St. Tropez: 5 Things to Do, See, Fall in Love With.

Everyone's got that one place (be it a caravan, village, country lane, beach) that reminds them that summer is in full swing. For me, that place is St. Tropez. Despite its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, I can't help but find St. Tropez the most charming of towns. There's something about cobbled streets and crooked pavements that really does it for me. At every wrong turn, you stumble into a little boutique you never before knew existed and the further you delve into the side streets the more you find yourself immersed into the locals' simple way of life. St. Tropez is unique in the way it merges two very contrasting lifestyles so seamlessly.

My recent two day stay in the town saw me visit many beaches, have my morning orange juice at several cafes and pop into one too many beach boutiques. Below I've written about the five places that really shaped my trip into the unforgettable one that it was.


Bla Bla

This cave like boutique is most definitely something to 'bla bla' about. Whether you are on the hunt for a trilby dripping with colourful pompoms or for a bohemian floral print kaftan, Bla Bla is certain to carry it. Highlights include beaded sandals, boho patchwork bags and embroidered scarves that'll add the perfect dash of colour to your sombre winter wardrobe.

Battaglia

Battaglia is one of those rare shops that doesn't and doesn't need to follow the season's trends. It has a signature style (one I can best describe as Kate Moss and Pocahontas' wardrobes colliding) and every season, the stock is reloaded with more to-die-for skinnies, waistcoats, sneakers, dresses, necklaces... none of which are defined or limited by passing trends.

Chanel

Although totally out of budget, this Chanel boutique is one-of-a-kind and a must-see if in St. Tropez. The boutique is in fact a villa- complete with a pool, garden and even a pool house (no noisy pool filters- just more tweed jackets!).

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier, St. Tropez.

Stop at the Grand Marnier creperie right after dinner for an unbeatable crepe. Made right before your eyes, watch your crepe be doused in syrup, smothered in chestnut cream or ladened with nutella.

Senequier

After overcoming the challenge of securing a table at this renowned cafe, sit back, relax, watch the crowds stroll by, sip your café and enjoy a croissant, and turn to your left to catch a glimpse of Elton John and to your right for Karl Lagerfeld! The best time to come is for breakfast at around 9- the crowd is calmer and the mega yachts all still docked in the port.

Other places worth a mention include sandal mecca K. Jacques. Trinity: the jam-packed jeweller carries star studded friendship bracelets and other vibrant accessories, reminding you of an unforgettable summer. Barbarac, the gelateria by the port. Go for a scoop of Kinder Bueno and Oreo cookies. As far as beaches go, no trip (however short) to St. Tropez is complete without lunch and a swim at the Club 55. 

Paris- A little bit of culture, Gerhard Richter Panorama.

A mere few years ago, the thought of being dragged anywhere near a museum was punishment. I used to kick and scream- anything to not have to stand bored and waiting in front of 'tedious' art. Fast forward a few years however, and I'm singing a whole different tune.

When two of my best girlfriends and I met up at the end of June, we were surprised to find that our idea of spending a girly 36 hours in Paris had turned into a reality. A short five days after initially coming up with the whirlwind idea to head to Paris, we found ourselves boarding the 8:30am Eurostar train at London's St Pancras station. Our excitement reached a high when we found out that Paris Couture Week was on during our short stay! Despite all the fashionable distractions, we agreed that we would make time for a little culture. The three of us were desperate not to miss Gerhard Richter's Panorama show at the Centre Georges Pompidou, so it was very easily decided that once in Paris, the Richter show would be our first stop.

After hopping on countless escalators (and soaking up the breathtaking view of Paris), we finally reached the show on the top floor. The galleries were organised chronologically and by the themes Richter visited and experimented with during his career. From the very first photographs he printed then rolled over to create his famous 'blur' effect to the lesser seen rectangular arrangements of colours and then his massive world renowned canvases.

One of the pieces that stood out the most to me was 'September', Richter's interpretation of the tragic events of 9/11. From afar, this small canvas may appear as just another one of Richter's much celebrated canvases, blurred with paint.

September.

However, upon closer inspection it becomes apparent that this is no ordinary Richter painting. Using his distinct technique, Gerhard Richter has painted the scene of the plane crashing into one of the twin towers. The use of cool tones of blue and milky grey transform the violent scene into a somehow rather serene one, the blurred lines appear soft- a far cry from the fiery images splashed across the world's media.

Construction and Deconstruction.

At the exhibition, I learnt a little more about the technique. In order to create his colourful canvases, Gerhard Richter begins by applying several layers of paint onto canvas using a metal squeegee. This results in a veil of paint in an array of hues. After randomly scraping the paint up and down, the colour and lines set in a random arrangement on the canvas. As seen on some of Richter's paintings, he begins a process of assembling and ripping apart, or, 'construction and deconstruction'. This sees the artist ripping bits off the canvas in order to expose the colours in the previous layer. What I previously misinterpreted as a simple process of rolling a dirty roller over canvas is actually much more thorough and time consuming than I could have ever imagined. 

Gerhard Richter's latest series.

I also learnt about the method in which Richter creates that signature blurred effect on photographs. He began his career by rolling over freshly printed photographs, in an attempt to blur the wet ink.

Paris skyline from the Centre Pompidou.

For anyone lucky enough to be in Paris this summer or in September, the Gerhard Richter exhibition at the Centre Georges Pompidou is not one to be missed.

Gerhard Richter Panorama
June 6 - September 24, 2012 (closed on tuesdays)
Free for those under 26 from the EU, and free on the first sunday of each month.
Centre Georges Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 75191

LDN- Faconnable at the Shop at Bluebird.

Six shades.

After spying an invite for the launch of the highly anticipated collaboration between famed sunglass maker Italia Independent and French luxury label Faconnable at one of my favourite boutiques in London, the Shop at Bluebird, I immediately scribbled the words 'faconnable, bluebird' into my tattered calendar. My fascination with mirrored lenses, in particular mirrored aviator sunglasses stems back to my long sessions drooling over Tommy Ton's collection of snapshots (www.jakandjil.com) . After investing --yes 'investing'-- in a pair of mirrored sky blue Cutler and Gross aviators, I began finding myself pouncing at even the most pointless opportunity to leave home on a sunny day, if only to flaunt them. They add a certain cool factor to any boring outfit, making you feel and look just like one of the fashion editors and insiders you lust over on jakandjil or the Sartorialist.

Mira Mikati (center), the hostess.

Girly spa evening!

The launch of the collaboration was hosted by Mira Mikati, half of the fashionable duo that brought Isabel Marant to Beirut and opened the fashion Mecca, Plum. The event was done up as a spa evening, complete with complimentary threading and manis. Coconut water and tempting fruit smoothies were everywhere and for the more indulgent, cake pops with painted aviators. Fashionistas descended on the event in full force, all happily posing for the polaroid-carrying photographer in their brand new sunglasses. Even Oritsé of British boy band JLS made an appearance.

The shades come in six colours (pink, orange, green, yellow, dark blue, turquoise) making them perfect for anyone. The frame features the classic Faconnable stripes, a tribute to the iconic brand. They are the epitome of simple elegance and a timeless cool attitude that both Italia Independent and Faconnable exude.

Cool cake pops.

Still debating?! Faconnable are donating a portion of the proceeds from the pink shades to the Lyla Nsouli Foundation for Children's Brain Cancer Research. So get 'em now at a Faconnable boutique or Bluebird London before they fly off the shelves!

The Shop at Bluebird, 350 Kings Road, London SW3 5UU

Faconnable Store Locator - Click here.

24 Hours in Istanbul.

Although both sides of my family have Turkish blood and some of my fondest childhood meals include 'shishberak' in yogurt and 'köfte' (both of which are originally Turkish dishes) I had never been to Turkey or heard much about it until last month.

When my mum called me telling me of an emergency forcing her to rush to Istanbul, I jumped at the opportunity to join her. I knew it would be a whirlwind 36 hour trip but the opportunity and challenge to discover Istanbul in only a day was too tempting to resist. I prepared for my trip by doing some much needed research- with so little time and so much to see, I knew I had to limit my extensive to-do list.

Several hours of browsing touristy websites later, I narrowed my list down to the Hagia Sofia church, the Top Kapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, taking in the stunning views of the Bosphorus, rummaging through the Grand Bazaar in search of bright textiles and traditional jewellery and wondering through the lively streets of Ortakoy late into the night. Looking back, I can say I was a little optimistic considering the tight time constraints.

Arasta Bazaar

After getting over my initial disappointment that the Grand Bazaar would be closed on my only day in Istanbul, I hit the web in search of an alternative market- one where I could still find my long lusted after cross-body bag in an explosion of colours, just like the one I had spent the prior days envisioning. Although the Arasta Bazaar probably does not have as much to offer or as many sounds, smells, sights and colours to take in as the Grand Bazaar, I saw everything from carpets, evil-eye tiles to replica Celine bags and sneakers in traditional Turkish textiles.

The Blue Mosque

Entry to this grand and mighty landmark is free, as after all, it is a practicing Mosque. The huddle of people waiting to take in the wonderful calligraphy and domes may seem intimidating, but don't let the queue put you off- it is fast moving only requiring a five minute wait. Once bare foot and inside, I was able to walk around the mosque (my head was basically transfixed on the ceiling for the duration of my ten minute visit) and soak up the intricate yet somehow modest architecture and interior. Despite this stop being a quick one, it was most definitely the highlight of the trip, as I felt fully immersed in the Istanbul 'buzz'.

Ortakoy

That night, after enjoying an interesting dinner over looking the Bosphorus (and admiring the countless yachts crossing it, packed with excited party goers dancing the night away) I walked to Ortakoy, an area I was told bares many similarities with Juan les Pins in the south of France. I could hear the giddy shrieks and roaring laughter from a mile away, the smell of sugar hung in the warm night air. The atmosphere was truly one of summer love- the mostly local crowd was young and care free, enjoying the night and bringing even more light and laughter to the streets. Ortakoy is the perfect place to wonder through with a friend late at night- stop for frozen yogurt at 'Yoort' or a fresh lemonade at one of the dozens of bars dotting the cobbled streets before browsing the boutiques and stalls selling affordable souvenirs.