A Tally of Two Cities Illustrated: Je L'aime!

A while ago, I fell in love with these incredibly minimalist & colourful illustrations by Vahram Muratyan's blog Paris vs New York: A tally of two cities. Take a peek at these and you'll see why! What a fantastic illustrative journal.

After reading his interview in Black Book Mag here (it's a great read), I totally understood how he feels in terms of being torn by two cities he loves dearly. I can't really make that comparison with Athens and London, these are two major cities with so much cultural differences & history that go way onto another level.

The weekend is upon us, so of course I'm going to leave you guys with something fun to watch! My BFF sent this and said that there should be a Pinball parking in Athens - how much fun eh?!

Have a super duper sparkly weekend lovelies!

Happy Feet: Mariettas Fantasy Sandal Collection 2012

Hot, sunny weather has been storming the shores of Greece for quite some time now, so it's only appropriate that I find some decent footwear that is not only comfortable but stylish. Note, I am a sucker for colour & detail or something dead simple, understated but stylish too - very contradictory (but yes I am that kinda girl, it's either all or nothing with me). I managed to discover the perfect amalgamation of all these things in Marietta's Fantasys new collection.

 Let me introduce you to Greek beauty Marietta Chrousala, TV personality and model (who, believe me looks even more gorgeous in the flesh) whose collection was born out of reaction in not finding the ultimate pretty, comfortable sandal. Marietta ended up doing a bit of cratista by making her own leather sandal with the help of her uber crafty mum and together they created their very first pair of decorative sandals. When strangers stopped her in the street on numerous occasions to ask where they could buy a pair, she knew it was the moment to branch out & design a collection. It took about a year to complete the design process to actual launch of the collection via the online boutique and now she's considering plans to expand into the accessories area... you heard it here first loves!

 Each pair have a slight heel and comfy non slip soles

Calling all cupcake lovers!

 My faves - the black and nude patent leather thong with skull or crown motif - I think I want both, one for day and one for night! 

 Lots of hand-beaded colourful leather sandals

Stylist to the Stars Alex Katsaiti with Marietta in cute black playsuit, image via Alex K

The majority of Marietta's collection leather sandal remind me of all things summery & happy; it's super girly, pretty, playful and colourful, with two gorgeous patent numbers, which I couldn't help but swoon over (see photos above). There are around 30 odd styles in the new collection, with new styles coming soon for high summer, all of which are handmade by Marietta and her mother and produced in Greece with slip resistant soles. Perfect for not wiping out on Athens dodgy pavements I say!
Lastly I adore the new pink & black zebra foldable flip flop - which you can sneak into your (teeny) bag if you're suffering from a spot of tired feet! For more information, please visit Marietta's Fantasy.

Thanks to Zoe, Aliki & Marietta for having me! It was so good seeing you beautiful ladies!

Little Black Book: Cannes (Film Festival)

Oooh, it's been a while since Little Black Book made a peek on this blog, but as you know this week it's all about the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival. This is a full on post guys!

No, I'm not really there right now, but I wouldn't mind soaking up some sun, it's been miserable in Athens. Anyhoos, guess someone's got to hold the fort! Whilst I've not yet had the pleasure to roam around Cannes, I've had some good times on the neighbouring Juan-Les-pin, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Monaco & Nice.
I did a little recce on some hots spots and how to get the best out of your Cannes Film Festival experience... Oh and a little birdy who once partied far too hard on a yacht with the likes of Rankin & er some famous faces in Cannes, might have dished out some useful info too.

Getting there: (Nice International Airport, NCE, then a 45 mins by road) OR by Helicopter which takes only 7 minutes! Azur Helico (00 33 193 90 40 70,( www.azurhelico.com)

HOTELS
Make sure you have booked accomodation! Need I say more? You'll find most of the A-lister action at Hotel Martinez, Hotel Eden Roc, Hotel Majestic Barriere & The Ritz Carlton.

I really liked the look of this place personally - Five Hotel & Spa, hello jacuzzi on balcony (Presidential Suite)! Also loving Hotel Le Canberra.

Aim to get there for day 2 or 3 of the film festival, as a bevy of stars don't descend on the Med's glitzy resort 'til the second day. Arriving in the afternoon means you'll have some time to rest & glam up before heading over to the Croissette (aka the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès) where the film festival is held. I sure love a bit of red carpet frock-a-thon action, you can get your hit of glam happenings and pre-red carpet buzz in the early evenings. You know I'd be there snapping away at those gorgeous frocks! Cue Ooohing and ahhing from moi.
 
EAT:
If all you can see is luxe, then fear not, there are plenty of options - from an "Italian Caffe" (28 Boulevard Jean Hibert), a fine little place that overlooks the bay and is often filled with high profile peeps and locals." As recommended by Film Producer Claire Russell
Marche Forville (In Old town Rue Forville from 7am-1pm)- Traditional outdoor market in Cannes bursting with quality fresh fruit, veg & meats.
For my caffeine and celeb spotting hit I'd probably sit myself down at Café 72 (71, Boulevard de la Croisette) located opposite Martinez hotel.
Cocoon (18, rue Bivouac Napoleon) Looks like an inexpensive joint for the perfect lunch, has a #2  rank in restaurants in Cannes by Tripadvisor, check it out here.
L'Affable (5 Rue La Fontaine)  - French cuisine at it's best, oh and you may spot the famous face too.

FREEBIES
"Grab a bottle of the rosé  anything from a supermarket and head to the beautiful belle époque hotel, the Majestic Barrière, to catch a free movie. Every year the Cinema de la Plage (The Beach Cinema) on the hotel's private beach screens 'out of competition' films or 'Cannes Classics'; they even provide a comfy seat and a blanket." Films start around 9.30 p.m. and you have to get an invitation from the tourist office to get in - or so I've been told.
Majestic Barriere, 10 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes (04 92 98 77 00)

BEACHTIME
Sun worshippers, can find a spot the popular Nikki Beach.

POOL PARTY:
3.14 La Plage (5, rue François Einesy)

NIGHTLIFE (source Telegraph UK)
Le Baoli (Port Canto-Boulevard de la Croisette; +33 493430343) Where the elite & superstars like to party.
 - I've heard so many wonderful things about this exotic restaurant & bar, but one thing that stinks and does not sit well with me is bad attitude from doormen and sucky service. If you're a high roller or big and I mean mega spender and are dressed to the nines, hoorah, you might have a chance of getting in.
Charly's (5 Rue du Suquet) - this sexy cave bar has had some positive reviews from Telegraph & World Travel Guide. Away from the buzz, but also a hipster joint, this gem serves up superb cocktails.

NIGHTCAP:
Cavok (19 rue des Freres Pradignac) for Intimate atmosphere and superb cocktails. (Source recommendation via Tripadvisor)


As for the Red Carpet... There has been so many amazeballs looks, I'll be pinning my favourites here. Loving Belle Heathcote in Gucci fall 2012 and Jessica Chastain in a strapless Georgio Armani creation so far!

Have a fab weekend lovelies! I hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Useful references: Where to Eat click here,  Guardian Travel,  MSN Travel, ElleUK Cannes travel, Telegraph UK
Images via National Geographic, links referring to hotels/bars