à la parisienne

Spring 2012 Haute Couture~What is Your Color?

2012-01-27T09:55:00.001-08:00

Spring, my favorite month, holds many soft color possibilities.

From sea mist green to tender peach to aquamarine, these dreamy colors make me ready for lighter fabrics-chiffons, laces, and silks.

Elie Saab's glorious pieces remind me of the Greek mythological sirens.

Chanel Spring Haute Couture even had a few soft, beautiful ice blue dresses.

I love this neckline, the pleats and the hemline.

Another beautiful Chanel dress- a dusky pale teal that reminds me of Marie Antoinette.

_{classic Dior neckline}

And I can't forget to add a sampling of Dior.

I'm seriously thinking of asking my mom to make me a dress like this!

and a beautiful bodice envelopped in classic, Dioresque black swiss dots.

Spring 2012 haute couture offers so many inspiring details and colors; it makes me want to work on some flowers once again (It's been months since I've created flowers for my Etsy store since I've had my shop on an extended vacation.)

What colors do you tend to gravitate toward in the Spring? For me, it's usually shades of pink and champagne, but I think this Spring, I'll try a little bit of peach...

_{images 1-3 via This is Glamorous; images 4-7 via Elle.com}

100 Pretty Pennies: Chandelier

2012-01-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

When buying things for your home, wardrobe, or for a celebration, how many of you pride yourselves in getting a good deal?

For me, I get a thrill out of finding something really beautiful or very practical when the price is cheap.

My purchasing mantra is: the closer to free the better.

I am not embarrassed or ashamed to shop at yard sales, Goodwill, resale shops, or flea markets...not at all! In fact, some of the best elements used in decorating our home or Amelia's birthday parties have come from these places.

And if you happen to see my car parked on the side of the road with me lugging something from the trash to my trunk, give me a honk and a wave. I will not be ashamed. And I hope you're not in a hurry because I will most likely call you over to show off my new, free treasure!

You may be thinking, that's not very sophisticated or parisienne or you may be thinking that's just what poor people say. Poor or rich, I'm of the opinion that whatever amount of money God gives to my family needs to be spent responsibly and keenly. (Besides, making a habit of shopping frugally makes it possible to splurge occasionally on those really high quality items (a nice winter coat, good parfum, etc.) that are so parisienne and worth the investment.)

So, in an effort to inspire all of you that a beautiful home, outfit, or celebration doesn't have to break the bank or go onto that devilish credit card, I am starting a new series on my blog:

100 Pretty Pennies: From Pennies to Panache with a Clever Eye and Thrifty Pocket.

So onto my first pretty penny item in our home: the chandelier in our masterbath.

_{vintage tole chandelier in shades of celery, white, pale aqua and pale yellow}

The story behind this find:

I am probably the only college student you have ever heard of that had a booth in an antique mall-who spent her Saturday mornings visiting yardsales scavenging for goodies to resell.

I scored this unexpected treasure from a yardsale in our college town with the intention of selling it in our booth (I shared a booth with my college roommate and best friend, Lauren). The selfish side of me decided to keep it for myself, so I stored it away, neglected it, forgot about it. Years later, after I had graduated college, married, and renovated our masterbath, my husband dug it out of the shop and brought it into the house.

My jaw dropped at how perfect it was for our bathroom, and I just had to laugh.

I had completely forgotten about it, and it matched our bathroom perfectly! I'd love to say that I had been clever enough to design our bathroom around this chandelier, but I wasn't; it was a total accident, and really I must give credit to my husband for rediscovering it!

So, how much did I pay for this pretty vintage Italian tole chandelier???

200 pretty pennies~~~~~~~~~$2.00!!!

_{Worth about $300.00!!!}

Definitely worth the Saturday morning hunt!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Ma salle de bain...Les autres coins...{the other corners}

2012-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have chosen to follow along during my corner-to-corner decorating journey, here are the other romantique corners of our salle de bain. Click here to see the previous post of ma salle de bain.
Recognize the white flower arrangement in the vintage white soup tureen??? That was the centerpiece I created for my sister-in-law's surprise party inspired by Ladurée.
A couple weeks ago, I moved this arrangement from the garden tub ledge to the vanity. Now, it seems as if the vanity and the flower arrangement have finally met their perfect match.

_{a vintage dresser converted to a sink & vanity}
Some of you may remember my post about this vanity that my husband and father and law created for this bathroom. Click here to see more.

I think that I've decided that no matter the design scheme I choose for this bathroom (from season to season), the elements on top of the vanity should remain in an all white palette~very serene and clean.

_{tall bathroom cabinet built by my husband. Click here to read more.}

The elements above this cabinet need a major overhaul.
It wasn't until I photographed this picture that I realized the large DREAM garland is not even centered! I'm also a little embarrassed to admit that this garland was the first thing I hung up in our bathroom upon the completion of the renovation...eight years ago and I haven't moved it since! It's about time for a change.
I've also decided that the décor above this tall cabinet will be on a revolving door; I will change them from season to season.

There's something about these three vintage silver hand mirrors that I love. Perhaps it is the romantic in me; I can't help it.
I also love the sweet little vintage hat adorning the center mirror.

_{view behind door}
Behind the door that opens to the bathroom is a simple, long vintage mirror and a brushed nickle hanger for hanging towels (one of the only store bought items in our bathroom). My sister-in-law bought this sweet vintage dress for Amelia when Amelia was 1.5 years old, and it is just too sweet to put away, so I have it on display.
This space may be a good place to change out vintage dresses (girls or womens) for coordinating with design changes.

And while visiting ma salle de bain, you mustn't forget to look up!
A white pressed tin ceiling spans the entire bathroom ceiling~the most beautiful thing to stare at during a hot soak in the garden tub.

And for the chandelier...that is for the next post!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Corner to Corner: Ma salle de bain

2012-01-12T14:50:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm finally back to blogging now that everything has finally settled down around here!

I don't know about you, but when the new year starts, I always have so many new ideas and plans swirling in my mind that I run in place for a few weeks before I actually move forward (cue blurred feet in motion and cartoon music).

This year, I have so many new goals and new creative ideas, and I would like to accomplish all of them and, of course, share them with you!

One of my goals this year is to focus more on completing each room from corner to corner (making every room wholly functional and adding those finishing touches).
When I was teaching full time, almost four years ago, my favorite past time was to spend the weekends decorating and making new vignettes throughout the house. Somewhere along the way, like every hobby's ebb and flow, my passion for primping our home was replaced with blogging and making handmade items for my Etsy shop. Now I plan to put more of my creative energy into feathering our nest.

By sharing "my progress" with you, I hope that I adhere to this goal.

_{view of master bath from our bedroom}

So, I will begin my decorating journey with our master bath~my absolute favorite room in our home. Here is one corner of our salle de bain.

a romantic gilded mirror in front of the large garden tub~

a garden-style urn filled with soft whites - tulle, sand dollars, and a handmade box by Fanciful.

a very special angel that makes me *smile* every time I see it~

a wide shelf that spans the width of the garden tub bolstered by two ornate, antique black metal brackets~

I have yet to find the perfect items to place upon this shelf. Usually the groupings look cluttered or incohesive. After I removed all of the items from the shelf for the photoshoot, Zena seized the opportunity to nap there where the sun shines in...

_{So far, she is the best adornment~precious and oh so charming~and she definitely promotes relaxation!}

_{Up next:}

_{~les autres coins de notre salle de bain {the other corners of our masterbath};}

_{~a few design mood boards for our salle de bain that will help promote more cohesion from element to element.}

_{images by à la parisienne}

A Year of New Beginnings: Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine

2012-01-05T14:10:00.000-08:00

It is always exciting to embark on a new year; there are so many possibilities: new endeavors, new friendships, and new accomplishments.

And I am so excited for my dear blog friend, Angela Read, aka Parisienne Farmgirl as she is commencing a new endeavor- Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine!

Her video announcement below describes all of the exciting details about her new quarterly online magazine, and I must say she is quite charming and her French accent is beautiful!

As an editor who is a talented gardener, cook, photographer, and decorator, Angela will surely culitivate Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine into a feast for the eyes brimming with inspirational articles and projects.

_{one of my favorite pictures of Angela's home (I just love those mirrors and the symmetry of the design!)}

Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine is sure to inspire women who love both Paris and a simplified life.

To be sure you do not miss out on the first issue (April 1, 2012) click here to subscribe.

In celebration of this new adventure, Angela is offering a very generous and awesome giveaway with over $200 worth of goodies. Click here to enter and to congratulate her.

Féliciations, Angela!

We are all so excited for you and I know that your magazine will be superbe!!!

...And I anxiously await the inaugural issue!!

_{video and images via Parisienne Farmgirl}

Giftwrap à la Restoration Hardware

2011-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

My Christmas giftwrapping theme this year was not planned; it just happened.

In a rush to wrap up a Chinese Christmas gift using recycled magazine pages, I stumbled upon my Restoration Hardware catalogue, and my creative gears began to roar out of control!!

Restoration Hardware combines a unique blend of styles: steampunk, scientist, and European farmhouse, and a unique blend of materials-burlap, linen, metals, and leather, and for those reasons, its style extremely alluring for both women and men.

That being said, using the pages from our gorgeous Restoration Hardware catalogue made it very easy to wrap each gift according to the taste of each recipient.

The gift above is wrapped in a muted gold paper, embellished with a Restoration Hardware cataloge page, slate gray satin ribbon, an antiqued bronze drapery ring and a swatch of tan linen fabric (to be used as a gift tag.)

This Restoration Hardware kitchen scene was the perfect page to use for my sister-in-law, Renée, who is the foodie in our family.

Her gift is wrapped in glossy white paper and embellished with a wide strip of burlap that is wrapped around the width of the box.

I used small brads to tack the burlap to the underside of the box. Those scrapbooking supplies always save the day when I need them!

I also wrapped the width of her gift with a thin silver wire, which helped to secure the antique fork to the top of her package. Notice that on the top of her gift, I also attached an oversized paperclip to the burlap to bring in a hint of modernity- I would have loved to slip an antique, handwritten recipe to the front of her box, but I don't have one!

For our uber cool brother-in-law, I decided to use gloss back paper and the image of the ultra sleek bar stools.

I call this the GQ package!

Using the same thin silver wire, I attached a random clock winder to the front of the gift to add a little steampunk style!

I also used a shiny metal brads to hold the thin silver wire in place.

This gift is for my hubby, and it is probably my favorite creation because everything just worked out perfectly for his package.

Aaron has always loved the antique look of filament lightbulb by Restoration Hardware, and since they are $15.00 each, we just have to be happy with enjoying them from the catalogue! So, I decided that this catalogue page was the perfect fit for him! (And it gives a little hint to what is inside of the package!)

Now, for la pièce de résistance-his gift topper- and actual lightbulb that is attached by two strands of thin silver wire!

Can giftwrapping get any more steampunk, scientific, and manly than this???

Best of all, my giftwrapping cost me zero dollars this year. Remember, this was last minute and I live over an hour away from a decent craft store. So, I used leftover giftwrapping paper from last year and scavenged the house for embellishments. Luckily, we like old things and rarely throw anything away!

I still have a couple more gifts to wrap, so perhaps after Christmas I will share them with you.

Until then, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Your loyalty and friendships truly make my life a little brighter and I thank you for that!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Winter in Neutral

2011-12-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you a little bit of romantic winter fashion inspiration that I just created. While procrastinating on my Christmas "to do" list, I joined Polyvore and created this romantic, neutral ensemble in less than 15 minutes. Now if only shopping and stocking my closet could be this easy!! (And why am I just now joining Polyvore???)

Soon, I will be posting some current gift wrapping that I've been working on, so be sure to check back for a little bit of "unusual inspiration."

Winter in Neutral by alaparisienne featuring vneck shirts

Merry Macarons!

2011-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share with you a fun little photo I took of my pistachio lemon butter macarons that I made a week ago for our ladies' church Christmas party.

I couldn't help but add the new French macaron images to my banner for some added Christmas spirit!

I am in the thick of several Christmas projects, and of course, I am behind {I can be an awful procrastinator}! So, off I go to finish my projects. And I appreciate your sweet comments about my handmade Christmas tree!
I hope you are all enjoying all of your Christmas gatherings and wish you safe travels!

Joyeux Noël!

_{image by à la parisienne}

Winter Blossom Christmas Tree

2011-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

As many of you have read, my hideous white Christmas tree and I have been at odds with each other over the past couple of years. My store-bought Christmas tree has not taken care of herself-always mis-shappen and shoddy looking-and I am sure she has heard the awful things I have said about her under my breath, not to mention, she still gets huffy when Zena, our cat, gnaws on her prickly, plastic branches. Needless to say, last year I decided that we needed a break from each other, and I promised myself that I would not drag her down from the attic this year.

And I KEPT my promise.

Instead of decorating with my plastic, commercial white Christmas tree, I made a new one, and it didn't cost me a penny.
Inspired by Cherry Blossom trees, I simply gathered sticks that had fallen from our trees and painted them a creamy white, and placed them in a white decorative pot (which I have used in numerous projects-Remember Amelia's Secret Garden Party?)
Then I made white tissue paper petals to mimic cherry blossoms and glued them to the white branches.

I could have stopped there if I had wanted a simpler, minimal look, but the romantic side of me just couldn't stop, so I added a handful of luxurious white feather plumes~

Since this tree was created for Amelia's room, I adorned my homemade Christmas tree with sweet, childlike ornaments:
a pair of vintage dusty ice blue mittens, petite vintage silver bells and birds,

a handmade paper ornament,

and a gray dove-accessorized with a aqua satin scarf. And notice the top of the white pot was also dressed for winter, I added a vintage white rabbit fur collar around brim for a wintry touch!

And my favorite detail about my homemade winter blossom Christmas tree is that I placed it into the curio cabinet in Amelia's room~a fancy little display case just for the tree. I hope to add white lights inside of the cabinet so that at night, it becomes a magical little scene behind glass for Amelia to enjoy.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Houndstooth? Oui ou Non??

2011-11-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

Classic black and white houndstooth always makes me think of Paris and Chanel, and for that reason, I am always drawn to it and can't help but love it. The other day, while picking up a handful of things at Walmart, I saw a rack of little girl's houndstooth peacoats-Walmart-of all places! I was tempted to buy Amelia one even if she wouldn't be able to wear it for three years. Can't you just imagine seeing a little girl sporting a houndstooth peacoat? Total petite parisienne!

Which brings me to the question:
How do you feel about Houndstooth?

Like it? Hate it? Love it?

Would you boldly wear a winter coat with this iconic design, or would you opt for a safer, elegant houndstooth handbag or scarf?

Or perhaps, do you prefer this fashionable print on furniture or wrapping paper rather than on clothing??

_{In my opinion, houndstooth is such a striking print that a little bit goes a long way, and it can make any outfit très chic.
Which makes me wonder...
Where can I find a little houndstooth peacoat for myself!}

_{image sources: un -Dustjacket attic; deux - pinterest; trois - à la parisienne}

Fall on the Tip of Your Tongue:Three Fall Recipes

2011-11-15T16:30:00.000-08:00

With the busy Thanksgiving/Christmas season upon us, I wanted to share three simple, yet delicious recipes that embrace autumn. These recipes are easy enough for a simple autumn lunch at home, and special enough to serve at family gatherings.

No fuss. Just delicious.

~~~

{Creamy Pumpkin Soup}

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped onion

2 tbsp butter

2 cans chicken broth (or 30 oz homemade chicken stock)

1 can pumpkin purée (found in baking aisle)

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground ginger

dash of allspice

1/8 tsp ground black pepper

salt to taste

1 cup heavy whipping cream (plus extra for serving)

*optional - 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar if you like a sweet pumpkin soup.

Directions:

1.Sauté onion in butter in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 1 can chicken broth (I used homemade chicken stock); stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.

2.Transfer broth mixture into the container of a blender or processor. (Or use one of my favorite kitchen gadgets-the handy Hamilton Beach hand blender, where you can blend your mixture right in the pot!) Process until smooth.

3.Return mixture to saucepan. Add remaining (can of) broth, pumpkin, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, and ground pepper; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in whipping cream and heat through. Do not boil. Ladle into separate soup bowls and garnish with whipping cream and cinnamon.

{Cranberry Clafouti ~ Clafoutis aux canneberges}

This delicious French dessert replaces cherries with seasonal cranberries.

I plan on serving Cranberry Clafouti for breakfast with eggs and bacon when my parents come for a visit. (I topped mine with Cool Whip instead of whipped heavy cream.)

Recipe via Martha Stewart

{Acorn snacks}

I found this idea on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and I (or shall I say we) have already made these acorn snacks twice. This snack is perfect for creating with younger kids. Just create an assembly line: one person remove the foil paper from the Hershey Kisses, one add the peanut butter to the Nilla Waffer, and lastly one put them together...And who doesn't like chocolate and peanut butter?

Bon Appétit!

_{images via à la parisienne}

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

2011-11-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

The other day I stumbled upon this great video tutorial (give it about 5 to 10 seconds to load), which shares 25 different ways to wear a scarf, and I was so excited to learn new ways to wear such a parisienne accessory.

This tutorial is one of the best tutorials I've ever seen, and best of all, each style is given a name so that you can make a mental note of which styles you want to try first.

I personally like the Bunny Ear & The Celebrity.

Enjoy!

_{Video via You Tube by}

_{Wendy's Look Book}

Winter Parisienne Chic: Black, Gray, & Mustard

2011-11-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

It's funny how as we age, our taste in color changes. I was never attracted to the color mustard yellow until a couple of years ago when I figured out that it is a color that I should wear.
So often, when shopping for clothing, I find myself debating over colors that make my heart melt and colors that actually suit me.

_{Not a mustard yellow fan? Use this image as a springboard for inspiration. Substitute the yellow for fuschia, emerald green, or crimson or pumpkin/russet (as suggested by Elena)...}

And as we all know les vraies parisienne's do just that. They select clothing that actually flatters their skin tones.
Now that mustard yellow and I have become friends, I find it to be a quite striking and versatile color to work with in my wardrobe. {And aren't these images of mustard yellow quite charming??}
But I must say...whether blush, winter white, and aqua flatter me or not, I'm going to wear them anyway~~

_{source for both images-Pinterest}

Winter parisienne chic: classic noir

2011-11-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a little classique parisienne fashion inspiration for you.

If you are like me, you may have a bit of winter shopping to do, and I always like to look around for inspiring ideas before I make my new purchases.

This year, one thing I plan to purchase is a vintage black hat to wear with my black pea coat.

I love this entire outfit above-le chapeau chic, la robe noire, the tights, the feminine black shoes, and the over-sized bag with a sophisticated hint of Grace Kelly.

A classic black and white striped blouse layered with a black jacket/blazer and a colorful scarf is a classic parisienne winter look.

Selecting a blazer can be a bit tricky. Personally, I prefer tailored styles over slouchy, loose styles.

Tights are a great accessory for a fall/winter wardrobe. They have many advantages: they don't take up a lot of space; they are affordable; and they can change the feel of an entire outfit.

I have a fixation for winter coats, and I love a tailored coat with flattering seams.

This coat exudes femininity; it creates an hourglass figure with its over-sized collar, ultra skinny belt (notice the buckle moved over to the side), and an A line shape at the hips- and look at those fancy seams! The ruffled cuffs at the sleeves show the importance of detail on a nice winter coat.

Makes me want to do a little shopping!

What does your winter wardrobe look like? (classic blacks? winter whites? charcoals/grays?)

_{image sources: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq}

Le chat au chapeau {The Cat in the Hat}

2011-10-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

To be cat in the hat for Halloween,

No you can't top that.
Especially if you're the clever Cat in the Hat.

With a red bow beneath my chin,
and white felt for my tummy
I shall collect bags and buckets of treats that are yummy.

A thin, curly black tail
with a red fan attached,
I refused to wear it,
for I didn't care if it matched!

With a painted nose and whiskers,
I almost threw a fit.
Itchy black paint on my face-
Did I like it? No, not one little bit!

BUT-My tall, striped top hat with red and white rings
was the loveliest addition to my
Cat in the Hat things.

I love my new costume.
I'll wear it when I play.
I'll pretend to be the Cat in the Hat
on a cold, cold wet day.

I'd like to thank my Nanny
for my Cat in the Hat suit.
Her handiwork never fails
to keep me looking cute.

This year's Halloween costume was a tribute to one of Amelia' favorite books -
The Cat in the Hat.
As a child, I enjoyed Dr. Seuss' witty rhymes, outlandish characters, and unique illustrations. His iconic works have stood the test of time for me as his stories still bring laughter and intrigue to Amelia and me during our special story times.

Thank you Dr. Seuss for your imaginative stories, and
Thank you mom for your beautiful handiwork!

_{images by à la parisienne}
_{poem inspired by the great Dr. Seuss}

Just What Kind of Awareness Are We Talking About?

2011-10-25T13:17:00.001-07:00

It's not very often that I use my blog as a place to rant about things that tick me off; but yesterday when I received my first issue of Martha Stewart Living in the mail and saw this Breast Cancer Awareness ad by Estée Lauder, I was shocked! (This is actually a censored version of the ad even though the original ad does not show anything.)

Am I just that ultra-conservative to be bothered that a company can take a wide-spread, devastating disease and turn it into something sexual? I mean really? Naked women embracing one another is necessary for us to remember to have a mammogram??? Whose attention do you really think this ad is getting? Most likely men, not the women who need the reminder, or perhaps young children who don't need to be exposed to such an idea.

Some may argue that this ad is harmless. I see it as an exploit. Let's push the envelope a little further. We all know how popular it is to have same-genders engage in intimate activities in TV series, movies, and fashion magazines.

I'm going to have to rip this ad out of the magazine just so that I can leave it around the house for browsing-something I wouldn't expect to have to do with a home and garden magazine!

To top it off, I saw a breast awareness T-shirt today that said "Saving fun bags one T-shirt at a time" While it may be more comfortable for people to laugh uncomfortable things off, I wonder what women who have suffered from this terrible disease think about all of this? And I wonder what their families think?

I think it's inappropriate and just shows how little dignity/respect our culture has.

Update 10/27/11:
Here is an interesting article that I found on the web regarding this ad:
Should Breast Cancer Awareness Be About the Breast More Than the Disease?

Also, the image provided in my post was not edited by me. I actually used the same image as the publisher of the article mentioned above.

_{image source here}

Lofty Thoughts

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about what you would do differently if you had the opportunity to redecorate a new space or a new home? Or, more realistically, what design style you would follow if you were able makeover any room in your home? For a short time, my husband and I tossed the idea around of adding an additional room onto our home for a guest/homeschool room.

While that dream room, where I may explore this new design style, may not come into fruition for several years, I have been dreaming up the design:

an artist's loft look

with an all white palette~~white walls, molding, and a glossy white painted floor

clean and crisp

a sophisticated blank canvas to hold Amelia's art, my art, our family's art.

I love the ultra chic look of this room. The pale pink accent wall, the frilly pillows, the mirrored table, and the white tables, chairs and shelving all add an air of romance to this blended design of an urban/industrial loft. Of course, I would have to tweak this design. I don't think I could live with a concrete floor.

The "bones" of this room make my heart smile. I love everything about it. I would, however, have to change the style of furniture; it's a little too contemporary for me.

Once the school supplies and art were added, I imagine that the colorful additions would draw the eye upon entering the room {as the pink settee and lamp in this image lure the eye and leads it up toward the floral painting}. I think playing with color would offer endless possibilities to making this dream room a creative and chic space.

This all white kitchen has a more casual air, yet something about it reminds me of a European apartment kitchen: oddly shaped, small with soaring ceilings but oh so charming.

While all of our dream spaces may seem so far in the future, it is always enjoyable to dream about their possibilities, to collect images of desirable designs, to share our thoughts...

_{images via Pinterest}

Autumn Palette: From Nature to Wardrobe

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Fall has a way of convincing a person to love warm colors. Normally, I am a lover of cool and neutral colors-grays, blushes, lilacs, aquas, but when the crisp fall winds arrive,

I am hypnotized by her seasonal hues: burnt oranges, mustard yellows, mossy chartreuse greens, teal, bare branch grays, and browns the color of acorn shells.

I am invigorated as I survey my fall sweaters and scarves and always enjoy dabbling on the warm side of the color spectrum. My fall wardrobe reflects that part of me that loves warmth, that part of me that loves texture, that part of me that enjoys trying new things...

_{images and design by à la parisienne}

Ladurée-inspired fête~~le menu, la table, et le thé

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

To all of you who have attended my Ladurée-inspired party thus far, thank you for your sweet comments regarding the invitations and décor. Now on to the most important element of my party planning-the food. Pretty invitations and a romantic atmosphere are nice but a delicious meal enhances the entire experience. An when throwing a Ladurée-inspired party, one must serve authentic French cuisine.

Months before the party I carefully planned the menu. Then I designed an actual menu to place on the table. Perched on top of a small, ornate easel, my French menu gracefully greeted each guest. I created mini menus, as party favors, and placed them at each table setting.

_{romantic table setting~shiny silverware, soft white napkins wrapped in rich champagne satin ribbon, and miniature menus}

I began planning this party nearly a year ago with a Ladurée theme in mind. I envisioned an all white table with gold accents. I wanted white linens and classy antique white plates with gold rims. Even though I searched for a year, I never found the plates that I was looking for...until YESTERDAY...yes, yesterday I found the set for which I'd been searching-three weeks after the party...C'est la vie.

Our lunch was a leisurely five course meal...comme les français, bien sûr.

All of the food was homemade by me-the day of the party-except for the crème brûlée. I want to thank Renée (my other sister-in-law) for helping me prepare the plates in between courses...You should have seen us scurrying around in the kitchen:)

LE MENU

L'entrée :

_{la soupe à l'oignon gratinée {French onion soup with cheese}}

This French onion soup was made following Rachel Ray's Recipe: French Onion Soup with a Sicilian Twist. I love the fresh rosemary cooked into the soup and the large homemade crouton {from a French baguette} that is covered with grape tomatoes and basil from the garden. This makes a delicious lunch all on its own.

La salade:

_{une salade verte au chèvre chaud {Warm goat cheese salade}}

When I studied abroad in France about 10 years ago, I remember eating warm goat cheese salads everywhere I went. This was my first attempt at bringing this salad to my home.
Simply slice chilled goat cheese, roll slices in flour, then roll in Panko crumbs and fry in the skillet with some olive oil.
Add fried goat cheese to a bed of green lettuces that have been tossed in a French vinaigrette-et voila! a classic French salad.

Le plat principal:

_{la bouchée à la reine {Chicken Friand}}

I never had Chicken Friand {la bouchée à la reine}in France, but it is my favorite dish at La Madeleine-a country French café chain here in the United States.
If you love puff pastries, chicken, and mushrooms, you will LOVE Chicken Friand!

Click here for the recipe.
And here's a little secret for a great tasting Chicken Friand-use a rotisserie chicken for the best flavor!

Le fromage :

Our cheese plate included:
gouda - not very French but delicious;
le fromage aux noix {cheese with walnuts- The BEST tasting cheese you will ever eat!}
and chèvre {goat cheese}

La crème brûlée:

My sister-in-law, Renée (the one who made Amelia's aqua birthday cake with white chocolate sea creatures) made the creme brûlée, and we all enjoyed torching the sugar on top~
It was so delicious we had to restrain ourselves from licking the ramekins clean.

Later that afternoon, we enjoyed un pause-thé {a break for tea}. We enjoyed drinking fresh loose teas such as Jasmine pearl tea, Imperial Pu-erh, and Earl Gray.
And as a gift, I gave each guest a vintage teacup and saucer as a party favor and souvenir of our special day together.

Along with our teas, we had homemade French macarons.
I enjoyed creating the uniquely flavored macarons just for the party while staying with the classic pale Ladurée color palette.

_{macarons by à la parisienne}

I used a butter cream base for all three macaron flavors:
pistachio-lemon;
cinnamon with fresh ginger zest;
& lavender/rosemary infused honey

By the end of the day, our souls were replenished not only by food by but also through convivial fellowship, and I was so thrilled (and relieved) that our fête surprise à la Ladurée had been a success.

I hope you have enjoyed your virtual glimpse of the party. I appreciate your visits and kind words of encouragement, and Felicia appreciates the birthday well wishes. Merci.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Ladurée-inspired fête surprise-The Décor

2011-09-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

A beautiful, ethereal atmosphere and delicious French cuisine were the two essential components of la fête surprise. "Over the top" is a common phrase my sister-in-law uses when describing something amazing- a well-decorated space, a favorite dish, or a special experience. If you knew Felicia, you would know that she has a finesse for creating things that are "over the top." She's an extraordinary decorator and craftswoman. How could I honor such a savvy woman's birthday with just common balloons and streamers?

~~~

A party at a nice venue would have been nice, but those are few an far between here, not to mention expensive. So, I decided, I could create a beautiful atmosphere in my home with a little bit of planning and moving. Yes, moving. My husband and I switched the furniture in our parisienne salon and diningroom-just for the party.

_{drama & the unexpected-a trail of peachy-blush lace spills off of the dining table and puddles onto the floor like the train of a wedding dress.}

The party took place in the parisienne salon, which receives the most glorious peach-infused morning light.

_{upclose view of table and beyond a glimpse of the tea table}

I purposefully made this party very intimate, with a list of 5 invitees (including myself and the guest of honor.) I wanted us to have a few special, private hours around the table, dining on French cuisine at our leisure and enjoying each other's conversation with soft French music in the background. How many public venues in Texas can offer such an ambiance?

_{a picture of the birthday girl during her adolescence~ May her life hold many more years full of wonder.}

~~~

When Felicia returned home, she sent me the sweetest message:

"We just got home and there is only one word to describe today and that is 'magical.' On the drive home I described {to my husband} every bite, every color, every detail and how special you made me feel. Today was sincerely the best birthday I have ever had but the real gift is you. I beleive with all my heart that God not only hand-picked you for Aaron but he also had me in mind too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and for a memory that I will always cherish. I love you...Sissy"

~~~

And that is what hosting a party is all about~making people feel special and drawing loved ones even closer together.

Next, I will share le menu....

_{images by à la parisienne}

Une fête surprise ~ inspired by Ladurée

2011-09-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Vous êtes invités...

Here's a hand delivered invitation for you to attend la fête surprise that I hosted this past weekend.

This wasn't just any party; this party was specially designed for one of my dearest friends, who happens to be one of the most creative, talented women I know~~my sister-in-law.

Felicia deserved the very best party I could create, so what better inspiration to use than Ladurée?

Ladurée boxes inspired the invitations for the party.

The boxes were hand painted and given a beautiful one of a kind label on top. Then they were wrapped in a rich champagne double faced satin ribbon, but the real treat for the recipient was what was inside the box...

homemade pistachio macarons with a lemon butter filling...

made by yours truly.

Yes, I tought myself how to make French macarons~~just for this party.

More delicious party details to come...

_{images by à la parisienne}

Un peu d'inspiration

2011-08-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to drop a note and tell you all bonjour and fill you in on what I've been up to.

For the last couple of weeks my friend and I have been steadily working on preschool activities for our 3 year old children. While Amelia and I have been doing short lessons every morning since the beginning of the year, I have "officially" started to homeschool her. I never really planned to start this early, but it just naturally happened. I called up my friend, asked her if she wanted to collaborate on homeschooling activities, and boom we were meeting, making plans, and searching the web for ideas.

If any of you stay at home moms want to share ideas, I'd love to collaborate with you.

Once I get caught up on school planning and some other fun projects I've been working on, I hope to blog more, and, of course, do a little show and tell!

Until then, I thought that I would share with you this gorgeous image.

I am labeling this image "Dream home" as I would love to have a diningroom such as this.

The trailing tablecloth is also an excellent dramatic idea for a party or special event.

And the color palette is just parfait!

I hope all is well in your world!

À bientôt!

_{image via Pinterest}

Audrey Hepburn Style

2011-08-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a little Audrey Hepburn styled photoshoot for all of you Vintage Vogue lovers. I brought my beloved vintage Audrey hat along on our trip to Washington D.C.

And, yes, it's amazing what you can fit in a single carry on!

I've actually had this hat for years but haven't had the right opportunity to wear it.

A tailored black dress would definitely do well with this hat, but my simple black blouse and ivory and black stripe skirt were much more fitting for touring Mount Vernon (George and Martha Washington's homestead) in the heat of the summer.

I love this hat for the wide black and ivory striped grosgrain ribbon and for its little curl- so classic.

a quick pose in front of the White House

The morning we left for Mount Vernon, I jokingly said to my husband and niece that someone might mistaken me for Martha Washington (since no one dresses like this anymore). Holly and Aaron, corrected me: "No, you look more like Audrey Hepburn." (I thought-Yes, that's the point).

Ironically, later on in the day, as we were strolling past a long line of tourists who were waiting to enter George Washington's home, a little girl about 6 years old, looked at me with eyes wide open, hit her little brother standing next to her and exclaimed,

"Look! It's Lady Washington!"

Her older brother shook his head, my husband and Holly looked over at me laughing, and I waved at the girl with a large grin.

Yes, it was obvious that I didn't look like a woman from this era.

Which era is open to interpretation.

Anyone else out there interested in reviving the vintage vogue look-vintage hats and gloves?

_{images of à la parisienne by my niece, Holly}

Hal-le-lu-jah!

2011-08-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

This time last week, I shared with you our desperate need for rain.
Well....early Saturday morning around 5:00AM I was awakened by roaring raindrops on our tin roof and cracking thunder.

I sat up in our bed, focused my sleepy mind on what I was hearing, raised my arms up, and fell back to the pillow smiling and mentally praising-Thank you LORD!!!!

In the twelve years that I have lived in this part of Texas, August has always been the driest month of the year. Rain in August is usually unheard of...and we got over 3.5 inches of rain in one day!!! HALLELUJAH!

So I want to thank all of you who prayed for us. I truly believe God heard and blesssed our collective prayers.

_{images via Pinterest}

Elie Saab- Of Sky, Sand, & Sea~~

2011-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Elie Saab's Fall 2011 Haute Couture Collection is reminiscent of the sirens of the sea.
His color scheme, echoing the wind and waves, includes pale ocean mist, creamy nudes like the sands of the beach,

and a rich deep sea blue.

His masterpieces continue to embrace feminity and soft weightlessless~~

like those of magical mermaids.

His enchanting dresses always captivate.

_{images via Elle.com}

Cheerful Giving~Romantic Bouquets

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Like many of you, I love collecting things. I collect just about anything that is feminine and romantic-vintage jewelry, beautiful ribbons and fabrics, vintage saucers and bowls...the list could go on. To continue on with the subject of gratitude and being less selfish, I wanted to share with you a way that I use my love for collecting in a way that will uplift someone else.

In the corner of my kitchen on the highest shelf, are rows of vintage vases that I have been collecting/saving for several years. These vases are not intended for me to keep. I have purchased these vintage vases at flea markets and yard sales with the intent of giving.

I don't know much about flower arranging (I've never taken a class or read a book), but I have a hard time buying flower arrangements from a florist-the arrangments within my price range are quite boring. How many times do you see florists' arrangements with stock flowers placed into generic clear glass vases? You know the glass vases that you see stacks of at yard sales that no one can get rid of?

So, for years, I have been creating my own flower arrangements as gifts-for friends who have lost parents, for family who has been sick in the hospital, for friends suffering from terminal cancer. But I must say, that I haven't done this enough. Sadly, there have been so many times that I have felt led to do something to offer encouragement of comfort and I have failed to do so because I was selfish with my time and money and lazy.

I hope to change that.

Flowers from your garden would be the most thoughtful and unique, but sometimes that's not possible-your flowers may be out of season, you may not have enough blooms, or all of your rosebushes could be dead from a drought:(

Flowers from a local flower market would be beautiful, or if you live in a rural community flowers from a local grocery could suffice with a little love and creativity.

I made this arrangment for my husband's grandmother, who recently broke her hip due to a fall.

The hardest part of creating an arrangment at home is the lack of greenery. These beautiful pink roses were beautiful on their own, but I felt the arrangement had too many empty spaces.

So, I went out to my barren yard and clipped a few sprigs of what was still living-
rosemary and basil.
The soft rose fragrance infused with rosemary and basil was heavenly!
Using one of our champagne glasses from our wedding, I created a minature arrangement with the unused rose, basil, and rosemary. This small arrangment can be just as meaningful. Really as cliché as it sounds, a gift to someone hurting is simply in the thoughtfullness of the giver.

Grandmother's romantic flower arrangement cost about $10.00-

(dozen of pink roses - $8.99 and the vintage pink vase was $1.00).

By doing the work yourself and by using vintage vases, one may be able to afford to do this more often-to become a frequent cheerful giver-someone I hope to become.

I also want to thank each of you for the heartfelt comments you shared in my previous post. It is reassuring to know that I have friends out in the blogosphere that I can share my most personal feelings with-thank you.

_{images by à la parisienne}

A Humbled Heart

2011-08-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

Preface: This post is somewhat long and contains no pictures but is weighted with meaning and I do hope that when you have a few spare minutes you will read its entirety.

So many things are going on in our world lately-natural disaster after natural disaster; dismal economic situations in many countries; and here in Texas we have been plagued with drought. I've had many tender thoughts about these issues for a while and have been wanting to share these thoughts with you for a while. This post is not about fancy chandeliers, haute couture, or pretty parties. It's about being brought to my knees and being shaken-brought to the reality of what is really important. I write this post because I want all of my readers to know one very important thing about me-really the most important thing about me that goes to the core of my being.

I love to write about pretty things. I love to make pretty things, but I know that my purpose in life is not about pretty things or the pursuit of them.

It's not about where I travel, what I accomplish, who I meet. If tradegy struck tomorrow and my life on earth met its closing, my lovingly decorated home, my dried up garden, my closet full of hand-selected clothes, and my small business on Etsy would be as nothing, for I cannot take any of it with me.

It is so easy to get distracted in life to find one's mind obsessing over such trivial things, and I would never want to impart to you, my friends, that these things or accomplishments are my top priority. I'd love to say that I always have a focused heart, but the truth is I can become very distracted with worldly treasures. {Matthew 6:19-21}

I want to share with you a very powerful song that I love to sing. Although I have sung it for years, it still brings tears to my eyes as the lyrics flood over me, and, today, these words hold more meaning than ever as I survey the parched earth in Texas and as I witness my country, the United States of America struggling with mounted debt, alongside many other foreign countries.

"Gratitude" by Nichole Nordeman

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead

And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
What we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace

But Jesus, would You please . . .

Sometimes it takes drought, disasters, and debt to open our eyes to help us realize that we have had our focus wrong for so long-that we have been selfish. Who and what are we living for? Don't get me wrong, hobbies and material things are a positive thing...in moderation. They renew, accomodate, and bring joy, but they can also destroy when they become our lives, when they become all we think about. We find ourselves wanting more-unquenched, unsatisfied, envious and bitter.

Troubled times remind us that we are not promised nor entitled to live lavishly and every single thing we have is a gift from God, and if all we have in our possession is water and bread we are blessed beyond what we deserve, a difficult concept to swallow for most of us who live in abundance.

I pray that I will remember these words throughout my life as I support my husband and mentor our daughter. For me, life is about who I know and in whom I have believed and that is Jesus Christ.

Lord, would you please forgive me and my country for living so selfishly? Would you please impart wisdom to our country's leaders? Would you please send down some rain and mercy?

We are thirsty and afraid. Amen.

The Beauty of Transparence

2011-08-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

The beauty of lucite, or her acrylic counterpart, is in it's transparence. It is never too insecure to show its inner beauty, never too proud to have a wondering eye gaze through it and onto something else.
In an all white room, lucite becomes weightless as if suspended in the air with such graceful presence and form.

She flatters light as her smooth surfaces and curved lines happily reflect daylight, providing a truly ethereal effect.

Lucite never obstructs the view of her surroundings. Beautiful rugs and walls are never robbed of their proper attention.

And lucite can act as a peace-maker for the home as she can blend and harmonize many different decorating styles-Paris Apartment, contemporary, romantic, minimal, and industrial to name a few.

One of these days, I hope to have a lucite/acrylic piece in my home, perhaps as an office chair in my "parisienne boudoir."

Lucite/ acrylic furniture resources:

Paris Apartment Boutique {glamorous, unique lucite chairs, tables, and handles};

Plexi-craft.com {desks/vanities & trunks}
Amazon.com {budget friendly acrylic Louis ghostchairs};

_{image sources: # un; deux; trois; quatre; cinq}

Kelly Green Meet Orange...

2011-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I should probably be embarrassed for posting this first picture. But truth be told, I look and act as goofy as this picture 95% of the time (You should see me dance to rap music). Fortunately, when you visit me via my blog, you are spared a side of me that is quite silly and loud at times-all of my family, friends, and former students can vouch for that.

Most of my little fashion "photoshoots" in Washington D.C. took about 3 minutes. It was hot; I felt stupid; and there were tourists everywhere. For each outfit, I think I have five to seven images to choose from, so, yes, there were no redos for messed up hair, wardrobe, horrible posture or awful faces- hence the first picture and the one below. _{frolicking in front of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.}

The visual impact of this orange grosgrain bow is perfectly captured in this image.

Holly standing in front of her charming row house.

My niece will probably be a little peeved that I added this picture, but isn't she beautiful? She actually wore this kelly green dress the day before I wore mine.
I love the way this image captures her brillant kelly green summer dress against the paprika red door.

It may seem silly, but I wanted to wear, at least one day, some form of red, white, and blue, and I couldn't find my embroidered American flag sweater or Old Navy T-shirt-Ha!

I usually wear this dress with my vintage orange belt as seen in my other post, but to change things up a bit, I wore this wider, vintage red belt.

I realize that these photos could never compare to those viewed on The Satorialist, Atlantic-Pacific, or This is Glamorous. I will probably never own Chanel boots or a Dior dress, (which is totally fine with me), but I have decided that fashion labels will not dictate whether or not I have a personal, unique style. Dressing oneself is a basic daily function, but it doesn't have to be approached in a mindless, mundane fashion. I am going to have fun with it and hope to inspire those around me to do the same.

_{images photographed by Holly; image #5 by à la parisienne}

Wallpaper Panache

2011-07-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Whether gracing the grandiose murs de Versailles or the quaint walls of Grandma's diningroom, wallpaper has been a decorating medium for centuries. Floral, damasked, stiped,and toiled wallpapers have quitely clung to our walls secretly listening to our conversations, witnessing our daily lives, and laughing at our blunders.

I personally love paperie, floral patterns vintage and new, and thus love wallpaper, but I have always had an uneasy feeling about wallpapering an entire room. To wallpaper a room is like a commitment at the altar-for better or worse, and that just hasn't been a commitment I have been ready to make.

And, yet, wallpaper is so beautiful, so alluring, so alive.

When I saw this picture in Romantic Style, by Selina Lake, my heart sang and I was a little more convinced that wallpaper on a single wall as a focal point could be a worth the investment.

It wasn't until I was ready to publish this post that I realized the previous two images of patchworked walls are the same...if you examine closely they are identical. I must really like this design.

And for those of you who are decisive and have gumption, a wall with an over-sized flower could provide dramatic visual impact.
Don't you just love that dramatic, striped drapes?
For those who are wallpaper worrisome, perhaps lining the back of a china cabinet, or closet, or door could safely satisfy a wallpaper craving. One could even create wallpaper panels by wallpapering entire surfaces of salvaged doors. These door panels could be neatly leaned against a wall behind a bed or in a foyer posing as canvases.

What is your wallpaper personality?

*Do you have uber wallpaper panache with the gumption to wallpaper an entire room?

*Do you believe that wallpaper is best used as a focal point in a room soley on one or two walls?

*Are you wallpaper shy-You love it but would rather wallpaper something less permanent like a piece of furiture?

*Do you view wallpaper as a worthless-not worth the trouble, commitment or investment?

_{After a little research, I found these wallpaper sources:
5qm.de {new and vintage wallpaper}

Heytens {pour mes visiteurs francophones}

Raymond Waites {for those who love an old world, vintage style wallpaper-Make sure you look at the Belgian Luxe collection-GORGEOUS!}
Patina Paperie & Hannah'sTreasures- {pretty vintage wallpapers perfect for small projects}

_{image sources: numéro un; deux; trois;quatre; cinq; six & sept}}

Cobalt Blue & Orange Crush-a Complementary Vacation

2011-07-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

We have finally settled in after a short vacation spent in Washington D.C. Mr. à la parisienne and I spent four days in D.C. visiting our lovely niece, Holly, who has been working on Captitol Hill for almost a year now. The monuments were momentous, the food delectable, Holly was a perfect little hostess, and my parents spoiled Amelia for five days straight. Needless to say, everyone enjoyed this much needed change in routine. _{a classy representation of cobalt blue paired with crisp summer white worn by Pipa}

Traveling is the perfect time to become creative with your wardrobe and to emerge from a fashion rut. Honestly, the only time I ever have my photograph taken is while away on vacation. You know, the corny photographs that we all think we have to have in front of a famous monument? How many times do you come home, look at the pictures and think,

"Here's my proof that I personally stood in front of the Eiffel Tower and I look like crap."

I'll never forgive myself for all of those photos of me in front of Parisian monuments, during my collegiate study abroad, with my sweater crookedly buttoned down the front. How do you say dorky tourist in French?

Usually, I am very tempted to buy new clothes for vacations, but this trip was quite different. We had about two months notice, and we tried to keep spending to a minimum.

So, I shopped my own closet.

Sometimes in order to revive a wardrobe, you have to become very clever and resourceful. The best way I've learned to capitalize on my wardrobe is through accessories, and for this trip, the name of the game was playing with color.

a couture-esque color wheel

In my one and only art class in highschool, I learned about the color wheel-complementary and secondary colors. Colors directly across from one another on the color wheel are known as complementary colors, which happen to make striking combinations.
I remember my art teacher, Mrs. Goodall, teaching us that the true hue of blue and the true hue of orange will create an optical allusion of a solid white line when held next to one another-quite an interesting concept.

And that thought lead to this ensemble: a striking cobalt blue tank paired with a simple white skirt, accented with vintage complementary orange accessories.
Remember my post about From Me to You and Jamie's vintage millinery bundle? I had to try it for myself.

a brief photoshoot at the U.S. Supreme Court

As this quote describes, the logic of color can help reinvent a stagnant wardrobe without the necessity of spending a fortune. This is an optimistic notion for a frugal woman living through an economic recession.

A big welcome to my new readers. I hope you enjoy sharing my journey.
I will return soon with more colorful fashion inspiration.

_{images #1,3,6, & 8 by à la parisienne {Photographs of à la parisienne taken by my niece, Holly}}
_{#2 here ; #4; here; #5 here; ; #7 here ; #9 here}

Dior-inspired Flower Girl {Basket}

2011-07-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Remember this Dior ensemble?
Whose color palette inspired the upcoming wedding of a young bride-to-be?

Remember the post about this Dior-inspired ring pillow?

Well, a few months after that post, she contacted me again requesting a flower girl basket.
So, I sent her an image of the handmade fabric flower cone my flower girl carried in my wedding (made by my mom) and proposed a Dior-inspired version:
~Black double-faced satin ribbon handles
~blushy nude brocade for the body
~ruffled vintage noir swiss dot fabric topped with a thin black velvet ribbon
~adorned with a handmade Parisienne petal flower pin
~lined in soft brushed satin in a creamy latte hue

Quite a decadent flower girl "basket" I would say!

_{a romantic Dior color palette: nude, champagne, a hint of blush and noir}

I know I have said this before, but this flower girl cone is my favorite thing I've made so far. I felt inspired to make another one for myself. I also couldn't help but imagine the little flower girl's dress? What color is the dress? What style? I can only imagine!

To view more pictures/details of this handmade flower girl cone,

visit Weddings à la parisienne.

_{We will be busy with lots of summer activities including a little vacation, the rest of this month, so you may not see much of me or hear from me for a couple of weeks, but I'll be back soon!}

_{images by à la parisienne - Runway image in collage source unknown}

Pink Vows-Wedding Centerpiece & Winners

2011-07-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a little wedding centerpiece inspiration for you, which will conclude my series of pink inspiration-at least for a while.

The lucky winners are listed at the bottom of this post.

The most important part of a wedding are the vows-the promise of life-long commitment between a man and a woman.

This centerpiece is composed of the simplest of elements: an antique glass compote, water, Scrabble letters, and a single floating pink peony. I layered this look with the same vintage floral platter as used in my previous pink tide post.

Okay, now for the winners of my first giveaway by color-PINK:

1st place winner:

#76 Jojo

2nd place winner:

#18 CJ

Please email me at alaparisiennedesigns@gmail.com to claim your prizes.
un grand merci to all who entered. I appreciate all of your sweet comments and support. Also, thank you Divinagioielli for participating in this giveaway with your gorgeous vintage-inspired earrings. {I also love the pair I bought for myself.}
There will be another giveaway by color soon, so stay tuned!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Pink Tide~~~Romantic Fête Inspiration

2011-07-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Who says seaside-inspired celebrations such as weddings and parties have to be blue or white?Words, textures, and objects can all evoke the rhythm of the tides no matter the color.
I felt inspired to photograph of few of my ideas and wanted to share them with you.

Seashell pink, one of nature's most beautiful colors makes a beautiful color palette for a seaside party. Alone they are beautiful, but how about tucking in a few peonies? or even a few ruffled chiffon flowers or vintage millinery buds?

And layering the centerpiece with a vintage rose adorned platter offers added charm and romance.

Have a beautiful week and Happy July 4th to my American readers!

GIVEWAY:

Just a couple of days before the romantique pink giveaway winners will be randomly selected.

Click here to enter.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Pink Martini-Nostalgic Nuances & International Flavors

2011-07-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Tears welled in my eyes during the first few measures of symphonic fullness as it graced my ears. I was 29, and this was my first time to hear a live orchestra, to attend a concert, such a late start at appreciating music in it's fullest, watching the artists pick, tap, strum, drum, and slide. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming longing for music. A longing to become a real musician, not just a woman who picks at the piano with a mediocre singing voice. I wanted an awesome talent-one that could send chills down the spine, one that could evoke an emotion in another's soul. As a bird perched in the mezzanine, I regarded these very artists who had such a talent.

_{This experience was an excellent Mother's Day gift (last year- yes, I have been meaning to share this with you for over a year). My sweet husband approached me a couple of months before Mother's Day and gave me two choices:}

He could hire someone to come clean our home from top to bottom {to give me a break} or we could have a nice dinner out and go to a Pink Martini concert. (Uh...a clean house doesn't last long here-not worth the money.) The thrill-seeker that I am chose the concert and a dirty house.

It was the perfect date. Mommy got to play dress up in a vintage blush tulle dress, topped with a simple black cardigan, a cluster of blush flower pins (by me), and a vintage black purse. Mr. à la parisienne looked pretty sharp in his "Italian" shirt, purchased in Rome during our traveling days. (Too bad it's so hard to find such GQ men's clothing around here.)
_{top left photo: Bass Hall in Forth Worth, TX; China Forbes posing with a fan; Thomas Lauderdale giving his autograph; other Pink Martini band members-the guy with long hair is the awesome trumpet player}

The concert was extraordiary. The pianist, Lauderdale above in the cute bowtie, has such an entertaining personality with fingers that literally dance across the keys. China Forbes' voice is a beautiful powerhouse-a true talent who can stand before a grandiose audience and sing perfectly on pitch.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to them share the stories behind their songs and how they love to infuse classical music into their internationally flavored melodies-salsa, big band, new orleans, jazz, French, and opera. Where the lyrics in some of their songs may be a little simple, their music compensates with energizing rhythms, moving intstrumental solos, and astute blends of various music genres.

The concert was topped off with a surprise conga line during the song "Brazil." Imagine a group of people sitting below innocently watching a concert in an opera hall, and being snagged to join the conga line??? For a moment, I regretted the mezzanine seats! But it was quite a view watching them inch along and around the rows bobbing their heads and kicking their feet.

Too bring an end to this lengthy post, I leave you with a list of my absolute favorite Pink Martini songs:

"Everywhere"- _{Will always be my favorite. Around two years of age, Amelia could sing this song with me. And she literally brought tears to her Paw's eyes when he heard her sing it for the first time.}
"Over the Valley," "Sympathique," "Où est ma tête?," "Hang on Little Tomato," "And Then You're Gone," "Tempo Perdido"

Click here to listen to Pink Martini.

GIVEAWAY:

There's still time to enter my pink giveaway! Click here to enter, where you will have a chance to win a Pink Martini album of your choice, along with some other pink goodies.

_{image #1 by Reflections of a Lifetime {my SIL}; remaining images by à la parisienne}

Romantique Giveaway by Color: PINK

2011-06-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

I have no doubt that many of you love pink just as much as I do, so in celebration of my favorite color and one of my favorite bands-Pink Martini, I am offering a romantique giveaway in honor of the color pink:

1st place winner will receive:

*one CD by Pink Martini {winner's choice}

*one pink Parisienne Petal flower pin/hair clip from my Etsy {winner's choice}. Select from pink chiffon, satin, or silk flowers in the above image.

_{perfect for clipping in your hair or for pinning to your favorite summer blouse or dress.}

*one pair of romantique vintage-inspired earrings by
divinagioielli, one of my favorite vintage-inspired jewelry stores on Etsy.

_{1st place winner chooses one of Pink Martini's albums.}

Click here to listen to Pink Martini's romantique, international-styled music.

_{Pair of beautiful vintage-inspired clear rhinestone and blush beaded earrings by Divinagoioelli.}
2nd place winner will receive:
*one pink Parisienne Petal flower pin/hair clip {winner's choice}

*one set of I Will Always Love Pink Parisienne Correspondance cards {set of 4 cards with envelopes} by à la parisienne.

_{Parisienne Correspondance No. 5 - "I Will Always Love Pink"}
How to enter:
* Leave a comment below.

Increase your chances of winning by:

*Becoming a follower of my blog

*Sharing this romantique pink giveaway by clicking here and liking my giveaway on Facebook.

*Share this giveaway with your blog friends in a blog post or on your sidebar.

Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry so that all of your chances to win are recorded.

Giveaway is open to all readers.

Deadline to enter will be midnight CST on Tuesday, July 5th.

The winning numbers will be randomly selected and announced on Wednesday, July 6th.

A big thank you to Divinagioielli for participating in my romantique giveaway. Visit her beautiful shop here.

This giveaway is closed.

_{image #1 à la parisienne; #2 via PinkMartini.com; #3 via divanagioielli; #4 à la parisienne}

My Culinary Quest-The Beginning

2011-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, my interest in cooking has risen to new heights.

I tell you what, blogging has made such a positive impact on my life over the last couple of years, and a few of my blog friends can be commended for my sudden desire to kick my cooking up a couple hundred degrees!

*I have learned from Melissa {Reverie} that wholesome foods are a necessity at the dinner table. Her recipes are simple, delicious, and good for the body and soul.

* Angela's {Parisienne Farmgirl} passion for homemade desserts and French cuisine has inspired me to stop buying "food in a box" and to rely on my own maternal abilities to cook for my family.

*And I have witnessed from Koralee {Bluebird Notes} that baking desserts is a true joy and artform.

So, I'm taking the plunge to be a better chef chez-moi.

I won't even bore you with the long list of the things I've never made from scratch; it's quite shameful. Let's just say I've never considered myself a baker.

{homemade muffins with fresh blueberries}
{Recipe source}
I don't plan on transforming my blog into a foodie blog, so don't worry if that's not your thing, but I would like for you to share this journey with me. For all of you excellent cooks out there, you can snicker to yourselves at my lack of experience. From my souffléd flops to my fluted triumphs, I hope this quest will serve a little culinary inspiration and encouragement to all along the way.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Family.Farm.Fresh

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

"$4.98! I told you," I said to Aaron as I placed the pint of blueberries back on the shelf at our local grocery store. Just days before, we spent the morning at a local blueberry farm by my father's suggestion, and a wonderful time we had.
Amelia enjoyed picking blueberries from "the sticks" and it only took a moment for her to select only the blueberries, not the unripened green or red ones. At some point, I complimented her on how well she was doing, and she sweetly replied, "Thank you bery much." I couldn't help but smile to myself at her unintended pun. (The letter v can be tough for young children to pronounce at times. )

At weigh-in, our bucket full of organic blueberries was 5.5 lbs and only cost us $11.00. Yes, we saved quite a bit of money on high quality food, but even more special was that my father, husband, daughter, and I got to spend a special morning together among the blueberry bushes breathing their sweet aroma.

I hope that this will become a new family tradition-loading up the car and heading out to local farms for family picking. It's fresh, economical, and offers great teachable moments for both children and adults.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Here's a great resource for locating local farms in your area (in the U.S. and other countries)-http://www.pickyourown.org/

Simply scroll down, select your state, then you can narrow your search by counties near you.

Vintage-Inspired Fashion-From Me to You

2011-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine:

feminine waved coiffures, silhouette-flattering lines, dramatic lashes, contured rouged lips, superb use of striking vintage accessories, and last but not least vintage-inspired frocks and ensembles. You will feel transported back to a bygone era that embraces the shape of a woman and the importance of careful, delightful wardrobe planning. Here's a glimpse of a jaw-dropping photography/fashion blog billowing with vintage femininity-From Me to You.

My two cents on vintage clothing:

If I could, my wardrobe would consist of 40% vintage and vintage-inspired clothing/accessories and the other 60% would consist of new pieces, jeans, blouses, and dresses. I love a tailored look, clothing with darts, flattering seams, interesting necklines, A-line shapes, skirts cut on the bias, an emphasized waist, and high quality fabrics.

Many new clothes today, even those with high price tags, are just not made very well. They are comprised of cheap fabrics that fade, pill, and lose their shape after one wash (even on the gentle cycle). That's the reason I wash most of our "nice" new clothing on the gentle cycle with cold water and never dry them in the dryer. It's the only way to preserve them. The average new article of clothing in stores today also fails to compliment the true shape of a woman. Think about all of those times you couldn't find a good pair of jeans, a flattering winter coat, or even a simple, classy black dress._{These shoes are absolument adorable!}
From experience, I have found that a blend of vintage clothing/accessories-found at estate sales, thrift stores, and online-combined with new clothing create the most alluring, flattering, versatile wardrobe. I spent hours taking in the details of Jamie Beck's fashion photography. Where did she find such perfect dresses? shoes? and accessories?

I was thrilled to see that many of her items are from thrift stores!!! You've got to be kidding? First of all, I appreciate her honesty and humility. I mean, these outfits look not only amazing but also very expensive. _Va-voom!
This ensemble is the epitome of the perfect use of red as an accessory. The gloves are fabulous, but that vintage millinery bundle makes my heart melt. I have a few vintage millinery bundles that I have collected along the way to use as accessories in decorating and for clothing; I am so glad to see that they can look so chic.

I love Jamie's use of color in her accessories. The image above could provide years of inspiration for me. Included in each of her blog posts, she shares the source for each item in her outfit, which provides a great resource for her readers. Believe it or not, her scarf was a $2.00 thrift store find along with this striking red belt.

The hairstyle, the hat, and the folded newspaper are perfect accents for this chic black frock.

This b & w image is striking in every possible sense. I have never attempted to wear a scarf over my head for fear of looking like grandma leaving the hair salon... But the use of this scarf with the oversized sunglasses are the principal elements to this sophisticated master piece.

Does this image remind you of anything? Perhaps a little allusion to Audrey Hepburn??? Look at the shape of this dress and how it compliments her figure!!! The dress and peep toe shoes exude femininity and style.

To see more details of each of these outfits and to see her mood board pertaining to the people(Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn) who inspired these vintage ensembles, take a little stroll here.

_{all images via From Me to You}

A Loving Father, an Honorable Man

2011-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Amelia,

You have been blessed beyond description with such a precious Daddy.

We are not all promised to live in the same home with our daddies for tragic circumstances occur and many little girls live life with the absence of a loving father. However, you have been given an extraordinary gift- a father who loves you more than his own self.

Each day, Daddy leaves for work and sacrifices his body for his family: he works in the blistering sun on the rooftops of houses as he builds; he shivers in the brisk wintery wind as he fixes broken houses; he works until his body aches every day to provide for you and Mommy and never expects anything in return. Because of his hard work, your Mommy gets to spend every day with you at home.

Your daddy would fight unto his death to protect you. And you always find safety and solace in his arms.

Your daddy is never too busy to stop and help you. Your needs take precedence over his own.
Daddy loves to teach you everything he knows. He welcomes you to his shop anytime you want to play in his old truck, sift through his wrenches, or tinker with wood scraps, and from these experiences you have already learned quite a bit about tools and trucks.

Daddy loves to teach you about music, and of course, "how to jam."

Daddy is the perfect blend of father and fun; he's never too serious to have fun, and he has a way of tickling your tummy until your laughter is contagious.

Your daddy is strong, irreplaceable, one of a kind. How beautiful is the relationship between father and daughter? It's a gift from God.

With all of these lessons and experiences you share with your daddy, along with a foundation of love from your heavenly Father, we pray that you will one day, too, marry an honorable man and loving father.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy. We love you!

_{images by à la parisienne}

7 Days in Paris...for FREE!

2011-06-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

How could you NOT enter this amazing giveaway?!!!

It's been 4 years since my husband and I walked those beautiful streets of Paris.

Since I've quite my job to be a stay at home mom, it's been nearly impossible to accumulate the money for the two of us to return to Paris.

Oh, yeah, forgot to mention that this awesome giveaway is for TWO and it includes 7 nights stay in a chic hotel!!!!

My husband always encourages me to enter giveaways because one year we won an all inclusive trip to Cancun from a local radio station. His jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief when they announced my name, and four months later we were basking on the beaches of Cancun!

Sooooo, visit Oh Happy Day's blog, and enter here for your chance to win.

I think I was number 8,550. Yes, the chances are slim, but at least there is a chance!

My Romantique Parisienne Salon {in the making}

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to decorating our home, I move at the pace of an ambitious snail.

Completing a room in our home takes years mostly due to the lack of resources and our tight budget. And that's the reason my parisienne salon, which was renovated six years ago, still needs quite a bit of attention.

Every piece of furniture in our home is vintage or antique. It is not my practice to shop at Pier One or some furniture mart to furnish our home. I am too frugal to buy new furniture, and it would not coalesce with my romantic style. Besides, my 113 year old home would feel quite awkward if she had to hold loads of newly mass-produced furniture.

(However, Ikea rocks and if I lived closer to one, I am sure little Ikea pieces would make the cut in my furniture selections here and there, especially Amelia's room and the kitchen.)

Since I rely on flea market, antique store, yard/estate sale finds, furnishing a room completely can take years, and it requires a patient, resolute mind.

The true age of the chandelier in our livingroom is still up for question~antique or reproduction???

_{a stack of my favorite home decorating books}

This glam vintage telephone, which I recently picked up at a local yard sale, actually still works._{a goofus glass vase, in unique colors of rasberry and silver is accented with plumes, dried hydrangeas, and bleached peacock feathers}
I always pick up a handful of feathers whenever I find them, I just can't ever have enough fluffly plumes.

So here are my goals for "completing" my parisienne salon:

*Replace the obtrusive TV with a small flat screen and scrap the atrocious TV cabinet. The television is only used 45 minutes a day when Amelia gets to watch one special show, usually in French.)
*Make new floor length gold silk curtains for all five windows -YIKES, that won't be cheap!

*Roll up the large brown rug and store it away in the attic (We bought it to give Amelia a comfortable place to play when she was a baby.)
*Make the double window a better focal point with new curtains and create a more symmetrical design by hanging similar sized objects/pictures on either side of the window.

*Enhance the existing color palette of aged gold, brown, and rasberry or dusty pink (depending on the season) by adding more coordinating accessories.

I hope you enjoyed your visit. I'm hoping by sharing these ideas with you, I will stay focused and complete this room! I'd love to know any ideas you would have for this space.
_{images by à la parisienne}

A Statement of the Romantic Kind ~ Weddings à la parisienne

2011-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure you all know that I love weddings by now.

I just wanted to share with you some wedding inspiration shots I've taken recently for my Etsy shop. And, yes, I've been a little chignon fanatic ever since my chignon post.

I just love the color of vintage {faux} pearls. You wouldn't think I were crazy if you saw me at the grocery store wearing all of my strands at once would you? Maybe a little too glamorous for buying a sack of potatoes...

Perhaps on our next date.

I think I'm going to do a little shopping for another wedding dress (for inspiration anyway). Obviously not to get married in but for photoshoots or to wear around the house for fun {Remember that Friends episode?}. A few months ago I asked my mom if she'd make me another wedding dress, and she said yes.

I've also been begging my mom to open an Etsy store. She could make vintage-inspired dresses or wedding dresses and, of course, I would help her get started~She won't do it.

I'm going to keep pestering her. Maybe she'll give in.

_{For more wedding"show and tell," be sure to visit my Weddings à la parisienne blog from time to time or become a follower.}

Thank you all for your visits and sweet comments about my Parisienne Boudoir. I will be sharing more pictures soon!
_{images by à la parisienne}

My Parisienne Boudoir

2011-06-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

_{We'll call this the before shot. The bed still needs to be dressed with wonderful vintage and new pillows!}

Since I began my blog almost two and a half years ago, I've been waiting to share my parisienne boudoir with you~my friends, my followers, my constant source of inspiration and encouragement.

I guess intimidation has been the major factor in my delay in sharing, along with waiting for a better camera, lens, and tripod. (I used the better camera and lens but no tripod.)

So, welcome to my parisienne boudoir.

_{A stack of new and vintage books near my dusty pink lamp.}
This picture above is a great snapshot of my boudoir's color palette:dusty pink, peachy blush, and tea.

_{an antique bookshelf from Budapest, Hungary-that's what the dealer at the Canton, TX flea market told us anyway. It was a birthday gift from my sweet husband.}
When we {my husband, father-in-law, and I} renovated our home in 2004/2005, I spent hours pouring over magazines and books for inspiration. Although my taste has evolved since then, I would have to say that our bedroom represents my style even better now than it did seven years ago.

_{a stack of vintage hat boxes in my favorite shade of aged gold}

This photograph tells quite a story of my taste:

*I love old botanicals, and the very best ones are expensive and rare.

*I hang most of our pictures in our home from a thin wire from picture moulding.

*Hat boxes are quite parisienne, n'est-ce pas?

*The wall treatment in our room was inspired by Madeleine Castaing's boudoir in Paris, which can be viewed in the book Paris Rooms {pg. 26}

Notice the vertical stripes on the righthand side of the picture. These stripes were fashioned to mimic the dusty pink striped wallpaper in Madeleine Castaing's parisian bedroom.

So far, you've seen 1/2 of our romantique, parisienne bedroom. Of course, it is not complete by any means, and it is always work in progress. For example, I still hope to find the perfect fabric to make gorgeous pillows for the bed.

The other 1/2 of our room is my workspace. One of these days I will share it with you. It still needs a bit of "primping."

Up next, my parisienne salon.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Fanciful Fleur-ish~~~Giveaway

2011-05-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

*white*
*elegance*

*paper art*
*magical*

*French-inspired*
Noel Solomon's art embraces by these fanciful characteristics.

For over two years, I have followed Noel's beautiful artistic journey. From paper flowers to paper-covered albums to recreated European-inspired church wings, Noel's creations
are consistantly the epitome of fine elegance. Even Dior's artistic director was impressed by her work as she was commissioned to send paper fleur samples to them in 2010!

_{The paper magnolia~one of my favorites}

To celebrate the grand opening of her new online shop {FancifulShop.com}, Noel is offering a giveaway on her blog for a $75.00 gift certificate.

_{customized petit éléphant art-I can just imagine Amelia's sweet little name embroidered below}

Noel's pristine online store offers fanciful paper rose adornments and bouquets for weddings, sweet gifts for children, and fine paper extras including photo albums and paper rose napkin rings .
To enter here giveaway and to congratulate here on her new online shop, simply visit here and leave a comment.
Noel, your online shop and art is absolutely exquisite. I think your mom says describes it best:

"Your shop floats...{with} a delicate essence... Your art has soul."

We are so proud of you!

_{all images via Fanciful}

_{_{BLOGGER ISSUES-If you are one of the many having problems leaving comments on blogs, here's a little tip Fiona & Twig shared: On the Blogger home page under the login boxes, uncheck the box that says "Stay logged in." So far, this has worked for me}}

Champêtre-Chic...Country Chic

2011-05-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Although I live in Texas and am surrounded by country-country life, country style, country music, "country" is not a word that I would usually use to describe my style. However, every now and then a little bit of country emerges in my speech, cooking, and once in a great blue moon, my wardrobe.
This is about as country as I get.

This outfit is a bit retro, American country, and domestic.
I kind of felt like I should have been on the front of a Quaker Oats box, but it was perfect for a casual day at the grocery store, and I had fun trying out le chignon!

_{images by à la parisienne}

_{Obviously my camera doesn't know where to focus when I use the timer-Amelia and me or le jardin. It chose the garden. (So there's a little peek!)}

Quelques Chignons Romantiques

2011-05-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Are you lazy when it comes to styling your hair?
As a stay at home mother, I find myself mindlessly throwing my hair into a queue de cheval {ponytail} many times a day. I think there's a more glamorous yet simple way to sweep my long hair out of the way, even it's for a day at home.

Chignons make such beautiful, simple coiffures. It will be my new goal this summer to work on a few of these styles. Anyone what to join me?
un chignon flou {a soft chignon}

un chignon rétro

un chignon bas {a low chignon}

un chignon de côté {a side chignon}

un chignon décontracté {a relaxed, casual chignon}

un chignon tressé {a braided chignon}

un chignon simple {a simple chignon}

Here are a few Chignon Video Tutorials on YouTube by lavieenblonde.fr

Lesquels préférez-vous? {Which ones do you prefer?}

_{image 1 via celebritygossip4.com;
#2, 3, 4 via Google images;
# 5,6,7 via Pinterest This is Glamorous}

Cultivating a Sustainable Life One Step at a Time

2011-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

As the prices for groceries gradually climb and the quality of grocery chain's produce continues to decrease, my desire for cultivating a semi-self-sustained life grows.

For the last two years, I have dabbled in gardening hoping to save a few bucks on squash, tomatoes, and zuccinis, but my desire to grow my own food has flourished into a passion.

This spring, my husband and I completely revamped our garden (pictures to come soon), and I have recently started a garden club at our church, which has already been a great blessing of fellowship and exchange of gardening wisdom.

The following images are pictures of my 2010 garden.

_{We made a literal raised "bed" by placing an antique headboard behind the raised bed containers.}

_{Last year's garden was quite small-about 4 feet wide by 10 feet long and was comprised of a small 4 foot square plot in the ground and 4 small raised beds.}

_{Amelia's watering "can"}

_{_{an old wheel barrow cradled cheerful zinnas}

In last year's garden, I parked an old wheelbarrow in between the raised beds and the plants planted in the}

_{ground to offer some height and interest.}

Who says escargot can't entertain a two year old?

I tried my best not to freak out everytime Amelia played with snails in our yard. She needs to get her hands dirty and to have a hands on experience when we are outdoors.

In a month or so, I will be sharing the newly designed garden, and by then, hope to be feasting on its goodness!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Celebrate the Sunshine

2011-05-13T12:11:00.001-07:00

Cool, fresh air-

Clear blue skies-

A little shopping in Hico, TX antique's fair

and best of all, my niece will be here to share.

Life is good.

_{Homestead's former Room No. 5 in Hico, TX}

I thought I would add this last image as a bit of fresh, early summer inspiration.
Isn't this monochromatic blend of whites and creams so serene and relaxing?
I love the collection of pressed botanicals in the background.

The weather here is perfection.
The past few days, I've been leaving my windows open all day; I can't get enough of this fresh air!

Bon week-end à tous!

_{images by à la parisienne
Image #1 Flyer designed by à la parisienne for Homestead's bi-annual antique fair}

La fête d'azur~~~A Blue Celebration with an Ocean Twist

2011-05-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Turquoise, aqua, teal, seafoam, seaglass, lagoon, topaz, blue-green off set with breezy white linen, shells and sand dollars. Since Amelia's favorite color is blue, this year's color scheme was inspired by Rachel Ashwell's Turquoise Party Theme in her book, Sumptuous Settings and Other Lovely Things. and was given an ocean twist in honor of Amelia's affinity for sea creatures, fish, and the movie Finding Nemo.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Invitations

_{back of inviation, designed on Photoshop, using sea creature clip art and many shades of ocean blue}
I used oceanic blue paint swatches as the foundation for the invitations. I simply designed the back of the invitation on Photoshop, printed it out on white cardstock, and then cut and pasted it to the back of the swatch.

Then to make use of the invitation, I added turquoise hemtape to the top so that they could be used as bookmarks.

The Dress

_{Amelia holding up three fingers}
Amelia's birthday dress was an aqua satin bubble dress made by my mom.

I made an aqua blue fascinator to pin on the dress fashioned with an aqua feather, turquoise dotted chiffon and topped with a vintage aqua millinery flower.
The Decorations

_{View of the two dining tables}

I hung a white net canopy above the large round dining table. Then I tied teal, aqua, and blue balloons to a turquoise hem tape and created a streamer of balloons to frame the canopy.

_{View of the food table}

Since my house is a minty, pistachio green color, I didn't want the color of the wall to compete with the color scheme, so I camouflaged the wall by hanging up a vintage aqua sheet behind the table. Notice that I simply wrapped the top of the sheet around a suspended wire and clothes pinned it.

_{one main focal point}

I knew I needed some kind of focal point for the vast wall behind the table, so I created a large number three-made of poster board and ruffled streamers-very economical and not too labor intensive.
I used thumb tacks to secure it to this vintage white frame and then used turquoise hem tape to suspend it from the wire above.

_{handmade bunting for table with ocean creatures}

To design this banner, I used some ocean creature clip art and labeled each creature in French.

I printed the labeled creatures on white cardstock, cut them into a circle, and then glued them to hand-dyed coffee filters in various shades of the sea.

_{one azure dining table}
I covered this table with a vintage white table cloth then topped it off with a vintage blue floral table cloth that I bought at a yardsale for $1.00.

The centerpiece on this table is simply made with the leftover died coffee filters that are bundled into little florettes. These florettes are nestled into a basket that is lined in rich teal tissue paper.
I decided to add a few white paper flowers into the arrangement to offer some contrast.

_{centerpiece of the main dining table}
My sweet sister-in-law, Felicia, went to a party supply store and found a plastic shell bowl and papier- mâchéd three large shells for the party.

I painted the outside of these shells with a pearlized white acrylic paint and then clipped them together creating a giant scalloped shell bowl.

Then I laid cheese cloth on the inside of the large shells, which hid the unfinished interior and created some padding and height for the seashells, starfish, sand dollars, immitation seaglass, and sea sponge.

_{aerial view of large scalloped shell bowl centerpiece}

_{Amelia's table}

This vintage-inspired new table and chairs set doubled as a birthday gift from us and a party decoration. You definitely can't go wrong with that.

_{centerpiece on Amelia's table fashioned with a vintage aqua planter, sand, seashells, sand dollars, and a sweet box covered in French script paper created by Noel, Fanciful Designs}

_{serene tablescape}
_{a glamorous seahorse decked out in mica glitter}
This plastic seahorse also came from a party supply store and was quite cartoony. Luckily, she was given a new life with the same pearlized white paint and a few dashes of mica glitter.

_{vintage trunk used as a treasure chest to hold gifts}

I already had this antique white trunk and was so excited to use it as a prop in this party.

To soften it, I added billowing aqua and turquoise tulle.

Unfortunately, I never got a picture of it full of gifts...Once the party starts, it's usually too late to photograph props.

_{an aqua gift adorned with an illustration from a vintage children's book, teal grosgrain, goldfish orange grosgrain, and some dotted chiffon fabric}

The Menu & The Birthday Cake

_{aqua star limeade ice cubes sit in a vintage seashell patterned glass ice bucket}

We had sparkling limonade and green tea with lemon and lime slices as our beverage.
_{a delicious feast prepared by my sister-in-law, Renée. Thank you!}

The brunch menu:

*fancy cucumber sandwiches *spinach, ham, and cheese wraps * spinach salad with English peas, green onion, boiled egg, and crumbled bacon *croissants

_{a homemade sea creature birthday cake with pale aqua icing}_{and white chocolate starfish, seahorses, shells, and fish}

Renée also made this delicious beachy cake AND made the white chocolate seahorse candles.

I enjoyed everything about this party from planning, creating, and collaboration. I must thank my sweet husband and loving family for all of their help and contributions.

And a Happy 3rd Birthday to our sweet little Amelia.

We love you so much!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To view more pictures and to see more details of the party, visit my newest blog:

Fête à la parisienne

I created this blog to catalogue all of the images and details of every party I host. Here I plan to share "How tos," tips, and budgets for each fête. Be sure to become a follower so that you don't miss any posts, and also feel free to share fête à la parisienne with your friends.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Of Finery, Lace, and Royal Class

2011-04-29T14:38:00.000-07:00

Kate's wedding gown selections are the epitome of feminity and finery. Although lace has been an iconic staple of weddings in the past, I'm predicting that lace sleeves and sleek bodices will become quite the new trend.

I absolutely love both of her gowns...and I'm having trouble deciding which one is my favorite-the ceremony gown or the reception gown...

Even the wedding cake has a delicate lacey quality.

_{images 1, 2, 3 -Getty Images; 4 via new.sky.com}

A Reminiscent Farewell to TWO

2011-04-27T12:11:00.001-07:00

Just a handful of days before my sweet Amelia will no longer be two.

Yes, the year of TWO has had its "terrible" moments, but these moments have been completely normal, expected, and handled with every bit of patience (and prayer)we could muster.

BUT...

oh the tender times-

the times where her sweet innocence and wonder has captured our hearts.

The following images are snapshots of her life from two to three...

_{June 2010- Sprinkler Fun}

_{July 2010- Amelia dressed for church with monkey and Bible in hand}

_{August 2010- Amelia helps Mommy during a photoshoot}

_{September 2010- Amelia rides with Daddy on the lawn mower}

_{September 2010- Amelia and "Nanni" {my mom}/ A tame terrible twos moment}

_{October 2010- Amelia helping Papa with yard work. Notice she's also wearing his watch.}

_{November 2010- Amelia visits her aunt and uncle's cotton field.}

_{December 2010- Amelia and her best friend enjoy a run at the park.}
_{end of December 2010-Amelia dressed for church and collecting leaves for the road.}

_{February 2011- Amelia enjoying the rare snow}

_{March 2011- Amelia's first trip to the zoo}

_{April 2011- Amelia enjoys hunting Easter eggs at church}

Thank you all for sharing these special motherhood moments with me.

This year's upcoming birthday has been a hard one for me to grasp...

Three just seems so old!

_{images by à la parisienne}

My yogurt says "Hi"

2011-04-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

_{Starting my day off with a smile}

This smiling face greeted me Easter morning at the kitchen table.

My most important meal of the day was not only delish but also a friendly surprise.

I haven't opened the other yogurt containers to see if this was pure chance or a new way to make consumers happy....

Activia, you might be on to something here.

_{image by à la parisienne}

je t'aime toujours...

2011-04-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Je t'aime. Je t'aime toujours.

I am forever yours.

Sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams {ma} chère

Always in my prayers.

Softly,

Sweetly

Wrapped up in heaven's arms. Sailing,

Soaring

Under the moon.

Gathering stardust.

Be still;

Be safe;

Be sure.

Je t'aime. Je t'aime toujours.

Wishing,

Praying

All of your dreams come true.

Please remember

Where e'er you are.

My heart is with you.

Sweet dreams.

Sweet dreams {ma} chère.

Always in my prayers.

I am forever yours.

Je t'aime. Je t'aime toujours.

_{lyrics by {Kelly Sweet}}

_{words in {} are adapted by à la parisienne}

Scroll to end of post to listen to this song.

_{Amelia waking from her slumber in her rocking chair-her other "bed"}

Had I known the song Je t'aime toujours, when Amelia was a baby, this would have been our nightly lullaby. Amelia and I love this song so much and it is such a special song to sing to my sweet little girl.

Kelly Sweet, the singer of Je t'aime toujours, is my new favorite singer whom I love to sing along with. So many female pop singers today sing with such harshness in their chest voices and rarely have any kind of vocal range.

I have a soprano voice and love to sing along with music that will challenge my voice and give me great practice. Kelly Sweet's voice is softly angelic yet powerful. She has such a pristine, versatile voice with an incredible range. Her music also ranges in style: pop, opera, and ballads in French and Italian, which makes her music a perfect match for me (although the Italian is way out of my league)!

My favorite Sweet songs include: Je t'aime toujours {English}, Caresse sur l'océan {French}, Giorno dopo giorno {Italian}, and Raincoat

Just thought I would share this "new" music with you. I am always on a quest for great tunes, especially those with an international feel, sung by female vocalists. Feel free to share your favorites with me.

Just two weeks until Amelia's 3rd birthday party...Lots of fun planning/creating going on over here!

_{images by à la parisienne}

lyrics by Kelly Sweet

An Insight to à la parisienne's Wishful Thinking

2011-03-30T10:07:00.001-07:00

Take a little peek inside my heart by visiting Melissa's blog, Reverie, where I participated as a guest blogger for her Wishful Thinking series. Click here to read my article.

Thank you, Mel, for this exploratory theme and delightful opportunity. We all need to stop and take time to gather our wishes and desires, write them down, share them, and commit to making them happen!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Vintage Noir~Weddings à la parisienne

2011-03-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I was commissioned by a sweet Etsy customer to create six black velvet and nude fabric flowers for her champagne, cappuccino, and black Fall 2011 wedding-Sounds lavishly rich doesn't it? These flowers were fashioned to accessorize her wedding cake.

Velvet flowers on a wedding cake?

This is going to be some kind of wedding!

Many of my long-time followers may remember the post I wrote over a year ago about this lovely Dior-inspired flower.

After she received the fabric flowers for her wedding cake, she requested a custom-made ring pillow. For a brief moment after reading her email, I panicked. That meant getting out the sewing machine and sewing something all.by.myself.

Sure, I've sewn a few things. Heck, my mom is a seamstress, and I grew up watching her sew wedding dresses, pillows, prom dresses, doll clothes...but this time I had to do it, and someone would be paying me!

I wasn't going to wuss out on this one. It's a ring pillow, right?

_{My first Parisienne Ring Pillow}

One piece of advice that my sister-in-law gave me when I started my business was:

"Never turn down a custom job, even if it means making something you've never tried. You never know what it will turn into."

I've remembered these words so many times when customers request things I've never made, and you know what, those custom orders have been some of the best things I've ever made-not to mention the most enjoyable to make.

_{seven handmade noir chiffon flower pins by à la parisienne}

Here's another recent custom order for seven bridesmaids.

Black seems to be à la mode for weddings now days.

How I wish I could see the professional photos of these weddings and maybe catch a glimpse of an item that I made gracing such a beautiful day.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Blushing Arrangement~Weddings à la parisienne

2011-03-04T12:21:00.001-08:00

A bowl full of ruffled, pale blush flowers for seven sweet bridesmaids.

I have always loved weddings, and lately, I have had the priviledge of creating feminine accessories for brides who love romantic adornments on their wedding days.

Thank you for attending my à la parisienne Show & Tell.

Have a happy weekend!

_{images by à la parisienne}

Romantic Style Giveaway Winner

2011-03-03T06:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you all so much for the kindness and encouragement you've shown to Powder Blue {Debbie}.

I know that she is thrilled to have made so many new blog friends, and I am so touched by your willingness to allow a new blogger into your blog circles.

A big merci to all who participated in this giveaway.

Thank you Debbie for offering Romantic Style as a gift to one of my dear readers...

And the winner is....

Denise Mackenzie

Congratulations!

Have a great weekend, my friends!

N'oubliez pas...Romantic Style Book Giveaway

2011-03-01T12:13:00.001-08:00

_{Bookmark à la parisienne}

Tomorrow night the Romantic Style book giveaway will close.

Click here to enter this fabulous giveaway.

_{image by à la parisienne}

Giveaway- Romantic Style Book giveaway

2011-02-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Blogging for inspiration is wonderful, but nothing beats sitting in a comfy chair with a beautiful decorating book. Large, clear images in true color and the feeling of the thick glossy pages as you thumb through again and again to find your favorite image.

I recently purchased the Romantic Style book (by Selina Lake, Sara Norrman, & photographed by Debi Treloar) and I absolutely love it! The second I opened it and had a quick glimpse, I was immediately thrilled with my purchase.

Here's a little peek inside:

Pictures below are from Powder Blue's home, which is featured through out Romantic Style.

Click here, to read more about Powder Blue.

Romantic Style is a versatile book that offers techniques that will harmonize with a many decorating preferences by "using a mix of contemporary, antique and flea-market finds, Romantic Style gives any home an elegant, serene and gently feminine feel." (inside cover)

Grouping lamps is one of Powder Blue's signature design techniques.

A recurring theme in Romantic Style is showcasing beautiful new or vintage clothing and accessories as an art form in the home.

To enter this the Romantic Style book giveaway:

You have three chances to win:

(available for all readers around the globe)

*Leave a comment below for one entry.

*Visit Powder Blue's {Debbie}blog and become a follower of Powder Blue for a second entry.

*Share this giveaway with your friends in a post or on your blog's sidebar with a link to this post for a third entry.

Please leave a separate comment below for each of your entries to ensure that all of your entries are included.

Giveaway closes Wednesday, March 2nd at midnight central standard time.

**A big "Thank you" to Debbie @ Powder Blue for donating this lovely book for this giveaway.**

This giveaway is closed.

_{All images taken in Powder Blue's Home; Photography by Debi Treloar, © Ryland Peter's & Small and are featured in Romantic Style by Selina Lake}

Powder Blue~A Beautifully Hidden Corner in the Blogosphere

2011-02-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

This was the image that drew me in. Settled on the top of Powder Blue's blog sidebar with the caption "Home on Display."

It was in that moment, I knew that I had discovered something incredibly special and beautiful.

I immediately left a comment and sent Debbie an email requesting an interview and blog feature. I had to learn more about this talented artist and her home.

Here are some interesting facts about Powder Blue {Debbie}:

*Debbie currently lives in a small village in South Leicestershire Countryside in the UK.

*She is currently renovating a Gothic, Victorian home and garden which is featured in the book, Romantic Style.

*Her hobbies include renovating old houses, sourcing, collecting, and gardening.

*She attended St. Martin's School of Art and specialized in illustration.

*Her home has been featured many British publications including BBC Homes & Antiques and Country Homes & Interiors.

*10 years ago, she opened Powder Blue Interiors and Lifestyle shop, which is still caters to clients around the world & many of her items can be found in her online store.

These images are of her current home.

She has cultivated such a romantic abode. I can only imagine what it's like to live within these walls.

_{A lovely Tiffany Blue dresser accented in gold-and unexpectedly topped with an empty paint can under a cloche-So divine.}

Powder Blue is my new favorite discovery-her style is romantic, glamorous, with an aged-appeal. Because I know so many of you will love her style as well, I will be hosting a give away of the book, Romantic Style, in my next post. It's a book that you will swoon over. Promise.

_{All images styled by Powder Blue in her current home and photographed by Simon Whitemore}

A Playdate with Nature

2011-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

75 degrees-Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

After lunch, Amelia and I packed her pink wagon with pots, bowls, spoons, cups-all of the necessary accoutrements for making a dirt cake. We headed out to my garden and planted ourselves in the grass for some serious cooking.

With an empty jelly jar under her arm, Amelia surveyed the few living plants in my garden and decided to add a few spinach leaves to the already collected soil. Mommy added the "flour"
{the cheerful dandelion }

Before the dirt cake was finished, Amelia was ready to look for ladybugs. Searching for these charming red insects has been a favorite diversion since last spring.

Warning: The image below may embarass two very proper ladybugs caught in the act.

_{Hmmm...Que font-ils? {What are they doing?}}

While sifting through the grass, Amelia found this pair of ladybugs, and without thinking, I amusingly declared, "They're mating!" as I grabbed my camera, focused the lens on their "activity," and mentally scolded myself for using such a word in front of a child that repeats everything.

_{Amelia's little bundle of fluffy Dandelions}

This picture speaks volumes about our daughter's personality:

*She never goes anywhere empty-handed.

*The majority of the time, she prefers to play with grown-up items rather than toys (hence the vintage salt shaker).

*Patapouf (sometimes called Patafouf)-her teddy bear-has traveled many miles with her, and we never leave home without him/her. The other day I asked Amelia if Patapouf was a boy or girl, and she said, "No, it's a bear." I stand corrected.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Spring, Please Check Your Inbox

2011-02-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Dear, Spring,
It has been a year since we've seen one another. Why must our time together be so transient? You are welcome to arrive early this year, as I am anxiously awaiting your warm embrace, refreshing showers, and anticipating the smiles donned by the fields, meadows, and flowers as they bring forth new life upon your return. The back yard, swing, and neighborhood cats long for Amelia's frequent visits and resounding laughter. My garden feels forlorn as the icy winter's touch has made me to stay indoors. Please hasten.

I am prepared for your arrival:

*I am making preparations for a garden makeover with many beautiful plans in mind. (Thanks to Parisienne Farmgirl's Potager classes.) I think that you shall find it pleasing.

*I have done my spring homework- Spring cleaning and declutter.

*I have already begun planning Amelia's 3rd birthday party, so the month of May shall not find me ill-prepared.

*And I am wearing my newest shade of pink lipstick.

Printemps, tu me manques terriblement. {Spring, I miss you terribly.}

And I am sure I am not the only one.

_{images by à la parisienne}

Two Winter Indulgences...

2011-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

~a few bites of snow and une petite tasse de chocolat chaud~

The simplest things in life thrill a two year old.

I have so much to learn...

It seems as though so many people in various geographical places worldwide are struggling in some way- cultural warfare or man vs. nature.

I pray that you are all safe, warm, dry and sound.

Bon week-end.

Will Work for Dress {une robe d'Elie Saab}

2011-01-28T12:53:00.001-08:00

To wear an Elie Saab dress for an hour. What must that feel like?

To see an Elie Saab dress in person...

To study each little petal, each tuck, ruffle, and sequin...

To behold art in the form of couture....

Okay, M. Saab, put me in the darkest, obscure corner of your atelier, and I will sit and cut flower petals all day for your artists to apply to your gorgeous gowns. . Hand me les ciseaux et les tissus and I will coupe, coupe, coupe as I listen to your team travaille, discute, fait les projets. As I dream of the outcome of this main d'oeuvre.

_{Cette robe est ABSOLUMENT belle.}

A Halle Barry or mannequin, I will never be.

Une chanteuse...je souhaite.

Une femme uber-riche...jamais.

An admirer of your work...toujours.

_{Images #1 & #2 Via This is Glamorous}

Remaining Images via FashionGoneRogue.com

A Lofty Artiste~Carolyn Quartermaine

2011-01-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

It's literally been years that I've been scouring magazines, blogs, and interior design books to find the perfect concrete image that would depict the artist's loft I've designed in my mind. I've never been able to grasp and assemble the flashes of ideas from my mind's eye and mold them into an entire room...until Melissah invited me to her blog and I stumbled upon her post about

Carolyn Quartermaine.

Yes, in my narrow searches for Paris apartments, glamorous interiors, and French-inspired design, I've been "three clicks" away from discovering this amazing artist and inspiring source all along!

The lofty, feminine, artistic, romantic style of Carolyn Quartermaine's designs are the perfect portrayal of an artist's loft- a look I've wanted to incorporate into our guest room, now Amelia's room, since we renovated our home in 2005.

Simple canvases relaxing on an all white floor cradling creatively placed paint.

White walls, white floors, white tables all open to display Quatermaine's paintings, dabblings, tissus {fabrics}, florals, and patterns.

I am especially drawn to the juxtaposition of a simply-formed room accessorized with curvy chairs and ornate, gilded chandeliers.

Watercolors, Paintbrushes, Fresh Flowers, Fabrics- all essentials of an artist's loft.

While it may not be in my near future to apply such lofty, artistic design into our home's décor, these images have been placed into the "Dream Home" file-a file that is reserved for only the loftiest of designs.

Featured Artist- Carolyn Quartermaine

_{image sources: #1 mmforsberg.com; #2 alifemorefabulous.blogspot.com #3 lucyandi.blogspot.com ;}

#4 feteetfleur.blogspot.com; #5 lucyandi.blogspot.com; #6 vi.sualize.us

#7 chicandluxe.blogspot.com; #8 gardenrooms.typepad.com

Gris et rose ~ le meilleur "mix"

2011-01-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

My dresses, blouses, costume jewelry, and business cards all herald my love for pink and gray.

If you've been a reader of my blog for any length of time, you are probably sure of a couple of things:
{besides my love for God, my sweet family, and church}

I love pink. I love gray.
{j'aime le rose. j'aime le gris.}

I love Paris. I love French. I love fashion. I love anything romantic and feminine.
{j'aime Paris. j'aime le français. j'aime la mode. j'aime toutes les choses romantiques et féminines.}

Lizzie Carney's beautiful home had me at gray walls, pink silk curtains, and tufted pink headboard. Her lovely home was featured in Country Living Magazine's October 2010 issue, and I had to add these gorgeous images to my blog's dossier, and, of course, share them with you!

The gray walls offer a sophisticated backdrop to her trendy, funky British flag rug and open clothing racks.

The guilded mirror offers a bit of opulence among the rustic wine racks and burlap chairs. Oh, and notice the bust on the table-very Paris Apartment.

Lizzy has a very unique sense of style as she combines the unexpected: black leather couch, rustic coffee table, unfinished wood shutters, and a regal bust.

I especially like the painted dove gray floors.

The hip vintage turquoise frigo adorned with gracefully stuffed peacock, oversized romantic chandelier, and modern shelving and chairs bring a unique persona to the kitchen which matches the rest of her creatively beautiful home-definitely one of a kind!

_{images via Country Living}

From Parisian Restaurant to Gift Wrap

2011-01-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

Place Vendôme's Restaurant, designed by Michele Bonan and inspired by Dior is one of my favorite posts that I've composed.

I just love the color palette-dove gray, black and white houndstooth, and pink-

perfectly parisian, perfectly chic.

For my Christmas wrapping this year, I used this very non-traditional Christmas color scheme, and was very pleased with the result.

The great thing about these giftwrap designs is that one could use these papers year round.

_{Inspiration Source: Restaurant at l'Hôtel Place Vendôme}

This special gift was for my niece, Holly, from Amelia. The night we gave this gift to Holly was her last night here before returning to Washington D.C. for her new job.
I didn't want to give her anything extra to pack away, so we kept the gift small-a little golden acorn hanging on a brown ribbon-to be worn as a necklace or to be placed somewhere special as a momento of home and of "little squirrel," her pet name for Amelia.

I added a larger acorn covered in ebony glitter as an embellishment for the giftwrap as a little hint.

These houndtooth chairs and pink satin pillows are the perfect Parisienne duo. I'm seriously considering bringing this look into one of the rooms in our house.

_{I used these pink ornaments last year in several of my giftwrapped packages. Click here to view.}

A special package for one of my best friends. She specifically requested that if she had to wait to exchange gifts with me in order to receive a beautifully wrapped package, she would wait as long as she had to. Last year, I was so behind on giftwrap that I put her gift in a gift bag-Needless to say, she was disappointed (Shame on me) So, I made sure her gift this year was extra special!

This gift was for my brother-in-law, so I added a little masculine touch-a couple of vintage playing cards punched into large circles. Great for gift tags and a great accent to the black and white wrapping paper.

The cylinder tube on the left was a gift for my sister-in-law, Felecia. Her gift actually arrived in the mail in this tube-mailer. I remember thinking "How in the world will I wrap this?"

I used black tissue paper and vintage velvet blush ribbon (the stiff kind of ribbon that florists use). I decided that wide stripes were quite sophisticated and then added a little panache by pinning a black brooch on the center pink stripe.

This is the end of my giftwrapping ventures for now. Giftwrapping this Christmas was a much needed creative outlet for me during the hectic holidays, and I believe that the presentation of these gifts through thoughtful giftwrap made the gifts inside the boxes even more appreciated.

Happy New Year! I am looking forward to sharing 2011 with you all!
_{images 2,4 from TravelModus.com; all other images by à la parisienne}

Joyeux Noël, Mes Amis!

2010-12-25T07:01:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to drop a few lines to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I am cherishing every moment with my family this year and feeling so blessed.

Life is good and God is great!

*********************************

Click here to read my previous post about this giftwrapped package . Somehow I messed up when I published it:)

_{image by à la parisienne}

Christmas with a Couture Twist

2010-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

First things first, I think I am hooked on this glossy black and houndstooth European-style gift wrapping paper I found a couple of months ago. In fact, this paper is one of the things that inspired me to do a couture-inspired Christmas tree...

Which leads me to my second preface to this post:
Someone out there needs to design a new type of artificial Christmas tree-something that is not cheap and ugly like my artificial white plastic Christmas tree; something more artistic; something beautiful that I would keep up year round.

I keep imagining a simple tree-like form with spaced branches, made up of paper-WHITE paper, with paper flowers and vines, {Psst- "Noel, I'd love to see what you could come up with!} Really, I'm serious. Of course, I'd like to be able to afford it so whoever you are, when you create this tree (even if it has to be a mini tree) I'd like to be able to buy it without my husband freaking out when I tell him the price. Mr. à la parisienne is not a fan of Christmas décor, but we've agreed that if I will exclude him from the decorating process (getting decorations out and putting them back up) that he won't complain!

That being said my couture-inspired tree already has a major disadvantage- the tree itself is just plain ugly. It's stark. It's from Wal-mart. Enough said. So if you are a part of the Chanel or Dior design team, please don't take offense.

_{Zena, the curious tree-eating cat, checking out the stash.}

I didn't buy a single ornament for the tree this year. I just scavenged my ornament stash, my closet, and my accessories. I decided that I needed to be resourceful and if I like this style enough to repeat it next year, I would wait and buy better ornaments for Christmas 2011.

My Christmas tree is wearing:

*A white paper northern star accented with two dramatic black feathers.

*Two scarves-one taffy pink velvet scarf, and one pink, black, and white plaid scarf.
*various flower brooches made by à la parisienne fashioned with chiffons and velvets

*vintage pink and silver ornaments

*a couple of bangle bracelets

*a few handmade ornaments fashioned with black glitter and houndstooth ribbon

*a black tulle {tree} skirt (not pictured)

_{a little something for ma mère}

This is my favorite gift I've wrapped so far. Since haute couture is known for playing with angles and assymetries, I put the ribbon to the left and cut a sharp angle to add a little drama. Of course, the houndstooth paper and thick black satin ribbon are quite the pair.
For this jewelry box, I wanted to add a little sparkle, so I sewed on a small vintage rhinestone button. To me, this gift wrap design resembles a fancy cuff.

More pictures to come. Most likely after Christmas.

_{all images by à la parisienne}

Gift Wrap with a Dash of Shabby Chic

2010-12-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is the first of my giftwrapped packages for adults. This sweet little package is actually for my mother-in-law {no worries} She doesn't read my blog, so it will still be a surprise.

As I have shared with you in the past in this post,

my mother in law's style is charm. She loves packages that are sweet and thoughtfully put together. When I stumbled upon this handmade ornament on Etsy by Under the Night Moon,I immediately ordered it and decided it would be the perfect gift topper.

My Christmas tree and other gifts are actually fashioned in a different style {more to come soon}

but the colors I have used in this package will definitely coordinate with my main color palette.

I used a thick glossy white European style wrapping paper as the base of this design.

Then I followed the advice of fellow friend & blogger Sande {A Gift Wrapped Life} to use left over strips of wrapping paper as an embellishment for my package. The gray wrapping paper with white snowflakes works quite well here. Of course, you do know how much I love gray!

I tied a seashell pink ribbon around the gift and created a large, loose bow.

Then used a paler shade of pink ribbon to attach the perfectly sweet shabby ornament for a perfectly sweet mother-in-law!
_{images by à la parisienne}

Felt adornaments pour les enfants

2010-12-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

I realize that I've been away for over a month and hope you all haven't given up on me or moved on!

I finally started wrapping gifts yesterday and I began with a couple of children's gifts. It's always fun to use youthful papers when wrapping for little ones-

the bright colors and whimsical shapes are refreshing for someone like me who generally uses a muted color palette. Somewhere stored away, I have some adhesive gift tags, which would have been much easier to use on these gifts, but I decided to spend a couple extra minutes creating these fun felt gift tag adornments.

For the felt ornament gift tags, I simply folded some green felt in half and cut this vintage ornament shape. Then I used my handy Fiskars punch to create the scalloped white paper tag.

To attach the paper to the felt, I sewed a little Northern star with hot pink thread mimicking the patterns in the giftwrap's ornaments.

For the boy's gift, I used a gray paper with large white snowflakes.
I decided that a little felt snowman would be fitting.

For this snowman gift tag, I cut out a square piece of gray felt for the backing.

For the snowman's body, I cut out two white felt circles for the top of the snowman and used the same Fiskar's punch to create a scalloped paper circle for the bottom of the snowman.

While creating the snowman's eyes and buttons with black thread, this also attached the snowman to the gray felt backing.

To finish off the gift, I used a large piece of red yarn ribbon and tied it at the snowman's neck, creating a little scarf.

I attempted creating a black felt beret, but it looked très laid (ugly). Then a toboggan, but it looked awkward. Finally, the Stetson hat made the cut.

I have many great plans for my other Christmas gift wrapping projects-much more sophisticated and glamorous and they will coordinate with my Christmas tree. Hopefully, I will be able to create what I have envisioned and share them with you soon.

Until then, wishing you a Merry Christmas, a joyful time with family, and safe travels.

_{All images by à la parisienne}

à la parisienne

Spring 2012 Haute Couture~What is Your Color?

100 Pretty Pennies: Chandelier

Ma salle de bain...Les autres coins...{the other corners}

Corner to Corner: Ma salle de bain

A Year of New Beginnings: Parisienne Farmgirl Magazine

Giftwrap à la Restoration Hardware

Winter in Neutral

Merry Macarons!

Winter Blossom Christmas Tree

Houndstooth? Oui ou Non??

Fall on the Tip of Your Tongue:Three Fall Recipes

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

Winter Parisienne Chic: Black, Gray, & Mustard

Winter parisienne chic: classic noir

Le chat au chapeau {The Cat in the Hat}

Just What Kind of Awareness Are We Talking About?

Lofty Thoughts

Autumn Palette: From Nature to Wardrobe

Ladurée-inspired fête~~le menu, la table, et le thé

Ladurée-inspired fête surprise-The Décor

Une fête surprise ~ inspired by Ladurée

Un peu d'inspiration

Audrey Hepburn Style

Hal-le-lu-jah!

Elie Saab- Of Sky, Sand, & Sea~~

Cheerful Giving~Romantic Bouquets

A Humbled Heart

The Beauty of Transparence

Kelly Green Meet Orange...

Wallpaper Panache

Cobalt Blue & Orange Crush-a Complementary Vacation

Dior-inspired Flower Girl {Basket}

Pink Vows-Wedding Centerpiece & Winners

Pink Tide~~~Romantic Fête Inspiration

Pink Martini-Nostalgic Nuances & International Flavors

Romantique Giveaway by Color: PINK

My Culinary Quest-The Beginning

Family.Farm.Fresh

Vintage-Inspired Fashion-From Me to You

A Loving Father, an Honorable Man

7 Days in Paris...for FREE!

My Romantique Parisienne Salon {in the making}

A Statement of the Romantic Kind ~ Weddings à la parisienne

My Parisienne Boudoir

Fanciful Fleur-ish~~~Giveaway

Champêtre-Chic...Country Chic

Quelques Chignons Romantiques

Cultivating a Sustainable Life One Step at a Time

Celebrate the Sunshine

La fête d'azur~~~A Blue Celebration with an Ocean Twist

Of Finery, Lace, and Royal Class

A Reminiscent Farewell to TWO

My yogurt says "Hi"

je t'aime toujours...

An Insight to à la parisienne's Wishful Thinking

Vintage Noir~Weddings à la parisienne

Blushing Arrangement~Weddings à la parisienne

Romantic Style Giveaway Winner

N'oubliez pas...Romantic Style Book Giveaway

Giveaway- Romantic Style Book giveaway

Powder Blue~A Beautifully Hidden Corner in the Blogosphere

A Playdate with Nature

Spring, Please Check Your Inbox

Two Winter Indulgences...

Will Work for Dress {une robe d'Elie Saab}

A Lofty Artiste~Carolyn Quartermaine

Gris et rose ~ le meilleur "mix"

From Parisian Restaurant to Gift Wrap

Joyeux Noël, Mes Amis!

Christmas with a Couture Twist

Gift Wrap with a Dash of Shabby Chic

Felt adorn*a*ments pour les enfants

Felt adornaments pour les enfants