Art and Commerce in Palm Springs

Friday morning we piled everyone into the car and took off, not to the mall but rather to spend a couple of days at the family's desert hideaway. And by "hideaway," I mean...no internet!!! But once une femme got through a few hours of white-knuckled cyber-withdrawal, it was an enjoyable and relaxing getaway.

If you plan to be anywhere near Palm Springs before December 27, you MUST check out the Lino Tagliapietra retrospective at the PS Art Museum. This is an absolutely incomparable exhibit of Italian glass artwork, from an artisan/artist who is widely regarded as the world's best glassblower. The pieces (all 169!) are absolutely stunning, and don't miss the video presentation showing the artist at work. The precision and detail in these works of art is mind-blowing. Favorites were the sculpture below, based on the artist's interpretation of boats, and some of the goblets.

This was my very favorite piece, so serene.

The museum itself has quite an impressive permanent collection as well, including several modern works from well-known artists (Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol, and Henry Moore among them) an amazing display of Native American arts, American Western art, two sculpture gardens, a collection of contemporary glass studio art, and several other exhibits that we didn't have time to see.

Another Lino piece. The colors, depth, details and textures are jaw-dropping when seen up close.

I'd forgotten to bring my jacket (lulled into a false sense of security, I suppose, by our blast of warm weather on Thanksgiving) so late Saturday afternoon we drove over to El Paseo in Palm Desert to see if I could find something on sale to ward off the evening chill. Surprisingly, the streets were almost deserted in this posh shopping area, and some stores had even closed early, not the mad shopping crush I'd worried about.

Talbot's came up the winner; this lightweight quilted vest is a fabulous non-bulky layer, perfect for those times when a sweater alone isn't enough, but a jacket is too much. And a weekend 20% off special, not to mention earning double Appreciation Points, helped me rationalize the impulse purchase. I'd never imagined I'd used the words "quilted" and "flattering" in the same sentence, but this vest really is both! If it goes on sale again, I may pick up another color.
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Why is this Friday different than all other Fridays?

For those of us living in les Etats-Unis, unless one's domicile is a monastery or cave deep in the mountains, there is no escaping that today is Black Friday.

Retailers are doing their very best to gin up shopping frenzy by opening at 4am, 2am, even midnight after Thanksgiving. Look very carefully, mes amis, at the ads for those "doorbuster specials" as often the merchandise sold at the super low price is limited to one or two of each item, and "no rainchecks given." Can you say "Bait and Switch?"

Une femme cannot abide crowds, especially frenzied crowds and so avoids the retail scene on this day (unless it's a quick pop to the market for more Reddi-Whip to enjoy with a slice of leftover pie) as the Bedlam it is. And no offense meant, but you people who line up at midnight outside of a store and stampede in when the doors open...y'all are NUTS.

What about you? Do you scour the ads and look forward to scoring Black Friday deals? Do you shop in person or only online? Or do you settle in with a roaring fire, a good book and turkey sandwich and ignore the madness completely? (I've added a poll in the right hand sidebar, too.)

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Happy Thanksgiving!!

Une femme has much to be thankful for. Everyone is healthy, we continue to have gainful employment, and later today we'll gather with some family and friends to enjoy a bountiful meal. I'm also incredibly thankful for all of the support and wonderful friendships I've found in this blogging community. Thanks to all of you, and may you have a lovely, peaceful and yummy Thanksgiving.
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If this turkey could fly...

This goofy ensemble wings its way right past the radar for "Quirkyville" and crosses into "Deranged County" airspace.



Edited to add: but hey, you can get it for 20% off!


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Foulard de la semaine

Here's another version of the tie I saw frequently in Paris. This scarf was purchased on our first Paris trip in 2007 at one of those touristy shops on Rue Rivoli. It's still one of my favorites, and worn often during cooler months.

For instructions on this tie, click here.
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Posturing

Not sure what happened here...went to fix a typo and Blogger ate the post...GAH!

I'll fix later today and repost, but in the meantime we're discussing good posture and how to achieve it. Carry on!



Update I: I've restored the entertainment portion of today's post.

No, this wasn't irony in 1963, this was conventional wisdom.

Update II: Let's try this again, shall we?

While the video above is rather, well anachronistic, (*cough*sexist*cough* ) Hayley had a point about posture. Poor posture puts us at greater risk for injuries and joint damage, while good posture not only makes us look better in our clothing, but conveys an air of confidence.

My own mother tried to get us to care about our posture (and yes, our "femininity") enough to want to spend a few minutes each day walking up and down the hall with the A and B volumes of our Encyclopedia Brittanica balanced atop our heads, but alas the seeds of good posture practices fell upon fallow soil. Une femme's lifelong tendency to hunch shoulders, slouch, and walk with a forward tilt a la Groucho Marx requires a concerted effort to correct at this point.

Lately I've been reminding myself to stand up straight, pull those shoulders d-o-w-n and back. I've been thinking that some Pilates or yoga might help me to correct some of my poor posture habits.

What steps or exercises to you do to develop and maintain good posture? Did your mother make you walk with books on your head?
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Ladies' Guide to Party Planning

The holiday season is already upon us, ladies. We must be prepared!



(Thanks, sis, for the link!)
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For my LA Readers

Here's your opportunity to be even more gorgeous for the holidays!

My friend Brian Haugen is offering Holiday makeup workshops on Saturdays beginning November 28 through December 19. Brian has recently been touring with Mariah Carey as her personal makeup artist! (No wonder I hadn't heard from him in a while...he's been kinda busy!) He's un artiste de maquillage extraordinaire and has been working on developing his own line of mineral makeup (which I've tried and love). Brian takes into account his clients' personal styles and lifestyles when suggesting looks and techniques. You'll learn not only what colors and products work best for you, but also how to apply them. He's offering the Holiday workshops for only $25 (that's $125 off the normal rate!) and your $25 fee is applied toward any products you purchase.

I've reserved my space; to reserve yours please e-mail Brian at book@makeoverworkshop.com or give him a call at 310-9MAKEUP (310-962-5387). For more information about Brian's workshops, check out the Makover Workshops website here.
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Want the jacket....

Classic With a Twist -YSL by deja pseu featuring Yves Saint Laurent

...bought the perfume.

Une femme has finally given up on the Chanel jacket fantasy. Too boxy, too fussy pour moi. (Though I will continue to admire on others and sigh that what-might-have-been-had-I-been-born-with-a-trust-fund-and-different-genes sigh.) But as one door closes, another opens, and I've switched my jacket obsession to Yves Saint Laurent, specifically the "le Smoking" style jacket. First, it's much more within my aesthetic comfort zone and also probably a much better style for my body. Even though the YSL is still out of my price range, it's far less so than Chanel (including on ebay).

In the meantime, I will assuage and sublimate my YSL-lust with a new fragrance. I'll own up, I tried it because of the name, "Parisienne." (How could I not??) But I was surprised to find I really like this fragrance. It's feminine with an edge. The beginning of the drydown yields a distinctive rose fragrance, but soon after it becomes something slightly more earthy and just a little bit smoky (thanks to sandalwood notes) though the floral remains dominant. This isn't a sweet floral. It's a bit powdery, but not too soft.

And if I decide I must have a reasonable facsimile of the "le Smoking" jacket sometime this decade, there's always this one from J.Crew. We'll talk about that Muse bag later...
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Foulard de la semaine

This is my homemade "infinity" scarf. ;-)

Using the Ann Taylor Ruffle Scarf, tie the ends together, loop twice around the neck.
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The Look for Less: Crystal Charm Bracelet

The Look:

kate spade "Lady Marmelade," $225.

For Less:Talbot's, $49.

Ann Taylor, $65.

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The shrinking petite

No, une femme isn't shrinking, would that it were so.

Yesterday, Karen and I met up for a lovely brunch and a few hours of shopping. While we were making the rounds at the Century City mall, I was dismayed to see that the Talbot's Petites store had closed their doors. This was one of the last retailers to devote a decent amount of brick-and-mortar space to their Petites line. Over the last few years, other retailers with petites lines (for women under 5'4") have been steadily shrinking alotted real estate to the point that in most stores the Petites section (if there even is one...Saks closed theirs at the end of last year) is now a postage-stamp sized corner carrying one or two styles, and usually sold out of everything in between an XS and XL.

For those of us who are short, it's not just a matter of buying regular sizes and hemming. Sleeve lengths, where the waist hits, where pockets and buttons are best placed and proportions in general are different for us. More and more we are being relegated to shopping solely online or making do with what items we can find in Misses sizes that work. I've always tried to patronize the brick-and-mortar petites stores and departments, but it seems there aren't enough of our vertically-challenged demographic to keep these places afloat.

On the bright side, Karen found some lovely earrings and a great scarf, and I enjoyed a day of shopping without feeling particularly tempted to buy anything. However I'm coveting the Ann Taylor silk blouse that Karen was wearing (and raving about), and may have to go hunt one down.

In other Retail Reconnaissance updates: H&M still full of cheap acryllic crap (not a Choo to be seen anywhere in the store, despite the media hoopla) and water remains wet.

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In the movie version of my life...

Our plucky and irreverent heroine tweaks the sensibilities of the society matrons by showing up to the hoity-toity charity event carrying this puppy.

Leçon, comment plier un foulard

This is a great tie for oblong scarves when you want something a little different that will stay put, without a lot of bulk around the neck. Start by folding the scarf in half lengthwise, drape around the neck as shown above.

Pass one of the ends through the loop like so.

Twist the loop a half turn, then pass the second end through, in the opposite over/under order as the first end.

If that's too confusing or difficult to do in a mirror, you can always lay the scarf out on a flat surface and do the over/under - under/over weave with the ends. Then just pick up and slip over your head...

Adjust the ends and loop to the length you like, and voilà! Practice a few times, and before you know it, you'll be able to do this one without looking while running to catch a bus.
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Sweater Girl

In recent weeks, the idea of a sweater dress has captured une femme's imagination. Now that we are in boots-and-tights weather, the idea of tossing on a comfy, chic and easy knit dress is gaining in appeal, and I've begun searching for one that's Just Right. It can't be so snug that shapewear becomes necessary, nor be shapeless or bulky. I'm trying to avoid cowl necklines and turtlenecks are right out too, which considerably narrows the field.


This one from Banana Republic looks to be the worst of both worlds, baggy through the torso and snug on the hips.


Also from Banana Republic, this dress has a simple, flattering shape but exposes a bit too much leg pour moi.

Oy. Just....no.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Cute, but I look at this and think, "Spanx."

From Talbot's, this dress has simple styling and is available in this gorgeous green color, but I'm not sure about those pleats at then neck when combined with my bustline... and again, will this fabric be dangerous with curves?

Love the pockets! We're getting closer with this J.Jill dress. The simple styling and ease of fit appeals, but will it drape well or fit like a potato sack? Unfortunately, it's backordered until January.

To be continued...
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Paris at random

Une femme is working on a couple of posts, but in the meantime please enjoy some various and sundry pictures from Paris.

Foulard de la semaine

Love these autumn colors! Vintage sheer silk square folded diagonally and wrapped twice around neck, loose ends tucked.

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LA sur la Seine

How une femme has incorporated and personalized "un look Parisienne"

Many styles observed frequently in Paris aren't that different than what one sees here in Southern California, adjusted for climate bien sur. Jeans tucked into boots, longer sweaters, and slouchy bags are some examples of popular styles in both regions. Women here do wear more color, jewelry and maquillage, but several of the overall trends translate quite easily. While I admire the well edited simplicity often observed on les Parisiennes, I've found the unrelenting sobriety of more "strict" Parisian ensembles a bit too oppressive for me. By keeping my clothing simple and sophisticated and adding some color and fun and whimsical accessories, I've struck a balance that incorporates my favorite aspects of Parisian style and works with both my body and personality.

Above, I've taken what is a common autumn look spotted in Paris (long sweater, lean pants, boots, neutral colors) and added some favorite accessories. The earrings, watch, patent bag and scarf add some fun, sparkle and color, and lighten up the look a bit. In warmer months, I'd swap out some of the darker colors for lighter neutrals, and go for a brighter color accent.

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Paris Loot - les foulards!

The only scarf I actually set out to buy was this Eric Bompard cashmere (listed on their website as "Fine Lace Stole;" look under "Accessories/Voile Scarves"). I'd picked up one in a vivid orange on our last Paris visit and loved it, and wanted another one in a more neutral and subdued color. I love these scarves! They are soft, lightweight and provide warmth without bulk. The color I chose this time is called "Oregano Green" but it's actually more of a soft, light teal or seafoam.This Gerard Darel scarf was an impulse buy. I'd seen it at one of the department stores, but didn't pick it up when I was there. Later I was looking for it in one of the GD boutiques, but they'd sold out of the larger shawl size and this one is actually the child's size. But I think it works, non?
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Une femme recommends...

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash.

I'll confess, I'm a hand/body lotion junkie. That tight feeling of just-washed skin makes me *seriously* crazy, and I usually make a mad dash for the lotion as soon as I hang up my towel. I panic if I realize I've left the house without my little tube of hand lotion in my purse. So when the nice people at Dove offered me some samples of their new moiturizing body wash to try, I was game, but skeptical. I tend to avoid using shower gels or body washes much, even though my skin is not particularly dry, just because I hate that soap-scrubbed feeling so much.

I was surprised when not one, but three different Dove body washes arrived. In addition to the Deep Moisture, they also included the Gentle Exfoliating and Sensitive Skin formulas. I decided to start with the Deep Moisture formula. The first thing I noticed was that the liquid feels more like a lotion than a soap. It felt very soothing on my skin and rinsed off easily, even with our hard water. The fragrance is nice too, but doesn't linger after rinsing (a plus). My skin did not have that tight, dry feeling once I dried off, and felt softer. Living in a low-humidity climate, I'll probably never give up my body lotion entirely, but no longer feel the urgent need to slather it on immediately after every shower.

You can watch a video about the new ingredient "Nutrium" here. I do think this product is a huge improvement over other moisturizing body washes I've tried. (Now, if they'll consider removing the foaming agents...hint, hint.) I'll try the other formulas and report back, but the Deep Moisture formula gets 4 out of 5 ♀♀♀♀'s.

If you've tried this, let me know what you think!
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Retail Reconnaissance

Just a few items seen while out and about over the weekend that made le coeur d'une femme go pitty-pat:

Banana Republic merino ruffle sweater, $79.50. LOVE this aubergine color, and the ruffle adds visual interest without bulk. Remember if you are a BR card holder, Tuesdays are 10% off!

If I hadn't just spent my next three months' clothing budget shopping in Paris, I'd be all over this kate spade tote. It's Chanel-esque but better: softer, lighter, a fraction of the price.

I normally don't get excited about watches, especially "fashion" watches, but this Michael Kors tortoiseshell-look watch is fabulous! It's a fun and modern alternative to a metal watch with just enough sparkle to lend a bit of "I might be an heiress" attitude to a simple, casual ensemble.
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Paris Loot - les bottes!

Still loving these Arche boots picked up in Paris. I've had the opportunity to wear them a few times since our return. They are SO comfortable, and look great either with a skirt or pants worn inside or out. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a link to this particular style online, but will keep looking. If you have a store near you that carries Arche, do go try some on.

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Halloween recap...

I didn't have a chance to carve my jack-o'-lanterns until yesterday afternoon, and so my designs are a bit "phoned in." But I think we had a record number of trick-or-treaters (probably between 350-400 based on how much candy we gave out) and notre fils really enjoyed his nocturnal sojourns and actually went up to some doors all by himself. We finally turned lights out a short while after 9pm.

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