{t. time} chic

Elegant paper lanterns

Two years, ago, when I went to see a ballet at the Opéra Garnier, I found these gorgeous paper lanterns in the Opera Gallery shop, and I instantly fell in love with them. If it weren't for the price, I would have bought them instantly. These elegant pieces are made in paper by a couple of talented artists under the label Papier à Etres and can be bought in Europe, Australia or Japan, or seen in elegant windows, including those of a famous jewelry store in the chic place Vendôme in Paris. Now, two years later, as their charm doesn't fade for me, I am even more tempted to get at least one of them.

all images via papier à êtres

Le Petit Atelier de Paris

       

A year and a half ago, I took these pictures in one of my favorite Parisian shops: Le Petit Atelier de Paris (litterally the little workshop of Paris) and shared them in this blog. This is indeed a place already mentioned here, here, here and here, but I love it so much that I wanted to share this address again. This is the place where I buy my porcelain plates, bowls, mini-vases and more, handmade in by a couple of talented artists and delicately decorated with Parisian illustrations or golden stars. These pieces have litterally added poetry on the dining table, and I never get tired with them. On the contrary, I must refrain from buying the whole shop.

images by t. time

Whimsical jewels

I love Servane Gaxotte's whimsical jewelry as well as her lovely shop in Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Dreamy.

all images via servane gaxotte

Flower extravaganza

Paris' most luxurious and extravagant florist is without any doubt Lachaume, a maître fleuriste (master florist) which opened its doors in the late 1800s. Out of experience, I can say that having any of their bouquets in your home totally changes the energy of the place and adds a distinctive element of chic to the room.

images via lachaume

Classic retro coat

I think I found the perfect coat for this winter in the Gerard Darel website. Classic chic and yet retro as I like it, which means... the perfect mix.

image via gérard darel

Ann's Cookies

These might just be some of the best cookies I've eaten in my life. Ann's Cookies are moist and just sweet enough, with flavors like pistacchio, Nutella and Speculoos (remember the Belgian cinnamon spread that I like sooo much?), I have become really addicted with these little marvels. 

image via Ann's Cookies

The decorator of the effortless chic look

So happy to see one of my top three favorite decorators in the New York Time's T magazine section. Sarah Lavoine, whose own home (see above images) is already gorgeous, has a portfolio (see images below) which is pure eye candy. She has this rare ability to create a casual European chic atmosphere in her interiors. 

all images via the t. magazine and Sarah Lavoine websites.

A few wise words ...

Last year, I went to see a beautiful ballet at the Opera Garnier, and I cannot wait to go back. The building and decor are as beautiful as the ballet itself (look at the ceiling!)

I like being regularly exposed to beautiful artistic work partly because it reminds me of qualities that I want to include in my own work: quality, precision, persistence... This is one thing that we often tend to forget when we are stuck in our own creative process: Art nourishes art. So, I come back to images like this when I need inspiration for current creations. Colors, textures, forms... everything is a source of inspiration.

I hope that you had a fun, creative week-end and I wish you a great new week!

image by t. time

Paris like a dessert tray

In Susan Hochbaum's book Pastry Paris, everything in Paris looks like a dessert. The theme, presented with gorgeous pictures and innovative ideas, is of course a good excuse to (re)discover the iconic buildings, objects... and desserts that make the City of Lights so attractive.

all images via the telegraph

Pure luxury comfort

Don't get me wrong: I love my home, with its chic eclectic mix and beautiful objects brought back from around the world! But sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed with all the organization skills it implies to keep it tidy, I just wish I had it entirely re-decorated by Belgian interior designer Isabelle Reynders - exclusive distributor of Christian Liaigre French furniture (the very best furniture brand in the world, if you ask me!) in the Benelux-, with a few pieces from my current home added here and there. Every time I enter her show room while in Belgium, I feel joyful and calm at the same time. That says it all.

all images via Isabelle Reynders' website