Hanging around in Amsterdam

I love being in Amsterdam when the hollyhocks are blooming. I am definitely planting some seeds for spring!

Another gorgeous boutique in Paris

The Serendipity boutique relocated to a much larger space in St-Germain-de-Pres in October of last year, and I would definitely recommend a visit if you are heading to Paris. The founders of Serendipity, Laurence Simoncini and Elisa de Bartillat have created and gathered together a wonderful collection of items to decorate a child's bedroom or playroom with style. Industrial style furniture is artfully combined with hot pink linen, giant scale knitted accessories, kooky one-off toys and hand-made lamps.  I love the bird house wallpaper. And those grey painted walls.... and those printed cushions.... bella!

Serendipity is located at 81-83 Rue du Cherche-midi, 75006 Paris

http://www.serendipity.fr/ 

A French Bulldog

On a hot summer's day in Paris I came across this lovely fellow hanging out in a cool hallway near the Bastille metro.

A visit to Bon Ton Paris

Bon Ton stores can be found in several locations around Paris and every single one of them is worth a visit. The newest addition to the Bon Ton family is Bon Ton Filles Du Calvaire, located just a few doors away from Merci. Picture a large cavernous space with polished concrete floors, filled with lovingly styled vignettes at every turn. 

The chic products on offer include clothing for babies and children, bedroom furniture, bed linens, cushions, books, toys and games, and a great selection of kitchen items for budding chefs. Magnifique!

Parc Floral

I didn't make it to Giverny this time so had to make do with the water lilies at the Parc Floral on the outskirts of Paris. Maybe next time!

merci beaucoup

Here are a few snaps of the very beautiful concept store merci in Paris. A stunning collection of handwoven linens from a small manufacturer in Italy were on display throughout the large space, the kind of linen that just begs to be picked up and held. So tactile and lovely. 

Pencils in colour coordinated shades

Eclectic furniture displays - I remember those aluminium fold-out chairs from my childhood.

The return of classic Wedgwood Blue ceramics? Time to visit some op-shops.....

A wonderful shopping experience with a positive attitude towards charitable organisations in India and Madagascar, merci is a must-see in Paris!
merci is located at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Metro Saint-Sebastien Froissart

A Parisian palette

The first destination on my overseas trip was Paris, and as always was an inspirational feast of beautiful design, colour and gorgeous linen textiles. The French have a knack for making beautiful colour palettes that are just so....well, French! My favourite typically French colour palette is one of soft muted greys and dirtied-off purple colours (my brain is still jet-lagged so please excuse my mumbling prose). I saw this combination featured often in the children's clothing collections at Playtime Paris, as well as in the oh-so-chic lifestyle boutiques Merci and Bonton , and the exquisite children's clothing ranges of Bon Point .

A favourite French artist of mine, Nathalie Lete, had a small exhibition of paintings, ceramics and dolls at the Playtime Paris fair, all based on a 'Little Red Riding Hood' theme.

Visit Nathalie's website here: http://www.nathalie-lete.com/