Why I want to go to Paris...

The opening of the new flagship Ralph Lauren store has got me packing my bags for Paris. A six storey emporium situated on the divine Boulevard Saint Germain near one of my favourite cafes and Hemingways old haunt, Deux Magots.

The 1200 square metre store stocks the full collection of men's and women's wear, the Black, Blue and Purple lines, Polo, vintage jewellery and new watches. The thing to covet the most is Ralph's collection of $24,000 handbags in jewel coloured emerald, ruby and sapphire.

I think I could literally live in the store with the interconnecting rooms, lavishly decorated and themed in all things "Ralph", including: nautical, Santa Fe, native American, Hollywood glamour and my personal favourite, Hamptons. Housed in the cobbled courtyard is his own restaurant called Ralph's. I have always said that if I could be dressed exclusively by one designer it would be Ralph Lauren, and now he can feed me too!.

Walnut by WuWu

Yesterday in the store I received the new little Walnut socks for boys and tights for little girls in gorgoeus pink and cream stripes. The "W" on the bottom of course stands for Walnut, but Lulu Belle, prefers it to stand for "WuWu".

Too cute!

Sunset last night

Fashion Week Day 5

Home.

Fashion Week Day 4

Shop window along Queen Street. Think I might borrow this one!

Fashion Week Day 4

Spotted these adorable ballet outfits for the little girls whilst strolling through the Strand Arcade. Too cute for words. Made by Tutu Dumonde and available at Fleur Wood stores.

Fashion Week Day 4

Popped into T&Co for Mummy Fox - she needed a yummy present for her boy.

Whilst I was there I took the opportunity to have a little look around and spotted these gorgeous earrings. I'll pop those on my wish list. (Along with all the diamonds).

Fashion Week Day 4

We've seen a lot of pastels this week, but these pretty tones of blush pink, lilac and cornflower blue stood out as the most flattering by far from Gary Bigeni. Neat and tidy and kept very clean with the use of narrow belts. My wardrobe would love these pieces.

Fashion Week Day 4

Ae'lkemi was a lovely change with the models hair being a stand out for me this week. Very elegant and sophisticated.

Fashion Week Day 4

Bright and early to the Opera House for Dion Lee. Fabulous location for what looks to be a wonderful career.

Of course I headed back to La Renaissance for more croissants and coffee, and was later joined by the designer himself in the courtyard with his rock and roll friends. Eating a well deserved sausage roll.

Fashion Week Day 3

My accessory of the day was my trusty old LV shopper. Bought for me almost 10 years ago by an appreciative boss as a work bonus/ Christmas present. I still love it as much today as I did then.

Fashion Week Day 3

Lucky last was Konstantina Mittas, and it was well worth the wait. Very dramatic show with a rock band performing live!

Fantastic make-up and hair, and this was most definitely the most fashion forward show that I have seen this week. Super impressive, it would have sat well in New York or London.

Fashion Week Day 3

Karla Spetic was second last for the day - and it had been a long one.

Fashion Week Day 3

Back to Circular Quay for Manning Cartell which I was looking forward to.

Slight change in mood today. The third day of towering heels, the pressure of the outfit choice, and the constant flowing of champagne is starting to take its toll.

Fashion Week Day 3

Very impressive Bus Shelter ad!

Fashion Week Day 3

Macleay on Manning was across the road, and had an impressive range of Missoni towels, Vivienne Westwood shoes, Limoges china.

Shop 1, 85 Macleay St Potts Point

Fashion Week Day 3

On my way back to the city I popped to Potts Point to see a few shops I had been told I would love.

First stop was Becker Minty. Two stores: women wear and homewear. Both were gorgeous! Beautiful crystal vases, antique jewels, great storage boxes. Very unique.

Shop 7, Ikon Building, 81 Macleay Street.

www.beckerminty.com

Fashion Week Day 3

Therese Rawsthorne was held off site at Australian Technology Park in the locomotive workshop.

It was a beautiful location in a vast space, polished concrete floors, column after column. We were rewarded for the trek to Eveleigh with coffee, muesli and yoghurt from the Sonoma bakery.

Beautiful trousers, and a flash of red silk in the dresses made this a memorable show.

Fashion Week Day 2

The thing that got me through the day is my beautiful Ferragamo Vera bow handbag. It is a relatively new purchase, but everything about it is perfect. Size, shape, understated, and it is all topped off with a bow!

Fashion Week Day 2

Dinner at est. With a friend of M&D's. In a beautiful building where JK has quite some history, we enjoyed Margarita's, a French Chardonnay with delicious grilled prawns, young leeks, tuscan beans, artichoke heart, tomato, salsa verde. Then honey glazed grilled duck breast, grilled plum, green lentils, black vinegar sauce. Finishing with the most amazing passion fruit soufflé. Thank you JK it was a delightful experience.

Fashion Week Day 2

Sabatini White was hot (literally). The room was a steaming and I noticed a few gentleman getting quite hot under the collar. Most of collection was in the form of knitted jersey, leaving very little to the imagination. And the colour theme (along with the rest of the shows) was very very muted shades of nothing. Looks like it is going to be a dull summer.

Fashion Week Day 2

On to the shows. First up today is Little Joe by Gail Elliott.

Deborah Hutton was the best dressed in the room with an amazing red handbag to compliment her outfit.

Fashion Week Day 2

Breakfast at Bills, Woollahra for ricotta hot cakes of course. I always make a point of going to Bills while I am in Sydney. And I always order the same thing.

Fashion Week Day 1

My accessory for the day was my Valentine's Day 2009 (gift to self). My hot pink patent leather Louis Vuitton shoes. I love them for so many reasons, but mostly because they are extremely comfortable when standing all day in queues to see fashion shows!

Fashion Week Day 1

The Rachel Gilbert show was pumping. Everyone who is anyone was there and everyone was very excited. The goodie bag was over flowing with bits and pieces from all sorts of contributors.

In the crowd was Napoleon Perdis, who was accessorizing with his two children, and two watches! One on each wrist.

Fashion Week Day 1

Chocolate eclairs, macarons and a cafe latte at La Renaissance before heading back to the shows.

Hard to resist the delicious French tempatations, and loved the map of Paris on the wall.

47 Argyle Street, The Rocks

www.larenaissance.com.au

Fashion Week Day 1

A quick window shop - Louis has gorgeous balloons floating in the window.

Fashion Week Day 1

Quick lunch at Sailor Thai Canteen. Desperate for some fuel.

Green papaya salad w/peanuts, dried prawns, spicy & sour dressing, coconut rice & sweet pork, and grilled squid w/glass noodles, chilli & lime dressing


106 George Street The Rocks

www.sailorsthai.com.au

Fashion Week Day 1

The Camilla show was very bright and colourful, energetic and fun.

Fashion Week Day 1

In the queue for the Camilla show Jacs and I spotted a silk dress printed with the New York City subway map. It was particularly great to see the lovely colourful print in a sea of black outfits. Dress was from American designer, Francis.

Fashion Week Day 1

Flowers in the Foyer, follow the long escalator ride up to Fashion Heaven.

Fashion Week Day 1

Straight to the Ginger & Smart after party. The view from the bar and a glass of champagne was a lovely combination.

Fashion Week Day 1

The Ginger & Smart show was very soft and floaty. Lots of celeb spotting in a very excited Overseas Passenger Terminal. In the crowd the focus is definitely on the shoe. Very high, very strappy, and very bold.

Lovely little goodie bag - thank you very much! Looking forward to Summer 2010/11.