Digest = me + a possible glass of wine + reflection the previous weeks ongoings and a glimpse into future happenings. You're Welcome. 

Bonjour! 

If you follow me on Instagram you might know I’m in Paris. I had an absurd amount of soon-to-be-expiring travel credit paired with the need for a little bit of a New Year reset and off I went, following the signs of intuition to leave Newport for a few days. 

I stayed at Hôtel Rochechouart for the first time this trip and could not be more delighted with how friendly everyone has been, the decor and details around every corner, my fabulous room with views (likely worthy of a postcard in spring when the trees along Boulevard Rochechouart are in full bloom), and of course the proximity to everything one might need in Paris - baguettes and sandwiches, croissants and berries of all colors all at my fingertips a stones throw away. 

Something I’ve been fond of doing, especially when traveling solo, is to order flowers from my favorite florist to be at the room for when I arrive. This doesn’t make sense on shorter trips, but on 4-5 days stays, it’s such a treat to arrive to something so personal, making a home, away from home. Undoubtedly I always forget this gesture I’ve made for myself and it really is such a warm surprise. Some girls get spa treatments, I’ll take the flowers! And the ever brilliant Castor Fleuriste did not support. I found Mr Castor’s work on Instagram during the early days of Covid. I found his daily arrangements inspiring and uplifting during a particularly dark time. When I’m in Paris I will stop in his studio or if you think of it in advance he has a super easy website for ordering all sorts of options. I prefer the Bouquet Surprise, because who am I to say what’s the best arrangement? I leave it to the imagination of Mr. Castor and I’m just delighted every time I return to the hotel room.

I don’t know how I’ve managed to walk so many miles in such a short time - there is always so much to see… and eat. I had lunch at LouLou, the most exceptional kale salad there ever was, if there ever was such a thing. Next door I saw the Christofle exhibition at the Musée des Arts et Decoratifs, this was such a delight seeing the silver of such a master seeing how obsessed I am with decorating with silver these days. Then on to a personal favorite, Musée Picasso to see the Jackson Pollack early works show and strolled around Le Marais for a whole afternoon. It really is such a lively neighborhood. 

“Kristen’s rainbow” as coined by the highly knowledgeable and somewhat nervous of my energy sales person 

While at Charvin I picked up the most beautiful paints. The company was founded in 1830 on the Côte d’Azur and they make the colors from old recipes. You can only get the paints from two stores one in Nice and the one I went to in Paris. I am positively buzzing with excitement to paint with these dazzling colors.

My friend Ben came into town and took me to Pavyllon, a recommendation from our friend Alie that did not disappoint!  Our new friend Yohan, the sommelier, was a wonderful guide and I cannot urge you to get to Paris soon enough for the truffle pasta.

Today being my last day, I went to the largest flea market in Paris, Les Puces de St Ouen where I would not have managed to find my way around the almost 2500 vendors without this guide from @BoxwoodAvenue (I will link when I get back to a computer and not my iPhone). I found so much treasure to bring back for Forgotten Island I can’t fit it in my suitcases, something to ponder later this evening. I can’t wait to photograph everything this week and share my Paris Collection with you.

I of course am brimming with new inspiration and near to bursting with ideas filled with so many creative moments and beautiful images  I think this was quite the success even for just a quick trip. Let this be your reminder to take a break and refuel, book the holiday and buy yourself some flowers. Your future self will thank you for it!

PSA: To other us the last evening of our Home Decorator Sale - 30% off last call on our winter favorites. There’s still some really great stuff - don’t delay, use code HOME at checkout XO

other Paris favorites

Hotel des Grands Voyageurs

Hotel Providence

Ralph Lauren // Ralph’s

Pierre Yovanovitch 

Gilles et Boissiers

Les Collections

Gallerie Amelia d’Arts 

Merci

Café de Flore

Chez Louise 

Serpent à Plume

Osteria Madonna

message me if you need more specific helps!

Happy weekend from our family to yours!
I really miss these two muffins XO Kristen

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