What happened to me? Seriously, I don’t know.

I was just visiting the Chanel pop-up store on rue Saint Honoré (very, very smart & cool idea from Chanel) when a very talented salesman came over to me. For some reason we chatted (maybe cause I am crazy chatty?) and talked about the espadrilles I shot a while ago on Lara and I was telling him I liked them but I would never wear them…bla, bla, bla…

He was like : “Are you sure?”
I was like : “Oh man, NEVER! They’re cute on others but never on me, ahah, Chanel espadrilles!”
He was like : “Wanna try them, just for fun?”
I was like : “Oh nooooo… Oh well, okay, let’s lol together!”
He was like : “All right. See, they’re nice.”
I was like : “Shit, you’re right. They’re kinda awesome.”
He was like : “Okay, it was just for you to see! I felt you’d like them.”
I was like : “Arrrrrgh. WRAP THEM.”
He was like : “You don’t have to.”
I was like : “I said WRAP THEM AND FAST.”

So that’s what happened guys. And that’s how two years after telling you I’d never wear them, I am the happy owner of a pair of espadrilles.

And you… Did you change your mind? Yes or no to espadrilles?

Yesterday I paid a visit to some of the places you’ve recommended in Paris. It’s crazy how Paris has changed in three years. Shops, cafés… It’s nice !

I really liked the Broken Arm, thank you for the tip.

Really cool and good atmosphere, it’s an inspiring place in a neighborhood I’ve always liked, the “Haut Marais.”
I like the scene that’s hanging out at this café, fashiony, arty people but it’s warm and doesn’t feel snobby. The fashion isn’t exactly my type but there is a lot of interesting designers to discover, like Jacquemus.

Not far, I went to the Café Pinson and it’s awesome to finally see a new breed of healthy cafés in the city, even if my quinoa balls were way too salty (not their fault, it’ll teach me to order stuff with capers in it) and that we where not super comfortable in our seats (oooooh I am such a complainer). But there was a lot of cool people, a lot of languages were spoken and a few people were there with their computers, which says a lot about the welcoming environment.

That’s a tough one actually, if you have a café. How can you be nice enough to let people come over with their computer but not become one of these “computer cafés” where people just come alone, spend hours on their screen with their earphones on, having just one coffee and killing the vibe of the space? Maybe that’s why such few places in Paris offer wifi? Who knows…

Oh before I go, I still love Galerie OFR, a place where you can find the coolest magazines and art books.

A little later, I went to Chanel (yes) and & Other Stories, but that’s another story…

We tried them all!!!

The other day, we asked you to give us your favorite foundations and promised to test them all out. Oh wooooo, look at these crazy challenges we take on at the Studio…

It’s kind of funny to test a new foundation everyday, but at the end of the day, it’s the best way to understand the differences between each product.

Each day of the week, Alex prescribed us a different foundation based on our skin type and then she had to make lines with the foundation (and also with the powder foundation, which cracked us all up at the Studio “Oh, looook, Alex is making tracks here! Total Scarface style! Hohoho! How funny are we!?”)(Okay, maybe it was just me making the terrible jokes) so that we could take this photo.

Here’s the verdict!!! And all of our favorite foundations…

PS: What’s very very clear here is that the next time we do a test like this, we’ll have to get a wider range of skin-types… Asian, black, super blonde, all of ‘em.

We’re all brunettes with pale skin here at the Studio!
Ok, so for the next foundation debate, who’s coming to spend a week at the Studio?

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First, here are our skin-types:

Garance: My skin is combination and sensitive, it needs a lot of very light moisturizer but it really tends to shine. 
Oh, and I am not against blurring some of my pores away. Pores, booo!

BUT I like my freckles and I don’t want to hide them. Freckles, yeaaah!

My everyday routine is light foundation on my T Zone (no, it’s not the tee-shirt zone, that would be a looooot of make up, it means the nose and forehead, those zones that tend to shine), concealer, free powder and blush.

Alex: My skin is combination, 100%. It tends to be more dry in the winter and oily in the summer…everyday is an adventure, really. My daily routine is a combination of a primer or BB cream, concealer (under the eyes and to cover any spots) and a powder mineral foundation. I attempt to apply blush, but I’m convinced I’m not doing it right.

Christiana: I have pretty normal skin (lucky me!). I don’t really put anything on my face, but sometimes use concealer under my eyes and bronzer.

Emily: My skin is normal to dry and I moisturize like crazy! My normal routine consists of concealer, bronzer and some blush.

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And now…the products:

Garance…

Chantecaille Future Skin: At first, it felt very thick on my fingers (that’s what she said), which I don’t love, but actually as soon as I massaged it into my skin (that’s what she said), it’s like it instantly was absorbed into my skin (that’s what… Ew !), which is a pretty amazing sensation – kind of like putting on a second skin. 

The result is a very beautiful and smooth skin, but I’ve found my skin to be pretty shiny a few hours later. It may be too moisturizing for me.

The packaging is a pot which looks good in my bathroom, but I always prefer make up that’s more protected from the direct air, it feels cleaner (also I always forget to close pots, bad karma for the foundation… And in the end, for my skin).
Still, amazing texture.

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Cream Compact: Happiness: The box is just beautiful and I may or may not be seen wearing it as a necklace in public soon, and I love that it’s a compact foundation – you apply it with a sponge that has it’s own little room in the pot – you don’t dirty your hands yeaah! (Man, I am so lazy I even want my foundation to put itself on by itself)(is someone working on that?)(Pleaaaaase?)

Applying it is a little difficult because of the thickness (that’s what…OK, I’ll stop), and it might be a little too much coverage for me. 
I’d use it though, just because it’s extra convenient!

Clinique Even Better Makeup: The packaging is very Clinique, very tech and simple. At first the foundation feels pretty thick on the fingers (Again! Oh Garance!!! Was Alex trying to send me a message in making me try thicker foundations?) and it takes some work to put on.

But once it’s on, it’s like Law & Order SVU: It sticks ! 

I was wearing it yesterday and it didn’t move all day. I didn’t find myself shining like an octopus (???)(I know, it’s the only comparison I’ve found)(look, I am tired and jet lagged AND watching a French show called “Pekin Express” which literally means brain damage.) 

With it, you kind of feel “made up”, but it does look really good.

Alex…

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: I’ve spent my makeup wearing years with an irrational fear of the classic liquid foundation. I don’t know why but I never let it touch my skin. So, I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried this liquid foundation from NARS first during our little test and I haven’t stopped wearing it (except of course, to try some others). My skin has seriously never looked this good.

It’s moisturizing (on oily days I add a swipe of loose powder on top) and lightweight– if you have dry skin, I recommend it!

Also, make sure you buy the pump–makes application much easier!

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Powder: I’ve been using powder foundation since the beginning of time, so I knew my skin would feel at home with this. The coverage is light, but build-able. It’s a good option for my skin during the summer when I tend to be a little shinier. If you have dry skin, try applying it wet!

Christiana…

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme: First, the Dior BB cream smells amazing, which is awesome, and has SPF 10 which is good for my skin (just enough so I can protect my skin but still get some color). It’s a full coverage, so something I’m reserving for going out and special events when I need to step it up a notch.

Laura Mercier Illumination Tinted Moisturizer: This tinted moisturizer is a great middle ground for me, a good base that evens my skin, but not as intense as foundation. It’s lightweight, provides nice coverage and hydrates my skin perfectly! My only complaint is the added illuminating shimmer, it’s a little too sparkly for my skin tone (Emily really liked this feature though, so don’t let it discourage you!).

Emily…

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: This is the perfect every day foundation. I applied with my hands (unfortunately my make up kit doesn’t include a foundation brush or sponge) but it wasn’t a problem. It blends in really evenly, you don’t need too much product to get good coverage, and it really has a silky finish. Best part, you can’t even tell I’m wearing anything–I just look like my best self!   

L’Oréal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: This was the first time I’ve tried a BB cream and I really like this! It’s super moisturizing, which is great for my dry skin, and even though it goes on white, the color beads blend really well. It gives a nice even coverage that can stand alone or it can serve as a good base when you want to get fancy and add bronzer and some blush.

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All right guys, I hope this helps !!! Your advice helped us a lot !
Big kisses on your beautiful, smooth and rosy cheeks. 
That’s what she said. 

PS: In the photo you see the Laura Mercier, Make Up For Ever, L’Oréal BB Cream and Chantecaille Future Skin!

White nails have always been a little fascination of mine. I think they look chic, clean and simple but I also think they are tricky to pull off…

(Flashback to elementary school when all of my friends and I painted our nails with Wite-Out. Sorry Mom!)

I was excited to see white polish backstage at the spring Chanel show and knew it was time I let go of those Wite-Out memories and give it a try (it made it’s debut on my hands in this DIY video)….

Drumroll…

Here is my official, exclusive, at home white nail polish manicure step-by-step guide!!

1.Trim and file your nails to the desired length. I think white looks best on medium to short length nails.

2. If you are prone to ridges, grab your nail buffer (or ridge filler) and go over each nail before applying your base coat. Let dry.

3. Before you apply your first coat of polish, select what TV show you would like to watch on Netflix (I highly recommend Friday Night Lights, Season 1, Episode 3. Tim Riggins has to run in the rain!) and hit play. If you are anything like me, you have a very hard time sitting still and letting your nails dry and this will provide a good distraction.

4. Apply the polish! Let your first white coat dry completely before adding your second coat. This will help with even coverage.

5. Once your second coat is completely dry, apply your top coat and enjoy some Tim Riggins.

(Okay, yes, this is really just a guide to manicures in general…)

What do you think of white nails for spring? Oui or no?

PS : You can get Chanel Eastern Light nail polish here!

Here is wrap video from Fashion Week !!!
I am presenting it monologue / flashback style, which I thought would be a funny new way to do a voice over.
Oh, yeah, and there’s Natalia Vodianova inside !! (so beautifuuuuuul)
Big kisses !

Click on the CC on the YouTube player for French subtitles.

Whether it’s a scarf, a coat or a necklace, tucking your hair into it just looks cool.

We’ve seen a few off-duty models rocking the look in the past and now that it’s taking over the runways, it’s your turn to give it a try.

Added bonus: It’s great if you are thinking of chopping your hair into a bob– now you can get a feeling for what it might look like! ;)

What do you think? Is it a thing you’re doing right now?

This might be the easiest Thing I Can Do Right Now yet: carry your bag as a clutch!

On almost every runway, we have seen handbags of all shapes and sizes carried as clutches. I love clutches and this trick makes every bag in my closet work as one– just be sure you put your arm through the handles so you don’t have a runaway clutch!

What do you think? Ready to carry your bags this way?

Still completely behind in my pre-fashion week preparations, I decided to ask my friends what was on their wish lists this season (which is a little like our back-to-school, except we get it twice a year, yikes!).

I got a lot of responses AND NOW I’M EVEN MORE DEPRESSED after being so unprepared. Some things never change…

Here’s what Viviana put on her list and I approve 100%.

(Ok, next DIY, we’ll show you how to make a tiny Chanel clutch out of Legos. ;-P)

It’s time for us all to take a little break from the day for some eye candy from last week’s couture collections! You’re welcome!!

Chanel

Valentino

Christian Dior

Giambattista Valli

We loved reading your comments on what the story was behind the Chanel ads! Here are some of our favorites:

Chanel-holics and their therapist.
- Anna

hmmmm maybe discipline and the beauty of refinement? Chanel is for work and play….
- Polly

I would tend to imagine the story of a strict mother (or nanny) a little bit too oppressive and omnipresent with two rebellious teens. I dunno, maybe I’m wrong (probably), the idea has to be much more delicate and … creative. I’m not in Karl’s head (Lord knows I would love it !).
- Noé

it has to be the governess with two students into a new-modern-world-geisha posh school!!!! is it too obvious my history??:S:S am i right???theres no other choice garance….:):) love it btw!
- Noelia

And now, this it what Chanel told us about the story behind the shoot…
A lesson in elegance, where Stella Tennant plays the role of a step-mother with her two sassy step daughters, Ondria Hardin and Yumi Lambert. Oh to have Stella as a step-mom…sighhhh……