly, it's got to hold my cameras, one with a large telephoto lens attached. For 2 years I used my beloved Epiphanie camera tote but they are very expensive ($250+), not made of leather and mine literally fell apart from daily use :-{ Since then, I've made do. Until, I discovered Portland Leather. They hand make these gorgeous leather totes in 7 colors with 3 different handle options, in 4 sizes (small to oversize), outside pocket, zipper top, and monogram are optional. They're having a sale! I haven't decided if I want a Large with outside pocket ($135) or the XLarge w/ outside pocket ($167). I'm ordering mine tomorrow. I'll post a review asap. Stay tuned...

Vivre, Rire, Aimer!

Temple

style possessed...

"...but style you possess." Iris Apfel

My second year of shooting my two eldest for Homecoming, was challenging. During the night before, on the street where we live, the flora morphed from summer green(s) to brilliant fall: a cacophony of emerald, amber and fire. The day was extremely overcast, chilly and wet. But even that added to our set's beauty: the week's constant rain turned the color of the asphalt from blah to moody; the wet tree trunks and branches were rendered a deep black - all of it adding the perfect contrast, breadth and depth. Our street looked like an oil painting - vivid. deep, heavy and clear. The low level(s) of natural light were especially daunting, I knew I'd literally have to shoot around shadow. Still, to my artist's eye, it was the perfect backdrop and runway. Of course we had to shoot outside. Rory, Sage and their gorgeous dates did the rest, and it was magic... 

"[Fashion] is in the street...the way we live, what is happening." - Coco Chanel

Rory and Sage's street fashion-sense is a delightful mix of vintage, army surplus, sportswear, cheap clothing chains and mid-priced indie-labels (my apples don't fall far ;-} The 21st century twist? They have access to haute couture at street fashion prices (thank you Jane Pabon). For Homecoming, Rory and Sage went full french girl's wardrobe. They knew exactly how they wanted to look: a more intense version of their every day: Rory channeled his suave 007; Sage rocked Tina to the nth degree (those mile long legs!). 

"They got the beat. Kids got the beat. Yeah, they've got it!" - the Go Go's (1982)

Here I think they look like an 80s rock band album cover. While I was shooting, that Go Go's song kept playing in my head ;-}

Doesn't this look like and editorial shoot for Vogue? Or a promo shot for Empire? 

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The Fashion Breakdown: 

Rory: Black silk button down: BLC; Bow-Tie: Calvin Klein; Cropped Pants: Zara; Shoes: Calvin Klein. 

Tamia did Dorothy Dandridge proud!: Starlight glitter dress (Windsor), matching stilettos (Aldo).

Sage: Tuxedo Jacket w/ leather trim: Bailey 44; Sequins and Mesh Dress: French Connection; Stiletto Booties: Steve Madden. 

Eliza went full Marlene Dietrich: crushed velvet blazer, dress shirt, trousers (Old Navy), classic Oxfords (UNR8ED). 

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"[Style], It's a matter of being yourself on purpose." G. Bruce Boyer

I love that Rory, Sage and their core group of friends are so sure in who they are and how they choose to express themselves. Style is a matter of being yourself on purpose. I didn't fully get that until I reached my fabulous 40s. These 'kids,' with their smarts, talent, savvy and confidence: World. Oyster. Theirs. And I'm gonna shoot their journey, frame by frame.

Vivre, Rire, Aimer,

Temple

postcard to paris #4~placard blanc, a french girl's wardrobe...

"I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity." - Diana Vreeland 

life will give you pictures...

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." - Rachel Zoe

This past weekend our two eldest children, Rory and Sage, went to their high school's Homecoming Dance. Of course I planned to take photographs in my 'studio.' But the combination of how truly gorgeous they looked (some serious fashion going on!), our slice of the world blanketed with a russet golden Indian Summer, and the amazing light of twilight (on the second day of Autumn, no less) beckoned us outside...

For the Love of Travel (2017-2018 edition) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Part 1: What to Pack

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller." - Ibn Battuta

I first published my Travel SistahDiva Style 5-part series in 2011. Wow! What a difference  six years, soon to be seven, makes! In the interim I've seen, experienced, discovered, learned so many new aspects of travel (wonk, fashion, gadgets, etc.), I began updating my 2011 series. So much so, I've decided to publish a 2017-2018 edition... 

amour rouge: finishing touch

"Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life."

- Leo Buscaglia

You've got the major stuff covered: flowers (yes, gents deserve flowers too ;-} a card or, better yet, a handwritten love note; reservations at a romantic restaurant; an after hours jazz club (slow dancing with your love) and of course something fabulous to wear. Valentine's Day is all about the color red  but you don't want to over do it. How about wearing this gorgeous color as a finishing touch? 

a most excellent adventure...

"The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected."

- Robert Frost

Everything was set: the house was spotless, the flowers arranged in vases and in pots, had my outfit all picked out. I was all ready for my magazine shoot. Then a change of plans... my good friend and stylista guru - Jane - graciously offered to not only style my shoot but the use of her gorgeous boutique. Of course I said yes and the photographer - Michael - kindly agreed to change the date and location literally at the spur of the moment. My daughter (Sage) asked if she could go with me so she could photograph the shoot. So, this morning, I loaded Sage and Coco into the car and headed to Geneva, Illinois...

When we arrived, Jane had four fantabulous looks ready - we chose two. Damn but Jane is talented! After spending only a little bit of time with a woman, she is able to pick pieces and/or a head-to-toe look that is perfectly suited to a woman's body and personality. 

Thirty minutes prep, Michael arrived - go time...

Violet Gown: BCBG

Quick peek, then we moved inside

Jane weaving her magic

Green gown with black edging: Jay Godfrey

I did my own make up. Since I'm so darkly tanned (from mommy-chauffering in my convertible and my recent family-sojourn to the beach) all of my makeup is too light. So just mascara, blush and lipgloss. Of course I also wrangled my Nappity Nap.

Fun shot: Coco (in the foreground), 

Jane's pooch - Valentino (on the rug).

Today was extremely surreal - me, wearing gorgeous clothes, having pictures taken by a professional photographer, for a magazine spread! And I'm woman enough to admit that I was very nervous about doing this - it's so much easier and way less stressful to be behind the camera than in front of it. As I was looking through Sage's photos I kept thinking: I would never have been brave enough to do this ten, even twenty, years ago. But here's the thing...

I felt beautiful, and strong, and sensual. And it wasn't because of the gorgeous clothes or the ridiculously talented photographer (okay, not just because ;-} It's because I really and truly accept, embrace and love 46 year old me and all the gifts this age bestows (see the opening quote). Oh don't get me wrong, I still struggle with aging gracefully (facial lines, gray hair, failing eye-sight, four-baby-belly, a stubbornly big booty). But an integral, hard earned and won part of aging gracefully is maturity, wisdom, and the freedom that comes with choosing to live, love and enjoy life on one's own terms. That's what today was and it was, indeed, a  most excellent adventure.

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple

Lunch w/ Sage- 

the shoes. Honey, the shoes!

Photo: Le Secret d'Audrey

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world."

- Marilyn Monroe

Giving my Diva full and free reign has been a revelatory adventure. Under Jane's patient tutelage (and embracing the maturité that only living can bestow) I have learned to love and showcase my unique assets and camouflage my...problem points ;-} Integral parts of my Diva-tude are being a mother and a professor - I'm always on the run - so my everyday footwear are Chucky T's, ballet flats and funky flat sandals. Stylista-me has clear and definite requirements: fantabuluosity, fierce elegance (with just a touch of trendy) - oui, absolument! fussy/complicated makeup, hair and wardrobe - absolument non! 

But there's one aspect of the Diva that I absolutely love (always have). It's something I refuse to live without - sky high heels!

Stilettos & Rose Petals

"You put high heels on and you change." - Manolo Blanik

Yes, sky-high heels are impractical - but when did the Diva give a hoot about practicality? Sky-high heels elongate the leg (to truly epic proportions), tantilizingly lift the bust and beautifully push the booty up and out - generating a saucy/sensual sway to said booty in the process.  And yes, sky-high heels were painful...until the glorious invention of 'the platform' and the 'cork wedge. 4+ inches magically transformed into a comfortable 3'! Have your Diva cake and eat it too!

"Lady Peep - Nude" Christian Louboutin

Yes, platform sky-highs are extremely comfortable

"Patent Banded Wedge" - Boston Proper

Granted even though, in my humble opinion, platform sky-highs are superior to any other form of high heel, there is an art of survival to/for wearing them an entire night in comfort: 1. Only wear them to a place where you know you'll be able to sit at will (and, yes, I have no problem in making sure of that when I arrive - remember, diva). 2. Once your feet are under the table (out of sight), take your shoes off and rest your feet for the strut (survival points 1 & 2 don't apply for wedges - they're that comfortable ;-} Summer is just around the corner and I can't wait. 

Wear those heels honey!

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple

Amour Rouge - Unique pieces for a French Girl's Wardrobe...

I love Valentine's Day. 

It's all about love, romance, passion, and sensuality; 

the utterly feminine and masculine; all represented by 

my favorite color - red, Red, RED!

Valentine's day is only a few hours away. I'm sure that you've already made your plans with your love, have carefully chosen what you're going to wear. But a girl can never have too many one of a kind, unique and fabulous go-to pieces...

I'm loving these red coral and red wooden seed bead Tribal Chandelier Earrings from Kapka Designs  ($30, and they're on sale ;-} Of course you could opt for pure Diva bling...

Red Bling Earrings by KarlaJo Photo ($15)

You know that I love the look and feel of a healthy glowing 'Naked' face. And the perfect compliant to this oh so flattering look for we femmes d'un certain age is a great red lipstick.

'Gabrielle' Rouge Coco by the incomperable Chanel ($36)

'Follie Strauss - Hermatite' by Christian Louboutin

The body is a soft blush mesh scattered with crystals

and that signature inner red stiletto heel - ooh la la!

'Pensamoi' by Christian Louboutin

Crepe, Satin, Flowers encrusted with Crystals, Hot Pink

Need I say more? Yeah, I thought not.

I'm not going to list their prices - why ruin the fantasy with reality? Who needs or wants the buzz kill? Needless to say, these shoes are a serious splurge! Still, what's more splurge worthy than a pair of fantabulous shoes? Sigh...

'Red Silk Clutch' with ruffle flower. 

Handmade by Simply Clutch ($70)

Perfectly fits a cell phone, refillable loose powder compact, 

a lipstick that doubles as blush, a $50 dollar bill and emergency credit card ;-}

Red Cashmere & Silk Pashmina by Rosa Shawls ($25)

Chic, comfortable, unique, feminine, gorgeous.

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple