tres jolie

when i lived in Paris, i taught English to business men and women. it was rather insane - it allowed me some glimpses into amazing Parisian worlds. one of my students was the head of LVMH - oui cheries, that is Louis Vuitton and its other companies. i had to go to their headquarters to teach him and i was always in awe. (he was a bit hopeless at learning it but he did try) another, i had to go to the home of the students - an elderly couple who lived in the nicest city home i have ever seen. it was a proper mansion, a butler answered the door and a maid served us tea. madame took her class in head to toe Chanel. i loved being there. i don't think the couple learned a thing, aside from "hello". they just wanted someone to talk to.

anyhoo - rather than wander down memory lane, let's get to the point. i had one student, a younger woman, who was beyond fabulous. i was obsessed with her. every class, as she studied away (she was a good student) i studied her. she was a Parisian girl to perfection. i loved everything she wore. i loved how she carried herself, did her hair, her makeup. she was amazing to me.

i'm feeling a bit this way about Marion Cotillard these days. she never totally grabbed me initially - but i am starting to become a bit obsessed. for all the Parisian reasons. case in point, mlle Cotillard at the NYC premiere of "Nine" last night. GORGEOUS. totally understated white gown by Dior. understated, until you begin to look at the stunning detailing. hair down, my favorite thing with an evening gown, playing against the convention of "done" hair. and a little nod to bohemian flair with the simple long necklaces. LOVES it. (i must admit that i would have thrown on a few bracelets... can't help myself...) and the face - just beautiful. made up but not overly so - allowing her beauty to be its own center of attention.

it's true what they say - the French ladies have a certain je ne sais quoi. et voila! this is exactly what they mean.