{style inspiration | spring things : shoes & handbags}

. . . a few lovely springs things -- shoes & handbags -- in shades of blush, cloud and apricot, nude and champagne, with a touch of gold, [of course!] . . .

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{take me away № 21 | city guides № 1 : paris}

At the very centre—the heart, soul and jewel of France, we find Paris . . . Paris in all of its overwhelming magic and allure. Paris that, perhaps of all places around the globe, of all the islands and coasts, extraordinary mountains, cities, and countrysides, might just be the most dreamed about of them all. And is it with any wonder? Enveloping the experience of l'art de vivre is a rosy hue, a hue only seen while you are there [long remembered and forever held in the heart], swept up in the magic of the city of lights. Here, for hundreds of years, thousands and thousands of visitors near and far have traveled to visit, to live, [even if just for the day] amongst all that is Paris.



Here we find perfectly imperfect cobblestone streets, many offset by poetically tilted and beautifully aged architecture, and as we walk, we quietly take in the unabashed beauty and élan, as elegant & effortlessly stylish women pass by; an older man, pedaling along on his bicyclette, en route to the barber may bring on a smile—indeed, a postcard sight; ladies immersed in each other's company, tucked in bold red chairs at a quaint café, back and forth they speak, in reverent conversation; or peek into the windows of elegantly merchandised shop windows, seductively showcasing handmade merchandise, created with skills perfected centuries ago. A host of streets may call you to stroll, looking up as you go, at the decorated facades, noticing a tiny pot with a cheerful blossom tucked into the tiniest of nooks. Not so unlike Paris, where charm abounds—charm and quality, hand in hand—be it fine foods or perfumes, fundamental manners & etiquette, or tying a scarf with flair.



Perhaps it's passion? Perhaps it's Paris. A city unlike any other, Paris calls creatives to create, lovers in love, and explores to explore . . . for those with an appetite to discover and to learn may discover a convergence of past and present, and may lose themselves forever, never to be the same. And so, today we warmly invite you to join us as we visit some of the most memorable places, and share some of best kept secrets in our address book of Paris . . .

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{monday, monday & a brand new week}

. . . the place is in a bit of a topsy turvy state, as all things are before change, and this week's to-do lists are miles long, but it's lovely to be back after a beautiful weekend, and before it all begins . . .



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{at the office : chloé pre-fall 2012}

. . . pleated silk blouses and pretty pencil skirts, herringbone and shearling and scalloped trim -- few can match the elegant tailoring and perfect simplicity of chloé . . .









[images: vogue]

{take me away № 11 | travel by train}

Imagine the anticipation of stepping on board a grand and majestic train, all aglow, as the brisk winter’s evening has just fallen.



Inside, passengers settle in for the evening, enjoying perfect touches of comfort and luxury, echoing that of a romantic, bygone era.



And as steam trails behind and the new journey commences, the heart flutters momentarily and one is not sure what to expect, but one thing is for certain, guests are abound to endless wondrous destinations, with discoveries and sights to take in at nearly every moment along the way.



Today we explore a wonderful selection of world-renowned trains and journeys, from all different points of the world.



And so, we invite to you warm a delicious cup of drinking chocolate, and please join us on an incredible railway adventure . . .

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{take me away № 02 | luggage to last a lifetime}

As with many things, it is wise to purchase the best quality of luggage and travel accessories that one can afford. Luggage is an investment, and quality pieces will often last for a lifetime.



Well-made and designed luggage is aimed to make the process of your journey easier, and will take you through many years of adventures.



Whether you are beginning to put together your own luggage collection, are a well-seasoned traveler looking to replace the pieces you have, or searching for the perfect gift for someone you love, this guide will assist you in building a quality luggage collection.






No matter if you prefer a sleek, streamlined look with neutral colors, or a colorful, fun look with personalized details . . .



It is imperative to learn some of the basics of what to look for when selecting pieces . . .



[as always, more after the jump] x
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{runway inspiration: chloé spring 2012, paris}

. . . blouses strewn with intricately embroidered blossoms, billowy shorts and crisp jackets, pleated skirts, light knits and linens -- the chloé spring 2012 collection is filled with such prettiness, that despite the suddenly brisk mornings, a little wistful for the breeziness of springtime, or perhaps, even, far off and tropical places, when the first of the snow has fallen . . .

{p.s.} design team vs. hannah mcgibbon vs. phoebe philo







[more of this collection after the jump] x
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