Duchess & Bird

Monsieur Louboutin

2012-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

The look is unmistakable. Watching a woman walk past and seeing a shine of red on the soles of her shoes makes us smile! That fortunate lady has a pair of the coveted shoes from Mr. Louboutin.
Duchess & I have a thing for shoes too but the days of 6" heels are past. We console ourselves with any cute shoes we spy!

Merci Beaucoup Christian Louboutin!

Melancoly Sunday

2012-01-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

I can imagine myself soaking in a steaming bathtub filled with the faint scent of lavender gazing out this window to watch the world outside- divine!
Hope you are cozy this Sunday.
Bird

The Story of La Petite Matches

2012-01-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Duchess and I have been selling these matches since we opened our shop. We remember fondly when our mothers had dinner parties in the 1960's. Every place setting included a small ashtray with these matches or a set that included a small urn to hold the cigs and a match cover to slip these into. They were all the rage!

The matches have struck a cord with many of our customers. They have gone to London for an inherited Tiffany silver cover, an entire boxful (16 little boxes) were a birthday gift to a customer's sister because their mother always had them on the table as well and another gentleman in Washington D.C. wants the tradition to continue! We love knowing we have a shared memory of the bygone era.

We have added vintage covers and a set of match cover, ashtray and cig holder in our shop- so fun! Can use the holders for posies, candles or mints.

A Bientot~ Duchess & Bird

French Winter

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Warmly,
Duchess & Bird

Bonne Annee

2011-12-31T08:31:00.001-08:00

Bonne Annee mon amis!
From our homes to yours, we wish you a glorious 2012.
Warmly,
Duchess & Bird

We wish you the Best of the Season

2011-12-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

and Look forward to seeing you next year! We have many new things to entice you and a new look to show off!

Warmly,

Duchess & Bird

Life Really IS.....

2011-07-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

Bird loves summer. Duchess...not so much. She adores cold weather. But this is Duchess writing today, so I thought I would share a few thoughts. My current new favorite color is "Laduréé green" ..if you've even been to that amazing Tea Salon in Paris you know just what I'm referring to. I have two of these darling latte bowls in that color that I got at Anthropologie. While eating fresh cherries from my bowl yesterday, I was struck by how gorgeous the color was, how perfect the cherries were ( in appearance and taste) and decided that summer has magical treasures to offer. You just have to open your eyes and "See." I'm so glad I did.
What is your favorite season? We love hearing from you.

By the way, keep watching our blog for updates on our planned tour to Paris next April. We will take you to Laduréé!

Summer Markets

2011-07-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Duchess and I love to shop as many antique and vintage markets as we can over the summer that are near and far from home. This July offers a bonanza of markets on the west coast and we will shop as many as we can to bring you the best of them.

Bird will be going to the huge Portland Expo next weekend with over 1200 booths beside her local antique markets. Duchess scooped up some terrific finds at a Seattle area vintage fair and will return to a favorite one the end of the month.

We can't wait to show you our new finds and tell you all about them! We would love to hear where you go to find treasures and if you have a favorite show or shop.

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!

Printemps

2011-06-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

It has probably been springtime for awhile where you are ( and where "Bird" is in California.) But here in Colorado, it has just begun. We hope this season of new beginnings finds all of you healthy and happy, and doing what you love.
We certainly got an incredible taste of Spring while feasting our eyes on Monet's gardens in Giverny during our recent Paris trip. It is time to start thinking about our next tour in October. We haven't set exact dates yet, but will be doing so soon. Let us know if you are interested in Paris in Autumn. We cannot wait to hear from you.
Warmly,

Duchess and Bird

Greetings from the City of Light

2011-04-09T10:44:00.001-07:00

We had another beautiful,successful,fun-filled day in Paris. Actually we took the train to Orleans and hit the flea market today. We can't wait to show you our new (old) treasures. We wanted to do our shopping before Monday when our tour begins. And then we begin showing this magnificent city to 3 lucky women. Stay tuned for our daily adventures and look at our facebook page for photos. Its Duchessandbird.

Greetings from the City of Light

2011-04-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

We're finalizing our plans

2011-03-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

This time next month, we will be in Paris. Now doesn't that sentence have a nice ring to it? We're are counting the days. This will mark our first time as Paris Tour guides. We are taking a group of ladies to Paris who have never before experienced this thrill. We plan for this to be the first of many tours, so stay tuned to learn about our next one, which is likely to be in the Fall. We have been so busy planning the itinerary based on questionnaires the gals have answered. So much to do there, so little time. Is there anything in particular that you would like for us to bring back? Let us know. We will be visiting Antiques Shops, Flea Markets, and other little gems we have discovered through the years. We look forward to hearing from you, and to bringing back treasures for you.

Å Bientot, Mes Amis

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Love is the same around the world but it seems

more so in Paris!

Reading French Menus

2011-02-02T09:39:00.000-08:00

As Duchess and I finalize our tour to Paris in April we are trying to prepare our guests as best we can. This has always been either the bane of our existence or the making of great stories on our return! We would love to hear from you with your tales.

One of the most challenging things we find in France is reading the menus. Not only are the words and sauces foreign to us, they eat things we would never dream of! Birds are featured a great deal as are all sorts of fish and seafood. Many restaurant feature a regional cooking style and depending on which French region it can be very strange! All restaurants and bistros have their menus posted outside so you can what they offer and what the prices are for dishes. If the menu is all in English it might be a tourist place and that's one we try to avoid. We want to eat with the french! We do try and stick with the PRIX FIXE menus- the "specials" of the day. They are usually the best price and include a starter, main dish and dessert. By the way, the water is fine to drink! So do ask for a carafe of plain eau and ice is not generally used. On one trip I stayed with my favorite salade nicoise for every lunch as I can't make it like the French do!... Here's an example of one menu:

Choice of Starter

•Lapin en gelée aux feuille's d' estragon
• Chevre frais et fond d'art poele
• Os a moelle gratine
• Maquereau marine aux muscadet et aromates

Main Dish
• Duo de rognon et ris de veau flambes au cognac
Plats mijotes
Tete et langue de veau sauce ravigote
Pied de porc pane, grille

Dessert or Cheese Selection
• Pruneaux a la Vigneron
Millefeuille facon Pomponnette
Charlotte au fromage blanc et coulis de fruits rouges
Coupe Pomponnette

Coffee

Warmly,

Bird

Bonne Annee!

2010-12-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

We wish the brightest of New Years and 2011

Warmly,

Duchess & Bird

Preparing for Our Company

2010-12-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Besides all the tree trimming, baking, entertaining and decorating that is d'rigeur for this time of year, Duchess and I love to prepare the guest rooms for our guests. We have traveled widely and know what pleases us besides fresh sheets, a stack of fluffy towels and an array of pillows.

We have a few rules we follow to ensure our guests feel like VIPs.
Lighting~ a bedside lamp should be tall enough to read by (the above photo has a low lamp that would just shine in your eyes!)
Comfort~ The closet should be well stocked with extra blankets or quilts in case your guest get chilly during the night. Try and find some pretty padded or wood hangers for their clothes. Get the wire ones out of there! A book you know they will enjoy and a few magazines of their interest is a well received treat. If you don't have room for a chair and ottoman try to have a luggage rack for them to use while unpacking. You don't want dirty suitcases on your lovely bed.

Hunger pangs~ It is fun to fill little boxes with treats for your guests to nibble while they read in bed. We use our florentine boxes and just line them with wax paper. Y Hard candy, chocolate and homemade cookies would be sure to delight them. A basket of fresh fruit is welcomed. Water in a carafe with its own glass is a necessity.

Things not to forget~ We always have a pretty stack of stationery and a pad of paper and pens beside the bed or in a drawer nearby. With everyone using smart phones it is nice to have a docking station so they can listen to their music selections and charge their phones. A spare robe and slippers is very well appreciated when theirs is just too bulky to bring along.

Of course there is always the possibility your guest will not want to leave!

Bon Soir!

Bon Anniversaire a Nous

2010-11-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of Duchess and Bird. What started as a "what if" between two old friends has become a delightful reality.
This year has seen us in San Francisco, Seattle, Austin, Denver, Dallas, and towns in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire searching for treasures for you. We are branching out in 2011, adding "Tour Guides" to our resumes as we endeavor to introduce Paris to a group of women going for the first time. We will be at their beck and call, but are going early to scour the French and Belgian flea markets for Duchess and Bird. We anticipate adding more tours to Paris in the future, so do check in with us if you are interested.
We hope you have been in touch with your Pierce Brosnans and Gerard Butlers, ( see post below) to whisper your Christmas wishes to them. You must remember, however, that Pierce and Gerard belong to US, and will be getting us something special again this year. So you will need to find your own guys who are eager to indulge you. You can be sure that they have all been in touch with us, and have put your specially chosen gifts right here on Duchess and Bird. Go to "Gerard's Picks" to find the very one that has your name on it. They want to spoil you. Let them!

Thank you, one and all, for helping to make our first year such a grand and exciting adventure. We hope you will return to visit us often, and we look forward to meeting new friends. We sincerely hope you enjoy the beginning of this wondrous holiday season.

The Purse That Gerard Bought

2010-08-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, yeah it's big. But I don't hear Bird complaining when she has "flea market" blisters and wonders if I happen to have a Band-Aid. Or has a little foie gras in her teeth and desperately needs floss. Or how about a stray hair on the chinny chin... Tweezers? Mais oui! But the poor shop-keepers! They are horrified as they watch me meander through tiny aisles of crystal and china, and I believe I hear sighs of relief when I leave. But here's the thing: Gerard Butler bought me this huge purple leather bag. When we were kids, Bird's mother used to wrap up a lovely gift for herself and put it under the Christmas tree, "from Frank Sinatra." Bird continued this tradition with her annual gift from "Pierce Brosnan." Last year I believe it was a lovely cashmere throw, but don't tell her husband. I saw this lovely bag and just knew that Gerard wanted me to have it. He loves me this much, you see. So, walk softly and carry a big bag. Your friends will thank you.
A bientot, mes amis
The Bag Lady

It's All Happening In The Metro!

2010-08-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

One day, as we sat waiting for our train, our attention was drawn to a gentleman on the other side of the tracks yelling at us in a long strring of french and huge arm waving. Luckily Duchess could understand bits of it but before she could translate for me I noticed a group of raggity preteens heading towards us.

There weren't many people near us on our side and it was dawning on me we were quickly being approached by a band of gypsies! Duchess and I quickly moved our handbags to the front of us and stared these urchins down! They were not going to pick our pockets if we had anything to say about it! And, pleassse! have you seen the size of Duchess's handbag??! She could knock over a herd raging bulls if she had to!

But we don't want to discourage you from using this wonderful system. Every stop is a wonder in different designs. The Louvre stop has Egyptian wonders, the tile work in others is marvelous and some of the best musicians play in their echoing hallways. Its always a theater but do watch your backs for maundering gypsies!

Magic Happens!

2010-07-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

I was walking along a deserted street at dusk talking to my lover and planning our evening together. All of a sudden a crazy lady jumps out of a side street and snaps a photo. Merdi! What is a stylish french girl to do? I just ignore her and continue my conversation with Frederic and discussing our plans. Is Paris not full of crazy people these days?

Paris Favorites

2010-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

We always stop by this enchanting place when we first arrive to pick up the latest issue of "Paris Walks" to see what is new and walks we haven't be on before. These low cost walks are in English, always entertaining and the groups that show up for them can be 2 people to 10 and the international mix is wonderful.

Do you recognize where we are by the quote above one of the doorways?

MERCI! Romantic Homes magazine

2010-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Did you see us? The magazine found our site and asked to highlight one our treasures. They were smitten with the florentine stationery caddy. It was one of the eleven items featured in their "A Vintage Year" Browsing section! In no time at all, it was being whisked off to Casa Grande, Arizona. Merci beaucoup Romantic Homes and Patricia!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

2010-06-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been reminding myself lately. I had found myself being envious of a good friend who is on a 3 week journey to the south of France and Paris. And envious when I read the wonderful blog of Corey Amaro, "Tongue in Cheek" who is an American married to a (gorgeous) Frenchman, living in a quaint Provencal village.
But I decided to take a break yesterday from lots of hard work lately, and relax with a book in my courtyard here in Colorado. I was so awed and uplifted looking at my quaking aspen trees, beautiful window boxes of red geraniums and lobelia, and other potted flowers, I tossed the book to the ground and just drank it all in. Our summer day was 72 cool and breezy degrees. I decided there was no place else I would rather be.
I wish you the joy of being in the moment.

Here's To All The Dads

2010-06-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here's to all the Dads that we can only wish Happy Fathers Day to in our prayers and thoughts. Whether they taught us how to mix a Presbyterian or how to be a good one, we think of them today with gentle fond memories and a smile on our faces.

Spotting a New Trend?

2010-06-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

First we apologize for being gone- life has been busy at Duchess & Bird...

While at our favorite flea market we think we have spotted a trend we wanted to share with you and see what you think.

Everywhere we looked we saw these. In all shapes, sizes and adornments and wondered if you are seeing them too? Duchess just found one in her travels and will be showing it in our store soon so do check it out!

We like the small size for showing off neclaces and to keep them from tangling in a drawer.

Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bath Water

2010-04-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

What an awful old expression! But we do wonder why the French make such marvelous enamelware. We have seen in the US many enamel pieces in white, blue, mossy green and red but leave it to the French to make useful things in pink with a white rim.

This lovely tub was found at our local brocante early Easter morning before a horrific storm came blasting into the Bay Area. We found many fun things which we will be adding to our shop as soon as we can photograph everything but we couldn't wait to show you this! Can't you see it filled with ice for pick lemonade or chilled wines at your next soiree'. Or perhaps you are giving a shower in the coming months. You can put the gifts in here or the gift bags. Of course it would be wonderful planted with flowers too!

Please see what other new things we have added to tempt you at Duchess and Bird!

xxoo-Bird

Little Orphan Houses

2010-04-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

I have an urge to save homes. Period. Maybe it is because I don't have a childhood home. Perhaps I am longing to have a place of my family memories. We moved all the time as children and even my parents last home was where none of us lived. They bought it after we were all grown and gone from "home". See what I mean?

I started collecting these discarded needlepoint houses lovingly worked by hands at home. I have many more that I need to finish. I had them applied to scraps of fabrics I found in my travels. Even the trims have meaning. Most of them were found in Paris. You know that little one crammed to the rafts with treasures in the very back corner in Clignancourt named Irma some came from her.

Anyway, the most special pillow of all is the little one in the front. See the plaid fabric? That was my Dad's favorite sportcoat. I just could not give that coat away after he was gone. He wore it at my sister's rehearsal dinner, he wore it all the time. This was a guy his children thought kept the old Abercrombie & Fitch and later Orvis in business. He was the original preppy. I could eke out just enough of the plaid to make this little memory. It makes me smile every time I see it.

What brings back memories to you?

Warmly,

Bird

Easter Eggs

2010-04-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

As I was putting away until next year all the eggs I've collected over the years, I saw these and instantly remembered another Sunday in Paris.

Duchess and I were enjoying a stunning beautiful Sunday and decided to dash to San Chapelle knowing the light would be streaming through the glorious stain glass windows. As we left the chapel and were heading across Ile de Cite to the Metro we found ourselves in the midst of the Bird Market! As we wandered through the stalls I found the blue eggs. On our next trip I picked up the single yellow and the following trip the brown ones. Now I remember those days and can't wait for our next trip to add to the memories.

What do you collect on your trips?

The Markets of Ile Sur La Sorgue

2010-03-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

When we travel to find treasures in France we like to go in the winter or early spring when the tourists are gone and you are surrounded by the locals. A little cold or rain doesn't deter us in the least.

The Sunday market offered goods of all kinds. Locally made tapenades, honey from lavender and many more flowers, provencale' fabrics in tablecloths, duvets, napkins, seat covers and even vinylized yardage to make your own! You know the foodstuff are fresh from local sources. We found a trove of sweet smelling guest soaps and shared a chocolate croissant as we wandered through on our way to brocantes across the bridge.

Have you ever seen so many varieties?? The colors bowled us over. We wish we dared to bring the olive oils back with us.

We only took one photo inside one of the shops since our bags were getting heavy and we had miles to go. The colors with the red fire buckets on the whitewashed trestle table really sang to us. Every stall had enchanting displays and you sort of hated to buy anything and ruin their vignettes but we did! We then headed outside to the Sunday market where the locals pull up to the street beside the river and set up tables to sell their wares. We meet some wonderful people and found some wonderful old finds.

We were sad to say good bye to this magical place but we were heading back to Paris to seek out more treasures and our cute driver was waiting.

We will be returning again and again I am sure in the years to come.

Duchess & Bird Travels Part 2

2010-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Did you figure out where we are? This small enclave is known for their antiques. We heard from dealers in Paris that they like to shop here, so voila'-off we went to see for ourselves!

As we rounded the corner we thought, Oh no this could be really bad! But as we got closer to the place we were to stay we became enthralled with the entrance. Remember we have not seen this place online or knew the owners as we were transferred to this spot. But lo and behold!

The owners couldn't have been sweeter and we loved the climb to our suite.

Look at our wonderful room! We quickly unpacked and set out to explore the area while it was still light. We also made reservations in the restaurant within this small hotel. The smells wafting up the stairs was making our mouths water!

I can't wait to show you what we found as we wandered through the town the next day! Do you know where we are yet???

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T22:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to all of our friends, old, new, and yet-to-be.
We hope that your lives are filled with love. Love of family, friends, your work, your hobbies and passions, your lives.

In some parts of the country, winter is waning, and early spring flowers are trying to wake up from a long slumber. In other parts, winter is still with us. It is snowing here in Colorado as I write this. But Spring is not far, and we are excited about new beginnings. Duchess and Bird are planning to take a group of 4 women to Paris next year. They have never been, and we are eager to introduce them to our favorite shops, museums, restaurants, parks, flea markets, tearooms. If you would like more information about our tours, we would love to hear from you.

We hope to make new friends as a result of two new ads we have coming out. One is in the debut issue of Flea Market Style this month which we will be selling in the shop and the other will be in Romantic Homes magazine beginning in June. Stop by, sign our guest book, browse our shop, or just share your thoughts with us.
We look forward to getting to know you.

Enjoy the final days of winter as you anticipate the arrival of spring.

Duchess & Bird Travels Part 1

2010-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Duchess and I boarded the TGV from Gare Lyon anticipating our trip south. It was a cold and rainy day but we didn't have time to stop for a cup of tea at Train Bleu that morning. On the trip to Avignon to meet Phillipe we wondered what treasures we would find in that little town. We were a bit nervous as the hotel we were to stay had called and they decided to go to Africa but promised we would be pleased with the arrangements they made for us. We were so disappointed but trusted they would not steer us wrong. We were met by our friend and driven to the enchanting city at a perfect time- as the light was magical.

As we wandered down a small alley rolling our baggage, we were very concerned the accommodations would be iffy at best. But the colors were drawing us in and relaxing us. What was around the next corner?

As we rounded the bend we came upon the town square with enticing cafes and shops with the majestic church in the center. We decided to stop for tea before continuing to our quarters. Have you guessed where we are yet?

January in Paris

2010-01-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

After a snowstorm everyone came out to play. These wonderful spheres are in the courtyard by the Palais Royale The snow didn't last more than day but it was certainly enjoyed by all!

While in Rouen we stumbled upon the Ceramics Museum filled with lovely china and porcelains. It was their motor court that caught our imaginations. The urn overflowing with flowers is actually glass. The ice and snow on it made it shimmer through the glimpses of the sunshine. The trellis on the garden wall was so magical we wanted to bring it home and build a folly to house them!

Everyone and everything was caught by surprise by the sudden snowstorm. This climbing vine across from the apartment window made us think of the snow we add to our Christmas trees so soft and puffy. This just cascades down the side of the building and softens the hard edges.

Do look at Duchess & Bird to see new items being added daily! Adieu!

Tales of a Decorator- Bette Davis style

2010-01-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is just hysterical and goes to the public perception of what we do. I'm just sorry the show never made it past the pilot...great interiors though, don't you think?

Please check out our new offerings- something for everyone!

Christmases Past

2009-12-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

We love this week between the holidays as a time to reflect on the past year and those of many years ago. As I sat at the dining table my eyes rested on this antique etched glass hurricane filled with antique glass ornaments. Some are mine from my early youth, some are from my Aunt's tree of the 40's while others graced my family's tree of long ago. They are too fragile to hang on my tree along side the angels but they are so special to me I try and display them in an antique silver bowl or in this hurricane. I will loving put them away New Years Day while everyone watches the parade and games until they reemerge next year.

Every few years Bird adds a Christmas book to her collection that has touched her. This year "Madeline's Christmas" was added to commemorate the birth of our granddaughter. We reads the stories or leaf through them with our grandson just as we did with our boys. Of course, the "Polar Express" is there along with old time favorites such as Dickens. Perhaps it's time to find a large basket to hold them all next year. Ah the hunt is one!

Bird and Duchess wish you a Happy, Healthy and Loving 2010!
Bonne Annee!

My Collection for the Holidays

2009-12-12T09:57:00.000-08:00

As a wedding gift over 30 years ago we were given "Butch" our first Simpich angel. These were handmade by a family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They also made Thanksgiving figures as well as Dickens figures in tabletop size. Luckily my mother-in-law lives there and I received an angel every birthday and Christmas. It breaks my heart that the Simpich family has ceased making them since 2007 and this will be the first Christmas not to receive one.

Every angel has a different face and expression. Each is named and very special! When our children were small, angels arrived with soccer or basketballs, other times they were holding a puppy or kitten, some just carried a starfish or train. The little one in the red robe is holding Heidi, the name of our daughter-in-law. You can find them once in awhile on ebay. They began making angel babies but I have stuck with these charming characters. I hope you enjoy them too!

We would love to hear what you collect. It makes decorating the tree even more memorable every year as I unwrap them and remember the time it came to me.

2009-11-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

Oh how I adore Christmas. Fall is my favorite "season" but Christmas is my favorite "time of year." Does that make sense? I only wish they could move Christmas to oh, say February. That way we could just relish every moment of Autumn, and then happily anticipate Christmas. As it is, it seems just when you are basking in the fall colors, smells, sights, it is time to think about Christmas.

For me, the ultimate shopaholic, it is Christmas all year round as I am constantly on the lookout for treasures for those on my Christmas list and now you, our dear Duchess and Bird friends. And though my children live on opposite coasts and I'm here in the midwest, visiting them gives me an opportunity to scour antiques shops, flea markets, and out of the way boutiques that I otherwise would not have found. You see how I'm trying to find the silver lining in this?

But I never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. And I don't for a moment believe that it is all about "shopping."

Whereas it gives me untold joy to give carefully chosen treasures, wrapped lovingly and beautifully, to my friends and family, the truth is that they are MY gifts and I never forget this.

And you, our new friends are our gifts as well. We look forward to hearing from you. I always love hearing about different family holiday traditions.

( Photo is my son and his new wife, married on New Year's Eve)

Our warmest wishes to you all

Duchess and Bird

Visions of Black Friday

2009-11-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems to be writing about Thanksgiving in their blogs. Though we love this holiday with all our might we think the following day gets our juices flowing! Shopping for that special gift is always a treat for us whether it is for our families and friends or for our web store. Finding the perfect gift thrills us and we know it immediately when it is spotted. We like to scour the second hand and consignment stores for gifts that can be altered, spiffed up or recreated for that someone special. So in this spirit we wish you Good Hunting and will also be Thankful for you!

Duchess & Bird

The Magic Of Autumn

2009-11-13T07:20:00.001-08:00

Here at Duchess & Bird the autumn is our favorite time of the year, our favorite season. The cool evenings, crisp days and most especially the colors are so comforting to us. It's time to make a pot of stew and a family favorite soup. This amazing home has always celebrated the season with piles of homegrown gourds.

It's a season of quiet. It's about families gathering and sharing a meal just like our ancestors have for generations. There will be stories of going to Grandmas or friends and what was traditionally served. The youngest will be hearing the stories for the first time and the oldest may have forgotten some of the lore.

We remember our past mostly by the smells they say. Well to us the fall smells were burning leaves, apple pies and hot spiced cider. We wish we could find a candle that most resembles that!

Cherish your memories and pass them on to your next generation. We hope you will enjoy this season as much as we do before the rush and excitement of the next.

From our homes to yours,
Duchess & Bird

2009-11-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

So we're up and running here at Duchess and Bird. This has been a labor of love for Bird and me. For ten years, we two bff's (and unabashed francophiles) have been traveling to Paris. Our fantasy is to be locked inside the gates of the St Ouen Marche Aux Puces, our favorite flea market. There never are enough hours in the day when we are there. We now have a great excuse to spend practically every waking Paris moment at the flea markets. We will be looking for treasures for you, our Duchess and Bird website visitors and shoppers.

While we don't yet have a date for our next sojourn, rest assured we will be airborne as soon as everything clicks into place. If there are lovelies that you are particularly interested in, please let us know. We make no promises, but we sure will try our best to search for you. In the meantime, Duchess is spending time with the Rosetta Stone trying to get the rust off of her French language skills. I need to know how to get the best bargains pour vous, oui?

We would love to hear from you. Til next time

November Finds

2009-11-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy beginning each month at the Alameda Point Antique Show. It's a huge outdoor market the first Sunday of each month. This morning started very foggy cold and gray but the sun finally made it's way through burning the fog away.

I like to get there when it opens at 6 so I have first pick from some of my favorite dealers. I make a beeline ( what is a beeline??) to Jana from Cottage Girls. She has an eye for the unusual and never disappoints. I then stopped to talk with Danielle and Eric from Euro-Linens about their gorgeous linen pillows and what's new and what shows they have been to. Look at the wonderful doors Sean brought for his Big Daddy's corner, I always draw inspiration from his vignettes.

The bottles photo shows a marvelous, ingenious way to display bottles from England. Anything with writing on it makes me stop in my tracks!

Happy November!

xxoo, Bird

We are Taking Flight with Inspired Luxuries!

2009-10-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

As we begin our journey into the world wide web of blogs and e-commerce, Bird wanted to tell you about the Veranda Magazine talk she heard recently in San Francisco with stylesetters and the fabulous editor at large Carolyn Englefield called the Art of Design Awards. It was a roundtable discussion on what is luxury today. The panel included one of my favorite interiors designers, Paul Vincent Wiseman, jewelry designer Todd Reed and Ursula Ilse-Neumann curator of the NYC Museum of American Crafts. Everyone agreed today's luxury is a far cry from the luxury and show it all/must have it all attitude of the 1990's. Everyone agreed today luxury is quieter and all about comfort. Yes you can have the best one can afford but it isn't shouted out loud. It is a world of refinement harking back to to the 1940's and 1950's.

We were curious what your definition of luxury is and has it changed from past decades? We would love to hear from you!

Keep watch for our our upcoming website site debut at http://www.duchessandbird.com. We are taking flight with inspired luxuries!