I spy with my little eye... 1920's Illustrations at the Petit Trianon.

Just walking in Paris... I love passing by and stopping at the Petit Trianon in the 18th arrondissement in Montmartre. That place was created in 1895 and has hosted hundred of shows and artists. It's one of the  iconic places in the area and I love the fact that they were able to keep that Belle Epoque vibe. The concert room is amazing, looks like a 19th century theatre, and the Cafe they just reopened has that "poudre" vibe, all very subtle. If you are in the area, it's a spot not to be missed. 

Le Petit Trianon

80 bd de Rochechouart - 75018 Paris
Tél. 01 44 92 78 00

For more information, click here.

I spy with my little eye... the Petit Bateau and Carven Collection.

The great thing about Paris is that Style is all around. I love walking, I miss it a lot in Dubai, so since I landed in Paris, I've been walking everyday visiting the 16th arrondissement, and Montmartre mostly, finishing my Christmas Shopping and updating my mental Winter mood board. On one of those walks, I came across the Petit Bateau/Carven collection. I do love both brands so I was very curious to see what their collaboration would be like. Well, from far away, it is very cute, but I was disappointed by the quality of the fabric. The style is adorable but the cuts are a tiny bit too slim-fitted and the dress fabric has some kind of thick quilting that doesn't look confortable. I think this collection is a great idea but the quality could have been better.

I spy with my little eye... a Sunday Morning at the Market.

It's kind of a tradition in France to go to the weekly market for grocery shopping. Fresh vegetables and flowers, colours everywhere, fruits, baguette... and a good morning walk, everything you need for a healthy jolly week-end! When it comes to my family, the Sunday shopping is usually made of oysters, shrimps, variety of seashells, flowers, and pastries! Happy Sunday everybody!

I spy with my little eye.... Rain in Paris.

Bonjour rainy Paris! It's grey and rainy, I am officially in Paris and so happy I found my wellies somewhere in my boxes. Hello Europe!

I spy with my little eye... vintage Greetings!

'Tis the season to be jolly... and fly to Paris! Tomorrow morning I will be having croissants for breakfast, Merry Christmas everybody!

I spy with my little eye... a Christmas gift tip.

For those who are running late or just out of ideas, here is a good website: Little Majlis. Basically, it's like the  UAE Etsy, and if you are a thriftshopper like I am, you know that Etsy is full of treasures. While Little Majlis doesn't have the vintage vibe yet, it is a kind of platform where you can buy crafts products, home made goodies and original presents. You can find furniture, designs, clothes, items for the bath, edibles... kind of an online colourful Ali Baba's cave. Have fun exploring!

To get on the website, click here.

I spy with my little eye... a lovely Garden Party.

A big Merci to the Stella Mc Cartney team for hosting such a lovely Garden Party! The weather was perfect, the setting and view of the Burj Al Arab was amazing. The ambiance was festive and jolly, lots and lots of drinks, Duck fishing, Pop Corn, Flowers, a very good band... and Models of course! The accessories were not for me but the Spring 13 collection is gorgeous: very 50's, bright colours, flowers, so light, the ultimate Spring collection. Already looking forward to Spring now, well done Stella!

Duck Fishing is a serious affair...

I spy with my little eye... Stella Mc Cartney's Spring Collection 13.

Very much looking forward to discovering Stella Mc Cartney's Spring collection 13. I am loving the first look already. That flowery pattern is very very HOB friendly! Hopefully see you there my lovelies!

I spy with my little eye... a Purse'n roll collection.

The busy bee that I have been haven't had time to tell you about that great and confidential collection a few bloggers have developed in collaboration with Niesh Boutique. The trendy Mahryska and Ushi, along with Fashlink and Pintsizefashionista have designed purses that are now available at Niesh. As mentioned before, I, personaly have a real problem with purses: if my bag is not physically attached to my body, you can be sure it will be forgotten or lost. That being said, I loved the minimalism and modern vibe these pieces all had. Although I have a personal message for my darling Ushi: only a man could design such a small purse!

So if you are getting serious with your Christmas shopping, have a look at Niesh, you might find something exclusive for someone exclusive.

I spy with my little eye... a busy week!

Sorry for the silence lovelies, I've been busy working on a little make-over for HOB. Thanks to my talented Parisian friend C., HOB now has a new banner and it's very own logo!

Also wanted to share the amazing night I had at the XVA hotel last week for their festive Movie Night. Hot cider and a classic black and white movie in an amazing setting, that was perfect to get into Christmas mood!

I spy with my little eye... a Christmas Movie Night.

If you feel like taking your favourite girl out on a cosy date, head to Bastakiyah tonight to enjoy the XVA Festive Movie Night, they are showing "White Christmas" tonight, the setting will be outside, bean bags,  coffee, mince pies and Christmas carols! It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

To know more about the event, click here.

I spy with my little eye... a Christmas evening!

I love Christmas time! Nibbles, mince pies, hot wine and Secret Santa. A big Merci to M. and J. for organising the sweetest party. We sang, we laughed, we stole each other presents, I finally understood the Pig Christmas Game (it sounds easy, but it's not, it took me at least 3 or 4 explanations to get it and believe me, I was not the only one wondering!), we had some amazing cheese and chocolate cake. Some fell asleep, some were desperately trying to focus after a jolly good party the day before, some were ready to party and happy to share their enthusiasm... a little expat family gathering!

I spy with my little eye... a Parisian Christmas Tree.

Yes, my Christmas Tree has an Eiffel Tower, thanks to my darling Friend M. who decided that my little flat was not Parisian enough! I love it. It finally feels like Christmas!

I spy with my little eye... a sunny Christmas Market!

Yesterday I went to the DUCTAC Christmas Market. Given the fact that I spent most of my Christmas in the sun, in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Egypt or Australia, this kind of hot Christmas Shopping feels like home to me, and it was the perfect place to catch up with a good friend while enjoying a Jones The Grocer Coffee and pastry! Bits and Bobs from that cute sunny little market...

I spy with my little eye... a Christmas Market.

If you are looking for gifts on that sunny Saturday, go and have a look at the "Things we like" DUCTAC market at the mall of emirates. "The market has a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, sustainability and charity and Coates has handpicked a number of stall holders, all of whom work in the creative field in Dubai or nearby. ", I haven't been yet but I am sure it is perfect for a December week-end, along with a toffee latte. You will find my favourite vintage sunglasses, SpecsAddicts, but also Chickpea Vintage, My Ex Wardrobe, Steffi Bow, We are here Magazine, The Little Fair Trade Shop etc...

To have a look at all the vendors, click here.

I spy with my little eye... Pierre Herme Macaroons in Dubai!

The quest is finally over! I found them! I found some Pierre Herme Macaroons in Dubai: they are available at the Galeries Lafayette at the Dubai Mall. Welcome back in my life you precious little sweets! I will always be amazed by the colours and the rainbow of tastes Mr Herme mixes together. My favourite flavour? Chocolate/Passion, a classic. Well as classic as Herme gets.

To get to know Pierre Herme better, click here.