They are enchanting and exude freedom and joy and on Friday 343 balloons dropped from the skies over the Chamble Bussieres in Eastern France to break the world record for taking off at the same time. What a spectacular site.
Balloons of any type are such a sensual shape and the hot air balloons also inspire color and a sense of air and escapism. Happy days. X
ChicFinds Barney Martin’s hair salon in Surry Hills, Sydney. Here you can find a friendly team of hairdressers in a lovely relaxed environment where you can feel assured to get the result you are looking for. All of the stylists look talented including Barney himself who just cuts. I have found Natasha who cuts and colors and she does both excellently. Take a look at their web site for more details; http://www.barneymartin.com.au/
Photography by Mikael Jansson for Vogue Paris November
We are going to add beauty to our chicfinds! Coming soon will be chicfinds in hair and beauty salons, beauty products and all things related. Stay in touch. X
Every month we are going to have our top five must have’s at ChicFinds. Here are our first five… X
No.1 “Its all about colour blocking”. Chanel cardigan in purple with green border and gold buttons. It is in beautiful condition and the price is reasonable for Chanel and Cashmere. The picture below is inspiration to the look. Click the link below to see your chicfind!
Vogue Paris November 2008
No.2 DJ’s Upholstery & Antiques have amongst other things some amazing dining chairs from the 1840’s, regency style reminencent of Bullock the UK furniture maker and they are in mahogany. Not only can you find the most unique pieces at DJ’s you can also have the expert advise of Tim who can upholster yours or his furniture. He has very good style and experience and can spend time with you on what will work the best for the piece you are upholstering. I found the most precious tiger bamboo chairs at DJ’s from the Coco Chanel era and they are a pride and joy. Definatly find time to drop in to see the chairs and all the other gems he has at a third of the price of a high street store. http://djsua.com/ 103 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, Tel: 9550 5946
No.3″Pascale Monvoisin, is a Parisian in love with New York who’s works rely entirely on her instinct. She creates jewelry for women with a spontaneous look by mixing bohemiam and rock’n’roll styles.”http://pascalemonvoisin.com I love the feather earing’s at 50 euro and the bracelets with the skulls…. actually there are so many pieces that I love I am getting lost. You can buy online at www.caratime.com
No.4 Breakfast at Deus Cafe, 98-104 Parramatta Road, Camperdown
I am addicted to the almond croissants at Deus. Ever since my girlfriend from Italy came to visit and discovered them, I have been making it a routine to drive by in the morning for a take away coffee and these amazing croissants. They are master made by Chef Pierre who introduced patisserie culture to Sydney in the 1990’s with his bar in Potts Point, La Buvette. Lately I have been not only beginning my day at Deus Cafe but I have also been picking up sandwiches for lunch and returning for dinner! Everything on the menu is delicious and in the evening my favorite is the Gruyere Souffle! The atmotphere is really relaxed with an artistic interior and friendly staff. It is a must! http://www.deuscafe.com.au/about-us 
http://joanieloveschachithelabel.blogspot.com/
Enjoy July’s top picks and send me feed back on any of your finds. X
Photography Terry Richardson for Vogue Paris
I am not obsessed with brands and am not keen at all on clothing that has logos all over it however I have to say that there is nothing like the quality of high end brands. They last forever in terms of quality and form if you buy them correctly. The best way to buy them is to go for the more classic pieces. You can be wearing Zara or any of the fast fashion brands and if you mix it with a pair of shoes, a bag, jacket or trouser from one of the luxury brands it will look a lot more chic! If your like me you don’t have a fortune to spend on clothes so you have to be clever and have some fun in the recylcled fashion stores of the world! The best one in Sydney is Di Nuovo in Paddington. They always have a fantastic selection of shoes and bags as well as great fashion clothing pieces. You can find a fantastic branded jacket for a tenth of the price and they are all in really good condition. It has brands from Chanel to Zimmerman. Check out their blog; http://dinuovo.tumblr.com/
If your in Milan you should visit Salvagente which is not recycled but it is the left over stock of the season. You can find every high end luxury brand there; Lanvin, Chloe, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana and so on. They have three floors!! It is an absolute must to visit. They are in Via Fratelli Bronzetti 16, take a look at their web site for opening hours; http://www.salvagentemilano.it/
Photography by Terry Richardson for Vogue
In Hong Kong one of the best to visit is Button Hole in Soho, 58-60B Peel Street, Tel 28992069. In Paris I go regularly to Coiffeur Vintage, Rue de Rosiers 32 (vintage is a post to come!) but for luxury high end brands you need to go outside Paris to La Vallee Village in Marnes la Vallee. If you are in Switzerland you must go to Foxtown which is in Mendrisio (Switzerland) just over the boarder from Italy (great if you want to visit Lago di Como on the way). It is amazing! All the brands have their own stores and the prices are incredible. For information visit the web site; http://www.foxtown.ch
628 Crown Street, Surry HIlls
Caffe Sicilia is a recent asset to the Cleveland Street end of Crown Street Surry Hills. It certainly lifts the level in amongst take away outlets and furniture stores taking you on a voyage to Sicily and la dolce vita. The experience is as chic and elegant as the appearance. Every detail of Cafe Sicilia captures that hospitality that Italians do so well. This is the perfect place that warrants a dress up just for an afternoon tea, morning coffee or a meal. The menu is so perfect in the sense that it offers Italian treats and they are really Italian, not Australian/Italian. The breakfast is delicious, I would recommend the Italian pastry’s like Viennese and Cornetti and the coffee is perfect! The lunch menu offers an array of authentic Italian dishes and all product is organic, choice includes rosticceria. Dinner menu looks good too with pasta dishes like fettuccine with carciofi and gamberi and maccheroni della nonna. It is so refreshing to have a cafe in Sydney that is so Chic and is transporting that wonderful cafe lifestyle of Europe to our pavements! X http://www.caffesicilia.com.au
Vogue Paris June 09
