Hello Everyone! It's Alicia. I am so thrilled to be here today. (Thank you Mrs. French!) Normally, I am daydreaming over at, Bloom, Grow, Love. But, it is certainly exciting to be somewhere new. I love anything that mixes up my daily routine this time of year. Throughout the fall and winter, I am very content in my little office, watching the snow fly. There are whole weekends when I declare it too cold to step outside. But, then suddenly (about the time that little groundhog reminds me there are still 6 weeks of winter), traveling, and drawing big vacation day XXXX's all over my calendar are all I can think about.
For me there is nothing better than...
1. Spontaneous trips, the kind where you say "let's just drive until we get tired and then get a hotel room", until at 3:oo a.m. you realize the closest town is 80 miles away, the rooms are full, and you have to sleep in the car.
2. Going somewhere there is a time change, so you can frequently refer to what time it would be at home, and why you are lucky to be away.
3. The judging of the best food of the area... the best pizza in Chicago, the best clam chowder on the coast, the best fudge on Mackinac.
4. Returning home with a large stack of Polaroids. No need to take the film in to get developed or sort through digital files later.
5. Convertible, top down, driving Hwy. 101
6. Early cocktail hour.
7. Guidebooks that are worn before the trip begins.
8. The night before the flight.
9. Driving south until the air is scented with orange blossoms.
10. New "vacation" clothes packed in your suitcase, ready to be worn for the first time.
11. A little campground on the beach, where the stars are as bright as you have ever seen.
12. Coming home to your own bed.
What about you: What makes you want to pack your bags? Where do you go?
xoxo- A.
Friday, February 27, 2009
12 Things
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hello dears...I am signing off of my beloved bliss for a couple of days. My little sister is coming into town...I am so excited I can barely stand it! I believe I have left my blog is very beautiful, capable hands...
see you all on Tuesday...xxoo mrs. french
blissful sponsor: inleaf design
Soft, quiet elegance is what I think of when I think of my next lovely sponsor, Inleaf design. We have been in touch through one another's blogs for quite some time and I have always been such a huge fan of Lotta's work. She has a way of making me look at botanicals in a completely different way...focusing on details that I often times over-look. This is the case because her prints are made from the actual leaves, making each piece truly an original.
I almost feel as if her pieces are too special for my home...my abode just doesn't seem deserving of such perfection and careful detail...of course, I have completely gotten over that and now feel as if perhaps just what my little house needs is a sprinkling of Lotta's works of art. Something this lovely is bound to pretty up the place....Now the tough part...choosing? 
I believe at one time or another I have wanted everything in her shop. A constant rotation in my etsy "favorites"....at the very moment I have my eye on pieces with the Queen Anne's lace print...and that blue, I have always had a thing for that blue.
Lotta, thank you so much for lovingly creating pieces that can pretty up any space. Your kindness, refinement, and attention to detail shines through brightly in all that you do. I feel as if I haven't fully conveyed how perfect your pieces are and hope I have made up for it here...thank you for your support...
xo
mrs. french
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
nice.
It happened to me...I stopped taking photographs everyday. The longer I went the more perfect I had intended the subjects to be. I started over thinking and because of that, I stopped taking pictures. Then I started to stop noticing the pretty all around me and started to look for the perfect moment, or place to pull the trigger. I am done with that.
I now realize that my camera and taking photographs everyday of the everyday is something I need. It makes my life more lovely and changes how I see what is around me for the better. I challenge you to do the same. Stop what you are doing and look around you...take a photo or not and you may just stumble into something nice.
xo mrs. french
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Allison Trentelman and her snowy birds...
Apparently it's all about the photography for me today. Unfortunately, not so much my own...having a bit of a block at the moment. Anyway, I am officially awestruck...while perusing through the wonderful paper n stitch I came across these...
The work of the talented Allison Trentelman of Rocky Top Studio....everything and I do mean everything she does makes my heart flutter...for today, I am particularly taken with her snowy bird photographs...I could stare at them all day long...unfortunately, poor B would have none of that...
xo
mrs. french
matt schwartz
I am quite sure I did not need one...but I have found another reason to love Polaroid: the stunning work of Matt Schwartz of she hit pause. studios...I am smitten. Ethereal, dreamy, ghostly and mesmerizing are just a few of the words that pop into my head while perusing his work...
I have now entered dangerous territory...I am afraid my Polaroids may be getting a bit more action than my poor nikon...matt is partly to blame....
xo
mrs. french
p.s. thank you ms. rose for the introduction...you were right, I am obsessed...
~please stop by sfgirlbybay (which of course you would have anyway) and take a gander at some of my flickr favorites...I am the "flickr curator" for today (don't you just love the title?)...
Monday, February 23, 2009
blissful sponsor: NouN: a person's place for things
It is beyond my pleasure to introduce you to this next sponsor....Noun: a person's place for things has been a favorite of mine since way back. I have posted about it on bliss a few times and did a little series over at sfgirlbybay, where we were lucky enough to get a glimpse into the home of the brilliance behind Noun: Stephanie Sheldon and here husband Thomas (which, of course, was just as ecclectically perfect as I had thought it would be).
For those of you who are new to Noun, it is a magical shop that carries amazing things for your home. A mix of new and old, that somehow come together to create a whimisical masterpiece. NouN also prides itself on carrying the works of many local artists, guaranteeing a feel that is totally unique to this beautiful city we call home. In their words:
"At Noun, we love any thing:
that has a story behind it
that has more than one practical use
that's made to last
that's made locally
that's got good design
that helps reduce waste and clutter"
Since my last Noun feature much has changed. Stephanie and Thomas have taken a slice of NouN and transformed it into a lovely online shop. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. It is honestly the only thing that seems fair; their shop is too grand for Portland to keep to itself...
Please also take the time to visit their website and blog: grammar girl...oh and a nice way to keep up with all that is new and exciting at Noun is to become a fan on facebook.
It is seems too perfect to be introducing Noun as a sponsor. I have loved and admired this Portland treasure since its opening and have come to truly adore the sweet couple behind it; having them sponsor my bliss is truly an honor...thank you...
xo
mrs. french
website: http://www.shopnoun.com
online shop: http://www.shop.shopnoun.com
muntedkowhai sale
The always lovely muntedkowhai is having a sale on its winter line...20% off until the end of March. There are only a few pieces left so do visit soon...
xo mrs. french
I heart Monday.
A different type of Monday hearts...but lovely just the same...
I heart this blouse.
I heart this necklace.
I heart these shoes.
I heart erin's amazing photograph.
I heart this "garden."
I heart this bag.
I heart this "scenic dinnerware."
I heart this "migration."
I heart these rings.
I heart these sandals.
I heart this "peepsie."
I heart these earrings.
I heart this dress.
Friday, February 20, 2009
If you are in Portland, I would for you to visit my photos here. I am the featured photographer this month! Happy, happy weekend friends...xo mrs. french
Thursday, February 19, 2009
a happy accident
We went a schlepping...I was so excited after my kate towers post. I immediately started preparing...camera battery charging...check...wellies...check...cameras in bag...check...b's hat...check...dog in back of car...check...beverages for little road trip...check...we were prepared!
We got to just the spot I had been imagining, my heart is thumping, I jumped out of the car, found a nice patch of pokey plants...ready aim...ACK!!! I left my camera battery in the charger! After the nausciousness subsided...I turned to my often-times-neglected sx70. I had a tiny bit of film, so I went for it...
blissful sponsor: periwinklebloom
Periwinklebloom is truly special here on my bliss. It was instant admiration the first time I was lucky enough to stumble onto Tyler's blog. I have enjoyed watching her little company grow. I do not know her personally, but feel as if I have a handle on who this classy momma is by her words and the choices she has made regarding her adorable clothing line specializing in small ones. I have also been on the edge of my seat in anticipation of her paper goods...
Sweet Tyler sent over the images for her spring line and my mouth dropped. She has truly outdone her already-perfect self. As always, her pieces work harmoniously with the environment; "organic cotton fiber, vegetable-based ink, clean energy, and hand-crafting." I was also pleasantly surprised to see the added pops of color here and there and am especially fond of the fern halter hand-printed by the lovely Lotta of inleaf...another blissful sponsor! B is destined to wear a pair of those sweet trunks in ecru please...and I wish all of his little girlie friends could be decked out in the frocks Tyler has lovingly created...
I do however, have one complaint; why oh why don't these come in my size? Perhaps a new venture? Thank you Tyler for making bliss a home away from home, there are not enough words of appreciation and honor I feel to have you here...
xo
mrs. french
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
kate towers and sauvie island
Kate Towers is a Portland fashion maven/legend. She has helped shape what Portland fashion is today. Her pieces are handmade in her Portland studio and are simply breathtaking. She is self-taught, and to me, a genius. Her site is also meticulously perfect and inspirational to say the least...
Once again, the clothing is lovely, but it is the collaboration between the clothing, the lovely models, styling, and photography that comes together to create a masterpiece. All of the photos are exquisite, but the one that affects me the most is the "Sauvie Island" collection.
Sauvie Island is a Portland treasure. An off-the-beaten path plot with beautiful fields, farms, views and an away-from-it-all feel, while remaining closer than you might think; combined with Kate's pieces a slice of perfection is acheived, and an overwhelming sense of inspiration takes over...
I have decided to grab my camera and schlep around the island this afternoon and I have Ms. Towers to thank for that...
xo mrs. french
chie mihara for spring...
I have an ongoing love affair with chie mihara...I do believe that if I had to choose one brand of shoes, sweet chie's would be it (sorry frye and argila). I believe the thing I find so appealing about them is that somehow these lovelies are classic and whimsical at the same time. I was delighted to see all the new styles for spring, these are a few on my list of must have footwear (shhh...just don't tell mr. french)...
xo mrs. french
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
skona hem: my happy place
skona hem is my happy place...I go often and spend much time there. I now realize that it is better when I space out my visits a bit more. It's like Christmas morning....so many new and lovely things to look at...It had been close to a month since my last drop in and it did not disappoint...I had originally intended to divide this post in an orderly manner, categorizing rooms or colors...then I decided to show you how I see it...a delightful hodgepodge of perfection....
The bright, cheery atmosphere in this room makes it my personal favorite...
the fireplace, the chairs, the mirror, need I say more (in my happy place the chairs are not made from real hydes)...
I adore the nook off of the dining area here...
it's all about the chairs in this one...
I would love to have breakfast here...I don't think a bad day is possible with such a cheery start...
I can see the Frenches at this table...care to join us?
xo
mrs. french
debi trelor revisited
If there is one thing I am good at, it is admiring. I actually consider myself an expert admirer. This is particularily the case with photography. One of my favorite things to do is explore and admire the photographs of others. At times I become so overwhelmed with inspiration that I feel as if I could burst.
Debi Trelor is one of my most burst-worthy subjects. I adore everything she does. I posted many of her photographs back in May...I continue to visit often. This time I submerged myself in her "personal" collection...much different, then her work I had originally fallen for, but equally lovely...I honestly can't say which style of hers I prefer. Perhaps the best part is I don't have to choose...
...xo mrs. french
Monday, February 16, 2009
Current Elliot: Spring 2009
I was perusing my regular stops yesterday...gathering lovelies for my Monday post, when I came to halt. I was mesmerized my the Current Elliot site....I had been there time and time again, but for some reason the spring 2009 collection kept me there longer than I had anticipated. All of a sudden it wasn't so much about the clothes as it was about the photographs and styling...I wish I could have been there for this shoot. The photographs encompass all that I hope to learn...and the clothes...perfection! I love everything! I want each and every piece including the items that are not part of the collection...hats, boots, oxfords, dresses and those slouchy knee socks...
xo mrs. french
pssst...don't forget today's "I heart Monday post...."
bliss elsewhere..
Happy Monday! If you haven't taken a gander today's "I heart..." list please, please do so below...
I am also so proud to say, I am visiting two other blogs today. Two lovely, fantastic blogs...
I am also so proud to say that I am participating in "the bright side project" at the beautiful blah, blah, blahg...please come and visit, answer a little question chosen by moi and you could win a print from my shop.
I will see you all later today...a lovely start to the week, don't you think?
xo
mrs. french
I heart Monday.
Yay! It's Monday! I have so much in store for you this week...I am simply glad you are here...
I heart this deer.
I heart this willow.
I heart this wrap.
I heart these oxfords.
I heart this "teal stack."
I heart these ballet flats (you were right heidi...I do love them).
I heart this scarf.
Friday, February 13, 2009
I had to...
why?
1. I have wanted them for a very long time...
2. I had a weak moment...
3. A Valentine's gift for moi
4. they are waterproof...
5. have you seen the sweet scallops?
6. they were on sale...big time!
7. a girl can never have too many pairs of perfect boots.
thank you. I feel better now.
xo mrs. french
valentine's day in stitches
Happy Valentine's Day weekend dears...I am so excited! A holiday dedicated to sappiness is my kind of day. This week I guest posted on dear suzanne's blog and was over-the-moon happy to see my friend karey there too. There has been a void in this beautiful world of blogging since she went away, so it was so lovely to have that void filled, if only for the day (rhyming is completely unintentional, but nice don't you think?). It really shouldn't surprise me that during her brief visit she left a huge impression. She introduced me to stitched pieces that I had to share with you (along with some of my current faves)...all romantic, even if you are less than thrilled about the upcoming holiday (just pretend it's any other day with an added dose of love)...
...xo mrs. french
p.s.
karey, please come back...can't blame a gal for trying...
lil bee and her feather
I have always loved my lil bee...her fashion sense, personality, wittiness and impeccable taste have kept me coming back again and again....now she has gone and done it...she went out and got herself a new blog. A blog I can't get out of my head. She chooses outfits based on the weather report...."fashion+weather=feather"...Genius...right? On top of that, I covet everything she chooses...I have offered to hire her as a personal stylist, but honestly don't think I can afford her since I now have to buy everything on her blog...
dear melisa (lil bee), I am a bit torn between cursing you and kissing you...I am in so much trouble because of your new endeavor...but I can't think of another type of trouble I would rather be in...xo "frenchie" (mrs. french)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
blissful sponsor: susannah conway (pssst...and there's a giveaway)
There are no words to express the pride I feel introducing this next sponsor...Susannah is simply amazing. Susannah and the lovely Miss Alicia are the two major influences in what I do...I have admired and loved their photography for so long...so to have Susannah as a sponsor is like a dream...I tried to play it cool when she asked, but have a feeling she may have sensed my delightful nervousness...
I am not sure if you have seen...but she has offered to help others savour their environments and find beauty in the everyday (which is what I constantly strive for), by offering an e-course...Unravelling:ways of seeing myself...a time "just for you"...self-discovery in the most beautiful way. Her February course is already full (sadly, I missed out), but she has upcoming dates in May and September...so for goodness sakes get on the mailing list...I have.
I am also a fan of her beautiful blog...ink on my fingers...her photography and words transport me to that mid-day brain vacation I am always looking for. She has also started a lovely collaborative blog with Alicia Bock...favorite things. I am pretty sure you already know how I feel about this, and my reaction when I discovered its existence....
besides being incredibly talented, Susannah is generous and my blissful readers you are about to benefit from that generosity. Leave a comment telling us which photograph you particularly love and why from Susannah's shop and you could win an 8x8 print (winner chosen February 15 at midnight)!!!!
I think the hardest part will be picking just one...thank you Ms. Susannah for choosing bliss....
xo
mrs. french
listening pleasure...
I have received so many comments and emails regarding the lovely lisa hannigan, that I see it as a personal duty to provide one more bit listening pleasure...and visual too, a pop-up book? could it get any sweeter? I don't think so...
xo mrs. french
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
petticoat
My friends often give me a hard time about my love of petticoats. I am not speaking of the pooffy kind worn by the modern bride...I am speaking of the kind worn in the 1600's the kind ladies wore as they were whisked away by men on horses (total fantasy of mine, by the way)..alas, I was born in the wrong era. However, I have found a petticoat that will do quite nicely...now I just need the whisking and the horse...
~thank you chelsea for leading me here...
xo mrs. french
Letizia Gilioli
A while back I featured the stunning work of Federico Erra...his flickr stream chock full of gorgeous photographs. Amongst them, my favorites were of Ms. Letizia. Imagine my surprise when I realized that besides being beyond photogenic, she is equally exquisite behind the camera. I found her stream through Federico and have been smitten ever since.
She captures the outdoors, her surroundings, like I want to...stripped down, simple, and untouched. She also makes me want to develop a meaningful relationship with my holga (which sadly, remains untouched in her box)....
....I am once again, delighted by the talented web of creativity out there...
xo mrs. french
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
hommin: necklace and clothes hanging system
We have no closet in our attic. Which is sad, considering this is where the Mr. and myself sleep. I have made do...my clothes are strewn everywhere. I was thinking I could get a rolling rack for a few of my favorite items...then I stumbled onto these through the most brilliant emma. The necklace and clothes hanging system is design at its loveliest. Hommin presented it at this year's Stockholm furniture fair and I want it...actually a few of them. I can close my eyes and imagine only my most special garments clinging to this beaded strand....actually, I am not sure my current wardrobe is worthy? Perhaps I need a new one...all for the sake of design right?
xo mrs. french
blissful images: shop additions...sprucing up!
I feel as if I am rushing in late to work with a latte and an armful of folders...not so much, just late in my posting today. I have been sprucing up that shop of mine...I needed to add some color! I am proud to show off my latest additions...hope you love them...maybe a give away soon? *wink*
...xo mrs. french
Monday, February 9, 2009
blissful sponsor: enhabiten
If etsy sites have stalkers, enhabiten has me. Liane's marvelousness has tempted me all too many times. I would love to design my entire home around her cushions...I won't even disclose how many I have, because frankly, it's embarrassing...
...the most perfect type of embarrassment. B is especially fond of the ones filled with buckwheat and lavender. I often times catch him inhaling deeply, saying "ahhhhh....lavender." My sentiments exactly!
I am also dying her new chenille pieces...often times I feel as if liane has an inside track to exactly what I would want...a bit eerie....
xo...mrs. french
I heart Monday.
I think my blogs new "outfit" may have inspired me further...along with some of my dearest blogging friends...xo mrs. french....
I heart this love song (thank you sweetest jane)....listen to it as you browse, so much more fun....
I heart this dress.
I heart these satin sandals.
I heart this cushion.
I heart this bag.
I heart this beret.
I heart this photograph (via dear, dear melissa).
I heart these sheets.
Friday, February 6, 2009
olio united and some of my favorites
As I was sitting down to post this a question kept popping up in my noggin..."what if it's all gone? what if I can't get there and it's all gone?". Then the selfish, silly me was overtaken by the kinder, generous me...so I had to share. Tomorrow evening Olio United is hosting a show featuring some of my favorite artists (and I just know yours too): Betsy Walton, Yellena James, Joanna Bean, and Kim Oahn Nguyen. Each artist will be featuring various prints of their work...however there is a glorious twist! The artists are partnering with a Portland company, Plywerk, to create display-ready works of art mounted on sustainable wood or bamboo mounting...no need for framing...
I understand that my friends at bliss are not all from Portland, but not to worry...starting on Monday pieces will be available online (if I don't snatch them all up this weekend)...
xo mrs. french
p.s.
thank you becki for the heads up!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
blissful sponsor: blue moss
I love adjectives...here on bliss I use them often....lovely, magical, perfect....just to name a few. However, my favorite adjective of all time is "pretty." It is, perhaps, the most flattering compliment I can muster in the land of mrs. french and bliss...
Which brings me to blue moss. I have been an admirer since the beginning of this blissful journey. Michelle's pieces are wearable treasures...meant to be loved and cherished. The kind of thing heirlooms are made of...I am so delighted to be tied to blue moss...tied in ribbons, chains, and lovely vintage bits...
Oh and I forgot...each piece that the talented Michelle creates is just so "pretty"...the prettiest actually...xo mrs. french
old suitcases
I like old suitcases. I love how they conjure up the most wonderful daydreams...feelings of adventure, lovely destinations and a type of secret hope. Escaping from the everyday to someplace better...nowhere in particular. I think half the fun is the unknown, for some reason by tying a destination to those suitcases takes some of the magic away...when I look at these photographs I definitely think of a better place...
xo mrs. french
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
j.crew's chiffon
I am loving J.Crew's...
...chiffon interpretation this spring. Feminine, soft, flouncy, pretty...just like it's supposed to be.
xo mrs. french
Queen Anne's lace and the talented Alyson
I have had a bit of a thing for Queen Anne's lace lately. Much like my beloved hydrangea, I find it lovely all year long. I recently found a patch near my house and have revisited it quite a few times...
...this particular patch and these photos have inspired a new outfit for my bliss. Of course, the only one fit for such a task is Ms. Alyson of the amazing 70 & sunny...I told her "Queen Anne's Lace and script please..." and she interpreted it just the right way...thank you Alyson, I couldn't be happier...
xo
Mrs. French
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
blissful sponsor: le papier studio
I am so happy to introduce my first sponsor....le papier studio. I have had a love affair with sweet Vana's silhouette work forever. Her custom work is particularly perfect...every piece she touches is truly special...made with a personal touch and unparalleled thoughtfulness...I know you will love her too...
Her blog is also a favorite of mine...I cannot tell you how often our lives seem to parallel...especially regarding her sweet Niko and my little B...I so desperately want our boys to meet. Until then the tiny glimpse into her life is perfectly lovely.
psst...I adore her Valentine's Day masterpieces as well...I may have to nudge Mr. French in that direction...
....xo mrs. french
barbara munsel
These make me feel like floating...my dear friend, Tyler introduced me to what I will be dreaming of tonight. The work of Barbara Munsel is exquisite in every sense of the word. I believe that if fairies existed she would be their personal clothing designer....
Monday, February 2, 2009
blissful sponsors
I am happy to say that blissful readership is at an all time high...I can't believe how much my little bliss has grown since this past March. I had always thought that if I got to a certain point I would seek out sponsors...that point has long been surpassed and I have started accepting sponsors! I must say I am overwhelmed with the initial response and could not love my current sponsors anymore...we have watched one another grow....I love that we are now collaborating.
I am still accepting a few more...if you feel as if you have a business or product that meshes well with bliss please contact me. I believe my rates are quite reasonable and would have absolutely no problem sharing my current stats with you...
I will be introducing each and every one of my blissful sponsors...if you don't already know them you are in for such a treat...in the meantime click the links to the right and take in the loveliness xo mrs. french
psst...don't forget the "I heart Monday" post below....
I heart Monday.
happy, happy Monday dears...this one is inspired by my favorite holiday....
I heart this swing.
I heart these "tangled balloons."
I heart this "frill dress."
I heart these shoes.
I heart these cherries.
I heart this trench.
I heart this table.
I heart this "ruffle panty."
I heart this light.
I heart these pigeons.
I heart this "moth lantern."
I heart this floor cushion.
I heart this blouse.
I heart this "berry."
I heart these T straps.
I heart this fabric.
....xo mrs. french
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
