{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}

{two lovely things: on display}

. . . currently, favourite pairs of sequined heels and golden strappy summer sandals are displayed in a glass cabinet {much like this one}, but after happening upon martha stewart living decorating editor, rebecca robertson's, picture rails as shoe racks, now dreaming up entire dressing rooms with walls lined in beautiful shoes . . .



{p.s.} also adore the idea of using beveled mirrors and a floating shelf to create an entryway console

......................................................................................................

recent two lovely things:
* ruggedly refined
* books & blossoms
* gilded chalkboards & garden sheds
* green & white
* open shelves & elegant black
* bar carts & blossoms
* books & bouquets
* a paris apartment & hermès
* secret gardens & on the terrace


{images: from great adaptations, text by kelly tagore & photography by seth smoot, martha stewart living july 2011 digital version for the ipad2, screen captures by this is glamorous}

{holiday inspiration: the spirit of giving}

. . . ever since their crystal & gold tray was featured here last autumn, many have been smitten with the stunningly lovely things found at rablabs, and since it's the season for giving, few things are lovelier than an utterly beautiful gift that also supports a great cause -- and this year -- rablabs has teamed up with tri-state bird rescue, an organization working to manage the rehabilitation of oiled wildlife in the gulf coast, to offer a new line of coasters inspired by the enchanted dreams of the ocean . . .




. . . made from natural rocks found in the heart of brazil, the exquisitely elegant ocean coasters are formed from the unique tides and eddies of mineral-rich water flowing through ancient lava streams, their deep blue-green hues reflecting the intensely saturated color and mystery of the ocean . . .

founded in response to mass wildlife destruction resulting from oil spills, tri state bird rescue & research has been rehabilitating birds since 1976; with this new collaboration with rablabs, 20% of the proceeds from these brazilian agate coasters in the special edition oceano range will be donated to this wonderful cause

. . . and so, if still searching for that last perfect gift . . . here

{p.s.} happy, happy monday! hope your week is off to a beautiful start,

~ roséline xo

{images: 1 - vt interiors; 2 - anne vvalitsyna by mark segal for louis vuitton cruise 2011}