Merry Christmas!

From my home to yours, Merry Christmas with wishes for a very Happy New Year!

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Shopping in DC: GoodWood

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In anticipation of ' Black Friday ' later this week I thought I would share with you some of my shopping from this past weekend. I stopped in one of my usual haunts on DC's U Street NW, Goodwood . GoodWood used to be more of a vintage furniture store but has turned itself into an authentic version of what Anthropology tries to be. The styling in the store is always artful and really fun to walk around. As with most vintage shops there is something for everyone hidden around the next corner, no matter your taste. I love this antique cabinet which holds antique china, tea, and teapots. I wish I had a cabinet like this in my apartment for my collection!  These antique Minton cups and saucers were selling for only $8 a set and there were dozens of them. One of the most interesting item(s) was this pair of faux "faux bois" French armchairs which are very Michael Taylor'esque. Some details of the chair -really charming- I wish I had a place for these! Also notice th...
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Christmas shopping in Paris

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The best part of visiting Paris in the winter, particularly at Christmastime, is the shopping! The city is decked out with Christmas trees and lights hoping to get everyone in the spirit and attract some business. My favorite area of Paris for shopping is along (and around) the Rue Saint Honore seen in the photos above. The shop windows are decorated in the most enticing ways. Above at Astier de Villatte the window display was of charming ornaments available on the rarely open 2nd floor.  This is one of my favorite shops in the city and I treated myself to early Christmas gift(s), or to be more accurate, blew my financial load. Nearby at Goyard  the unique leather goods are SO tempting (until one views the price tags). One day I'll treat myself to a wallet but only if I don't visit Astier de Villatte happen first! For loved ones in the city some roses from the spectacular floral shop adjacent to the trendy Hotel Costes would be stunning. Don't forget the adjacent Place V...
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John Russell Pope's McCormick residence -Embassy of Brazil

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This past weekend was the annual Embassy open house ( Passport DC ) and I headed straight for the Embassy of Brazil. Not because I love Caipirinhas but because the mansion was designed by master Architect John Russell Pope for Robert McCormick in 1911. Here is the house as it appeared in 1911 after completion back when this area of 'embassy row' was nothing but farmland outside of the city. The house has a unique siting on a triangular lot which creates a very grand entry sequence from Massachusetts Avenue.  I think that is what has always intrigued me about this Italian High Renaissance styled Villa, so I was excited to finally get a chance to get in (along with 1,000s of other curious Washingtonians!). The vintage photograph and these floorplans come from one of my favorite books which I've mentioned before: Mastering Tradition, the Residential Architecture of John Russell Pope by James B. Garrison.  As with all Italian Villas the house has a piano nobile plan, ideal for...
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