Christian Louboutin

About 5 years ago while living in NYC, I discovered my love and obsession with Christian Louboutin shoes. Subtle, not that widespread just yet, these red soled beauties managed to suck drool out of my mouth (although I must admit that it doesn't take that much for me to drool over when it comes to shoes..)Its platformed 5 inch peep toe heels is the ultimate classic and should only be owned by selected non tacky women who appreciate its simplicity that oozes elegance, not teenagers and mistresses who live in Miami. Unfortunately, Louboutin shoes have been copied and sold on the internet for 1/5 its original price- this disgusts me.

Christian Louboutin, a French shoe designer born in 1964 launched his line of high end women's shoes in France in 1991. He has brought a new meaning to stilettos, reviving almost vulgar cabaret style shoes into sleek, sexy and creative designs for chic women today. Cheapest pairs start at about EUR350, and it goes up to thousands of Euros.

In Paris, Christian Louboutin has 3 boutiques in only the trendiest neighborhoods. If you are looking to buy a pair, I suggest that you go to the original store on rue Jean Jacques Rousseau in the 1st arrondissement. The salespeople are rude, arrogant and unfriendly, but this is what you will have to deal with to get a pair. Usually, my husband will put up his snobby French attitude to actually get service. Stride in, be snooty, and speak in English. That should intimidate them into doing their job! The store on rue Fauborg St Honoré may be slightly bigger (with 2 floors) but they never have the "normal" sizes (37,38). These shoes run out fast, so as soon as a new collection comes out, GRAB EM! During the sales, only the craziest aka ugliest seasonal shoes will go on the rack. The classics never do...

Photo courtesy of Google Image

Second wedding!

Second wedding to the same man, that is.. Sorry for ignoring the blog, we have been away for 3 weeks in July in Kuala Lumpur for our second wedding celebration. It was the most beautiful night of my life, with the first half being traditional malay. Jean looked like a malay Sultan, complete with songket, keris and all sorts of bling! We walked into the Sultan Ballroom of Le Meridien KL accompanied by traditional gamelan music, followed by a silat performance before the prayers.

For the second part, we changed into a dress and a tux to continue the second half in a more western style. I danced my last dance with my father, and then my first waltz with my husband. It was magical and would do anything to have a 3rd wedding! ;)

Photos courtesy of Saiful Nang and Fuad Topa of Candid Syndrome

Macarons

My husband calls me a "gourmande", which simply means someone who likes to eat, and one who likes to eat a LOT. One of the simple pleasures in life that I have discovered in Paris are macarons. No, they are NOT meringue like fluffy little goodies that taste like coconut, like most people think. These babies are little delicacies shaped like a tiny burger, with flavors that range from simple vanilla and chocolate, to haute couture flavors like vanilla olive oil and wasabi pistachio.

One very famous brand is La Durée, the main boutique located at the edge of Place de Madeleine. Tourists from near and far queue up to get their share, but me, I pass by and shake my head. I make my way down Rue St Honoré, then a right on Rue Cambon and VOILA the best chocolatier and macaron maker in the world, Pierre Hermé. To all Malaysians, take my word, Pierre Hermé's macarons kick every other macarons' butt!

They are so so good, that I BEGGED my husband for a Pierre Hermé macaron "piece montée" (wedding cake) for our wedding in Paris. 2 flavors that we absolutely adore are Caramel Beurre Salé (salted butter caramel) and Fruit de Passion et Chocolate (passion fruit chocolate)

Photo courtesy of Google Image