May 2012

Who doesn’t love getting lost in a good film?
Especially on a rainy winter’s day!

With the annual Festival de Cannes in full swing for it’s 65th time, we’ve all been admiring the red carpet fashions in the Blue Illusion office (see some of our favourites below) and are looking forward to seeing some of the great films being featured (see my 'to-see' list below).


Marilyn Monroe is featured on the official Cannes Film Festival poster to mark the 65th Anniversary

Diane Kruger, official Jury member of the Festival, shone on the red carpet in Giambattista Valli Couture (left) and Nina Ricci (right)

Nicole Kidman, wore a Lanvin gown at the premier of her film, "The Paperboy"; and at a photo call wearing Antonio Berardi

Ines de la Fressange, one of my style icons, looked like a Grecian goddess in Lanvin

Australian actresses Naomi Watts (wearing Marchesa) and Mia Wasikowska (wearing J. Mendel) are also on my 'best dressed' list!

Of course we wouldn't be enjoying watching these stunning women grace the festival if it weren't for the film they are there for! Here are some films that have caught my attention:

Holy Motors
A French film directed by Leos Carax, and starring Denis Lavant, Edith Scob, Eva Mendes and our very own Kylie Minogue (who speaks French fluently and lends her voice for the soundtrack). This film looks to be something quite different and eccentric.

The Paperboy
Directed by Lee Daniels, and stars Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, David Oyelowo, Macy Gray and John Cusack.  A story of conflict, danger, deceit, seduction and betrayal.

Lawless
Directed by John Hillcoat, Screenplay by Nick Cave (Australian Musician/Writer) and stars Shia Labeouf and Australians Guy Pearce and Mia Wasikowska. A true story about the Bondurant Brothers: bootlegging siblings who made a run for the American Dream in the Prohibition-era.

One of the best parts of my job is the different places I travel to. Each year I discover hidden treasures in far-flung countries and meet extraordinary people from varied cultures along the way.

From Hong Kong to London, New York to Bali, and of course my all time favourite, Paris, I love scouring these great cities which inspire the collections you see in our boutiques.

As our exclusive travel range is in stores now (take a look here), I thought I’d share some of my favourite places in the country that’s always inspiring me: France



Where to shop:
My favourite place to shop is along rue St-Honoré in Paris. It is home to the Crème de la crème designer fashion, chic home furnishings, and quality cosmetics.

I especially love the stores Astier De Villatte for gorgeous hand-made things, including pieces designed by Nathalie Lété. 

And I never miss an opportunity to visit Colette, an amazing concept store for new and exciting fashion, accessories, design, culture and more – don’t miss this treasure!

Where to stay:
Arles is a gorgeous city in Provence, famous for it’s Roman arena, stunning medieval streets and scenic countryside surrounding. I love visiting this part of the country and stay at Hotel Particulier. The hotel was the first private grand mansion built in Arles by a prominent local family – it’s classic southern French style is a home away from home.

Where to eat:
When I’m not catching up with friends at a dinner party in Bastille, I also frequent Le Souk (1,rue Keller, 75011 Paris) for delicious authentic Moroccan cuisine and exotic décor.  I also love Cuisine de Bar for lunch.  For breakfast, try a local market – they are all over Paris and in every town and city – I recommend the book Markets of Paris for ideas.

So there is a taster of my favourite places – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Please let me know of your experiences if you visit any, and I'd love to hear about any great spots you've discovered.

Now to prepare for my next trip – the packing begins – speaking of which, check out our cute silent film featuring packing tips that I swear by! Oh and don’t forget to enter our great competition where you can win a $1500 travel package!

Until next time,

Bon voyage!
Donna

Just a reminder for Thursday 10th May.

Please bring your mums, grandmothers, aunties, daughters and friends to join us at Blue Illusion boutiques

It's fantastic that 10% of all sales will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation - it's a cause close to my heart.

From 12 - 3pm there will be a glass of bubbly and lovely macaroons.

I'll be at the Double Bay boutique from 12pm for a book signing,  so I'm really looking forward to meeting some of you there...

I'd read about this lovely madamoiselle, Rachel Khoo, who was running the smallest restaurant in Paris. There was only room for two customers!

I was trying to reserve a table to coincide with my next trip.

Alas, she's become quite famous and is longer taking bookings because she's so busy with a TV show and books.

I feel she's one to watch. How brave and talented to have followed her dream to Paris!

Rachel  has the cutest kitchen - very typical of most Parisians who have such tiny spaces.

Have you enjoyed looking at all the books we have in the boutiques?

I've selected a few that you may want to offer for your mums. They look beautful and they've been lovingly written. I love wrapping books as presents too.

Essential reading is Ines de la Fressange's style bible, Parisian Chic, which I'm always talking about: written with a sense of humour which mamans always appreciate!

Handwritten Notes to My Mother is wonderful if you find it hard to write what you feel...this does it for you.

Sweet Paris by Michael Paul, the photographer, see his work here, is a work of passion. Michael has been travelllng and working in Paris for many years (he's from New Zealand) and he's written his favourite recipes and shares the best places to eat chocolate, pastries and all those delicious Parisian things that mothers adore.

Michael's photographs really transport you to the spirit of Paris!

We've always loved Audrey's style. Any book on Audrey is welcome in mum's library. This one has an introduction by Givenchy who designed for her.

This one has classic images by Bert Hardy, Richard Avedon. This image will last forever!

Please browse, read and perhaps take some time to review them, if you want.

We've got our Review and Win competition still on! Write a book review and you could win $200 to spend on more books at Blue Illusion.