31 March 2011

Matchbook Magazine issue 3

The Petit Trianon

Yet another French post.  I've been spending my days with Francois 1er, Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour :)  A place that intrigues me is Petit Trianon and Hameau de la reine.  I can see why Marie Antoinette spent time here as a respite away from the very formal Versailles.  At the end, a video of Paris at night has been included, it's a must see.
 Petit Trianon
 Hameau de la reine
and here is the video

28 March 2011

Fleur Cowles

Fleur Cowles was an American writer, editor and artist best known as the creative force behind the short-lived Flair magazine.

Flair lasted for only a dozen issues, but what issues they were! Designed for a dual audience, Flair celebrated the art, fashion and beauty, humor, decor, entertainment, travel and literature that reflected life in the Fifties. The list of contributors is a virtual who¹s who of the time: Jean Cocteau, Tennessee Williams, Gloria Swanson, John O'Hara, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bernard Baruch, Gypsy Rose Lee, the Duchess of Windsor, Lucien Freud, Salvador Dali and Saul Steinberg, among many others. Founded by Fleur Cowles.  See my etsy shop for issues of Flair magazine.

24 March 2011

the stylist's guide to NYC

Just discovered the stylist's guide to NYC via another blog this morning.  Sibella Court describes New York as 'the most exciting, contained, energy-filled city in the world' - a city she spent ten years exploring while working as an interior stylist for the very best American magazines and brands. The Stylist's Guide to NYC brings you Sibella's New York loves, secrets and hidden gems, her tried and tested favorites and trusted friends. This well-edited collection of stores, boutiques, galleries and markets is arranged into loops of interest, such as 'Furniture & Interiors', 'Haberdashery, Handmade & Vintage Textiles', and 'Scents, Flowers & Gardens'. Re-fuelling stops are suggested at neighborhood cafés, delis and bars, and the guide also includes city survival tips, maps and comprehensive indexes. An idiosyncratic travel guide, celebrating the beautiful, original and unusual and chosen with the impeccable eye of an insider, The Stylist's Guide to NYC will be indispensable for anyone travelling, working or living in New York.  Available in May, it can be pre-ordered here.

22 March 2011

Versailles, etc.

We are studying the French period in History of the Decorative Arts right now and as I compiled my research, a few personal photos came to mind.  Makes me want to grab my family and hop a plane to Paris!  Great memories.  ;)
 Touring Versailles with a an all American snack.
 the gardens at Versailles
 The Hall of Mirrors (La Gallerie des Glaces)
 The Louvre
 My daughter wore the perfect pattern that day.
 A love affair with Nutella begins~gaufres sold by street vendors~amazing!
Chasing pigeons in any language is fun. Musée d'Orsay.