More bag options for the fashionable city girl. The laptop bag is available for a 15-inch and a 17-inch laptop version. If you have a 13-inch laptop, I find that a 15-inch flat carrier is often not too big. Plus, it comes handy to bring a magazine with me. Ask then first for exact dimensions, if this is the case.

The silk-screened Canvas shopping bag is big enough to fit a picnic for 2. It is ideal for a stop at Central Park. These bags are made in Brooklyn. You can shop online at nyDesignroom or visit their showroom Thursday to Sunday from 12 to 7 PM.

+ Laptop Carrier $110 USD
+ Shopping Baaag $55 USD
+ via Design Milk

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Fans of Amy Butler who are week-end travelers or who often take a-week vacation under the sun would be thrilled by this news. You can get a fabulous carry-ons designed by Amy Butler. As usual, the patterns are divine.

I would love to get a navy Dream Traveler-Sari Flowers for Christmas. Sadly, the Graceful Traveler-Fuschia Tree that is on wheels is too big to bring to the cabin of an airplane. Other travel essentials are the carried-away everything bags that come handy to bring your beauty products and makeup.

The fashion bags are big enough to carry all your stuff across the city. The Josephine bag or the Abina tote would suit the needs of a creative business woman, a mother or a fashionable university student.

See the entire Amy Butler for Kalencom collection here.

SOURCING:
+ Dream Traveler – Sari Flowers $260 USD
+ Abina tote $180 USD
+ Josephine Bag $160 USD
+ Carried-away bags $22-$42 USD

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Weddings in a barn are popular. The Spring 2010 Chanel show in Paris will probably inspire many brides to be. Second to walking barefoot on a beach, I am curious to see if many brides and grooms will opt for walking the aisles barefoot in a hay path.

The gold basket could make an awesome container for the centerpiece. You could recycle the idea and make your own. I believe that the bride and groom must distribute one by one the party favors. Decorating a few baskets would add a fancy touch. It is more original than a tray.

To know more details about this fabulous presentation by Chanel, read what Garance Doré had to say about her experience at the fashion show.

October 15th, 2009 Update: you can see the construction of the barn in a video on Wallpaper. It took 6 weeks to create the concept of the barn and 38 men working full time for a week to assemble it.

+ photos: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters on Times Online, Garance Doré

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If you live in Montreal, you can participate in a cool contest. Sixty Boutique and Café Méliès invite you to enter to win the ultimate girl night out!

The Prize

The winner and three of her girlfriends will be pampered starting with a make-up session and Miss Sixty shoes before assisting to the Premiere of the movie. After watching Sex and the City, you will be heading to Café Méliès for complimentary cocktails and dinner.

How to Have a Chance to Win?

You must buy something at a regular price from now until May 27th, 2008 to participate. You will be fashionable with a Miss Sixty outfit. If you like their stuff, head to one of their 3 locations in the Montreal area.

1. Downtown, the Flagship store: 1440 Peel Street
2. Rockland Centre – Style Exchange/Sixty boutique
3. Carefour Laval – Sixty boutique

Good luck! In all events, I am planning to see the movie with my girlfriends.

>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Sixty Boutique
Learn more: Sex and the City, the movie

RELATED POST:
+ Where to eat in Montreal?

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After beauty products, why not talk going out purses? Some women go crazy for shoes. I enjoy beautiful shoes but I prefer purses.

Every stylish woman should own at least a collection of purses to accessorize with her outfits. As I go to many cocktail events for business and pleasures, evening purses are a must for me.

New Going Out Handbag

My closet will host a new going out handbag soon. I like purses with a personality. Coriander, the latest pattern at Oktak seduced me. I selected the paprika color because bright colors are popular for summer 2008.

I bought my first going out handbag from Oktak last summer. The unique frame purse cleverly integrates the closing mechanism in the handle. I was surprised by how well it works. The design carries a feminine vintage vibe that I enjoy.

Besides style, the ideal night purse is big enough to carry your lipstick, a pen, a coin purse, a cell phone and one key on a key chain. The best one has room for a small camera. It sounds a lot but that it what I typically need when I go out.

Functional and Cute

Mothers can be fashionista too. If you mom harmonizes her handbag to her outfit on a daily basis, simplify her life. Getting her a few pouches for her makeup, pens and papers, store her bills will speed up the transfer of her things. Moreover, everything is easier to find when they are nicely organized.

The medium frame pouch is also available in the new coriander pattern. The frame pouch is perfect for carrying cosmetics, iPod, digital camera, cell phone and everything else that fits in your palm.

The zipper pouches are cute. A nice detail is the two glass beads attached to a leather cord. The eyeglass cases are adorable. I like their retro vibe, definitely designed for a woman.

The small frame pouch can be used as a coin purse or as a jewelry case. This can be handy when you go to the gym. You can create a set by matching some coin purses to a XL frame pouch (clutch) or a frame purse.

The Oktak bags are handmade. A Japanese girl named Aki Takada who lives in New York designed them. Since Oktak produces in small quantity, you will give something special to your mother.

Update May 3, 2008: I received my Paprika Coriander going out bag and it is lovely. I cannot wait to try it out. Great job Aki!

>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: frame going out purses by Oktak – price: $65 USD
Buy online:  large zipper pouch – pink flowers on turquoise – price: $19.50 USD
Buy online:  medium frame pouch (square) by Oktak – raspberry coriander – price: $29 USD
Buy online:  eyeglass case by Oktak – pink blossoms on green – price: $30 USD
Buy online: mini frame pouch – spring blooms on green – price: $22 USD

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My Two friends Muriel Ide of MI2  and Nathalie of Gustav & Nat voyagent tagged me. I am glad!

This tagging exercise gives me the chance to talk about a topic that is dear to my heart. I never spoke about it on my blog. I am talking about makeup and beauty products.

My mother taught me that a woman never goes out without makeup. She is a feminine, business woman. She taught me how to properly cleanup my skin and apply a skin cream when I was 13 years old. I cannot be absolutely sure that I have fewer wrinkles because of my daily skincare routine but it does hurt for sure. So why take the chance?

My Skincare and Makeup Favorites

My Foundation: Chanel, without hesitation. You do not feel it and your skin looks perfect. I mixed two: Mat Lumiere on my nose (a darker shade during spring to fall) and Vitalumiere anywhere else. In the middle of summer, I switch to Mat Lumiere only. I always apply my makeup with a brush. It gives a more natural finish and it is more ecological than the triangles that you throw away.

My Mascara: I still not have found the ideal one for me. I use lengthening mascara.

Day Cream: Always from Clarins. I alternate which one I use from the Clarins line to fit the season and my skin needs. I always put a morning lifting eye gel (a gel is better under the makeup) and an anti-wrinkle evening eye cream. Protecting the eyes and the neck is crucial to maintain a young appearance.

My Beauty Product Brand: Clarins. Runner-up: Chanel for their cleaning products

My Essential Beauty Product: bi-phase eye makeup remover. I alternate between Precision’s Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover by Chanel or Instant Eye Make-Up Remover by Clarins. I think the Chanel remove more, faster.

My Favorite Makeup Product: M.A.C. for the colorful wide arrays of eye shadows. It stays wonderful on my eyes. Lately, my eyes stand out with the Phone Number Eye Kohl liner and the Blackground Paint Pot. Eye shadows cannot exist without the liners.

My Perfume: Prada Eau de Parfum during winter. During fall and spring: Prada Eau de Parfum Tendre. For summer: Dior Addict 2. The Limited Edition Dior Addict 2 Sparkle in Pink is divine for a night out.

Three Products to bring on a Deserted Island (besides solar) : Dove soap bars, Aveeno moisturizing cream, a duo: Precision’s Radiance Cleaning Foam + Soothing Toner by Chanel. I know the count is 4. So imagine how I must be clever to pack everything with the new air travel regulations.

Woman I admire for her beauty: Right now, I do not have a particular one. More than a decade ago, Isabella Rossellini was on the top of my list. She will be a brunette for sure.

Woman with the Best Sense of Style: I do not have anyone that I fit the bill lately. The only name that comes to my mind is Audrey Hepburn (I do not copied on Murielle). Audrey Hepburn was stylish, cheerful and beautiful. I watched Breakfast in Tiffany Saturday night.

My Ultimate Dream (but I do not believe in selling my soul to the devil for it): A modern architecture house masterpiece sitting on the top of a hill in California or in Europe

How Do I Define Womanhood: Grace with a sense of style.

My Favorite Fashion Publication: I do not have any because I feel disconnected with that the magazines are showcasing us lately. So I stop buying them.

If you like designer jewelry, Muriel Ide is very talented. She creates jewelry in her spare time. MI2 is where you can admire her latest creations.

Next challengers

I figure out that 3 is not enough, 7 is too much. I am tagging 5 girls from my blogging circle:
Eden of Bargainista
Janick of Fonetik – sadly I found out that she does not wear makeup
Lara of Ready 2 Spark
Lynne of Swishlist
Sarah of Toast and Tables
April 22nd, Update: Kelly of Design Crush liked the idea. I inspired her to reveal her beauty secrets. She is a Lancome fan.

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My 4 picks of the week

Purple Area for Clarissa Hulse

The Urban Jungle range enlivens a classic ivory and black with punches of neon pink, aqua and sweet pea. Clarissa Hulse emulated the urban landscape by the bright lights of city life.

One of the most distinctive textile designers in the UK, Clarissa Hulse is designer of luxury housewares specializing in wallpaper, cushions, throws and lamp shades. Fabrics by the meter are also available.

GlamNest for Getting’ Steamy in Here! The Hottest Vent Hoods Ever

Like a movie star, the shining, glossy steel of Platinum does not go unnoticed. I am especially fond of the models that like a lamp shape. Look at Grace, Platinum, Twin, Star and Wave for the hottest island vent hoods on the market.

The high-end appliances produced by the Italian brand Elica are both stylish and technologically advanced. If you live in North America, you will be sad to know that these most daring and fashionable vent hoods are neither available in Canada or the United States for the moment.

Decor8 for Arthur’s Circus

The vintage look is all the range for many. The Japanese tableware for kids does not escape this trend. If this is your taste, check out the inventory from Arthur’s Circus. This small online retailer from Australia specializes in old-fashioned toys and vintage style housewares.

Arthur’s Circus carries this cute Cat plate set by Shinzi Katoh. There is also A Rabbit Plate set online. Both are so cute.

Oh Joy for happy friday + new orla!

I adore this 60′ style dress from the Orla Kiely Spring/Summer 2008 collection. Orla Kiely described the SS08 in Collection in these terms:

The silhouette of theis modern, simple and sophisticated with a boyish charm, cute dresses, knee-length shorts and mini summer trenches.

Sourcing:
Buy online: Wingnut & Helix large tapered drum lampshade at Clarissa Hulse – price: £195
Learn more: Hottest Island Vent Hoods by Elica
Buy online: Cat Plate Set by Shinzi Katoh – price: $35 USD
Learn more: Orla Kiely Multi Rhododendron Dress – price: £252
Buy online: Front Bow Floral Print Dresses by Orla Kiely – price: $342 USD

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I love fashion and nice clothes. So I could not stop admiring these divine wedding dresses.

I wore a stylish ivory princess dress when I got married but if I was getting married this year, the hand-painted creations of Amarildine from Paris would be on the top of my list.

These front windows are artfully styled with crafted jewelries and accessories. To give you an idea, the hair and the bouquets were nicely done with white shredded paper.

If these gowns are not your style, Kleinfeld Bridal carries the largest selection of wedding dresses. And they carry their own exclusive collections created by designers around the world: London, Paris, Italy and Israel.

About Kleinfeld Bridal

Founded 60 years ago, Kleinfeld Bridal is an institution in Manhattan; they started in Brooklyn. Nearly 200 dedicated professionals, including on-site stylists and bridal consultants, and custom fitters, sewers, beaders, embroiderers and pressers can assist you. With the right fit, you will be the stunning bride walking down the aisle.

Wedding gowns from the Amarildine collection cost between $3000 and $5000 USD. The unusual brides should check out Ian Stuart. This London designer creates unique, stylish yet almost whimsical wedding gowns. If you are invited to a black tie party, evening gowns are available at Kleinfeld.

Sourcing:
Learn more: Kleinfeld Bridal

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Take a look at the store windows on Rodeo Drive. We are not allowed to film inside.

I really like the orange handbags at Dolce Gabbana. A lot of girls go wild for shoes. Me it is bags. Chanel collection is divine. And the beautiful dresses at Max Mara fit my body type.

I enjoy Prada fashion. I saw some pretty dresses. Their ballet flats were adorable; I cannot wear heels for the next year or so.

The design of the Prada store mixes simplicity hidden behind nifty technological tricks. Glass walls made of panels switching from clear to frost in a harmonic fashion, plus a camera that follows your movements in the change rooms are some of the cool gadgets I saw at the Beverly Hills Prada store. On my video, you can catch a glimpse of the interior and see the mannequins under the sidewalk.

Watch the video to have an idea of my afternoon.

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I am a huge fan of the Canadian fashion brand m0851. I live close by their flagship store in Montreal. My husband can testify that I always stop to look at their store window. I love the simplicity of their streamlined clothes and leather accessories.

I am thrilled about their way in the hospitality industry. You can enjoy the same design philosophy when you travel to Belgium. m0851 just opened three guestrooms on top of the new Antwerp’s store in a popular fashion street.

The balanced modern aestheticism and functionality of the rooms are typical of the m0851’s look and feel. The interior design is urban chic and has pure lines. The rooms seem very comfortable for the guests. An itty mini boutique hotel that is located near museums, trendy cafes and restaurants.

I am showing you the m0851 rooms because they are inspirational for when you having guest spending the night at your house. m0851 guestrooms are my pretext to talk about the ultimate guest room. When you design a guest room in your home, try to think of everything your guests may need.

The first rule of entertaining is to make your guests feel welcome. They need a place to rest, a place to read, a place to write down stuff or use their computer and a place to relax. It is a good idea when you have friends that sleep over to prepare in advance a basket for each guest.

Put some freshly washed towels, a mild soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, a few water bottles, some fruits, a chocolate bar, several magazines and a scented candle into a pretty basket or a neat box. I say freshly washed towels because they smell so nice. If your guests brought their computer, ask them if they want to borrow a DVD of a movie or a TV series.

Leaving in the room what they need to prepare a hot drink is a good idea. Your guests may wake up earlier or going to bed later than you. This nice gesture will be appreciated. Think about providing stuff that they can get at their convenience. You can leave some herbal teas and a few cups in the room with a thermos of hot water. Even better, buy a two-cup coffee machine; it costs less than 20 dollars these days.

Tell your friends when the breakfast will be served so they can plan ahead when to wake up. If you do not mind that they prepare their own breakfast, you can leave non perishable food on the counter and tell them when you store your dishes.

All these are common sense rules but something we forget to do things because we are cut in our busy lifestyle. If you prepare in advance, things run more smoothly. The key is to think about your most comfy and enjoyable hotel experience. Then, try to mimic the essentials in your own guest room at home.

If you plan a trip to Belgium, you can stay at m0851 guestroom for 140 Euros a night including breakfast.

About m0851
m0851 designs urban-style leather bags, jackets and lifestyle accessories. Humble in appearance, the collection includes basics like dresses, pants, skirts, shirts and raincoats composed of the finest quality leathers, wools, cashmeres and cotton blends. m0851 products possess a distinct look and feel, balancing old-world elegance with new-school articulation. m0851 has stores in several countries.

Link: m0851 guestrooms
Via: rayonnement 17.04.07 – MO851 a Paris et a Anvers from Creativite Montreal Web site

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