Exterior lighting enhances the city's grand magasins along Boulevard Hausmann.
A sparkling storefront.
Individual chandelier fragments, suspended from the ceiling of a department store vitrine.
Faux jewel-encrusted hanging light fixtures.
A line of decorative overhead lights extend along Galeries Lafayette.
All I can say is "Oh, My!"
I wish you the merriest of Christmasses (well, that's gone now, but hope it was very merry!) and the most divine of new year's -- we have much to be hopeful about, though it will be a long haul. Walking forward with friends -- seen and afar -- will make the tough times a little bit brighter and the bright times even more so.
Thank you, my friend.
Posted by: jeanie | 29 December 2008 at 21:32
Stunningly beautiful photos, Tara! Lafayette is magic at any time but, my goodness, these lights are so gorgeous. The City of Lights earns its name with panache, as usual.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 29 December 2008 at 09:18
LOVELY photos, Tara! Happy Holidays to you and yours from Denver, K.
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 29 December 2008 at 09:18
Noooooo, there is no such thing as beauty like this!! Yes there is, I am staring at it. This first picture is absolutely amazing. I'm in love. ; )
Posted by: Christina | 28 December 2008 at 19:55
what a fabulous nighttime capture tara! beautifully sparkling light! i am very impressed :)
XO
Posted by: Robin Laws | 27 December 2008 at 21:24
Merci bien. And YES! Here's hoping 2009 brings us some much-needed positive change! xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 December 2008 at 17:33
mesmerizing! those lights are simply magical!
Here's to a happy NEW (underlined, exclamation pointed re: HOPEFUL) Year!!
Posted by: stephanie | 27 December 2008 at 17:30
Chris, yes, you can say you're an American again! The French are thrilled about our new president. Every French person I saw (who knew I was American) personally made a point of congratulating me for America's "wise choice." The whole world is hopeful! Hope I get to see you in Paris in 2009!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 December 2008 at 16:08
Gill, hope to be drinking champers with you in Paris for real in 2009! Am emailing you. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 December 2008 at 16:07
Yes, Paris is gorgeous at Christmas. The lights are necessary, as actually the city is grey and gloomy during the winter - very little sun. The lights help lift everyone's spirits. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 December 2008 at 16:06
Oh, my heavens. What would I do without you. These are so amazing, aren't they? We were looking at flights to Paris and time at a timeshare in Vincennes, and we could actually do it this year. I really want to. And I may actually be able to say I'm an American.
Here's to hope.
Posted by: Chris | 27 December 2008 at 16:00
My magical sweet friend~!
What gorgeous images. Wish I had been with you to take photos and stop periodically for champers. To you! Tink!!! And your fantastic holiday views. I hope Santa was good to you Tara. I am thinking of you and hoping you are doing well.
Love,
Gillian x
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 27 December 2008 at 16:00
I would love to see the Galeries Lafayette at Christmas. I saw a photo of the tree in the center of the store. Oh my. All of Paris must be spectacular this time of year. Lovely photos. Hope your Christmas was a merry one.
Posted by: Rosa | 27 December 2008 at 12:17