Thursday, February 24, 2011

Partager Paris Dans Mon Coin "Villa Adriana"

Villa Adriana
Antiquités, brocante, bijoux et objets de charme
What a lovely name I said to myself as I walked by ...Villa Adriana ...   admiring the terra cotta sculpture in the display window ... léchez la vitrine, a favorite pastime of mine.
So many times I have walked in front of this "vitrine" telling myself  that the next time I really should stop and shop ... well the next time was today.   Its a small shop, just the right amount of space to be able to see everything .. I would call it a very cosy space with pictures traveling up the walls, vintage umbrellas, italian glass vases of various shapes and colors, art deco mirrors (wish it were mine ...), table lamps and ceiling lamps from romantic eras, and  my favorite ... vintage jewelry!  A large collection of Nina Ricci earrings, Chanel style necklaces, brooches, and a plethora of 19th century "objects de charme"  that all have a history that I could feel while I was exchanging short stories with the welcoming proprietaire of this very lovely antiques store dans mon coin.
Villa Adriana has been providing the quartier with antiques and broncante finds for 17 years. The owner has a real passion for finding special pieces from all over Paris.  So for those visitors to Paris who don't have the time to visit the Grande Puces of Paris, you can find that special objet de charme right here, next to the Eiffel Tower.











Villa Adriana
44 avenue Bosquet
75007 Paris
email: nancy.duvocelle@orange.fr for that special something!
PPxx

Friday, February 18, 2011

Partager Passage Brady

Passage Brady
"Let's eat  Indian tonight?" 
If that sounds good to you, too, try heading over to the Passage Brady in the 10eme this weekend.   Especially if the weather is a bit rainy or cool.   Not only does it have some very good Indian and Pakistan restaurants, but there are also some very interesting grocery stores there.  
If its time to fill up on curry, tumeric, coriander (great in coffee if you want that exotic gout first thing in the morning ... I know I do), or maybe you are needing some essential oils, like patchouli, sandlewood, lavendar, (nice to mix in a spritzer bottle and spray around the house or on your ironing, if you actually still iron) ...  or a nice orange to make you sleep better .... if not any of that, certainly you will need some curry sauce (I love Patak"s) and Naan bread  for that homemade Indian meal if you can't make it out to your favorite Indian restaurant near the Gare de Nord.  
But, if none of this is on your list, I'm sure you will find something at Velan's, a great way to while away some time and find that perfect exotic trinket you've been looking for.  Take some time to pick out some fruit and vegetables in the "passage" in front of the store.  The prices are certainly "interesting"! 




If you have an extra few minutes or maybe still a bit hungry, stroll around the area, rue L'Echiquier de Metz.  There are many traitors and restaurants that might have that perfect Turkish patisserie for an afternoon tea.


Bon weekend!
PPxx


"After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one's relatives"
Oscar Wilde

Monday, February 14, 2011

Partager la Fête Saint Valentine's!

Happy Valentine's Day!
I can recall sitting in school when I was only 8 years old, waiting to give out my valentines.  It was a class rule that you had to give everyone in the class a valentine, not just the ones that were special to you.  That way nobody was left out ... 


So, don't leave anyone out today!  Every corner has flowers, lovely flowers, for sale.  But there are a few rules to consider when you are buying for your special someone:


In most European countries, it is tradition to give an odd number of flowers or it is considered bad luck.  Take a look at the photo above ...


"Food feeds the body, but flowers feed the soul"
Bon Fête!


PPxx

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Partager The Last Days of Paris SOLDES!

Rue Saint Honoré
Still haven't found that perfect pair of shoes yet?  The Paris SOLDES are nearly over, so now is the time to get serious.  With most stores displaying 50% off, you will be able to afford two pairs!   I have never seen so many shoes crying out for a home!
Don't wait too long, the sales will be over the 15th. 
But, just in case you missed them this time, don't fret, Paris has SOLDES (sales) two times per year. The summer sales will begin the end of June (check here for exact dates and maybe a good airfare) and last for 6 weeks.  I do encourage you to arrange your trip to arrive the first week or so of the SOLDES if you want the best choice of merchandise and sizes.  If it is best prices you are after, wait until the last couple of weeks of the sales.  You will find the reductions are many times up to 70 %.
You can make organize your own tour by checking out the Itineraries for shopping, or if you would prefer to take full advantage of your time, there are many tours, large, small, luxury, or just girlfriends together, that will make your shopping trip a profitable affair. 
If you have any questions, please drop me a line. 
See  you for the SOLDES D'ÉTÉ!
PPxx
"Fashion fades, only style remains the same"
Coco Chanel


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Partager Special Times

Manhattan ... in Paris

Every now and then, a girl deserves a night out ....
so if you find yourself feeling a bit like that, try a night out with a friend, pick a special place and have yourself a delicious cocktail!

If you are near the Opéra Garnier in Paris, take a few steps around the corner onto rue Scribe,  duck into the warm and welcoming, includes fireplace and very attentive servers,
Café Lumiére at the Hotel Scribe !

You are worth it!



PPxx