Monday, July 11, 2011

Delightful Mornings and Glamorous Nights

Our story begins today
not too far from Central Park,
at the lovely Le Parker Meridien Hotel
on West 56th Street.

On any given morning,
while some enjoy the view from high above
the city streets in their Le Parker Meridien suite ...

...  others are walking by at street level.
If this should be you,
if you listen very closely,
you may just hear a certain
"Chocolate Decadence French Toast"
whispering your name and beckoning you
to enter the Le Parker Meredien
and make your way to a restaurant
called Norma's.

Should you choose to enter the hotel,
 you'd be greeted by a
white marble hotel lobby
that would usher you up the few stairs to Norma's ...
the place that makes little bits of heaven for brunch ...


Norma's brunch experience is a well-known delight.
Pricey?  Ahhhhhh, yes.
But, this is Ooh La Frou Frou, darling,
where we always take you away to a world of luxurious fun!

The wait for such a delicious beginning to your day
can be an hour or more, but the Le Parker Meridien
has the perfect solution to the problem of such a wait ...
in the lobby, if you follow the scent of heavenly coffee,
you'll wind up at the Knave Espresso Bar ...

... during the evening, this Espresso Bar is about cocktails
and a little sultry bossa nova ... a fabulous backdrop
to that slinky little dress you bought.

But, in the morning, with the sun streaming in a lobby entrance ...
... you can sit and enjoy a delicious
hot chocolate made from ganache
(oh yes, I did say ganache)
or perhaps a delicate croissant and cappuccino
with a foamy elaborate latte art on top
while you wait for that divine breakfast at Norma's ...
This luxurious little introduction to Norma's and Knave
in the Le Parker Meridien,
brings us to our glamorous
Ooh La Frou Frou story for this week ...

Let's start, shall we? ....


If you were seated in a chair close to the girls,
you just might hear this snippet of conversation ...

Hope is explaining something excitedly to Violet and Alex
as Tiffany walks up ...
 "... sophisticated and gorgeous ...
 with a shot of glamorous fun ... "
Tiffany joins the group, stirring sugar into her cappuccino ..
"Is that the description of your perfect guy, Hope?"
Hope answers with a wry smile ...
 "Not a bad idea, Tiff, darling.  I'll make a note
to keep an eye out for someone of that description!"
Violet is enjoying keeping Tiffany guessing ...
"Any other guesses what she was talking about, Tiff?
"Hmmmmm, Tiffany says ...
sophisticated and gorgeous and glamorous fun ...
is it a new dress? Knowing you, Hope,
it must involve shopping ..."
Alex couldn't contain a laugh ....
"Actually, Tiff, you're sort of right ... "

The girls are finally called in to their
luxurious brunch at Norma's.
While their tall, slim glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice
are refreshed repeatedly by elegant waiters all around,
Hope fills Tiffany in on her little comment.
It seems Hope was talking about a fun new little project ...
and it's a project that's a fantasy for many of us!
Hope has sold all of her previous
bedroom furniture and accessories
and is starting over from scratch ...
she wants her new bedroom to be
sophisticated and gorgeous ...
with a shot of glamorous fun ...
and , of course, she'd like decorating suggestions from the girls ...





So, with her decorating notes in hand,
Hope and her poodle Olive head out for some
serious shopping in the city ...
she's looking for paint, a rug, a bed, nightstands,
a desk, a chair, accessories ... well, everything!
And, of course, if she finds some earrings along the way ...


Several shopping trips later,
Hope has found some fabulous things.
But ... she has one dilemma.
she can't decide on which bed she loves most.
She's narrowed it down to five...
any suggestions, Glamorous Girlfriends?
Let Hope know whether you love "1 "2" "3" "4" or "5" the most!


Thanks, lovelies, for joining us
this week on Ooh La Frou Frou
for Hope's "Day and Night" post.
We've seen a decadent way to start the "Day" ...
and as for those glamorous New York nights ...

via

we learned of Hope's glamorous "Nights" dream
of a bedroom that's sophisticated and gorgeous
with a touch of fun!

Come back next week to see a sketch of
Hope's decorated bedroom
and the bed that she has chosen, with your help!
Don't forget to leave us a comment
and tell us which bed you like best!
We can't wait to hear!
Have a lovely week!

33 comments:

Fashion-isha said...

oooh that was a fun post! LOVE it! And I choose....bed number two! I'm a hopeless romantic and it reminds me of my favorite childhood storybook...Cinderella! So grand and posh!

Have a lovely day!
xo
Sharon
www.fashion-isha.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy,
Thank you for sharing another enjoyable & creative post.
Well, as for a bed, number 5 is very nice..
One of my fave apartments ever, was in the movie..
"Life of something like it"
with Angelina J.
Have you seen it?
I could imagine one of the girls living in that.
Chelsi.

Vannessa@Luxuria said...

Gorgeous images Sandy, and your references to chocolate were simply....naughty.
Well, I love bed no.5, but I think personally Hope will go for bed no.2; it's more her!
Great to see the Frou Frou girls back after your hols xx

designchic said...

I always love your creative posts...so fun!! Loving bed number 3 ~

kristina@beancakes ❤ said...

oh how i wish i had this girl's life?! haha! hope ~ i like #2 the best, that head board is amazing!! gosh, i would love to spend a few nights at that gorgeous hotel!! happy monday to you!
xx ~ kristina

Silver Magpies said...

Chocolate Decadence French Toast? I found it a bit difficult to concentrate after that, but I think she should go for bed #3 :~)

classiq said...

Those views over NYC are killing me! :) And #5 is my favourite. Have a wonderful week, Sandy!:)
Ada

ABC said...

I think Bed #2 is just PERFECT for Hope!

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Anonymous: Thanks your the compliments, Chelsi darling, and also for the movie recommendation .. no, I don't think I have seen it and now I'm dying to see the apartment! Will be watching it very soon, I presume! ;) It will be so fun to see which bed ends up being the favorite. I personally (of course!) love them all! xoxo

Vanessa at Luxuria: Thank you, sweets! Another vote for No. 5 and a possible vote for No. 2! I'll be counting up the votes here in comments and also votes made on Twitter and Facebook and the bed with the most votes WILL be the bed that appears in Hope's bedroom! It's fun revealing little bits and pieces about the girls apartments, inside and out! xoxo

Kristina at Beancakes: Hi sweet Kristina! haha don't we ALL wish we had the girls' life! I know I do! And that's how this whole thing started, creating a fantasy world that we could at least visit once a week and slip for a few moments into that world ;) A vote for No. 2! It DOES look like a princess bed ;) xoxo

Silver Magpies: Thanks, darling. I shouldn't be surprised, should I sweetie, that you chose one of the silver-colored beds ~wink~ and number three is a very elegant one at that! Hope would probably have to do a little running around the city blocks before she lies down in it, however, after that Chocolate Decadent French Toast, no? xoxo ;)

Classiq: Thank you, lovely. I, too, can NEVER have enough of New York's city lights. I love love love sparkle and excitement ... what better place to dream up a fantasy life for the girls! And your vote goes in for the fabulous bed No. 5! xoxo

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Design Chic: Hi sweetie! Thanks so much for the compliment on the posts .. I am part storyteller and part artist, I think ;) so the girls' adventures are the perfect combination! Another vote for the beautiful bed No. 3! So fun .. can't wait to see which bed is the winner and will end up in Hope's bedroom. Hope will be going with the bed with the most votes from the Glamorous Girlfriends ;)

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

ABC: Thanks, sweetie, for stopping by Ooh La Frou Frou this week and for your vote ... another vote for No. 2! Such a glamorous fantasy bedroom it will be, not matter which bed is the winner! The illustration of the bedroom will be created with everything except the bed ... which will appear at the very end of this week, after the votes have been counted! xoxo

JanandJill.com said...

Such a cute post and I love the city sound effects eventhough it's honking and street noise it's so fun and makes me want to go to NYC. Glamorous nights are the best. These photos are all amazing!

xoDale
http://www.savvyspice.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

3 or 4 for me... Loved this post, I adore posh hotels. Hope you had a wonderful holiday. By the way, you mentioned that you were sensitive to formaldehyde in nail polish. You should definitely try Butter London, they're 3 Free. http://cafebellini.blogspot.com/2011/07/butter-london-rave-and-see-aston.html

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Cafe Bellini: Thanks for stopping by! A vote for #3 and #4 will be entered for you, darling. Thanks so much for the suggestion of Butter London .. I will look for their polishes my next trip out! xoxo

Lucija: Hi lovely ... so glad you love Ooh La Frou Frou's site ... I'll be visiting you in just a moment and would you to follow us and we'll return the favor! When you do, you become one of Ooh La Frou Frou's Glamorous Girlfriend ... welcome to the fun! xoxo

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

OMG Sandy I got MARRIED there!!! This post just made me so happy and brought back so many amazing memories. I have a bunch of photos from the wedding that look just like the ones you posted here. You can see them on my blog in the recaps :)

Thanks for brightening my day, love! xoxo

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

DAWN! How exciting is that! And I didn't even know ~ so fun! I was looking at your recaps and the view is just like the one in the image on this post! Talk about a stunning view for your reception! Kisses! xoxo

Unknown said...

Hope is oohhh so glamorous, just ike all the girls! And, would you believe that my husband had a meeting in Midtown today and guess where he dined? Yes, Le Parker Meridien! And....it was the hotel where we stayed when we lived in San Fran and were being transferred to NYC. Then, I ended up officing just a block away and it was my "go to" spot for breakfast with Advertising Executives! So many fond memories, Sandy!!!

Wishing you a beautiful week!
xoxo Elizabeth

Tamra {ever swoon} said...

How is it possible that I have never enjoyed breakfast at Norma's before. The interior here is divine and my mouth is watering just thinking about the Chocolate Decadence French Toast. Can't wait to plan a brunch there soon! Beautifully written post.

Unknown said...

Sandy I was so missing my fix of glam from your blog! Mondays are now my favorite blog day because of ooh la frou frou!!
I will have to come back and read this post just a few more times to go on an luxe escapade!
So wonderful to have you back!
Have a great rest of the week doll. xoxo

Unknown said...

OH I am so going here on my next trip {maybe you will join me?} I just love the way you describe the hot chocolate, I haven't had anything that decadent since Italy! I can't wait to come to nyc!

xoxo Mary Jo

SoapyMermaid said...

what a delicious way to talk about decoration! I love the creamy shades of Hope's room... your illustrations are gorgeous!

Barbara von Enger said...

A treat for fashionable New Yorkers. I shall save these tips for my next trip to America. I adore smart hotels. Love those beds and the chocolate mention, too. xx

Alexa said...

So glamorous and Fashionable. Great post!
xo
Alexa
www.theshortandthesweetofit.com

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Pretty Pink Tulips: So fun, Elizabeth! I'm wondering which restaurant in the hotel he dined at, Norma's? They also have another one there too, can't remember the name. So fun that you have memories from Norma's too! Someone else was also excited to see the Le Parker Meridien, as she was married there! ;) xoxo

Tamra (Walks with Bella): Thank you, Tamra! Indeed, you must go check it out! It's a fun experience and I find it worth the wait. As I mentioned, it is pricey .. even the orange juice, but it is fresh-squeezed and refilled and delicious! Have fun and let me know how you enjoyed it when you go! So glad you stopped by! Did you have a favorite bed of those shown for Hope's room, Tamra? xoxo

Fashionista622: Haha, I'm so glad you missed Ooh La Frou Frou's regular posts while I was away on holiday, darling, and I'm happy that you enjoy the adventures! It's so fun when people come back a few times to visit the same post ... several have told me that they come back and read them over again when they want the feeling of escaping the office! So fun! ;) xoxo

Mary Jo from Trust Your Style: Ooh, yes, it would be fun to go together! And yes, it's a breakfast experience not to miss when you're in the city ... I find it delightful and worth the wait on a leisurely morning. Norma's serves only brunch all day and has been doing it for quite a long time, so they've got it down! Thanks for stopping by, darling. Which bed gets your vote to be included in Hope's fantasy bedroom illustration next week? xoxo

Soapy Mermaid: Thanks for stopping by, darling. I'll be designing and illustrating Hope's room for next week and will include the bed that gets the most votes ... which is your favorite? xoxo

Fashion, Art & Other Fancies: Hi sweetie! Thanks so much for stopping by! I agree, chocolate is always welcome to the party! Is there one of the beds that was your favorite? xoxo

Tamra {ever swoon} said...

I love all of the beds but I think #4 is my favorite!

Unknown said...

Hi Sandy,
It was Burger Joint - known for amazing hamburgers!xoxo

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Alexa: Thanks, darling! xoxo I'll put another vote down for #4! xoxo

Pretty Pink Tulips: Ahhh, the Burger Joint ... I haven't eaten there personally, but I've heard it's good ;) xoxo

Angelica Ng said...

Another fabulous fantasy adventure! Cute little snippet of conversation you've given us! These ladies may be glam, but they still seem down-to-earth. Not too snotty, if I may! lol. Hmm, as for the beds...I would say 4, but 2 and 5 come in close second.

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Oh my...which bed to choose...I'm rather torn between two and five!

I've been checking out your blogs a lot, as always a pleasure to stop by and escape for a moment. Its a joy to step into another world, especially one as gorgeous as this!

(So much so that I just bought a copy of My Fair Lady to curl up to...)

Anonymous said...

Nothing like a bit of late week glamour to begin one's day. You are the quintessential tour guide ~ Always lovely, always luminous ~
xox Alexandra

Heather said...

Sandy, lovely post as always! I have New York on the brain right now! I vote for the luxurious #3! It is nice to have you back! XOXO

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Angelica Ng (Red Soled Fashionista): haha yes, darling, one of the nice things about Ooh La Frou Frou is that the girls are sweet and thoughtful as well as privileged! Of course, it's a planned thing that the girls are able to do so many wonderful things and buy so many delicious items because it's a fantasy world that we'd all like to slip into that's ever so much fun than having to think about a budget! I mean, if you're going to watch a fantasy ... why not make it the very best, no? Thank you for your vote, angel. #4 is added to the votes! haha xoxo

Sarah-L-B: Hi darling Sarah! I'll add both your choices of #2 and #5 to the votes ~ this evening, I'll tally them up so that I can complete the illustration for Monday's post ;) Thanks so much for your sweet compliment on the blog and for stopping by! xoxo

Coco Coterie: Hi wonderful. Thanks so much for stopping by. I can't imagine a compliment more delightful than being called luminous. Thank you for that little gift to send me into the weekend ~ and I hope yours is so very lovely! xoxo

Heather (Big City Belle): Hi Lovey! Thank you, it's so nice to be back. If you have New York on the brain, that's so very good, because that means we did our job well in taking you away on a fantasy trip to the city! Thanks for voting and I'll add your choice of #3 to the votes ~ will tally them up tonight so that I can create the illustration for Monday's post ;) xoxo

Lottie Loves said...

You're so clever. This was a perfect little adventure to read on a Friday afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed it and now want to do it all myself. Thank you xxxx Lottie -x-