Splendora Newsletter, March 05 2004
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I write Friday for Play this week from a friend's office in Paris, which also happens to be on Avenue Montaigne right next door to Plaza Athenee where a certain beloved fictional writer kicked off her season finale. My week in Paris has been a whirlwind of over-the-top experiences so it is fitting that from this office, as I glance up from my keyboard, the Eiffel Tour fills my window. I am gleeful to report that I just came from visiting the ever charming, stupendously talented Christian Louboutin and convinced him to be our guest weekend forecaster. Enjoy his answers below and stay tuned for more fabulous designers this year ...
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WEEKEND FORECAST BY DESIGNER CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
What to wear: Pants inside boots
What to foot: Anything with a red sole
What to handbag: The new Louboutin line
What to read: The Hours by Michael Cunningham
What he's reading: Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
What to rent: Devdas, a masterpiece from Bollywood
What to listen to: Portishead
What he's listening to: Somthing Dangerous by Natacha Atlas
What to drink: La Doucette white wine at Cafe Flor or port & red wine on Air France
Where to travel: Luxor, Egypt
Looking extra foxy: Nicole Kidman and Aishwarya Rai from Devdas
Makeover regression: Melanie Griffith
Secret Weapon: Charm and his B.O.
What's Sexy? Gina Pell
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LA VIE EN TOES - Scrapbook from Paris
Sacre bleu! I've been in Paris a little over a week and I am run completely ragged. Since last Thursday I have dined with head of states, lunched at L'Avenue next to Andre Leon Talley and John Galliano, argued about the merits of Glenn Gould's recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations (I was vehemently pro-Gould) in a smoky salon with a playwright, a symphony conductor, a Tibetan filmmaker, and a sherpa over many, many glasses of red wine and freshly peeled lychees. And bien sur, it would not be a complete trip to Paris unless I shopped with abandon that would make even the French impose moral judgement (apologies to my husband who reads this newsletter).
I came to Paris as I do almost every year for my best friend Sarah's birthday. Sarah is an American, nuclear powered socialite whose penchant for socializing makes me look like a misanthrope. I would not be surprised if in fact it turned out that Sarah is the sole energy source behind this City of Lights. But I, her California counterpart, have made a surprising discovery about myself: it turns out that I am a workaholic, gearhead who cannot relax unless I have a wireless connection, a proper cup of coffee (towering, sweet, strong) and TiVo. And as much as I require and crave the cultural and aesthetic fix I get from Paris, I find it hard to function in a place where few people understand the definition of WiFi. It sounds petty, I know. Afterall, who would nag about anything in gay Paree? And don't say the French. They get the same bad rap as New Yorkers.
Speaking of Americans in Paris, I was also able to visit the very fabulous Gentry Lane, Splendora's former European Directrice (back when we were flush with dot com hubris and thought we could launch Europe without batting an eyelash). Gentry has designed a most luxurious, super glam line of lingerie called Gentry de Paris. Her silk slips, cashmere panties, and silk thongs are exquisitely made and will hopefully be available in the States soon.
My sojourn in Paris ends Sunday so I am trying to muster the energy to have dinner tonight at Benoit's, a jet set favorite. Last night, we had too many cocktails at the Plaza Athenee and made the poor decision to disco down and check out the scene at La Suite where Rebecca Romijn-Stamos sans John was holding court on the dance floor (she was totally gorgeous in a simple white tank top, jeans, and a newsboy cap). One of my friends made the even poorer decision to order a bottle of Cristal at two in the morning. Considering I had a pre-supper martini, steak tartare with frites and red wine for dinner, champagne proved to be the final straw that split the camel's head this morning. Perhaps this explains my gloomy outlook. Well it's almost time for dinner so I better dust off enthusiasm and readjust my joie de vivre. Paris is not the kind of city to take for granted. Tune in next week when Friday For Play hits the Big Apple.
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GET YOUR PIN AT PINNACLE
We're going to be giving you a little treat before you work out. If you hit Pinnacle Fitness at Hills Plaza on Monday evening you'll receive one of our gratis pins. When you wear this (cute as a) button you are entitled to receive smashing savings all over town. Next week we will be presenting you with another round of goodies so make sure to read up on where to spend. PS: the pin looks ultra-cute on a jean jacket, we've noticed that cute indie-rock boys flock to ask where you got your groovy accessory.
TEAM SPLENDORA WILL BE AT:
Pinnacle Fitness at Hills Plaza, 345 Spear Street, 415.495.1939
5-7:00pm
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SALES AND SAUCY HAPPENINGS
SAN FRANCISCO
The Princess Project
The Princess Project is a 100% volunteer effort to help girls feel confident, beautiful, and important by providing free prom dresses and accessories to SF Bay Area girls who could otherwise not afford them. Donations are being accepted now through March 9 at locations throughout the Bay Area. For more information visit: www.princessproject.org
LOS ANGELES
Gen Art Spring Shopping Spree
What better way is there to spend a Saturday than to get your shop on full
force? Gen Art, a nationwide organization dedicated to showcasing emerging
artists, is hosting this shop-till-you-drop event. Bring your girlfriends, plastic, checks, and cash, and prepare to be wowed by the delectable wares of indie designers like Mon Petit Oiseau, Serfontaine Denim, Fishnet, Grey Ant, Balthazar Belts, and Oliver Peoples Eyewear. Daytime admission from 11AM to 6PM is complimentary. At 7pm ($5), the VIP Sale and Party commences, where one can decompress with hair and makeup treatments, music, free gift bags, and an open bar. Sale is at: Miauhaus Studios, 1201 South La Brea Ave.
NEW YORK
Nahbee Sample Sale
Remember that special pair of Marc Jacobs or Dusica Holder shoes that you?e been eyeing patiently for months? Well now? the time to reward yourself. Resembling a hip and spacious art gallery, Nahbee in Nolita is marking its high-end unique and unusual selection down to wholesale prices, with nothing going over $199. Nahbee is located at: 262 Mott St., 646.613.0860
MORE EVENTS HERE
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Au Revoir,
Splendora
Your Informant
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