News: Take Me Away

Wonderful new discoveries to come.

It is with great excitement that I share some wonderful news! Beginning next week, I will be writing a brand new weekly feature, entitled {take me a way}, for the the award-winning and ever-inspiring blog, {this is glamorous}! The posts will encompass travel, and will feature a variety of things such as: what to pack for Paris, where to shop while in London, places to dine in Rome, and much more. I am thrilled to be joining Laily as a contributor to this beautiful, internationally adored blog, and hope that you will follow along with our adventures as well!

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." —Henry Miller
Until next week—I wish you a relaxing and fun weekend ahead...

Images: fashion, Elle magazine, by Zoltan Tombar, via ru_glamour | luggage image by geishboy500 | travel images by Ceila Lee | Quote: link

Interior: A Royal Bath

An exquisite restoration.

These special and incredible bathrooms were originally designed for King George VI, (recently portrayed in The King's Speech) and his wife Elizabeth, for their stay in the palace during an official visit back in 1938. Indeed, they are located in the Quai d'Orsay, in the building that houses the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris. The inspiration for the design of these rooms was Apollo, god of sun, and Diana, goddess of the moon—and in reflection of such, as you see, the King's has been outfitted in gold, and the Queen's, in silver...

For the occasion of the King and Queen's arrival, one-thousand workmen and 37 companies were hired to complete the restoration, bathrooms included. And it was only more recently (in 2003) that the two rooms you see were restored yet again, so that they might be appreciated. In fact, the bathrooms are open to the public just once a year, for European Heritage Days—most recently, from September 17-18, just days ago! Click here for a few additional captures.

Images: The World of Interiors, May 2011, by: Adrien Dirand

Inspiration: Subways

Enjoy this film above—sent to me from my friend, Caroline. It circles around the idea of surprise and "that moment when you emerge from the Paris subway and find yourself in a new and sometimes unexpected world. This series has been shown all over the world and was recently featured in a full page write-up in the The Atlantic. The Sub City series explores the wonder in the humble experience of exiting the subway through dreamy slow motion and elegant steadicam cinematography." – The Atlantic

Images: Le Château Fall 2011 Campaign by Max Abadian via fgr | Film & Quote: Redglass Pictures, video link

Weekly Finds № 11

From biking in Autumn to delicious fresh fruit.

Welcome to a fresh, new week! Autumn is in full swing here, which was felt especially when riding my bike yesterday afternoon. I was nearly blown away by the winds and swept into the leaves! Though I must admit, it is actually quite refreshing. How do you prefer to exercise come Autumn?

01 Claudie Pierlot updated their site with new pieces for Autumn/Winter (♥ that first coat!)

02 A lovely blog (and photography) by my talented second cousin, Persis, living in Germany

03 Laily interviewed the incredible India Hicks for Favorite Five on {this is glamorous}

04 Leslie, of A Creative Mint, visited with Rachel Ashwell at her California home (+ pictures)

05 Shannon showcased pretty inspiration for lining bottles up all in a row

06 Renee, of Under Spanish Moss, shared reflections of her Birthday and a year gone by

07 Faire Frou Frou is selling Jenny Packham silk crepe wrap robes—pure luxury

08 Natalia, of Fashioned by Love, featured a favorite, elegant dress by Bastyan

09 A new favorite Tumblr: Oliver & Lilly's (which also happens to be my favorite shop)

10 And lastly, some exciting news: I was interviewed for Filler Magazine!

Images: Fashion via Claudie Pierlot | Architecture & Fruit by Persis Klassen

Hotel: Neri

A Medieval Palace in Barcelona, Spain.

According to TripAdvisor, and those who have left comments about their stay, it was first and foremost the location that struck them. Hotel Neri is set in a beautiful, central old town, away from the craziness of other areas in Barcelona, surrounded by history, museums, art and culture. Many commented on how they appreciated the attentive staff, a few mentioning that this boutique hotel is purely the antithesis of a large hotel. A number of people, if not all, enjoyed the old surroundings, combined with convenient, modern amenities. Above all, though, it seems that the personality throughout the hotel made their stay extra special and memorable. Take a tour with me...

A little amusing history from their website: "The hotel was built by joining two buildings, a magnificent Medieval palace and a stone building that was partially destroyed during the Civil War and renovated in 1958 by Adolf Florensa, with a stunning façade looking onto the Plaza Sant Felip Neri and a 12th century stone wall, perfectly visible today, separating the restaurant area from the lounge bar. During the renovation of the hotel, under the two buildings, a Roman site was found, which was documented by a team of archaeologists, and remains of Phoenician ceramics which were handed over to National Heritage."

+ additional information and images if you would like to learn more.

Neri Hotel offers 22 exclusive rooms, a solarium, library, a beautiful, accommodating restaurant, and much more for their guests. Pure luxury and elegance creates a lovely ambiance that combines "warm colours, pleasant textures, relaxing music, enveloping aromas and unmistakable flavours." Truly Hotel Neri is nothing short of magical—a place in which to relax, to dream, to explore, to remember...

Images & Quotes: via Hotel Neri