{t. time} chic - design & lifestyle column

Elegant paper lanterns

Two years, ago, when I went to see a ballet at the Opéra Garnier, I found these gorgeous paper lanterns in the Opera Gallery shop, and I instantly fell in love with them. If it weren't for the price, I would have bought them instantly. These elegant pieces are made in paper by a couple of talented artists under the label Papier à Etres and can be bought in Europe, Australia or Japan, or seen in elegant windows, including those of a famous jewelry store in the chic place Vendôme in Paris. Now, two years later, as their charm doesn't fade for me, I am even more tempted to get at least one of them.

all images via papier à êtres

Upstairs downstairs

I am loving this photoshoot by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper's Bazaar, inspired by Downton Abbey and its lifestyles... upstairs and downstairs. If you're like me and are crazy about this TV show, then I'm sure that you'll fall in love with these pictures and fashion like me.

all images by Karl Lagerfeld for Harper's Bazaar. click on the link for more fashion information about this photoshoot.

Le Petit Atelier de Paris

       

A year and a half ago, I took these pictures in one of my favorite Parisian shops: Le Petit Atelier de Paris (litterally the little workshop of Paris) and shared them in this blog. This is indeed a place already mentioned here, here, here and here, but I love it so much that I wanted to share this address again. This is the place where I buy my porcelain plates, bowls, mini-vases and more, handmade in by a couple of talented artists and delicately decorated with Parisian illustrations or golden stars. These pieces have litterally added poetry on the dining table, and I never get tired with them. On the contrary, I must refrain from buying the whole shop.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and thank you for following this blog despite my recent disappearance from the Internet.

The year 2011 ended for me in tragic and sad circumstances, and I hope that you'll understand why I couldn't go on as usual. Hopefully, things will get better with time, and meanwhile you'll be able to read my usual blog posts full of new findings and coups de coeur.

The picture above is one I took a few days ago in Morocco as I was stuck in traffic. I suddenly saw these rays of sun shining through the tree leaves and saw them as signs of hope and future happiness.

So, here's to hope, happiness, loving friendships (and relationships in general) and countless reasons to smile and laugh together. Cheers!

image by t. time

Whimsical jewels

I love Servane Gaxotte's whimsical jewelry as well as her lovely shop in Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. Dreamy.

all images via servane gaxotte

Holiday buffet

I am a great admirer of Amy Atlas' dessert buffets, and this holiday inspiration is no exception to the rule. I will keep it in my mind for our family's Christmas dinner in two weeks.

images via Amy atlas' blog

Flower extravaganza

Paris' most luxurious and extravagant florist is without any doubt Lachaume, a maître fleuriste (master florist) which opened its doors in the late 1800s. Out of experience, I can say that having any of their bouquets in your home totally changes the energy of the place and adds a distinctive element of chic to the room.

images via lachaume

Les frimousses

Every year in Paris since 2003, designers partner with UNICEF to create the Frimousses dolls in order to collect funds for children in Darfur. This year, I am particularly fond of the Gucci, Chanel and Chloé dolls...

all images via Frimousses de Créateurs

La cucina piccola

I love Anek's delicate illustrations, which would be a great addition for my kitchen. Since I love Italian food so much (cooking it AND eating it), and the country as well, I would be delighted to have them.

images via the linked website

Classic retro coat

I think I found the perfect coat for this winter in the Gerard Darel website. Classic chic and yet retro as I like it, which means... the perfect mix.

image via gérard darel