September 3rd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments

A few months ago we were contacted by a journalist for Luna magazine, a gorgeous German publication for fashion-forward mothers and their children, who wanted to feature Je Ne Sais Quoi with one or two items that we carry. The funny thing about these things is that by the time the publications finally come out, you’re surprised by what they feature! We were pleasantly surprised to find that they mentioned our founder, Mireille Nagourney, talked about the shop and featured the Gold Fridge Watch by iconic French brand LIP. Definitely a nice way to finish off our week!

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!
September 3rd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
August 25th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under We | View Comments

Sent to us by Olympe P.- A Parisian living in London whose heart belongs to NYC!
The ever-growing Bistrot Laurent Tourandel empire has gotten into burgers with their own unique interpretation of the classic American burger joint. The service is dynamic and efficient but it’s the great selection of burgers at unbeatable prices for the quality of the food and service that makes it worth the trip (the combo #1: classic burger, fries and a soda, $15).
The restaurants isn’t trying to be something it’s not – overly modern and pretentious – and that’s what we loved about it. It’s straight-forward, top quality burgers and that’s just what we were looking for. The only complaint was that the servers didn’t ask how we wanted our burgers cooked – it was either medium or medium rare.
Expect to travel back in time because hot fudge sundaes, brownies and vanilla cupcakes are also on the menu. Definitely the place to go for a burger fix!
Address:
470 6th Ave
New York, New York
212-243-8226
www.bltburger.com
Reservations highly recommended
Got a restaurant review you’d like to share with us? Send us tips from your favorite restaurants around the world at:
blog(at)shopjenesaisquoi.com!
August 25th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under We | View Comments
August 6th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Interviews | View Comments

Among the myriad of accessories available today, one of our favorites is the cuff bracelet. Versatile and timeless, it can be the perfect accent piece to dress up a simple frock or make a statement. Yet one of the most common complaints about the cuff bracelet is that it doesn’t fit on all wrists. Too big or too small, the cuff is often passed up for other bracelets for issues that are fixable. At least, that’s what the founders of Owen & Savary, Kira Owen and Valérie Savary, think.
This Franco-British duo has a truly unique, luxury item that fits in perfectly with any wardrobe and any man or woman. Their adjustable, bespoke leather cuffs are completely customizable – you choose your leather, your skin, your size, and off it goes into production. This is a brand we at Je Ne Sais Quoi really believe in because it is one of the more original jewelry concepts to be developed in a market inundated with beautiful but unwearable creations. We had a little tête-à-tête with the designers to learn more about the inspiration for Owen & Savary.

Before we get into your collection, where did you meet each other? Was the decision to become business partners instantaneous?
We met in Johannesburg during an art exhibition of our paintings. We instantly connected and quickly realized that we were on the same wavelength artistically and creatively. Our personalities are very different yet complement each other perfectly for a business partnership.
How did the idea for a cuff bracelet line come about and did you immediately envision a customizable collection? Where were you drawing your inspiration from?
Kira: I have always loved cuffs but couldn’t find a clever and comfortable one on the market.
Valérie: I like bracelets too but I particularly wanted to work with leather – most likely an influence from my Moroccan background. We wanted to create a beautiful piece of jewelery that would be elegant, comfortable, practical and at the same time enhance any woman’s femininity. The design came to us quickly, the magnetized clasp combined with the adjustable strap is a patented Owen&Savary invention. The customization aspect of our collection is important to us and we are developing that further with a new design for the Fall season.

As ‘bespoke’ items of jewelery, each bracelet is unique, destined for a single individual. Our travels around the world have greatly contributed to this project. As we embark on a new creation, we draw on our memories of different lifestyles and fashions.
In what ways can we expect the O&S line to be extended? (other pieces of jewelery, accessories?)
We have already developed the line with bags, clutches, evening pouches and belts. At least three new bracelets will be coming out for the A/W 2010 season and we are now working on ankle cuffs for the S/S 2011.
How do you think men and women can incorporate leather cuffs into even the most classic of wardrobes?
With the new models coming out, we will have a minimum of five choices of leather cuffs to cover all tastes. Because we work with only the most luxurious materials, our cuffs are an easy accessory for any wardrobe – from denim to silk.
If both of you could choose ONE cuff to wear, which would it be and why?
Kira: That’s a tough choice! From our A/W 2010 collection, it would have to be one of the exotic leathers such as the Salomé in blue/black Python – it is both refined and luxurious as well as a little edgy and I love the combination of navy and black. It is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, day or night.
Valérie: I can’t choose, I would like to wear them all! Each bracelet is unique and as beautiful as the next, I couldn’t imagine creating a cuff that I like only moderately.
Their Fall colors and collection will soon be available on our website but in the meantime, check out their Spring/Summer 2010 collection – choose your color and leather!
August 6th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Interviews | View Comments
August 3rd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
We couldn’t be more excited to be carrying Rebecca Minkoff’s bags and ready-to-wear this Fall! Since it is not yet widely available outside of the United States, we are excited to be one of their sole retailers both off and online in Europe! We’re busy getting our pieces ready to launch live on the shop, but in the meantime check out the video introduction to the Fall 2010 collection! (Keep checking back with us over the next couple of weeks – we’ll be accepting pre-orders!)
August 3rd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
August 2nd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
I usually have pretty classic taste when it comes to shades of nail polish but recently, I’ve come across loads of bright neon colors and couldn’t resist trying some out. I feel like I’ve fallen back into childhood but instead of using markers to color my fingernails, I’m actually using an appropriate product and not completely destroying them!
Today’s pick is what I like to call “Electric Doulgas Fir Green”. So, are you feeling it or not?

August 2nd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
August 2nd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
August 2nd. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under Fashion Snapshot | View Comments
July 27th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under We | View Comments
Of all the possible island vacation spots within proximity to Paris, an overwhelming number of French people choose to stay local. Well, relatively local. At only 2 hours by plane from the capital and a plethora of artisans and rich agriculture , Corsica attracts nearly 2 million tourists a year and it’s easy to see why.
While visitors from around the world flock to the island for its turquoise sea, white sandy beaches and world renowned hiking, the food plays an equally important role. Landing in Bastia, the capital, we were instantly transfixed by all the colors and liveliness. A bustling port city, Bastia is by no means at a loss for good eats and things to see. But like any tourist city, it can be a challenge to uncover the places the locals would go.
As we walked along the old port, our eyes fluttered from one restaurant to the next, all lined up like toy soldiers just waiting for a group to serve. We continued walking until we spotted Le Lavezzi, a restaurant set off from the others, sticking out from a dilapidated building, with an amazing terrace overlooking the port. We knew we had to try it.

Run by two young men, we instantly felt like we were back in Paris where trendy and colorful describe almost every new restaurant specialized in contemporary French fare. La Lavezzi was not only charming, but cozy and romantic with just the right amount of color to bring life to the space. We knew from glancing at the menu that it was going to be a more expensive meal but given the panoramic view and reputation for quality, modern French food, we understood why. And it was well worth the extra euros.
Fresh tapenade served on a slate after we ordered

Dorade with a vegetable brochette and tomato risotto

Veal with sliced zucchini and gnocchi brochettte
The quality was outstanding, the service impeccable, and the terrace view breathtaking. It was the perfect way to begin AND end (we returned!) a week traveling through Corsica. Avoid the tourist traps and find yourself a terrace table at Le Lavezzi.

8, rue Saint Jean
Bastia, Corsica
Tel: 04 95 31 05 73
July 27th. 2010 by YourJNSQ | Filed Under We | View Comments