Have you seen the trailer for The September Issue yet? The Devil Wears Prada is my guilty pleasure film. I stop everything to watch it when it comes on TV (every day pretty much), even though I've seen it a trillion times and every time I watch it I have to stop my hands from clawing at the screen to rip the eyebrows off of Simon Baker (what god awful make up artist did that to him?). So I guess I'm kinda excited about this one.
Also, since we Texans are completely worthless in the eyes of H&M and TopShop, we'll have to settle for the Go International clothing lines at Target, which, lately, have been really ugly. And sad. But Anna Sui's new collection due out in September makes me feel a little less mad about our shopping ghost town. You may have heard of this blog called Sea of Shoes. The 17-year-old, Texas-based blogger, who has been touted by Teen Vogue and Kayne West, has also designed a shoe line for Urban Outfitters. And what did you do this week? I know, me too.
Another blogger making big in the local fashion world is Tolly, of Austin Eavesdropper, who will be co-sponsoring her first event this Sunday.
(rue deFaubourg Saint Antoine, the street our hotel is off of)
So. Paris. Hotel's booked. Flight purchased. Good to go.
Like I said earlier, I've been adamantly researching. I've even stalked the area around our hotel virtually via Street View in Google Maps (which is extremely geeky, I know, ok). But just in case you yourself are planning on heading that way in the near future, I've found some helpful websites listing the places locals are actually hanging out at and not avoiding on account of people like us (yet). The issue I ran into while compiling my Google Map of restaurants and bars I wanted to visit while there (yeah, I made a map) is finding the places, like Shangri La and the bar at the San Jose Hotel here, that are good for people watching and are negative in the tool department.
1. Black Book Magazine actually makes travel guides. Who knew. They don't have one for any locations outside of the States yet, but their website does have a bulky number of global cities with snarky descriptions of their wares. Newly opened restaurants and bars pop up weekly, which is great because then you're 'in the know' when you arrive. Unless they are just fucking with us, and the suggestions are actually EuroTrash central.
2. Go Go Paris is great for finding out what's going on at the local galleries, as well as what touring bands are playing (although that list doesn't seem to get updated very often). The site also lists sales at shops like Colette as well as the occasional restaurant review.
3. Let's Go: Paris. For a typical travel guide, Let's Go is my favorite. They give honest and detailed advice on when to visit certain tourist hot spots to avoid the crowds. They even tell you which places to avoid at night to avoid an Irreversible kind of horror (guess the paranoia is still there).
Because my 2004 digital camera is a disgustingly low 2.3 megapixel, I've also found an amazingly cheap and well-rated Canon Powershot to take along with me. And it's purple, ma couleurpréférée.
I guess it's fairly obvious that my head hasn't been in the Trash Can for a while. I've actually been counting and recounting in my head the amount of money I need to save for my upcoming trip to Paris this fall. On top of dreaming in numbers, I've been combing the internet for hotels and art exhibits and vintage clothing stores and every place I can think of that I would want to visit while in my 8 day stay in the city. On top of that, I've purchased a bargain bin French lesson kit to brush up on my 6 + years of underemployed French classes.
(A fake beach was set up along the Seine b/c of the heat)
The first time I visited Paris was during the hottest summer on record which killed thousands of people through out Europe, especially in France. At that time I, then 20, was in charge of travelling with my then 17 year old sister and her best friend. Not only was I extremely afraid to take them any where pervy french men might try to slip drugs into their drinks (extremely paranoid back then, ok), it was also 104 plus degrees during the day, and close to 90 degrees at our hotel at night, which, by the way, had no air conditioning. We slept with wet towels draped across our bodies and spent hours in the Louvre in McDonalds just to cool off. Well, you are from Texas aren't you, you might ask. Yes, but try walking around in our heat for hours, then going back to your home which has no fan or AC. You would be crying in a bathtub filled with cold water too! (This was also a vacation in Europe, not a stead in Tunisia, so spare me the scuffaws).
This time, I want to do it right. So me and my best, who has also been to Paris once before, are going to skip all the Frommer's traps and make an experience of our trip. That means plunging into the local nightlife, getting drunk on cognac, spending all hours of the day exploring, gawking at the former residences of Henry Miller, Natalie Barney and Benjamin Franklin, seeing the a show at the Opera Bastille, visiting the Marquis de Sade's kiddie magic museum and paying for a live sex show. Ok, maybe not that last bit. I don't want a David Carradine fiasco on my hands.
(Infamous mirror at Jeanne d'Arc)
Although our initial hotel in Paris didn't have a much needed cooling mechanism, I was hoping to stay there again. The hotel, Hotel Jeanne d'Arc, is perfectly situated in the Marais, close to pretty much everything. And the rooms are somewhere around 100 Euros a night. But of course, that place fills up almost a year in advance. So after rummaging through Trip Advisor, I came to a panic-inducing dilemma. Do I stay on the Left Bank in the throws of tourist hell? If so, the Hotel du College de France was very tempting. I hope to spend days plotting out the spots inhabited by my literary idols (I know, clicheeeeee). Or do I stay in a swankier budget boutique hotel close to the bars and cafes frequented by 20-something locals. Even though the Left Bank is beautiful, my thinking was mingle with the locals, so I decided on the newish Le Quartier Bastille, Le Faubourg.
Looks expensive right? But no! We are paying only 116 Euros per night. Although it's a few metro stops away from the city center. It has air conditioning (there may be a freak heat wave in September, ya never know). It doesn't have the dingy bedding and rotting wall paper that I was hoping to find, but sometimes you just have to admit that deep down you're not bohemian, and doucheyswanksville is just more fabulous.
If anyone has any suggestions at all regarding where to eat, drink, pass out, shop, please feel free to share.
From the press release: Beginning Monday June 1st, The New Movement is joining forces with local comedy blog Last Gas Comedy, Los Angeles sketch group Studio8.net, and music booking company Transmission Entertainment to present a unique comedy show. "Off Night On" is a show featuring true stories from the best local improv, stand-up and sketch comedians based off a given theme. The first month's theme is "The Worst Thing I've Ever Done." The show is at 9:00p and completely free.
Back in the summer of 2006 I met a boy named YvanRodic through the online fashion bible, thefashionspot.com. I enthusiastically re-posted his street fashion photos on the Paris Street Style thread, unknowingly promoting his website in the process, and he charmingly thanked me for doing so. Then we became what I guess you could call email pen pals.
At the time I was trying to kick up hobby freelance gigs by pitching interviews to online magazine ATX Magazine. His three-month old blog The Face Hunter was already gaining in popularity, being featured in Elle France and other European publications. Though he was getting more lucrative coverage elsewhere, he very kindly agreed to do a small interview for me. The week I turned in the interview, ATX Magazine announced that they were fading out, thus Yvan's interview wouldn't be published, as I promised him.
I stumbled upon the interview a few days ago, and though my blog isn't Vogue or even a reputable Austin publication, I thought I would post it, so at least some people can get a look at his insight before he became as famous, and arguably as culturally significant, as he's become. I mean, the guy travels the world on other people's dime and will soon be releasing a book!
Also, watching his latest video from The Face Hunter Show, it's interesting to see the locusts that swarm fashion shows with cameras to capture photos of show goers for their blogs. Even Street Style blogs have lured the Get-Famous-Fast internet roisterers.
Here is the short but observant interview we did in June of 2006 (Thanks again ever so much Yvan):
How long have you had your blog, The Face Hunter? What is it about?
I began my blog in February this year. My initial idea for the project was to collect the faces of people who catch my eye when I am out at parties, on the street, etc. At the beginning of the project I concentrated mainly on interesting faces. However, since April I've become more interested by a global style. While it is usually someone's outfit that piques my attention, I also consider a haircut or attitude to be stylish as well. What I love most is the idea of sharing different ideas and manifestations of style.
In your opinion, what is it about street style that is so desirable?
There are a number of things. The first is that people are more fascinated by real people, as we can see by the popularity of reality TV. People just want to know more about someone else's life. The second is that the masses are increasingly looking for exclusivity. It's called massclusivity. People are bored with gurus; they prefer to investigate things themselves to find the more exclusive information. This is particularly true about clothing. They become their own curators of their look.
Recently, you visited London. What are the differences between Parisian and London style?
It's not a cliché; in London you find more diversity and more creativity everywhere. In Paris the ultimate obsession in fashion is not to innovate at all costs, it's more about looking subtly elegant and reaching a harmonious blend. I think, in France, women are more gifted at managing their outfits than the men. Most of the men have an average look, without any real style.
In England you'll find more men experimenting with their appearance.
What trend would you absolutely never catch a Parisian in?
Eccentricity and flashiness are definitely not French. When I face hunt people with an eccentric style, they are always from abroad. But stop dreaming - everyday I meet so many badly dressed people, from people riding the metro to those at hip parties. There's probably in general a good fashion sense in France, but also so many horrors.
(Photo by Sandra Hansson via Myspace)
What is the most original look or trend you've seen?
Perhaps a woman I've seen at an opening in Paris, she was talking with Marc Jacobs. Her outfit was very well put together: there was something so retro-futuristic about her gloves and her hair was really punk, her whole aura resembled Alice in Wonderland.
Your blog has been noted in magazines such as Elle France. Have there been any benefits that come from having a recognized blog?
My media exposure has actually just begun. In addition to Elle France, Elle Italia and a Swiss Television program will be featuring my work. What will come out that? I don't know exactly. My blog is a laboratory and anything is possible. Also, I've been approached by a few publications for eventual collaborations, so we'll see.
I'm about to unleash an blogload of lazy on you. I'm taking a bit of a Internet vacation. BUT, I have found some interesting tidbits I thought I'd share.
Clueless sequel? Yes, please. Hopefully this one will be based on Sense and Sensibility.
There is a Dazed and Confused sequel being filmed in town as I type this (supposedly). I think Mr. Linklater is a pro at sequels (Before Sunset anyone?), so I think this film will most likely stand on its own.
I'm sure everyone has heard by now that they are remaking Drop Dead Fred with Russell Brand (eeck). First of all, it's too soon. And secondly, what's wrong with the original?
And maybe this is more 80's news, but Benicio Del Toro will possibly star in a movie version of Brett Easton Ellis' semi-autobiographical book Lunar Park.
That's right, gather 'round the door at Elysium this evening to join other sad-eyed, aloof body shakers in a foggy jet traveling back in time to the best British rock bands of the last forty years, powered only by the lugubrious vocals of a downcast pilot named Morrissey. It's a lot more fun than it sounds, believe me. And all for $3.
I haven't waddled down South Congress since my epic journey north. Back then, El Sol y La Luna was still holding on. And parking was still free. And restaurants were either over-hyped, over-priced or both. But all it ever takes for me to overlook one's flaws is to offer me something new and not even necessarily exciting.Photo of a Mighty Cone offering from David P on Yelp
As I was groggily running errands in the area this week, I noticed not two, but three more trailers had set up shop on the dusty church lot. I was familiar with Hey Cupcake! and the Mighty Cone, but I must have missed the press release notifying the greedily hungry about the opening of a Roppolo's Pizza trailer, a crepe/panini trailer and....a popcorn trailer? I was confused because I thought I had read somewhere that the church parking lot, which had served as a bathroom to some and car hotel to others, would soon be paved over for a boutique hotel.Photo from All Things Austin Design It occurred to me that maybe we will soon be getting our own version of Portland's infamous food cart cities. Oh the possibilities...Thai! Moroccan! Red Neck! Either way, the Parisian circus vibe of Chic Crepe and Paninihas me willing to pay for parking and $10 for anything on their menu. Photo from Amanda D on Yelp. The easygoing aura of the trend has seduced many like Austin Eavesdropper's Tolly, who has contemplates opening one herself.
Also, here's an interesting article shedding some light on the recent rise of local street cart options.
After my move a few months ago, I've been enjoying the plethora of restaurants in the North Central area. But one of the things me and my roomie miss is Home Slice. I have to admit, I don't think the Slice is better than any other pizza joint in town, but it's a fun place to people watch and waste three hours or so on a weekend. But my roommate thinks the place is God's gift to pizza. The world over. So a few months ago I noticed this giant sign down the road from us. After waiting three months, House Pizzeria finally opened with little fanfare. But I was determined to check it out, despite the consistently empty parking lot.
First thing, you order at the register. Currently they only have eight different pizzas to choose from. They've got the classics like Margherita and Pepperoni. And then there's savory options like Potato and Goat Cheese (Rosemary roasted potatoes, fresh mozzarella and goat cheese) and Blue Cheese (Fresh Mozzarella, Stilton blue cheese and port reduction). All the pizzas are 12 inches (always six slices according to their menu), perfect for two to three people.
We ordered the pepperoni, and I was happy to see that they didn't skimp on the cheese like some restaurants who seem to weave their cheeses into a thin, flat sheet and glue it to the crust with tomato sauce. Their pizzas are cooked in a wood burning oven. Apparently their crust, which is the perfect consistency, is sourdough. All in all, the pizza was fantastic.They even offer a few wines, several local beers on tap as well as cain sugar sodas which are obviously a little more pricey. Though the decor isn't as quirky as Home Slice, it's modern and simple and they even have a covered outdoor patio.
My only complaint, as noted by one Yelper, is that they really should offer some appetizers. Especially with the pizzas coming in only one size. If you're with an odd number of people, some garlic rolls (please!) would be nice.
So if you're in the area, stop by and give this place some business. It will be worth your depreciating dollar, I promise.
UPDATE: Apparently House Pizzeria hasn't had their 'grand opening' yet, so the menu is part of their soft opening. The official menu will include sandwiches, more pizza options and appetizers. Not sure when the official opening will be, but they are already experiencing more business than before. Looks like Home Slice may have some North Side competition.
I get it. It's not cool to like Lily Allen. The girl is a mess. But I don't care. When I first heard "Not Fair" my jaw dropped. I mean, yes, there are some ladies out there that sing about needing lots of cunnilingus and to get pounded on satin sheets (Peaches, Lil' Kim, uh...Xtina). But their sexual wishes are always vulgar for vulgar's sake - my *****'s hungry , get down there and feed it bitch - kind of attitude. Hmmmm. I'm not sure if a lot of girls feel that way. But it's fun to dance to!
Then, along comes Ms. Allen saying what we've all experienced at one time or another. An ok guy who's terrible in the sack. And doesn't really care that his short comings are a disappointment. And she sings it all with a strawberry-frosted twinkle in her eye and a Lolita-esque pout, "I think you're really mean." Maybe I'm ignorant, but I have never heard a song that puts in to words something that, sorry boys, yes, girls talk about. A lot. But that 'society' likes to pretend we ignore. Because girls are nice and accommodating and we just fake our way through it anyway.
smoking on a cigarette In my life a real queen prettiest thing I ever seen" - Iggy Pop
Older folks like to say that the kids today are 'growing up too fast,' but I'm fairly certain many of the tweenage girls today aren't shacking up with prostitutes during the week and throwing parties for the latest rock sensation from England on the weekends. They are clearly waiting till they're 21 to do shots from each others yay yays for Bret Michaes on TV.
The first time I read about Sable Starr, or even saw her picture, was when I picked up a copy of a bright orange, unassuming paperback book from Barnes and Noble one weekend during Junior High. There I was, 14 - and I knew about sex, drugs and the Ramones - but I didn't know about guys jacking off on while sitting on each others faces, or mixing heroin with vomit water from a club toilet, or groupies being the social organizers, drug dealers and welcoming committees for bands big and up-and-coming. And somewhere between all that, punk rock happened. In the midst of glam rock and Iggy Pop, Sable Starr and her platform wearing brethren emerged in Los Angeles. Probably best known for being the girlfriend of Johnny Thunders, Ms. Starr frequented Sunset staples Rodney Bingenheimer English Disco and the Whisky A Gogo. She roomed with Nancy Spungen and seduced Marc Bolan. After sharing her glitter with everyone in the emerging punk scene, she retired in her early 20's.
She later became a dealer at a Nevada casino, where she passed away from cancer at 51 last Friday. Possibly learning from Betty Page, she aged in anonymity only to be remembered as the pretty kinky blond like the one in this New York Dolls video.
For further reading about the habitat of the now extinct groupie species, I suggest:
