Just In!

I adore this vintage carved vanity with its detailed floral and rope carving, in cream paint finish. Lovely feminine shape and delicate tapered legs! Perfect for cupcakes, huh?

So French! So yummy! To view more photos or purchase, click here.

Hope you're having a great week!

And the Oscar Goes to...

This evening is Hollywood's biggest night. I'm looking forward to Billy Crystal hosting again after all these years! Oh, and the fashion of course!


Will you be watching the Academy Awards? Perhaps having a party or just a quiet night in front of the TV? What was your favorite movie? Who do you think will take home the golden statuettes?

Hope what ever you're doing, you have fun!

Happy Oscar Night!

images: 1.Ralph Morse Life Magazine Time & Life Pictures Getty Images 2.George Silk Life Magazine Time & Life Pictures Getty Images

Yes it's true! Woody Allen Movie Prop Sale!

Did any of you see Woody Allen's movie, Midnight in Paris? One of my favorite Woody films to date. For those who have not seen the movie, Midnight in Paris is about an American screenwriter in Paris who somehow finds himself magically transported back to the city's 1920s era each evening.

Well, imagine a prop sale with items that Woody Allen carefully chose? Many from the Paris Flea Market! The flash sale site Gilt Home be offering up movie props from the film beginning tomorrow, (February 23rd) at 9:00 am/PST 12:00 pm/EST.

So, many of the pieces in the sale will be antique & vintage items from the 1920s, such as a record album found at a Paris flea market, Adriana’s diary (a main prop in the film), also found at a Paris flea market, and the empty chocolate box from one of the movie’s funniest scenes.

And best of all, the entire net proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

If you're not a member of Gilt Home, register in advance here.

So excited for this sale!!!

Still Lifes

Anna Nemoy

I just adore still life photography. This morning I got side-tracked "pinning" some lovely still life photos.

Katie Quinn Davies

Anna Nemoy

Click here to view the rest of them on my Pinterest board!

You Spoke, We Listened!

Last month I asked you to tell me what you really felt about Paris Hotel Boutique by filling out a survey. I finally finished reading through the hundreds of comments and am pleasantly surprised by your overwhelming response! I had no idea what a helpful bunch you were!

Most of you seemed truly happy with the boutique the way it is, but there is always room for improvement, so I thought I'd touch on a few things that may help your shopping experience.

First and foremost...

You like us, you really like us! I was blown away by the sheer number of you that commented about our unique & unusual items, and how PHB takes you back to another time. One of you said, "Currently, PHB is an escape from my reality. It allows me to vacate the grim, day-to-day blehs, into a time when life was kinder, more civil and affordable. A time when romance, glamour and social graces were the norm and not the exception." Why, thank you dear customer. Many of you complimented our customer service, photography, speedy delivery and special touches. Our team thanks you for that.

Your favorites. Accessories, hotel silver & jewelry were some of your favorite categories. You wanted to see more of the same, but many suggested more men's items. So, on that note, we're going to be launching a new category called, "Gents Quarter," carrying everything from vintage barware & tobacciana, to desk accessories & jewelry. Sure, you women can shop there too, but it will be an entire category devoted to you gentlemen. Look out for it in March!

Sold, darn! Some of you mentioned the frustration of receiving our monthly 'new arrivals' mailing, only to have the item you covet already sold when you arrive at the site. Since every item is one-of-a-kind, pieces tend to sell rather quickly the day of the mailing.

Well, our VIP list may just be the answer. If you wish to have a days advance notice of our upcoming arrivals, you can be added to our VIP mailing list. Simply shoot us an email to vip@parishotelboutique.com, and put "add it VIP" in the subject line and we'll happily add you to that list. Currently the VIP list is only 5% of our customer base, so this gives you a chance to know when the new pieces are going to be featured well in advance. I wish there was a way to provide you more inventory, but I'm the sole buyer for the shop, and the pickins' are getting slimmer!

Sales. You asked for sales and we're bringing them your way! We are currently working on a new sales platform, and you'll be the first to get a 'heads up' as soon as it's ready!

And the winners are... I wanted to announce our survey prize winners... Darla from Alabama, Melody from Tennessee, and Sharon from Nevada. Thank you!

Many thanks again to all of you who participated in our survey. The loyalty among you long-time customers is astounding, and the input from everyone was truly helpful and appreciated!

image from here

Want to be Featured?

Have you ever purchased anything from Paris Hotel Boutique? I would love to showcase you and your pieces on this blog and see how you've displayed them in your home. I'm sure a lot of readers here want to see your collections too. Doesn't this sound fun? Here's how you can participate:

• Snap a minimum of one photo of your home/space, or a vignette that includes at least one item you purchased from our shop. If you want us to do a full house tour, take several shots and we'll take it from there!
  

• Give me a brief description of the piece and how you've integrated it into your space. If it's a piece of jewelry, perhaps there's a sentimental story attached to it. If it's a piece of hotel silver, perhaps it's the hotel you honeymooned or where your parents were married.

• You don't have to be a professional photographer! You snap the photos and I'll do the adjusting.

• Shoot me an email at info@parishotelboutique.com and attach the photos/descriptions.

• Voila! I'll blog about you. {Also, for privacy purposes you don't have to include your full name. If you'd like, just a first name and city would be perfect.}

Let's go! Can't wait to see your houses!

image from here

Finding Balance.

When I started selling antiques a little over 15 years ago, there was no social marketing. Most of my time was spent treasure hunting for items to sell through shops and antique newspapers. Then eBay started and I was one of the first to hop on that bandwagon. I bought my first digital camera, a clunky Sony Mavica, and online sales starting rolling. It was a thrill! In 2002, Home Companion magazine decided to do a feature on my house, which inspired me to open my web shop, Paris Hotel Boutique.

I've loved my "career." Buying things that I love and giving them a new home. But alas, social marketing started. First it was blogging, then Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and currently Pinterest. I've tried my best to participate in all as best as I could with passion and fervor. I've met amazing people such as yourselves, kindled new friendships, and had new avenues to communicate with my customers. All good, right? What could be better than that?

Last week I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized that I have been spending more time blogging and on Facebook, doing bookkeeping and answering emails, than out acquiring new pieces and having some leisure time. Blogging has almost become a daily thing for me, with no regrets of course. I love blogging. But when my mind is preoccupied with what to post the next day, and I'm spending 3 hours writing a blog post, it's time to reevaluate. Psst...weight gain from sitting at this computer is also a factor!

My number one job/passion is being out in the world buying the most unique vintage and antique pieces for you. Running around like a maniac in the rain and cold in the wee hours of a Sunday morning, while the rest of the world is sipping their mocha lattes, well that's what we crazy antique dealers do!

I know that many of you are also trying to find that balance between your work, family life and social marketing. And maybe even some time off here and there. A vacation perhaps? I know our plates are definitely full.

Okay, so what's my point here? If you've read this far, thanks for bearing with me! I've decided to limit my blogging to once or twice a week, cut back on Facebook a bit. Very little Twitter. Basically finding that balance. I'll still be here blogging, just not as much.

I apologize for the long-winded post...something I usually try to avoid, but wanted to let you know why you may be seeing less of me on here.

Wishing you all a great weekend and hope you too are finding your balance in this digital world of ours!

wonderful image from The Graphics Fairy

Bonne Saint-Valentin!

Des yeux qui font baisser les miens,
Un rire qui se perd sur sa bouche—
Voilà le portrait sans retouche
De l’homme auquel j’appartiens.

Eyes that gaze of mine,
A smile that is lost on his lips,
This is the unretouched portrait,
The man to whom I belong.

Edith Piaf

vintage images from Crafty Dogma, Flickr

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and perhaps some R & R?

After working for two weeks straight without a day off {sigh}, I decided it was time to take a much needed break. My friend and I had massages at the luxurious Nob Hill Spa in San Francisco's Huntington Hotel yesterday. Whirlpool, indoor relaxation pool & fireplaces overlooking the San Francisco skyline --can you say heaven? I feel rejuvenated and ready to start the work week!

I think we all need some down time once and awhile, don't you? And...if you happen to be visiting San Francisco in the near future, be sure and visit the Nob Hill Spa. It's fabu!

Wishing you a great week ahead!


image from here

A Victorian Love Story.

A small and dusty old leather suitcase resurfaced every few years in Georgina's large London home. Inside was a jumble of old letters covered with writing that, as a child, she couldn't even begin to read.

Thirty years later Georgina has taken the time to transcribe some of the love letters from her great-grandparents, Bob & Jinnie, and publish them on her website, Victorian Love Letters. Fascinating.

Bob & Jinnie

Jane "Jinnie" Loveday

Jinnie and Bob were engaged for over 13 years. Bob was a valet; Jinnie, a housekeeper with the last name of Miss Loveday. Miss Loveday? How wonderful is that? Couldn't make that one up!

Visit Georgina's website here to follow this sweet love story...

Featured Item: c. 1900 French Handpainted Portrait Suite

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I thought I'd share one of my favorite items available at our shop; a turn of the 19th century French handpainted enamel & foil marcasite portrait suite including a large brooch and pair of earrings. I was thrilled to find the entire set!

The handpainted brooch has a vibrant deep red background with foil accents. Frame is sterling silver and has a rim of marcasite stones. Marked "FRANCE" on back. Such lovely detail--just knocks me out!

The clip earrings are also handpainted with foil accents and marcasite rims. They have an interesting loop attached to a chain that sit on your earlobes and function as safety chains.

The 3 pieces are in superb condition and absolutely exquisite in person. A rare, beautiful set of French jewelry. Available for purchase here.

New Arrivals at Paris Hotel Boutique!

Valentine's Day is only a week away and we've got a whole bunch of new arrivals for you romantics out there!

Take a peek at some of my favorites, and then feel free to shop our new arrivals here!

19th Century French Petite Wax Bust

Antique French Velvet Desk Blotter

Victorian Silver Luggage Tag

Lady & Cherub Oil Painting

Vintage Blown Glass Grape Lamp

Vintage Plaza Hotel Coffee Pot

Antique French Wedding Display Cushion

Rare 19th Century Double-Sided Carnival Sign

The Seven Faces of Love

And don't you worry...we have plenty of time to ship for you to receive by Valentine's Day!

Thanks for looking and click here to shop now!



images: Kassie Borreson, hausfraufotografie for Paris Hotel Boutique

Happy Monday + Heads Up!

Love is in the air!

We've scouted high and low to bring you our most romantic treasures of the season. Be sure and check out Paris Hotel Boutique tomorrow morning at 8:00 am PST/11:00 am EST (the 7th) for all of our new finds!

Have a great week ahead!

image: Hak Lonh for Geronimo Balloons

It's the Weekend!

Kick up your feet and have fun!