{at the shops: ralph lauren, paris}

. . . there has been much talk about ralph lauren's new flagship store in the quartier latin on the left bank in paris: housed in an 18th-century city mansion across the boulevard saint-germain from the café de flore, it was built on the foundations of an old monastery and completed in 1754; over the centuries, it has been a private home, the dutch embassy, the carnegie foundation for international peace, and, most recently, a government office building

through the carriage entrance and cobblestone courtyard is where you will find ralph's, the shop's polo-chic restaurant with tables in the old stables, {in the summertime, the courtyard}; there is a bar in the old tack room, and the place is enveloped in warm wood and leather chairs; here, you will find a menu of american classics -- new england clam chowder and maryland style lump crab cakes, crispy southern fried chicken, and, of course, seared double RL ranch steak . . .

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* neology by mina, brooklyn
* mrs. press, australia
* rothschild & bickers, uk
* billy bride, australia
* satomi kawakita, new york

{all images by alix at the cherry blossom girl; some background from newsweek}

{at the shops: kora | nairobi, kenya}

. . . fair-trade, eco-chic and utterly gorgeous, the kora jewelry range was created by amy walker & maxandra short three years ago, after working for a non-profit group in rwanda; made of recycled materials such as discarded cow bones and horns, brass and aluminum from old pots and automobiles, the range is made by local artisans from nairobi, kenya -- there are necklaces and charm bracelets as well, but have quite fallen for the cuffs and bangles . . .

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shown, above: diamond brass cuffs, handmade from recycled brass // horn lily cuff, handmade ankole cow horn bangle bracelet wrapped in recyled brass, handmade in kenya and ghana & available in white bone

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{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gildem, california
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn
* always glamorous gold

{at the shops: gildem, california}

. . . there would seem to be no shortage of lovely leather accessories on etsy -- first, the paris-perfect handstitched luggage tags by harlex, and now, beautiful leather keychains & storage totes by gildem modern housewares, a perfect mix of clean lines, white & natural leathers, and simple elegance . . .

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{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* always glamorous gold
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn


{images: gildem on etsy via 79 ideas}

{at the shops: neology by mina, brooklyn, ny}

. . . have fallen in love with these ultra-stylish and ever-so-thin gold & silver handmade rings and the beautiful way they stack and twist . . .

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* mrs. press, australia
* rothschild & bickers, uk
* billy bride, australia
* satomi kawakita, new york

images: neology by mina on etsy via hip hip gin gin}

{at the shops: always glamorous gold}

. . . overcast autumn days call for a little extra sparkle, and a delicately lovely bangle, in rose gold vermeil and stunning gold leaf tray may be just the thing to brighten cloudy days . . .

{p.s.} a second guest post at once wed today: click here to have a look x

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{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn


{1 - Our Family Jewels LA; 2 - up in the air somewhere via kathryn's pinterest}

{at the shops: gemma redux, new york}

. . . palest pink mother-of-pearl and little bits of gold, glittering crystal and gilded lace -- a study of contrast & excess -- the mixed metal pieces in the spring\11 collection by gemma redux are as perfect with the last light summer dresses of the weekend, as with belted camel coats and socks & heels on a mid-september day . . .











{images & necklaces by rachel dooley of gemma redux, discovered via seesaw design}

{at the shops: morning calm, south korea}

. . . french green clay and organic persimmon leaf, oatmeal honey and calendula -- beautiful handmade soap by morning calm, in south korea, that is nearly too lovely to use . . .


click to continue >>>

{at the shops: loom, australia}

. . . with recent projects, and after a fascinating tour of a rug manufacturing facility, have been thinking quite a bit lately about how things are made, about the of the time and care that goes into well-designed and well-crafted things, and happened upon these beautiful rugs by victoria-based loom -- a of colours, patterns and textures, each piece is a work of art . . .


{images: loom, discovered via {frolic!}}

{at the shops: nallik by jean balke, new york}

. . . always adore a perfect juxtaposition -- vintage & modern, old & new, simple & ornate -- and what could be better than rough-hewn, natural elements paired with delicate chains and glamorous gold?

nallik, a word borrowed from the inuit language, cannot be translated directly, but means protection and nurturing in a loving way; according to designer jean balke, the "Inuit people appreciate that we are all connected to each other and our surroundings. They respect the environment and know it contains everything we need to live."

balke, who grew up in germany, lived in helsinki, london and san diego, currently resides in nyc; before she began designing jewelry, she worked as a photographer and art director, and has travelled to over 45 countries, drawing inspiration from the people and landscapes she has experienced along the way; the result is this utterly perfect mix of rock & refined . . .





















{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn
* mrs. press, australia


{all images from nallik}

{at the shops: florence & florence, uk}

. . . happened across florence & florence, an utterly charming vintage shop run by mother and daughter, christine and annie florence, who have a love for beautiful things and "specialise in finding exciting second-hand pieces", filling their little shop with delicate glass compotes and filigreed pepper pots befitting the most elegantly extravagant dinner party on a mid-spring evening, scalloped cake stands and silver sugar tongs perfect for high-tea on a sunday afternoon, and tea & cake sets that will have you dreaming of the most romantic early april picnics . . .


{images: photography by rebecca cornell for florence & florence, via elle}