Provence, Here I Come!


 
It’s happening. It’s finally happening. My inspiration board must’ve worked because guess what? We are going to Provence! I am finally getting out of this shithole called Paris that I live in. Just kidding/no I’m not. I just have a tad bit of resentment towards Paris because I am desperately needing some nature. So, my sweet husband is taking me and my village to Provence this weekend. My village consists of two caregivers, two breathing machines, a cough assist machine, feeding tube formulas, extra tubes, medication, extra bandages, my wheelchair, cushions, blankets… And my charming attitude.

We will be heading to a little town in the south of France near Avignon called L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Besides Paris, it is the antique mecca of all of France. I went years ago with my mother and Gracie to shop for our store but for some reason this time I’m even more excited. I thought it would be fun if I took all of you with me on this adventure through the magic of the blog.

We will be getting up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to drive from my husband’s family’s house in the French Alps down to Provence. As a lifelong fleamarketer, if I am not one of the first ones to arrive at a fleamarket I will literally have a panic attack thinking that someone will snap up a choice item before me. We will hit the early morning food market, the brocante, have lunch at a charming restaurant and then go to the actual antique shops in the village. I am going to pack a week of Provence into one day. Have no fear, I can do it.

 


I hope you all will want to come along for this little ride. I’m sure it will be fun looking for antiques, soaking up the sunshine, fighting with David, and just enjoying getting out of the concrete jungle that is Paris.

But first, what am I going to wear? As you all know, I am not a fancy girl. I grew up in Malibu barefoot 90% of my youth. I consider Malibu the Provence of America. Well, maybe it’s more like St. Tropez but I think I get the gist. Casual chic. I have put together a little “look” for my big fat day in Provence…

 


Voilà! What do you think? Here are the details…

J.Crew chambray shirt. I literally live in this shirt. If one piece of clothing totally summed up who I am, it would be this shirt.

Madewell gray comme ci, comme ca T-shirt.

J.Crew blue and white striped scarf because you can’t go to Provence without a little stripe.

Maje ivory and black straw fedora.

Zara distressed white denim jeans

Dior Diorshow mascara because I feel naked without it

Essie Chinchilly nail lacquer

Tom Ford sunnies

Tod’s orange driving moccasins because it’s not quite espradrilles weather yet

Hermès Collier de Chien bracelet...cuz I'm not totally ghetto

Frends white and gold headphones… For the car to drown out David :)

Le Labo Rose perfume

Côte Sud magazine for some south of France inspiration

Don’t forget I have to add a super cute breathing machine strapped to my face to complete my look. 

Keep your fingers crossed that I find some really good pieces for my upcoming little shop. The good news is that David loves to go to fleamarkets with me and he is always on the lookout for my favorites…chinoiserie black lacquered boxes, seaside landscape paintings, interesting vases, over-dyed monogrammed linen napkins, Provençal dinnerware, tea sets, toile trays and interesting French objets d'art. Stay tuned!

A toute!
 

51 comments:

  1. Off you GO looking ever so FRENCH MADAME!I have been there three times..........there is plenty of stuff!Donot have a panic attack!I ate at a place that sits on the river where they had water misting down from the ceiling..........I LOVED IT!UPstairs was an antique shop.I think it was called LOLA's........they had a cat and asked you NOT to feed it on the menu!ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY..................YOU will find loads of treasures...........YOU and your village!ADORE that.Which VP of merchandising did this display?Tell Him he GOT an A PLUS from this CONTESSA!!!XOXOXOXO

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  2. Have an amazing time! I'm so excited I feel like I am going with you!
    I adore your outfit you will be perfect. I'm so looking forward to your smalls shop...safe travels to you and David and the village. xox

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  3. Aaaargh!!! Please do not give up the secrets of Isle Sur la Sorgue! This is one of the only places in France not completely over-run by Americans. Okay, maybe not.....but some secrets are too good to share, non?!?!
    Have a WONDERFUL time, you so deserve it! xoxoxo

    Kelie

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  4. I'm so excited for you! Have a great time (in a great outfit :))! I can't wait to read about your trip.

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  5. I'm anxious to hear all about it and see the lovely things you bring back. I'll never get to Provence so I'm thrilled that you will share your day with us. Have a grand time and bless David for taking you. Sally

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  6. Ellie, Love the look!! I wish you a good trip...husbands can be super annoying on trips...take it easy..its normal .....and enjoy everything!! With mask or without mask...you are fabulous!!! Sending my love to you, David and The Village!!! Can't wait for pictures!!!

    XO Samantha

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  7. Lovely combo of items ~ not too sure about the dog collar bracelet. However, LOVE the orange driving moccasins.

    Enjoy your week in Provence. (That's because you get done more in one day than most of us can do in a week!)

    Smiles from Charlotte Des Fleurs

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  8. Your enthusiasm is inectious!! I am thrilled for you and can't wait to see the photos. Have fun and Shop Hard xxx

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  9. So excited to travel with you!

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  10. Yay! So excited for you!!! Love the outfit...pops of orange, sweet! Of course Hermes and Tods do it well. Thanks for taking us along, tell David we won't be too much of a bother;) xob

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  11. Can't wait to see your finds! I hope that my husband (he loves flea markets too) and I follow your footsteps soon. Thank you for sharing all of your secrets. Safe travels and God bless you both.

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  12. Have a WONDERFUL time - you deserve it. You have such great taste - cutest outfit, and your Maje hat is one of the best I've seen in a long time. Enjoy and don't forget a very warm sweater for the French Alps.

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  13. Can't wait to join (vicariously) your crew in Provence. xoxo Mary

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  14. Vicky from AthensMay 15, 2015 at 2:59 AM

    Just there about 10 days ago! I loved that little town and I'm so excited to be going back with you! I didn't find any tresors at the Sunday market and believe me, I looked! Hope you find lots. Waiting for a blow by blow account of your trip.

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  15. Sounds fun! Glad you're taking us with you too! Hope we don't crowd you with your time with David and the forty crew...Perfect outfit by-the-way! Bring back lots of great finds and share with us! A bit of sun, fresh air, the thrill of the chase of that perfect something. ..You'll have fun!
    Cheers,
    Deborah

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  16. I just know you're going to have a fabulous time. I think the outfit is perfect, and you'll look utterly smashing ! Looking forward to the trip with you and David.

    Bonnie

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  17. OH MY GOSH, I am beyond excited.......WOW...speakless, ha ha ha.....Fantastic! ;-))))))))))))))))
    xoxo YEA BUNNY!

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  18. Can't wait to see Isle Sur la Sorgue again, but this time through your eyes. I loved it when I was there 3 yrs. ago. You will look absolutely fabulous in the outfit you have chosen. Enjoy everything there is to enjoy 'en provence' Have a wonderful time.

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  19. Sounds like a lovely weekend! Enjoy! I'm looking forward to reading all about I!

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  20. At last! Looking forward to your adventures, your clothing & accessories are perfect. Have a wonderful trip!

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  21. I can't wait to see what you find! I am hoping you will check out all the fabulous antique linens and the quilted bed fabrics I read about in one of Peter Mayle's books about Provence (Provence from A to Z, I think). Have a great trip!!

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  22. Waiting for photos and entertaining prose!! Enjoy
    Tonkath

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  23. Have fun, you sooo deserve it!!!
    XO

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  24. I'm SOOOOO excited!!! This will likely be just as much fun as when I was there myself. Bon Flea!!!

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  25. So glad you're getting away! Extend the weekend into Tuesday and enjoy my birthday in Provence. I insist!

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  26. Oh, Ellie, I am so thrilled for you! And thanks for taking all of us along with you via the blog ... can't wait for your next post! Love and best wishes for a wonderful trip, Louise

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  27. How wonderful!! Have fun.

    "My village consists of two caregivers, two breathing machines, a cough assist machine, feeding tube formulas, extra tubes, medication, extra bandages, my wheelchair, cushions, blankets… And my charming attitude."

    You forgot your fearless disposition!!!

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  28. Sounds like so much fun, enjoy the moments. Just reading Encore Provence by Peter Mayle....so sweet.

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  29. Have a fabulous time! Enjoy it all. Cannot wait to hear about it.

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  30. Your look for Provence is perfection. Enjoy!

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  31. Road Trip!! Of course we're tagging along as part of your extended global village. I'd totally wear that outfit too. As a matter of fact, I'd dumpster dive for one of those Hermes Collier de Chien cuffs...cuz I'm totally ghetto ;) It has special super powers you know - Just ask Emmanuelle Alt (hehe)

    Good Luck! I'm secretly hoping you find more papier-mache hearts with ribbon...ya know, like the one you gave Yolanda. If not Provence, maybe Paris. Fingers crossed.

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  32. you inspire me. you are special. God blesses you everyday with your extraordinary attitude.

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  33. Love love LOVE L'isle-sur- la- Sorgue. Found the most fabulous things for my booth there, every time. Can't wait to see the goodies you buy for your smalls shop -- don't forget to look for seascapes for me! Have a WONDERFUL weekend! xoxo
    Nancy B.

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  34. Holy Cow!!!!! I can't wait. (and you will be looking so "GOOD) I'm so happy you are taking me with you, cuz I would never be able to go on this trip otherwise. Yipee...."Crack of Dawn?? Sounds like a plan, and a Sunday to remember...

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  35. I haven't been to Provence in ten years, so I look forward to returning again vicariously.
    I very much enjoyed seeing your ensemble! Love J Crew for everyday classic pieces.

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  36. So happy your inspiration board did the trick - have a wonderful time, looking forward to reading all about it!

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  37. I love all of the Provence area, I went to the Institut de Francais in Villefranche for a month, rented an apartment in Limoux, got lost for 2 months, ended up in Paris and then did it again. I even bought a telepage for all those frickin toll booths that could drive you crazy. Every 5 minutes, you have to pay to use the autoroutes which I had to do double from getting lost.
    Have a great time and I love your taste, especially the orange Tod's, so comfy:)

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  38. Cant wait to go with you to Provence, will be living and breathing through your adventures.
    Suzana xxx

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  39. Thanks Ellie for bringing us along on your fab French adventure!
    Xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  40. You are such an inspiration. The Contessa keeps talking about you and I had to come over and say hello. I hope you enjoyed Provence.

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  41. I have never been to the south of France. I can not wait to tag along on your stylish trip! (I want every single piece of your fab fab outfit please)

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  42. I will follow along with great glee.

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  43. Ellie, I have thought of you all weekend. Can't wait to hear all the details of your trip to Provence! L

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  44. Love. Love everything about you!! Have a great time! And I look forward to reading all about it!! Xo and prayers always!!

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  45. This is so exciting. .thank you for taking us with you..I hope you find some goodies! xoxo

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