Visions of Chaumet, Boucheron, Van Cleef and Arpels Dancing in Her Head

What girl at least once in her life dreams about being lavished in beautiful jewelry fit for a princess. Most of us are stuck with the dream....a tiny handful actually get to own "out-of-this- world" designs fit for royalty or those with fat wallets.

Next time you find yourself in Paris, dream your own little dream and head to Place Vendome, a circular "square" if you will home to the column Vendôme erected by Napoleon, world class hotels like the Ritz, Park Hyatt Vendôme and Bristol in addition to a line-up of jewelry stores whose vitrines and vaults need security 24/7. A heady "defile" with the likes of Boucheron, Chaumet, Tiffany and Cartier to name a few, can keep one entertained for hours. Entertained?

You know, the window game. Pick only one thing out of each display window that you would take home with you and why. My daughters and I played this game years ago when catalogs from American Girl or the Disney store would arrive in the mailbox. It was something to do during those bewitching hours between getting home from school and me getting dinner on the table. Now that they are all grown up, our game has gotten a tiny bit more expensive and we've become fairly philosophical regarding our selections.

Funny thing. I was walking through Place Vendôme a few weeks ago with a friend from here and the first thing she said was, "Let's play the window game." I was shocked thinking my daughters and I pretty much had that game locked up to ourselves but not so much. About 40 minutes later we headed into the Ritz which was our actual destination and....we'll that's another story. Talk about the window game. A hallway the length of the hotel lined with glass cases filled with jewelry, shoes, handbags and everything in between. Gratefully, it dumps you off at Hemingway's Bar (Ernest's place) where you can set down all your bags and relax with a glass of champagne that is served with a white rose. Talk about princess!!

Follow the link and read an article from IHT about the latest designs that were unveiled here in Paris during Fashion Week in early July.....you'll get the idea.

Jewelry With Stories to Tell

photo credit: betterphoto

While Visions of Sugar Plums Danced In Their Heads

.....well they aren't exactly sugar plums but just as good, if not better.  Several world renown patisseries and chocolatiers in Paris have created their yearly Christmas offerings to inspire and delight.  As always, the French can take the every day and elevate it to "haute whatever" as they pursue the art de vivre.  This beautiful cake is the Marie Antionette created by Ladurée in honor of France's premier fashionista.  

Traveling this holiday?  You wouldn't want to leave home without grabbing your Buche de voyage created by JP Hévin .  Perhaps this will become the "it bag" for the new year.

Anyone who knows me will not be surprised that this escarpin en chocolat would be one of my favorites.  For some,  a Cinderella shoe like this would be saved for special occasions. Not me.  I'm on a quest for winter snow boots that look like this, keep my feet warm and save me from falling on my ass.  Another fabulous creation by Monsieur Hévin.  

Plaza Athenée's pastry chef, Christophe Michalak, combines the refined elegance that he feels is evident throughout this illustrious hotel and his award winning pastry skills to create his version of the bûche du noël; a commode complete with candelabra and Christmas packages. I would never cut into this.  It would be a tchotkie that I'd keep forever or until mold got the best of it.  

Animal rights friends-- even you have to acknowledge the incredible artwork that went into this chocolate masterpiece.  A handbag made to look like snow leopard skin is the holiday creation of Castelanne.

Last, but certainly not least, this incredible serpent necklace was created by La Maison du Chocolat in honor of Boucheron's 15oth anniversary. This French jeweler is responsible for designing some of the world's most amazing baubles.  The serpent is indeed made of chocolate while it's tongue would be nothing less than a 20 carat tinted yellow diamond.  The necklace was made this past July and is on a world wide tour in hopes of finding just the right buyer.  Yes, this little goodie could be under your tree on Christmas morning for a mere $881,487.40 at today's exchange rate.  Who's been naughty and who's been nice???

Photo credit:  lefigaro.fr