Internationally Stylish: My little break to Paris

It was the last days of the British Summer. I hadn't been lucky enough to jet away to somewhere exotic and I was desperate for a change of scene. With limited funds and only a weekend to spare, I roped in a mate to book tickets for a day trip to Paris. Eurostar have a fantastic little break package that is perfect to setting off on a mini adventure without the major price. So much so that I was able to treat my niece and bring her along too! I am officially the best auntie in the world.

On Saturday the 29th of August, the 09:25 train took us to Gare du Nord and immediately I felt like a lemon, having not practiced French since my GCSEs. "Bonjour! er.. how do we get to.. zee Eiffel tower?" (Yes that's how bad my French is). Thankfully, the guys at the information point took pity and directed us to the capital's notorious landmark. They also clued us to a day metro pass; giving us access to all stations so that we could travel as freely as we liked. Tickets in hand, we boarded the metro and was on our way.

© Yvonne Ottley-Awuah

Stepping out of Champ de Mars, the weather was gorgeous! Paris was basking in sunshine and I was ready to explore. On approach to the Eiffel tower, we found ourselves amusingly surrounded by a large crowd of Michael Jackson impersonators and street dancers. Fascinated by the commotion, we were enthralled into an playoff between MJ's classic tunes to the left and French hip hop to the right. Whilst the street dancers put on a good show, the 'MJ crew' stole the limelight with people from all walks of life attempting to moonwalk, proudly wearing the trademark white glove. It hadn't dawned on me untill then that the day would have been Michael Jackson's birthday, hence the mass celebration. It made for very entertaining viewing.

Queuing for entry to the tower was a fair stretch, and this is to be expected. It reminded me of when I was a kid, waiting anxiously to board an Alton Tower ride and hoping I'd make the minimum height. I was so excited to experience the Eiffel tower and after 30 minutes of queuing we were finally on our way up. The views from the top of the tower are exquisite, truly amazing. It was quite something to see.

My niece Shannon and I at the top of the Eiffel tower.

© Yvonne Ottley-Awuah

After viewing Paris from the skies, we took a stroll along the river bank and tucked into some delicious crepes. I opted for chocolate with a cheeky drizzle of Grand Marnier. It had been a long time since I had the pleasure and it tasted divine. Having indulged in pre-dinner sweets, we thought it fitting to do some shopping before the main meal.

Back on the metro we rode till we arrived at Chaussée d'Antin, home to one of Paris' picturesque shopping district and the department store Galeries Lafayette. There was so much to look at and so much to desire! I found myself pining after all the pretty displays of cosmetics and handbags but I managed to resist the temptation to splurge. Inside the department store, you could be mistaken for thinking it was an ornate museum or a theatre. Featuring elegant gilt and ornately decorated, it was breathtaking to look at.

After some serious window shopping and a few budgeted purchases, we were ready to dine. We sampled delicious 'Mavronmmatis' Greek Cusine at Laurier inside the department store and stopped for drinks at Bar à Bulles.

Ah, time does fly when you're having fun - we found ourselves racing against time to visit all the boutique and high street shops nearby before heading back to catch the Eurostar back to London. In the nick of time, we boarded at Gare du Nord and settled into chit chat, over a complimentary glass of rosé with a late night bite and the latest issue of Tatler (UK edition).

The trip was amazing and there was so much more that I'd have liked to do; wander the Marché des Enfants Rouges market or check out the Musée Galliera but these are destinations at the top of my list for another visit. The good news is that with prices for a mini break starting at just £59 return for two people, you can afford to take plenty of short stop trips without burning a whole in your pocket.

For more information and to book your mini break visit: www.eurostar.com

Internationally Stylish: Laura Laine

As an illustrator, when your work has been published in NY Times, Viva La Mode and Muse, you're doing very well. But to also be commissioned by labels Zara and Escada is double confirmation of your sought-after status. One woman who has achieved this is Finnish illustrator Laura Laine.

At just 25, she's received global critical acclaim and won the hearts of key fashion editors through her hauntingly beautiful, amazingly detailed art. In an interview with Charlies Design Diary, she explains that she takes inspiration from a host of different things but mostly fashion, literature, browsing through magazines and traveling to Italy.

I've been following her work for some time now and I have to say that I absolutely covet the selection she produced for Muse magazine. The combination of Laine's free-flowing drawing with fashion photography in such a flirty, playful way is just inspiring. Don't you agree?

Web: www.lauralaine.net

Internationally Stylish: Brittique

Offering the latest in high fashion and accessories, Brittique is an online shop that features exciting, new, British designers. Since the launch in 2006, the company has developed a reputation for stocking the key looks of the season from the likes of Emma Cook, Hannah Marshall and Gil Carvalho to name a few.

I like to think of it as the queen bee of British online boutiques - the stylish website is more intimate than Matches and yet equally as glorious a net-a-porter. With worldwide shipping and hassle free returns, Brittique is flying the flag for the UK with a style offering coveted by fashionistas across the globe.

Web: brittique.com

Internationally Stylish: Hilda Maha

Today I'm introducing a talented designer who combines boho chic with interesting shapes and clever tailoring. This emerging designer is definitely one to watch, I'm talking about Hilda Maha.

I've recently learnt that Hilda Maha was a fellow Londoner for 8 years before returning to Italy to work as a fashion and textile designer. In 2008 she achieved her degree at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and during the same year she won the Elio Fiorucci Love Therapy prize in "Mittelmoda the fashion award". During her studies, her work had been featured at Albanian Fashion Week in 2007, and this year she showcased her print collection at Premiere Vision in Paris. Her work is creating quite a buzz.

So when Maha got in touch with me to introduce her latest collection for SS/09 I anticipated it would be something different and exciting, I wasn't disappointed. As I viewed the look book, the words that came to mind were crazy, sexy, cool. Her work has the distinct boldness of designer Ashish, the sharpness of fashion house Noir and the fluidity of Jenny Packham couture.

Indeed her new collection has much promise, the inspiration rooted in her love of Albanian culture, after a trip there last Summer. Maha was both fascinated and impressed by the vibrancy of the community and she set about capturing the beauty of Albanian style and substance through her designs. In creating this collection she embraced traditional methods of production with the new; using age old embroidery techniques with modern digital print.

When asked who her designs will appeal to she answers "A trendy, unique, confident, original and eclectic woman who likes to be different and not unnoticeable". I think Agyness Deyn would be the perfect muse for Hilda Maha don't you? View her look book here.

Web: www.hildamaha.com
For stockists click here

Internationally Stylish: Brooklyn Diner, New York

Yesterday I dined at the Brooklyn Diner on 43rd Street, located near the heart of Times Square. Stepping inside takes you on a journey back to the times of rock n' roll. The plush red leather booths, warm furnishings and 1950s interior transports you back to a time when rockabilly ruled and Elvis was king. The eatery serves authentically American ethnic cuisine; dishes include Italian, Irish, Jewish, Caribbean and African influences all under one roof.

The portions are deliciously filling and the desserts are to die for. I treated myself to the Brooklyn Diner's simple but signature dish of Cheese burger deluxe with French fries and onion rings. I had just enough room to sample an indulgent ice cream sundae, topped with chocolate sauce and cherries. Mmmm mm.

Brooklyn Diner
Times Square
155W 43rd Street
NYC, NY10036

Internationally Stylish: Simply Vera Wang

Yesterday I visited Kohls and discovered a diffusion line from a designer better known for her stunning bridal collections over in the UK. Vera Wang, the much loved bridal couture specialist has a great range of clothes and accessories suitable for everyday. Wang's label entitled Simply Vera Wang is exclusive to Kohls and I instantly fell in love with these gladiator inspired Didi Dress sandals, perfect for toughening up summer dresses and skirt suits.

I've opted for the pewter colour which looks great against tanned skin, adding a little sparkle to your feet. I was particularly impressed with the price! On sale at just $28.99, this purchase was a steal! I still can't believe how extra affordable everything is in New York, compared to London's shops and boutiques. Check out the Kohls website for more information on Simply Vera Wang.

Vera Wang, Designer

Web: www.kohls.com

Jet Set: From London to New York

Tomorrow I'll be heading over to New York for some sun, shopping and a little bit of work in between. To celebrate, I'll be dedicating next week's blog entries to all my findings and fun in NY - consider it a 'Internationally Stylish Week'. I'll keep you updated as often as I can via the blog and twitter whilst in the big apple!

Internationally Stylish: 80's Purple

So far I've been highlighting all things pretty, stylish and London in this blog but today I'm starting a new series of entries under the label 'Internationally Stylish'. Here I'll feature luxe spots, great places to shop, beauty and fashion across the globe. I hope this new addition to the A-Z of contents will be of great interest, especially for readers across the seas and equally informative for UK based followers.

My first internationally stylish entry is dedicated to 80's Purple - the incredibly cool online boutique making a big impact in the U.S., Japan, Australia and more recently the UK. Its cultivation of high style meets urban chic fashion over the last five years has made it a household name for the fashion forward.

Setting this boutique apart from the rest is the vast spectrum of labels hosted under its cyber roof. Some labels are well known, others more underground and cleverly brought to the fore. You'll find simple day pieces from the likes of Cheap Monday, party frocks by Charlotte Ronson, shape rich outerwear by Candy and Caviar and iconic accessories by Hysteric Glamour. This among hundreds of other brands.

I love the look book on the website too, capturing the uber coolness of the boutique and working as added inspiration for its customer base. Check out their campaigns and latest items at www.80spurple.com.

Image credit: 80's Purple pictorial www.80spurple.com/lookbook