Tory Burch blazer / YSL cross body bag / Max & Co Velvet slim trousers / Veja Campo leather shoes / Eva Cotton tank / Daniel Wellinghton watch / Lotte gold pleated necklace / Le Specs tortoise sunglasses

Visiting Paris is a unique experience. To me, it is the most beautiful city in the world and without a doubt the best place to visit. If you are planning a visit to Paris, of course, you should visit all those famous places and landmarks that everyone knows about, since they are definitely worth your time. However, if you want to dive deeper into the city and get to know it a little better, or even if you have been there a few times and are looking for new experiences, here are a few alternative things, that are definitely worth your time. 1. Visit the Pantheon «Aux grandes hommes, la patrie reconnaissante » reads the inscription outside of Pantheon, which means that the country is grateful to the great people of the nation. The inscription outside Soufflot's grandiose building is revealing of its purpose. Indeed, the Pantheon (a word of Greek origin, that means "all the gods") is a building dedicated to honoring the great French personalities that shaped the national identity of the country. The Pantheon is a less known parisian landmark, very worthy of your time. On the ground floor, you can see paintings of the lives of Sainte Genevieve and Saint Denis. In the middle of the ground floor, you can see live the famous Foucault pendulum. A copy of the original device, designed by the great physicist, Léon Foucault, at 1851, as an experiment to prove the rotation of the earth. It consists of a large ball suspended from the ceiling, that perpetually swings, and from a disk that is set on the floor, indicating the north and the south poles. As the earth turns around itself, the ball marks different parts of the circle. Therefore, Foucault manages to prove, that the earth moves round itself. However, you have to stay there for several hours to witness the change, since it takes 24 hours for the disk to complete a full rotation. In the crypt at the basement of the building, you can visit the tombs of the most emblematic personalities, that shaped France's national identity. Among those personalities are included the two emblematic philosophers of the Enlightenment, Voltaire and Jean Jacques Rousseau, eminent authors, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, and Alexandre Dumas, the father of french socialism, Jean Jaurés, and scientists Pierre and Marie Curie (the only woman buried in the crypt and honored in this monument). Finally, if you visit between March and October, you can have access to the top of the building, and enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the entire city from this viewpoint. The Pantheon is situated just opposite the entrance of the world-famous Sorbonne University, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. You can combine your visit to the Pantheon with a stroll around the famous Quartier Latin, that surrounds the area, or visit the Place de Pantheon, where the students of the Law School of Sorbonne University usually hang out. Another option would be to visit the famous Jardin de Luxembourg that is situated just opposite the entrance of the Pantheon and stroll around the beautiful gardens. My favorite thing to do, during the spring and summer months, after finishing my classes at the Sorbonne, was to buy an Amorino ice cream (the insta famous flower-shaped ice creams) and enjoy it strolling around the Jardin de Luxembourg. The third option, which can be combined with the other two, would be to walk down the Boulevard Saint Michel, which will lead you to Notre Dame. The Pantheon is situated on the 5th Arrondissement of Paris and it is accessible with line RER B, station Luxembourg. 2. Find the Zero Point of Paris. While you are visiting Notre Dame, do not forget to find the Zero Point of Paris. The zero point, is considered to be the center of Paris and this signifies two things. First of all, it is the center, around which all the arrondissements of Paris are designed. Secondly, it is the point of reference of any distance from Paris, which means that, when you hear someone saying that this place is x kilometers away from Paris, it means that it is x kilometers away from this exact zero point of the city. The Zero point is situated just outside the entrance of Notre Dame, and it is not noticed by many people. You have to look around for a while until you find it. It is definitely worth the search if you find yourself visiting the great Parisian Cathedral. Bonus tip: just opposite Notre Dame, you can visit the famous Shakespeare and Co bookshop, a Parisian place that has been featured in many movies, such as Midnight in Paris, Julie & Julia, and Before Sunset. It is the only shop in Paris where you can speak English without getting annoyingly looked at! You can access Notre Dame with line RER C, RER B, station St Michel - Notre Dame and line 4, station StMichel. 3. Visit the catacombs If you are fearless enough and are searching for alternative things to do, visiting the catacombs is clearly the best experience for you. The first bones were thrown here haphazardly into an abandoned quarry shaft. It was only around the year 1810 that Héricart de Thury developed this area. The long bones and skulls were arranged decoratively to form a back wall behind which the other bones are piled. These bone walls were called hagues, making reference to the walls built in the quarries using the stones remaining from the quarry operations. In the late eighteenth century, when major public health problems tied to the city’s cemeteries led to a decision to transfer their contents to an underground site. This is why they thought of creating a network of underground tunnels, the catacombs, where they put the remains of Parisians. The first bones were thrown here haphazardly into an abandoned quarry shaft. It was only around the year 1810 that Héricart de Thury developed this area. The long bones and skulls were arranged decoratively to form a back wall behind which the other bones are piled. These bone walls were called hagues, making reference to the walls built in the quarries using the stones remaining from the quarry operations. Until today, new branches of those tunnels are being discovered. Open for visit is only a small branch of the tunnels, of 1,5 km length. You can take the visit, if you are fearless enough, where you can see the remains of millions of Parisians stored up in intricate constructions. Warning: it is a pretty intense tour. Even if you have seen the photos, it is when you are in there that realization hits you, that you are surrounded by hundreds of skeletons of real human beings. That can potentially trigger many philosophical and existential thoughts about who we are, what we are made of, what is the point of life and how we should eventually enjoy it. It is undoubtedly a very unique and alternative visit! On that note, another thing that you should know is that you have to be determined for the visit, since, once you are in, there is no way out!!! What I mean, is that it is a 1,5 km long circuit, where you enter from one side and get out on the other and it lasts about 1 hour. Therefore, once you have started the visit, there is no turning back, you have to exit the other way. In fact, there is a final warning just outside the entrance of the tunnel, writing: “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la mort”, meaning: “Stop! Here is the empire of death”! What you should know before your visit: If you are thinking about visiting the catacombs, I strongly advise you to book your visit online from their official website, in order to avoid the long waiting line of tourists at the ticket desk, which is very long, especially during the busy months. You can access the catacombs with Metro lines 4,6 and RER B, station Denfert - Rochereau. 4. Stroll around Père-Lachaise cemetery In the spirit of spooky activities you can do in Paris, another unique and interesting visit would be the Père Lachaise cemetery, the biggest cemetery in Paris, situated in the 20th arrondissement. And if you are wondering why would you want to visit yet another place full of dead people, it’s because there you can find the final resting place of many famous personalities, like Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, Frederic Chopin, Honoré de Balzac, Georges Bizet, Auguste Comte, Eugène Delacroix, Jim Morrison, Marcel Proust, Gioachino Rossini and many more. In fact, this cemetery, is like no other, since you can explore an interesting side about French culture, and come close to their customs. You can combine your visit to the cemetery, with a stroll around canal St Martin, which is a very beautiful and not so touristy place of the city. The cemetery is accessible by lines of the Metro, station "Père-Lachaise". 5. Take pastry classes from famous chefs One of the greatest things about visiting France, is French patisserie. In Paris, there are everywhere boulangeries with delicious pastries and more gourmand patisseries, with delicious and intricate sweets. Among the most famous Patisseries, is the Maison Ladurée, which makes the world-famous marisian macarons in a very wide range of tastes that is famous for the characteristic light green boxes, they pack them in. In fact, the patisserie often makes collaborations with designers and fashion houses and comes up with amazing boxes (of which I am an avid collector). Another famous patissier is Pierre Hermé, which also makes original macarons, as well as the most delicious chocolates and sweets, among which he is known for his deux mille feuilles and his eclairs. Finally, we have my personal favorite patissier, Christophe Michalak, who makes very modern and amazing sweets. As a visitor, you can enjoy those amazing sweet creations, but, what if I told you that you could actually register in some masterclasses, to discover some of the secrets of French Patisserie? In fact, there are many pastry chefs that organize masterclasses, where they share tips about their sweet creations. A personal favorite that stands out and that it is definitely worth your money if you are into this kind of thing, is Cristophe Michalack’s masterclasses. Michalak, was awarded as the best pastry chef in the world, in a French competition, and the fact that he has masterclasses, where he shares his delicious recipes is a unique opportunity since you can literally learn from the best. You can visit his official website, for more information. 6. Visit the National Library One of the treasures of Paris, which is not often visited by tourists, is the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, which hosts a great collection of books and audiovisual means, even an archive of videogames that you can play with! Even if you do not plan on consulting the contents of the library, a visit there would definitely be worth your time. The construction of this library was envisioned by the late President François Mitterrand (whose name it bears), who personally selected the procejt of the Architect Dominique Perrault, among others, to host the history of french culture. It is constructed by four skyscrapers that are placed in the four coins of a rectangular shape. It is located in the 13th Arrondissement of Paris, in a very alternative neighborhood, surrounded by modern buildings, juxtaposing the classic buildings that you see in the city center. It is in a very interesting neighborhood, and it is definitely worth visiting. You can relax on the steps of the building, towards the banks of Seine, where there are usually students sitting, taking their break, or enjoying the view of the river. You can combine your visit to the National Library with a promenade down the banks of the Seine. Personally, I enjoy very much starting my day by working for a few hours in the library and in the evening, enjoying my lunch at a bateau mouche and then walking along the banks of the river until the Eiffel Tower. Disclaimer: the walk from the National Library to the Eiffel Tower is about an 8-kilometer walk, but totally worth it, during the spring and summer evenings. It is accessible with Metro lines 14 and RER C, station "Bibliotheque - François Mitterrand" and Metro line 6, station Quai de la Gare. 7. Visit the Parc d’Asterix When planning a visit to Paris, many visitors, especially families with children, consider it a must to visit Disneyland. Without a doubt, Disneyland is a magical place, that enchants children and surprises grownups with how well thought and precise everything is and it is definitely worth visiting. Did you know, however, that there is another amusement park in Paris, which is equally fun and somewhat less children-oriented? This is the Park d’ Asterix. As can be deducted by the name, it is a themed park, referring to the famous animated series Asterix and Obelix and it contains many attractions and activities, including roller coasters and many more. In fact, this park is less children-oriented, and it features attractions and games with more adrenaline, that can be appreciated more by adults. Just like Disneyland, it also includes restaurants and hotels, so that families can have all the necesary services close by. If you have been to Disneyland many times and are searching for something alternative, but quite as much fun, you should definitely try this Park. It costs less than Disneyland, the individual ticket varying around 53 euros. You can find out more about the park and plan your visit in their official website. 8. Visit the Centre Pompidou While the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay host the art history of the art of France and other great civilizations, the Centre Pompidou is a living cultural space, that brings together different forms of art and literature, exhibiting modern art and hosting current exhibitions. The Centre was built by GTM and it was completed in 1977. The building itself is a great landmark of modern construction, with industrial elements. In fact, it is an "inside-out" building, having the structural and mechanical systems exposed on the exterior of the building. All of the functional elements of the buildign are color coded. Therefore, the green pipes signify the plumbing, the blue ducts serve for climate control, the electrical qires are yellow and the circulation elemenst are in red. The way to ascend the building is through a ladder, that is in the shape of a tube, adjusted to the outside of the building. This enables the visitor to have a panoramic view of the entire city, from the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower. The building was not welcomed warmly by parisians, (just like the Eiffel Tower), who were skeptical about its aesthetic value. The Centre Pompidou hosts the Public Information library, the National Museum of Modern Art (Musée National d'Art Moderne), the largest modern art museum in Europe, and a center for music and acoustic research. It takes its name by the French President Georges Pompidou, who comissioned it. In the Museum of Modern Art, that is housed in the building, you can find installations and works of art from many modern and contemporary artists, including Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, André Breton, René Magritte, Joan Miró, and many more. The building is situated in Le Marais, a very unique neighborhood of Paris. Therefore, you can combine your visit with a stroll around this beautiful area, where you can find art galleries, small Parisian boutiques with unique items, thrift stores, and very nice cafés and restaurants. The building is accessible with lines of Metro RER A, RER B, RER D, 1, 4, 7, 11, 14, station "Châtelet - Les Halles". 9. Οrganize a photoshoot with a profesionnal photographer A visit to Paris could be a great opportunity to fill your social media with great images and create great memories. If photography not your area of expertise, if you don’t have the equipment, or if you want a professional touch, you should consider contacting a professional photographer to take your photos with the beautiful landmarks of Paris. In fact, there are many talented freelancer photographers in Paris, that offer their services by organizing professional photoshoots. I do not have any specific recommendations for you, but if you visit tripadvisor.com, you will find many offers to choose from. 10. Enjoy a glass of wine or a nice meal at the Tour Montparnasse While reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower offers you a magnificent view of the entire city, reaching the top of Tour Montparnasse gives you the most magnificent view of the most famous landmark of the City, the Eiffel Tower itself, as well as the entire city. Located just opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Tour Montparnasse, is definitely worth a visit. The 210 meters tall Tour Montparnasse is the 2nd tallest skyscraper in Paris, and the 14th tallest in Europe. It is comprised of 59 floors and hosts mainly working spaces, as well as a shopping center on the ground floor. The 56th floor, as well as the deck are accessible for a visit by tourists, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, including the best, in my opinion, view of the Eiffel Tower. There are all sorts of interactive displays to help you explore Paris, such as augmented reality panoramas, interactive kiosks and quizzes, an exhibition of archive photos of Paris, and more. The ticket for the top floor costs about 18 euros and you can buy them either online from their official website, or at the entrance of the building. However, I have a bonus tip for you. On the 56th floor of the building, there is a very nice restaurant, where you can enjoy your meal, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. You can make a reservation for a table next to the window, in order to have a full view. However, since not many people know that there is a restaurant in the building, it is not often full, especially in early afternoon, if you go for an apero. The prices, are not very high, considering the magnificent view it offers. If you go for a drink, the price per person will be equal to the ticket for the top floor. So, it is on you to decide which option you will take. I would advise you to plan your visit to the Tour Montparnasse in the afternoon, just before the sun is about to set. That way, you can enjoy the magnificent view both during daylight, as well as during the dark, and make the most out of your visit. Bonus tip: in the evening, if you are close to the full hour, you can catch a glimpse of the famous glitter of the Eiffel Tower, since, every full hour and for only 5 minutes, the glitter lights turn on and the Tower looks like a feast. The Tour Montparnasse is accessible by Metro lines 4,6,12,13 at Station: "Montparnasse-Bienvenüe" and by Bus lines: 28, 58, 82, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95 and 96. 11. Visit Parc de Sceaux Paris is full of beautiful Parks that embellish the city center, with greenery and flowers, where you can stop for a relaxed moment and enjoy the calmness. While those parks are very beautiful, there is a very unique park in the South of the City, under the 14th Arrondissement. It is Park de Sceaux, the biggest park in the city, and my personal favorite. It is a historic parc, that was restored during the 1930s and it now constitutes a great urban park with great biodiversity in its natural space. It hosts a chateau, build in the 19th century and a museum that hosts precious collections, that evoke the history of the site and its owners. It has also two beautiful pavillions and great gardens. After visiting the museum, you can walk around the gardens, and enjoy the Parisian nature. There are animals, and many varieties of plants, including a field with cherry blossom trees that bloom during spring months and create a magnificent scenery (which inspired the name of this blog!) The visit to this park will definitely take a few hours, so I would advise you to visit it if you have a few extra days that you want to fill, since I do not think that it is worth missing out on the other landmarks of the city. What is more, there are only two little kiosks offering food and beverages, at the two main entrances, so, you should be prepared with your own food for a picnic. The park is accessible with line RER B, of the Metro, stations Parc de sceaux, and Sceaux et La croix de Berny. If you have decided to dedicate your day to a visit to the south of the City and park de Sceaux, you can combine it, with a visit to the Arboretum de la Valée-Aux-Loups (see the video above), which is situated within a walking distance from the Parc de Sceaux. It is a beautiful botanical garden, that features many varieties of plants, from different parts of the world. It contains lakes and animals and constitutes a fairytale, calm scenery. There you can also find the house of Chateaubriand, and enjoy a handmade pastry at the beautiful coffee shop hidden in the park. When you wander around this park, you definitely forget that you are in one of the biggest Metropolis in Europe and think that you are in the countryside. This park is definitely worth a visit and a very unique experience if you have some extra days in the city. It is accessible by foot from the Parc de Sceaux. If you want to access it from the city center by public transportation, it is accessible by RER B, station Robinson and from there walk for about 20 minutes. For more information about the access see here. If you need more information on those activities you are very welcome to contact me here or via DM on Instagram and I would be very glad to help you out! Have you discovered any other unusual things to do in Paris? Let me know in the comments below. If you want more daily updates on Parisian lifestyle follow me on instagram. CHERRY BLOSSOM IN PARIS

Since I moved to Paris, I have seen that Parisian women always look very put together and elegant and they give away the sense that their looks are very expensive. From paying attention to how Parisian women dress on the streets, I have discovered that their looks are often not that pricey. They achieve, however their famous effortless French elegance by following some simple rules. In order to look elegant and “expensive”, you do not have to break the bank. You can create elegant looks that look luxurious by making smart choices and following a few tips that will instantly make your look more elevated and more elegant. Before I begin, though, I would like to stress, that I strongly believe that our goal should not be to pretend to be something we are not. I am convinced that if we are confident about who we are, this will come out to other people and we will shine through our personality. That being said, it is always nice trying new things and working towards evolving our appearance. The purpose of this blog post is to share with you some tips that will help your outfits appear more expensive, since I strongly believe that you need not spend much to achieve an elegant and luxurious looking appearance. You should just make smart choices. 1. Importance of the materials The first tip that you should pay attention to, when aiming for a more expensive look, is the quality of the materials of the garments you are choosing. There are some materials, that pop out and elevate your look. To give some examples, when it comes to knits, natural fabrics always look more expensive. Cashmere, for instance, is a very high quality material, that looks and feels expensive. It is very soft and at the same time very warm. About cashmere, though, one could argue that it does not only look expensive, but it actually is expensive. However, this is not the case. Of course there are some brands that produce expensive cashmere products, that cost a lot, but I have also discovered some more economical brands, that produce affordable cashmere garments. Wool is another very good choice for knitted garments, that looks very luxurious and is also high quality. Another high quality material is silk. It is a material that flows nicely and looks very luxurious. A silk scarf, shirt, or dress is always a very elegant choice. Velvet is another material that looks rich and gives out a sense of luxury. Especially during winter, there are a lot of ways that you can incorporate velvet in your wardrobe. From blazers to dresses and tops, velvet is always a nice material to try. 2. Make smart shopping choices If your goal is to create a more expensive looking wardrobe in the long run, you should make smart shopping choices, and be mindful on how you spend your money. In that sense, it would be wiser to avoid buying into trends, since they come and go quickly, and you will end up having spent money on something that will only last for a season or two. My advice would be to invest in classic, staple pieces that are high quality and are versatile, given that they can be combined with many outfits and have the potential to stay in your wardrobe for many years. In other words, you should splurge in those pieces and spend less money on trends. Buy affordable trendy garments and splurge on classic pieces However, I am not saying that you should not follow trends, at all. On the contrary, if you find that a particular trend inspires you and resonates with your personal style, by all means follow it. If you really want to incorporate a particular trend in your wardrobe, ask yourself weather it is worth spending your money on and set a budget. If you think that you will not enjoy it in the long run, try to find more affordable pieces to incorporate this trend in your style, by searching on high street brands. My advice would be to buy less expensive trend garments and splurge more on classic pieces. My final advice about shopping, however, would be, to channel my inner Kon Mari, to buy and wear items that spark joy to you and that you feel more comfortable in. It is when you are the most confident that you look better, so really, think what you like and makes you happy. 3. Create a capsule wardrobe In the spirit of creating a more expensive looking wardrobe in the long run and making smart shopping choices, a good tactic would be to work towards creating a capsule wardrobe. It is not necessary to have a walk-in closet full of clothes in order to be elegant and look expensive. It is not about quantity, but about quality. In other words, you should aim to invest in high quality, staple pieces that will be in your wardrobe for years and that can be combined with many outfits. Below I list some items that are considered to be more expensive looking and are classic must-have pieces making every wardrobe look more elegant and sophisticated: A coat: I personally think that a key element that makes your outfit look more expensive is a good quality, fitted coat. It is the first thing that people see on you, and sometimes it doesn’t matter what you are wearing inside, since beautiful coat can elevate your entire outfit. This is why I believe that if you were to splurge on something, a nice coat would be the best choice. You can choose between strict lines, or wrap coat with belt that compliments your figure. A blazer A tailored blazer is another staple piece that makes every woman look more sophisticated and elegant. There are plenty of choices of classic blazers out there, in all price ranges, from fitted versions to more airy designs. It is really up to you to decide on the particular style that matches your style. The silk top A silk top is a very luxurious looking garment and a staple piece in every wardrobe. A white silk shirt can elevate a casual outfit, whereas a silk camisole can make you look fabulous in a night out, combined with a great blazer. The tailored pants A pair of tailored pants in classic colors, such as black, blue and beige, is another classic piece that you should incorporate in your wardrobe. In the search of the best pair of pants you should take into consideration what style best compliments your silhouette and resonates more with your personal style. Here are some choices that I personally think are very versatile and fit many body types. 4. Accessorize Accessories are key, in every outfit, since they are the details that can instantly elevate it and make it pop out. Accessories are also a discreet way to add a branded logo on your outfit, without screaming it, since wearing logos all over may be pricey, but it is not considered to be elegant and “expensive” looking. What is more, accessories are a much more affordable and smarter way to buy into a designer brand, without spending too much. Wear a belt A belt is an accessory that not only adds shape and a flattering fit to your silhouette, but also elevates your outfit,/makes your outfit more elevated. What is more, a designer belt, is a good way to buy into a designer brand and make your outfit look more elegant and expensive, by discreetly adding a logo to your outfit. Furthermore, adding a designer belt to a blazer or a coat, could give the impression that your entire outfit is from this brand. However, I cannot stress enough that you should always be confident with what you have and who you are, and not try to give wrong impressions. I personally love designer belts and a pro tip that I could give you, would be to invest in double sided belts. Some designers brands, like Fendi and Valentino, have come up with double sided belts, that are classic and can be combined with a multitude of outfits. If you have plans of buying a designer belt, I would advise you consider investing in a double sided designer belt. That way, with one expense you have two belts to alternate with our outfits and make the most out of your investment. Add a scarf A scarf would also be a much affordable way to add a luxury brand name on your outfit. It is a smart investment, since it can be very versatile. You can wear it on your neck, but also incorporate it in your outfit in smarter ways. For instance, you can wear them on your hair, wear them as a belt, wrap them around the top handle of your bag, or even find inventive ways to wear them as tops, as it has been trending recently. Add touch of gold Gold color is closely linked with opulence, therefore, a touch of gold, will instantly make your outfit look more expensive. There are endless options on adding gold from jewelry, to watches and hair accessories. If you want to buy jewelry, I could not recommend enough Aurate New York, which is an ethical brand that produces sustainable jewelry in very affordable prices, offering real gold as well as more affordable alternatives. A nice watch, always makes you look more sophisticated. You can go gold all the way, however, a personal favorite are leather band watches with small golden elements. Sunglasses: Finally, another element that is often overlooked, but makes a huge difference in your outfit are sunglasses. A good pair of sunglasses makes you look put together and more expensive. About glasses, you should do your research and find a pair that compliments your physical characteristics, and this will make a huge difference in your everyday outfits. What is more, since, by doctors’ orders, in order to be safe, we usually spend a lot on our glasses, a smart choice would be, if your budget allows, to consider buying into a designer brand, since glasses tend to belong on the less pricey end of designer products. Some brands have classic designs that have the potential to stay with you for years. Pointy shoes: Another element that is often overlooked is shoes. You should always take good care of your shoes, since clean shoes and well - kept shoes make us look more presentable. Shoes can completely change the outfit and its character. A tip that I have learned, is that pointy shoes always look more expensive. high end shoes: more affordable shoes The bag: In the spirit of making smart shopping choices, I think that if there was one think that you should consider investing in, when aiming for a more expensive looking outfit is a bag. A good quality bag is the key element in every look. Designer bags are a commodity that never loses its value and there are some bags that even gain more value when sold second hand. So, to some people luxurious designer bags are always a good investment. In my personal opinion, when someone is considering an investment when it comes to fashion, a designer bag would be the best choice. There are some classics out there, with which you can never go wrong, such as a Louis Vuitton … or a However, not everyone can, and not everyone should, if this doesn’t fit their personal style and lifestyle aim towards such expensive choices. There are some other high end brands that produce great quality pieces like …. Finally, while expensive designer bags, always elevate a high street outfit and instantly make it look more expensive, that doesn’t mean that you cannot achieve the same result with a high street choice. When choosing a bag from high street brands, you should pay attention to the materials and the details. When it comes to vegan materials, vegan suede, always looks more expensive than vegan leather. Also, when it comes to the quality, make sure that if there are any visible seams they should be straight and meticulous. Finally, bags with chain straps are always more expensive looking than bags with leather straps. Here are a few discoveries I have made recently. When it comes to the style of the bag, more structured bags are better for day looks and workwear. When it comes to night looks and casual wear, I would recommend crossbody bags with gold chains. 4. Take good care of your clothes Another important factor is taking care of your clothes. If you do not pay attention to the care of your clothes, they might end up being damaged. Discolorations, creases and slight tears, give away the sense that the outfit is cheaper, even if your garments are expensive. It is important, therefore, to always check the tabs on the clothes and follow the instructions indicated there, in order to keep your garments longer in your wardrobe and enjoy them more. Especially cashmere and wool need special treatment. There are specialized products to take care of your knit garments, such as those listed below. A hack that I discovered recently, when I was out of the special products, is that you can wash cashmere and wool garments with hair shampoo, since it is actually hair! 5. Ironing is key People often overlook the importance of ironing or steaming clothes, but it is actually a key factor in elevating your outfit and making you look more presentable and sophisticated. It is the details that make you stand out and look meticulous, and a well ironed or steamed garment always looks better fitting and more expensive. 6. Fitting is key If you want to look more put together you should always make sure that the garments you buy are well fitted. My advice would be to find a local tailor around your neighborhood, that you trust, and take there all the garments that need tailoring, in order to adjust them to your silhouette. It makes a huge difference to wear garments that are well fitted. If the garments you wear are ill fitting, it automatically gives a bad impression. On the other hand, if the clothes fit your silhouette your outfit looks tailor – made, and looks more elegant and expensive. 7. Beauty Last but not least, to achieve an expensive look, we must not neglect the beauty aspect. It is very important that we look put together. Your nails should always be taken care of, and you should also pay attention to your makeup. In order to look more expensive, less is more, so I would advise you to go for natural look, accentuating your natural beauty. As for the hair, choose a haircut that compliments your characteristics and gives you confidence. Perfume The final touch that makes a lot of difference is the scent. Wearing your favorite perfume is a little touch, that will give you confidence. If you smell nice, you feel nice. Try to find your signature scent, a scent that you enjoy and makes you happy, and it will definitely boost your confidence and add to your outfit. Things to avoid Having pointed some things that you should do, in order to look more expensive, here are some things that you should avoid: - ripped garments. Although ripped jeans are a trend, if you want to present a more expensive impression you should avoid this type of pants, since they give out a more laid back feeling. - ill-fitting garments. - avoid synthetic materials, since they look cheaper - avoid wearing logos all over, because a screaming designer outfit may be pricey, but it doesn’t look elegant and luxurious. Last but not least, you should always be confident, this is the key ingredient in presenting yourself as more powerful. Finally, my advice and the point of this article would be that our aim should be to be confident in our own skin. It is not the clothes that make you shine, but your personality. Clothing might give the first impression, but it is actually through our personality that we will stand out. So a rich personality, and a cultivated character are always more valuable than any outfit! I wish you the best. Do you have any tips for elegant clothing? I would be happy do discuss it with you. You can contact me here or find me on Instagram for more tips. CHERRY BLOSSOM IN PARIS This article uses affiliate links. Read our full disclosure about it here.

Valentine's day is coming and I am always looking for inspiration on what to buy my friends or myself this time of the year. I love relying on some of my favorite local shops to find what I’m looking for, but, since the entire world is in lockdown during this period, I also turn to my go-to online retailers who seem to always come through with fun products. Whether you’re having something sent to your home to wrap and give in person, or sending a gift to your loved ones anywhere in the world, find my favorite last-minute gift ideas below, all sourced from places known for reliable package delivery in time for Valentine's Day. 1. Heart Ring When it comes to jewelry, I love Aurate because to my knowledge they are an ethical brand. They use durable materials built for everyday wear, they are transparent about pricing, sustainable production, and they give back to their community a portion of their profits. They use recycled gold, a material that can be reused without diminishing in quality and without creating any environmental decay. So this Infinity Heart ring in solid gold or gold vermeil is a wonderful gift idea. 2. Silk sleeping mask A very nice gift idea would be this, pure silk sleep mask. Crafted from long-strand mulberry silk both inside and out, it protects delicate skin from the tugging effects of tossing and turning. The brand slip was created in 2004, by Fiona Stewart whose dermatologist suggested that she sleep on a silk pillowcase, as part of her acne treatment. Unable to find one, Stewart sourced the best silk she could find and wrapped it around her pillow. Developed and refined for over ten years, the brand’s signature slip silk provides the ultimate combination of shine, thickness, softness, and durability for their line of pillowcases, sleep masks, and more. 3. Vitamin C Serum Beauty products are always a good gift idea. This vitamin C serum is a very potent product with a unique, bi-phase formula that features a top phase of nutrient-rich wild rose oil and 15% vitamin C to help brighten and tone overall while deeply hydrating your skin. The bottom phase features a dark spot correction complex to target hyperpigmentation and discoloration. KORRES is a personal favorite beauty brand because it was born in the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens. It combines Greek tradition and cutting-edge science to deliver state-of-the-art skincare since 1996. Each formula is carefully crafted with an eye to efficacy by a team of botanists, scientists, and engineers, referencing a library of over 3,000 herbal remedies and harnessing the power of wild botanicals that have grown in Greece for thousands of years. 4. Heart print sleep set Since 2021 is a year that you will be spending Valentine's Day at home, you can give the gift of sweet dreams with a charming sleep set! Its darling motif lends a touch of style to lazy Sunday mornings and stay-at-home movie nights. Roller Rabbit was inspired by a fable of a magical rabbit found on a discarded piece of fabric in India. Since its launch in 2003, the capsule collection of block-printed kurtas has grown into a lifestyle brand. 5. A personalized handbag Accessories are always a good gift idea, since they are always handy for elevating an outfit. Personalizing your gift always shows that you took extra care in your gift. The Daily Edited has a large variety of accessories than can be personalized. 6. Heart Earrings Dainty hearts anchor the slender chains of sterling silver threader earrings plated in gleaming 14-karat gold. Translating to "silver alive" in Italian, Argento Vivo creates timeless, affordable sterling silver jewelry. Based in New York City, the brand draws inspiration from travel and architecture to design simple yet sophisticated necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. 7. A gold bracelet When in doubt about a gift you can never go wrong with jewelry. Playful yet sophisticated, this Beaded Bracelet is a favorite wear-anywhere accessory. Its blends simplicity and style, making it chic enough to be worn alone, stacked with other bracelets, or layered with your favorite watch. 8. A personalized cosmetic case Sending a personalized gift always shows that you care for someone and that you really put time and effort into your gift. There is no brand that does personalization better than The Daily Edited. They are known for their high-quality leather pieces (vegan options are also available), which you can personalize in multiple ways according to the character of the person you are offering the gift to. 9. A red lipstick A red lipstick is a staple product in every girl's beauty bag and a gift that never goes to waste. I have always loved Christian Louboutin Beauty, which has now updated its signature 'Velvet Matte Lip Colour' in five shades of red. Part of the lineup, this deep 'Jackie' one is richly pigmented to impart full coverage that lasts for hours. It's infused with hydrating natural oils and seed butters to leave your pout feeling really soft. 10. A stone heart Last but not least, if you are out of ideas on what to buy your loved ones, you can always showcase your love by offering them your heart! Believed to be the stone of universal and unconditional love, JIA JIA's rose quartz is aptly shaped like a heart. Detoxed through an ancient purification process, it has a smooth, glossy finish and weighty feel, though every piece has unique flecks and beautiful character. Gift it to someone special to promote inner healing and peace. Hopefully, my ideas will provide you with the inspiration you are looking for, to shower your loved ones with gifts on this special day. Especially during our times, when we are socially distancing, it is more important than ever to show our loved ones that we care for them, making a phone call, sending a card, or even offering a gift from the heart. I'd love to hear about your ideas in the comments below, or on my Instagram. Happy Valentines Day! xoxo Cherry Blossom in Paris

The Chanel Spring - Summer 2021 Haute Couture fashion show was a breath of fresh air and very much needed optimism, reminding us that there is still hope during those difficult times that the humanity is undergoing. This year may have changed fashion week a lot, but the designers have not lost their creativity and continue to inspire us with their creations. Due to the pandecmic, it was a socially distanced fashion show, with very few viewers, A-list celebrities, famous faces of Chanel, from Vanessa Paradis to Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz. Virginie Viard's concept for the presentation of the Spring - Summer 2021 collection was a bohemian wedding set in a floral scene in the south of France. The film commences in black and white as the models are coming down the stairs, paying hommage to the Coco Chanel era when the models used to descend the famous mirrored stares of Coco Chanel's atelier, and as they approach the runway the colors blast and the very colorful flowery set is revealed. The floral element was omnipresent and was the theme of the entire collection, from the floral creations to the beautiful arches and the petals that were scattered on the floor. I particularly loved the color palet of the collection. Bright, vivid colors, combined with classic black and white Chanel characteristic tones. Combined girly and feminine elements with classic lines. Masculine touch that Coco Chanel inaugurated in women's clothing with girly and feminine touches in the colors. The designer revisited the classic tailleur that Coco Chanel invented. Staying true to the fashion house's tradition of tweed jackets, she created beautiful pastel colored tailleurs in strict lines. Viard also presented her own twist on the classic tailleur with flair skirts. The floral element was predominant through the entire collection, from the floral pattern lace and embroidery on the dresses, to the floral headpieces on the models' hair. The Grand Palais was transformed in a floral paradise, with flower petals scattered all over the floor and floral arches completing the magical scenery. A personal favorite for me were the powerful pantsuits, that were revisited by adding a touch of femininity in the androgynous look. 'There is a masculine/feminine side to all the silhouettes' commented the designer on her collection. The designer created very elegant and feminine in a variety of strict lines, as well as very loose and floaty lines. I particularly liked the matching vest tops, that add a modern touch to a classic outfit. Watch the entire fashion show, directed by Anton Corbijn here: Video credit: Chanel official youtube channel. Photos credit: vogue.com Cherry Blossom in Paris

Creating a Parisian Capsule wardrobe has been my target this year. Walking in the streets of Paris, I tried to identify what are some recurring pieces, that Parisian women own and make their outfits so laid back and chic at the same time. Here, I have recreated a classic yet casual parisian outfit, with pieces I recently bought, that it is very likely to be worn by a young parisian woman. This is one of my favorite outfits, that is casual for everyday and also classic parisian chic. Vincero Watch A good quality watch is the best way to instantly elevate your outfit and make it look more expensive. I personally love watches and have a very large collection. I recently bought this Vincero Watch and I have fallen in love with it. The rectangle cadran is a very classic choice that resembles the famous Cartier watches. The double strap adds a playful touch and renders it more cool. It is very elegant and chic watch, and adds a classic touch to a cool and casual outfit. Vincero gold bracelet As well as affordable high quality watches, Vincero also makes beautiful minimal jewelry. I love this golden bracelet, because it is classical and looks very luxurious and expensive. Sandro Coat I love Sandro! They make high quality pieces that express parisian aesthetic. This wrap wool coat has a very classic and versatile silhouette. It is well tailored and it is the perfect style of coat that will never go out of fashion. The checked pattern is very cool and adds a little playful element to the outfit. Everlane silk shirt The silk shirt is a must - have for a parisian capsule wardrobe. A very good quality silk shirt will elevate every outfit and give you confidence. This Everlane silk shirt has been my favorite lately. I love Everlane because they are a sustainable brand that makes staple high quality pieces that are meant to stay in your wardrobe for years. Max Mara denim A very good quality pair of jeans is another staple piece that everyone must have in their wardrobe, since it is versatile and it can easily be combined for chic everyday casual outfits. I have loved these Max Mara jeans, since they are tailored and have clean lines. Veja Sneakers The only pair of sneakers that I have been wearing lately are these Veja Campo sneakers. They are a very classic design, that can be combined with any outfit. I am very much concerned about sustainability when it comes to fashion and this is why I love Veja, because their owners, are very passionate about sustainability and they closely monitor every step of the production to minimize the environmental impact. These 'Campo' sneakers are made from white textured-leather that's tanned without hazardous chemicals and appliquéd with black 'V' logos and heel tabs. The soles are blended with wild rubber that's ethically sourced from the Amazon Rainforest. A.P.C. crossbody bag A good quality leather bag is a staple piece that every parisian woman owns. A cross body leather bag with a chain strap would be the perfect choice for a casual, laid back outfit. I recently discovered A.P.C. a french brand that makes very chic, minimal, staple and very high quality bags. I loved this particular bag, because the color is a classic one and it is a versatile choice that can be combined with classic outfits, as well as casual and more cool. I hope you liked this outfit I put together. Till next time, Cherry Blossom in Paris (This article contains affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links here.)

French style is synonymous with elegance. The french women's secret is that they do not follow fashion trends that come and go. On the contrary, they invest in high quality, versatile, staple pieces, that they keep in their wardrobe for years and always look put together and très chic! Here, I created a classic minimal parisian outfit to give you an example. My favorite classic parisian outfit these days inclues those pieces: 1. Max Mara coat If there is a brand that makes amazing classic coats that never go out of fashion, its Max Mara! Their coats are very high quality and so versatile, you can dress them up and down for any occasion. This luxurious camel coat can be combined perfectly with sneakers for a more casual stroll in the streets of Paris! 2. VINCE cashmere striped sweater The marinière, originally worn by sailors in the french navy, has become a staple piece in french fashion. It is also called the breton shirt, since many sailors in the french navy came from Brittany. In a parisian capsule wardrobe the marinière is a must-have piece. This luxurious VINCE cashmere sweater is a very cosy and warm choice for those cold winter days out and about in Paris. 3. Everlane Pants I love Everlane because it is a slow fashion, ethical brand that puts their social and environmental impact before sales and profit. They make high quality staple pieces that can stay in your wardrobe for many seasons. These black pants are so versatile, and can be worn again and again in different occasions. 4. Sézane bag Sézane is an ethical french brand, that makes wonderful high quality pieces. I love their sweaters and cardigans, as well as their bags and leather goods. The Victor bag, is such a classic choice for everyday use. It has been a very successful piece and the company keeps coming up with different textures and colors in every season. I recently bought this black croco one, and I absolutely adore it! 5. Daniel Welingthon watch I love watches, and I think they are a classic element in your style. What I particularly like about Daniel Welinghton watches, is that they offer a grand selection of bracelets that you can change, so that you can renew your style without breaking the bank. I love this gold and silver bracelet watch, because it adds a luxury touch to the outfit. 6. VEJA sneakers Another french brand that stands for ethical fashion and sustainability is VEJA. Their sneakers have become a must have, here, in Paris. Almost every parisienne owns a pair of Veja sneakers, since they are very versatile and can be worn from the office to a stroll along the banks of the Seine. I love these classic black and white Campo sneakers, since they are neutral and can be worn with any outfit combination. Cherry Blossom in Paris This post contains affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links here.

French women are always chic and elegant. What is their secret? When it comes to beauty, french women trust their pharmacist and go for trustworthy brands. Since I have come to Paris, I find myself more and more in the narrow corridors of Citypharma looking for french pharmacy skincare gems. Here is the list of the top 10 products that never miss from my collection. Aqualia thermal / Vichy Mineral 89 / Pure vitamin C10 / Hydraphase intense / Redermic C / Bioderma Eau Micellaire / Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair / La Roche Posay spot corrector / Avène mask / Avène cleanser The cleansers 1. The cleansing essential Facialists and make up artists backstage the fashion shows all over the world are raving for the Bioderma Eau Micellaire. It is the king of make up removers. In my night time routine, I use it as the first step in my double cleansing in order to take out all the makeup and the dirt that stays on the face from a day out in Paris. 2. A gentle cleanse Double cleansing is advised by many doctors and skincare experts as a method to really get rid of all of the make up and dirt from living in a busy city. After the Bioderma Eau Micellaire, I find this Avène Cleanance gentle cleanser is a very good choice, especially for combination and oily skintypes. The active ingredients 3. Bright Glow There is nothing better to boost the brightness of your skin than vitamin C! If that was not reason enough to love vitamin C, then keep in mind that it also enhances the protection of the sunscreen in the morning, thus helping more in preventing photo aging. I love this La Roche Posay vitamin C serum, because it is small and since Vitamin C is a very sensitive ingredient, I am not afraid of wasting any product. 4. C plus I love combining the pure vitamin C serum with the La Roche Posay Redermic C cream, that helps the active ingredient really be absorbed by the skin and work its miracles in the fullest. 5. Overnight repair There is no brand that makes better anti-aging serums than Estée Lauder. Their Advanced Night Repair Serum has proven to be a miracle worker in stimulating the renewal of the skin overnight. I have found that combined with my retinol treatment, it has helped a lot the look of my skin. 6. Spot correction There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning and finding that an annoying pimple has decided to make its appearance... The only way to combat it is patience, of course, but I have found that this La Roche Posay spot corrector is helping accelerate the process. 7. Mask Every skincare nerd, like me, is obsessed with face masks. I use face masks two or three times a week, in order to nourish the skin with valuable ingredients. This Avène cleanance mask provides deep exfoliation, since it contains salicylic acid, a powerful chemical exfoliant that will help your renew faster. The moisturizers 8. The mineral 89 Since the release of Vichy's Mineral 89, I have fallen in love with it. It is the perfect solution for when you find that your skin in need of a little extra boost. I use it any time of the day. 9. 24/7 hydration I love a good moisturizer. I always keep this Vichy Aqualia thermal in my handbag in winter, since the skin tends to get dryer and needs extra care. 10. Intense Hydration The last step in every skincare routine is the moisturizer. I am in love with La Roche Posay and I love this Hydraphase Intense moisturizer. Especially at night, I feel it is the best way to lock in all the active ingredients i use on my face, while in the morning, it helps start your day feeling fresh! What are your skincare essentials? Comment below your skincare tips or follow me on instagram for more parisian inspiration. Until next time, Cherry Blossom in Paris This post contains affiliate links. Read the disclaimer here.

As someone who always dreamed of moving to Paris, and finally achieving it in the age of 25, I quickly fell in love with Emily's story, since she did it in a more lovely and cool way than I ever could! Since Emily in Paris premiered in Netflix this past year, I fell in love with the show. Even though it admittedly portrayed a very exaggerated image of an American in Paris, and was criticized by many for being over the top, bordering on offensive, especially regarding the French people, I tend to focus on the comedy side of it and I couldn't help but love the playful and dynamic Emily and her crazy outfits! The costume designer behind Emily's outfits is Patricia Field, the renowned costume designer, that wrote history in shaping the iconic style of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends in Sex and the City. With Emily in Paris, the designer went all the way in portraying Emily's style as playful and an american swift of the Parisian style. Even though Emily's outfits in general are a little bit extravagant for my taste, I still find myself inspired by Emily's outfit choices. Here I collected my favorite outfits that Emily wore in the streets of Paris and, since most of them were immediately sold out online, I tried to find some alternatives for you to get inspired. 1. The checked suit outfit If there's one French stereotype that all Americans know, it's the beret. The versatile style makes it an unassuming, yet chic addition to any look. Emily leans into the "American in Paris" vibe by co-opting the accessory for several ensembles. In this scene, the young ingénue pairs a simple red beret with The Veronica Beard checked jacket and shorts originally worn by Emily are unfortunately sold out online, but we found for you the following similar alternative choices: A great high fashion alternative is this Saint Laurent jacket here. And since not many of us can afford it, a more affordable alternative can be found at Mango here. The Chanel bag that Emily is wearing in the picture was also alternative here Gianvito Rossi Ribbon 45 patent-leather pumps here with their affordable version found at Mango here. here 2. The pink coat outfit The Kenzo pink coat that Emily is wearing for flower shopping when she meets the lovely Camille is unfortunately sold out, so we found this Topshop alternative. These Nike sneakers are the closest we could find to Emily's shoes, however we think that a great alternative would be this pair of Veja sneakers, made by a sustainable and ethic french brand. Cherry Blossom in Paris

Paris is often referred to as the City of Lights, and it is during Christmas Time that this is more relevant than ever. Even in very difficult times, like the current situation with the pandemic restricting our every move, Paris has still put the Christmas decorations up and it is more beautiful than ever. For us at Cherry Blossom in Paris, we know it is Christmas, when the glamorous Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree is hung from the grand dome of the historic department store in Boulevard Haussman. The 2020 Christmas tree, is a very playful and colorful creation, juxtaposing the dullness and misery that the current situation is imposing on the entire planet. photo credit: @galerieslafayette What is the history of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree? The Galeries Lafayette Christmas Tree is a tradition dating back to the late 1970s, and since then, many prominent designers have put their signature in the magnificent creation, as well as many big brands. What commenced as a private party just for the employees of the grand department store, turned into one of the city's must see landmarks during Christmas time. More precisely, according to history, the Christmas celebrations in the department store started in 1920 when annual Christmas party was organized for the staff. The party was at the time only for the employees and their children, who would enjoy an on-stage show and admire the Christmas tree. At the time, the celebrations, as well as the tree would be placed just in front of the stately staircase, that used to be under the beautiful dome. The whole department store would be decorated for the holiday season, looking dazzling inside out. Later the grand staircase was removed and the tradition of hanging the Christmas tree from the dome begun. Every year, one can discover an ever so exuberant sparkling tree hanging from the glittering Art Nouveau dome. Here is a flash back in some of the most memorable moments of the Galeries Lafayette Tree: 1976 In 1976 the tradition of hanging a Christmas tree from the dome of the department store is born. Instead of displaying a Christmas tree in the facade, that year they decided to place it in the center of the store, hanging from the ceiling. The first Christmas tree to ever be hung was a giant aluminum tree. It was a 23-meters high, and weighted 1,6 tons. Made out of 160 silvers baubles. The Christmas tree required 2 full months of work from the “avions René Cousinet” company. photo credit: haussmann.galerieslafayette.com 1997 The theme of the 1997 Christmas tree was “British Christmas”. The vision behind this creation belongs to Vivienne Westwood. The British designer designed the gorgeous pink bow that is wrapped around this twenty meter Christmas tree, as well as the golden decorations. photo credit: elledecor.com 2000 In 2000 the Christmas Tree was classic but still very intricate and embellished with lights in snowflake shapes, creating a magical and romantic aesthetic. photo credit: elledecor.com 2009 In 2009 the Christmas tree was decorated with pink and lavish golden ornaments, surrounded by gorgeous pink and golden floating gifts. photo credit: elledecor.com 2012: The theme of the 2012 Christmas tree was “Ball of the Century” since the year of 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Art Nouveau glass dome. In honor of the instance, Hilton McConnico created a grand Swarovski Christmas tree created. The tree was 21-meters high, and it took 120 brilliant-cut Swarovski ornaments to decorate it, while the bottom was comprised from a 9-meters chandelier made of more than 5.000 smaller crystals. The glorious star on top was made of 100 stones and was 5-meters wide. It was the biggest tree in Europe in 2012. photo credit: haussmann.galerieslafayette.com 2013 The theme of the 2013 Christmas tree, designed in collaboration with the Swiss clock company Swatch, was “Once upon a Christmas … Before the Clock Strikes Twelve.” The whole department store was transformed into the scene of a kid's fairytale, featuring dolls, dollhouses and beautiful flowers. 2014 In 2014 monsters took over the department store and turned the tree upside down! The theme of Jerry Hall's idea for that year was “A Monstrous Christmas”. A bewildering but enchanting sight! The emblematic Art Nouveau dome of the department store inspired all the decorations that embellished this unorthodox creation. photo credit: elledecor.com 2016 In 2016 the Christmas tree took a more minimalistic approach. Lorenzo Papace, the french director and music composer, conceived a very magical concept. He staged a tree that resembles a snowy mountain, surrounded by telepheriques and a wheel of circus. photo credit: @galerieslafayette instagram 2017 The theme of 2017 Christmas tree was “Spectacular Spectacular” and was inspired by the popular artist Beth Ditto. The entire store was transformed into an enormous circus with a giant colorful Christmas tree surrounded by a host of inflatable, glittery candies, balloons and donuts dancing up and down the tree. The tree itself was created entirely of inflatables. photo credit: @galerieslafayette instagram 2018 The “Dream Factory” with Jessica Chastain. Kids between 5 and 11 years old were invited to draw their Christmas heroes. The favorite drawings were transformed into stuffed toys that were set in the iconic window displays. A 16 meters high and 9-meters long footbridge, the “Glasswalk“, was built on the 3rd floor for visitors to enjoy a unique view of the Christmas tree and the famous Art Deco glass dome. photo credit: @galerieslafayette instagram 2019 The theme of the 2019 Christmas tree was “La Rûche de Noël” or in English "The Christmas Beehive" and it featured beautiful ping and blue floral decorations. photo credit: @galerieslafayette instagram The 2020 Christmas tree is a very colorful and playful creation, proposing the ultimate juxtaposition to the dull and difficult times that the world is undergoing at the time. photo credit: @galerieslafayette instagram Joyeux Noël!!! Cherry Blossom in Paris

One of the most iconic photoshoots in the history of fashion is Richard Avedon's capture of Dovima in the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris. The photoshoot was published in the September of 1955 issue of Harpers' Bazaar and the model was wearing Dior haute-couture dresses, designed by Christian Dior's new assistant, Yves Saint Laurent. The photoshoot set the path for a shift in the way of portraying commercial fashion photography towards art. Dorothy Virginia Margaret Juba, widely known as Dovima (a nickname that she came up with herself, combining her three names), was one of the most iconic models of the fifties. She had a mysterious air and an elegance that complimented couture in the most beautiful way. Richard Avedon characterized her as the most "remarkable and unconventional beauty of her time". Soon after she got discovered, in the sidewalk beside the Vogue offices in New York, she became one of the most famous models in the world. Her career skyrocketed until she decided to end her career at the very young age of 35 years old, since as she declared, she "didn't want to wait until the camera became cruel". On the other hand, Richard Avedon needs no introduction. In his sixty-year career, the American photographer established himself as one of the most famous photographers of his time. He combined reportage with fashion photography. His portraits were remarkable and wrote history. His talent in capturing motion and producing the most amazing static, yet moving portraits was unparalleled. Dovima and Avedon had worked together in many occasions, in various fashion projects and the model was very enthusiastic about the photographer. Referring to her collaboration with Avedon once, she said: “We became like mental Siamese twins, with me knowing what he wanted before he explained it. He asked me to do extraordinary things, but I always knew I was going to be part of a great picture.” This remarkable photoshoot is the perfect proof of her words. In 1955, when both Dovima and Richard Avedon were prominent in their respective fields, they created this iconic editorial for the September issue of Harper's Bazaar, in the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris. Dovima was dressed in elegant black and white gowns, the first designs of Christian Dior's new assistant, Yves Saint Laurent. The result of the photoshoot was iconic. Dovima With Elephants is one of the most famous fashion photographs of all time. The photo has been included in the catalog of the 100 most influential pictures of the century. The influence of the photo refers not only to the image, but also reflects its creators, the two people that produced this iconic result. It captures one of the last moments in history when haute couture was closed and accessed only by the elite. And Dovima was one of the last models that portrayed this sophisticated and unattainable beauty. After the 1950s, models began to gravitate toward girl-next-door looks, helping turn high fashion into entertainment. Richard Avedon's vision was to showcase models not as mannequins, but as the people who bring the clothes to life. This all was achieved by bringing art into the equation. So Avedon, took the model out of the studio, and put her out in the world. In this photoshoot the juxtaposition between the grand spectacle of the circus, with the two huge elephants, portraying strength and nature, against the elegance and delicacy of the beautiful model in a couture gown, is the perfect portrayal of this new vision. In this way, movement is being introduced to the photo, a medium that is clasically characterized by stillness. In this way, by taking the models out of the studio and showcasing the clothes against inspiring real backdrops, contributed in a turn of commercial fashion photography into art. This is how Dovima With Elephants captures a turning point in our broader culture: the last old-style model, setting fashion off on its new path. Cherry Blossom in Paris

The Maison Christian Dior private apartment in Place Vendôme is our ultimate Parisian interior design inspiration, featuring iconic works of art curated with the characteristic elegance that defines the House of Dior! photo credit: @parisinfourmonths The light that enters from the grand windows compliments in the best way the interior, that features the high end furniture in the characteristic Dior Gray, that even though cool, still feels warm and inviting. photo credit: mojeh.com In the back wall of the dining room we recognize the iconic Dovina with Elephants frame, part of the emblematic photoshoot by Richard Avedon for Harpers' Bazaar, dating back to 1955 to the Yves Saint Laurent era. You can read more about the historic photoshoot here. The living room is furnished with designer creations, among which, the Warren Platner seats, the coffee table by Vicenzo de Cotiis, and the chandelier by Studio Drift. In the interior we also spot a famous moment from the Dior History. This iconic photo features the iconic 'Aventure' two-piece design from the 1948 Haute Couture collection, designed by the man who knew so well how to define the height of femininity, Christian Dior himself. In the photo, Sacha Pivovarova is captured wearing the iconic outfit by Patrick Demarchelier. The dining room gains personality with Mirror DC 1801 from Vincenzo de Cotiis and the classics dining chairs from Pierre Jeanneret. The art de la table manifests a celebration of the French art de vivre. The table is set with gorgeous Dior Maison tableware. The luxurious Baccarat crystal glasses and candle holders, complete the image, whereas the pink flower centerpieces compliment the setting in the most wonderful way. photo credit: @baccarat instagram account Here are 5 interesting facts about the Maison Christian Dior Apartment. 1. The Maison Christian Dior Apartment is a private space, reserved for special guests, and it is unfortunately not open to the public. 2. The Apartment has been created in honor of the Dior perfume line. 3. The Apartment is situated above the Dior Jewelry store in Place Vendôme, with balconies overlooking the most iconic square of Paris, next to the very famous Ritz Hotel. 4. The history of the Fashion House is present everywhere in the Apartment. In the walls are integrated some of the most iconic moments of Dior History, like a frame of the emblematic Dovina with Elephants photoshoot of Richard Avedon dating back to the Yves Saint Laurent era and the memorable capture of the Sasha Pivovarova in a piece designed by Christian Dior in 1948, captured by Patrick Demarchelier. 5. The Apartment features works of art of eminent contemporary artists, like an installation of the French artist Mathias Kiss. We leave you with a wonderful video of the space. Video credit: Christian Dior official Youtube Channel Cherry Blossom In Paris