If I could save time in a bottle.... EVERYONE SING!  I admit to having an at-times unhealthy obsession with Pinterest, going through pin-binges, collecting scads of ideas for projects I'll probably NEVER do. You know what I speak of. But when I do get a bee in my bonnet to make something, it's usually because I have miscellaneous crafty supplies that need a special purose! Case in point: one random, tiny glass bottle.

The Magpie received an especially Jaunty Fancy-ful gift recently from a good friend -- some internationally-themed goodies like a little Union Jack frame, a lovely oval dish, Tokyo Milk soap in a heavenly scent, and a copy of Parisian Chic: A Style Guide, by Ines de la Fressange and Sophie Gachet. Imagine getting your hands on a personal notebook of the ultimate Parisienne, with all the little hints over effortless style, sweetly hidden-away boutiques, lessons on how to order off a menu, and where to stay while in the City of Light. That's what this little red book is, and it's tres awesome.

If I were to ever write a book, this would be the format I'd want to write it -- it's a mix of short essays and a collection of notes, lovingly gathered in scrapbook-style layout, along with photos and clever little drawings. It's a book you can flip through and easily read out of order, as it's not a novel, there's no plot beyond your own desire to explore the different sections at your leisure. Which I think should be the first lesson for Parisian Chic -- no time constraints, no rush, peruse at leisure, and above all, a glass of wine or a creamy cafe au lait in hand. Croissant optional, but highly recommended. Merci.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki

 

The Paris of my dreams has old cobblestone streets, a gauze-filtered sky with a bit of mist in the air, and adorable shops lined up for me to mill about and meander in all day, finding little treasures and things I didn't even know how I could live without. Hats, bows, flowers and flats -- sparkle isn't the only thing that turns this Bird's head. Since I can't be there, these little inspirations will have to hold me over... {1} Garnet Flower Pin from White House Black Market {2} Rusted door photo via Flickr account, by Easelarts {3} Bold Boutonniere Dress by Anthropologie {4} Zinc tags by The Beautiful Life {5} The Skipper mini wide brim straw hat by Swaydehead {6} Love Letter Notepad - French Perfume by Paper Source {7} Queenly Things pendant medallions on ribbon by The Beautiful Life {8} Felice by Kate Spade