Some Fab Finds...

Saturday was another whirlwind day with Claudia. An early start at the Clars Auction house, then hitting the shops in the North Bay. It was wonderful to see some sun! And little Vito got to spend the day with the girls too!

LOVE these groovy 1960's 'Hermes Orange' chairs that I purchased. I even found a matching orange hat in an I. Magnin hatbox!

And this large oil on board "Missionary Recruits boarding the Empress of Missions, 1926" that I won at auction. It has a real "folk art" feeling to it.

Check out Claudia's blog for more photos (coming soon) from Saturday's shopping spree! I'll sure miss her when she goes back to Miami (:

Bye Bye Miss C. Have a great trip back!

New Arrivals at Paris Hotel Boutique!

Happy Monday!

Our new arrivals have just been added to the shop. From antique butterfly wing jewelry to 19th century paintings of French seascapes, there are over 40 items being showcased today!

Take a peek here...

Fiona Richards' Latest Collection~ Tres Fabu!

You may have read an earlier post of mine about Fiona Richards, the talent behind Cartolina Cards. I was thrilled to receive a package from Fiona...a complete set of her latest line of cards & journals! Many with a French theme.

Cartolina is one of my favorite lines. I have a large stash in my drawer ready for any occasion. This new line is amazing! The designs feature centuries old block prints and antique cartouches.

Love these notebooks...

And a new line of small pocket mirrors. Great gift items. All vintage-inspired!

You can purchase Cartolina items online here at Modern Paper Goods. They are also available at these retailers.

And thanks Fiona for my wonderful goodies!!!

photos from here

Decadestwo VIP Passes Giveaway

Decadestwo is bringing their Hollywood red carpet style to San Francisco for a pop-up shop, to be held at the historic Fort Mason Firehouse, Friday, June 18th – Saturday, June 19th. In case you are not familiar, Decadestwo is the international retail destination for luxury consignment. 1000 of the best designer consignment pieces from the world's best closets and some unique celebrity collectibles will be available for purchase at this event.

We were able to invite 10 of our readers to the VIP event on Thursday, June 17th, 6:00-9:00 p.m. First dibs on luxury items at incredible prices.

To enter this giveaway, please email DecadestwoRSVP@gmail.com and put "Paris Hotel Boutique" in the subject line. The first 10 replies will be notified and added to the VIP list.

And locals, don't forget the Pop-up shop on Friday & Saturday. I'll be there shopping for sure! Uh Oh!

Decadestwo Pop-up Shop
Friday, June 18th - Saturday June 19th
10 am - 7 pm
Historic Firehouse at Fort Mason
San Francisco

American Cupcake, please have a seat...

Am I dreaming?

Yesterday was one of those days that I wish I had my "real" camera and not my cell phone camera! I'm strolling down Union Street in San Francisco and staring at me through the window are rows and rows of whimsical cupcakes. Welcome to American Cupcake.

Are you kidding? Bubble gum, pixie stix and cotton candy cupcakes? I'm in!

Wait, is this a disco? No, it's a restaurant/dessert lounge. White patent leather banquettes and colored “gumball” lights create a Willy Wonka-meets-modern soda fountain effect.

This place is not just for kids. They serve candy cocktails and have an extensive beer and wine menu. How about a single cupcake and wine pairing?

And they have a full menu of "real food" like BBQ chicken sandwiches, tuna melts, cheese plates and more from chef Carina Lampkin.


These cotton candy cupcakes send me over the top! These pretty blue babies have little cotton candy "pops" on them!

Remember Pixie Stix when you were growing up? How about cupcakes dusted with Pixie Stix?

19 cupcake flavors.
8 peanut butter & jelly options.
13 candy cocktail selections.
16 item savory menu.
candy apples, whoopie pies, fried oreos.

Just how fun is this?

They even cater to our four-legged friends...

Although I haven't tasted a cupcake yet, you know I will be back there soon. I did bring my husband home some cotton candy. This is my new favorite place, if only just to look!

If you're in the area, be sure and visit American Cupcake. I promise the eye-candy alone will make you full!

American Cupcake
1919 Union Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.896.4217

The Pickled Hutch Grand Reopening Party!

Yesterday was the grand reopening party of one of my favorite Bay Area haunts, The Pickled Hutch. Owner Lisa Wilson and her loyal sidekick Alfie pulled out all the stops with everything from yummy hors d' oeuvres to Cosmopolitans. May I add--it was a "Sex in the City" theme, so many attendees pulled out the glam!

Lisa and Alfie (Alfie's decked out with his felt-made 'Sex and the City' ribbon)

The Pickled Hutch is located in the quaint coastside town of Pacifica, California. About 10 miles from San Francisco. Lisa's 1,200 square foot space is filled with everything from lovely vintage decor to gift items.

This bright and cheery shop has treasures at every turn. Muted blue and grey tones reflect the color of the nearby ocean.


Pops of color and natural elements such as seashells, coral, rocks and quartz are paired with accessories and furniture to create a beautiful statement.


"The displays themselves tell a romantic story, leading you down a path of a gentler and certainly more lovely time....refreshing personal memories along the way."

Love this vintage ship oil painting...


Even doggies made an appearance at this grand re-opening, such as these two beautiful Standard Poodles with their fancy attire...

Oh, and here's Alfie again. He is always smiling...I just can't keep my camera off of him!

Such eclectic variety at the Pickled Hutch, such as dealer Peter's booth...

hidden treasures everywhere...

masculine touches such as this old cabinet filled with unique finds...

Lisa and her friend Bill who was the sweet bartender...

Cabinets of vintage and repurposed vintage jewelry such as these bracelets by Debby Anderson of Romancing the Bling were quite popular among the guests...

A unique pendant by Debby...



Fun was had by all!

After the party, I drove down the block to catch a glimpse of the ocean before sundown.

And look at this cute pink cafe!

BIG CONGRATS to my friend Lisa, and Vito's best friend Alfie for your beautiful new shop!

If you're in the Bay Area, be sure and visit The Pickled Hutch. You can make a wonderful day of it. Take a drive along the coast, dine on some yummy seafood and sourdough bread at one of the quaint beachside restaurants, and do some antiquing!

The Pickled Hutch
2021 Palmetto Ave
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 359-2000

thepickledhutch.blogspot.com

Oh...and if you can't visit in person...website coming real soon!

Just In at Paris Hotel Boutique!

Today is the day! We've been busy as bees...Over 70 new items added to our shop! Highlights include:

* New Designs from our Paris Hotel Boutique Collection

* Velvet-Covered French Banquette

* 19th Century French Menus

* Antique French Gutta-Percha Calendar

* Estate Diamond Stacking Rings

* Rare Collection of Silver from the Alexander Young Hotel, Hawaii, and much more!

You can check out our new items right here!

Have a spectacular week!

Keep or Return?

The other day I was walking through Nordstrom (yes, had to buy socks) and stumbled upon this blush pink purse by Vince Camuto. Never heard of this line, but I thought the bag was quite pretty. Couldn't help myself...had to buy it. Buttery leather and the prettiest blush/neutral pink.

Dilemma...I just saw online that it comes in grey and other colors. I wear mainly black and white.

Do you think it's too "cutesy" or trendy for a 50 year old hag? Which color do you like?

The Power of Blogging

It's 9:35 am Sunday morning. I could still be in bed. I could still be cuddled up with my dog. I could be watching the local news. Let's face it, I could just be catching up on a lost hour of sleep because of Daylight Savings Time. But instead, I'm standing on aisle 16 at Target, looking at pillaged shelves, for a product I don't even know that I want. How did I get here? A BLOG.

Yes, that's right. Annie of Poetic and Chic "tweeted" about Liberty of London's new collection for Target, which led me to her blog, and then eventually to Target. Annie had an inkling that the "collection" would be out early, so she hit 4 different Target stores yesterday!

Annie told me which local Target to go to, so I jumped into my hideous sweats, brushed my teeth, and was out the door. I don't even know much about Liberty of London products, but after looking at Annie's blog, I couldn't help myself. There were some really cute things.


I purchased two of these vanilla-scented candles for $9.99 each. Pretty scents in a clear glass jars. Love the packaging...

Then two picture frames for $9.99 each that match the colors of my office...


Unfortunately, most everything was sold out. I was hoping to find some fun pillows (like the one above) for my office (that's the room that I go funky). I wasn't impressed by the clothing and some of the other items that were left. But certainly at these prices, you could find some cute things.

I checked Target's website and most of the items are already sold out. Wondering if they'll be restocking?

So, the next time you find yourself on aisle 16, you'll know the reason why. It was the blog you read...

photos from Liberty of London for Target