Valentine's Day Windows

So, you saw the windows-in-progress shots of the worker bees / elves Shelby and Kelsey. Now we bring you the windows in finished form!

We've got lots of great stuff in the store right now to get you in the mood. I'll put together some pics soon so you can do a little "blog-shopping" And don't worry if Cupid fell short on his archery skills this year, you can always celebrate with your buddies. Like at Lulu's Chocolate Bar with sipping chocolate, a few chocolate martinis, and a slice of the Jameson Walnut Pie. YUM.

toodles mes amis,

lauren d.

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Working Girl Sweethearts

It's our favorite duo - Shelby Massey and Kelsey Garrity-Riley back in action at The Paris Market; captured most superbly by one of my favorite photographers - Lily Lewin. You can check out more of her work here. But for now, enjoy some behind the scenes shots of the making of our Valentine Window. Even sweet things take a little bit of sweat.

Another post soon to follow with some in-the-window closeups...

Toodle-oo mes amis, 

lauren d.

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Tea for Two - Christine's Baby Shower

So besides traveling the world and bringing back the goods, we also design interiors and plan parties and events! Last week, we held a baby shower for Christine Hall - "Tea for Two" (she's having twins!) It was a little nerve-wracking taking photos for Christine Hall (of all people!), but I think I got some good shots. And she looked great! Earl Grey was brewed and served in vintage teapots and a beautiful set of floral mismatched china.  Tomato and Cucumber finger sandwiches were served as were blueberry and cranberry scones with clotted cream; (Clotted cream! Delicioso!) made by Susie of of course. A real treat were the raspberry macaroons at the absolute apex of freshness, made by Papillote; so fresh they just crumpled and melted softly in our mouths. Sugar cubes wrapped in paper and little chocolates Marie Antoinette style completed the feted look. Erica Wilson, was the perfect host, having big boiling pots of water at the ready for all the tea, (and how much nicer to pour tea from a pot than dipping around a tea bag!) welcoming guests and doing up the bright pink table arrangements in mint julep cups. And Monica Lynch did these darling invitations!

Half the fun was chatting with Christine's friends - meeting new people and seeing familiar faces once more. Everyone agreed that it was a nice, bright, pleasant and relaxing shower, and a relief not to play "those shower games"  

Congratulations Christine! 

We had a great time doing Tea for Two!

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Simple Prettiness: Mismatched China

We recently aqcuired some new china pieces - in some very pretty floral and chintz patterns. These stacks are perfect for digging through and finding a few special pieces to add to your mismatched set of china. They're also great for stashing a few in your picnic basket so you'll be all ready to go when the mood strikes. And of course the florals will be pretty much perfect for any picnic occasion.

Come on in and take a look!

 

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Peau d'hiver

The nonstop sunshine (and heat) isn't here yet, but the air can be dry and now is the time to pamper - especially leading up to Valentine's Day. Cupid has the arrows, but you have to turn his head first! So what do you do for winter skin? Why you slather on everything nature made the previous summer of course! If you've caught any of our Favorite Things segments, you can see virtually everyone here is obsessed with the lip sugar treatment, but we also have some new additions to our skin care line that are just as delectable.

Some ways to enjoy the skin you're in...

 

Happy Pampering!

 

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Rainy Day Muse: Overcast Overtures

We have mostly sunny days in Savannah, and that's why I can really appreciate the occasional overcast day when it rolls on in; bringing its grays and smoky whites and tamping down the everyday hues. It's a nice calming and cooling for the psyche. A change in the weather is a change in me.

Overcast with a spot of sunshine:

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A Few of Our Favorite Things

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A Few of Our Favorite Things

Megan Cash

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Megan hopped on board last year during the Christmas rush and she has been invaluable ever since! From sewing up cushions and draperies to creating custom made bow-ties for cats, this girl is handy! She doesn't stop at a needle and thread though, Megan also paints and speaks Welsh! As you can see from her favorites, she has a penchant for the soft feminine classics.

1.For the Love of Old book, 2. Handmade Bow-tie, 3. Tocca Giulietta Eau de Parfum, 4. Crystal Drop Earrings, 5. Silver Pill Case,  6.Poet's Palette Writing Set, 7. Sugar Rose Treatment, 8. Lady WineStopper, 9. Chair Napkin Ring.

What are a few of your favorite things?

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Our Candles have Arrived!

Start the new year fresh with some great new scents from us! We just received a new batch of our signature candles and they will be going fast. Inspired by Paris, but developed and designed by us - all the way down to the graphics. They're handmade in the USA, 100% soy, and come in a reusable metal tin with a clear top. They are super cute!  We have three scents available - Montmartre, St. Germain - des - Pres, and my personal favorite, Champs-Elysees. Exclusive to Paris Market. Very very soon we will have our signature page on our website where you can easily navigate to buy our aprons, canvas totes, t-shirts, candles, tea towels and of course our lavender sachets. We're excited to put it all up there for you and I know that 2012 will be the year you see all of last year's behind-the-scenes machinations come to shape.

 Happy Weekend!

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Proustian Elucidations

We just received a new shipment of The Proust Questionnaire! 

Upon reading through this book I learned that what is known today as the Proustian questionnaire, originated from a book entitled "Confessions: An album to record thoughts, feeling etc." Each page contained the same questionnaire of 24 questions. It was meant to bring hidden feelings to the surface and get a glimpse into the inner world of its participants. It was a popular parlor game and Marcel Proust participated in it twice. Once in 1886, the other circa 1890 (ish)  The answers he gave at 20, (the final time he answered it) came to be known as Proust's Questionnaire; --I suppose when a surviving copy was dusted off and printed posthumously. This book includes not only how Proust answered the questionnaire at 16 and 20. (you can expect to find some good answers from Proust of course,) but it also contains the answers of various celebrated figures like Brigitte Bardot, Richard Meier, Lee Radziwill and Tony Parker. And in the original spirit of its ancestor, the book also comes with blank questionnaires, ready for you and family and friends to fill out. It would also be an interesting questionnaire to give to kids as they progress through life - say 5, 10, 15, 20.

Here's how Proust's answered a few of his own questions:

Your favorite virtue: All virtues that are not limited to a sect; the universal virtues.

Your favorite occupation: Reading, dressing, writing verse, history, theater.

Your pet aversion: People who do not feel what is good, who ignore the sweetness of affection.

Where would you like to live: One where certain things that I want would be realized - and where feelings of tenderness would always be reciprocate. (don't we all Marcel!)

It's in the store now, shrink-wrapped and ready for answers!

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Chez Isabelle

We're introducing Chez Isabelle because there are people like me who still have their Christmas Tree up (hey if it's still alive, right?) and could use some gentle nudging. If anybody knows how to make people feel at home its Isabelle, but she also does cool things with her house and knows how to create no-stress but special moments for her family. When I cover breaks upstairs she tells me what's going on and I always imagine one day being adopted by Isabelle. I think a lot of us do. Voici Isabelle in her own words:

(the presents have been opened but my Christmas tree is still up. 
And the cat is still sleeping. Maybe I can hang hearts on it for Valentine's Day?)

Noel in the Closet

We celebrated Epiphany. It is time now to open your "Christmas Closet" and clean up what stays in the boxes every year. Time to box the ball ornaments together, wrap the other ornaments individually, pile up the christmas dishes, and put away the kitchen accessories and home accents. And don't forget the outdoor lights!

{{ We still have 50% off Christmas items, so stock up while your putting it all away! }}

In our home, we moved the Christmas Tree in the backyard. Then by a cold winter afternoon, we sit outside with "un chocolat chaud" around our outdoor fireplace, remembering stories of our family and celebrating the King of the Forests.

photo: real simple

Au revoir beau sapin, roi des forets!

à bientôt, Isabelle

That has got to be the most romantic way ever to say goodbye to your Christmas Tree and wrap up the season! Maybe I'll make some hot chocolate this weekend and finally get it out of the house. This is just the starter segment, we plan on shooting some video and doing other fun things à la Paris Market for Chez Isabelle!

 

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Christmas in Paris

As we enjoy the beginning of this new year and put the holidays out of our mind and in our attic, I still hang on to the memory of this past Christmas. 2011 held so much for me, two of which were marrying my best friend and enjoying our first Christmas together in Paris. 

So this week, instead of my typical crafty how-to, I thought I'd present a how-to of a different kind.

Paris, though magical all year long, is especially sparkly during the holiday season. 

My husband and I chose to travel to the city of lights this time of year because of the seasonal celebration that is dished out for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

The city becomes alive with elaborate window displays, twinkling walkways, and a multitude of Christmas Markets. The Paris Christmas Markets are scattered throughout the city, with their inviting clusters of wood chalets offering custom holiday treats like mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and specialties from various regions of France, and are an essential part of celebrating Christmas in Paris.

 The Christmas Market on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées is the largest Christmas market within Paris's city limits. The market stretches from the Champs-Elysées roundabout to the Place de la Concorde. Open beginning on November 19th and lasting until January 2nd, this market is a must see during your holiday visit in Paris.

I recommend making a day of enjoying these spectacular markets.
Be sure to visit their multiple locations, as each and everyone is unique to their area. Some even include great activities for children, taking in a scenic winter stroll, or the opportunity to stock up on traditional foodstuffs, handcrafted toys, clothing and other gift items.

Some other Christmas Market locations are:
Christmas Market at La Défense (near the Grand Arche)

 Christmas Market and Ice Rink at Trocadero (across from the Eiffel Tower)
Christmas Market and Santa's Village at place Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Christmas Market at the Montparnasse Tower (in front of Gare Montparnasse, facing the tower)
Christmas Market at Place de la Nation
Christmas Market at the Place des Abbesses

It was so incredible to spend my honeymoon holiday in Paris. I can't imagine being in a more romantic, charm filled city for Christmas. I scored some great gifts for family and friends at the holiday markets, and had enough mulled wine to last me until the next chilly Christmas season.

For more photos of my travels, stop by my corner of the web world. From this moment to next weeks how-to spotlight, this newlywed will be dreaming of Christmas in Paris.

xo, Jessica

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Go with Garnet

Happy Birthday January Babies!

 use a bit of go-go garnet to lift your spirits and jump-start your new year's projects.

1.Lighted Carousel Letters (which will be available on our website later this week!) 2.Tandem Bicycle, 3. Travel Suitcases, 4. Studded Velvet Chair (just in last week!) 5. Crystal Ladybug Paperweight, 6. Velvet Pillow 26" x 26", 7. Red Letter Plate, 8. Mexican Lux Votive

 

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Ode to Malevich à la table

I dedicate today to the artist Malevich, and what his artistic viewpoint can do for a table!

Kasmir Malevich: 

 Suprematist Composition: White on White, 1918

 { white on white }

 { gold on gold }

Happy Inspiration, and have a great weekend!

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Magic Lantern Slides

I recently came across these really cool hand painted slides in our back room of treasures.

 

Called magic lantern slides, they were illuminated by a lamp and magnified, and the glass slides created a world of glowing colour. By dissolving and superimposing images from up to six lanterns, simple animation could be achieved and exciting multimedia productions could be experienced. To give you an idea of just how cool this was before cinema as we know it I direct you to a re-telling of Phantasmagoria - the first show ever performed in public, in Paris, in 1799.

From Victorian Station:

The Phantasmagoria was held in an old convent that was converted into a magic-lantern theater. Dark passages decorated with mysterious pictures and the bones of dead monks led the audience to a catacomb hung with black velvet and lighted by a single lamp. The audience sat facing a screen behind which Robertson's magic-lanterns and assistants were hidden. He began by discussing "in scientific terms" the sensations created by thoughts of phantoms and witches. Suddenly the lamp went out. Thunder roared and lightning flashed. Church bells tolled, the lightning and thunder increased, and a tiny figure -- half-human, half-demon -- appeared in the air, shimmering and ghostly. Gradually the figure seemed to approach, growing larger and larger, until suddenly it disappeared with a wail. Bats fluttered on the walls, ghosts and goblins groaned, skeletons came hurtling toward the audience. The show was a smash success -- the toast of Paris!

Robertson's performance was staged with the help of several magic lanterns and six assistants, all hidden behind the screen, on which the images were rear-projected. To make the images change size, Robertson used lanterns fitted with special self-focusing lenses, and mounted on large wheeled platforms. The lanterns could move backwards from the translucent screen, making the goblins and skeletons appear suddenly larger, as though they were moving toward the audience. Other images were projected on smoke, which make them swirl magically. Others were projected on the walls with hand-held lanterns, so that bats could flicker in the corners and dive-bomb the women's hair.

Half a century later the Phantasmagoria was still going strong. Joseph Boggs Beale, the man who would later become America's leading magic-lantern artist, saw a Phantasmagoria show as a young man in Philadelphia during the 1850s. The Phantasmagoria intensified the tradition of ghost and goblin shows from the lantern's early days of the wandering showmen, and led to a whole genre of macabre magic-lantern slides. By the nineteenth century this genre was a standard part of the repertoire of the magic-lantern showman who traveled the country, playing in theaters great and small.

We don't have anything ghoulish, but we do have some cute little stories and nice pictoral scenes on our slides. Judging by the style they are probably of Beale's generation and can be dated anywhere from the late 1880's to the early 1900's.

It's interesting how projection is such an old technology yet still ubiquitously used today. I remember turning the slide projector at the beep in music class in 1986, gazing at the projections of picasso's painting in art history class in the early 2000's and of course suffering through the Powerpoint presentations of today. Not to mention going to the movies. I do appreciate though, that projection was first used to delight, and it's still the most popular aim today. Projection is a means of storytelling that never seems to go out of fasion.   

The American Magic-Lantern Theater is still recreating the magic lantern shows of the 1890's. You can check them out here: http://www.magiclanternshows.com/

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A Few of Our Favorite Things

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A Few of Our Favorite Things

Molly Nichols

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Molly jumped on board last year and we're so glad she did. After spending two years in France, she now calls Savannah, and of course The Paris Market, home!

When she's not working here, you might find her teaching French at Armstrong University, running half marathons, trekking through the Sahara or building bookcases from old wine cases. That's Molly - an inventive and cultured soul. And here are a few of her favorite things! 

1. Felt Garland (on sale!), 2. Burgundy Kantha-stitched pillow (sorry, she bought these today!) 3. Fresh Sugar Eau de Parfum, 4. Vintage Map, 5. Water Book, 6. Earth Book, 7. Growth Book, 8. Printer's Cabinet, 9. Comic Book Slides 10. Yarn Ball from India

What are a few of your favorite things?

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