Monday, March 21, 2011

Le Grande Orange: Montreal, Lady Grey and Camera Troubles

Well, I know I've been promising Lady Grey pictures for more than a week now. So, you would think that my trip to Montreal (3 days work, 2 days play) would be an ideal time to get Phineas to snap a few, since I wore my coat the whole time. And you'd be right. Except for the fact that my camera has decided to stage a strike; it is periodically refusing to open it's lens (the cover is refusing to retract) when I turn it on. So, in addition to the fact that Phineas hates taking pictures and I am a reluctant model, we now have temperamental equipment.

Le Grande Orange
However, all was not lost and we did get at least a few pictures in the old section of Montreal - Vieux Montreal - with me wearing Lady Grey, which Phin has now nicknamed "Le Grande Orange". (Sigh. Men and their baseball references.)

This was a cute little cafe where we had brunch on Saturday.


Montreal is a really fun town. It really does feel a bit more like Europe than North America, and that isn't just because of all the French speakers and French food, although sitting in a cafe sipping a cafe au lait and eating a croissant does help.  I think the best American comparison is that Montreal is a bit like Boston. The plateau section has a similar feel to Newbury Street and the old part of town looks and feels like the old sections of Boston. It is a great city for walking when the weather cooperates.


Walking down the street of Vieux Montreal, the old part of town

And from the back...

Sitting on Place Jacques Cartier
I am deliberately leaving out the photo that Phin took of me with traffic cones to show how similar the color is. Ha ha ha. But truly, I have no fear of being hit by a car while wearing this coat. The color is intensely eye-popping. And here is my very vain confession: I received many compliments while wearing this coat from random strangers (at the airport, in the hotel lobby...) and from business associates, too. And it felt wonderful - like all that work has really paid off. With all the black and gray and dark colored coats one sees, this one really stands out in a crowd.

Now that I've been wearing it non-stop for a week, I do have some thoughts on the fit and the pattern, etc. Full practical review to follow.

11 comments:

Debi said...

OH! I love it! Your Lady Grey looks fantastic on you! And the photos are fun...I've never been to Montreal but it looks like a lovely city.

Karin said...

It looks fantastic! That pop of red against the winter grey. It is a flattering shape on you too. It really shows off your tiny waist.

Andrea said...

Love the color, Love the coat. It looks fabulous on you. Fantastic job!!!!!

Faye Lewis said...

Congratulations on such a wonderful looking coat!

Mar-Mar said...

Clio! You look FABULOUS in your Lady Grey coat. Awesome color and fit! Montreal looks so beautiful. I need to update my passport so I can go to Canada(grumble)

I'm glad you had fun!

Mar-Mar

The Slapdash Sewist said...

It is GORGEOUS. I love the color and your daring it making it a cropped sleeve. Great design choices, both. And I'm so jealous you were in Montreal, I LOVED it when we were there for PR weekend last year.

Anonymous said...

You look great in it. Congrats on a project well done!

Faye Lewis said...

I wonder if your pattern stash is as large of mine-he he. If you find a few tops you'd like to make, please let me know that you'd like to join in!!!

Sheila said...

AWESOME!!!! coat... love it and the pictures showcase all your hardwork and skills. You worked that coat... reluctant model my eye....lol

Heather said...

Lovely!!! I love your pictures too!

M said...

I just saw this!!! IT LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!! I am so excited for you!!!