image - vicki archer
When I asked the question last week 'what is it about Paris' I felt as if I could have written on and on... there are so many aspects... from the mainstream to the offbeat... from the large to the small... Paris brings out the dreamers in us all, sparks our imaginations and sends the romantics amongst us into a frenzy...
I stood outside this store on the rue du Cherche Midi for a long time. I watched the man install the garlanding... Up and down the ladders he went inching from left to right in order to create the perfect swags. He took his time, he adjusted the loops constantly until he was satisfied... crossing the road to check his work from a distance. The 'window treatments' looked so elegant and when he had finished all I could think was... 'so Paris'. The wreaths above the shop gave his instillation height and as a bystander it looked gorgeous to me... not le grand magasin perfect but elegant, festive, European and again... 'so Paris... The window of this interiors shop held the who's who of distinctive French design elements... crystal and gilt chandeliers, a pair of fauteuils, an elegant standard lamp, a little art deco and a Louis style fireplace. Although the shop was closed and I was mesmerised by monsieur decorating... I subconsciously clocked the 'so paris' feel on the inside... And then there was the hanging lantern, the faded stone of the building, the enamel street sign and the Velib bicycles... not to mention the elderly man in his Fedora passing by... When I finally clicked my mind was full of...'so paris'... xv
Christmas votives will be on their way today to Phil at The Caledonian mining Expedition Company, to Peggy at Peggy Braswell Design, to Veronique at Bienvenu Chez French Girl in Seattle, To Trina at La La Lovely... email vicki@vickiarcher.com with postal details please... And on Thursday I will be drawing more winners...
What a lovely picture so very christmas too, would love to be peeking into that shop window & walking down the street in my boots all wrapped up warm :)
ReplyDeleteAo Paris, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLOVE Paris. This is such a gorgeous photo!! xo
ReplyDeleteSo lovely! So Paris. Thank you for sharing this moment. ox
ReplyDeleteAnd what could be sweeter or more beautiful than Christmas in Paris.
ReplyDeleteTotally magnifique! Took my breath away......
ReplyDeleteSo Paris....that I want to cry. The photo captures so much of what makes Paris and so much of Europe a wonderful place to live: "perfect imperfection" and depth and character and timelessness and beauty. Have a wonderful Christmas(ie) week. Mary
ReplyDeleteI love that you took the time to watch and enjoy his efforts ... as for the dreamers - well this dreamer has just booked her hotel in Paris and your posts help so much to set the tone ...
ReplyDeleteI agree Vicki. "So Paris" indeed ;) This picture is so perfect you could use it as your banner. You would not even have to mention where it is. I think most people would know. ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteYour Daily Click starts my morning on such a happy note every day. Plan to visit Paris for the first time with my daughter and two girlfriends in the Fall of 2012. Very exciting. Thank you for sharing your beautiful stories and photos plus your generous gifts.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - Twintique
Such a gorgeous moment you captured. My best girlfriend is in Paris right now, I wish I was walked down the Rue du Cherche Midi with her, pointing this store front out to her and taking in all the things that make Paris Paris!
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing a little Paris into my day.
Elegant. Are those lights? Imagine it at night...
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I can follow your blog anymore - it makes me so sad not to be in Paris. Just joking - loving the daily bit of Paris!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are so right - it's the attention to detail that makes Paris so special. So Paris.
It DOES look quintessentially European! (I think they should decorate the velibs with tiny evergreen wreaths for Christmas, too!)
ReplyDeleteSimple, Beautiful and Elegant...so Paris! Just add a plane ticket to France...yes please.
ReplyDeleteQuaint, cozy shop. That is Paris!
ReplyDeleteCL
Your experience seems a perfect example to me of why Paris never "works" when you are in a hurry. It is a city that demands that you take your time before it gives up its best treasures.
ReplyDeleteI feel a bit like a kid with my nosed pressed up against the glass, dreaming about the chandeliers, the fauteuils...
PS. Psyched you will be sending a bit of France to Vero in Seattle! ;)
I can see why you love Paris so. This is truly picture perfect! I could not be more excited to see some goodies are coming my way. Thanks for making my day a little brighter!
ReplyDeleteXO Trina
So Paris ... and so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh I love Paris too....can't wait to come again.... December 2013 is looking good :)love to you xo
ReplyDeleteStops my heart. I have such a yearning for that place. A yearly trip to Paris is up there on my 'Vision Board'. A-M xx
ReplyDeleteVicki that is such a wonderful image and I love your account of the experience!! The bicycles and scooters always feel so nostalgic.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Paris sera toujours Paris...
ReplyDeleteGros bisous
I love this pic.
ReplyDeleteMis en Demeure is one of my favorite stores in Paris! Your photo has given me a delight today~
ReplyDeleteSuch a stunning photo, and yes, so Paris.
ReplyDeleteQuintessential Paris...absolutely gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful Vicki.
ReplyDeletel would have become a bit teary watching that. It's the glorious appreciation of beauty the french bring to everything they do.
Love this photograph ... It is what we used to call a "Richard Scarry" moment ... after the children's book pages just bursting with busy workers doing lovely, timeless, traditional things. I also like that you captured the man, walking, and the stand of city bikes. Very nice! Thanks...
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying these posts, you are really able to create ambiance. I almost feel like I am there for Christmas in France. I look forward to the remainder of the season through your eyes and would love to win one of the drawings.
ReplyDeleteMerci,
Pat
pvs@dmv.com
Hello Vicki
ReplyDeleteThere is such joy in watching a merchant work passionately. I love the simplicity. It brings back memories
Helenx
Dear Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI like starting my day in the studio with you. You always provide a visual treat and a little food for thought.
Watching workmen as they go about their business without thought of an audience is a guilty pleasure of mine. Nice to know others do it, too.
all good wishes.
Joan Schulze in San Francisco
www.joan-of-arts.com
What an amazing storefront. And oui, so very Paris! Merry Christmas Vicki!
ReplyDeleteI love how the bicycles are lined outside the shop, so Parisian. :) I have always dreamed about Paris and have always wished to visit the beautiful place. ;)
ReplyDelete