I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
If you haven't yet discovered this amazing iPhone app, I suggest you follow this link and download it right away! It is one of my favorites, and it is an elegant way to send a quick note to a friend or loved one. I can confidently say I was one of the first to buy it since I follow Fiona's blog and was so excited when she launched it! Cartolina offers beautiful eco-friendly greeting cards and paper goodies, and you just may have seen them in a boutique near you!
I recently discovered the talents of Bryn Chernoff, and am obsessed! Her company, Paperfinger specializes in custom calligraphy, illustration, and custom stamps. The love-themed stamps would be the perfect tool for a very special homemade Valentine, don't you think? J'adore!
I am always inspired by Anthropologie stores, but this window display literally stopped me in my tracks the other day. I also happen to indirectly know the amazing lady who did it…(her sister does my hair). All biases aside though, seriously…SO amazingly dreamy and beautiful.
(click on the photo for the full effect!)
I was excited to finally get to Shakespeare & Company, which had long been on my Paris list. Well known to bibliophiles around the globe, it is tucked into a cute little corner near Notre Dame. It has quite an interesting history, and was frequented by many of the literary greats. Hemingway could be found there often, and even mentions the store in his iconic book, A Moveable Feast. My goal was to buy a few classics, and get the famous stamp at checkout (don't forget to ask for it). It makes such a unique keepsake or gift for the francophile friend!
Repetto was high on the Paris shopping list, since I had never seen the store, famous for ballet staples since 1947. I have dreamed of putting a pair on my feet for years! I only dabbled in ballet when I was younger, so I never had a need for serious slippers, but I've always admired their beauty and tradition. I love the Bolchoi flat, offered in a rainbow of colors! Le sigh…