{hello from paris}

"Paris is always a good idea."

~ audrey hepburn

. . . hello! . . . things have been rather sporadic around here this week, with valentine's day on monday, finishing projects, last-minute preparations, and an ever-overflowing stream of emails, but most excitingly, cases to pack and a flight to catch, and now, a few beautiful days in paris . . .

uncertain when there next will be a moment to say hello, and so, for now, a fond farewell and à la prochaine,
xo

{images: one | two}

{colour inspiration: late-summer pink}

. . . the last day of august and how it has arrived so quickly is a mystery, and while the early morning air has become a little cooler, the sun still shines warmly and whether it's ribbons or tulle, stripes on a chair or a soft cashmere sweater, whether in shades of monticello or azalea, somehow, the last days of summer always feels like pink . . .

{p.s.} today is also p's birthday and we're off to lose ourselves in beautiful things . . . à bientôt & hope your week is off to a perfect start xo

{images: photography by jose villa via follow studio; absolutely beautiful things; t.i.g. scan, martha stewart weddings; peonies: photography by sarah tucker via ada & darcy; t.i.g. scan, photography by tom leighton, styling by ali brown and kate french for homes & gardens july 2010; t.i.g. scan, j.crew august 2009}

{eternally chic: the classic trench coat}

One of my favourite things about Spring is running out the door in a light trench -- whether paired with a favourite pair of jeans or a cocktail dress, it is one item that always makes me feel hopelessly stylish and effortlessly put together . . .

{top: françoise hardy; above: kate moss}

In 1879, a young former draper's assistant, Thomas Burberry, invented gabardine, a comfortable yet durable tightly-woven, water-resistant fabric. This fabric was a stunning success, with orders flooding in, and the first major client being the British Army.

Using his own designs for officers' coats made 13 years earlier for the War Office, Burberry added shoulder straps and metal rings to his gabardine coat, and the trench coat was created. Today the Burberry trench coat remains one of fashion's most coveted pieces.

{above: jackie, audrey, kate}

Lightweight, weather resistant and eternally chic, the classic trench is as stylish today as it was when Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast At Tiffany's.

{united bamboo trench with current / elliott 70's style bell-bottoms in distressed denim at la garçonne}

{cotton A.P.C. trench paired with paul smith striped shirt and just cavalli wide-legged jeans from harrods for an elegantly cool british look}

{a gryphon trench paired with acne skinnies and a proenza schouler striped tee for a perfect parisian vibe}

{images: 1 - françoise hardy via ms. muse; 2 - kate moss by ellen von unwerth; 3 - magnolias by alicia bock; 4 - via popartpistol; 6 - glamour uk august 2008; 7 - closet couture in vogue us may 2009}

{long weekend links}

{some fun places to visit over the weekend:}
> paris by night
> then & now: lauren hutton
> beautiful BCBG campaign via love made visible
> smitten with a cup of jo
> light as air
> audrey

{and a long-overdue thank you:}
Ruby Press, Fiore Fresco, Design Dig and Mommy Holly for the great awards.
Katidid, Daisy Pink Cupcake & Granny Smith Apple for the fun tags.
Special thanks to Bonbon Oiseau for {this} lovely mention.

{image: pierce allan via the deco detective}