Xtra French Dressin — Xtra Dressin

Sep 17

Sep 17 Xtra French Dressin

Bonjour Mon amis, that's right this week we are heading to the City of Lights, Paris (not literally though, or at least not just yet) but via my imagination, it's time to experience “Xtra French Dressin.” I have to say J'adore this week of dressin, it's been my favorite by far. I immersed myself in the culture by listening to French music, Les Nubians (French neo-soul) also by reading The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain, thumbing through Conde' Nast's Paris Vogue, visiting a local café and snapping pictures of their art gallery, and watching some of my favorite movies and shows; namely Moulin Rouge, Marie Antoinette, Sabrina, and the last season of Sex and the City to name a few. After being properly inspired, I set this Parisian scene on the sidewalk of a nearby outdoor amphitheater and tried to make it look as authentic as possible while staying close to my own backyard; perhaps one day I will actually reside in Paris and then authenticity will literally be in my own backyard, C'est Manifique!

Now I know that traditionally horizontal stripes on bigger ladies is usually a no-no, but there aren't any rules any more, so I went for it. I paired this metallic flecked black and white striped shirt with black capris and a belted vest. I then accompanied it with a stylish beret, brooch, tote bag and the cutest red ruffled peep toe pumps ever! All these accessories contribute to this Parisian inspired look; and where would a French girl be without bright red lipstick to match her fabulous heels, then wrapping everything up in a bow, or in this case a perfectly situated French scarf at the neck. Ooh La La!

My tote bag asks, “Do you speak brunch?” and I'm here to answer Oui (Yes) fluently! Brunch cuisine this week came in duex, first at my improtu café with a yummy spinach an gruyere croissant and café au lait; but also at home, at my customary table for one. Here I have a petite croque madam topped with a quails egg, and a salad with extra French dressing on the side, of course. The highlights of this brunch however were the accessory details, such as the Moet and Chandon champagne, baked brie with fresh fruit an drizzled honey, French-styled yogurt with triple berry muesli, and decadent desserts traditional to French breakfasts.

I visited a French patisserie chatting up the pastry chef for tips on how to assemble some of these delicious confections. I purchased the crème puffs, macaroons, madeleines and the croque swan, but the rest I made and decorated myself (incroyable). My favorite part was torching the mini crème brulee, and assembling the dessert tower which was lovely to put together and gave me the feeling of being a Boulanger (baker) in a real patisserie in Paris. I was particularly pleased with my Laduree inspired whipped cream puff and the petite croquembouche. These were so fun to make I felt positively Ge'nial! (Happy). Well I'm off to watch Amelie for about the tenth time, before I put French dressin to bed. Merci for stopping by and Au revoir until next time. Aimer Asha Monique'