Tag Archives: Little Maison

Blogger Fashion with IFB

Last week I had the pleasure of attending my first IFB fashion show!  While Little Maison is not a true blue fashion blog, I do display my badge proudly and feature my favorite fashion picks from time to time.

Co-hosted by the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) and Intel, the fashion show featured 15 blogger models; one of which was my friend Christine of NYCPretty.   I will post more of the runway show soon, but first wanted to share my favorite fashion from the audience packed with fellow bloggers.  Have a fashionable day!

by Mandy Posted on April 16, 2012
Posted in Event, Fashion, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Read All About It

Recently, I was asked by the lovely Kerrie More to do a Q&A on The Art of Reading. I was honored and excited to share some of my favorite books with her readers. Please stop in HERE to see the post. For those who are book lovers like me, you’ll find yourself returning to her blog quite often!

If you’re looking for a good book to read this weekend, check out my post HERE about Karen Wheeler. I am currently reading her third book, Tout Soul.

Happy Reading!

by Mandy Posted on April 13, 2012
Posted in Book Recommendation, Press | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Antique Town: Jim Thorpe

On a quiet Saturday a few weeks ago, I spent the afternoon in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.  You might remember my store tour of Shabby Foo Foo;  it was just one of the quaint shops we stumbled into.  The town was just waking up from a sleepy Winter, but it left the antique shops uncrowded and easy to enjoy.

The photo above is of the “east side of Jim Thorpe”, as I learned from one of my helpful readers!  The sunset was casting such a glow on the town, I literally took the photo through the trees.  Check out some of my favorite photos of Jim Thorpe below, the architecture alone will steal your heart.The shop I loved the most was Trappe Alley Ltd., a used bookstore filled to the brim with beautiful books and trinkets. (see below)  The shop owner told us that his family had been in the the town for centuries and his relatives were coal miners.  He definitely had an appreciation for ‘good old stuff’ and the books, they were endless!

I can’t wait to stop by this little town again when the greenery returns to the trees.  I am sure it’ll be picture perfect!

by Mandy Posted on April 9, 2012
Posted in Antique Town, Architecture, Gifts, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Pink Boudoir

Today I am feeling a bit girly!  I found some outstanding Etsy items that would make for a perfect pink boudoir.  If only I could get George (my boyfriend) to fall in love with pink.  A girl can dream, right?  

Click on the shop name to see more about each lovely product.  Shop a little, you deserve it!

Above:  1943 stand up mirror at The Vintage Tree House ($59), Pale pink 1950′s pumps at Ginger Root Vintage ($45) and the pale pink rotary phone at Free Range Goat ($29)

Below: Decorative tin by Rebekah Makes ($20), Lace Slip in pink at In With The Old ($18) and Vintage floral oil painting on canvas at Harrietts Hallway ($25)

by Mandy Posted on April 6, 2012
Posted in Etsy Find, Fashion, Home Decor, Home Design, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Blog Artistique: JoliCassoulet

"Loves me, loves me not, loves me, loves me not… Loves me !
I knew it anyways."

If you are looking for a witty french blog infused with fashion and art, look no further than JoliCassoulet.

The lovely Laure and Claire teamed up to share their creations weekly on JoliCassoulet, which quite honestly, makes me smile.  Their aesthetic for fashion is superb and showcased regularly with their collage illustrations.   The witty French quotes are translated into English but the French handwriting makes each piece even more chic.  J’adore JoliCassoulet!

Names: Laure and Claire
Occupation: Sorbonne University Students
Hometown & Current City of Residence:  Paris, France

- Darling, what are you thinking about?
-Peace on earth…

How would you describe your work?     Illustrations of elegant, slightly brainless and extremely frivolous girls.  JoliCassoulet captures their profound and philosophical discussions on manicures, fashion trends and men.  Because whether we like to admit it or not, we’ve all shared their thoughts at one point or another!

We try to render their Parisian spirit with a touch of humor, class and eroticism.

These are not meant to be taken too seriously of course, just to enlighten your day.  All we need to do this are pens that we both use in different ways:  Laure writes, Claire draws, and here comes JoliCassoulet!

"Do you think it’s a sign God might be testing me? He’s small, unattractive and completely broke…and yet I’m falling for him."

What is your favorite place in Paris?:   Saint-Germain-des-Près.  Sipping red wine at “La Palette“.

Name your top three current obsessions:

  1. Mixing prints.  New trend this summer that we find very inspiring.
  1. LEBANON:  Love everything about the country: the amazing landscapes and historical sites, the hybrid and chaotic atmosphere in Beirut, the nightlife at Skybar and B018.
  1. Don Draper:  Do we need to explain why … ?  We’re so excited for Season 5!
"Was he looking at my legs or my poodle? We have talked about this Kiki, I love you but you are not allowed to outshine me."

We asked Claire from JoliCassolet- What is your favorite spot in your Little Maison:  My wardrobe.  But recently it has become Patrick’s favorite spot.  We share a common interest for fashion – he is the brains behind each outfit I put together.

Check out how cozy Patrick looks below and don’t forget to stop by the blog HERE and LIKE JoliCassoulet HERE on facebook.

All Artwork © 2012 JoliCassoulet

by Mandy Posted on April 4, 2012
Posted in Art, Fashion, French Things | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Brooklyn Bunnies

After massacring an EMVI chocolate bunny one day, I became intrigued with the company.   I discovered EMVI was a family owned and operated business in Brooklyn, just minutes from my apartment.  I fell in love with their delicious creations and I just had to share a selection of their Easter favorites! These sweet treats are modern day Easter candy for both adults and children alike.  With pristine clear packaging and a gold stamped logo, it’s a almost too pretty to open.   I can’t wait to order some of their “everyday chocolate” for my friend’s children.  The elephant and the girl mouse are my personal favorites.

Be sure to shop for your favorites HERE and visit their facebook page HERE. 

Now that’s one cool Brooklyn Bunny! 

Stop by and check out EMVI HERE.

by Mandy Posted on April 3, 2012
Posted in Food, Gifts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Pretty Little Wedding Things

Every day last week I had something wedding related to attend to!  As some of you may know, I got engaged a few weeks back and in the midst of venue research, my best friend and I attended the New York Weddings Event for inspiration.  The goodie bag alone was worth the trip but I knew I had to share some of the pretty little things from the show too!

Above, the bride & groom birdies is from my favorite booth, BHLDN.  This vintage inspired company’s overall aesthetic is so on point for me, I fell in love with everything!  The photo collage below is also from their booth – the shoe on the jadeite plate is a perfect vintage chic display.  Be sure look HERE for even more lovely things by BHLDN.

One of the most talked about booths of the show was Confetti System.  This unique paper decor element would add life and color to any event.  They had their work displayed in the entrance way, which made for a spectacular first impression.  Check out a few photos below and be sure to look at their website HERE.   I am fond of their Crystal Pinata (featured below in silver) that is filled with sparkling confetti.

One of the main sponsors (with the largest square footage) was Ann Taylor Weddings & Events.  The photo on left below shows off some of their glitzy accessories and to the right is a display by The Works Catering.  They work at many venues in NYC but mostly their own, Housing Works Bookstore in Soho.  I love the fact that they are a non-profit benefiting those who have and are affected by HIV/AIDS.

What wedding event would be complete without flowers and dresses!  The floral event sponsor, MaganaFloral Design decked out the space with pretty displays like the one below.  Two of my favorite dresses on the floor were by The White Gown (left) and the infamous, Kleinfeld Bridal (right).  Although I haven’t even begun to think about the style of the dress I’d like, they were too pretty not to be showcased.

As I mentioned last week, I love proper millinery designs and Suzanne Couture Millinery did not disappoint (below left).  The ladies at their booth were so warm and welcoming, I will definitely check out their shop on the Upper East Side.

There were plenty of sweet treats to be had but the cutest and tastiest samples were from Cake Alchemy. My friend Lisa highly recommends their red velvet!  Of course, we washed it down with a much needed glass of champagne at the bar.  We admired the chandelier by Taylor Creative for a few moments before starting a second lap around the event.

Need even more Wedding inspiration? 

Check out my past posts HERE and HERE.

by Mandy Posted on April 2, 2012
Posted in Event, Fashion, Weddings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Inspiring Artist: Jen Schultz

While checking in on fellow WordPress bloggers, I bumped into the lovely illustration blog,  One Happy Little Mama by Jen Schultz.  I was immediately drawn to her whimsical illustrations and I couldn’t be more pleased that she agreed to a Q & A.  I am most impressed with her ability to manage a blog, create beautiful drawings, work and be a mommy!  In one word I’d call that:  impressive.

To celebrate the Q&A Jen has graciously offered 30% off with code CHIRP05 in her new Etsy shop HERE.  Go support her!

Also, be sure to follow her blog HERE to witness dreamy creations in the making.

Hometown:   The Deep South
Current City of Residence: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Administrative Assistant by day, mommy, wife and artist by night

Tell us about yourself and where you draw inspiration from.
I’m a happy mama of 2 awesome children who are my world! I find the most joy in spending time with them.“We never know the love of our parents for us till we have become parents.”  Henry Ward Beecher

I am a big fan of quotes. I’m always searching for inspiration in a quote that I can relate to, depending on what situation I am facing on any given day.  Sometimes I’ll have thoughts or worries churning in my head, and I’ll find that one quote that sums it all up for me. And, that’s usually the catalyst for an initial sketch and it just blooms from there.

What is your favorite piece you’ve made recently and why?
‘God is Good’, (above) because I love the message in the Emerson quote, “The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from the danger, but deliverance from fear.”

In this illustration, my little lady is moving forward, confidently, with that dark, stormy cloud behind her.  She knows who is in control, ultimately, and understands the calm that results in being fearless.  It’s not always the easiest advice to follow but, at least for me, it makes perfect sense and helps to set me at ease if I’m facing worry or anxiety in life.

How do you fit art in your everyday life?
Hmm.  This can be a challenge!  Being a working mom, it’s not always easy but I’m pretty crafty at finding all sorts of opportunities during the day to squeeze in a sketch (including while in my car, during lunch hour).  Free time is free time, right?  I’ll take it!

What is one reoccurring theme in your artwork?
I suppose I’ve never really stopped to consider this, before.  But, it seems I’m definitely drawn to my whimsical little ladies who offer up some pretty solid advice for me and, I hope, anyone who views them.  I get a real sense of contentment from my process of having the initial thoughts or feelings about a situation in my life and then putting those feelings to paper through my art, for others to enjoy.

I’ve also illustrated a few critters! I’m a big animal lover, especially birds. Usually, when I draw one of my animals, it’s because something about their shape or color caught my eye and stirred something in me to have a go at my interpretation.

Below, Jen shared a photo of her favorite spot in her Little Maison:  her back porch.   She said it is the best place in the house to watch her children play and the birdies buzz by!  Thanks for sharing Jen!

Don’t forget to stop in for 30% off   with code CHIRP05 in her new Etsy shop HERE and follow her blog HERE

All artwork and photographs are © 2012 One Happy Little Mama
All copyright and reproduction rights are retained by the artist. Artwork may not be reproduced
by any process without the express written permission of the artist.
by Mandy Posted on March 30, 2012
Posted in Art, Etsy Find, Gifts, Home Decor | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Traveling Blues

I wrote  a guest blog post today for the lovely online boutique, Frock Stock!

In celebration, they are offering my readers a 15% discount until March 31, 2012.  Stop in their shop HERE and use code LILMAISN to get the discount. Enjoy my guest post below and happy shopping!

Whenever I return home from a vacation I get the traveling blues; happy to have gone away, but sad that it’s over!  I reminisce fondly of blue skies and fresh air to keep the feeling of vacation alive.

This past September my boyfriend and I set out on a mini road trip through Portland (Oregon) and Northern California.  It was a trip filled with my favorite combination of nature and city.  I captured the sights along the way and have paired them up with a few of Frock Stock’s Spring finds below.  I hope this inspires you to set out on your own adventure and keep those traveling blues away!

Featured above is the breathtaking Ocean Beach in San Francisco.  The air is so crisp, can’t you just see this polka dot scarf blowing in the breeze!

Below, we stopped in Sausalito, California to enjoy the view of San Francisco from the water’s edge.  This little sun dress is perfect for a stroll along the bay.

This photo below was taken as we rolled by on the streetcar in San Francisco.  This breezy top is ready for running errands around town.  

Below, bright doorways on the small streets of Portland Oregon were picture perfect.  I can just see this gathered skirt with flats walking through the city. (above)
Finally below, what California trip would be complete without a little wine!  The wineries in Sonoma were superb.  This peplum dress can go from day to night with ease.

Don’t forget to check out their shop HERE and use code LILMAISN to get the 15% discount up until 3/31/12

by Mandy Posted on March 28, 2012
Posted in Fashion, Photography, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Millinery Magic

When I was ten years old my grandmother was knee deep in a bridal veil business she started from scratch.  With no formal millinery or artistic training she hand crafted bridal veils with plastic pearls, a glue gun and love.  I am not even sure she made money but she was obsessed with creating the right piece for the bride to be.

My grandmother was married at seventeen and wore a pillbox hat.  Her wedding photo hung in her house despite being remarried and decades later it hangs in my bedroom.  Thanks to my grandmother,  I equate beautiful bridal headpieces with pillbox hats.  Perhaps it’s the fact that I am newly engaged or my love for vintage inspired fashion but I am smitten with the millinery beauties by Preston & Olivia.

I am sharing a few favorites below but be sure to visit the Preston & Olivia Etsy shop HERE  and their website HERE for the full collection.  You’ll find authentic magic in their work, I promise.

Can I wear navy as a bride?  It’s too perfect not to be considered!

Don’t forget to visit the Preston & Olivia Etsy shop HERE 

and the full Preston & Olivia website HERE

by Mandy Posted on March 26, 2012
Posted in Etsy Find, Fashion, Weddings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Weekend Street Art

Long Island City (Queens), New York

Art can be found everywhere.  I am particularly drawn to art that pops up in unexpected places.  This beauty above made an appearance in my neighborhood over a month ago.  On further inspection, it is paper applied with an adhesive to the brick wall.  It’s simply brilliant and makes me smile daily as I travel to and from the subway.

Paris was filled with street art and murals.  One of my favorites was found on a small street in Montmartre while my friend Annette and I visited Sacre Coeur.  I’d love to know if it is still there.

If you enjoyed this post, please LIKE me on facebook and FOLLOW me on twitter.  Much more to come!

Found in Montmartre - Paris, France

For more artistic inspiration check out my past post HERE about Artist, Jessica Durrant.  She’s fabulous!

by Mandy Posted on March 24, 2012
Posted in Art, French Things, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Modern Vintage Interiors

French, vintage, modern interiors – YES, please! 

On my weekly walk through Barnes and Noble I picked up this new book by Sebastien Siraudeau;  French Flair:  Modern Vintage Interiors.  At a staggering 736 pages, this beauty is more like an encyclopedia and needs to be enjoyed over the course of an afternoon with a warm cup of tea.

Enjoy a few snippets from the book below and stop in at Amazon HERE for your very own copy.  It’s tres chic!

Want more French Inspiration? 

Check out my Q&A with Karen Wheeler, author of Tout Soul HERE

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by Mandy Posted on March 23, 2012
Posted in Book Recommendation, Book Review, French Things, Gifts, Home Decor, Home Design, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments