WINDOW SHOPPING
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WINDOW SHOPPING
French Fancy
f the idea of strolling down Avenue des Champs-Élysées, admiring the Seine from the Pont Alexandre III bridge, climbing to the top
of the Eiffel Tower or simply indulging in a croissant or two at a patisserie is your dream come true, why not declare your love
for Paris with a shopping spree? Inspired by the delightful Bonjour De Paris! wallhanging designed by Véronique Diligent
(see page 40), we scoured the countryside to bring you a variety of French-style gifts. Adieu!
1. Create a spectacular table centrepiece with this eye-catching glass cloche from Ruby and Rose Interiors. Created
by Fringe Studio, this amazing glass homeware piece has been decorated with a vintage image, then kiln fired
to protect the design. So pop a candle inside to add a romantic ambience to your home or a small potted herb
or flower for a botanical touch.
2. Who says practical can’t be stylish? This colourful vinyl shopping bag from French Affair is not only easy to
clean but it’s oh-so-roomy, too. It’s the perfect size for carrying your groceries in the supermarket, transferring
towels, sunblock and more to the beach or simply for holding all your essentials while indulging in a
shopping spree at your local craft store.
3. When you have a yearning for a glass of French champagne, hop on the phone (or go online) to Champagne
Gallery and order a bottle, or two, of Duval-Leroy Brut. With delicious candied berry flavours, along with
a creamy texture, this mouth-watering champagne was awarded 91 points by Wine Spectator.
4. If you’re gifting a bunch of flowers, a bottle of champers or even a stylishly wrapped present, add
one of these classy gift tags for that extra finishing touch. With four designs to choose from (each
of them comes with string too), they are available from Little Nest situated in the delightful
town of Albury, NSW.
5. Be the envy of your fellow pedestrians when you stroll the streets of your home town with this
chic French boutique umbrella. The Guy de Jean handmade umbrella, available from The French
Shoppe, is delicately crafted from the finest materials, giving you both UV and rain protection.
6. Delight someone special with a fashionable piece of jewellery from eCasa, a tranquil store found
in the quaint Victorian town of Daylesford. The charm necklace showcases a selection of vintagestyle Parisian images captured within glass cabochons. Also available in a bracelet, this trendy
trinket is truly unique.
7. Absolutely French is filled to the brim with gorgeous gifts, including these beautifully presented
Fragonard perfumed soaps. The four pebble soaps, in fragrances of rose, freesia, verbena and lavender,
are nestled in a beautiful box adorned with Parisian landmarks.
8. Dream about taking a trip to the “city of love” while indulging in a cuppa straight from this à la mode tea stack.
Distributed by J Style, this distinctive 330ml teapot includes a fine-mesh stainless-steel infuser and a cute
cup. It’s practical and pleasing to the eye.
9. If a French-inspired soirée is on the calendar, make sure you feature this sophisticated cupcake kit from
Pepe’s Paperie in the celebrations. The kit includes 24 colourful cupcake cases, as well as 24 cupcake
toppers in four gorgeous designs including the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.
10. Add some French flair to your living room with this classy lamp from the wonderful team at Blue Illusion.
Standing 60cm tall, this stylish piece features a wooden base shaped like the Eiffel Tower and has a
script-printed shade. Team it with a set of sophisticated iconic book ends to achieve a true Parisian
flavour in your home.
11. These fabulous magnets, reproduced from a vintage 1920s Parisian map, capture the spirit of one of
the world’s most beloved cities. Functional and educational, the magnets come in a box of 24 and are
available from the Sydney store of Le Grenier.
12. You’ll love spending time in the kitchen when you have these divine Michel Design Works homewares
by your side. The handmade wooden tray features timeless decoupage art, gold edging and non-slip
feet, while the bold, natural-woven cotton teatowel, with its attention-grabbing natural-history print, is
certainly impressive. Distributed by Villa Mondo.
13. The French Barn stocks a sublime range of superb children’s toys, linen, stationery and homewares,
including this divine Fringe Studio candle. With its fresh citrus scent, the candle, packaged in an elegant
glass jar adorned with a French postcard design, will surely inject a little romance into your life.
14. They say that all great things come in small packages, and this has never been truer than with this
exquisite cut-paper souvenir from Walker Books Australia. This stunning memento features 12 of Paris’
most famous sites including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-dame de Paris, Musée du Louvre, Moulin Rouge, the
Tuileries Gardens and more. Fully extended, the cityscape measures 150cm long.
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Stockists
Companies marked * are wholesalers and will direct you to your nearest retail stockist.
Absolutely French Ph: 1300 552 530, website: www.absolutelyfrench.com.au
Blue Illusion Ph: 1800 208 209, website: www.blueillusion.com.au
Champagne Gallery Ph: 1300 366 906, website: www.champagnegallery.com.au
eCasa Ph: (03) 5348 1802, website: http://ecasadaylesford.com.au
French Affair Ph: 0408 879 957, website: www.frenchaffair.com.au
J Style* Ph: (02) 4225 8811, website: www.jstyle.com.au
Le Grenier Ph: 0412 446 696, website: www.legrenier.com.au
Little Nest Ph: 0428 211 691, website: www.littlenestalbury.com.au
Pepe’s Paperie Ph: (02) 6162 4448 or (02) 6162 3586, website: www.pepespaperie.com.au
Ruby & Rose Interiors Ph: (07) 5442 9566, website: www.rubyandroseinteriors.com.au
The French Barn Ph: 0419 389 400, website: www.thefrenchbarn.com.au
The French Shoppe Ph: (02) 4784 2383, website: www.thefrenchshoppe.com.au
Villa Mondo* Ph: 1300 555 150, website: www.villamondo.com
Walker Books Australia* Ph: (02) 9517 9577, website: www.walkerbooks.com.au
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