Blue Monday

I had an amazing time in Paris but it was much too short so I am already planning another trip this fall. I can't wait to spend more time exploring new parts of my favorite city.  The highlight of this trip was finding the twice a year brocante around the rue de Bretagna in the Marais.  I have lots of pictures to post soon but until then, I'm posting a few photos from the old apartment of Jacques Dehornois who I imagine also spent many a day shopping the brocantes and puces of Paris. I don't know much about it except that it was photographed by Francois Halard and featured years ago in House & Garden.  Speaking of Francois Halard, he has a wonderful feature in the latest Apartmento magazine which I was alerted to by Wayne Pate who was also in Paris this weekend.  Definitely pick it up. 

Christie's Arbiter of Style

Christie's auction house was kind enough to as me to be their Arbiter of Style this month.  I chose my favorite pieces from the upcoming Interiors Sale, taking place June 18 and 19 in New York, including this gorgeous painting Anemones with Red Cloth above by artist Nell Blaine. I also answered some fun questions you can read here. I've learned so much from attending auction previews over the years that I highly recommend stopping by even if you think you can't afford anything.  And who knows, you might just get lucky and find something great! Thanks again Christie's! 

Modern Mix in Madrid

I had to buy the December 2011 issue of Nuevo Estilo on Zinio to find out who designed this room.  Turns out it is antique dealer Alfonso Icaza who owns Bakelita in Madrid, Spain. In addition to fashion designers, I think antique dealers have the best homes.  They are so great at mixing pieces that probably passed through their shops and will probably pass through again on their way to someone else.  This is another great example of how Neoclassical pieces can coexist with modern art and furniture. The article is in Spanish and Google Translate is only so good but it sounds like Alfonso specializes in vintage pieces from the 1940's to the 1970's. If you have deep pockets, you can also check out his inventory on 1stdibs. I feel like I should move up a trip to Madrid after all these great spaces from Nuevo Estilo.  But first I need some Spanish lessons. You can read the entire article here. 

Photos from here. 

Chic in NY: Paula Rubenstein Ltd.

Before you head over to Circolo on Bond Street, make sure you stop into Paula Rubenstein's new venue.  You may remember her old legendary shop on Prince Street. It was so jammed packed with treasures that I thought I was going to break something every time I entered.  When the landlord tripled her rent, she quietly disappeared last year but turned up on my favorite street not long after which could not have made me happier. Now there is more for all her antiques and to stand back to see everything.  Her fabric fanatics will rejoice at the new organized shelves and you should run, not walk, to check out the bookshelves.  As I told her, everything happens for a reason, and in this case, for once a rent hike turned out to be a good thing.  

Paula Rubenstein Ltd. 

21 Bond Street

off Lafayette

New York, NY 10012

212-966-8954

Monday - Saturday

12 -6

If you look closely, she has a copy of Grace Coddington's highly collectible and hard to find first book for sale.  It's $1200 if you are interested. 

I LOVE the paint drips on the sides of this table that I was told might have been used to print wallpaper. 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic