Category Archives: paris

dear santa…

 

 

Dear-santa

In the event that Santa (aka mr. fleurishing, or anyone else who has the urge) needs gift ideas for moi, voila. Keep in mind this list runs the gamut from affordable to dreaming. Those who know me well won't be surprised…I've always had champagne taste (not always a champagne budget). Dream with me…

 

1…    Swedish Hasbeens…black Jodhpur

2…    Fabulous gold scissors

3…    Paris Changing book

4…    Blydesign Liza Cuff

5…    Diptyque rose scented oval

6…    Ladurée Othello candle

7…    A Lady's Bike by Brooklyn Cruiser

8…    Hello cards by Rifle Paper co.

9…    Classics with Jessica Hische covers

10…  Vintage gold leaf rattan barware

 

oscar wilde…

 

 

Oscar-wilde

 

After many years of lipstick kisses, Oscar Wilde is getting a new tomb today. The Irish writer and poet was buried in the Paris Pére Lachaise Cemetary in 1909, and ever since has become quite the tourist attraction. It is the custom to leave a kiss on his grave, for reasons that are debated…but most say it is because of his daring and passionate lifestyle. Over the years the lipstick began to erode the stone, so the new grave will have a protective glass shield, which I assume will also soon be covered in kisses. 

 

image source


musée d’Orsay…

 

 

Musee-d'orsay

Somehow I have neglected to write about one of my favorite Paris musuems, the Musée d'Orsay. It recently reopened after over a year and a half of renovations, and I find it interesting how it has been changed. Apparently a white background is not always best for showcasing artwork, especially in the case of impressionistic or academic pieces. The radiant white can create an aura around a painting which distracts from the subtleties and nuances of the artwork. Modern artwork, usually having more abstract and larger subjects, fares better with a white background. The new Impressionist gallery in the museum has charcoal gray walls, making the pieces the center of attention, rather than the light. If you are interested, check out this video. I am looking forward to seeing the new & improved space!



diptyque…

 

 

DSC_0002

 

One of my favorite things to do is visit the flagship Diptyque store in Paris. I was already familiar with their candles on my first visit, but had no idea they opened the shop (in 1961) to showcase fabrics and avant-garde finds from their travels. They started offering candles to coordinate with their fabrics, and by 1963 they were selling the first scented candle. They are quite easy to find in the states now, but I still consider them a treat, and visiting one of their shops is an experience! I've always loved the black and white graphics, and of course….the scents! My favorite…Roses! 

What is your favorite?