Colourful graffiti on a wall near Notre Dame.
An accordion player performing a mournful tune on Ile Saint Louis.
A window display at a gourmet food shop near rue Madeleine features a photo of the French Rugby Team. The Rugby World Cup kicks off Friday night at Stade de France, with Argentina vs. France.
The elegant entryway at Auguste restaurant on rue de Bourgogne. White roses are my favourite flower ever - I adore the curious contrast of innocence, purity and lush decadence.
Mother and daughter Italian suede shoulderbags (one is slightly larger). Strangely, the colour in the photograph isn't accurate- the bags are actually a pale blue-grey.
Jordana's new shoes. (This photo and the one above are for you, Vida).
Candlelight reflected through a champagne glass Wednesday night at Brasserie Lutecia on Boulevard Raspail. My lovely and exceedingly-talented friend Laura of Laurelines took me out to dinner as an early birthday treat. She's here for three days only, en route to the South of France for an artist's workshop. Even though Laura was jetlagged - having arrived just a few hours earlier - it was wonderful seeing her and catching up on the news. Am looking forward to a more leisurely visit in November when Laura and her charming husband David are back in Paris. Merci bien, ma chere amie!
Are those mother/daughter bags, yours and Jordana's? The soft suede looks so lovely.
How fun that you were able to celebrate your joyeux anniversaire early with a blogging friend. I think birthdays should be celebrated as often as possible - all month long! XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 10 September 2007 at 23:11
I have always wanted to visit France. Through your pictures, I get to see what it would be like. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Beverly | 10 September 2007 at 03:25
Love the mother - daughter bags, and the Mary Janes of course. You spoke of these in another post, so it is fun to see the loot!
Posted by: rochambeau | 08 September 2007 at 23:18
OMG- Just came in though Maddie's blog...what a deligtful blog you have here:-) I absolutely love the white roses in the cut-out wall:-)
Will definitely be dropping by often:-)
Arch
Posted by: Arch | 08 September 2007 at 10:10
jordana's shoes are just CRAZY!!! ;)))
Posted by: marita | 08 September 2007 at 00:01
Dearest Thelma,
I've been thinking of you and Jordana ever since we said goodbye at Lutetia. It was such a treat being together and meeting your wonderful daughter. Can't wait to see you in Paris again in November and chez moi this spring!
Love to all of you,
Louise
Posted by: Laura | 07 September 2007 at 21:05
allez les bleus! what a neat idea to document your day like that, its a nice sneak peek into your life.
Posted by: Riana | 07 September 2007 at 20:47
I cannot wait to see this in person!! My flight is booked!!
Hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 07 September 2007 at 19:03
How nice to leave my city where it rains cats and dogs right now, for a stroll in beautiful Paris.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 07 September 2007 at 17:20
I really enjoyed your guided tour. Shops and restaurants and exquisite bags and shoes. It seems like Paris is a million miles from here!
Posted by: Mountain Dweller | 07 September 2007 at 15:26
That spot where the accordion player is standing, is one of my favorites in all of Paris. I love that cafe too! The first accordion player I heard and saw in Paris was standing in that very spot! Love your other pics!
Posted by: My Melange | 07 September 2007 at 13:30
I loved your tour of Paris.
Happy Birthday wishes too.
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 07 September 2007 at 12:56
Thank you for a beautiful day in Paris! :-)
Seeing those bags, I can understand how both of you needed to have one. Now, where can I mail order these? *smile*
Posted by: Merisi's Vienna | 07 September 2007 at 11:07
Oh my. Those SHOES!
:)
Posted by: Amber | 07 September 2007 at 02:20
Loved the roses, shoes and matching bags. The stuffed piggy, not so much. LOL XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 06 September 2007 at 21:32
Especially loved this post today, Tara. Very happy to find Lauralines. I'm bookmarking to explore.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 06 September 2007 at 20:43
I want to come to Paris and go shopping with you and Jordana. Tell her I am infinitely jealous of her shoes.. I LOVE patent Maryjanes.. especially with heels and a double strap. OMG - perfection.
Posted by: holli | 06 September 2007 at 20:28
I have a red tin of tea on my kitchen counter from 21 Palace De La Madeleine. Is it the same Rue? My SIL got it for me 5 or 6 years ago and I display it proudly! It's Hediard Tea. I think I'll have to make a cup right now!
Posted by: Madeline | 06 September 2007 at 19:59
Love the mother/daughter handbags...
Posted by: robyn | 06 September 2007 at 18:40
I envy you being able to "do Paris" with your daughter. My husband and I have been spending a week there the last few Mays and hope to keep doing that, but so far, my girls haven't been able to come along (and really, it's supposed to be special "couple time"!).
I love the variety of these photos -- gorgeous shoes and bags, yumm! -- and appreciate the jolt of familiarity I got recognizing that corner at Ile St Louis where we've drunk Leffe and sat listening to buskers. Thank you!
Posted by: materfamilias | 06 September 2007 at 17:57
Sounds like you and Jordana are having wonderful adventure's...I am sure you will miss her when she goes back to school...it is indeed bittersweet.
Posted by: stephanie | 06 September 2007 at 17:05
Catching up with you! I'm back in Toronto with lots of wonderful memories of my trip -- which included champagne in the garden before dinner.
Cheers!
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 06 September 2007 at 17:03
Beautiful Tara. I love the graffit and the white roses in the little squares perfectly balanced. Your matching bags are delicious - I love the color and shape. I love to have a little champers/proseco before a meal, it sounds like a lovely day.
Posted by: kristen | 06 September 2007 at 16:36
Such vivid images, Tara!
If only all graffiti was such so pretty...
The rose wall is such a great idea!
And may I say that the shoes and green suede bags are quite hep!
Posted by: Bhavna | 06 September 2007 at 15:31
Good morning Tara,
It is morning here anyways, just here sipping my tea and reading your blog. Your images make me want to hop on a plane tout suite! (sp?)
The shoes and bags are fabulous. That colour suede is wonderful for fall. It will pair well with anything too, jeans or something more dressy.
Nice work shopping ladies!
Glad you enjoyed your visit with Laura. I have never read her blog, off to do so now.
Enjoy the rest of your day,
Blue
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 06 September 2007 at 14:44
Dearest Tara, I am moved that you included me in your blog... I feel an absolute star, thank you!!! Jordana - fabulous shoes, I LOVE them, the bags too are gorgeous... Alana's (fashionista in the making) favourite colour too, you girls have got it together!! Alana and I went out to buy fabric today so she can make a dress for the Melbourne Cup (horse racing) and we ended up with three pairs of shoes too, I do believe us girls would all get along like a house on fire. Let's hope we meet one day and put our shopping skills to the test together... V xxx
Posted by: Vida | 06 September 2007 at 14:38