A Parisian Getaway, Full of Work and Play!
Andrea recently brought her talents to Paris to expand her horizons, her reach, and most importantly, her collection. A healthy rotation of prosecco and espresso in a boutique hotel made things easier. She definitely played more than she worked! First visiting in June of 2021, and then again in March of 2022, she has focused on expanding the antique aspect of her business. Her visits to Paris are entirely business-changing for her, and h time she goes, Andrea to start thinking a little bit differently when it comes to sourcing products for her clients.
Andrea kicked off her trip with a Prosecco Power Hour livestream with Toma Clark Haines, friend and CEO of The Antiques Divas. Toma’s company specializes in services for sourcing Antique pieces across three continents. Finally meeting Toma in-person solidified the friendship between these women. She’s pretty sure we were sisters in another life!
A day trip to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with Toma was eye-opening. The stores and markets were like nothing she had seen before– gasping with amazement at almost everything she saw!
"Toma took my antiquing virginity!"
While antiquing they found an amazing vendor from Italy, Porte Italia Venezia. Every piece was calling Andrea's name. She bought beautiful Belgian antiques– all hand-painted custom furniture. The visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue opened a myriad of opportunities for Andrea. At first she was only looking for a couple of clients, but this trip exposed her to so many fresh new pieces she started finding something for all of her clients.
Andrea visited Les Merveilles de Babellou– a by-appointment-only vintage house in the heart of Paris curated by Isabelle Klein. Lady Isabelle has one of the most desired collections of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermés, everything– Andrea was grateful to have experienced her space.
She first tried on a hot pink ‘92 Chanel coat with a sparkly houndstooth pattern. Her favorite look had to be a vintage silk blazer from Hermés. Then a vintage suit, shirt, and skirt with a layer belt from Saint Laurent. Even though these looks are from the late 80s/early 90s, a lot of these vintage pieces scream classic, Old Hollywood which you know we love. It was an emotional day for me– all of their pieces had stories and the staff was incredible!
Andrea is already looking forward to returning to Paris! Being able to go a second time allows her to make more new friends and connections. If she were to buy these pieces in the United States the craftsmanship wouldn’t be there, it would be five times as expensive, and it sure as hell wouldn’t have been from Provence!
Andrea first purchased a shipping container of antiques during her first trip to Paris in June of 2021, and has finally received the shipment after 10 long months of waiting due to the pandemic. This is very exciting as she can now fully begin to expand the antiques side of her business.
