Brocante Treasures From Paris

 All my brocante treasures made it home safely!

Not that I bought that much--only what I could fit into my suitcase, but I was worried about these two bistro jugs.

Aren't they cute?

 I wonder what little French bistro they came from?

I couldn't pass them up!

The set of six vegetable botanicals were an easy fit.  I nabbed them for 6 euros each and plan to frame them to hang on the kitchen wall in the wine country.  

Each one is unique...

This one is my favorite because of the vivid color.

I got carried away only once at the flea market when I bought this bolt of linen.

I have no idea what to do with it, but am sure it will come to me!

A tablecloth?  A slipcover?  Pillows?

The possibilities are endless....

 Six forks and spoons also made it home.

Like I need more silverware!

I love their fleur de lys pattern...

...but what really intrigued me was the stamped maker's mark on the front.

Not all of them were stamped but I was able to find six of each that were.

I can't wait to set the table with them.

I bought the bistro jugs and linen from this lovely lady.

She was so friendly and I felt like she was a kindred spirit.  

Not only did she have all the things I love and collect...

 ....but she wore a leopard hat and a paisley scarf!

I hope to go back to the Paris Flea Market some day and visit her again.

Who knows what treasures she will have!

(I'm sharing this post at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday)

Parisian Dogs

Parisians love their dogs!

It seems like they are welcome everywhere, in restaurants, hotels, boutiques and stores.

I read that there are over 300,000 dogs in Paris!

Since I love dogs too, Paris was dog heaven to me!

With my new lightweight camera in tow, I set out to photograph as many Parisian dogs as I could without upsetting their owners!

This little guy was so interested in us!

I even spotted a Tibetan Terrier who reminded me so much of my Dexter.

I'm not sure exactly what kind of dog this is!

At the flea market I spotted a dog that looks just like my Oscar!

He seemed quite at home at the flea market, roaming his little narrow street, greeting customers.

In fact, their were lots of flea market dogs...

...greeting customers,

And just looking cute!

If dogs aren't your thing, cats are also everywhere.

We spotted this kitty who lives at the Bristol Hotel.  

Ashley fell in love with her!

We went to a restaurant the last night who had a resident cat.

He has lived there for 18 years!

You certainly wouldn't find cats or dogs in a restaurant in the US!

Seeing all the Parisian dogs made me miss my fur babies, and when I got home, Oscar and Bear were so happy to see me!

But not as happy as I was to see them!

Shopping The Paris Brocante

The flea market at Saint-Ouen, just outside of Paris is a must if you love antiques.

In fact it is the largest sales area in the world for antiques with 14 markets spread over 753,000 square feet!

There is something for everyone at the "Puces."

From 18th and 19th century furniture... 

...to more current and trendy industrial finds.

You can even buy squares of antique oak flooring.  

One of a kind pieces as well, like this unique hand-made framed "diorama" of a stuffed bird in its environment.

I had a hard time passing these two up!

The flea market is rich in history too, beginning in the late 1800's when the Paris rag-and-bone men moved outside of the Paris city limits and settled in Saint-Ouen.  Every Sunday they spread their wares on the ground.

Around 1920 the "Puces" dealers began selling from enclosed stalls like above.

I got lost a few times, but it was a good thing!

I found it fascinating that the flea market has its own jazz called manouche jazz which came from the gypsies who worked as chair caners and were influenced by Afro American music.  It is indigenous to the Puces!

I found so many fabulous finds but getting them home is a real problem. 

Yes, there are shipping companies who will arrange to ship.  I got a quote to ship a huge lidded wicker basket that cost 350 euros but the shipping was 700 euros!

It just didn't make sense.  

Imagine what it would cost to ship this huge oak kitchen island with stainless top!

It was another one of a kind piece.

I imagined how much fun it would be to be decorating a Paris apartment and shop here for chandeliers like this rock crystal lovely...

...that would be in the same room as a pair of vintage leather chairs.

Or a pair of caned chairs upholstered in tartan!

We had a blast at the flea market and ended up going both Saturday and Sunday.

It is easily reached by cab, metro or bus.

We took a cab there but had a hard time hailing a cab to go back to Paris.

Some parts of the flea market didn't feel safe and we were told by the cab driver to watch for pick-pockets and to avoid certain areas.

Still, we were in brocante heaven there.

Stay tuned to see what I bought and managed to carry home in my suitcase!

Ralph Lauren In Paris, The Best Of Both Worlds

Isn't it ironic that we would find Ralph Lauren to be one of the highlights of our trip to Paris!

Located on Boulevard St. Germain, I was inspired immediately with the beautiful wool plaid and leopard pillows in the courtyard.

Although the courtyard was tempting to sit outside, the weather didn't permit it.


More leopard and plaid in the dining room!

Of course I love the chargers!


The menu is all-American.  Hamburgers and fries!


After lunch, we explored the four floors of the magical world of Ralph...


...What's not to love about this world!


It's easy to forget you're in Paris while at Ralph Lauren.
Everywhere, on every surface is the American influence.


But look out the window and make no mistake, you're in Paris.
It's the best of both worlds!