Midnight in Paris

Good night - it's midnight in Paris!

Woody Allen has always been the perfect match for Jeanie's movie tastes. For me, he hasn't always been spot on. That is, until recently. We watched Midnight in Paris before we left and I suddenly "got it." I've imagined so many of the scenes from the movie in moments this week.

This trip has taken my breath away - care to share some special moments with me?

The girls at a full run approaching the gates of Disneyland Paris.

Can you remember the magic of sheer and utter joy?

True Love! Princes and Princesses have nothing on sisters and cousins.

Their tails are made out of springs!

Bella:  Go ahead, risk it! Ask for his autograph!
Elliot: Please, please Mr. Tigger, will you sign my autograph book?


An excellent life lesson - take risks...but do it politely!

Disneyland Celebrity Sighting!

Palais Royal - Family Sighting!

The girls rested and we were off to Saint Chapelle on Ile de la Cite. Breathtaking, and a terrific spot for an afternoon date with my husband.

Remarkable.

I want a room like this.

So cute in his beret.

Glad I choose boots over heels...

Back to Opera Garnier! Beautiful things are worth a second stop.

The detail is incredible.

Another family sighting! I love these people.

It's a small world after all!

Whether in Paris or Pisa (my last stop before we return to Denver) there is magic all around! It's been delightful sharing my week with you all. What an exquisite life.

xoxo,
Cindy

More from Paris - Guest post from Jocelyn

Today's post is from Jocelyn, the amazing Buyer at SOL. She's been with us on several Paris trips and she not only makes it more fun to be here, she's a whiz at spotting trends so I love to have her around. She's a trooper, too - she's been battling the flu but still managed to smile and take in everything the show and the city has to offer. Enjoy!

xoxo, Cindy

It is wonderful to be back in Paris!

As soon as I get to Paris, I like to make time for a walk. It is the best way to jump right in and get inspired by this magical city. You get to feel the cobblestone under your feet, see the amazing architecture and smell the aromas coming from the bistros. It also helps keep the jet-lag at bay! My walk led me to Galleries Lafayette where they are having their annual sale (Coincidence? I think not!) I headed straight to the third floor to their huge lingerie department and scooped up two bra and panty sets from Antinea, one of my favorites.

The next morning we are off to Salon International de laLingerie. Each time I arrive at SIL, I am struck by how vast it is. Panties as far as the eye can see! There are brands from all over the world represented at this show. It is so inspiring to see what is new and to imagine how it will fit back in to SOL and be just the right thing for each of you. One of the big trends this year for autumn is patterns – from florals to stripes to polka dots and beyond. (You all are good! We've been asking our Facebook followers what they prefer and patterns have been the overall winner!) Another trend that is everywhere is retro lingerie styling – think 1950s, in a good way. And for color, it is rich jewel-tones as well as subtle nudes.

Our vendor appointments this year were really special because we got to meet some of the people responsible for the designs. At LiseCharmel, we met one of their new designers who showed us several new styles.

I love meeting my lingerie colleagues from around the world.

At Van de Velde, we had the pleasure of meeting the brand managers for both Prima Donna and Marie Jo. They were very interested in hearing what our customers love about the brands, and they wanted to know what could make these brands even better (is that possible?!) We also got to meet two of the designers at Aubade. It was so great to meet the people behind that perfectly fitting bra, that dazzling color combination, and that just right little bow.

Bruce and I exploring my favorite city.

I am inspired. I am ready to come back to SOL and bring a little bit of Paris back to share with you!
-Jocelyn

Tough Buying Decisions in Paris

We. Are. Pooped. This trip to Paris has been as whirlwind just like all the others. It has been great giving the grand tour to our SOL Man, and we are looking forward to a little extra time at the end of this trip to enjoy ourselves.


We are not finished yet telling you about all our adventures in Paris, but we have a lot to write so they will come over the next few days.  

Many thanks to our loyal Facebook followers, who have helped us for the past couple of days make some buying decisions! We've learned that polka dots trump paisley, and when given the option, you guys love stripes over solids any day.


So. Now we're faced with one of the toughest decision of the whole trip. 

What to have for dessert.

Because when you're in Paris at the world's largest lingerie show and you're faced with having to choose between this....

and this....

there's only one real way to make the decision.

Order both.



Also today,  our beautiful daughters arrived in the City of Lights.  Though it was hard to see them through our exhausted, happy, dessert-filled tears of joy, there was truly never a more lovely sight in Paris than this.

Jeanie's mini-me and the world-traveler Bella - and the Eiffel Tower on a stick!

We are not leaving you yet - there is one or two more blogs left in us, but we are making sure they are spectacular.

xoxo,
Cindy

The SOL Man at Paris Lingerie Show

Today, my wonderful brother-in-law and SOL Operations Director speaks up about his first trip to the amazing Paris Lingerie Show... take it away, SOL Man!
xoxo, Cindy

My first visit to the Salon International de la Lingerie (four football fields of every mans dream, beautiful women in lingerie) actually started in Ghent, Belgium. It is home to Van de Velde, the manufacturers of Prima Donna and Marie Jo.

As you can see, it is a place right out of the Middle Ages!

My hosts cold not have been more gracious. I have really been treated like royalty - from extraordinary meals with Belgian beer to introductions to many of our Canadian colleagues and tours of the city. But the most important tour I took was of the Van de Velde distribution center. As SOL's Operations Director, I now fully understand the level of detail and expertise that goes into EVERY product they make. It's actually hard to fathom how they can design, create and deliver such quality lingerie for $150 or less! I can assure you that my time with them means that your bras will get to you even more quickly now.

My dreams come true.

I am jaded - everyday, I am surrounded by beautiful lingerie and beautiful women. You would think that I wouldn't blink an eye at seeing a show like this...but this just upped the ante by 1000! Imagine four or five football fields covered with gorgeous lingerie AND stunning lingerie models. 

As an example, here are two of the personable and lovely models from Marie Jo. Which bra do you like better? Go to our Facebook page and tell us which you'd want to see at SOL...and in your lingerie drawer.

Man, I love this job.

You can see I'm perfectly at home here at Salon International de la Lingerie. I'm headed out now to enjoy a delicious meal at Restaurant Maison Blanche with Cindy, Jeanie and Inge Van Hecke, the North American Sales Manager of Marie Jo and Prima Donna.

Today we had the opportunity to review all of Fall/Winter 2012.   Now I know all the items that I will be getting over to the floor for you.  It was also great to see where Cindy gets some of her creative inspiration for our ad campaigns.  I can't wait to see what Cindy is plotting for the next one.


Until then, head over to Facebook where we'll be posting more of what we're seeing here in Paris!


Over and out,
Bruce, the SOL Man

Who's ready for Paris Tights?

Hosiery continues to be hot this season, and it is just so easy to spice up a simple dress or skirt with a great pair of tights! Le Bourget is our favorite go-to Paris Tights designer and I'm so excited about what they have in store for us!


Harking back to my days as a textiles & designs major at CSU, I love looking at the trend books that companies pull together as the basis of where they are going with design for that season.  Below is a snapshot of one of Le Bourget's collection inspirations, from colors to style to design.

One collection theme is Surreal Atmosphere and flower surroundings.  Inspired by colors from Avatar (yes movies can influence fashion!)

Style inspiration came "folklore, travel atmosphere and floral prints" which is translated from these other runway designers:

And design inspiration was taken from "floral designs and carpet-like floral prints" translated from nature.

And Voila!  After months of research on trends in colors and styles, and hours on design and development, all of that inspiration is translated to a pair of fabulous tights!  

I already know exactly what dress I would wear these with!

Tomorrow brings Marie Jo and Prima Donna!  I can't wait!

xoxo,

Cindy

Behold Aubade, Lise Charmel, and Andres Sarda

Today my personal heaven was delivered before my eyes! 

Aubade

Our first stop of the day started with our sales representatives for Aubade.  We were very lucky to have Barrie Hlatky and Claudia Driggs, present Fall Winter 2012 for us at SILS.  Many thanks to both of them for traveling to Paris and showing us the line in the fantastic Aubade booth (with those very beautiful Aubade models from the catalogs).  Seeing the collections with both of them is such joy.  Aubade, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! I’m showing you my personal favorite and letting you know that there are a few more pictures on Facebook for you to vote on.  Don't you just love Aubade as much as I do?  

Behold, my Lise Charmel-loving SOL girls, a sweet surprise. 

Lise Charmel!

After much wonder over the past few months, we have received amazing news today.  This beauty (above) from Lise Charmel is coming your way – along with many others.  I don’t have an exact date but it could certainly be sooner than later.  Contact your SOL girl associate via email and she can provide you exact details.

Finishing off the day with Vincenc, our remarkable sales representative, and the splendor of Andres Sarda was truly divine!  It has certainly been a year of many momentous anniversaries! Congratulations to Andres Sarda for celebrating their 50^th year and many thanks for providing true inspiration to SOL!

With Vincenc

Here’s a sneak peak of Andre Sarda Fall/Winter 2012 favorites. It was tough to decide which ones will be coming home with me for my closet.

Andres Sarda

Our Operations Director (and sweet brother-in-law) Bruce Freeman joined us today via a trip to Belgium to see the headquarters of Marie Jo and Prima Donna .  Keep your eyes out for the SOL Man’s guest appearance on my blog in the next few days. What an amazing experience he has had.  I can’t wait for him to share more about it. 

Don’t forget to check out FB over the next few days and let me know your thoughts on all of my beautiful selections.  Your opinion counts and you can join me in being a guest buyer for SOL :)

xoxo,

Cindy 

Paris - Day 2, Part 2!

I've told you all that at first I didn't love Paris. I think you can certainly see why I've changed my mind about that! 

Our trip this year has provided Jeanie and me time to reminisce a bit about our past experiences here and the growth that our trips to Paris has helped SOL achieve. 

Some highlights!

Circa 2004 - Our first trip. There are endless moments that took my breath away. Visiting Cadolle (stay tuned for our pictures to come of what they're offering this year!) and realizing everything...I mean EVERYTHING, in Paris is on SALE for the entire month of January.

Repato - Ballet slippers even on on SOLDE = SALE

Circa 2005 - I found Didier Ludot and realized that the list of Paris stores where I wold love to shop, but will never have the time, is extensive. And yet it doesn't matter because in Paris, window shopping is truly a worthwhile sport.

Didier Ludot Palais Royal. Didier Ludot sells vinage fine designer clothes and accessories. Swoon.

Circa 2006  - Jeanie, Janelle and I explored Paris armed with tips from my gorgeous mother-in-law who had been here on a girls' trip. Check out yesterday's post to read all about our first trip to a hammam.

Hammam Pacha

Circa 2007 - You cannot have enough champagne in Paris! It is everywhere and makes every little activity so much more...well...FRENCH! Watching the sun rise in Paris is a treat in and of itself, but doing it with friends and champagne AND still managing to get a lot of work done, that's just perfection. Much love to Janelle, Jocelyn, Jeanie and Amanda for one of my favorite trips to Paris ever.

France, Friends, Fun.

Circa 2008 - Mrs. Natori has kindly hosted us at her Paris flat on many occassions. This year was incredible in particular because we all gathered around her grand piano while she played and we sang. The apartment was incredible and filled with flowers, fun and amazing people. We met the Saks buyer from Dhubai, the Womens' Wear Daily Lingerie Editor Karen Monget, an amazing American lingerie designer named Alan Fisher...the list goes on and on.

Mrs. Natori poses with us. Such a kind and gracious woman. I am proud to call her a friend.

Circa 2009 - The splendor of Galeries Lafayette will always stay with me. Each SOL Girl back home enjoys a "Paris Treat" which we lovingly purchase at this most glorious 20,000 square foot lingerie department within a world-class department store. Shopping takes on a whole new meaning here!

The ceiling of Galeries Lafayette. Gorgeous!

Circa 2010 - Jeanie and I had our first moment alone in what seemed like years! we also got to stay beneath the Eiffel Tower and see tha sparkes up close! Never underestimate its beauty.

Breathtaking.

Circa 2011 - Dining out in Paris! You'd be hard pressed to find girls who enjoy delicious food and wine as much as we do. Dining out with our favorite colleagues makes it an even bigger pleasure. Three must visit eateries...


1. ANY sidewalk cafe. Seriously. Stop, take a moment, order a glass of wine and just look around and soak it all in before you have dinner.


2. Au Bonne Accueil - I've shared this with you all before - it sits right beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Sole is as indescribable as the service is impeccable.

An experience of a lifetime. Trust me.

3. Grocery stores, Patisserie, Charcuterie, and department stores are all home to incredibly ridiculously good snacks. Stock up on basic provisions at every turn so that you are never in Paris without something delicious to eat.

Just close your eyes and point. It's all delicious.

It's not all croissants and rich food - the fruit selection is remarkable.

Circa 2012 - Stay tuned! My absolute favorite moment starts today! We get to walk through these doors into my personal fairyland.

Entrance to Salon International de la Lingerie - can't wait to walk up the red carpet!

We will post later today about our exciting meetings with designers...check back or follow us on Facebook, we'll announce when we've updated there.

xoxo
Cindy

Day 2 in Paris!

Jeanie and I planned a little extra time in to this trip to enjoy the city and revisit some of our favorite places - and I'm so glad we did! 

So after meetings and enjoying the show (which was AWESOME, BTW) today we indulged in one of the best things about Paris...the hammam. Don't know what that is?  I didn't either until a few years ago! It's a version of a Turkish steam bath that has been popular in Western Europe since the 1860s. Paris women know how to take care of their skin, and the hammam is an important ingredient!

Parisians hit the hammam to relax, rejuvenate...and just look beautiful.

My first visit was to a hammam 2006. Jeanie, Janelle and I were here and we set off for Montmarte, ready to explore a new neighborhood. We were armed with the best Paris tip ever, courtesy of my amazing mother-in-law. She is a classic beauty, adventurous and generous and always willing to explore. She told us if we did nothing else we simply MUST indulge ourselves with time at a hammam.

One of the spectacular locker rooms. A wee bit nicer than my neighborhood "Y."

We all fell in love with the steam and the gommage - an insane treatment that sloughed off all our dry Denver skin. Mostly, we loved experiencing the beauty of another culture. 

I'm convinced that a few hours at the hammam erases years of stress and is the perfect cure for jet lag. Although I have been capable of spending more than six hours at the hammam in the past, Jeanie and I felt quite grateful to sneak in two hours today. 

And -they even served a delicious cous cous dinner served in a Tagine afterwards.

If you get the chance to visit Paris - take it from me - visit a hammam! Today we were at Hammam Pacha. If Paris isn't in your near future, do what I do and visit David at Rejuv in Wash Park. He knows how to take care of Colorado skin and I always leave feeling beautiful!

Stay tuned for more updates.  In my next blog I reminisce about our past trips to Paris.  Tomorrow's update we'll report from meetings with Le Bourget, Aubade and Andres Sarda. PLUS? If you follow us on Facebook, you'll get to vote and help us choose what we carry from Le Bourget this year. FUN! 

Off to bed! Au revoir!

xoxo, 

Cindy

Paris...BonJour!

My first trip to Paris was in 1990.  I explored the City of Lights with my not-yet-husband, Todd. We had just graduated from college and were poor students on Eurorail passes. 


Neither of us could speak French. It is no surprise we felt totally lost...and ended up shortening our stay in Paris and extending our stay in Italy.


Ten years ago when Jeanie suggested attending the largest Lingerie conference in the world and it turned out to be in Paris, I actually cringed. 


But as it is with many things, my sister is always right! Not only did going change my view of Paris, it gave me sooooo much inspiration that now, I find myself actually needing to go there each year. 


Here we are at DIA about to leave for this years trip.  We are wearing matching coats borrowed from the deep closet of one of my favorite Aunts so that we can be stylish AND warm in Paris in January.  The coats are heavy enough to walk on their own; we have even named them!

Wearing Le Foz, and Fozzy.

We rent an apartment when we go to Paris each year.  (We highly recommend Paris Vacation Apartments).  Renting an apartment is not only less expensive than a hotel when we go for that length of time, but it really allows us feel like we living as Parisians do. It is so nice to have a kitchen and be able to make snacks and meals on our own.  And going to the market is a perfect opportunity for Jeanie to practice her French!

View of the Louvre from our apartment
I love having the opportunity to see something that inspires me every moment in Paris.  The apartment we stay in looks out over a perfectly manicured garden with the Louvre as a back drop.

Me! Outside Le Opera

Every shop window we pass, be it a patisserie, clothing store...even a hardware store,  is complete eye candy for me. I see something in every display that I bring home with me to incorporate into SOL displays and ad campaigns.

Main Hall

Today Jeanie and I got to be tourists instead of just working. I got to pick which tourist sites were on the plate de jour! I have always wanted to see an opera at Opera de Paris Garnier while in Paris but it is usually dark when we are here in January. Luckily they offer a tour of the Grand Hall even though we could not see the interior of the main theater. Seriously, it put Versailles to shame! We could hardly take in all the brilliantly painted ceilings, marble stair cases and gilded statues.  I could easily imagine all the beautiful people that have graced the opera in magnificent clothing. 

Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise

After the Opera we headed out to Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise which was very high on my list of things I have always wanted to see when we are here. Some of you might guess that I wanted to see the cemetery because The Doors lead singer Jim Morrison is buried here...but then you don't know Cindy Johnson very well.

Edith Piaf's grave

Inside the main hall

A day out and about makes me realize why Paris is so exciting and special to me. I love traditions and Paris is filled with them. Although the birthday of Paris has been debated, the architecture is from way back. 

View from Opera onto Boulevard de 'Opera

I love the way everyone dresses beautifully here. No jeans. No sweat pants and sports jerseys. People take time to look put together. It's about owning a few well made and designed items. Not the cheapest item and lots of it! No wonder Paris has divine lingerie stores on every corner with all ages of women shopping in them. No Parisian woman in her right mind would think to wear a pair of Jockeys with a lovely bra. Everything is made to make women feel and look glamorous. That is the main inspiration I try to bring home to all of my SOL girls!


We are women and lets enjoy our chance to be glamorous! Now off to dinner with my lovely little sister... I'll check in again with you tomorrow!


Au revoir,
Cindy