Paris, France — 5.1.11 — Going to Paris is always exciting, and for someone who lives and breathes fashion design, exhilarating and inspirational. I just returned from my recent trip. It was a great opportunity to show off a few of my creations in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I also saw a wonderful exhibit of famous couturier Madame Gres (click here to see photos).

Luxemburg Gardens. (right) For a cooler day and downtown walking I chose tall flat military style boots, a long modal mix knit black dress with fun trim and big pocket (TP) and a "chainmail" hand knitted tank (TP), topped with a plain, warm jacket in similar tones. Interesting Paris cultural fact: it was May 1, and in restaurants, each woman got a nice little bouquet in a vase to take home!

Invalides. (below) Gray is the predominant architectural color in the Seine historic area, so I found that for a nice harmony with the surroundings, matching shades work very well, like this hand painted silk shibori top in grays and wine (TP), layered over another textured shibori top in slightly bolder shades (TP).

Montmartre. (third image) For a visit to the Bohemian and artist area I picked a plainer gypsy-style long dress (TP) with a cropped black top in my signature textured web style (TP), and a big black ring to match (TP). Although anything colorful and artsy would have worked just as well if not better. I did find myself wishing that I had brought a long colorful skirt with me!

Eiffel Tower. (right) For a day when you plan a picnic in one of the busiest tourist areas, opt for darker pants (harem pants in black, TP) to hide all the dirt that might get attached to you (and it does), flat shoes or boots, so you don’t ruin your heels, and just about anything on top, but do add a scarf, it's romantic, flows in the wind, and you just can't do without it in Paris! (TP gauze scarf).

Pont Royal. (below left) A gorgeous, sunny, warm day with a cool wind, and I had just the outfit! Silk shibori pleated skirt with netlike trim (TP), hand painted shibori tank top (TP) and ethnic necklace with vintage elements (TP), worn with my favorite "granny" style boots from Spain, which I am sure are familiar to you from being in most of the pictures on my website.

Pont de l'Archeveche (below right) Of course, I could personally never do without jeans. Paired with medium heel interesting boots, funky oversized linen cardigan (TP) and a scarf (TP), over anything you wish to wear underneath (shown here is my avant-garde copper mesh painted top with "holes"), it makes for a very city-like and European outfit which will blend you in very nicely with the locals.

Champs-Elysees. (bottom) Another easy everyday option, a fun hand painted silk knit top with jeans (TP).