Inspiration 11.29

Obsessed doesn't even capture how I feel about this incredible three-story Parisian home (and former haberdashery) featured in The New York Times. That staircase! The garden! It's love.

By the way, this was first discovered on my latest blog crush My Paradissi authored by Eleni, a freelance architect living in Crete -- aren't you just so jealous of her already? And to top it off, she has fabulous taste, by which, of course I mean my taste, but hopefully it's yours too if you read this blog. Simple, European, comfortable glam.

Happy reading, but please promise to come back! ;)

L'affaire française Vol.1

Going to try for a weekly download of some of my favorite French memories. In volume 1 -- views from private courtyards, hidden cafes, sitting by a fountain in Arles and finding the perfect floral sundress.

Inspiration 7.15

Ok, I admit, not too many actionable takeaways from this photo. (Free-standing clothes rack? Ornate mirror on the floor?), but this is basically my idea of glamour.

From Manon Gignoux's super-secret studio.

Love: Astier de Villatte

I know I've been pretty terrible about filling you all in on my recent trip to Paris. The whole experience was eye candy overload, and it's definitely taking me sometime to process it. However, I absolutely cannot wait to share my favorite shop with you any longer.

Astier de Villatte was hands-down, the MOST amazing, made-for-me store I've ever walked into. Think wispy, white ceramics so delicate and beautiful they're almost poetic, handmade notebooks, lush perfumes, scented candles and myriad other "fait main" treasures

I imagine if you read this blog we must have a few things in common, so the next time you are in Paris, you must, MUST, stop in this store. Trust me, friends, this is infinitely more enjoyable than dragging yourself up the steps at Notre Dame or fighting gum-chewing tour groups for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

I walked out with a few beautiful ceramic cups and bowls imprinted with pretty things like a greek-inspired crest, a pencil thin sunflower and a bohemian hobnail pattern -- and my favorite purchase -- the loveliest little ceramic bird who sits here at my desk with me.

Astier De Villatte
173 Rue Saint-Honoré
Metros: Palais Royal, Pyramides, Tuileries

A family's Paris loft

What a charming family loft I found in June 2010's NIDO, a German magazine. I think the article is entitled "From the crate," but German readers can correct me. I love her kitchen shelving is made from old wine crates! The childrens' rooms is my favorite with the little toy loft, lights and art on the walls.

I like that you can see things they use everyday in the photos and it doesn't look completely staged.  I wouldn't say it's untidy, but more normal in the sense that not everything is put away or hidden. 

This home made me think of a new book I recently came across (thanks to Decor8) with the laboriously long title, "A Perfectly Kept House Is the Sign of a Misspent Life: Creative Ideas and Real-life Tips for Making Your Home Lived-in, Warm, Welcoming and One-of-A-Kind ....Worrying About Everything Being Just Right)!" by Mary Randolph Carter. I can't wait to see this book, and I imagine it may show lots of spaces just like this one. It brings up the question of how comfortable you are living with a bit of a "mess." 

I wonder if we become too accustomed to seeing perfect spaces in magazines and if that makes us unsatisfied with our own surroundings if they look less than photo-ready? For example, I hate looking at a hodge-podge of commercial labels on things we use, so I keep those things (unless they're pretty) off the counters and out of sight. I'm sure there are many examples. I also dislike seeing electrical cords, and am always trying to find ways to hide them. However, my house will never look "styled" because I don't have the time or talent. And we actually live in it! But unsightly or messy areas still bother me! What level of "mess" are you comfortable with, and do you find yourself trying to pretty up the unmatching or unsightly things about your space ? (photos by Michel Figuet)

Paris Bound + More Kari Herer

Well, my lovelies, it's finally time for me to head to PARIS. I'm going to do my very best to keep you all updated pending internet connections. I've been before, but I'm especially excited to spend more time exploring the streets, lingering at outdoor cafes, browsing books at Shakespeare & Co. and finally making it to watch a sunset at Sacre Coeur.

But you guys know I won't be leaving Paris without doing some serious damage to my bank account: A few stops on the list: handmade from Astier de Villatte, Le Petit Atelier de Paris and French Touche, vintage from Marie Louise de Monterey, Le Marche du Marin (St. Tropez) and hopefully catching the Butte-aux-Cailles flea market on June 27.

Please, please, please leave your recommendations in the comments below. Paris bookends my trip, but I'll also be in Avignon, St. Tropez, Nice, Dijon and Aix.

But before I leave, I wanted to share some more loveliness from Kari Herer. Au revoir!

Scènes de la Vie de Bohème

I keep coming back to this amazing vintage photo posted to The Sartorialist last week. It's of model Willy van Rooy and her son Alejandro, taken in Paris in the early 70s.

Just a lovely artifact from a time and place that couldn't be more glamorous to me. Learn more about the photo here.

Weekend Obsessions: Fluctuat Nec Mergitur

As some of you may know, I'm headed to France in about 30 days (!). Naturally, my normal levels of francophilia have shot through the roof, and I wanted to share all of the awesome stuff feeding my excitement sourced from around the Web.

1. First, I am truly obsessed with the Paris' motto and coat of arms, "Fluctuat Nec Mergitur," which translates to, "She is tossed by the waves, but does not sink." So lovely, I would actually like to make that my own official motto. Supposedly, you can find the coat on architecture throughout Paris, and you know I'll be on the hunt for beautiful photos to snap. A few I discovered on Flickr above and below. (Image credits [and great photographers]: Jean Michel-Voulat, Dorenrof Claudius)

2. One of my stops on the trip will be St. Tropez, and I am loving Garance Dore's dispatches from the resort right now, particularly her shopping finds, including vintage shop Le Marché Du Marin and Rondini sandals. If you want to see pure, unadulterated glamour, go check out her blog right now.
3. While we're on the subject of St. Tropez, my friend Tristan from Liminality is there right now, and snapped this gorgeousness. I basically died when I saw it.

It reminded me to dig up this older photo he took in Paris of models post-show, which I also love.
4. I can't talk about models in Paris, without thinking of Antonio from The Singular. His photos provide tons of packing inspiration.

5. Finally, Nichole from Little Brown Pen takes the most amazing photos of Paris. I love that she captures the details -- cafe chairs, the vivid reds and blues of a shop's awning, and beautiful architectural details most people never notice. It's easy to take beautiful pictures of Paris -- but Nichole's photos actually take you there. Stop by her Etsy shop to take a little piece of Paris home.

Inspiration 3.22

One of my favorites from the latest issue of Elle Decor

MODERN INTERIORS - DIEDIER GOMEZ

Feature Interior Design Firm: DIEDIER GOMEZ
Location: Paris, France
Specialty: high-end residential, retail, commercial, hospitality
Project Highlights: See my favorites on flickr image library

I love the use of combining oversized graphics with bold colour to create a dramatic interior concept. The work of Diedier Gomez is a perfect example of well executed concept interiors.