Charlotte Moss Travel Accessories

Pagoda ZipLoc Travel Bags (25) - $25.00 & " Mine" Luggage Tag - $25.00

Set of Three Mini books - $85.00 & Lucite Tote - $220

Even though the Charlotte Moss townhouse has closed its doors, I am pleased to report the website is still in full swing and selling new goodies. You can count on Ms. Moss to have stylish travel accessories. After all, there is no reason why even the most mundane items can't be pretty!

Breeze through security with your toiletries secure in her pagoda patterned pouches, or spot your luggage on the carousel with her faux croc. "mine" luggage tag. If you're like me and want to keep track of all the cool new haunts you discover on your adventures, these mini notebooks could come in handy.

Last but not least, it would be a cinch to spot your passport in this see through lucite tote. Although, then you might have to splurge on a fancy passport cover because everyone else will be seeing it too!

I Love Paris in the Spring Time...

Happy New Year! I already know 2009 will be a better year than 2008 because I am going to Paris in March! My lovely husband has given me a Christmas gift of a week in Paris and of course I am already planning our itinerary and brushing up on my very remedial French.

After searching endlessly for a non flea ridden reasonably priced hotel, I have settled on the Hotel Sainte Beuve, a boutique hotel situated on a quiet street on the left bank just a few blocks from the Luxembourg gardens.


The hotel lobby was designed by the late legendary designer David Hicks with rooms that look minimally stylish. As an added bonus, they have a real fireplace, which given the Paris weather, might be in operation in March. I came to my final decision to book the hotel based on the fact that they are recommended by Chic Retreats. Having stayed in other hotels listed on their website, I feel I can trust their judgement.


Also in the final running was the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais, a boutique hotel located in the Marais district with a very reasonable price (140 euros a night). The decor is definitely on the feminine side and may be better suited to a girls' getaway, but Caron de Beaumarchais is the place to stay if you are looking for your Marie Antoinette fix. I figure I'll just get that at Laduree and Versaille instead.

Debrett's Guide for the Modern Gentleman

I recently bought Debrett's Guide For the Modern Gentleman as research for a project I'm working on, but discovered that it would be a great holiday gift for the guy with fine taste, or the anglophile. It's filled with very practical information such as: what you need to know when buying a suit or having one made, what every guy should have for a well stocked bar, manners for the office or when on a date; as well as, less useful information such as: how to behave when you are a guest at a country house (although it might apply if you know someone who is in the landed gentry.) It is so very English, and looks great on a coffee table. I ordered mine from an amazon seller in England for $19, but you can also get them from Debrett's directly.

Paolo Olbi Shop - Venice

When people think of beautiful Italian paper goods, they think of Florence, but Venice has equally lovely photo albums and journals. Paolo Olbi is one shop in particular that exhibits excellent craftmanship and elegant designs. His patterns remind me of the friezes decorating the aging palazzo's.  EyeItalia, a california based company imports several of his above albums, which can be found on their website. I have been eyeing the blue byzantine album. 

Paolo Olbi

Venezia, San Marco 3653

Tel: 041 5285025

email: olbi@libero.it

Roseberry Winn Pottery - Rhode Island

There are so many things to love about Little Compton Rhode Island: beautiful farmland, pristine beaches, quaint stores and markets, (more on those places later) and Roseberry Winn Pottery. Their pottery has a nostalgic feel and the matte glazes and patterns remind me of collectible pottery from the 1930's and 40's such as Mccoy. I love the oversized coffee mug and bud vases particularly in turquoise. They are offering 25% of pieces for the holidays on their website here: www.roseberrywinn.com.

3842 Main Road, Tiverton, RI 02878

Tel: 401-816-0010

Miller's Residence - London

The Miller's Residence in London is not for the minimalist, but if you want to pretend you're a guest in the home of an eccentric Lord, then it is for you!  Owned by an antiques dealer, it is packed with antiques, and I mean packed. Each bedroom is unique with decor inspired by the English Romantic poets, the rates are under 200 pounds a night, and it is very centrally located in arty Notting Hill. Spend a Saturday perusing the nearby Portobello Road Market, and you can pick up some antiques of your own. Basically, this hotel had me at the persimmon door (I often fantasize about having a house with a persimmon door) and yes, I do want to imagine I'm staying with an aristocrat. 

Cavallo Point Lodge - San Francisco

Seems like every magazine I read these days has an article about Cavallo Point Lodge, a recently opened hotel in Sausalito. The hotel lodgings are in the quaint buildings of former military base Fort Baker, which is now a state park. Set on 10 acres of nature, the views look amazing and you're getting the best of both worlds: nature and wildlife just minutes away from San Francisco. If you get tired of walking the city, the hotel has many activities you can engage in including, hiking, kayaking, and cooking classes. http://www.cavallopoint.com/index.php