it’s not easy being fabulous
not for me, anyway! i don’t know what it is about city life but whether it’s new york or paris, it’s on as soon as you step out the door. i wish i were one of those women who looks put together all the time but truth is it’s a lot of work just to get by in paris!
being home for the past day has been a real recalibration that was not a nano too soon! it took 2 trips to the beach and 3 showers but i’m finally unwinding.
this is an old photo but it reminds me of the cross between my two lives and how they complement each other. paris and miami couldn’t be more polar opposite and i love both so much.
the good news is that i don’t have to think about fashion, except what bathing suit to wear
in 24 hours all has changed, and this is my champs-elysées
and the infinite world of detail has given way to a different kind of infinity
now just zoning out and trying to slide in between the two worlds. the sound of french accordion music in the metro has been replaced by the buena vista social club, and watching the sun go down will be on lincoln road instead of from my parisian balcony on rue des ecoles.
the best part is knowing that paris is not very far, and all happening right now, there for the taking whenever you’re ready to go! i’ll be going in august and/or september. you know i want you to come too!
ps: just found these great resources for next time!
au revoir paris, à la prochaine
well, c’est tout! 3 weeks and a lifetime of experiences.
this last day was filled with a wild cast of characters with just about every personality imaginable. it was a long road and a trip i won’t soon forget.
now it’s off to bed, i’ve had my fill of pretty things and will leave tomorrow with a new outlook. next time i come to paris i’ll be sure to make time to savor the treasures of this wonderland.
i can’t really get into it now cause i have to pack but i’ll share my thoughts on it all soon.
right now i have a slight sense of ennui tonight so will bid you adieu.
i never knew the charm of spring
i’m going to miss these hearty morning breakfasts in the sunshine. i don’t think i could eat this much bread and this many croissants anywhere else in the world and not be rotund by now. tomorrow’s my last full day in paris and it’s going to be jam packed from the crack of dawn till sunset. it’s hard to believe it went so fast.
today was long hard work but we made some major moves! running around at clingancourt proved to be an all day endeavor. it was the first time i’ve ever covered the entire marked in one fell swoop and it took a good 8 hours. my clients had incredible taste and were sure about what they wanted which made all the difference.
among other treasures they got these chairs but this picture doesn’t come close to doing them justice (they’re chartreuse mohair with an incredible patina).
this chandelier was too tall but we fell in love with the amber and turquoise beads circa 1920.
we scored great beds in the way back where no one dares to go…
and found hand carved pieces throughout this incredible market. quel candy store it is! this is just a sampler, i didn’t take a lot of shots cause i was mostly running around like a nut, but you get the drift.
tomorrow a travel and leisure writer is coming to trail us and anthony is shooting the gala as we’re meeting with toma and, well, it’s going to be another major soiree!
there’s still so much to see and do and experience here in paris, i really want to hit this last exposition but don’t know if it will happen. we’re headed to vanves and then to some local brocantes in the 12e and 16e for starters. i’d love to have this sconce for myself.
if i have an ounce of energy left tomorrow i’ll recap our day, but it’s supposed to rain and i have a feeling i’m going to need all my strength to push it one more time. if i don’t pass out now there’s no telling what will become of me. so more tomorrow and hope all is well on your end. i’ll be stateside by monday night, so for now à bientôt!
one thing leads to another
allo everybody!
you know how it is…you start out doing one little thing and end up in another universe! i was researching the passages of paris and came across some wonderful sites and took a not so little tour through them this morning. i couldn’t have brought you on a better trip myself so if you have a minute, go inside with french icon ines de la fressange.
she’s somehow involved with roger viver (you can see it all here), iconic shoe designer and she’s the opener on his site. needless to say i got pulled into a gorgeous vacuum but have to get out and about now.
to read more about him and his legacy, visit adrian:
adrianasassoon.wordpress.com/2009/04/22/roger-vivier
lespassantsdavril.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
she was apparently not theh only one who was inspired by his work. this artist did some adorable sketches.
ok, well back to my work, i have new clients in town who are looking for all sorts of things including beds (which i love to source). i found this one last weekend and wouldn’t mind having it for myself.
some people would tear off the upholstery but i just adore it! it’s almost like crewel work up close. if it’s still there i’ll take a detail shot.
ok i’m off now! tonite i’m meeting the antiques diva at the hotel costes cause we’ll be visiting some brocantes over the weekend together and what better place to make our plans over truffle mac and cheese?
these great shots came from flickr by tg81 (not sure how she shot these cause it’s impossible to capture, i’ve tried so many times to no avail)! anyway if you haven’t been there, put it on the to do list next time you’re in town.
for now, bon journee and more to come!
no
a long day’s journey into night
hi toute le monde! it feels like it’s been awhile since i’ve been able to sit and blog and in fact it meant missing dinner tonite to work on it and all my other techno stuff. i’ve had quite to bit to eat anyway so missing a meal is probably a pretty good thing, actually.
it’s been a hectic trip with almost every minute scheduled and lots of moving around. today we bid farewell to another apartment fantastique and moved down the rue to another enchanting beauty. the apartment we left is rarely empty but if you’re a st. germain fan, you can not beat it for location and atmosphere. oh, and charm, technology, decor and all the trimmings!
haveninparis.com/rental/stgermainluxe
www.haveninparis.com/rental/ecoles
our new flat was a complete surprise. i had seen photos on the site but was not even close to prepared for what was behind this door.
it’s a corner unit with a balcony and completely surrounded by windows.
it’s open and bright with pretty furniture and fabrics.
of course it’s also tres charmant and as all haven’s apartments, it’s got a washer and dryer, free phone to the u.s. and wifi that actually works.
oh, and of course tons of great artwork and books and movies, and have i gone on about this company enough? i’m a convert!
i guess what blew both gen and me away was the view ultimately. we can see sacré-coeur, notre dame,
and the moyen age ruins being excavated and restored just below. truly an incredible spectacle that brought me back to my roots. the reason i came to france and paris so long ago was as a volunteer on archaeological expeditions with volunteers for peace. looking down at it made me long for those days. i have been craving something lately, a change in my life that focuses on the planet.
as i strolled around the new hood i started to notice the little things that paris is doing to make itself more green. this may not be the most attractive option but it’s a way for everyone to be able to recycle. not all buildings have recycling separation so conscientious consumers can toss it here.
there are a couple of bio (organic) places popping up
and some of the street cleaning is done by hand as opposed to giant machines. i mean of course they have them but man power is still going strong.
anyway, i’ve been up and down every possible arrondisement, meeting today with a great couple from clickappart.com
and finishing touches in montmartre with jean on her apartment.
up in that area i found the love wall
got the goods
and stopped at one of my favorite perfume shops. i’ll fill in all the details later but it’s getting pretty late and of course i insanely scheduled and early meeting.
a quick shout out to fifi for her lovely paintings of some of my shots this week!
and a congrats to my guy for his mention in the times. he’s importing a pasta that’s been a bit of a secret at hotels and restaurants but is now in some stores like fresh direct. it’s fresh from italy and is organic, best of all it’s a little purse filled with 4 cheeses and pear. absolument to die for and completely addictive!
ok, i could go on and on and on with pics and events and areas and stores and windows and the photo shoots and all that happens in one afternoon! ok one more! i wish i could do this one day for a minute! maybe friday…for now bon nuit!
and you don’t stop
(a little shout to all my wu tang clan fans)!
hi guys, i hope you’re in full spring swing and are enjoying every minute of it! this is just a quickie post as i’m off to meet erica for dinner and a little brainstorming. i just got my ticket to spend all next month in nyc. i’m not used to city life anymore and this non stop action is like woah! i’m almost worn out but will carry on, more soon! xoc
wistful thoughts on wisteria lane
hello dear friends. it was a bleak and rainy day for the most part.
i spent a lot of it thinking about my uncle who passed away and was buried today.
when the sun came out in the early afternoon everything seemed to change and the colors came back
and the scents, and the feelings.
goodbye uncle george, you will be missed and i’ll think of you often.
and see you everywhere. bon nuit~
on the other hand
allo all! after a long day, we’re about to have a long night! we moved over to a new neighborhood and it and the new lair are as completely opposite from the last one as can be. the hood is beyond lively, as it’s the heart and soul of st. germain. the new apartment is 400 year old open and majestic aerie with enormous windows overlooking all the action but incredibly quiet. this is just another of the incredible collection of places put together by the inimitable erica of haven in paris. she’s really becoming my superhero.
www.haveninparis.com/rental/stgermainluxe.php
the beams that look like they’ve been here forever and the furniture and curtains are all finished in patrica guild fabrics another testament to the attention to detail of erica and the owners is in everything from the state of the art kitchen and electronics to the silky cotton embroidered bedding.
genevieve called the room with the major view but it’s all good, there’s really not a spot in the place that’s not astounding! we’re about to go out and taste a little saturday night life and enjoy it all.
real quick we did hit the flea today with jean and found some fabu pieces for her apartment in the 7eme. i fell in love with these old coral sconces with beads made of wood.
of course i could furnish an entire building with what i fell in love with. but as i’ve complained, taking pics can be more of a hassle than it’s worth. there’s no sound more beautiful than the french language unless it’s a woman screaming at you!
anyway i tried to be slick with my camera but really haven’t mastered it. still, i know you appreciate my efforts and am going back tomorrow and promise to try to do better!
finally, i got a really surprising email from caroline taylor the other day, a writer for the financial times. she wrote a fascinating article on the the power of blogs and let me know that she included this one in her top pics! if you get a chance to pick up the FT today, it’s an incredible read. what blogs have become is nothing short of revolutionary!
the writers she interviews are breaking stereotypes and making real livings, bringing together communities and changing the face of publishing. she mentions places you can list your blog to get more exposure and tomorrow i’ll list some of her highlights. (gen’s restless)! it was inspiring cause if you have a blog you can really reach for the stars if you’re motivated. so keep on keeping on, blogs are the future and the future is now! bon nuit!
i got so attached
to this apartment on rue rameau! it’s been everything i could ever want in an apartment and a home. if you’re ever coming to paris and want to stay in a magnificent 2 bedroom, this has got to be one of the best in the city. and to think i have to leave it in the morning, i’m heartbroken!
well luckily there’s always something to look forward to and i’ll be headed back to st. germain so that should be fun.
waiting for genevieve today (she’s here)! gave me another free day of cruising around. i passed by one of my favorite places, the national archives, aka l’hôtel de soubise.
there was an exhibition on the history of france and it’s also the place where lots of the marie antoinette film was shot so i couldn’t resist a look. as usual, there were nooks and crannies i’d never seen. i’ve been to the apartments of the prince and princess but had never seen this little salon jewel.
i love the details in these rooms! like you could eat the icing right off the cake!
i think that’s my number one fascination with paris apartments, the architectural details. it’s so much fun to live with that sort of eye candy. of course you can bring it home by adding crown moldings and trims to doors and windows.
i tried to take lots of detail shots, cause even a tiny bit adds so much character to a room. these are pretty complicated but you have to have the fanatics go wild and then you can take it down a notch.
i hope you’ll forgive my horrible video skills, i have a flip but have zero talent with it so far. trying to hide it while i shot didn’t help, but i thought you might enjoy a tour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfmb1aFfIro
afterward i stopped at BHV to pick up some things and dropped by the hardware section. just using a few of these pieces can give a room an authentic frenchy feel. it’s so about the doors and window hardware and trim!
these locks are a sure fire way to jazz up a window.
anyway i have to go cause gen wants to go out and we have to pack up for an early am at the flea. i’ll shoot some footage there, hopefully that will be better. and here’s one more for my grafitti lovers! sorry to rush but she’s waiting! xoc
going nowhere fast
bonjour gang! hope you’re well and things are going your way. if not, hop on a plane and get over here toute de suite! it was my first day to just stroll around paris with no agenda.
i could have gone to a museum but really just wanted to wander. guess i had a tiny plan subconsciously cause i ended up at some of my favorite haunts looking for books and drawings.
there’s always something incredible tucked in a folder that no one seems to care is a hundred years old.
everything is old here so i guess it’s just de rigeur to the locals. i love to imagine the city as it was, when it was all brand new. well parts were new. funny how the faces of the people seem the same.
i’m normally only on the seine when crossing banks so it was fun to take it all in. the vendors are really uptight about taking photos so i didn’t even bother since i am tired of being yelled at.
but it was fun to wander aimlessly, there are lots of details i miss in a rush. tomorrow two more guests are coming so it will be back to a high energy daily vie.
j’adore french grafitti and it’s easy to miss.
anyway i didn’t score anything better than my treasures from the flea the other day. just kept an eye out for details and sunshine.
oh, and second hand shops. one of my clients is looking for vintage goodies so i needed to check my sources.
anyway since you enjoyed the sketches from the flea i thought you may like to see some more detail. i personally can’t stop looking at them!
there are still a few more there, i’m debating whether to get the rest and put together a little book on chairs cause every style is represented.
to think they can be gone with one swipe of an eraser. it’s hard to believe someone could draw this precisely. but then i can’t draw a thing so this amazes me.
ok well, it’s now 2am and genvieve arrives at 7am so i best hit the hay or i’ll be useless à demain. à bientôt! ps i know i’m making up my own language half the time so please don’t be offended if you’re french :)
life as swirling & twirling whirling dervish
miss sixty window in the 2eme (wishing my wardrobe looked more like this)
hi mes amis! i feel like it’s been an eternity since i’ve been here. for some reason this trip has been non-stop action and when i’m not running around like a nut i’m fast asleep on a metro somewhere.
miss sixty windows in the 2eme
i don’t think i’ve pushed myself this hard even on the longest days in ny. guess cause it’s a high energy season and there’s so much to see and do. and i’m trying to expand every minute to the fullest extent of the law.
i’m buzzing all over town but still exploring the 2nd since the owners of the apartment have been gracious enough to send me a list of local things to do and delicious places to eat and drink. i could really get used to living in this area, it’s got something special on every block. ok, you can say that about any part of paris actually, but since i’m here i’m digging in.
you can go from a teeny tiny rue with vintage trims
and turn the corner to find topiary trees in the manicured lawns of the palais royal.
just down the block is an incredible store with those huge maps of paris. actually they have all sorts of antique ephemera, it’s truly something to behold. and the prices are good!
livres et papiers, 6 rue vivienne
the owner’s collection is truly one only a fanatic could amass. or a museum.
it inspired me to trek back to the market where i found some pencil sketches of my own the other day that i couldn’t live without apparently. having access to things like this is probably the most enticing thing about the city for me. original works of art for 10 euros! it’s the sort of thing that keeps me seduced by this city.
turns out this is an area full of trims and tassels which is one of my weaknesses. i was happy to find declerq, an unbelievable shop on the way to the metro, but there are lots of manufacturers tucked in niches all over.
of course there’s quaintness everywhere you turn, this little bistro is next to the palais royal.
tomorrow’s my first free day, and i’m going to take some advice from the apartment owners, ashley and manuel to hit some of these hotspots, all within a 3 block radius. that is if i can take my eyes off the windows!
- the japanese soba noodle shop on rue Ste. Anne
- the oyster bar and the venetian at the bourse
- LeGrand Filles & Fils for wonderful wine and jam and soup and things for the pantry
- the interior square and the reading rooms of the Bibliotheque National
- the 12 ‘Galeries de la rue Ste Anne’
- christian louboutin and jean paul gautier
in my travels i did get a chance to meet erica from haven in paris in person. she invited me to her fab apartment in montmartre where we had tea and got acquainted. she’s fascinating and down to earth and american! and i promise to post our interview in the coming days.
on another note, i met jeanne through madelyn at paris perfect. (more on her later too)! jeanne bought a sweet pied a terre as an investment and i was in the right place at the right time.saturday we’re going to outfit the new place with a trip to the flea and get her all set up, my favorite thing to do as you probably know :)
(jeanne’s view)
and last but certainly not least is a warm welcome and thank you to my newest sponsor, lora of lora hart designs. she’s a creative genius with a blossoming empire, creating unique pieces that have a sense of history and are modern at the same time. i hope you’ll vist her sites and take a good look around, she’s got a lot going on!
lorahart.com & etsy.com lora hart
well kids, that’s it for me tonite. it’s gotta be 3 am and i have to call it a night if i’m going to do anything at all tomorrow besides sleep some more! so sweet dreams and more to come. can you tell i bought flowers? funny how it really only takes one. anyway i reshot all the pics below and met with the fab photogs. they’re back from tokyo tomorrow so we’ll be working together on the project. ok c’est tout pour sure!
waking up in haven
good morning! it’s my first in this glorious apartment. i honestly feel like a princess, it’s so bright and open and just gorgeous!
the mouldings, the doors, every detail has been considered from the colors to the furniture, marble baths, parquet floors, technology, and the linens!
did i mention the linens? the closet is full of the softest sheets, fluffy towels and down comforters.
i haven’t met the owners but their collection of art, books, cd’s and music is incredible. there’s everything from art books and guides to jean moreau films and all sorts of series.
this is definitely an apartment that can satisfy both a man and a woman’s taste. i took tons of photos and will add some more later as i have a bunch of meetings all day.
outside it’s a new hood for me, the 2e. it’s one of the more understated areas but has so much going on.
this apartment is on an absolutely silent street but the house colette lived in is right around the corner.
there’s a pedestrian area right nearby and you can see the old and new converging seamlessly.
even though i walked for miles yesterday i’ve only touched the surface of course.
i’m headed out now for something to eat. there’s a fantastic passage down the rue called Vivienne. it was full of life last night but i was too tired to enjoy it. now i’m about to meet with audrey and anthony to talk about photographing the apartments, starting with this one. this book is an enormous undertaking but i’m up for the challenge.
rue montregrueil
passage vivienne
park around the corner
this is what i mean about mixing the old and the new. i love the sense of humor and efficiency of these window boxes! ok well i have to get ready, so more to come! i’ll bid adieu for now!
sunday, sunny sunday
happy easter, or passover or just plain sunday everyone! it’s early here and i’m about to make my first move. i’m thrilled to be working with HiP (Haven in Paris), a wonderful company run by an incredibly efficient team and headed up by owner Erica Berman. (more on her dream story later). she put together a fantasy itinerary for me where i’ll be changing apartments every few days, starting with this gorgeous flat:
haveninparis.com/rental/Rameau.php
it’s in the 2e so that’s exciting cause i’ve never stayed there and am looking forward to exploring the nooks and crannies this week. it’s the first on my series for the new book and i’ll be interviewing the owners who put it all together, and taking lots of photos. anyway i’ve got to get going cause i’m meeting laurence there to introduce me to the place. enjoy your day and i’ll be back once i’m settled in!
it’s easter time in the city
bon soir guys! hope you’re getting ready for a nice long weekend. me? i’m already exhausted from walking for hours with something blooming, bustling, springing at every turn!
paris seems completely unaffected by what’s happening globally. everyone is shopping like mad.
if it wasn’t for having come from the states and cnn (the only channel in english), it would all seem like peaches and crème in the world.
anyway i’m already overwhelmed with pics and just wanted to share a few with you in the spirit of the season.
it wouldn’t be a trip to paree without some window shopping at laudrèe.
and i can’t get over the flowers on every corner. they seem brighter and even more perfect than usual…
not to mention the rose bushes everywhere!
i almost can’t take it! anyway tomorrow’s an early day at the flea avec mes clients so i’m going to turn in and dream of these sugarplums. i’m trying to make a point of going to places i don’t know on this trip. i’m hoping to get to a lot of gardens and tucked away niches on sunday in honor of easter. so for now, hope these are the soul food for you they were for me. more to come. bon nuit and sweet dreams!
feels like the first time
bon jour tout le monde!
i’m finally here, exhausted from a long flight and day of getting my bearings. the good news is that spring has sprung and the sun is strong and bright!
it’s probably the first time i’ve been here in the spring since i was a kid and it’s a completely different city every single trip. i can’t believe i keep coming in january for the maison objet, what was i thinking?
the streets are filled with music and laughter, the scent of coffee and flowers, it’s positively heaven on earth!
i’m staying in the 6e and though it’s familiar, i’ve never really done more than casually pass through. now i’m in the heart of a ton of action and tried to take some video with my flip that i’ll give a whirl at uploading in a minute.
i have a really early call with my first client in the morning and one of her desires (mine too)! is to visit a textile mill. when i came up short i asked my brilliant friend mélanie of le petit cabinet de curiosities and just now she introduced me to an incredible company whose mills are in lyon but showroom is in paris. of course that led to a ton of other clues and now i’m in the throes at the last minute!
now i’m putting the final touches on the day tomorrow, which means i don’t have any time to play tonite since it’s already midnight. how did that happen? :(
so the pics i took today will have to wait til demain.
video of the hood tomorrow when i’m more together and can figure it out! better catch some zzzz’s cause i’m scrambled and feeling the lag…bon nuit!
iloveparisapartments.com, how appropos
bonjour friends, how are you? i miss you and feel so out of touch what with getting this trip together. it’s been all consuming. i admit i do things on the fly and expect great things but it was getting pretty scary there for a sec even for me.
it’s been tricky finding something great on short notice and waking up in a panic is no fun. but miracles do happen, just wait till you see what’s up! i hit the tip of infinity! (more on that later :)
i’ll be in four apartments throughout the trip! i’m looking foward to it cause they’re in different neighborhoods. i’ll just pack light and be ready to jet. it’s not like i have a lot to bring! (maybe i’ll get some scarves and advice from liz)
i’m staying with one of my favorite apartment services, I love Paris Apartments run by Porter Scott who among many things is also a gifted writer. i love reading his descriptions of the apartments and their histories.
we met a few years ago and clicked right off the bat. i thought of him as my male counterpart cause somehow he was just like me. well, maybe not me yet, but he’s into antiques, does tours, restorations, property management, real estate sales, and runs the company overseeing all of these beautiful apartments.
his collection is in the 1st through 6th arrondissements, right in the middle of everything but all tucked away on tiny side streets and courtyards. you know the big doors we all love? they’re back there!
i think he has a dream job! anyway he couldn’t be nicer or more helpful, i know because i test him all the time :)
each apartment is immaculate and has just what’s needed.
and each has its own personality after a few hundred years.
yet some seem as new as morning dew.
i’ve seen a few of these in person and hope to visit even more to shoot and include in the book.
you really have to go through them all on the site, it’s a great resource.
this is the one i’ll be staying in for my first few days (below).
fact is, they’re all real gems.
he even has a place in the loire valley that looks really inviting for a summer trip.
it’s both cozy and classic
Thanks, Porter for always being there!
To inquire about an apartment or for more information regarding services including:
- Relocation Conferences, Publications & Consulting
- Property Purchase Consulting, Search and Identification Services
- Property Renovation, Antiques and Furnishing
- Property Rental Management
- Antique Market Tours and Buying Trips
- Select Antiques for Sale
Contact Porter Scott, Manager in Paris
ok well that’s it for tonite. it’s almost midnuit and it’s my b’day tomorrow so gotta get some zzz’s. sweet dreams!
what am i doing here?
when i should be working? saying a quick hello. hello!
hey guys! i’ve had guests for a few days so it’s been beyond hectic. in those four days everyone’s changed their travel plans!
trying to book this trip has kept me on my toes to say the least.
at first the search was for a 4 bedroom, then 3
truth is i was worried more about the other people’s accommodations than my own!
so now i’m the one without a home in paris yet. how typical is that. i’m like the cobbler cliché.
well these are a couple of contenders but it’s still up in the air. with april in paris still so popular, i’ll probably still have to switch apartments. that part i don’t mind.
i don’t mind any of it, the search, the book research, the pics! but it is cutting it close and i do have the rest of my life to live.
oooh i get weak over turquoise as you know!
these are some more of the apartments we’re going to shoot for the book.
this is the one i’ll most likely get, god willing:
don’t ask me why but i love this room. i’ll get linens at the flea.
this wonderful site is one i’ve recommended over the years on my shopping page. they’re going to be selling the apartments so i’m not sure how much longer this will be up.
going through the pics tonight reminded me how beautiful this place is.
well, i just wanted to check in and share some pretty pics of my cyber excursions.
the days are passing quickly so it’s back to work on itineraries, the sample chapter, arranging the girl project and countless other chores on my self imposed to do list including finding something to wear!
if you’re free to kick back and surf, have a great night and happy sunday!
behind closed doors
hi friends, hope your week is going well and that you’re seeing lots of signs of spring.
i’m still at it, searching for the right apartment and also collecting listings for the book.
i have to admit it’s one of my favorite hobbies, looking through these places.
all of these images are from bonapart consulting who’ve been helping me a lot. they have an extremely wide range of places available for rent.
some are so serene and simple
i’m a sucker for turquoise.
and chartreuse! this is one of their less humble listings. the site is a candy store and i can’t get enough. ok that’s enough. just wanted to share these and will keep on truckin’.
have a wonderful night and i’ll be by to visit soon i hope, miss you!
