Vive en France

This summer is all about being effortlessly elegant. Ruffles, lace, floral, sorbet colors and neutral tones are all flocking the runways for this upcoming season. One of the things I loved most about the pieces I picked to put together a Parisienne theme was that despite the unique beauty of each piece, they could all be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Each piece makes its own individual statement, but can still be paired with at least one item from below to put together a truly classic outfit.

I thought this was very chic and would look lovely paired with dark jeans and a big bow headband or a large, floppy black hat

I admired the knitting in this sweater and thought it would be the perfect thing to throw on over the dress below for those breezy summer nights when your eating dinner outside.

This bag may just be my new favorite evening bag. While the bow, (which you can't see too well in the picture), is simple, it adds a perfect finishing touch to the bag. This can also be worn year around if paired with the proper outfit.

This lady-like floral theme is elegant, but not stuffy. I also thought the detail in the center of the dress added an interesting touch.

Another classic basket bag that I talked about the other day. The black and white weave with the gold chain channeled a Chanel bag to me.

This is the jacket that I pictured to go with the above bag. The subtle ruffles compliment the basket weave in the bag above.

As soon as I saw this shirt, I pictured pearls, big curls in my hair and a a structured bottom to separate the look from the loose feel of the top.

These shorts are structured and looked pulled together. I thought they would look cute with flats or pumps. The shirt above it with the roses, and the straw bag below would also make a lovely outfit together if paired with these shorts.

This bag is one of my favorites out of the mix. The neutral tones of the ribbons leave this bag open to be paired with almost any outfit. Its wonderful shape and perfect size also leave it open to be used as a day or casual evening bag.

(I decided not to put the pieces in any particular order, as I didn't want to create specific "looks" but rather allow you to see how the pieces can be worn together or separately.)

Mad Mac

It was hard to wake up on this dreary, gray morning and picture myself in my Easter dress in less than two weeks. With almost no motivation to even go run (I did anyway), or do anything worthwhile at all, I had an urge to bake. Well, my 3rd floor lounge kitchen wasn't quite going to cut it, and I have nothing to bake with anyway, so that probably wasn't the best idea.

However, when I got the following e-mail from my mom I finally began to perk up. It read, "I'm going to order these to arrive for when your home for Easter break," and had an attached link. Curiously, I clicked the link to be brought to a picture of a decadent looking macaron.

Everyone knows that macarons are quickly becoming the new cookie. However, it seems only a matter of time until the once delicate, airy French treat becomes a mass-produced and tired fad. At least that is what real macaron lovers fear. Recently, McDonalds started selling macarons as a dessert to customers. Yes, I'm talking about the same McDonalds that also sells McFlurries. Well, they are now providing french pastries. Some may look at this as McDonalds attempting to go "upscale," but others (like myself), see it as the sad downfall of a posh dessert.

With companies such as Mad Mac attempting to keep macarons the lovely French classic that they really are, there may not be too much to worry about. I'm so excited for the macarons to arrive when I'm home, and I'll be eager to try the different types. The classic tray of 12, (starting at $18), holds 4 different flavors including lemon, chocolate, pistachio and raspberry.

http://www.madmacnyc.com/macarons

Add a little touch of French to your Easter Sunday with some macarons. I know I'll be displaying mine of some pretty Shelley or Wedgewood to add an elegant tea party feel.