Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Retro Chic and The Perfect Dress

It happens every once in a long while, you buy a dress that you absolutely fall in love with. This is no everyday occurrence. In fact, it probably is not an annual occurrence either. It usually happens on an unexpected shopping day. It might be a bright sunny day or a perfectly dowdy day.

In my case, it was neither. It was a smokey day in Los Angeles due to all the fires. I decided to pop my head into my favorite shop, Anthropologie and “just look around”. With one deep breath I walked into my happy place. A shop filled with beautiful clothes and who always burns the same scented candle which I have at home.

There it was hanging in all its glory, a beautiful silk dress in my favorite classic color, navy blue. I quickly searched to see if they had carried it in my size. Voila! They had my size. I was promptly asked if I would like a dressing room to be started. Mais bien sur! (Click on the photos to find out where to buy these clothes.)

What attracted me to this dress was that it reminded me of a dress that I once owned when I was 19 years old. It was a silk navy blue dress with little cream flowers that had a little belt around the waist (just as this one does). My new dress is not truly similar in style, but it took me back to the time that I wore my little navy blue dress on my first date with the man who I am married to.

I remember so clearly as if it were last week. I got ready for our first date one night in February 1996 and slipped into my navy silk dress which I had bought on sale at Banana Republic. We went to listen to big band music at a restaurant in Long Beach, California. I am not even sure if the restaurant is still there. As I tried on this pictured dress in the dressing room it took me back to that lovely night; how I felt, how he smelled, and the thrill of holding hands for the first time. And even then, just as he does now, he wore a Pollo shirt with Docker pants. I remember feeling so feminine as he led me to the dance floor in my vintage styled navy dress that I paired with black Mary Janes. What a great night it was.



Trying on the new dress, I stayed in the dressing room for 30 minutes admiring the dress that was soon to be mine. And I thought of the comment my hubby made to me recently after watching the movie “500 Days of Summer”. My hubby told me that her style reminds him of my style and that the clothes she wears in the movie he can picture me wearing. Retro Chic is the name of this fashion style that I adore. It is not easy to find this type of clothing, but when I do, it is one of those days where shopping meets bliss. Finding a dress that is worthy of love is just another day in my European Style Life.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Reaching the Front Page of Etsy

More great news regarding Etsy, I was featured on the Front Page of Etsy on Monday, July 27th! This is a great accomplishment! I am very excited about this triumph as it is nearly impossible to reach the Front Page of Etsy. I’ve heard about it, I’ve dreamed about it and now I can talk about it. Please join my celebration of making it to the Front Page and post links to your favorite Etsy items in the comments field. Thanks and have a GrEtsy day! To view my item on the Front Page please click here. This link will take you to the home page of Etsy where you will see my item for the entire day. To view items from my boutique click here.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

1st Annual French Market Accessory Sale South Pasadena, Los Angeles Area


1st Annual Branché Open House SALE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
8:00am-4:00pm
185 Hampden Terrace Alhambra, CA 91801


Grab a girlfriend and pop in for accessory shopping! Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators, Headbands, French themed items and MORE! Prices starting at $5.00.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Sound of Music Train Station Dance in Belgium


This video was made in Antwerp, Belgium Central Train Station on March 23 2009. With no warning to the people passing through the station at 8:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing 'Do, Re, Mi' begins to play on the public address system. As amused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to appear from the crowd and from station entrances. The result is an amazing performance pulled together after just two rehearsals!

"It was a publicity stunt for a reality show, but that doesn't seem to bother anyone, they just like it for what it is: a really cool, well shot video, that lets average people express their joy and talent and make those around them happy for a brief period. The producers chose the exact right song: one that harkens back to our childhoods."

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Los Angeles Etsyians on Etsy


I was fortunate enough to make it into an Etsy treasury! Actually, this is my second time. It is a little exciting considering that I have an Open House Sale (click to get the details) coming up on August 1, 2009. I hope that this new treasury will turn people on to my shop. Oui, you can French shop online. I am working hard to keep my shop so Ooh La La. If you have any items that you'd like to see more of, please post a comment.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

YMI Jeans, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators and Everything French



Recently my handmade hair accessories were featured on YMIJeans.com. I am thrilled to have my creations showcased on a trendy site. Thanks YMI! To read the story click here. To check out my Branché Boutique click here.

Don't forget about the 1st Annual Branché French Market Open House SALE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
8:00am-4:00pm
185 Hampden Terrace
Alhambra, CA 91801

Thursday, June 18, 2009

French Market Open House Accessory Sale Los Angeles, Pasadena Area


"I may not live in France yet, but that will not stop me from having a French Market."

1st Annual Branché French Market Open House SALE!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
8:00am-4:00pm
185 Hampden Terrace
Alhambra, CA 91801

  • Grab a girlfriend and pop in for accessory and French themed shopping!
  • Prices starting at $5.00.
  • Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Cocktail Hats, Fascinators, Headbands, Home Decor and MORE!