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... 

RED Haute in Paris!

I was among the first to discover the new Buddha Bar Hotel in Paris... where Asian fusion design meets Paris chic.

Check out my red haute hues while exploring my creative side in the newly opened hotel. The atmosphere was just perfect for a Haute Travels experience.

Haute UV Eye Protection Tips for Travel!

Most people understand that ultra violet protection is key when it comes to keeping our skin free of harmful UV rays but few realize it's just as important to protect the eyes. In fact, a reported 40% of adults in the USA fail to wear sun protection outdoors. But just as alarming about half of parents fail to protect their children's eyes with sunglasses or some other type of protection according to a recent report by The Vision Council. 

As a frequent Haute Travels girl, I live for a great pair of sunglasses. In fact, I don't travel without them. It's part of my UV eye protection habit along with fashion inspiration!

I was selected by The Vision Council, a nonprofit organization, to help spread the word among my readers, while being compensated for my efforts. I am happy to promote eye safety. Proper eye protection is key to good vision health.

UV exposure can cause unprotected eyes serious "problematic" vision issues. No matter where you are Paris, South Africa or the Caribbean, sunglasses and protective eye wear can prevent issues before they start or mitigate future eye damage for adults and children. 

Here are tips to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays even on a cloudy day:

-Apply sunscreen to skin around the eyes
-Wear sunglasses or protective eye wear with a UV protective lens (UV protection will be indicated by a label on the lens or a sticker on the sunglass frame)
-Stay in the shade; limit direct sun exposure
-Wear a hat

Do you think about the sun's UV intensity when packing for a trip? Be sure to pack wisely with appropriate sun protection for your eyes as well as your skin and hair!

To learn more and find out how to protect your vision click here to download The Vision's Council's report... http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/consumers//media/PDFs/VCUVReport2013FINAL.PDF