Paris November 2008

Coming to the end of my degree, I have been thinking a lot about the past three years- the opportunities I've had, the people I've met, the things I have seen and done and the places I have been lucky enough to visit. One in particular is Paris, one of my favourite cities. Initially as part of a university trip, myself and three others got a really great deal and so decided to go a day earlier to stay a night for my ex-housemate's 19th Birthday. Whilst we were there we saw La Grande Roue, The Eiffel Tower and The Arc d'Triomphe, drove along the Champs-Élysées (all lit up with blue and gold lights in time for Christmas), sadly drove through the tunnel where Princess Diana died, visited the Louvre, as well as past it's hotel at night, went clubbing in Queen, admired the window display of Louis Vuitton (laden with gold, tiny spotlights and huge LV logos), walked past Fouquet (which you can see in the background during a scene of film Taken) and sipped drinks whilst listening to the mellow sounds of an amazing band at Johnny Depp's exclusive and very private club, Le Baron. But best of all, we visited the Yves Saint Laurent couture house, of which thousands of pieces are kept (stored in huge white pull out cupboards and drawers, each garment is never touched by human hands) and were free to roam the Patrick Delmarchier exhibition at the Grand Palais, admiring his skill as one of the most respected and well-known photographers in the world. So much was packed into just two days but meant for a great time. Here I share with you just some of what we saw throughout our short but very fulfilling Parisien adventure.

All pictures are my own so please ask for permission if you wish to use them.

WONDER FULL

Starry Eyed

I have become somewhat of an Ellie Goulding fan since she stormed the charts with upbeat dance hit, Starry Eyed. She has quickly become a pop sensation and is likable in that she is different to all the other female singers that are caked in make-up and all too quick to show off a bit too much skin. But, Ellie is pretty and cool and I love that she has shaved her hair a little. Her cover of Elton John's Your Song is beautifully sang and lovely to listen to, just as the video is to watch. It plays in the background of John Lewis' new Christmas advert and every time I hear it I cannot help but "Awww"- the rocking horse, the child yawning, her voice... It encapsulates Christmas and excites me about the festive season all over again, every time I see it. I am loving Ellie's look here- from a fashion perspective, the androgynous monochrome reminds me of ever so slightly of the Helmut Newton photograph, which showcases Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking tuxedo jacket. Ellie's take on the jacket/shirt combo is aptly suitable for the premiere of new film Burlesque and manages to become an effortlessly interesting outfit. Her hair too, even though she seems not to take that much attention, because she simply doesn't have to, always remains glossy and styled. Effortless beauty is the best kind and for that she should be celebrated because she displays just that in exactly the right way.

WONDER FULL