Ready or Not

I admit it, I really dislike "decking the halls" the day after Halloween! And although the retail powers-that-be say you must, I've more or less rebelled for the four years we've been in business, choosing to add my merry touches closer to December 1st.


This year in an attempt to be less stubborn I have already begun to transform our shop with the help of some dear friends! We've draped and hung and added sparkle and twinkle, unpacked ornaments and great gifts for giving, and there's more to come. Every week a new box of fun arrives, and at least as often we finish up a piece of our own and find the perfect spot for it in our showrooms.




I'll probably never get completely used to a Phoenix Christmas -- not after a whole childhood spent in snowy Colorado -- but temperatures in the 50's kind of helps. Bring on the peppermint mocha lattes and the Charlie Brown Christmas cd!

toujours,
laurie

The Beautiful Big Apple!

This past August my mom and I traveled to NYC to attend the gift/home show at the Javitz center and, of course, see the city! My mom had never been before, so it was extra exciting for me to play tour guide. (Ok, amateur tour guide, who am I kidding?! It was only my second time.)
The weather was a bit muggy but honestly we didn't mind -- we were just so happy to be there.

We stayed on the Upper West Side, just blocks from Central Park, in such a charming area; cafes and shops and tree-lined streets, corner markets where we bought wine and cheese and crackers to take back to our room. On the fifteenth floor was a terrace overlooking the neighborhood -- we'd set up our little picnic and watch the sun fade into the twinkling lights of the city after dark. Pure magic!

I thoroughly enjoyed the gift show for ideas and new products but I felt that I got the best inspiration from the city itself, walking, peering into store windows, happening upon little parks.
A few photos from our trip...


*View of Manhattan skyline from the Staten Island Ferry


* Peering into Gramercy Park, a private gated oasis. Residents are given a key, and the rest of us have to enjoy the beauty from outside!

*Gorgeous stone facade of an apartment building in Gramercy. We wandered by on our way to ABC Carpet & Home, my favorite store in New York.

I'll share more of my NYC discoveries in future posts, and 'til then,
toujours,
laurie

A Change in the Air...

A new month. A new season. Finally some tangible evidence that decent weather exists here in our valley! I've always thought of November as some think of January 1st -- a time to take stock of present circumstances and plan for the future. Hot, stagnant summer is behind us, and cooler air clears the mind. I feel more creative and more optimistic almost immediately!

We at Paris Envy are making a few changes here and there. A little embellishment to our blog and a few personal observations and tidbits added to our usual photos of the shop. We're glad to be part of the continuing renewal of central and downtown Phoenix, to be local business owners in the midst of so many corporate giants, and we want to celebrate the various places that make life here that much more enjoyable!

Many thanks to our loyal customers who love what we do! We look forward to seeing you and we welcome your comments here.

toujours (always),
laurie

This Just In

New around the shop:

zinc-topped buffets and cabinets
all hand made and one of a kind
beautiful and functional

































Industrial-style lighting
created from iron, glass
and ingenuity







Remember Paris Envy
when you've got to have
that something special
A statement piece
that will be with you for
a lifetime
Hand-crafted works of art
that all can afford

Change of Seasons

Summer vacations are over. School's back in session. And yet the temperatures soar. Welcome to September in Phoenix!
But we can't help getting just a bit excited over new pieces we've designed and built, new gifts and accessories we've scouted out and ordered, and the countdown to cooler nights and (eventually!) cooler days. Hope to see you soon!

From Top:

**Hand-crafted iron console table with poured concrete top, adorned with handmade "Paris" wooden clocks**



**Hand-crafted iron and travertine etagere**





**King-size headboard hand-crafted of iron and hardwood**

Summer Break

We will be taking une petite break, just a little time to escape the heat and search for inspiration.
Please stop in to see us when we return!

Paris Envy will be closed July 10 ~ July 26 and will re-open Wednesday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m.

Bon Vacances! (wishes for a happy vacation!)

Summer is descending upon us whether we like it or not. Do pay us a visit in between your grand adventures!
We'll be here (with lots of cool air!)

Paris Envy summer hours:
Wednesday through Saturday - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday through Tuesday