A man, a Bag and London

What is the main difference between a Man and a Woman?

The answer lives in the Bag. Everyone knows that a woman can carry all her life in a thinly heavy fully bag. However a man will put all his necessary in his pockets. Times are changing, guys you can scream out loud that you also want a bag.
I can hear you girls, saying that the Love of your life his carrying with him every morning the briefcase that your mother offered him last Christmas. Enough! Those are not Men bags… It now seems that men have almost as much choice as women when it comes to bags: messenger bags, tote bags and there were even some men’s clutches shown on the catwalk by top designers for autumn/winter 2009/2010. At this point Valentino explained “ bags are not ridiculous anymore for a man”. If Valentino is defending the Man and the Bag we have to go and hunt for a bag.

We still need to define which for whom.

The Casual: This is the major trend for 2009/2010, the everyday bag to carry the essentials: wallet, phone, Mp3, note book, a picture of your girlfriend… (In my dreams). It needs to be practical (pockets), very resistant with a vintage style; I would refer to Indian Jones bag. I will recommend you the messenger design, with it long strap shoulder and useful pockets; it will become your best friend in the city jungle. Several brands, such as Paul and Joe, Boregart, Levis and Calvin Klein have been developed really good products, from £45 up to £200.

Boregart


Levis

Paul and Joe


Calvin Klein

The Traveller: the weekend bag is also important to consider. I will go for a small duffel, which will be very handful for your weekend, or big enough for your sporty evening. The products Managers from Samsonite Outlab have been working very hard to create a collection of bags with a good compromise between the extreme sports and chic of the high street. It will cost around £100.



The Trendy: The Tote design will be the more appropriate choice for our metrosexuals’ buddies. Fitted with small straps shoulder, usually in dark leather colors, it will get the favours of the trendy citizens. Those types of bags have been usually developed by fashionable brands as Louis Vuiton, Dolce & Gabbana J-Bros and Babina. Over budget but still very beautiful…


Louis Vuiton


Dolce & Gabbana by Victoria


J-Bros



Victor & Rolf for Samsonite Black Label

As you may have already noticed I did not speak about backpacks. Of course I did it on purpose, I assume that it can be very practical when you are climbing the Himalaya, but not appropriate for the 21th century. Please stop wearing them with a suit or even worst a trench...

I leave you here with some useful links for you to hunt your bag:

http://shop.eu.levi.com/GuysAccessoriesBags/QAC221559/New-King-Bags?mode=list
http://www.samsoniteoutlab.com/outlab/
http://www.calvinkleininc.com/collection/men.aspx#
http://www.paulandjoe.com/
http://www.commeuncamion.com/mode/accessoires/sacs/ (French Only)

My BÔ-BÚN

London surrounds us by dozens of communities that make the charm of this city. You can hear it, feel it, smell it and taste it as well. I have a recipe that London inspired me I'd like to share with you, you will fall in love with: The BÔ-BÚN.
The BÔ-BÚN is native form Asia, Vietnam. It is a really easy dish to cook, better for spring summer because we eat it cold, and for the weight watchers it is only 400 calories per plate.

What do we need? For 6 people:
- 500g of spaghetti
- 400g of Rib pork or beef (It depends on your taste. If you are vegetarian we can replace the meat by Tofu)
- 100g of roasted and salted peanuts
- 2 onions
- 1 small salad
- 1 bottle of Nuoc Mam dressing *

There is no special order for this recipe.
. Boil the 500g of spaghetti pasta into salted water. Respect the timing instruction. Ounce it is done, dry it off and rinse it with cold water. The pasta needs to be cold for the dish. Dispose in a plate, reserve in the fridge.
. Slice thinly the meat and fried it into a big pan. If you are using pork make sure the meat is well cook. Ounce it is ready, reserve in a plate in the fridge.
. Blend the roasted and salted peanuts. It needs to be thin a powder. Reserve in a bowl.
. Cut the 2 onions roughly. If you have sensible eyes it helps to cut the onions in 2 and rinse with water. Cook the sliced onion until they caramelised. Reserve in a bowl in the fridge.
. Rinse and dry the salad. Cut it into thinly slices, you can use scissors to be quicker.

* For those you cannot find any Nuoc Mam dressing, don’t panic, you can do it alone: Mix together 20g of sugar, 60ml of boiled water, 15ml of white vinegar and a zest of lemon. Let it cooling down for few minutes before serving.

Dress your table with 6 colourful bowls; bring all the cold dishes in the table (5 in totals).
To create a good atmosphere around the table, explain to your guests that they have to follow few rules to eat the BÔ-BÚN:
1) Everyone take a bowl
2) Start with a bit of pasta
3) Followed by few slices of salads
4) Add few pieces of meat
5) Then add caramelised onions
6) Cover of blended peanuts
7) Mix the all with Nuoc Mam dressing

Bon Appétit.

Leftover: BÔ-BÚN can be kept in the fridge for 2 days. Perfect for a light lunch.

Rock the Discount

We all love discount. We all love Outlets.



Are you not excited when you are finding a good bargain? Especially when we are talking about designer brands as Paul Smith, Burberry, Joseph, Whistles…
As we all know an Outlet or factory shops by definition is a shop selling directly surplus or faulty stock directly to their consumers. For you this weekend I have been snacking around to find the best Outlet spots of London.
I was very surprised and so enthusiasted to discover that London is rich of the most interesting outlet shops for clothes, accessories, Woman, man, children…

The Burberry Factory Shop

Opening hours: 11am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm sat 11am-5pm Sun
Location: Hackney
29-53 Chatham Place
London
E9 6LP
Tel: 020 83284287
www.burberry.com/HomeUK.aspx
Nearest tube/Train: Bethnal Green
The low-down: The Luxury London fashion house more recently associated with Chinese and Japanese tourists (what’s that all about?) has an outlet shop. While Hackney may not be the most obvious choice for fashion. This is a well laid out “Burberry supermarket” and while most items remain at the £200 mark there are well priced polo shirts and cosmetic bags (£40, £19.99). With a sedate clientele this is worth a trip.

Joseph
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm Sun 11am-5pm
Location: 53 King's Road SW3 4ND
Tel: 020 7730 7562
http://www.joseph.co.uk/
Nearest tube/Train: Sloane Square
The low-down: With such a loyal fan base it seems only right that we mention this sale shop with has a selection of last season's Joseph shirts from £40. From time to time there are bargains to be had but I recommend you stick to the Harvey Nichols' Joseph sale instead.

The Paul Smith outlet Shop for men

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri 9am-5.30pm Thurs 9am- 6.30, 9am-5.30pm Sat
Location: Bond Street
23 Avery Row
London
W1K 4AX
Tel: 020 7493 1287
http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/shop/
Nearest tube/Train: Bond Street
The lowdown: This shop stocks a mixture of returns and previous seasons and samples from the larger Paul Smith shops. With suits going from 50% less the retail price there are a few gems here. Guys you are going to love it.

Whistles Clearance Shop

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am-5pm
Location:12 Floral Street, Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9DH
Tel: 020 7384 8920
Narest tube/Train: Covent Garden Tube Station
The lowdown: Some great past seasons bargains to be had at this sale shops new home in trendy Covent Garden.
Up to 70% off cardigans and beautifully cut trousers.
Website:www.whistles.co.uk/2007

If you are feeling the need to share with us any comments or questions, please feel free to leave my your comment... Thank you!

Tunnel of Light

Lookig for good tips for your weekend? An informal artistic vision?

I recommend you to drag yourself into a dark, dirty and neglected tunnel to appreciate an Oasis of beautiful Arts. I guarantee you the smell of fresh Master pieces…
If anyone has ever wondered whether the graffiti art at the end of their streets is a genuine masterpiece by the king of street art Banksy, this weekend is the time to check.
Graffiti artist Banksy has opened his "biggest" exhibition in a railway tunnel near Waterloo station in central London. Banksy said: "I've always felt anyone with a paint can should have as much say in how our cities look as architects and ad men.” He added: "So getting to cover an entire street with graffiti is a dream come true, or as some people might call it - a complete and utter nightmare."
In recent years, his work has grown in popularity and has attracted celebrity collectors such as Brad Pitt and Christina Aguilera. In January, one of his works attracted an online bid of £208,100.

Any doubts, his contributions include one of his distinctive monkeys, a Buddha in a neck brace…
I won’t tell you more, you definitely have to go there until is still free! You will also found less famous artists but equally talented.

When I was there I was thinking of so many guys and teenagers who like very much to express themselves by doing these mural artistic pieces, why doesn't London give them a space/area exclusively?

I let you enjoy those few pictures that I took few weeks ago. Do not forget your camera.



Map to go there: http://maps.google.fr/maps?hl=fr&q=se1+7NN&ie=UTF8&ll=51.502225,-0.115914&spn=0.006331,0.018797&z=16&iwloc=addr

Ingenious Purple

Is Purple the new Black for this summer?

This deep vibrating colour has been the major element for the Spring Summer Catwalk. The most talented designers have been playing with this colour to heat up our wardrobe, from Lanvin to Elie Saab and Marc Jacob.
Since few weeks The Summer is knocking at my door and pouring a Purple wave in our streets. Even the most sophisticated fashion addict, Audrina Patridge (“The Hills”), has become the Purple ambassador in L.A..

Purple, the colour of royalty (follow the Queen) connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
To avoid any purple “faux pas”; please find below few advices to make sure you will become the purple summer Queen.

Glamorous: for the Femme Fatale purple will know how to sublime your summer. To underline your mysterious side, please wear it as a long evening dress, with high hills. Match it with a velour handbag.

Casual: maybe you are not very comfortable with sophisticated outfit, you would rather go for casual prêt à porter. Do not to worry purple can be adapt to any styles. I will recommend you to wear it as a sportswear sweater under a black jacket, or as a bright T-shirt with a pair of vintage jeans.
Do not forget that purple is all about subtlety…

Buy My Wardrobe

Dear Wardrobe,


I know, you are begging me to stop buying… you are becoming sick and full of my fashionable treasures.
Am I going out of control? Do I really have too much clothes… This is the eternal question for women.
Last weekend I found a solution to this embarrassing and unreasonable fashion sickness, which I cannot justify anymore to my boyfriend. I've heard few weeks ago about a special fashion event in London. Of course the Fashionista that I am was not able to resist. So, last weekend, my Girlfriends Fashionista Crew and I decided to treat ourselves and go to 'Buy My Wardrobe'.
After few minutes and a free glass of Champagne from the VIP lounge, I fall in love with such a great idea. The deal is pretty clear: it is all about fashion recycling, which is bringing 20 selected very friendly 'Wardrobe Mistresses' to sell the content of their closets, full of fantastic designers clothes.
I promise, I had a deep breathe and tried to keep control of myself...but how can you when Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci clothes and accessories are surrounding you. Here we come again: me trying and spending, but what a nice surprise to discover that the selected pair of Jimmy Choo is only £60, the beautiful Isabel Marant dress only £25, and the Louis Vuitton bag (100% pure Leather) only £220… Am I dreaming? Can you believe when I am telling you that all articles where up to 75% discount (starting at £5).
Who is the great human being behind this event? Who came up with this great idea? Buy My Wardrobe is the Baby of designer Kal Kaur Rai who runs a successful clothing label, which is currently sold through over 100 boutiques worldwide. Kal is very much inspired by encouraging consumers to become more eco-conscious.
During this afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with designers and other Wardrobe Mistresses… I was looking for some professional advices so I stop by Loukia Wardrobe. She is a young designer, living between New York, London and Paris. Her inspirations come from label designers to personal vintage collection. She defines herself as a comfortable high-street Fashionista. She loves to shop at Bon Marché and Colette (sounds lovely). She was very sweet and friendly…Thank you. One advice from Loukia: Never wear UGG boots in the street (not even at home I would add).
Today I can be proud and explain to everyone that I found a system bringing together the desperately need of recycling my clothes and beating the credit crunch at the same time.

Your Fashionista- Recessionista.



www.buymywardrobe.com
VIP Tickets at £20 (Includes entry to the VIP Champagne Hour from 12am-1pm)
Doors entry at £5
Next event in September.

Poet Doherty

Pete is singing Solo now; the prince of the Dark Side is back with us, bringing a new album. Why should we trust him again?

Pete is growing up: You may probably know better Pete Doherty trashy lifestyle than his songs, all the mess in the newspaper about him and his relationship, the drug addiction, and of course his difficulty to attend his concert. Nice picture? But the Libertin has changed and he is back with a genius new album solo Grace/ Wasteland.

Pete the Poet: Everybody knows that Pete has been through a difficult childhood. What a surprise when I rode that at 16 he won a prestigious Poetry Price. The imperceptible icon can be also romantic, does he? The disoriented poet is able to be so touching when he sings for us “Les fleurs du mal” Baudelaire.

Pete is able of the best too: This month he would be 30th, and maybe he is enough with immaturity and stupidity? Maybe it is the time of maturity? Between the realisation of 2 new albums, with BabySambles and a new Solo, Pete is singing for us the most beautiful poetry ever heard. I recommend you my two favorites songs: Salomé (Strauss) and Arcadie (Oscar Wild), it is a pure pleasure, to listen in the park, tube, bath, bed… Everywhere.
Pete Doherty, who find his stability can now make you shed a tear…

Happy Birthday Pete the Poet, we forgive you and welcome back.

The Kooples

Dear English Fashionista,

Today, I'd like to write about London and its influence on fashion. Nobody can deny that London is a leading city in fashion. I can imagine all my Parisian friends complaining about this point of view, but sorry, it's a fact...

To illustrate my point let speak about 'The Kooples'.

The Kooples is a new brand just launched in France, and only in France...for now. It has been created one year ago and guess by whom? The children of Comptoir des Cotonniers designers...
But what they mean by The Kooples? It is not even an English word… Because Paris won’t be Paris without London, for The Kooples designers everything is a story about couples. That sound great, what can we dream better than to be a perfect Fashionista Couple?
Last weekend I had the chance to discover this new brand live from Paris. Everything about The Kooples has been influenced by the English culture (even the name). From the design of clothes and jewelry to the pop rock music in the store… it is a clear 'London Calling'!
They define their style as Chic from the street; it is the right balance of the Elegant Parisian and the Fashionable English street influences. Prefect cuts, great quality of textile used, Savile Row versus Rock, Parisian chic with black glasses, Urbanity against Vintage… Those closes have been created from the masculine wardrobe for co-educational inspirations. They are right; the masculine will be our future Madame! As Coco Chanel already guessed it years ago, we need a new revolution…
I let you enjoy these few pictures, fingers crossed for an opening in London very soon!

- Myspace : http://www.myspace.com/thekooples
- Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/thekooples

Preamble

My name is Mathilde and I am living in London for few years now. As a good part of people leaving in this exciting city I am a foreigner, not from so far though: Paris... I always wanted to share with others my experiences and tips about London. So today, here I am in front of my computer, creating a blog dedicated to London, city of my lights.

Cosmopolitan capital of a new world, I will be your guide for this adventure.

We will talk about fashion, food, extraordinary places, people, events, style, sport... Everything that you can find in London.

My goal is not to promote a place, but to show you a way how to enjoy London.

Of course if you want to share and interact with us, do not hesitate to send me your messages and pictures, you are more than welcome!

My contact: mathilde_lecalve@hotmail.com

Thank you!