Bond Girls and Bay Area Girls agree...

Bond Girls and Bay Area Girls agree. This time of year you need to stay warm and look fabulous doing so. From the Swiss Alps to Sacramento Street,  Parajumpers down jackets have you covered for whatever adventures a chilly day may bring.

Behind the Scenes: Blanc's Parisian Buying Trip for Spring '18 (Installment #8)

Nancy's favorite sneaks...OXS Rubber Soul

You've probably seen Nancy wearing her skinny jeans or long skirts and sporting a pair of fabulous OXS Rubber Soul sneaks, she loves them! High in style and SUPER comfy (they kind of feel like walking on marshmallows, if I'm being honest). She naturally had to stop into the OXS showroom in Paris to see the new offerings (and probably pick out a new pair for herself).

Behind the Scenes: Blanc's Parisian Buying Trip for Spring '18 (Installment #6)

The Perfect Chapeau

It goes without saying.
Any fashionista knows that the right accessories take your look to a WHOLE other level.
Nancy stopped by one of her favorite hat designers, Reinhard Plank, to try a few on.
Why don't YOU try one on next time you head out the door?

Reinhard Plank

 

Behind the Scenes: Blanc's Parisian Buying Trip for Spring '18 (Installment #4)

How could we go all the way to Paris and not visit one of our favorite designers...

Christian Peau

 

(handbag and shoe extraordinaire)

Christian Peau makes those beautiful handbags and fabulous shoes that you see at Blanc, and we're so excited to be getting some new goodies from his studio based in Kobe, Japan very soon!

Behind the Scenes: Blanc's Parisian Buying Trip for Spring '18 (Installment #3)

All work and no play.....NO WAY!

At least not for us Blanc girls (especially when in Paris)! So after a long day of visiting numerous designer showrooms and making those tough buying decisions, Blanc Boutique owner, Nancy Mayer, and San Anselmo shop manager, Ouida Chichester, take time to smell the roses, take in the beautiful scenery, and enjoy a glass of wine Parisian style! Enjoy, ladies!

Behind the Scenes: Blanc's Parisian Buying Trip for Spring '18 (Installment #2)

Bonjour! Today finds Blanc Boutique's San Anselmo store manager, Ouida Chichester, in the Vlas Blomme showroom. Vlas Blomme creates beautiful cotton/linen garments known for their super superior softness and quality. The properties of linen render it perfect for all seasons, wicking away moisture in high temperatures to keep the body cool and dry, and conducting heat in colder temperatures to preserve body temperature.  Year 'round beauty, comfort and impeccable Japanese styling...yes, please!

Meanwhile, Blanc's owner Nancy Mayer and her husband, Willy, are busy at the Avant Toi showroom choosing some perfect pieces.  Avant Toi revolutionized the art of yarns, knits and piece dying by using air-brush coloring that empowers each piece with a unique, unrepeatable character. Destroyed, blended and spray-painted are only a few of the continuously evolving treatments applied to each garment. Truly wearable art. It looks like Willy approves!

Rock a Hat

Be cool.
Stay warm.
Rock a hat from Blanc.

May we suggest: Reinhard Plank

Pictured: Handcrafted hats by Reinhard Plank (Italy)

Ouida's Pick

"I like this outfit because of the shape and the fabric of the dress. It is sophisticated artistry.  The boots are comfortable yet edgy with a sensible 2-inch heel.  The hat is a fun, classic Georgia O'Keefe-inspired style." - Ouida Chichester, Blanc Boutique-San Anselmo

Pictured: Pas de Calais dress (Japan), Officine Creative black ankle boots (Italy), and Reinhard Plank lapin hat (Tuscany)

Perfect Transitional Cottons (we think Audrey would approve)

There's a reason stylists consistently cite the classic cotton blouse as a must-have in any fashionista's closet....the styling options are endless!  These gems multi-task seasonally as well as purposefully. From running errands to office to dinner to swim cover-up to creating a chic menswear look to even wearing it with a sweeping, full-length skirt for a DRAMATIC look for evening (my fave!)......whew! What a tried and true friend she is in our closet! Blanc Boutique has fabulous new options to have fun trying and styling YOUR way. Audrey did, why don't you? (Shown: Ticca Japanese cotton striped shirt dress and Pas De Calais Japanese cotton blouse)

Cool Little Things

Don’t lose your cool!  Some of Blanc’s favorite ways to beat the heat are found in your very own summer garden (or your favorite market filled with fresh things from Mother Nature).

Refreshing Cucumber, Celery and Lemon  Drink (Ouida loves to bring this one to work on a hot day!)

Ingredients:

    1 medium to large cucumber

    3 celery stalks

    ½ medium-sized lemon, cut into wedges (or to taste)

 

How to:

    Juice cucumber and celery in a juicer.

    Pour into a glass and add squeezes of lemon wedges to taste.

 

Solavedi Organics 100% Organic Rosewater Spray (Blanc Boutique $13)

Blanc likes to cool down with a refreshing  spray of Solavedi Organic pesticide-free and toxic-chemical-free rosewater spray made from steam distilled organically grown roses.  Flowers are known to have healing abilities while also promoting specific moods and emotions. Rosewater has a cooling effect and can add a little fresh, healthy glow to your skin while imparting a naturally beautiful scent. In your hair, on your skin....so refreshing!