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At the very centre—the heart, soul and jewel of France, we find Paris . . . Paris in all of its overwhelming magic and allure. Paris that, perhaps of all places around the globe, of all the islands and coasts, extraordinary mountains, cities, and countrysides, might just be the most dreamed about of them all. And is it with any wonder? Enveloping the experience of l'art de vivre is a rosy hue, a hue only seen while you are there [long remembered and forever held in the heart], swept up in the magic of the city of lights. Here, for hundreds of years, thousands and thousands of visitors near and far have traveled to visit, to live, [even if just for the day] amongst all that is Paris.
Here we find perfectly imperfect cobblestone streets, many offset by poetically tilted and beautifully aged architecture, and as we walk, we quietly take in the unabashed beauty and élan, as elegant & effortlessly stylish women pass by; an older man, pedaling along on his bicyclette, en route to the barber may bring on a smile—indeed, a postcard sight; ladies immersed in each other's company, tucked in bold red chairs at a quaint café, back and forth they speak, in reverent conversation; or peek into the windows of elegantly merchandised shop windows, seductively showcasing handmade merchandise, created with skills perfected centuries ago. A host of streets may call you to stroll, looking up as you go, at the decorated facades, noticing a tiny pot with a cheerful blossom tucked into the tiniest of nooks. Not so unlike Paris, where charm abounds—charm and quality, hand in hand—be it fine foods or perfumes, fundamental manners & etiquette, or tying a scarf with flair.
Perhaps it's passion? Perhaps it's Paris. A city unlike any other, Paris calls creatives to create, lovers in love, and explores to explore . . . for those with an appetite to discover and to learn may discover a convergence of past and present, and may lose themselves forever, never to be the same. And so, today we warmly invite you to join us as we visit some of the most memorable places, and share some of best kept secrets in our address book of Paris . . . CONTINUE ---------------------------------->
. . . and in other exciting news : there will be a wonderful new extension to the {take me away} series, after many lovely requests, and the first installment of which, will appear a little later today, but first, a glimpse of what is come, in the form of a tiny 15-room boutique hotel in the seventh arrondissement, that also happens to include a michelin-starred restaurant, and the most fun mix of colours & patterns, brought together by designer india mahdavi; besides beautiful powder rooms enveloped in carerra [and with aesop bath products, at that], there is a view of la tour eiffel just outside the window . . .
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The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has a history that dates back long, long ago—2000 years ago, in fact, with a spellbinding vibe of light, passion, culture and character.
Here, somehow, the heavenly Mediterranean sunlight is seemingly more delicious when set against beguiling architecture, narrow alleyways, expansive waters, and in the gleam of each and every Barcelonian's eye.
Indeed, this seaside city calls visitors from near and far to walk alongside the works of great visionaries, of natural wonders, breathtaking points, and countless sights; to live as locals do, and to breath in the beautiful story of such an indescribably fascinating city . . .CONTINUE ---------------------------------->
. . . despite all the holiday daydreaming, making it sometimes a little difficult to get things done, and between the festive plans and mid-week brunch dates, there are still a million and one things do, and so, a glittery manicure and a bite of a cupcake wrapped in gold, and it's out the door, perfectly tailored in elegant cashmere and leather accents, and of course, an always chic, yet practical doctor's bag in one hand, and a coffee in the other . . .
{images: one // two // three // four // five via & six, céline fall 2011 rtw // seaofbirds}
". . . chests draped in cloth served as dressing tables until early in the eighteenth century, when tables de toilette, known also as poudreuses, made their debut" . . . dressing tables seem to be a recurring theme lately, especially mirrored ones {also here}, but elegantly draped and ruffled is also lovely {and really quite wonderfully romantic}, especially when surrounded by floor-to-ceiling carrera, alongside grand archways, and beneath a nineteenth-century silvered french chandelier . . . also quite adore the pink rhinestone-tufted vanity stool in luxurious dusky pink fabric from lelièvre, paris, and spectacularly trimmed in rhinestones . . .
{p.s.} the rhinestone trim is from m&j trimmings, nyc & the art déco lamps are from a paris flea market
{photography by dan piassick, scan by this is glamorous from french impressions by betty lou phillips; quote also from french impressions}
