Have you heard of the beautiful French blogger Betty and her controversy with Zara? Wake up, before you miss out on this phenomenon… Betty is a 27 year old Parisian who shares her passion for fashion through her blog, which is visited about 40,000 times a day. The saga began 2 years ago….

The queen of Parisian fashion

On 22 May, Betty received over 700 comments for her new post “Zara, We Have a Problem”: fashion brand Zara was inspired by a photo of Betty taken in Miami, and used it as the basis for a drawing used for a t shirt. A dark-haired girl, looked over her spectacles, while wearing a jeans jacket, drinking through a straw and making a peace sign with her left hand….Just like the photo of Betty … what a mystery. But perhaps there is no problem, as since then, the French blogger has been working with lots of top fashion brands …

In her blog, Betty doesn’t ramble on about herself, and as she states in her FAQ, she just wants to share her love for fashion. And pose for her boyfriend Mathieu’s Polaroids; take pictures of her cat and even what she eats, with captions translated into cute Fringlish. Ok, the pictures are cool because the light and the colours are very fresh, clear… yep: they are hip. Anyway, don’t get too passionate about Betty: she receives so many requests for interviews that she has given up: she has no time to answer, but will send “des gros bisous” (a big kiss!).

Betty Boop Generation

Maybe you recall the phenomenon of Tavi Gavinson or Cecilia Cassini, two very young girls who promote fashion in their own way. Here, in the case of possible plagiarism by Zara, let´s try and see the bright side: fashion designers are finally waking up to the street style revolution, and are getting inspired by what they see. They look to adapt it to the public and different people, basing their bets on trends they have researched, not just arbitrarily invented. Internet and blogs are a new window into the street … I’m sure the move was great news for Betty.

Get people talking about you, take photos of your best meals and go on holiday to the fashion capital of the world. Blog it, rent apartments in Paris and you might just end up on a t shirt!

Get ready to rock and roll for a good cause and enjoy the music in Paris during the Solidays festival 25 until 27 June. 10 years ago, that this festival began to bring together some of the most interesting musical offerings at a good price. The festival is an incredible bargain and features concerts by more than 80 artists over three days for only 49 euros, and even better, profits go to charities for the fight against AIDS. More than the typical festival of drunkenness and flirting, it’s a “militant festival”, which supports social solidarity.

Previous editions have had more than 100,000 attendees, and the stars and talent present this year should attract similar crowds… There will be concerts by Florence and the Machine, Local Natives, NERD, Brother Ali, Femi Kuti, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Crookers, Wolfmother, Kasabian, Delphic, Staff Benda Bilili, the Toots and the Maytals, Vanessa Paradis, Archive and Wax Tailor, just to name a few. The festival is organized so that everyone can have a great time. Generally, the earlier concerts tend to be more relaxed, so that the whole family can enjoy them, while night time proposals are generally more daring, ending with electronic music late-night. If you read French, you can check the website: www.solidays.org. You are sure to find a handful of artists whose concerts you’d like to see.

The festival is held at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, and also has some special features to mix things up a bit. There will be a space for childcare, a section for mounting “a silent rave,” and stands devoted to French and foreign AIDS associations and activists who will organize activities and contests, and provide information on prevention and treatment methods. There is also space for camping, but the best is to rent apartments in Paris and have a blast at the festival, with a luxurious shower afterwards.

On Monday June 21, France will celebrate the summer solstice by inviting music lovers to invade the streets. This feast for the ears, is an popular and free urban event, is not so much a festival but rather, a national demonstration which since 1982 has allowed professional and amateur groups of all styles of to play freely outdoors. Millions of people descend on the streets to discover new talents and trends, and fill the city with inspiring and fun music: if you come, you will begin summer 2010 with a great vibe …

The theme of this 29th edition, ” Feminine Music “, pays homage to the muses of music, women. Sure you’re thinking of Edith Piaf and “Non, rien de rien! Non, je ne regrette rien! “That’s right, you will not regret coming. Day and night, the concerts will occupy the sidewalks, streets, squares, gardens, playgrounds, museums, castles … and even hospitals, prisons and operas tend to celebrate the event with a special program.

It is a unique opportunity to meet people, and get out on the Paris streets like never before. Check out the agenda of the major Parisian concert halls, in general the lineups are special on this day.

We´ve been there befor, so we just wanted to give you a little bit of practical advice to take advantage of the party at its best: if you go with a group of friends, partner up into small separate groups, or set a meeting place just in case. The crowd is so lively it’s easy to get lost and end up walking around all night in search of you friends. Running around looking for your friends can make it difficult to listen to any band with calm and passion. But just a tip … You decide! Anyway you decide, you will not regret going to the festival.

And even less if you book your accommodation with apartments in Paris. Their prices and amenities ensure you a memorable stay in the most romantic city in Europe.