Francophile Friday: In a Fainting Fashion

21.7.12

pigment ink pen & watercolour fashion illustration, 7" x 8.75" [18 x 22.5cm]

Hot on the heels of the wildly escalating popularity of the famed delicacy named the macaron {and not named the macaroon: one errant 'o' creates an entirely different pastry animal}, researchers are discovering the effects of a recently discovered phenomenon known in gastronomic circles as Macaron Fatigue.  In a somewhat contrary fashion, the term refers to both an overindulgence in macarons and a lack of sufficient macarons, both resulting in the risk of swooning.  While a romantic notion if one happens to have a chivalrous male with strong arms and good reflexes within a metre's perimeter, fainting in the street outside of this scenario might not lead to the most elegant of dispositions.   Clearly this damsel is in Macaron Distress, a precursor to and flashing beacon of impending Macaron Fatigue.  Following the convenient theory of homeopathic medicine whereby a small dose of something known to cause something can actually chase that very something away, might we suggest carrying a box of preventative macarons in one's purse {or inside suit pocket for the solicitous male of the species} at all times?  You're welcome.  And on that note...

Happy Fashionable Francophile Friday to you!

PS:  I might be posting more sporadically over the next little while ~ please subscribe to emails over on the right as a convenient way of knowing when I've posted something new.  Merci, grazie, thank you!
28 comments

Francophile Friday: Early Storm for the Bastille

13.7.12

pigment ink pen & watercolour illustration, 7" x 8.75" [18 x 22.5cm]

Aside from Bastille Day arriving here before most other places in the world, thanks to the wonder known as the earth spinning on its axis, Francophile Friday happens to coincide with this auspicious excuse for overindulgence in all things baguette, macaron and éclair ~ with the exception of an inconveniently placed 24 hours.  Quel dommage.  So our kitty and her carousel-escapee friend have decided to secure their place at the head of the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées by arriving early.  The balloons could be perceived as a somewhat frivolous touch by the French Republican Guard, but a cat on a horse should distract their attention long enough to get away with it.  We're in for a long wait, and might need to ride our duo out of there, so I've chosen attire built for both comfort and speed and secured our snacks.  And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday and early Bastille Day to you!
17 comments

Francophile Friday: Le Tour de Kitty

6.7.12

pigment ink & watercolour illustration, 7" x 8.75" [18 x 22.5cm] BROWSE PRINTS

You knew it had to come sometime over the next couple of weeks: a nod to le Tour de France.  Last year's winner of le maillot jaune and one of Australia's favourite sons, Cadel Evans, is in the running again.  {I think he went to the same School of Genuinely Nice Guys as our Hugh.}  It's early days so we'll keep our tinder dry, but he's sitting very nicely so far.  And he's well placed, too.  I avoided the obvious and did not dress kitty in lycra, firstly because I couldn't bear to impose such an indignity on her, and secondly because head gear would be the obligatory accessory and I refuse to give her helmet fur.   Thanks to dear Virginia of Paris Through My Lens for the wealth of inspiration {you'll find several other bicycles on that post if one simply isn't enough... bisous, ma chère!}  If you'd like to go for a ride, I've chosen a maillot jaune of the more feminine kind, plus something that has a little give without revealing all.  The basket is loaded with baguettes and flowers ~ good for the soul.  And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!
22 comments

Fashionable Friday: The White Shed

29.6.12

pigment ink & watercolour illustration by ShellSherree for The White Shed

If I had a shed in my yard, there's a good chance I'd paint it white.  Or aqua... lilac... pale pink ~ choose a pastel and add it to the list. One of the things I love about soft, dusty, lolly colours is that they play nicely with a favourite classic combo: black and white.  Whichever pastel I settled on, my shed might have an awning like this, to add an air of jaunty distinction. 

When commissioned by Letitia to illustrate a shop front representative of The White Shed, her elegant online homewares and design store, I was rather delighted {as you can well imagine} to find her modern country style furniture and accessories have more than a hint of French flavour.  How fitting!  Double the drawing pleasure for me.  Letitia has been a joy to work with, and her clients must be more than a little in love with her.  She has a lovely blog too, so feel free to pop on over and say Hello.  You can wear this and be a chameleon.  {We're friends, let me share my cold snap with you.}  Then we can all meet up to pat colour co-ordinated cats and nibble delicately on colour co-ordinated treats.  And on that note...

Happy Fashionable Friday to you!
24 comments

Francophile Friday: Cirque du Carrousel

22.6.12

pigment ink & watercolour illustration, 8.75" x 7" [22.5 x 18cm] ACQUIRE PRINTS

When I first saw le Carrousel de Nogent at Genie's Paris and Beyond {thank you for the beautiful inspiration, ma chère!}, it reminded me of a circus tent ~ which seems fairly appropriate, given there's probably some clowning around going on inside, perhaps even red noses if someone pinches the last available seat.  Genie happened upon this all-weather carrousel on the esplanade de l'Hôtel de Ville.  So did Edward Scissorhands {after warming up on his practice pitch first.}  Given the somewhat theatrical nature of the scene, I've procured some costumes for us to wear inside.  With the protection from the elements afforded by this particular model of merry-go-round, we are at minimal risk of skirts flying, so relax and enjoy.  And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!
25 comments

Francophile Friday: E-T for Two

15.6.12

pigment ink & watercolour illustration, 7" x 9.5" [18 x 24cm]

As we peep over the shoulders of our Parisian kitties and share their romantic view of La Tour Eiffel, please help yourself to the boxes of Ladurée macarons they've brought along.  And join us in celebrating my 301st blog post. {Source of inspiration for today's illustration is here.}  Thank you for your friendship, laughter and waving of pom poms in support.  I've lost count of the number of macarons and glasses of bubbly {and prosecco!} we've enjoyed virtually together.  {Thank heavens the sugar is virtual as well...}  I'm hoping I've found a dress to suit each of you as we party in a pastelicious fashion long into the weekend.  And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!
28 comments
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