reality

Have you ever met someone IRL that you've spoke to on the phone or emailed and they were nothing like you expected?  Double the letdown if it was a blind date or someone you met online and instantly bonded with, right?

How about the feeling when you meet someone really beautiful but they are simply not nice?

Perhaps those are the emotions I'm processing about Paris. I can't imagine that I would visit Paris but that I would admire her less because of it. 

I'm one of those who are enthralled with the French style, their lifestyles... the elegance.  And I do still love the beauty of Paris.  But the beauty is brittle and sharp.  I came home with a stronger love of all that I have here in the US.  I still love my Paris Apartment style, and I can't explain the awe of seeing Paris' attractions, but I miss the the Paris I thought I knew.



Paris Baby!

Doesn't this look like a vintage postcard?  Now I can't imagine Paris anything but gray!



Doesn't this remind you of the last scene in the Age of Innocence? 

 too much to say and process - for now just a few pictures

living the dream

Back in 2008 I had a little "April in Paris" fun with some blog friends.  But never in my wildest imagination did I think I'd be holding airline tickets to Paris in my hot little hands today.  Much to do.  Too nervous, excited, stressed out... and oh yeah - I am going to nothern France for 4 days of actual work too - which adds a whole new element to my stress.  I have directions to one of the world famous Paris Flea Markets and hope to have my friend agree.  Can't wait to share the pictures.  O M G

xoxox, Kelley

button up

Probably the best thing I've learned from my pals Stacey & Clinton is that clothes can and should be tailored/altered/updated.  But surely I am the only one who is packing for Paris and sewing buttons on stuff!   I have the best trench coat with the worst buttons - big but cheap clear acrylic.  I have another trench with great lines and buttons but it's uncomfy, and I don't think I can layer enough under it for my plane trip this week. So, I took matters in my own hands.  I raided my stash of mother-a-pearl (that's what my kids call 'em!) and indulged in some of the biggest, best etched ones.  I almost hate to use them, kwim?  But I reminded myself that I can put the old ones back on when the time comes to donate it. Wow that sounds a bit unkind.  I tell you, have a real problem with this button addiction!  It used to chenille, then china with roses, at least buttons are easier to squirrel away! I hofpe to find some cool buttons at the puces de vanves (flea!) I will also be on look-out for any fabric (feedsack!) with french script.  I swear I will leave my clothes in France and return with a suitcase full baubles...In 4 days I'll be on my way.  O M G... so little time, so little space in my suitcase.  I'm going with co-workers who refuse to check luggage and forbid me to as well.  I am going to spend the next days rolling my clothes into tiny jellyrolls and making tough love decisions. I've already broke the news to my black leather that she won't be joining the trip. It's not her fault, she's just too plump, but she's been so many places with me and she deserves a little international trip, she has a nice button, btw.  Just saying. I hope she doesn't notice the new (slim) little leather fashionista that is in the tentative pile.  My meanness knows no boundaries... 

time to pack it up

One of my display cases for antique shows and craft shows is an old heavy cardboard briefcase that I rescued about 10 years ago. In a decoupage phase I copied a zillion old postcards and stuck them on everything that wasn't moving.  When I was packing up the house last May, the briefcase started to give up under the weight of a ton of Victoria mags and it was this close to the trash when I was inspired to give it another life. Hot glue, twill tape and mini clothes pins and there she was - all fixed up pretty again.  And now, after countless trips in my trunk it is time to come in for a bit...  I may list some of my jewlery on etsy soon or I'll end up adopting half these earrings for my personal use before spring!  My favorite are these religious medallions...    

the tiny foyer in my tiny cottage

This really cool hall seat was crafted from an old door by my good friends at Doe Hill.  It has a big seat that is perfect for stashing our shoes.  I've made use of every inch of this condo cottage... this area by the front door could have been wasted space, but I've managed to make a tiny work shop and lots of storage for my tins of buttons and baubles.  And trims.  And even a little desk for my sewing machine.  I love how the mirror bounces the light and opens up that space as well. 

escape



the view from Doe Hill



I spent less than 24 hours away from home, but I feel both relaxed and invigorated. I dropped the girls at their friend's house, packed a warm crumb cake and raced off to Dana's house.  We had a delish evening of girl talk, cake drizzled with warm caramel sauce and Hagan's Homemade Vanilla ice cream, baked ziti, homemade black berry pie.  Yummmmeee.  As always I slept like a baby in the quiet of their 40 acres.  I woke up at 9 am with the chill of Autumn air on my nose and a cozy quilt tucked under my chin(s!).  I almost ruined the fun by racing home.  Instead we went boot shopping.  If you ever need encouragement or the dish on the latest styles... Dana's your guide.  I went with the promise of inexpensive riding boots and came home with really cool buckled boots, a platinum/silver hands-free purse with a zillion secure pockets for navigating CDG without having my purse stolen (she bought the same!), black pants, leggings, hat, leather jacket and sweater.  It were like old times, except she wasn't trying to zip my into a pair of size 3 jeans... she instead had to help remove a really slim boot from my not at all slim calf.  A good time was had by all!

Soon we'll start the T or T outfits and head for the old hood and the promise of candy!!