Tiffany and Victoria's Mom

Seriously, there is nothing not to like about this girl. She is a woman's woman. Beautiful in a real sense of the word. Inside and Out. I am very lucky to have her as part of my team.

She is in constant motion. Running in the door at Crimson with her hair still wet after she has dropped off her two daughters at school and then made time for an hour of gym. Guess what, ladies? Natacha loves to eat. She is what the french refer to as "gourmande". I know for sure when I bring in some "cornes de gazelles" from Marrakech or some dark, rich chocolate found in Florence, her eyes will light up with pure delight. She will not hold back thinking she might add an extra pound. In fact, Natacha does not hold back on much of anything. She will spend as long as it takes to help a customer find that special something they want. Customers come in just to chat with Natacha, because they know there is a real soul behind that beautiful face.

Natacha belongs in a Gucci or Dolce and Gabbana ad campaign. She looks like one of those beautiful and sensual Italian mamas. However, the only mama Natacha is interested in being is one to her two young daughters, Tiffany and Victoria. Natacha divides her time between taking them to school everyday, arranging their piano lessons, special art classes, tennis classes and overseeing their homework. The girls know to call her immediately upon arriving home from school. Otherwise, all of Crimson will be worrying where they might be.

As Jack Nicholson put it so well in the movie "Somethings Gotta Give":

Natacha, you are a woman to love.

Jacket: Moncler

Leather pants: Chine

Shoes: Lanvin

Sunglasses: Gucci

Bag: Hermes

Scarf: Crimson

P.S. Special thanks go to Dejan, her husband, for giving her that beautiful smile and sharing her with us on a daily basis.

A Stroll and a Cappucino in Florence

Pitti Uomo is the biggest men's pret-a-porter show exisiting. It happens twice a year in Florence. Once in January and again in June. I usually go both times as I feel it is necessary to understand the trends for men's fashion. Also, there are about 1000 exhibiters showing anything and everything a man could and should wear. It is a beautiful show, and a lot of work.

I went to see my manufacturer for the beautiful gloves he makes for Crimson. I enjoyed buying a few hats for next winter. Scarves are more and more important. Crimson is famous for having 40 colors of socks for men in wool or Egyptian cotton.....also manufactured in Italy.

Today was the last day and I had scheduled a late afternoon flight back to Paris. For once I wanted to actually see a bit of Florence and not just the exhibition halls. So, I raced back to my hotel, packed my bag and set out for a stroll around the streets of Florence.

I find it overwhelmingly beautiful. The architecture, the sculptures, the incredible frescoes on the ceilings. What a priviledge to view the richness of history in this small town in Tuscany.

So, here you have just a few pictures of what I saw on my stroll through Florence today. I took around 200 photos, but obviously cannot possibly put them on my blog.

I cannot drink cafeine and I am lactose intolerant, however, I always have one capuccino when I come for Pitti Uomo in Florence. I love the ambience in the cafe's. I just want to be a part of it.

So, I order my cappucino and even pour a little sugar just like the regulars. Ah, it feels good to be a Florentine for a day.

Gotta catch my flight to Paris...........

A Girl, a Guy and a Bonnet

This is the story of Crimson's cashmere cable-knit bonnet. Christian bought it for Justine's brother for Christmas. Justine, who has an eye and a talent for choosing beautiful classics that fit her modern day lifestyle in L.A., bought herself one in black. Christian, deciding he needed one to get through the winter, once back at his university in Boston, bought his in grey. It would seem that when Christian's beautiful Mom, Jennifer, saw the bonnet she requested he return to Crimson and purchase her a black one. In the end, Christian felt he also needed it in black. He is beautiful dressed in black......or pink or green or orange or any color is my guess!!!

Their smiles and energy are contagious. I appreciate their presence in my shop.

They made my day. Please pop in and say hello when you are back in Paris.

Hoping you all have a good and productive week. Linda

Miscellaneous in Marrakech

La Mamounia is a marvelous hotel. Owned by the King and recently underwant a 3 year and A LOT of euros renovation. Their swimming pool is pure luxury.

However, for my next trip, I would love to find a smaller and cozier place. Marrakech is rich with renovated Riads and smaller boutique hotels that have amazing little gardens with all the necessities of visiting this beautiful city. The search will be fun in itself.

I have actually mastered this art of pouring mint tea. NO, I am exagerating. I do enjoy seeing how high I can go with the tea-pot though.

Sophie's sandals. She always finds the prettiest shoes.

Tatiana's sandals. Found in Miami at Steve Madden's for 39 dollars. Well worth the investment.

Considering India, Tatiana and myself all bought a pair.

The view from my terrace at La Mamounia with the Atlas Mountains in the background.

This is a necklace I have put together over the years. I call it my charm necklace. The whistle is a vintage Tiffany piece from the 1940's. Anecdote being that it was a gift from a lovely gentleman who told me if you ever need me, "Just Whistle". Each visit to Marrakech I always go to the souk and buy another Hand of Fatima. There are new ones made in silver and not expensive (starting around 10 dollars), but I always try to find some great vintage ones that have been made by loving hands. These are also easy to find and the price varies. However, I always stay within a 50 dollar budget.

Marrakech is a magical place to visit. The people of the city are incredibly kind and welcoming and respectful. I heard many languages around the city. Many americans, italians, english, spanish, german and french were there for the holidays, and this brightened the city even more. The people in Marrakech depend on tourism for their economy and I was so happy to see that the international community felt good about being there.

Have a good weekend, Linda

With Love to My Family

Tatiana's father, Michel on the left and India's father, Francois on the right. Beautiful men the both of them.

Sophie, India's step-mom and a woman I admire.

India and her half- brother, Jules. Oh, yea!!! They do look alike.

Tatiana and her best friend, Isabelle. Inseparable since age 3.

Perhaps most families find themselves around a table for the holidays. This year I found my family around the swimming pool in Marrakech. I feel very fortunate to have succeeded in maintaining a certain harmony and a continuing friendship with my daughters' fathers.

Yes, there are two fathers. That lifetime marriage did not work out for me, but the love and respect is there. These are lifetime values that I cherish.

So, we are a thoroughly modern family. The two men were friends before I knew either of them, and they continue to be friends. Sophie is my daughter India's step-mom, and I love her dearly. She is beautiful, intelligent and one of the most generous and giving individuals I have ever had the pleasure to know.

It was not planned before hand that we would all go to Marrakech. However, as destiny would have it, I found myself surrounded by my beautiful family at this year's end in a far-away place where none of us live. How do these events become reality? Karma, as my Aunt Bec would say.

I wish you the same Karma for the New Year of 2012. May you be surrounded by the love of your families and your friends who are family.

Love to All, Linda