Inspired by the Sea!

"Inspired by the Sea" Tablescape

Design Team: Pottery Barn

I went to the Galleria Mall today to buy a special birthday present for my mother. Along the way, I got side tracked and felt like I was on a summer vacation at the beach. I was actually only window shopping but the latest design trend really does make you feel like you're relaxing at someone's beach house.

That latest design trend is "Inspired by the Sea"! This trend is turning up everywhere from handbags, knitwear designs, tableware and home accessories. Pottery Barn is all decked out with their "Inspired by the Sea" displays. I love the tablescape above with the sea shells scattered across the table...just like a table runner.

While window shopping today, I saw a lot of coral designs and influence. Here are just a few:

Red Coral Napkins and Spreaders

from

Pottery Barn

Coral Decorative Pillow

from

Pottery Barn

Felix Rey for Target

And, of course, there is that coral handbag by Felix Rey for Target! The Felix Rey handbags are now out at Target. I would like to say that "they actually do look pretty nice for a designer collection for Target". They seem to be selling pretty well, too!

I passed on buying a Felix Rey handbag. You really should check them out though if you are going on a cruise or a beach trip this summer.

What do you think of this summer design trend? I like it. Living in California, the ocean and beach combing bring back happy childhood memories for me. How about you?

Le Petite Paris

Le Petite Paris

I miss Paris in the springtime!
So whenever I need a Parisian fix...I visit Le Petite Paris right here in Sacramento, CA!

Le Petite Paris

Boutique and Cafe

I first found out about Le Petite Paris several years ago when it was featured in Sunset magazine. Eventually I stopped in Le Petite Paris and met it's delightful Francophile owner Tassina Nicole.

Tassina loves Paris...just like me! She has been travelling and shopping there for over 20 years. We chatted about our favorite Paris flea markets and shopping all around Paris. Tassina also does fabulous Paris shopping tours several times a year.

In 2008 she and her husband Ruben expanded the boutique and opened an adorable French cafe. I love it's decor with it's Parisian flair and flocked wall paper! I finally had lunch there yesterday with my knitting friend Cora. We both had French style baguette sandwiches, a latte and, of course, a few macaroons! It was "tres bon"!

Ooh, la, la! French Sacs (Handbags)!

Le Petite Paris carries much more than just Eiffel Towers. They have a wonderful selection of French Handbags and totes. Yesterday I even spotted some adorable totes from my favorite Parisian Patisserie Laduree! Since Laduree is not available here in the US, I know that Tassina must have hand carried those all the way back from Paris for her lucky customers!

Tres Chic French Bijoux (Jewelry)

The boutique is also filled with stunning vintage and designer French jewelry. She also carries, scarves, clothing, French toiletries and French tea in brightly covered tea caddies. You are sure to find something French and special for yourself or a friend when you shop at Le Petite Paris!

 

Update:
Sadly this store has closed.  

Felix Rey for Target

Felix Rey for Target

Are you heading to the beach this summer? Or perhaps a more exotic tropical destination is in your plans? Will either way, you just may "have to have" this designer-chic beach bag!

Felix Rey is a fab designer duo that has an exclusive limited-edition hand bag run for Target later this month. Normally their luxury handbags are sold in exclusive stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks and Blommingdales.

Target's motto is "Design for All". What a clever idea Target has come up with partnering with high style designers and making fashion affordable for everyone.

My friend Jodi in Seattle recently told me that we are no longer called Fashionista's but Reccessionista's. (She loves handbags, too!) These Target Designer bags are perfect for us Reccessionista's who still want style but don't want to break the bank. The Coral Beach Bag in the photo is a steal at only $34.99!

The Felix Rey for Target collection will be in Target stores nationwide from March 29th thru June 6th.

Will you be dashing off to get one?

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

I hope your Valentine's Day includes some French chocolate or French treats!

"We'll Always Have Paris" Bracelets!

We'll always have Paris!

I love Paris and I love fashion jewelry! So you know I am in love with these adorable Paris phrase bracelets!

The bracelets are part of the Nantucket Bangles collection by designer Jessica Cushman. They are crafted in hand poured resin and then hand inked and hand finished. Many are limited-edition designs. They come in lots of clever and catchy phrases. I'm sure you'll find one that you will like, too!

Designer Jessica Cushman

Jessica Cushman is the innovative designer behind these bracelets. They are crafted to resemble ivory scrimshaw. Naturally there are a lot of impostor companies in the market place knocking them off now. Some even accused The House of Chanel of being a copycat. Chanel brought out CoCo Chanel phrase bracelets in their 2007 Runway Collection.

Jesscia comes from a talented and crafty family. Her mother is needlework queen Erica Wilson and her father is modern furniture designer Vladimir Kagen. Her mother taught her how to do needlework and knit. Her father taught her the craft of scrimshaw. What a talented family!

For more information, have a look at her website JessciaCushman.com

Which bracelet do you want?

Confessions of a Shopaholic!

Shopaholic Heroine Becky Bloomwood

(Can you shop as much as Becky?)

Attention all shopaholics! Confessions of a Shopaholic is coming to the big screen!

If you are a shopaholic, you have probably read the Shopaholic novels by best-selling (British) author, Sophie Kinsella.

I discovered the novels a few years after they had been published. I chose to do the audio book versions...and loved them! Sophie's first book Confessions of a Shopaholic has been adapted into a new movie. It is sure to be one of this year's best romantic comedies. Isla Fisher, an adorable red head, plays Rebecca (Becky) Bloomwood. (I must confess...I am not familiar with this actress.)

The original story began with heroine Becky Bloomwood living in a flat in London. I understand in the movie version she lives in New York City. Either way she certainly has some of the world's best department stores as her shopping ground!

So grab your best shopping buddies and plan to see it together!

It hits the big screen on February 13th, 2009.

PS: Do you have a shopping confession? I do!

When I was in my late twenties I drove to 5 or 6 different Macy's stores all around the Bay Area in one day! Now...that's a shopaholic!

Bonne Annee!

Vintage French Postcard

Bonne Annee

(Happy New Year)

It's a New Year!

Live life to the fullest!

Stop and smell the roses!

Wear French perfume!

Drink French tea!

Buy that French scarf or handbag!

and plan that trip to Paris!