These photos are outtakes - pictures not published - from a magazine photo shoot at Merci, Paris. I wouldn't mind this gorgeous chandelier coming home with me.
Mannequins in the lounge/entranceway of Merci.
Isn't this chandelier featuring strings of wooden beads fabulous?
A comfy vintage leather chair and array of reading material.
Another chandelier and racks of designer clothes.
Yet another chandelier is suspended over a dining table.
More dining and accent tables at Merci, Paris.
Today at the bank, a young clerk was wearing shorts! Her off-black sheer tights couldn't disguise the fact that she was wearing short-shorts to work at a conservative bank. On the way home, I saw a heavily-made-up woman wearing a sheer blouse that was off her shoulder and nearly off her elbow, along with tight jeans and six-inch metallic gold heels. She was getting into a cab; surely walking more than a few blocks in those heels would be difficult.
In Passy, an elderly woman was tottering down the sidewalk in a short brown leather skirt and heels. Another woman of a certain age with bright orange-red hair was wearing a beret and a skirt well above her knees. She was carrying her little dog in a vintage Gucci handbag. Then I saw an older woman immaculately groomed, wearing a boucle wool Chanel suit to buy groceries.
Ah, the Parisienne women and their unique style! Spring is in full bloom. What's the fashion parade like in your city?
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Posted by: go to tibet by air | 24 June 2010 at 11:03
What a cool chandelier, with wooden beads!
Posted by: Chris | 17 May 2010 at 21:11
In L.A., the second young people can take things off, they do. But we are certainly challenged when it comes to style, with a few areas of exception.
Posted by: Chris | 17 May 2010 at 21:10
I just returned from a visit to NYC and am always interested in seeing what seems to be new as far as casual women's fashion for the 'on the street' look. One thing I noticed more than the rest was empire waist blouses (or baby doll) in all subtle shades and stripes and of course white. These blouses were worn over denim jeans, spandex leggings in black, and skirts. It seems that the uggs and boots with shorts are gone, for the most part.
Posted by: kristine | 05 May 2010 at 12:49
Steph, last week it was warm and sunny in Paris. This week it's cold and windy - the high winds blew my kitchen window open!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 04 May 2010 at 19:29
I will dream of your Paris spring as our spring attire swings between snow boots and wrapping your cloths tightly around you as the HIGH winds squeal...
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 04 May 2010 at 18:01
Beautiful!!
Posted by: Swirly | 04 May 2010 at 02:46
Love to see Merci's displays. MERCI
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 02 May 2010 at 13:24
i bet i would have a nice time, people watching there. : )
xo
Posted by: christina | 01 May 2010 at 03:22
Sounds like I could get away with murder in bad taste and call it "style!" I don't know how ANYONE could possibly walk Paris streets in high heels! Yikes!
Posted by: jeanie | 30 April 2010 at 21:10
Well, here in Phoenix, most women opt for spandex, some sort of poly-cotton thing with big horizontal stripes, plain Levis and blue eye shadow. And tennies. Plastic grocery bags are reinvented as purses.
Generally, the clothes reflect the politics and the level of sophistication.
Posted by: Diogenes | 30 April 2010 at 17:19
I love the recliners, couch and footstool in the second photo. As for fashion in San Diego, every thing is pretty casual. There are beautiful clothes in the stores and I always wonder why you never see anyone wearing them.
Posted by: sheris white | 29 April 2010 at 21:08
Oops! What I meant is that I have NOT seen much fashion this week.
Posted by: Marilyn | 29 April 2010 at 17:35
Oh, I would love to be sitting in that leather chair with all those books so close by. The picture definitely don't look like out takes to me.
Being rather a recluse this week I have seen much fashion. The fashion descriptions you mention here put a smile on my face. Now I must go out and take a look, but I really don't think I will be entertained as you are by the ladies in Paris.
Love your new header!
Posted by: Marilyn | 29 April 2010 at 17:34
Not as much effort is made here, I'm afraid. You see people jogging about in sweats, and sneakers a lot.
But not many people dress up to do anything here. I only yesterday saw a woman at the grocery store in her slippers and pajamas, it made me wonder what she was doing out looking so bedraggled. I felt immediate sympathy for her, because surely she must be going through some kind of ordeal to have left home looking like that.
I find making an effort with my appearance makes me feel better. It has a wondrous effect on my mood!
xoxo
(Love the skinny wooden sofa table with the vases, so pretty!)
Posted by: gillian | 29 April 2010 at 17:16
Ah, flair of any sort does not exist in Washington. It was outlawed. We just have clone style.
Posted by: Patricia | 29 April 2010 at 16:07
I have emailed you but never hear from you.. I must have the wrong address... I have Merci on my list of places to see.. I guess I better get there... looks very fun.. hope you and David are well...ma
Posted by: martha ann | 29 April 2010 at 15:41
I laugh. The idea of fashion in the US midwest is much different than in your city. We watch fashion from afar rather like a spectator sport. Here the parade is just happy if the clothes fit (neither too baggy nor too tight) and are of a color that flatters skin tone-- and that the shoes are comfy. The concept of clothes as self-expression takes a backseat to practicality and financial survival.
Posted by: ally bean | 29 April 2010 at 15:17
I agree with Ms. Overton! These are the 'outtakes'?! What a fabulous place, with a fabulous mission - I keep looking for places like that here with little luck. Seriously, what a fabulous place. Mind-boggling! Oh - love your newest banner. As for the fashion parade around here - ho hum. I did see a few girls yesterday in private school uniforms, so the plaid was colorful ... but one 'young lady' had broken down the back portion of her shoes and was scuffling along in oxfords-turned-mules. Give me the women of a 'certain age' ;)
Posted by: Barbara | 29 April 2010 at 13:29
C'est magnifique!
Posted by: Helen | 29 April 2010 at 11:29
Can I include sheep in the fashion parade that goes on around here :) And why on earth were these out takes, must see the intakes.
Posted by: Di Overton | 29 April 2010 at 08:00
My mind is on overload from so much beauty. Tara how I wish I could go with you to Jordan! You must be a treasure chest of tales. I enjoy your blog so much, I would love to be in your company. I hear so many beautiful things from Gillian about you.
Posted by: Yoli | 29 April 2010 at 06:25
women of a "certain age" in super high heels and/or short skirts always catch my eye too AND I wonder if I'm a little embarrassed for them or jealous of their nerve!!
Posted by: elsie | 29 April 2010 at 03:12