let’s go to paris!

because “its always a good idea” – Audrey Hepburn

Hello loves! How ya been? I really wanted to get this post out for you all on Valentine’s Day because hey when you think about lovvvvve you think of Paris (side note: who here is damn happy February is finally over?! You were mean February.)  Anyhoo, as I’m sitting here writing this post, the same word comes to mind over and over…the best…its just the best, simply the best, totally the best thing ever omg, phat, nasty, epic and on and on. So let’s make the BEST of this Thursday and cruise Paris eh?

 

Never tire of this pretty face…we’ll start here. xo

The hotel bar (another good start ha) and its fabric-covered walls.

 

These doors!!! Maybe my favorite thing of the whole trip #gottakissmyselfsopretty (I picked up this Frenchman along the way).

 

A close up, the best color, finish, hardware. I’d like to trick or treat here.

 

You know you’re not in Kansas anymore when you look at the price tag of a dress like this for a child?!?! Robin Leach all the way.

Breaking for bubbles at the Galeries Lafayette. We hang our tree upside down here because ugh, let me think about it,  we can…we’re badass and the best.

Recurring theme…me kicking myself for not buying something…both pairs! Damn jet lag.

 

Trekking up to the Basilica, made a pit stop for more bubbles.

Made it to the top! Montmartre. Can’t help but think of Rocky whenever I make it to the top of something. Tool.

 

#gottakissmyselfsopretty

Let’s bottle up that shutter color on left and bring it home.

That red! Surprisingly becoming a fan favorite of mine and I’m kinda scared about it. Girl wants some RED in her design life.

ALL the Christmas trees are Charlie Browns! All of them! The best kind.

hey sexy corner building

delicious…

Notice the metallic gold chesterfield, oversized wall of steer or the paint splotches on window in this next pic? Yeah we don’t mess around with design here Ahhhmerican (my kinda town). The kids asked me Mom what was your favorite, and I told them, of course, being with daddy (puke, vomit, get a room) and how the city of Paris is all about go big or go home. Like everyone, everything, all of it! It’s a way of life. They’re not going to make some half ass effort at Christmas lights, or draperies, or tiles or flower arrangements or whatever it is! They are going all out, super-artistic, mega-fantastic, the whole boat. It’s like a spell, a fever and I think that’s why everyone who visits immediately falls in love with the city. And if you don’t, then there is something wrong with you, like maybe you don’t like Mexican food or puppies. What gives? If I was Bill Gates, I’d send everyone I love back and back again because it enriches your life. I’m not super well-traveled, there is a lot I need to see, and I’d venture to say there are a ton of places on this globe that give you a similar feeling but MAN there is just something about Paris. Its just the best.

The view from the Ritz. Hemingway Bar is still closed for renovations and I can only imagine what that will be like someday.

However the bar at Hotel Costes was open and such a dreamy place. Their candles are the best! If you can find them on line, treat yourself.

Dig the long fringe on the chairs and the rug. Take note. Take note. Soak it up.

ROSES EVERYWHERE and I mean everywhere.

How can we fit this mirror in my suitcase?

 

wall of herbariums coming soon to villa vreeland.

On the way to the restroom…bring your phone…pretty things await.

 

Buddha Bar for dinner. The Frenchman always gives me the view. Gets it from his Mother.

 

cue the trumpet player

Hermes. Be still our hearts. What time do you open tomorrow?!

 

 

saint germain des pres

We met the sweetest, stylish little Parisian kids coming home from school that day…”IPHONE SEEEKS IPHONE SEEEKS SO BEAUTIFUL!” They made our day. Precious. We still refer to our phones that way.

 

Poser. Every time I drool over Hermes china and Saint Louis (pronounced san wee) bubble glasses I’m reminded of the show house where Melanie Turner designed the dining room ( the one with the sea urchins all over the wall, long before their time). I immediately went right for the Hermes china and the docent was like “don’t touch the china!” Dayum. Flashback to all those antique stores Mom dragged me through as a child…”don’t touch anything” she’d say, and me “are there going to be any Barbies in here!?” Hah! Little did I know, that would be my life. They let you touch the china in Paris.

Sophie: “what in the world???” at this next pic. Two things I noticed about the people of Paris, they all wear Moncler jackets and wear Christian Louboutins like they are running shoes.

 

The most amazing flavors at this Joel Robuchon restaurant. I haven’t had a meal like that since Aqua in San Francisco in the 90s! Black cod to die for.

Mono prix, Paris’s version of Target, picked up some great clothes for the kiddos.

 

 

 

 

Any suckers for packaging out there?

 

It’s 1.30 A.m. in Paris, our last night. We’ve (I) just smashed a maple chestnut crepe, the Frenchman a beer, and watched the lights twinkle on the Eiffel Tower for the last time that evening. Till next time Paris! Tres, tres bien!

Look at all the people and traffic at 1.30? The best.

Missed these cuties. Grateful for friends, that are like family, to care for our kiddos.

 

Sweet dreams mon amis. We will always have Paris! I’m off to Scott’s today, probably the closest I’ll come to Paris for awhile, and will post everything pretty I see to my neglected Facebook page (time you got some love). Cheers!

Madame Schoenberger