the fabulous Courtney at Style Court...
...the talented Megan at Beach Bungalow,
...and the classy Judith at Paris Atelier...
for their kind posts about Paris Hotel Boutique. If you haven't checked out their blogs, be sure and add them to your reading list!
Antiques buyers from around the country are expected to attend the auction of antiquarian, Ed Hardy. Ed Hardy has been a fixture here in San Francisco since 1976. His studio is built like an Italian palazzo and is filled with the most outstanding and unique examples of period furniture and decorative arts from the 17th through 20th centuries.
Partly due to the declining economy, Hardy will closing his studio and auctioning off over 700 items through Bonhams & Butterfields on May 5th.
This is so sad as Ed Hardy has been among one of the most respected dealers around the world. He still plans on consulting after giving up the studio.
Here are a few previews I've selected among the hundreds of items at auction. If you can't make it to San Francisco, you can bid online here. Also be sure and sift through the items on Bonham's website as well. Amazing things!
A pair of Murano glass and giltwood lamps 1940s
The May issue of Country Living features some great uses for feed sacks. I've sold "feed sack" chairs before and love the juxtiposition of the feed sack on a fancy French chair. Perhaps a bit uncomfortable, but has a unique look for sure!
Cute little pin cushion...
Corkboard made from a Guatemalan coffee sack!
Old French chair upholstered in a 1906 feed sack...
Today I received an amazing box from Dolce Isola, Lynn Von Kersting's latest venture, The Ivy's bakery and retail space. I posted about Lynn at Indigo Seas the other day.
I had sent Lynn a "thank you" for her lovely gifts and I received this today. Yum! Praline and chocolate brownies, chocolate chip & raisin cookies...all in this beautiful box!
Dolce Isola has an amazing menu of fresh baguettes, sourdough, country loaves, and the famous scones. Savory pizzettas and rolls make for a quick lunch; sandwiches (Caprese, meatball, prosciutto with ricotta, Italian-style tuna) are made to order. And bakery delights galore!
So, after shopping at Indigo Seas, go next door for lunch at the Ivy, and then perhaps dessert at Dolce Isola. Forget the diet that day!
Dolce Isola (The Ivy Bakery)
Last weekend my friend Renee and I took one of our road trips to Southern California. I'm sorry to report that we didn’t find too many treasures on this trip. But, as always, the inspiration was wonderful.
Upon arrival, our first stop was to the lovely Indigo Seas on Robertson Blvd. (West Los Angeles). A definate “must stop” on every L.A. trip. Proprietress, Lynn Von Kersting happened to be in the shop that day, so it was an extra treat. Lynn is a multi-talented lady; designer, co-owner (with her chef husband) of the famous Ivy restaurants, and widely acclaimed as a “taste maker.” If you’re not familiar with her shop or work, many have blogged about her including, Joni at Cote de Texas; Von Kersting being one of Joni's top ten favorite designers.
One of my favorite things in this magical shop are the vintage books. Great titles with beautiful covers add a treat of flavor!
Lynn greeted us with her outgoing and engaging personality, detailing page by page of her fabulous book, “La Strada della Dolce Vita.” This book is filled with images of her shop, home, restaurants, recipes and more. It was quite fun to have her share her tales of travel, friends, family and design. Quite an interesting lady.
Lynn does an amazing job of mixing patterns; stripes, florals, it all works. She's not afraid of color, and mixes new and vintage beautifully.
Indigo Seas has an eclectic mix of Grand Tour souvenirs and the most fabulous oil paintings of portraits, florals and seascapes. Depending on the day, you'll hear Brazilian or French background music, adding to the sultry Los Angeles weather, and transporting you to another time and place.
Photos from "La Strada della Dolce Vita" book show Lynn's unique eye...
Shots of Lynn's home...
Fun handwritten recipes in this oversized book.
Color, color and more color!
Before leaving, Lynn was so sweet and gave Renee and I each a shirt. They are from France (of course, right?), lightweight and perfect for summer weather. What a kind gesture!
You won't find Lynn online. She doesn't deal with computers and doesn't hesitate to let you know that. So, you'll have to shop in person. Be sure and visit Indigo Seas at 123 N. Robertson, Los Angeles, CA. Her book is sold exclusively there, so if you can't make it there you could call to order a copy at (310) 550-8758. You won't be disappointed!
A day in Santa Monica and Venice brought us to another favorite spot, Obsolete.
Obsolete has the most unique antiques and artifacts. Entrancing, magical, ethereal. Everything from industrial lighting to obscure curiosities, it is a treat to visit this shop.
These little birds have their own little house in the middle of the shop. They even have their own little vintage lights. How cute it that?
Fabulous found objects...
unique artists...
Mechanical contraptions...
Wonderful art. A treasure of a shop!
Okay, that's all the reporting from So. Cal. See you next trip...hopefully with a van full of treasures!
Celebrate Mom!
Mother's Day is May 10th...just around the corner. Let Mom know how special she is by giving her something unique and one-of-a-kind. At Paris Hotel Boutique we have added over 50 new pieces to help you with your gift ideas. (Don't forget...we gift wrap upon request!)
Highlights include...
* Vintage Ludwig Bemelmans Books
* Mid Century Faux Bamboo Chest
* Vintage Plateau & Convex Mirrors
* Refashioned French Chair
* Early French Menus
* Antique Reflector & School Lamps
* 19th Century French Etchings and more...
Click here for our new arrivals...
Just "hitting the road" for a little buying trip. Hope to find a lot of treasures!