LA DOLFINA

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the gorgeous new coffee table book, HAUTE COUTURE ATELIERS. As a lover of beautiful things, this exquisite tome delivers stunning beauty while introducing us to "The Artisans of Fashion" who have until now been hidden behind the scenes. designer: Christian Dior; photo: Alexis Lecomte The book begins by introducing us to several impressive designers, or couturiers, who have attained the status of "grand couturier". designer: Fanny Liautard; photo: Alexis Lecomte  A grand couturier is a member of the French Chambre syndicale de la haute couture, part of the Federation francaise de la couture, du pret-a-porter des couturiers et des createurs de mode. The official criteria, designed in 1945, originally implied presenting a certain number of original models each season, created by a permanent designer, handmade and bespoke models, a minimum number of people employed in the workshop and a ...

A friend of mine told me about a cute little shop by the name of "Souvenir" and suggested I check it out... ... so that's just what I did! My Mom and I were greeted by the lovely Victoria... ...who beckoned us to come inside and explore. Immediately our hearts began to beat a little faster! We liked what we saw. There was a fantastic selection of beautiful religious statues and Santos figures. There was something to delight in every nook and cranny! It was visually stimulating to say the least. My sweet Mom always finds a fleur de lys. I'm sorry I didn't take a better photo but the felt clock face in the foreground is actually a french beret!  It's got Kellie from Cashon & Co.'s name all over it! There were mannequins aplenty, beautiful paintings, old books & birdcages, prize ribbons, maps and travel posters, and pastel colored seashell boxes! There were gnomes and mushrooms under glass domes! Before w...

It was such a surprise and quite an honor to have my "chinoiserie fireplace" featured on the blog, Chinoiserie Chic. It's my favorite piece in our home and has a special story behind it... On Feb. 1, 1999, my beloved Grandmother, passed away at the age of 98. It felt to me as if someone had dimmed the lights in my world. I had never felt such sadness. It just lingered and lingered as each day I learned to live without her in my life. One day, my brother called to tell me he had found round trip tickets to Paris for $380!! I immediately called my husband and Mom to see if they wanted to go for Spring Break. The answer was a resounding YES, so along with our 8 year old son we boarded the flight to Charles de Galle. We had arranged to stay in 2 different Paris Apartments both located in the Latin Quarter. We spent our days sightseeing, eating, shopping and visiting almost every chuch and cathedral in the city. The piece de resistance was going to the Paris Fl...