Just Because...

It's pretty...

It sparkles...

And it's by one of my favorite photographers, Jamie-- From Me to You...

You must visit her site!

image: From Me to You

Whatcha Doing this Weekend?

Rise and shine! I'm up and out at estate sales looking for new inventory. Looks like it's going to be a "working" weekend for me. Not too much play...

What plans do you have?


image: Nani Oei

Doughnuts, Anyone?

I don't know about you, but I adore a good doughnut for breakfast. It's not something I make a habit of, but once in awhile...

Isn't this a great old photo?

What's your favorite kind of doughnut? I think I like them all, although a glazed maple bar is at the top!


image from here

I'm Coveting...

Have you ever perused the website, The Coveteur? It's become one of my latest inspirations. The Coveteur gives you a sneak peek into the closets of the most influential artists, designers, fashion magazine editors and fashionistas around the world, photographing their most coveted items.

The Coveteur is pure eye candy. Look at these beautiful photos of Suzanne Rogers' interior. Aren't they stunning?

Beautiful, aren't they?

photos: Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

"Props" to Pottery Barn

Have you ever noticed the interesting antique props in various home catalogs? Many of them are rented from antique shops/dealers. Well, a customer pointed out to me that our antique glass 'Trust' sign is in the August Pottery Barn catalog on page 32. It was one of the items that Pottery Barn rented.

See it there in the cabinet?

The trust sign still available for purchase at Paris Hotel Boutique, here.

Which Do You Prefer?

these?

or these?

What are Your Weekend Plans?

Wherever you're going, whatever you're doing, wishing you a wonderful weekend!

image from here

It Was a Very Good Year.

The year was 1953. My Mom was only 16 years old. Standing in front of my grandparent's house, dressed and ready for something special...

As I've been perusing through my Mom's old photo albums, I'm experiencing such mixed emotions and missing her so. Imagining how wonderful and innocent her youth must have been. Meeting my Dad at 15 and marrying 4 years later. Her suit, hat, gloves, handbag and smile...

another time, another place...

New Arrivals at Paris Hotel Boutique!

Today's the day! Over 50 new pieces just added to our shop. I'm excited to share with you our recent acquisition of unique hotel silver pieces. Additionally, we're featuring a variety of bright and cheery summer items. Some highlights include:

• Antique French Watercolor Menus


• 1940s French Lady Portrait Paintings


• Georgian Watch Verge Necklace


• Vintage Alabaster Statue


• Assorted Vintage Design Books


• Collection of Estate Jewelry & much more!

Please click here to see our latest additions...

Happy Shopping!

Happy Monday + Heads Up!

Hope you had a most enjoyable weekend. After days of gloom, the sun finally showed its face in San Francisco today, which put a big smile on my face!

I've been finishing up the final touches for tomorrow's new arrivals. Over 50 new pieces will be available for purchase at Paris Hotel Boutique at 10:30 EST tomorrow morning. I'll give you another 'heads up' tomorrow.

Until then, have a great week.

AND, if any of you can identify the photographer of this cute photo above, let me know. First one to do so receives a little prize. You know my favorite game, 'find the photo.

And special thanks to Rose for finding the photo!! It's by Edyta Szyszlo Photography for Heels & Gelato bridal shower. Rose, your prize is on its way!

Hotel Silver: Still a Hot Collectible

Gosh was I thrilled to pick up the newest issue of Romantic Homes to see hotel silver included as one of editor Jacqueline deMontravel's picks for top vintage collectibles.


This issue is definitely a "must-have" for antique/vintage enthusiasts. It is brimming with goodies. There is a special flea market section which includes the top 50 flea markets in ths US and the top romantic flea markets. Its 'special collection section' includes the editor's picks for the top vintage collectibles, as well as what's hot and where to find it.

part of my hotel silver collection (above)

I'm humbled that Jacqueline contacted me to talk a bit about my favorite collectible. It's been a passion of mine for over 13 years; collecting and selling it, and I'm honored to be quoted (above). There's even a photo of part of my collection. Hotel silver is something I'll never tire of and I'm glad to see that others are still as enthusiastic!

If you have an opportunity, pick up the August issue of Romantic Homes on newsstands now. This issue is the biggest collectibles guide ever and you'll love it!

Many thanks again to Jacqueline at Romantic Homes for including me in this wonderful publication.

images: Romantic Homes magazine

Fête Nationale!

In just a few hours Bastille Day celebrations begin in France, as well as other countries and cities all over the world.

The storming of Bastille was significant because it symbolized the destruction and end of Louis XVI’s reign. As a result, during the French Revolution the storming of Bastille symbolized liberty, democracy and the struggle against all forms of oppression. Very much like Americans 4th of July.

Will you be celebrating?

Happy Bastille Day everyone!

My Latest Prize.

I just had to share one of my latest acquisitions with you; a 1920s silverplated trophy for cake decoration from the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco! This is what it reads:

GREETER'S DAY

DECORATED CAKE CONTEST

CALIFORNIA INDUSTRIES EXPOSITION

1924

FIRST PRIZE

ST. FRANCIS HOTEL

CHAS. R. STRANDBERG

PASTRY CHEF.

Isn't this the cutest? I'm not sure if this is a keeper or a seller. Just that fact that it's from one of my favorite hotels and for a cake contest, it's one of the sweetest trophies I've ever seen.

Just had to share...

image credit: David Stone Photography

Midnight in Paris

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I was able to escape reality for a bit and saw Woody Allen's latest masterpiece, Midnight in Paris. What a wonderful film! The story, scenery and all, had me yearning to go back in time to another era. Particularly Paris.

Have you seen it yet? If not, you must. If you were able to go back in time, where would you want to go? What era? Would you stay?

Some New Acquisitions...

Victorian Yard Long oil of Roses $425

Just added these new paintings...

1925 Seascape Oil on Canvas - $475

To view all of PHB's art gallery, click here!

Happy Weekend...

Wishing you a lovely weekend filled with sun and fun!

image: Making Magique

Summer of Love.

Mark Twain has been famously quoted as saying, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Sadly, it was proven that he didn't actually say that, but I love it anyway.

Yes, Summer in San Francisco is foggy and cold, but beautiful nonetheless. I thought I'd share some lovely photos I've come across of the City I call home. Have a wonderful week...

Dress warm if you're visiting this summer!

image credits: 1. unknown 2. oh happy day 3. Ken Drori 4. suz 5. Laura Padgett 6. Design Crush 7. The Cherry Blossom Girl 8. Janis Joplin (unknown) 9. The Cherry Blossom Girl 10. Susannah Conway 11. Eric Isberg 12. Rob Kroenert

Greetings from San Francisco...

Vito and I wish you a happy weekend from the City by the Bay. (Bad boy Vito...you don't greet our blogging friends like that!)