October 25, 2015

Paris Brocantes Loot Shoot

Shopping Les Puces in Paris is enough reason for me to hop on a plane to Paris, and this trip I hit up both Porte de Vanves and Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (and successfully so I might add). While Porte de Vanves is a bargain-hunter's mecca for wares easily packed in luggage (smalls, linens and artwork), Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is a sprawling design mecca with inventive re-purposed goods (which means, generally more expensive). Beware, a trip to Saint-Ouen is likely to result in hiring a shipper to transport your over-sized treasures back home.

My first shopping stop in Paris is always the Porte de Vanves flea market, which is held every Saturday and Sunday near the Porte de Vanves metro stop. I prefer to fly into Paris either Friday or Saturday, so that I can leverage my jet lag to arrive at the brocante the next morning at an ungodly hour. Since Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is open on Monday, I save this Puce for after I have done my damage at Porte de Vanves. Plus, the vendors are more willing to bargain (more than the obligatory 5-10% discount) on Monday because Monday is "their Sunday" and the stalls are relatively quiet. The downside of this strategy is that many of the vendors are closed on Monday, but, hey, c'est la vie (plus, if I had any success on Saturday or Sunday, I have less money to spend by Monday anyways)!

I put together this little loot shoot for you to share in the success of my brocantes adventures from this trip.

My loot this time around was focused on paintings, maps and religious artifacts (oh, how I love broken religion artifacts...both beautiful and a political statement about the state of modern religion). The terrible wig on this oil pastel stopped me in my tracks, and for a mere 30Euros, it was mine!

I fell in love with this stately pig at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. There's just something about the juxtaposition of the antique gilded frame against the kitschy painting.

The carvings on this wooden holy water crucifix are divine, and the mother of pearl in-laid cross and seashell basin were just too beautiful for me to pass.

I love a vintage map, and this cloth book unfolds to a road map of the Paris area. It was love at first site. I only wish I would have purchased the other road maps! The wooden rosary from Lourdes will decorate one of my statutes at home.

Brocantes Shopping Tips

If you're hitting Les Puces de Saint-Ouent, strategize your plan of attack beforehand. This is a massive market (the largest in the world) with alleys of different types of goods, so look at a map beforehand. Here's a good map and description of the various markets at this Puce.
Go in the morning as it becomes very crowded in the afternoon, and the French like to close for lunch and pack-up early.
Don't bother bringing your passport because antiques don't have VAT refunds.
Bring plenty of cash and only one or two essential credit cards because most vendors don't take credit cards.
When negotiating, the French will generally go down by 20%, but be careful not to offend the vendor with too low of an offer. The French will walk away if you insult them. Ask "le meillieur prix" for the vendor's best offer.
If you're planning on going "big", contact a shipper, such as Hedley's Humpers, beforehand. The shipper will pick up your goods for shipment.

Photos by Brooklyn Boheme.

October 24, 2015

Paris Street Style: Fall is For Fur

by Brandi Brown in Style Bar

Paris street fashion this October was dominated by two trends, moto jackets and fur. The two trends married at times, with a fur scarf wrapped on top of a moto jacket - this was probably my favorite look. But, as the Fall weather became more crisp with the threat of Winter around the corner, the moto jackets were shed and the streets were filled in uniform-like-fashion with fur. Even the Parisian men participated in the fur street fashion, wearing fur on the collars of their parkas. I have never been so upset with myself for failing to bring my vintage fur jacket (thank you, grandma) on a trip - as I don't get many (meaning, none) chances to wear a fur jacket in the San Francisco climate. Here is a round-up of this Fall season's best of Paris street style fur (or faux fur, as you like).

If I saw this shaggy jacket on the clothing rack, I would think "muppet". But, I must admit that it looks 70s stylish paired with denim and aviator glasses.

I love this 1930s vintage stole look perfected by Olivia Palermo. Finally, the vintage fur stoles tucked in closets for decades can be paraded on the streets!

The combo of a soft fur scarf with a sleek moto jacket, just may be my favorite trend of the moment.

Fur pairs equally well with glamorous silver heals and chunky silver jewelry.

A cape is one of my all time favorite accessories, and it was just perfected with this fur hood.

Here are two very elegant choices, but I might prefer the "simplicity" of Olivia Palermo's wrap over the Alexander Wang inspired layers.

An emerald green shaggy fur coat that could, again, easily fall victim to a muppet, but this looks amazing on Karmen Pedaru (of course, she has an advantage as a model).

This looks is the coup d'etat of the current Paris street fashion moment: black ripped skinny jeans, moto boots, Panama hat, and fur, et voila you are a Parisian!

Looking to bring a little Paris street sensibility to your closet? Here's a roundup of my favorite fur accessories of the season that will add a Paris punch to any outfit.

October 21, 2015

Parisian by Design

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

Being fresh back from Paris, where I saw so many beautiful things, I am currently inspired by the Parisian's seemingly effortless decor style - the curated undecorated look. I spent several days scouring the puce, brocantes and iconic design stores brimming throughout the Parisian streets, in hopes of finding objets d'art that would replicate Paris's iconic beauty at home. And, another several days wondering in and out of the most fashionable hotels and couture shops for design inspiration. Every where I looked, the Parisian design sensibility was awe inspiring - emulating their fashion sense, Parisian decor balances the perfect mix of old and new in an artfully curated way that appears effortless. Here are some design tips worth stealing from the Parisians to make your home look like the coup d'etat of the bohemian, curated, layered chicness that, well, defines Paris style.

L'Art of Mix-n-Match. The Parisians have perfected the art of mixing flea market finds and different styles and periods. It is common to see a modern Philippe Starck Ghost Chair juxtaposed against an antique French farm table, or a Louis XV inlaid bureau topped with a contemporary sculpture. Period pieces of all sorts are welcome in a single room, creating a "collected over time" look.

Vintage Curiosities. Paris is famous for its many brocantes. I always plan my Parisian trip around puce market days (generally Saturday and Sunday), ensuring that I have at least two days to scout my favorite puce in Paris, Porte de Vanve. The idea of unveiling a 19th Century gilded mirror at the puce for the price of a cheap lunch (say $25) makes me giddy like a five year old on Christmas morning. Parisians frequent these brocantes in search of unique vintage accessories and curiosities that make their homes distinct and unreplicable.

French Gilt. Modern Parisian interiors are not generally flashy, but they do have a bit of worn sparkle in the form of a gilded picture frame, gilded mirror or gilded side board. Gilt is used sparingly but it is an essential piece of the Parisian decor puzzle. It pairs well against white washed walls and pops against modern saturated colors. The goal is not bright yellow gold, but a faded warm gilded piece that looks like it's been around since Marie Antoinette.

White Washed. Paris homes tend to be dark (unless they occupy the top floor and are drenched with sunlight), so it's no surprise that most Parisians prefer to keep their walls white washed. No doubt the period architectural details and moldings of the typical Parisian home help to prevent the white from washing out the character of the space. But, don't fret if you have a modern space void of architectural details, keep the walls white and add pops of character with dramatic drapes, colorful rugs and graphic art, or perhaps an accent wall.

Antique Rugs. Parisian spaces tend to be grounded by at least one large antique rug, or layered with smaller antique rugs. The rugs still allow the lovely wood flooring to peak out from beneath but add texture, warmth and color (as well as muffle the echoing sound of high heels walking on the wooden floor). A patterned or saturated colorful rug will pop against those white washed walls, in perfect harmony.

Dramatic Drapes. Ceiling to floor drapes, generously puddling on the floor, add a Parisian punch to any space. As an added bonus, they also visually enhance the height of any room. Silk, linen or velvet drapes will do, just don't forget the hardware to loosely pull the drapes back from the window.

Chandeliers Galore. Parisians love chandeliers, whether they be opulent crystal and gilt like those in Versailles or modern over sized geometrical shapes (like paper lanterns found at Ikea). It doesn't matter, just hang something grande! This may be one of the easiest ways to add that je ne sais quoi to a room.

Fresh Flowers. Flower markets are abound in Paris, allowing Parisians to easily pick-up seasonal bouquets to bring the colors and scents of the season into their home. Bouquets are artfully displayed in antique apothecary jars, chinoiserie jars or modern sculptural ceramics. Fresh flowers brighten any space with an organic element.

October 9, 2015

Packing for Paris

by Brandi Brown in Jet Set

I'm off today for Paris (and London)! I've just pulled out my carry-on suitcase (yes, carry-on...no checked luggage for this gal) and am strategically planning my outfits for the week. My strategy is to leave plenty of space in my carry-on for room to bring home brocante and vintage couture treasures while at the same time packing suitable ensembles to avoid the "Homeless" look. I err on the side of under packing because, well, why fret about whether you brought enough undies, socks or pants when there are laundries widely available in Paris (or you could just buy more)?

When packing for any destination, I try to pack staple pieces that are culturally appropriate - for Paris (Parisians are known for their effortless fashion ensembles, usually coordinated in muted tones and always with a scarf), this means basic black and gray layers - I opt for a basic black T by Bailey 44, long-sleeve gray T by Barneys, gray cashmere cape by Skull Cashmere, black leggings by Ella Moss and a navy skull-print scarf, and comfortable (but fashionable) tennies. These clothing pieces accomplish my goal of soft thin textures that are easily rolled (less volume), intermixable and wrinkle free! I also always pack a chic but cotton dress noir - mixes great with a cape and ballet flats, and you never know when you might be invited to a dignitary's for dinner!

Dress Noir for the hypothetical Dignitary dinner.

Since Paris weather can be moody, chic layers are an essential. Layers also allow you to change your "look" without extra luggage weight. That one pair of jeans can go from tourist trailblazer to cocktail hour elegant with the change of a top and accessories. I like to keep a pair of ballet flats in my handbag, so I can easily switch out my touristy trainers for smart shoes before a shopping or site seeing pit stop into a restaurant or bar (who has time to head back to the hotel first?).

Follow my adventures in Paris on Instagram! I'll be back in a week! A Bien Tot.

All images by Brooklyn Boheme unless otherwise noted.

October 8, 2015

Trunk Love

by Brandi Brown in Interiors

As I pack for Paris, I'm dreaming of a time when steamer trunks were the luggage of choice. If I had it my way, I would be packing my gear in a Goyard trunk (impractical, yes, but also glamorous!). As a self-confessed addict of vintage trunks, I count at least 5 in my humble home at any given moment. I think they are the most versatile of decor pieces, and they bring a sense of historic luxe and a hint of a life well traveled to even the most modern of spaces.

I love them with worn beat-up leather, humped backs, deco travel stickers, lined with Louis Vuitton's trademarked canvas, campaign-style metallic, and raw wood - they are all tres chic. They are seeped in history, and that just may be the prime attraction for me.

Design Notes

Serving both form and function - a vintage trunk makes an artful heirloom side table or footlocker, with storage to boot. It's no wonder Restoration Hardware set about mass producing the lovely campaign style chest.
I prefer to leave my trunks in their original fashionable worn state, but if the boho look is not for you, with a little polish most vintage trunks can be brought back to a shiny state of being.
For a matching monotone look, paint your trunk in a white or grey chalk paint.
An antique Goyard or Louis Vuitton trunk is the ultimate find. Auction houses and high-end antique stores are the best source.
Musty smell? Keep lavender in the trunk (along with your linens) to combat both smell and moths.