All posts filed under: French vintage

the nook vs the home library

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I understand the new trend is to downsize and declutter. The two things I am a big fan of and have, over the past two years, applied to my new and improved lifestyle. But the one thing I seem to have trouble with is getting rid of books and/or downsizing my  home library collection. Everyone around me keeps suggesting I invest in an electronic reading gadget, such as the Kindle, the Nook or the I-Pad to replace my collection of hardcover and paperback books.  I don’t know why but I absolutely refuse to give in and instead continue to dream of creating my own  in home library for my next place of residence. Call me crazy, but there is nothing more rewarding then a floor to ceiling custom built bookshelves which house a collection of wonderful and sometimes unique books that are incorporated in either a family room, a long hallway or an actual home library (room). I have included some of my favorite in home library designs to consider and perhaps share with you …

inspiration decor – all things glamorous

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I figured it was time to stop ranting about the holidays (for a bit) and blog about all things glamorous to shake off some of the holiday stress. The interesting thing about this subject matter, for me, is that although I appreciate the charm of all things glamorous, I tend to shy away from incorporating them throughout my home.  But honestly,  I wouldn’t mind having a glamorous guest bedroom just to escape to once in a while. Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos of all things glamorous, to ponder over. Enjoy and feel free to share with us photos of your favorite glamorous decor.

boutique hotel pick – badrutts palace – st. moritz switzerland

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During the Winter months and in light of staying true to the season, I often search for and recommend hotels situated in the most romantic ski destinations, around the globe. I find that every season in travel should be embraced for what it is and considered a place to visit, even for once in a lifetime. A person doesn’t have to appreciate skiing to consider vacationing in or around a ski resort, they simply have to love the snow and the ambiance of area. So for that reason, I have come across yet another boutique hotel which I recommend, Badrutt’s Palace, which is  set in the beautiful St. Moritz area of Switzerland. One thing  you should keep in mind while contemplating such a destination, plan ahead and book early. For more about St. Moritz as a ski destination or a romantic getaway, please click here. Have a great weekend and remember to breath while frantically shopping for the holidays.

new years eve and black-tie event dresses and gowns

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I know I have stated before, if all else fails, consider the color black in fashion. Believe me a woman over 40 can seldom  go wrong with the choice of color, because no matter how self-conscious she may feel about her figure, black has a way of smoothing out the edges. However, choosing age appropriate black dresses or gowns is  very important for the woman over 40 because, selecting the wrong cut, length or style , can surely be the most damaging. Since choosing the dress or gown is a hit or miss in some or most cases, I have included one of my favorite designer’s website here to help guide the process. I have also included some of my favorite selections (below) from the site to consider or duplicate (depending on one’s budget)  for that special soiree. Enjoy and let me know what is your favorite gown from the selection.

a nostalgic holiday experience in san francisco

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I am a sucker for nostalgia and usually get very sentimental during the holiday season, like (I am sure) most people do. I miss the past and long for when life seemed a little simpler and less demanding, when families where closer and holidays really meant something and  Christmas shopping was truly a creative and rewarding experience rather than a search for the trends and holiday sales. In light of this topic, I can honestly say that although I cannot change what has happened to family and tradition, I can suggest  finding a piece of a reminder from the past and escaping there, if only for a day. I personally do this by taking a day  in San Francisco to go downtown and walk only through historic ( iconic)  retail stores  encompassing Union Square,  so that I can detox myself from the demands of modern-day shopping frenzy through  a “Westfield Mall”. I walk through Macy (no 4) and then cross the street over to Neiman Marcus (no 6) . Afterwards,  I cut through Union Square …

experiencing france through montreal canada

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Outside of Paris, my second favorite place to visit in order to get my dose of French essence is Montreal, Canada. Although most of my visits there revolve around   family, I manage to sneak in a day to escape the norm and traditions just to reconnect with the city, in my own way. It isn’t difficult to feel as though you are in parts of France, while in Montreal, because every where you turn there is a reminder of the French culture. Whether in street signs or billboard advertisement, architecture and cobble stoned streets,  restaurants and cafes, bookstores and more, the make up of the city exudes a more Parisian feel than most any other place around the globe which is influenced (previously colonized) by French culture. One of my favorite times of the year to visit the city is in the Fall.  According to family, Montreal seldom sees sun and is often times more cloudy and rainy than the locals prefer. Plus the humidity in the Summer months is most unbearable outside air-conditioned …

anthropologie for the home

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By now you might think I work for Anthropologie or perhaps get paid to advertise their products on my blog, but no that is not the case.  I simply appreciate their connection in style to most anything French. With that said, I have found a few pieces in their HOME Decor section which I think are pretty cool and out of the norm. I have detailed them below for your consideration as well,  just in case  you happen to have an eclectic taste like mine. Click here for product description and pricing:

black gowns and special occasions

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It is seldom difficult to go wrong with hints of  black when planning for a formal gathering, and since  the holiday season is right around the corner, we have to begin thinking about what to wear for that special party or gathering, particularly for a formal New Year’s Eve  celebration. Although, this decade I prefer to stay home and drink champagne with family and friends throughout the holiday season, I can’t help but admire, while thumbing through the racks at shops and boutiques around Union Square, the beautiful gowns available  for my viewing pleasure.   Nonetheless, here are my favorites:

decorating with daughters or others in their 20s

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I am always fascinated with the young generation (20s plus) and their sense of style and find their taste most refreshing and admirable. I wish we were so lucky  in the 80s. Anyway, while I observe the 20 something shoppers of fashion or furnishings, with their mothers or friends, I can’t help but smile at the wonder of bonding through design and decor. In light of this topic, I have included some beautiful design alternatives for the 20 something (plus 30s and even some 40s), who perhaps lack inspiration or vision. I am not condemning anyone, but should the 20 something feel the need to consult their parent for design direction, consider  ideas from the following source: DOMINO’s (not the pizza), you might just be a hero.