via Modern Hepburn, tumblr

via Modern Hepburn, reminds me of the girl in the blazer above

I ran into this photograph today and it’s one that has left me daydreaming for most of the morning.
You see, the blazer, the jacket, whatever you want to call it, is essential to my life. There are cardigan people and there are blazer people. I’m a blazer person. Slipping on a new blazer, the shoulders have to be hugged, the waist, nestled but not too much. I’m quite tall, with broad shoulders and if the blazer doesn’t hang in a certain way from the shoulders and center back, well, forget it. Back to the rack it goes. This blazer reminds me of two of my favorites, both from J.Crew. One is a beautiful wool crepe, tuxedo lapels and when I wear it, I’m not aware of it, and I know I look good = PERFECTION. The other one is a more traditional, one step away from being preppy. It’s all cotton, the softest, navy blue, and I wear it with the arms scrunched up. I don’t care if it’s hot as Hades or cold as the Frozen Tundra, I’ll wear it because it’s like a hug from my man. Irresistible.

Being in Paris now, I have to talk about style, not so much fashion. What’s a staple of yours?

Sentou never disappoints. Their style is colorful, innovative, never boring. What more do you want? Great to see them again, you may remember them from our initial visit and they really turned it out at Maison et Objet this year. I really loved the wine bottle stoppers, their bold textiles for table and home and other accessories. If you have time, visit their beautiful three-story story boutique on Francois Miron in the Maris. I’m not here to steer you wrong. I just want to point you in the right direction. Knock Knock, Sentou!!

via the fantastic tumblr Wit and Delight

I thought that this was a dress and it’s really a tie. This is how my mind works. I just looked at is and said, “that’s a really elegant dress for the winter”.

The park near my home or on the weekend I call it "Jogger's Delight" People runnin' all over the place!

IT’S FRIDAY, FRIDAY!
It’s been a week today since I’ve been back to Paris. Today was the most beautiful day since last Friday. A week full of greyness, rain and cold finally submitted to the warm hug from the sun and sensual blue skies. The Great(est) Dane and I were only too happy to walk down the street with the sun in our faces! My mission today was to head to The American Church in Paris, but I also couldn’t resist stopping at W.H.Smith over on Rivoli for a little more motivation from Paul Arden. Book stores and libraries are my churches and Paul Arden happens to be a very good preacher. I like the truth, straight no chaser and he delivers this. I left the bookstore hyped! LOL! Mr. Arden has that effect on me.

Taking photos on my way to the church of course I was sidetracked by all the music (noise from the traffic and tourists), beauty (my God it’s PARIS) and just my feelings about being home here. I know that I made the right decision to be here, to start my business here, to change my life. There’s no turning back. I love that.

Oh Happy Day!

Tikau at Maison et Objet 2012.

Photo from Tikau website

Discovering new designers is something I love to do at Maison et Objet. A Finnish company, Tikau, (Hindi for sustainable and durable) is definitely a new company to watch as it combines Scandinavian design with traditional Indian craftmanship. Top that off with the fact that they are ecologically sound. They use organic cotton, such raw materials like banana fiber as well as recycled saris. The fact that they know each and every one of their designers who come from rural Indian villages, really make me want to learn more about what they do and the story behind each piece. Someone’s skilled hands and imagination make every thing that we hold dear exciting and useful. That’s something to smile about.

Great to see Afolki mesmerizing the masses at Maison et Objet again this year.
I have such respect for the men and women whose hands can make such beauty.

Steel trays by HAY

furniture and accessories by Lodsh

Tensira, amazing fabric and products from Africa

Can you imagine surrounding yourself with amazing design from all around the world in Paris for four days? I was lucky enough to realize this dream again as I attended Maison et Objet 2012/January! It was great to see some familiar faces like Hay and Tensira, and my new chouchou designer Anne Hubert of La Cerise sur le Gateau, some new faces such as Lodsh and Tikau made the show even more special. I felt that it was less flash and more attention was paid to detail and to establishing your brand and pinpointing the public’s needs. A serious show, much appreciated. Thank you, Philippe B. for this amazing opportunity to cover Maison et Objet.

By the time you read this I’ll be on a plane to Paris. Seeing my family again has been very meaningful this time around and I’m so grateful for the time we spent together.

Now it’s time to go home. As soon as I arrive I’ll attend Maison et Objet for work and pleasure, but really it’s all pleasure. I’m like a kid in a candy store every time I attend. Thank you Philippe and Faida for giving me the opportunity to meet and network with designers I’ve only read about. I’m truly grateful to you and thank you.

Another thing about Paris, is this: GREAT FOOD, NO PRESERVATIVES, NO ADDITIVES! YAAAAAY!

Both photos via here

Loving the third star of ‘THE ARTIST’. Isn’t he the business?! He’s giving me Frank Sinatra, Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante all rolled into one. To me he was THE best dressed on the red carpet last night at the Golden Globes.

What a little rascal he is! Ok, I’ll stop now. I just love terriers!

I just discovered this song and I’ve already listened to it 5 times. The song is called “Timshel”
Something that reminds me of the beautiful land we call Virginia, life itself and the flow of it all. How everything flows.

Mumford & Sons

‘but you have your choices, and these are what make man great, his ladder to the stars, but you are not alone in this, and you are not alone in this, as brothers we will stand and we’ll hold your hand, hold your hand’….