A Paris retreat...

Located on one of my favourite Paris squares, Place des Vosges, is this beautiful feminine and romantic apartment. Once home to a famous mistress to nobility everything about this residence says 'you are in Paris'. This is an apartment I would escape to for the weekend....

Beautiful fabrics, wonderful textures, antiques and books fill the apartment giving each of the rooms the most wonderful character and detail.

The exquisite bedroom with its views over the blue slate rooftops of the square.

Looking down the hallway to the powder room...I love the contrast of the dark wall and the timber parquet floor.

I would invite you over for some afternoon tea and macaroons.

Just step outside to explore the fashionable galleries surrounding the square or just stop for a moment and enjoy the beauty of the gardens....Ax

{images via Pavillon de Madame}

Bon Weekend!

When I was in Paris last month I visited the store Merci. There is a wonderful little cafe at the front of the store where the walls are lined with old books which you are able to read. It was a warm day outside so I decided this would be a wonderful place to stop for a while and have a fresh orange juice. Look at how it arrived. It really is all in the detail ...and the little white paper cup had a perfect mouthful of cake.... delicious!

For me its all about enjoying the simple things! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and get some time to stop and enjoy the little details which surround us....Axx

{image me}

Ralphs....

Hello again...I am back from my trip to Paris and share with you the first lot of my Paris photo's.

Ralph Lauren opened his first European restaurant in Paris just 8 weeks before I arrived. The new store and restaurant is located on Boulevard St Germain.

Surrounded by gorgeous Ralph Lauren fabrics and furniture, the courtyard is a wonderful spot to enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon shopping the many wonderful boutiques. The beautiful potted flowers, plants and the sound of water coming from the fountain add to the Summer atmosphere.

Unfortunately I was not able to eat there. I tried to book into Ralph's for brunch in the beautiful courtyard and was told they are booked out for one month. So next trip I shall make sure I book well in advance!

{Photo's me}

Au Revoir...

I have packed my bags and taking a little trip to Paris...I shall be sure to

share some of my adventures......Ax

{image visualizeus}

Paris shopping...

Like any girl who visits Paris, a day or two shopping is essential and I always include a visit to the French children's boutique Bonpoint in St Germain to buy something for my daughter. Even if you do not have a little person to buy for this store is worth visiting at least once just for the building and styling alone! Just like everything in Paris, it is so gorgeous...

...I love the floor!

Bonpoint

{Photos by Oliveaux}

Back home & still thinking of Paris!

I have been at home for a few days now recovering from my wonderful trip and slowly getting back into the routine of the different time zone! I ended my trip in Paris where I spent time at Maison Objet and then was able to have a few days enjoying Paris....although I have visited Paris many times before, her beauty and magic never disappoints! Like all francophiles out there, I am already dreaming of my next trip!

I thought I would leave you with some of the pictures I took of my trip for the weekend...I love the architecture and gardens of the 'Petit Trianon' at Versailles. One is easily captivated by the decadent world of Marie Antoinette she made in this home a gift to her from her husband, King Louis XVI. This is the place where she danced, gambled, dabbled in horticulture and bought two pairs of shoes a week!

....the grand entrance

....the music room

....beautiful details

...the bedroom

....the kitchen

...front courtyard

...beautiful winter garden

Have a wonderful weekend....Ax

Au Revoir

"Paris is always a good idea" Sabrina

I have returned from our beach holiday to unpack my summer clothes and re-packed tonight for the cold European winter. I am flying to Frankfurt tomorrow!! I am then heading over to London for a few days and finally spending a week in Paris....I am so excited! I will be catching up with some of my suppliers and seeing lots of new things for Oliveaux. I shall hopefully be able to share some photo's with you along the way, so until then, au revoir.

Reminiscing of Paris...

I have just been going through some photo's of my trip to Paris in January. A must visit is the markets where I saw so many beautiful things I wanted to take home with me!!

The Designers Guild stand at Maison & Objet was stunning! They designed several rooms around the stand in the new release fabrics for 2008. I have enjoyed re looking at these images and all the different ways they have used their fabrics. Very inspiring don't you agree???

A stunning tablescape....

All white homewares....very classic!!