We love to shop!

We are off to shop in Paris! It’s the most wonderfully fun thing we do … tra la!

Since we’re still newbies at this game, we’ve talked to other retailers, of course, and they all agree that buying is the most fun thing there is (and thank goodness it’s fun because the other parts can be pretty challenging … but not that we’re complaining or anything!).

Finding the perfect, different and unique object – whether it’s the next BIG thing (like the Corcicle) or the one of a kind, original, have-to-have, like the gorgeous console that went home recently with a very lucky client who has a great eye and exceptional taste – is all about the hunt.  Of course, in France and Belgium, where we do most of our overseas shopping, the hunt includes the negotiating process, the banter with the vendor, the learning about the provenance, the history and the tell-tale signs of what makes it old, like whether the edges were cut by hand or by machine, and what materials were used to join the corners.  And of course what kind of hunt could we have without a delicious gourmet lunch, whether it’s  a baguette and cheese on a rock by the side of the road or sitting in a cozy café, with real food like daube provencale washed down with fresh red wine.  It’s all part of the hunt, and it’s all part of what we love.

Like finding this wedding chest from Sweden, with the dates of the weddings and the hand written provenance certificate.

It didn't look like much in the parking lot where we bought it, but we knew it would come to life in the store.

Imagine our excitement to see a very similar chest, of the same vintage, in one of Cote de Texas fabulous blogs recently.

A cleaned up version ... what a difference!

We love to imagine the uses for some of our objects after we buy them.  Look at these ladders and farm utensils that we spotted at a fair in the Central France a little while ago.

Farm utensils? Who would buy these?

And look at these two trapeze artists, showing off their outstanding gymnastic abilities, to pose for a recent ad!  Well guess what … these ladders are now going off to the home of a fabulous interior designer, whose work we have admired for over five years.  Yahoo!

Oh just some crazy American ladies who get high on ladders!

Imagine our joy in spotting two twin chandeliers (what are the chances of that?) that just happened to fit  beautifully in the twin salon of our favorite Paris apartment.  By the way, we always tell our clients this:  Do you want two identical chandeliers?  Yes, of course!  Well then buy a fabulous mirror!

A pair is so rare!

If you can't buy matching chandies, just buy a mirror!

And then there was this magnificent French Regence style mirror, which was missing a few parts and therefore couldn’t be sold in our store without significant repairs.  We like the crustiness of it and needed to have it anyway.

Oh boy, is this going to be a mistake?

Look how fab it looks in the Paris apartment?

We can't imagine our little Parisan jewel without it!

Sometimes we don’t actually shop to buy but to get inspired by trends and or other stores, like this wonderful store in Belgium where we love to be inspired.

One of our favorite stores in Belgium where we like to be inspired

And can you believe this fabulous display of drawer pulls that we found on the 5^th floor of the iconic BHV department store in Paris (that sells everything from nuts and bolts (literally thousands of them!) to $10K designer dresses).    This display of eye candy had us mesmerized for hours.

Eye candy! Our favorite floor of the BHV department store in Paris

And speaking of eye candy, sometimes it’s not just the merchandise that gets us excited!

More eye candy. We just love that hotel silver!

So we've been thinking about all the fun we have shopping in France and Belgium and have decided that it's just a little selfish on our parts.  In fact, we've decided that  we really need to share this with our clients.  So for the first time ever, we are dipping our toes into a new trip category, and offering two buying trips to Paris next year.

So when we're not buying, we're doing what exactly?

Are we nuts?  We don't think so ... The focus is antiques and "objets" and the hunt will take place all over Paris, which is a city we're pretty familiar with.  We think that in five days, you can find just about anything you're looking for, whether it's at the Puces (flea markets) or some great stores we know or a twice yearly fair for professionals that we'll be taking our trip participants to.  We'll help you negotiate with the vendors, and then ship it home.  When you're not busy shopping, we'll take you to dinner or to a museum or to a sunset cruise on the Seine.  So if you don't find the jewel you're looking for, we'll hope that at least you've had a great time with the hunt. Or at least the eye candy.
We do, every time.

Just desserts for a hard day's work!

Vive le shopping!

Ta ta ...

HH

PS For more information about our shopping trips next year, March 14 to 19th in Paris and October 3 to 8, also in Paris, visit our website right here, or just sign up for it, right here!

Our Favorite Books...

One of the most fun things to buy for the store has been coffee table books.  We're suckers for anything with a gorgeous and alluring cover - and if it deals with design, style, furniture or chic cats and dogs - we're all goners.

Last week, our cute Emily (who manages all of our social media, website content and dozens of other projects around the store) came up with a clever little idea to showcase our fave picks.
Keep reading...

Ann adores all things Suzanne Kasler.

Ann says:  "Inspired Interiors by Suzanne Kasler.  The book I wish I could curl up with, in one of our comfy chairs if there's ever a slow minute at the store, is Suzanne Kasler's Inspired Interiors.  We gave the book to our of our employees for Christmas and I told Meg I would take it home and wrap it there (so that I could peruse it first, of course!) I stayed up half the night and had the best time!  The icing on the cake was to see some of our artists' work hanging in Suzanne's gorgeous interiors.  Now, everytime I look through it, I see something different and wonderful.  It's a classic and I'm proud to carry it at the store."

French? Check. Cats? Check. French cats? Home Run!

Meg says:  "I adore cats!  So when we stumbled on this book, The French Cat, I truly flipped.  Rachael Hale, the author, had me hook, line and sinker with her elegant writing - and honestly, is there anything Frenchier than a cat peering down from an open window surrounded by red geraniums and crusty blue shutters?  And French cats have the best names like Craquette, Marilou, Mouchette, Didier and Hercules.  Hale's photography is a magical tour through France, dotted with enigmatic and independent kitties on each page. I can't wait to give this book to myself (and our three unimaginatively named cats) for Christmas.  On second thought, I may not wait till Christmas..."

Linda's got a soft spot for pooches.

Linda says:  "Dogs by Tim Flach. I've been a dog lover since way back, so when I saw the cover of this book with its canine in motion and fur flying, I was immediately drawn.  Having just adopted a new little Corgi mix puppy, I'm feeling very attuned to all things barking.  The pictures are amazing and capture all the little personalities of their subjects.  It's pawsitively perfect!"

Sarah gravitates to anything black and white. (Her reading companion is Sophie.)

Sarah says:  "Black and White by Celerie Kemble.  When I saw this book on the shelf, I knew it had to be my pick.  First of all, as evidenced by my little chair companion in this photo, I'm a fan of all things black and white.  I love the simplicity of it.  I own more black pants and white tops than I care to admit.  Secondly, Ann and Meg gave me this book to celebrate the purchase of my first house last fall. I spent hours curled up in my new living room thumbing through the pages, so I will always have happy memories associated with this book.  Celerie Kemble never disappoings with her amazing interiors - if only my house looked half as chic as those in the book..."

It doesn't surprise any of us that Sam loves the Safari book...she's all about that perfect touch of zebra!

Sam says: "Safari by Patrick de Wilde.  A fanciful recollection:  "When I went to Africa with Ann, she insisted we hang chandeliers from the tree branches and position the Louis XVI mirrors perfectly so they reflected the light of the Serengeti beautifully.  When I returned to the U.S., a friend asked if I had seen any lions.  I gasped and said, "There are lions in  Aftrica?"  This book wonderfully illustrates what I managed to miss - that yes indeed, there are lions in Africa!"

Allison picking up some tips from life's best little go-to book: "How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World."

Allison says:  How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy.  My nineteen year old daughter read this book her senior year of high school and wished she had found it sooner.  A great read for teenage girls (and moms, too.)  My favorite chapter?  How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too!"

We're not surprised that Emily picked "Hers" - a book all about being elegant, refined and feminine. Perfect for Miss Emily!

Emily says:  Hers by Jacqueline de Montravel.  As soon as I saw the pink binding on this book, I knew right then I would be smitten.  De Montravel illustrates how you can achieve femininity in design with a honed, delicate approach.  As a lover of ruffles, giant gold gilt frames and floral prints, I can't get enough of her fabulous, balanced interiors.  And with chapters dedicated to creating personalized home offices, art spaces and how to stock a classic bar, it's brimming with inspiration."

Guess who's getting married in a couple months?

Colleen says:  "Vera Wang on Weddings by Vera Wang.  As Huff Harrington's resident bride-to-be, the girls gave me this gorgeous book on all things wedding by the legend herself, Vera Wang.  The pictures are spectacular, the inspiration even more fabulous.  For every bride, classic to modern, this is a must-have!"

Alva has a great eye and loves good design.

Alva says:  Interior Visions by Mona Hajj.  In the design work she does for clients adn for herself, Hajj combines old world classicism with unusual treasures from around the world.  For texture in her rooms she uses antique rugs and wall hangings.  Hajj brings an intimacy to her design that displays her client's personality. This is a great source book for anyone looking for design inspiration."

Now you know what we Huffingtons will be doing the next rainy Sunday that comes our way - our noses will be buried in gorgeous, elegant books and our imaginations happily running wild.

Ta ta.

What's YOUR favorite thing to do in Provence?

The terrace of Les Murets

“So what is your favorite thing about Provence?” we were asked the other day by a former guest and participant, as we all sat around, sipping champagne, reminiscing and planning for our next trip.

The daily activities calendar

Meg didn’t hesitate.  “Cassis!  I just love the little village, the port, the shops, the boat ride to the Calanques, and Le Grand Bleu is probably my favorite restaurant in Provence.  They’re so friendly, the service is wonderful, the location is ideal and the wine is to die for.  And then of course we get to dip our toes in the Mediterranean.  A perfect day!”

Meg and the models from Vogue in Cassis

Le Grand Bleu restaurant is our best kept secret on the port

Where the boat takes us  around the famous Calanques.

Fresh squid from the sea

Where we dip our toes in the Mediterranean

Not to be outdone by Meg’s enthusiasm, Ann jumped right in:  “The Gordes Reward.  I love getting up early, dressing for a little workout, and hiking in to Gordes knowing that although the scenery is pretty along the way, the real tada is when you round that final corner and hear the collective gasp from everyone on the trip, including those who have done it a million times before, and see the spectacular village of Gordes rising up from the valley.  There’s nothing like it!  And of course the real reward is the market and fabulous lunch that comes after.”

Ann's favorite thing to do is the Gordes Reward

The views leading up to the Ta Da moment and the minor distractions along the way (is that a FOR SALE sign on that house? OMD does anyone have a pen?!).

The Ta Da! moment

On top of the world!

Linda?  “Well I have to say it’s St. Remy.  Starting with the drive along the iconic plane covered road, followed by the best market of all, on Wednesdays, and then the gorgeous drive by Les Beaux, the obligatory photo op, and the divine three hour lunch at the Bistrot du Paradou .  OMD the eggplant! The lapin (we’ll keep that word in French)!  The cheese tray! The desserts!  The wine!  Oh, and yes, the waiters (collective chuckle) aren’t bad either (uh-huh!).”

Linda in heaven ...

Escargots at the Bistrot du Paradou

The subject of the collective chuckle

Linda just likes to savor the moment and smell the roses wherever she is

What about you Sarah,?  As the newest member of the team to go on a trip, Sarah is a little more reflective in her answer.  “I can’t really pick just one place or one thing,” she starts.  “For me, it’s all about the beauty around every corner, whether it’s a village in the distance, or the ancient architecture or the flowers in the fields or an unexpected sculpture on top of a mountain or the vines reflecting the sun in the vineyards.  It’s the beauty of the land and the way we celebrate the fruits of this beauty with every delicious meal and sip of fresh wine."  Oooh, well put, Sarah!

Sarah with Linda

A view around every corner

Breathtaking gardens

The gates of heaven!

.

Edith Mezard's shrine to beauty and good taste

Celebrating the fruits of the land

“And what about you?”  we ask our sweet guest, forgetting that her suitcases weighed 3 tons on her return trip to the U.S.  “Well I loved everything you talked about but,” and here there's a little pause and a big chuckle, “my favorite thing to do is Show and Tell night.” (Oh yes, she is a big shopper! ) We do Show and Tell on the last night when everyone takes all their purchases out of their bags and displays them beautifully in their rooms and we parade around from room to room, oohing and aahing and admiring the gorgeous goodies that some of us somehow managed not to buy and wished we had.   “That’s right!  And you did such a great job merchandising, we offered you a job at the store!”

A display of scarves bought at the market

A beautifully merchandised selection of gorgeous monochromatic tones (that somehow match the bedroom decor!)

Huffington girls and their loot!

Yes, we all like that too.   Which leads us to another collective favorite:  Dinners at home in the evening.  That’s when we all get to relax and enjoy a long, leisurely meal, overlooking the sunset and washed down by fresh wine from the vineyard and sometimes followed by the most interesting diversions that have included splashes in the pool, dancing on the terrace, overzealous dishwashing, bursts of French fluency and many more things that will never get talked about because what happens at Les Murets stays at Les Murets!

Shhh ... we'll never tell!

I guess you’ll just have to come see for yourselves and then tell us what your favorite thing is about Provence!
Ta ta ...
HH

Our First Ever Sale!

If you were a fly on the wall of our back office at Huff Harrington Home, you might have overheard snippets of the following conversation this past week:

“So I think we should have a sale.  Wouldn’t that be fun?”

“Totally!  Do you think we could serve Champagne?”

“We always serve Champagne!  Why not?”

“Well I’m not sure that you serve Champagne when you’re doing a sale.  Kind of defeats the purpose of sale, you know.  But OK if you think it’s a good idea …”

“I do.  But what will we put on sale? We’ve never done a sale before.”  True,  although technically we did have a frame sale once at the gallery and it was a big success, because we donated some of the proceeds to Juvenile Diabetes.  "Remember these photos? Could we use them again?  They attracted a lot of people!"

Remember these pictures from our one and only previous sale?

"No, no … the girls are much older and mature now, and would never accept to have their photos featured again.  Besides, we’re not selling frames!"

“How about item #3621.  We’ve got plenty of them.  Should we put them on sale?”

“We can’t do that!  We’re going to be ordering them for the fall and Christmas.  And they sell like crazy.”

“You’re right.  I guess we need to figure out what hasn’t sold, and put that on sale.  Like item #4502” (and under her breath, “You know, the one you insisted would fly out of here …”)

“Hmmm …. I’m not so sure about those.  Still think they might fly out of here!  But what about the gorgeous Directoire walnut desk (that you bought)?  That would probably do well!”

“Great idea.  OK, we’ll put it on sale.”

Interruption from Emily …

“Sorry to bother, but what is the price on the walnut secretary from France?  I have someone dying to buy it but the tag fell off.”

In unison,
“You mean the gorgeous Directoire walnut desk?"  Exchange guilty furtive glances and mutter quietly,   "We didn't really want to put that on sale anyway, did we?"

“Ok, Ok.  But if we’re going to have a sale, we have to find a bunch of things to put on sale!  Let’s go for a walk around the store and figure it out.”

At this point, if you were a fly on the wall, you would follow us around the store picking out all sorts of goodies for our upcoming sale, and listening to back and forth discussion on each one.  But you get the point!  Everything is a discussion.  No feelings are ever hurt.  We always take turns.  And at least one of us is happy with every decision.

Here are some of the sale goodies we picked out  along the way …

Gorgeous, to-die-for toile bag that we happened to spend a fortune on in France!  It was $350 and it's going to be $265.

Darling orange leather accoutrements handmade in the South of France, now 50% off.

And keeping with the orange theme, some of our favorite orange lacquer cubes that are just so stylish and elegant and a little retro, and were $875 each now $595.

"So how are we going to promote this sale?"

"Well, the girl in the frame worked really well for us the last time.   Do you think we could try it again?"
"You mean, like this?" (Thank you, Emily!)

Is this a good tactic?

"Hmm ... maybe not.  But what about this?  All of our gorgeous Flora Bella tunics will be on sale, and who best to model them than our favorite cover girl?"

That's better!

And so a Sale is born and here's what we agreed to:  Over a hundred pieces are going on sale (with some of us kicking and screaming, but never mind about that!).  Yes, on the bubbly.  Yes on the three day time limit.  And yes on having fun, of course.  Cheers!



Ta ta ...
HH

PS:  The nitty gritty:  The sale starts Thursday at 10 a.m. and will end at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 4th. It's 3-day-only sale.  No other discounts apply.  No returns or exchanges.  Sale does not apply to previous purchases.  Over one hundred items on sale, but it is Not a storewide sale.  Sale applies to Huff Harrington Home only.   No art is on sale.  There.  We've said it all!