Poodle on Vacation

Holiday time!!!

Poodle pals, I am off on holiday for two and a bit weeks where I will be testing out my fabulous beauty finds in the intense Sri Lankan sun!

I'll be posting again from April and am looking forward to sharing my adventures with you!

With love from The Poodle xxx

Plus belle la vie!

It's a Poodle's life for me! Lingerie lusting, sniffing out the best beauty buys a Poodle could want and winding down in the evenings on the balcony of my 5th floor appartment with a glass of red and some french filles friends. La vie est belle.

In my latest adventures I have been visiting the iconic ever so Art Deco Bon Marche -with its 1920's decor it is the queen of all department stores full to the brim with Dior, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and good old Vivienne Westwood (whose lurid fluro plastic stilettos are simply kitsch incarnate).

Oh la la Aubade has made the ultimate thong for irresistable bottom cleavage!

Whilst doing window licking (as the french call it) at Bon Marche, I fell in love numerous times in the lingerie hall. Aubade's delicate lace culottes and thongs were somewhat pricey, but if this Paris pup forgoes food in order to wear them, my derriere can only look better- doubly worth it n'est pas? Unfortunately I can't give up food for underwear... the tartes fraises here are TOO delicious, and luckily a corset designer friend of mine can do me a deal on some vintage inspired lingerie-its wonderful how corsets have that instant slimline effect! I had a coup de foudre (love at first sight) with this pokka dot ensemble designed by Black Kitten:

A hint of vintage, a touch of fetish, Black Kitten underwear is the lucky charm for seduction, and whilst outwear bras are a la mode, nows definately the time to splash out on something more special in than the Marks & Sparks T shirt bras - they just won't cut it on the other side of your T shirt!

Be gorgeous! Check out Black Kitten here http://www.myspace.com/me_blackitten and Aubade here http://aubade.com/Recherche and a new favourite discovery of mine, Princesse Tam Tam - the ultimate girly lingerie www.princessetamtam.com/PrincesseTamTam.Site/en/home.aspx:

What are your favourite most indulgent lingerie labels?

Title image courtesy of http://vanillablonde.com/store/images/large/Paris-lady-&-poodle-ring-holder0358_LGE.jpg

The Tourist... and other Paris films

With today being the first day of Spring, Paris, right on cue is taking it all in its' stride. The skies are cloudless blue and the weather is warmer, even the occasional bud can be seen on the trees in Bois de Boulogne. The city seems to be reawakening from its rainy grey skied winter, and the Poodle has been out enjoying hustle and bustle...

With this glorious weather in this gorgeous city, it's only fitting that you should also have gorgeous people out in force, therefore it was almost no surprise that whilst the Poodle was exploring the ice cream on offer at Hagen Daas at metro Palais Royale Musée de Louvre, that I came across Angelina Jolie.

Filming for The Tourist has begun in Paris following a period in Venice where Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt have been sighted. Although this Paris pup didn't have her appareil photo with her, luckily the popsicles pretties over at Pop Sugar had their pap team ready and waiting, check out these photos below:


As one of the most aesthetically pleasing places known to Poodles, fashionistas and thinkers, Paris has long been the inspiration behind many a film. Until The Tourist (directed by Florian Hecknel) is released, here are my top 3 Paris based films:

1. Funny Face (1957)

This classic 1957 film not only features Paris, it also has style icon Audrey Hepburn dancing around on Parisian balconies and parading the catwalk when she is chosen as the new face of top New York fashion magazine. With a musical twist and fabulous full skirted costumes, it’s kitsch as Christmas, and definitely one of the Paris Poodle’s top 3!

2. Paris je t'aime (2006)

No other film says so much about Paris in only a few short segments. A beautiful patch work of Parisian love stories and half started curiosities, are all filmed against the backdrop of the Marais, Tuileries and Montmatre in this long film of shorts. This is a MUST watch for all Francophiles and Paris addicts alike!

3. Amélie Poulain (2001)

Quirky, stylish, romantic and eccentric! This film is everything that makes Paris, and Audrey Tatou so adorable and appealing!

What are your favourite Paris films? Share!

Introduction image from:

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs39/f/2008/366/9/7/spring_in_paris_by_isismas.jpg

Desert Island Essentials

The Poodle has the pleasure of an upcoming holiday in the Indian Ocean, where the sun never ceases to shine! Being an active sort of a pup, I am looking forward to surfing, sightseeing and exploring temples to tea plantations. With so much to do, I'm asking a lot from my current make up bag. Naturally, along with my wardrobe, the makeup I'm going to be bringing also requires intensive planning.

First and foremost, waterproof mascara and anti slip foundation are must haves. The Paris Poodle is in the midst of deciding between dozens of waterproof mascaras, eye liners and SPF make up... here's my shortlist so far, but if you know of any other make up miracles which can survive intense heat, and an action packed holiday agenda, tell this Paris Poodle - share your treasured desert island finds...



Let's start with eyes.... for your pretty peepers, waterproof mascara and eyeliner are essentials- so that you can look photo shoot worthy at any given moment. Who knows where you could be papped next? My old faithful Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof mascara with a massive plasticy bristled brush is very reliable when it comes to having luscious lashes in sun, heat and sea. It's affordably priced (check it out on http://www.amazon.co.uk/ where it is only £7.99) and stays on wonderfully.

A close contender is Urban Decay's Big Fatty in Waterproof. The name says it all. Big fat brush means lovely separated glossily coated lashes. The 60's inspired packaging is absolutely irresistible as well! I want this in my make up bag come rain or shine!

Waterproof eyeliner is notoriously difficult to find. However, after parading across Paris, visiting different outlets and beauty parlors from La Defense to Montparnasse, I have concluded that MAC's liquid last eyeliner in black is the one to stay put until you say so. Obedient and reasonably priced at £13.50, this is a dependable little eye liner that can survive water, tears and tiredness.

SPF make up is essential for sunshiny days, holidays and everlasting youth... therefore, I am going to be using Clinique’s Almost Make Up SPF15 which gives a natural hint of colour, with a sheer, lightweight finish that won't weigh your skin down in the heat.

For lips and cheeks I want to keep it really simple- and have discovered the good quality make up of Eyes, Lips, Face - elf http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/. Their Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15 comes in a multitude of delicious colours - Juiced Berry and Goddess are personal favourites of mine..! For rosy cheeks, the Poodle recommends Elizabeth Arden's Ceramide Cream Blush as it gives cheeks a dewy, healthy glow and won't clog your pores; powders are a definite no no!

What are your favourite holiday make up must haves? Tell the Poodle!

Paris Valentine Essentials

Cliches aside, Paris can't help but be a city of romance. The men and women are gorgeous and groomed, the streets are cobbled or accessorised with quaint candlelit street side tables, and rose vendors on the metro are a constant feature. With all the romance that is in the air this week, in the count down to Saint Valentine's Day, the best of Paris really comes to life, and somehow you start seeing people in love whereever you are. The romantic possibilities in Paris are countless. Even just walking through Jardin de Tulleries today, a sudden heavy snowfall transformed the park into a winter lovers paradise. Couples embrassed, locked in full french kiss mode, as the snow speckled their behatted heads, the Poodle couldn't help but smile at the obvious romance of it all.

If Paris is the city of love, then the flower of love is most definately the rose. Whether it is in beauty balms, lotions, perfumes or tea, the delicate floral aroma is always associated with femininity and love.

As, sadly, this Paris pup is not expecting to receive a dozen red roses this Sunday, I have treated myself to some rosey themed treats and thought I would share them with you.

First up, is the most delicious smelling beauty product I have had the pleasure of daubing myself with since my Guerlain lipstick buy. Le Baume Precieux Or de Rose by Terry (15ml), is at 49euros somewhat of a beauty indulgence, but it is the most strikingly lovely beauty product that I carry around with me at ALL times. With flecks of real gold and the shimmering rose fragranced balm, this ultra reflective precious product gives lips a shimmering prettiness that can also be used to highlight cheek bones or dotted along eyelids for an extra chic sparkle.

Next up, is the new perfume from Dolce & Gabanna, Rose The One. The whole fragrance was based on a 'love for Scarlett' according to Dolce, who thinks that she is the one person in the world who best sums up femininity...pushing aside my strong dislike of such a statement, I still recommend this perfume for its romance. The fruity and musky combination of blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley, rose, peony, Madonna lily, ambrette seed, sandalwood, musk and vanilla is one that is fresh, feminine and certainly seductive. In spite of my resistance to Scarlett (who loves herself so much that its actually vulgar), the sparkling top notes are as inviting as the woody musky base notes. If there's anything women should take from Scarlett it is her ability to attract men so if this is Scarlett bottled, then for V Day, I'm going to have to spritz myself from here til Sunday!

Last but not least is Boots Botanics Rose Water Toner. A good old simple, dependable beauty product. It has an astringent aspect to it which I love to use to attack spots, remove stubborn fake tan stains or whenever I feel my skin needs an intense toning session and it only costs a few pennies at £3.91- why not treat yourself to this one with your Boots cards points next time?

One other rose themed treasure I have come across is the Rose The cafe in the 11th arrondisement (104 avenue Ledru Rollin) which has a heavenly choice of tea, pastries and hot chocolates, which you can enjoy in the most gorgeously pink and girly decor. In case you happen to be lucky enough to be whisked away to gay Paris for a long weekend of love making and sight seeing, do stop in for a quite pause and people watch the Parisians outside. It's truely cosy and utterly Poodle tastic!

Also for cheap hotels in Paris check out http://www.budgetplaces.com/5580/paris-valentines-day-hotels-paris-55-1-1.html where you can get a room in Paris from 28 euros a night...quickly - send this link to the man in your life!

With love

The Paris Poodle x

Love the London Look

Go Aggy!

After a recent trip back to London, the Poodle has a renewed love, adoration and appreciation of the sheer audacity of British fashion and fashionable Brits everywhere. The same goes for British make up, which is also loud, proud and experimental. Clothes clash, patterns out pattern other patterns, structured jackets are teamed with billowing shirts while pork pie hats are worn with floaty dresses, vintage jewels with neon lycra from American Apparel, lip liner, stars, face painting, stripes, big lips, big eyes, everything is a fashion possibility. There are no limits to the creative potential of what you’ll find walking around the streets of London.

Florence teams sequined hot pants with a flyaway dress...

If the world is Gok’s Fashion Fix, then London is most definitely Gok, with shock tactic fashion, naff high street kitsch and tongue in cheek styling to extreme. With more dash than cash London makes fashion about fun, trying things out in fearless style, and always a smile. Yes, I’m doing Desperately Seeking Susan today, and yesterday was Bat for Lashes... the influences are evident, music and fashion are irrevocably at one in London...

The Florence and the Machine floaty night dress and big boots topped off with a shocking scarlet barnett – all images are interlocked and inter-referenced and it’s this blatant nod to popular culture, historical vintage fashion or even runway references gone mad, that is so refreshingly quirky, cheeky and indisputably cool about the way that Londonistas dress. Take a look at Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof, London's leading ladies:

Therefore, in contrast to Gok, Paris is most certainly Brix Smith Start (although much quieter and with 90% less peroxide). Paris is the capital of fashion, the home of Chanel, the domicile of Dior and the je ne sais quoi of Yves Saint Laurent, and naturally designer rules on these streets. Parisians are innately stylish – it is part of their genetic make up. They opt for simplicity, clean lines, clean colours, sophisticated outfits which are appropriate for all occasions and situations. Parisians combine quality, simple, wearable, expensive designer pieces in shades of black, white or navy, with varying combinations of other expensive designer pieces in brown, black or grey. So, even if behind the heavy 12ft ornate doors in countless Paris immeubles along Boulevard Saint-Germain there are fireworks of creativity shooting off in the couture houses, on the street in Paris there is a dreary albeit chic winter uniform obeyed by all.

Tatou goes for classy but conventional

Pour les filles:

Minimal make up
One subtle piece of jewellery
Black trench coat
Stockings
Boots in black or brown
Little black dress
Longchamp handbag

Pour les garçons:

Dark jeans (tight fitting)
Shirt
Cashmere jumper
Black or brown trench coat – can be in leather
Black smart shoes often with a pointed toe
Therefore it really is a lovely moment for the Poodle to venture on to the colourful chaotic streets of London to breathe in the humour, the style, the jumble sale chic and the kitsch eccentricity of it all. Thank you London! Apologies to Paris but when it comes down to it, it’s London that shouts fashion loud and clear, trends are taken off of the runway and interpreted in a multitude of individual British ways. Today is a proud day for the Paris Poodle to be an English rose!

Who wins in your fashion stakes? London or Paris?

The Edge of Fashion

So the Spring/Summer shows have been paraded and assessed and one thing is for sure, edges are the accessory of the season whether they are crocheted, lacy, streamlined, ruffled or frayed. The Poodle investigates the edge of fashion....

The tearaway trend is one that has really caught my eye; I’m in love with Prada’s raw edged haut couture. Freshly cut silk blouses and shorts are shot through with the creative chaos of creation, giving a new meaning to ready to wear. Subtle but savage with threads a trailing and jagged frayed lines, this is fashion barely born.

Take a look at this:

Sophisticated but sexy, chic but not too proper, Prada has captivated the imagination of the Poodle, and the best thing is that it is thoroughly re-creatable on a budget- I’m tempted to rip, snip, cut and tear into my wardrobe, trimming length and teasing threads loose to recreate the whimsical yet feral femininity of these 2010 collections. What a fabulous crunch friendly fashion. The Poodle approves.

With this tearaway trend ripping up the runway now is the time to hurl yourself into vintage shops, charity shops and get hunting for a silk camisole, a satin patterned shirt, some skimpy shorts, and take them home with you and let the scissors loose! It may be messy but without looking ‘too much’ as the French like to say sounding ever so Anglophone. I agree! Let fashion rip!


And if the frayed edge look isn’t for you, there is a multitude of other ways to wear your hem. Karl Lagerfeld and Dolce & Gabbana opted for crochet for a home spun chic that is more gorgeous than granny, Madonna looks fabulous in D&G’s crochet wrap dress in their ad campaign although the Poodle thinks they should have let her finish her pasta before taking the shot!

Who would have thought that Madge ate carbs?

Lace is still a big OUI from the fashion authorities and if anyone did it justice on the runway it was Chanel with their fragile lace layering in shades of pastel pink and sugar white.

Luckily RARE have this great lacy number for £80 which won’t break the bank but will give you a girly edge over the fashionista competition on your next night out!

Fuffles, ruffles, frou frous and flounce flirted with many a model at the Spring/Summer shows, but the designer who really got the ruffles right according to the Poodle’s exacting ruffle standards, was Lavin, who came up with this fabulous feminine but feisty dress:


Fortunately you can buy this Lavin inspired ‘One shouldered wired ruffle dress’ on Asos for £38.00. Bargain beautiful!



How do you like your edges? Let the Poodle know your thoughts!

Happy Hands

Don't hide your hands like Hepburn!

Since being in Paris, I wash up a lot more often. Not only because eating is such a ritual at any meal in France, and inevitably involves endless cutlery and crockery, but also because washing up is the nearest I can get to having a bubble bath. I only know a tiny handful of people who have the luxury of a proper bath. The Poodle dreams of laying in a Jo Malone Dark Amber scented bath, all warm and toasty until my skin is irresistibly soft and smooth.

All of this washing up, and with the cold winter air outside has somewhat made me develop a hand cream obsession. The slightest dryness or discomfort is enough to send me into a frenzy of moisturiser hunting! If I see one, I buy it, and if I don't buy it, I at least try it! And now I'm going to blog about it! But it's all for a good cause. If hands are the first thing to give away your age, then this Poodle is a good 10 years older according to mes mains!

So what can I recommend for perfect paws? I have recently developed a penchant for bergamot which is widely used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, insomnia and depression - the ideal uplifting ingredient for these dark and dreary January days. Any cream that contains this delicious ingredient is sure to get both me and my hands happy...



Liz Earle Hand Repair
This one is a good old favourite of mine - mostly because of its bergamot, neroli and lavender fragrance but also for its super skin friendly ingredients -beta carotene and a healthy dose of vitamin E - both rich in antioxidants - the magic ingredient for skin repairing - much needed at this time of year! From £8.25 for a 50ml tube, the ideal handbag size.




L'Occitane Bergamot Tea Hand Cream
This shea butter enriched hand cream from French Provence is £12.50 for 75ml and is delicately fragranced with Bergamot. Sinking in rapidly it instantly makes hands softer and smoother and also does wonders for your cuticles.





Neal's Yard Remedies - Garden Mint & Bergamot Hand Lotion
Harder to come by in Paris, but one of the most beautifully fragranced, natural hand creams known to ladies is Neal's Yard Garden Mint & Bergamot Hand Lotion which is in a 200ml pump - (and only £10.50 at that)! An added bonus is that you can keep this one in the kitchen in between rounds of washing up and pump natural goodness back into your skin as soon as the dishes are out of the sink. This light lotion also has jojoba, shea and evening primrose and leaves hands looking lovely and smelling delicious.



Ortigia Bergamot Hand Cream
This Sicilian brand has great taste in packaging and ingredients! Their Bergamot Hand Cream is very dense, rich and nourishing and is perfect for heavy duty washer uppers in Paris and beyond! With a fine uplifting fragrance, and of course plenty of olive oil (it is Sicilian after all) it is a reliable hand helper at 19€ although one word of advice is use a small amount because it can be a trifle greasy. Available from http://www.ortigia-srl.com/

Golden Globes Glamouratti

Christina Hendricks drives Men Mad with her creamy curves

I may be in Paris, but everyone I know and everywhere I go, the beauties of the Golden Globes Glamouratti are being given their obligatory score marks, not for their acting abilities of course, but for their taste, grace and accessories to dress ratios. It's a testing time... but who came out on top for their gorgeousness or ghastliness?

If you're asking the Poodle, the results are clear:

Drew Barrymore stole the style stakes with her classy, sequined Atelier Versace number. The pale ivory of the dress really looks exquisite against Barrymore's own alabaster skin tones. I particularly love the quirky unexpected crystal embellishment at the shoulder and hip - this dress sums up Miss Barrymore perfectly- a natural beauty, classy but kooky! Bravo!

The award for the most emaciated of the evening de”thin”itely goes to Calista Lockhart who looks as though she may fall over any moment under the weight of her Alberta Ferretti dress! Please someone feed the poor thing! I don't care if Kate Moss thinks that 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels' - from the languid look on Miss Lockharts face, it doesn't really feel all that wonderful! The Poodle subscribes a healthy portion of pain au chocolat!

It's clear that nearly naked nude was THE colour to be wearing at the GG’s – and there really is something infinitely fascinating, alluring and daring about wearing nude. Just think what a stir Shakira caused in her kitsch-eriffic ‘She Wolf’ video! Nude remains one of those colours which you have to be stunningly beautiful and utterly svelte to pull off, which is probably why it featured so much on GG red carpet. I think you'll agree that Toni Collette, one of my favourite ladies from 'down under' looks sexily sublime in this sandy sparkle sprinkled dress from the talented Elie Saab.

The Glamaratti took to the red runway with minimal, lady like, startlingly classic make up and orderly up-do's with the odd rebellious strand tumbling away to flutter around their beautiful faces! For the Poodle, she who is the fairest of them all, has to be Kate Winslet - her make-up is impeccable and she has the Madonnesque dark eyebrows/blonde hair combination that I find absolutely naughty and irresistible! She is absolutely one of those women who look ever more beautiful over time! Qu-est qu'elle est belle!

Kate Winslet - Golden girl

Make away with the January Blues

The Paris Poodle has been fending off the January blues with whatever means possible. And if there's anything that is guaranteed to equal instant happy (minus severe purse pain), its make up shopping! Well - if you followed my plan to clear out the crap from your make up bag, then you'll naturally soon feel the need to replenish it with new wonderful cosmetics!

And although spring make up may be calling out for fresh faced nude lips and make up minimalism, seeing as MAC have just launched a French lace boudoir inspired collection of seductive mauves, cloud greys and startling white, as the Paris Poodle it would be rude not to check it out - purely for the purposes of pampering... check out this palette of pastels... I indulged in the mauve shimmering Hypnotizing shade! It's got Paris under its spell!

From searching in Sephora sales I have also picked up a gorgeous lippy (with 50% off) in the perfect shade of barely-there 'Purely Pearl' this one is subtle, feminine and a great choice to ensure my lips are on trend this spring! The only thing is, it doesn't stay on for that long - so it will probably only last me through the spring at the rate I'm reapplying!

Another lipstick which I am in love with is my recently discovered Guerlain 671 Maxi Shine in Baby Shine - a moisturising candy stripe pink! Not only does it make my lips feel incredibly soft, leave them sparkling with seductive shimmer, it also smells delicious; with its sweet violet tones, this lipstick plumps and smooths and seduces with its girlishly gorgeous candy floss gloss! C'est l'amour!

Its Guerlain gorgeous!