Strolling the Streets of Paris is HAUTE!

It’s always fun to stroll through the streets of Paris and discover life in the moment. I spent some time near the glass pyramids of The Louvre Museum finding inspiration in the people and places that I encountered. The gardens allow quiet moments of reflection that only Paris can inspire.

Fashion, beauty and travel go hand in hand… I even brought along my Sholdit, a scarf turned clutch wrap with a secret zip compartment. On this occasion, it was a fashion statement to match my dress with colors of pink that pop.

Come along with me as you browse the photos below… Xx

Haute Spot in London: Bvlgari Hotel & Residences

If you're in London and you want to check out one of my new haute spots head to Bvlagri London Hotel and Residences. It's a 5-star boutique hotel in the Knightsbridge shopping area with lots to see and do. 

Jetting in for lunch and Champagne is always the perfect escape for a Haute Travels girl. It's also a favorite among royal families and VIPs. You never know who you're rubbing shoulders with at this luxury property.

And don't forget evening cocktails at the bar, after all that's where socialites and models like to hang out in London. It's the perfect place to indulge.

Beauty Haute Spot: Saint James Paris’ Spa by Gemology

The Saint James Paris is a sight to behold. The former chateau turned hotel and spa with private membership was the site of the first hot air balloon launch in Paris, France. As a recent guest at the

Spa by Gemology, reportedly the first mineral spa, I couldn’t help but marvel at the spectacular interior design and cozy comfort of the property. The “pop art splendor” of the Napoleon III style décor complete with a massive 14-meter high crystal chandelier in the lobby surrounded by red hues adds a bit of haute-ness. 

This chateau-hotel, home to the private Saint James Club for wealthy residents, offers amazing spa treatments featuring “beauty from precious trace elements.” I was given the 75-minute Saint James Gemology Massage for face and body using rose quartz, agate and moonstone to sooth tired muscles. The rose quartz is believed by some to offer balance and rejuvenation. It’s also said to produce constant energy. It’s the stone of unconditional love and infinite peace designed to remove blockages from the heart bringing healing to the one who comes in contact with it. 

Relaxing spa music and strategically designed massage strokes and technique with polished stones helped make my time at Le Saint James Paris enjoyable and unforgettable. Once my treatment had come to an end, I was off to the beautiful gardens for refreshments while talking beauty with a makeup artist friend surrounded by hot air balloons! 

Haute Travels Tip:   The area around The Saint James Paris 

This chic and unique location, in the exclusive 16^thdistrict, is just steps away from the luxury boutiques of Victor Hugo. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Museum of Modern Art are also close by offering so much more to see and do. 

Haute Beauty Talk in Paris

My celebrity makeup artist friend Catherine Maquilleuse is always in the know about beauty and fashion. When we met in Paris at the private membership-only Saint James Paris, we spent the afternoon in the gardens surrounded by hot air balloons. The haute spot is after-all the site of the first hot air balloon launch. I couldn't think of a better place to talk about art, creativity and makeup!

Haute Beauty tips from Paris for the Girl on the Go:

Moisturize Daily
Use a Concealer to Hide Flaws
Use Lip Color that Pops 
Use a Great Mascara for Lashes to Die For
Keep Hair Simple

Cheap Cell Phones

Cheap cell phones have hit the market at a time when the buying power of the people has been limited due to the effects of recession. This has led to more and more people buying these low priced cell phones as affording cell phones from manufacturers such as Nokia, Samsung is not possible. This has led to widespread demand in the market for these cheap cell phones. The demand is so much that the current dealers are not able to meet the demand. However, there is another reason for the rise in demand for these types of cell phones. The reason is that these cell phones offer much more features than those offered by phones manufactured by multinationals. This means that for the same amount of money you could get a phone that has more features and is more stylish than other phones. This can be illustrated by the fact that for a hundred dollars you could get a Chinese wholesale cell phones having a built in camera, a flash, a music player, a touch screen, WiFi support, GPS whereas for the same amount of money you only get a base level model from Nokia. This has led to an enormous jump in the demand for cheap cell phones.

This is where one should think of starting a Chinese phone wholesale business and making a large profit from this enormously large industry. The idea of becoming a wholesaler of China cell phones is profitable because the demand for these phones is on the rise. Also on large consignments and big orders the manufacturers of these phones provide incentives to the dealers in the form of discounts which can further lead to increase in profit. Another reason that is favourable for wholesalers of these phones is that the companies manufacturing these phones favour youngsters and quickly adapt and redesign their products to their needs and since youngsters make a large percentage of cell phone buyers in the world the demand for these kinds of cell phones is not going to die in the future.

Behind the Scenes of My Haute Photo Shoot in Paris!

Paris is definitely the place for inspiration and fashionable creativity. It's also the place for an amazing photo shoot with the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Paris' $30,000 a night suite highlighting the best landmarks of Paris in the distance... and Cafe Marly to add extra hauteness to the equation. 

My French Fashion Photographer Stephane Mounet is absolutely amazing; and my dear friend Fashion Designer Kate Mack made it all come alive!

Chanel-Inspired Street Pics in Paris!

The original Chanel boutique on Rue Cambon in Paris is a must-visit for the girls who love all things CoCo! While in Paris, my hotel was right next door and that made it all the more inviting to stop into the boutique to browse the collection. Once I hit the street out front; I was inspire to get some photos wearing a scarf dress that I found in a boutique in Atlanta, while carrying my favorite Chanel tote and wearing the Chanel J12! 

A Little Blue Dress in Paris!

When it comes to travel, I always op for colors that pop! I'm trying hard to stay away from black so much, therefore, when I add color; I add something HAUTE! I found this little blue dress and wore it to dinner, while jetting from one place to another in Paris. It's stretchy fabric makes it easy to pack... and pull out when I need something that doesn't require ironing or steaming.

Haute Spot in Paris: Le Bristol's 114 Faubourg

 Hotel Le Bristol receives its fourth Michelin star; I was invited in to celebrate in Paris! 114 Faubourg is one of the most exceptional restaurants in the city of light. Some are calling it the temple of Parisian gastronomy because of its trio of outstanding chefs… Chef Eric Desbordes, mentored by Eric Frechon, Hotel Le Bristol’s Chef des Cuisines and Laurent Jeannin the hotel’s Pastry Chef.

Hotel Le Bristol, set in an 18th Century-style palace with paintings from the old masters along the fashionable rue du Saint Faubourg Honore, offers a restaurant with a contemporary take on French cuisine in an atmosphere of hauteness.

While in Paris, I was invited in to sample some of their most popular selections. My friend Catherine came along as my guest to share in the celebration. It was truly a delightful experience.

Here’s my menu selection:

Champagne Deutz

Evian

Starters

Lobster from Brittany, Green Beans Salad with Raspberry Seasoning (36 €)

Main Course

Mature Beef Ribeye with potatoes (130 €)

Dessert

Profiteroles with Coconut Ice Cream and Caribbean Chocolate Sauce (19 €)

After Dinner

Herbal Tea (5 €)

Haute Beauty Tip: drybar Blowouts

When you're on the go but need a quick blowout, drybar in Atlanta maybe the answer. I was invited to try the services and I have to tell you, I really like some of their products like the Hot Toddy and Treatment Oil. 

It's really simple, shampoo, condition, blowout and style! No color, cuts or anything else. It's as simple as that for just $35! My blowout wasn't spectacular but it did the job. If you're in a pinch and need a cost-effective way to get your hair done, try a drybar near you.

The salon is also really cute. I love the white decor with yellow accents and vintage glam design.

Hidden Haute Spot in Paris: Castille Paris Hotel

This romantic boutique hotel is one of the haute spots for Chanel’s corporate movers and shakers. Tucked away on Chanel’s legendary street, Rue Cambon, Castille Paris is where French and Italian style merge for the ultimate luxurious escape.

This peaceful 5-Star hotel, located in the first Arrondissement, is close to many local attractions such as the Louvre, the Opera Garnier and Place Vendome. This 18th Century residence features an amazing collection of art and antiques offering 108 rooms and suites that are fabulous and chic. The Rivoli Wing is a tribute to Coco Chanel, who started her fashion empire right next door! I really liked the black and white with beige palettes complimented by Robert Doisneau's stunning black and white photography of Paris in the 1930's.

My favorite suite is the duplex perfectly complementing French design and architecture. I love it because the floor plans offered bi-level duplex layouts or single level. The suites also offer lots of lighting, mirrors, velvet furniture, Calacatta marble baths and space for a Haute Travels girl's needs. I even loved the Etro Italian beauty and bath products sitting on my vanity. But my favorite part of the suite, the famous goose down Starbed a feature at Starhotel properties plus complimentary WIFI.

Here’s a look inside my suite at Castille Paris... 

And now here's a look at the two story duplex suite...