Do not make the Empress wait...

When letters were delayed, Empress Maria Theresa was annoyed! In several letters she would passively write about her displeasure of delayed deliveries.  She would even schedule her messengers to leave on specific days so that she would receive letters on a set schedule.  An example is in a letter she penned to Marie Antoinette in 1770, when she was Dauphine of France.

"Madame, my dear daughter at last this eternal messenger has arrived at nine o'clock at night, bringing the dear accounts of you. Heaven be praised that according to him your health is good, he was with your suite and thinks you grown taller and stouter."

Empress Maria Theresa to Marie Antoinette 1770

Metropolitan Museum & Vogue = French Twists

French Twists was a photo-shoot from Vogue, May 2004. The shots were taken in the fabulous Wrightsman Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  I think it is easy to see why these galleries are my favorite place to be in the museum! If you have not been and you love the 18th century *I am assuming you all do...! Then I highly suggest you plan a trip soon, it is breathtaking.

Although the set was taken a few years back, the images are stunning and elegant.  The first image mimics a work by Fragonard.  The second image looks like a scene right out of Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, with a modern twist to the gowns. What do you think of the sets/looks/fashions? Click on the images to see the larger version!

 Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Bolt. 1777, oil on canvas. Louvre. 

Photos from the party last night

As promised here are the pics from last night's party.  The party started outdoors and we ended up staying out so late...well. Anyway, there was so much food and tons of wine, plenty of women to go around. So much fun!  I didn't even know all the people that showed up, but hey, we are only young and in charge once right?

 Oh my god! I remember this chick, I think she took something before arriving to the party! We still don't know who brought the baby, he wasn't wearing a diaper and went wee everywhere!

 This dude showed up naked, and just ran around all night with that goat. Super weird- I didn't talk to him at all. Weird-o

 That is the Comte de Vache!! HA, this picture is going in the books!

 Oh man, this guy was AWESOME.

Oh yea, and look who showed up last minute, W. Pitt!  Kept his nose in the air all night! Dude needs to have a little more fun. Hopefully I can get him to drink more tonight. Weird thing, all the women loved him, so I guess he is doing something right. Still isn't ruling France though. #ftw
~Your devoted Regent, The duc d'Orleans

Quoteables

"I am worshipped and extolled to day by the very same men who will hate and insult me after my death."

-Duc d'Orleans from Jacob, P. L., and Ernest Christopher Dowson. 1899. Memoirs of Cardinal Dubois, tr. from the French by Ernest Dowson; with photogravure portraits of Cardinal Dubois and the Duc d'Orléans. London: L. Smithers and Co.

The afternoon Roundup

What men are wearing these days...I get the long tailored jacket but what is with the hair? [Esquire]

The worst fashion trend ever. WHY would you cover yourself up? Throw a beauty mark on that neck and call it a day! [Tom and Lorenzo]

Someone recently told me they have already named a street after me in London. They know what's up. [Ye Olde Google Maps]

A portrait of me as a kid, in armor (my fav. painting to date) [Gossip Guide]

Escaped exotic "cobra" is found, is known to talk. Currently being shipped to Versailles as a snack for my new beloved pet  [NY Times blog]


Video of my new beloved pet, Harley.
[may contain some profanity, but it couldn't be avoided!]



New trailer for Hangover 2 (Was so excited til I saw this. Where are the ladies?!)


More ladies I love after the jump!

Fashion tips, baby.

Welcome to my new blog, where you will find everything you need to know about style, women and being all around perfect.  It seems like the right time to share my pearly words of wisdom with the masses, especially after receiving so much fan mail...day after day. I don't even read it! 

So do me a favor and make sure you are following my blog.  Just in case anyone from the colonies is reading this, you may not yet know but I rule France.

All about me:
I grew up the duc de Chartres but now I am the duc d'Orleans and it is a far superior gig.  While we are on the topic of me, I pretty much rule everything.  Everyone who is anyone knows me.  I have dark hair and I am ridiculously good looking, women often describe me as dashing and dreamy. I heard"dreamboat" once but that chick was nuts.

More important stuff about me:
Hmm...what else... I love good food, actresses, models, singer-songwriters, ladies in costume, ladies in waiting, I also had a perfect NCAA bracket until a few days ago (who the hell is Butler?!)  and I have hired someone just to take care of my shoes.  If I learned anything from my late father, it is that a man must take care of his appearance at all times... well enough about me.  Back to instructing you on a better way to living life, and learning all about how the 18th century is a fabulous place and time full of fun.