Vignettes Antiques

Celebration d’Amour!

2012-01-29T17:40:00.000-08:00

Whether you’re looking for the perfect token of love, want to see the largest collection of tiaras and crowns that we’ve ever amassed, need some gal-pal time to take in amazing eye candy everywhere you look or maybe have a sweet tooth for pastel cake pops and edible jewels, you’re going to want to be here on Saturday, February 11th from Noon to 5:00 pm for our “Queen For A Day” Valentine Soiree.

Oh, did I mention that Meryl Schoenbaum, Executive Editor of Romantic Homes Magazine,
will be here to join in all the fun? (2:00 to 4:00 pm)

2/11/12…Let’s get this party started.

Love Letters to Marie

2012-01-26T20:02:00.000-08:00

There have been countless princesses, duchesses, countesses and courtesans throughout history, but, in our eyes ~ there will never be another ~

Marie Antoinette.

This is a queen who wore her finest ballgowns to stroll amongst her gardens and said “The least I can do for my gardens is to dress in my finest, for after all, look how they have dressed up in their finest for me”. Oh, Marie!

Our tribute to Marie Antoinette, the Queen that epitomizes everything French and over the top, will be on full display at our, “Queen For A Day” Valentine soiree on Saturday, February 11th. The amazing decorative and hand-crafted works that are pouring out of the designers and artisans here are definitely at a whole new level of creative genius and each will be showcased that day.

OOH LA LA just doesn’t begin to cover it.

To begin with ~ when we unveil designer Holly Hess’ tribute gown to Marie, it will be the culmination of years of planning and an original design the likes of which has not been seen since the 19th century couturiers attended to the royal court.

The spectacular corset section of this hand sewn gown features a needle painting of Marie herself ~ a magnificently woven masterpiece where the painting is done in silk thread. The muted silk threads are layered like paint, in a treatment similar to an impressionist painting. This treatment is then surrounded by elaborate embroidery, beading, pearls, pleated ribbon and silver threading that all beautifully complete Holly’s love letter to Marie.

A silk polonaise gown is fitted over the corset and silk ribbons are gathered, tucked, folded and stitched in place to add dimension.

And the final piece de resistance?

A French verse, taken from inside a pair of garters that were given to Marie from her friend, has been embroidered into the neck ruff. Only Holly, only Holly! Come witness this magnificent, one-of-a-kind tribute gown and meet the brilliant creator/artistic genius behind it ~ Mademoiselle Holly Hess.

Then, of course, there is my dear friend, chief collaborateur and partner in crime, Karen Lampard, who manages to WOW us every single time with her wildly imaginative and always one-of-a-kind, original masterpieces that she designs and creates to capture the theme of all our events, each one more exquisite than the last, (if that's possible!) right down to the tiniest little detail.

This time is no exception. There will be her whimsical meets high concept meets the royal court next to haute couture meets make believe meets sheer magic and that’s just her amazing crowns!

Her bespoke ‘Love Letters’ evening gown may be the launch of her own bridal couture brand. Look out Vera Wang!

You’re not going to want to miss this.

Come ~ Be our ‘Queen For A Day’.

2/11/12

A Royal Soiree!

2012-01-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Meet The Delightful ~ Meryl Schoenbaum!

2012-01-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

From my very first conversation with Meryl Schoenbaum, Executive Editor of Romantic Homes Magazine, when she called the shop to talk about doing a feature in the February issue, we struck up an instant and beautiful comraderie that has led to a fabulous friendship. As I told her ~ she had me at “Hello”!

As we talked and I began mentioning my passions and interests, come to find out, many of them ~ were hers too!

From Coco Chanel, (that’s who she went as for Halloween ~ be still my heart!) to a shared love and collection of famous quotes, thoughts and writings, to sharing laughs over life’s twists and turns, to the fact that she is a phenomenal writer, I found a kindred spirit and began what will definitely be ~ a life-long connection with an amazing woman.

What followed after that is the wonderful “Shopkeeping” feature on Vignettes in the February issue of Romantic Homes, (Now on newsstands!) penned by my dear friend, Meryl. (My heart is bursting with pride) She captures the spirit and heartbeat of the shop so beautifully…but then again, of course she would. That’s the amazingly gifted and eloquent, delightful and endearing ~ Meryl.

And now, I’m thrilled to announce that Meryl will be our featured, VIP guest at Vignettes’ “Queen For A Day” Valentine Soiree on Saturday, February 11th. She will be doing a ‘Meet and Greet’ from 2:00 to 4:00 pm so everyone can meet, up close and personal, this petite dynamo and the Executive Editor of Romantic Homes, Cottages and Bungalows and Victorian Homes magazines!

It’s sure to be a day to remember and we hope you can attend!

Bonne St. Valentin!

Vignettes' "Queen For A Day" Valentine Soiree

Saturday, February 11th

Noon to 5:00 pm

Come, Be Our Guest!

Off To A Great Start!

2012-01-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

What a great way to start off the New Year with Vignettes getting a beautiful mention in the January/February issue of ~ Victoria Magazine!

In their “Touring” section, you’ll find a fabulous 8-page write-up on the Hotel Del Coronado and other local points of interest and they go on to feature Vignettes exclusively for “Where To Shop” in San Diego.

Merci Beaucoup Victoria ~ We tend to whole-heartedly agree with you!

P.S. You're going to want to save this date:
2/11/12
Stay Tuned...

Bienvenue 2012!

2012-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's time to look ahead and with so much talent under one roof ~ we have alot in store for you in the upcoming months!

For starters, several designers here are busy planning a huge reveal in February ~

So, mark your calendars for: Saturday, February 11th.

Sneak peeks coming!

There is nothing like a Vignettes' e v e n t...

Stay tuned.

BONNE ANNEE!

2011-12-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

A toast to all of our fabulous and loyal clientele who have fallen under the spell of Vignettes’ tres chic magique~!

Wishing you all a glamorous and memorable New Year’s Eve ~ celebrating and ringing in 2012 ~!

We have so much coming for you right around the corner…

Stay Tuned.

Ici a une belle 2 0 1 2 ~!

Sparkling Noel

2011-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hoping your holidays sparkle with joy.

Wishing you all a Joyeux Noel~!

A Brilliant Tour de Force

2011-12-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Only Karen Lampard, of Café Paperie, could think of turning a non-descript counter showcase into a magical theater stage!

Oui, what once was a generic display case ~ has now been artfully transformed into a hand-crafted, paper covered “Alice in Winterland” theater set complete with 3 foot tall ‘Alice’ standing on the side and peering in to a make-believe paper world of balloon topped mannequin heads, 5-dimensional hand-drawn books, hand-cut chairs, teacups and saucers, teapots, cake slices and whimsical laughing cats.

This showcase turned theater set is something you truly have to see to believe! Only our Karen could design and produce these paper magic shows that continually blow everyone away.

How she can top herself again and again with these ingenious creations is testament to her brilliant creativity and boundless imagination.

Come in and stroll her winter wonderland and then continue on thru the shop ~ there’s magic everywhere you look!

We're open for you every day until Christmas!

Unwrap The Romance

2011-12-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

We have something for everyone on your list ~

especially those hopeless romantics you know~!

Come in and see~!

We’re open every day until Christmas ~ and remember ~

Gift Certificates make the best presents!

Joyeux Noel

All is calm ~ All is bright

2011-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Our magical, wintery wonderland ~ a glamorous visual feast served up with sizzling haute Coco and sprinkles of twinkling white lights ~ awaits your arrival ~ this Thursday, December 8th, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at our gala Holiday Open House.

Step into our faded, French fantasy world and view Noel 2011 re~imagined thru Vignettes’ designer’s eyes.

See designer Karen Lampard’s amazing table setting ~ “Dinner With Coco”, featuring legendary styles of CHANEL dresses and suit jackets, miniaturized into champagne bottle covers with every little detail intact (hand-drawn, color sketch included!) and prepare to be wowed as Karen unveils her fabulous new French collection just for us that afternoon.

Meet Susan Lafica, designer of the Fiori Couture Collection, who creates hand-crafted flowers and millinery accessories from the finest silks, velvets, organza and feathers from around the world. Each flower is embellished with antique and rare elements from CHANEL earrings and unique buttons to antique jewelry from the 1800’s and blooms poetically into a miniature work of art. Susan will show how to wear her fabulous hair brooches as stunning jewelry and her corsage pieces as hair ornaments. Don’t miss the chance to meet this dynamite beauty in person.

Also, our go-to glamour gal, Sherry Mattia-Welch of Glamarella Junk, will be here debuting her haute new line of couture, cowgirl tee-shirts, boot jewelry and embellished candles in the hottest color palette of the season. See her original designs here first before they hit the market!

All of this, in addition to our 25 talented dealer/designers who have stocked their spaces to the rafters just for the occasion.

Drop by and let’s have a toast.

***

12/08/11

3:00 to 8:00 pm

O' Come All Ye French Gals!

2011-11-30T10:03:00.001-08:00

We hope to see you here for ~

NOEL ~ Re-Imagined...

Over The River & Thru The Woods

2011-11-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

Warmest wishes for a beautiful & bountiful Thanksgiving.

Here’s some Noel eye candy for you to feast on!

(Starting Friday ~ we’re open every day until Christmas)

Join Us For Our ~

Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 8th

3:00 to 8:00 pm

Deck The Halls

2011-11-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

We have put our French spin on Christmas with beaucoup, one-of-a-kind holiday accoutrements that you won’t see anywhere else ~ each and every one, exclusive to us.

Come, see Noel 2011 ~ reimagined ~ thru our artisans eyes.

There is only one Vignettes.

Join Us For Our ~

Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 8th

3:00 to 8:00 pm

HAUTE COCO!

2011-11-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

Pull up a chair & prepare to feast your eyes on Vignettes’ extraordinary Noel 2011 ~ where we have created the ultimate voyeur’s view into CHANEL’s famous apartment above her Paris salon at 31 Rue de Cambon with a lavishly appointed scene ~ “Dinner With Coco” ~ a dining room setting complete with menus, fashions sketches & opulent accoutrements befitting the famous icon.

(Her address is so famous that letters addressed simply Chanel Paris get promptly delivered!)

Note the incredibly detailed works of art from brilliant designer, Karen Lampard, atop the black lacquer dining table that include miniature, exact replicas of CHANEL couture dresses, ballgowns & suits, each uniquely designed to fit over a bottle of champagne & accompanied by a hand-colored, original drawing including detailed info on its' year of creation & CHANEL’s inspiration behind it! You’ve never seen custom couture bottle covers such as these as each one magically turns the bubbly into pure liquid chic! These are the absolute perfect gifts for every CHANEL & Champagne aficionado on your list!

Don’t miss the vintage, white fox fur runner (6 feet long!) down the center of the table.

Study the winter white Christmas tree covered in black & gold Eiffel Towers, Fleur de lys & CHANEL logo ornaments & corsages.

Shop authentic vintage CHANEL jewelry, books, handbags, logo button art, branded ornaments &, of course, the famous little black dress with matching lace jacket.

All of this in addition to vintage Christmas trimmings & adornments thru out the entire shop ~ all with a French twist, bien sur!

Step into our world of fabulous, glamorous, shimmering, glimmering ~ holiday chic.

There’s even more on its’ way…

***
And Save The Date:

Vignettes’ Holiday Open House

Thursday, December 8th

3:00 to 8:00 pm

Sneak Peek!

2011-11-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

We’re getting ready to unveil our glamorous ‘Salon de Noel’ this coming week & Oh! ~ How tres Magnifique this has all turned out! Here’s a sneak peek of bits & pieces with magic awaiting you in every nook & corner. Plan a day to come & take it all in.

See you soon!

Holiday Preparations

2011-11-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

We're busy staging our Salon de Noel that will be officially unveiled next week.
Fabulous, glamorous, shimmering, glimmering…
Wait until you see our lavish “Dinner With Coco” setting ~!
SO much holiday inspiration ~ everywhere you look.
Plan to come by for a first peek of Noel 2011…

And there's much more ahead!

Stay Tuned.

Fall’s Fabulous Bounty

2011-10-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Picture perfect settings for all your autumn entertaining.
And check out the Vintage Rabbit’s custom cakes a la carte for the perfect hostess gift ~ this designer eye candy on a silver platter is also available ‘to go’ in adorable bakery packaging. It’s the ultimate way to say ‘Bon Appetit’ at every holiday gathering
Bonne Fall!

Witch One?

2011-10-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

We're now featuring a fabulous line of custom designed, French-inspired Halloween chapeaux & bijoux ~ that will really stand out from the crowd at all of Madam’s gala events.
Witch one will it be?

Sorciere Chic!

2011-10-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

Dressing up for a Halloween ball is all about the details so come on in & feast your eyes on our fabulous, custom collection of Top Hats, Fascinators & Bijoux ~ Oh My!
Something for everyone, every occasion & every corner of le maison.
Get your chic on & we’ll see you here! (Lots more chapeaux on their way)

Entre Automne

2011-10-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

It’s always hard to let summer go & then before you know it ~ Fall has crept in on little leaf slippers & unveiled its’ captivating palette de nature.
Rich, warm, copper & bronze undertones ~ muted, muddy earth tones & the vibrant range of les couleurs de fall are gorgeous & this season seems to speak of home & nesting more than any other.
We’re ready with amazing objets de saison to show you. Who can resist adorable, jewel tone, velvet pumpkins with real wood stems or the most gorgeous salon set with faded, vintage velvet?
Come check out all of our fabulous fall finds ~
Including our new William Mayne Art Wall with chippy, vintage frames, antique oils on canvas & fascinating French prints, etchings & fine line drawings to beautifully adorn your walls.

Automne is here & it’s time to get cozy!

Le Soiree: Continued

2011-09-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Part Deux: The Art Of Pastry
Oh, what a beautiful, ruffled-filled world, Robin of Vintage Beach House, created for us for the pastry area & art gallery at our anniversary soiree.
From the ground up, she designed a whimsical, gossamer fairyland & then, the morning of the soiree, single-handedly put it all up & what a glamorous, perfect back-drop it was! Everyone was oohing & ahhing before she had even finished! There aren't many gals, more together, calm or capable of doing anything than our Robin - I can’t think of one thing she can’t do or create. That’s why I always have her on my team.
From there she handed the reins over to our resident design genius extraordinaire, Karen Lampard & the magique was unveiled. Months & months of Karen’s work, this time with her wearing her artist’s beret; Chalk drawings, pastels & watercolors of “The Anatomy of French Pastry” straight from the heart & soul of a modern day Picasso. Her love of drawing & painting & her awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, God-given talent is there in every line, in every brush stroke, every flourish & we all knew we were looking at gallery worthy art. That’s why a hush went over the tent when she did her reveal. Macarons spilling out of Marie Antoinette's hat, gateaux stacked up 12 inches high & that’s only the beginning.
I checked the latest edition of Webster’s Dictionary to see if any new words had been entered this year to describe Karen’s amazing, phenomenal artwork since ‘superlative’ doesn’t begin to cover it & nothing seemed important enough. So, probably the highest compliment was “SOLD OUT” since every single piece she created was eagerly purchased by her throngs of adoring fans. We can only hope there’s more, lots ~ lots more, pouring forth from her & waiting for us to behold.
In the meantime, enjoy the soiree & Karen’s "The Art of Pastry" in pictures.
Author Lynn Sheen could not have been a sweeter person to showcase. We loved having her here & her book, 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' was a huge hit ~ stop by & pick one up for the perfect gift de Noel.
Also Sherry of Glamarella Junk, hot off her recent TV appearance was here with her fabuleux bijoux.
It was quite a day so if you missed it ~ stop by sometime soon…we’re still on a roll!

Le Soiree ~ Tres Magnifique!

2011-09-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Part 1: Interiors
Ah Mais Oui ~ Our anniversary soiree on Saturday was a grande day for Vignettes to show off le mieux de la meilleur.
So, with no further ado, go ahead & pour a flute of champagne, curl up on Madame’s vintage satin chaise & prepare to take in the most amazing French-inspired home décor, accessories, whimsies, objets d’art & bijoux ~ provided by le crème de la crème of dealer/designers showcased here under one roof ~
in our ~ Penthouse in Paris.
S’il Vous Plait ~ Enjoy the show!

Next ~ Part 2, The Art Of Pastry

See You At The Soiree!

2011-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Pull out your party dress, grab your gal pals
& come join us this Saturday from Noon to 5:00 pm for
Vignettes Chic 16 Anniversary Soiree!
In every nook & corner you’ll find luxe décor, beautiful found objets d’art & beaucoup Parisian splendor to fill your maison & jardin.
Prepare to swoon starting with our front room that has been transformed into our new brand launch~
‘Penthouse in Paris’.
What woman doesn’t dream of that? It's here for you Madame.
Come celebrate 16 years of Romantique Home Décor provided by the hardest working dealer/designers in town.
This is a shopping experience unlike any other.

Let's have a toast ~!
9/24/11
12 to 5

Countdown to 9/24/11

2011-09-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our grande, Chic 16 Anniversary Soiree is just a week away & we hope you’ve made plans to attend.
From our luxe settings of vintage home décor, including key pieces just acquired from a Paris apartment ~ Mais Oui ~ you must see; to a fabulous collection of one-of-a-kind Chanel props from a 1960’s couture salon ~ Ooh La la;
to an over-the-top French Patisserie featuring
a bejeweled Marie Antoinette theater prop/display that houses the desserts ~ (& the best part about this royal Countess ~ She’s for sale!) Come take a peek, this is only the 2nd one I've ever seen & I own the other one!! These one-of-a-kind Mademoiselles just don’t come along very often!
All of our 25 dealers are pulling out all the stops for this day of days.
Meet Author Lynn Sheene who just wrote, "The Last Time I saw Paris", sip champagne, nibble on pastries & shop to your heart’s content.
Saturday, September 24th,
~ Ooh La La will be RE-Defined ~
Come & drink it all in.

The Baroness of Bon Bons

2011-09-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

What could be better than a day of shopping at our Chic 16 Anniversary Soiree? How about a French pastry chef on site in an over-the-top Patisserie designed for all the senses?
We’re so happy to present French Pastry Chef ~ Extraordinaire ~ Susan Holler who will be here showing off what she does best ~ Bon Bons, pastries & macarons, Oh My! Susan attended ITT Baking and Pastry Arts & is currently the Head Pastry Chef at Pt. Loma Nazarene University. Baking, desserts & chocolate are her passion & she truly feels that dessert is the most important meal of the day. Mais Oui ~We like how she thinks!
Her love & joy for the sweetest category of the culinary arts is contagious & pours forth from her like an amazing glacee over mouth-watering petit fours. Plan to indulge your sweet tooth with a festive sampling of bite-size pastries that will dazzle the eye & palate & meet San Diego’s superstar de sucres.
In addition, our very glamorous Patisserie, the design creation of powerhouse,

Robin Mckeirnan/Vintage Beach House,

will be the backdrop for artist Karen Lampard’s “Anatomy of French Pastry"; architectural renderings of cream puffs, éclairs, macarons & gateau ~ amazing life-like drawings, as only our Karen can create, of the inner workings of French pastry. Life imitating art, art imitating desserts ~ it just doesn’t get any more delicious than this.
See you here on Saturday, September 24th
Noon to 5:00 pm.

Le Chalk Paint ~ Extraordinaire!

2011-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

We are so excited that our own, mega-talented designer/dealer Susan Darnell has become San Diego’s exclusive stockist for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint ~ the revolutionary decorative paint that is all the rage & sweeping the vintage home décor industry!
Whatever Susan sets her mind on ~ she conquers & now she’s set up a fabulous paint salon within her space here at the shop & offers the paints, waxes & instructional workshops to the delight of all the devotees of this miracle painting product. Cest tres magnifique!
Once you try this amazing chalk based paint ~ you’ll be hooked. With no priming, sanding or stripping necessary ~ it goes on with super ease & instantly takes on that highly sought after, muted vintage patina. The secret ingredient, a miracle pigment created & developed by superstar artist & author Annie Sloan of England, is what sets this paint apart.
Come to our Chic 16 Anniversary Soiree on Saturday, September 24th & meet the dynamic & one-in-a-million Susan Darnell. She’ll be giving paint demos, showing waxing techniques & illustrating the fascinating before’s & after’s of this fabulous new product. Purchase a can & you’ll be hooked ~ take her workshop & you’ll be a painting wunderkind!
Visit her new blog where you can follow Susan on her exciting journey along chalk paint's dazzling yellow brick road!

All aboard!

www.susandarnelldesigns.blogspot.com

That’s Our Girl!

2011-08-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hot off the presses & now on newsstands is the latest issue of ‘Altered Couture’ Magazine - Be sure & check out the incredible 4 page spread they just did on our resident design genius/darling, the one in a bizillion - Karen Lampard of Café Paperie. This is an issue to pore over & savor & all of course - due to the amazing Karen.
For once, I actually think the pictures do her incredible work poetic justice, as the paper & fabric corsets they feature (from our Valentine’s Soiree) are STUNNING.
The elaborate details that are part of her signature design work & her heart & soul, amaze everyone - even the editors & it’s always suspended belief when viewing her work because, don’t forget - everything is made from p-a-p-e-r-!
There is absolutely no telling what ALL Karen is capable of.
Plan to attend our 16th Anniversary Parisian Soiree on Saturday, September 24th for a major showcase of Karen’s imaginative universe.
What she is designing & producing for us to unveil that day is an ‘E” ticket ride into the fascinating world of a modern day design icon. Prepare to be rendered

S P E E C H L E S S .
Above all ~ She is my dearest friend…What an honor & privilege to call her that.

You're Invited ~

2011-08-24T07:29:00.001-07:00

The Last Time I Saw Paris

2011-08-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to host author, Lynn Sheene, at Vignettes’ upcoming 16th anniversary soiree. The recent publication of her fabulous book, The Last Time I Saw Paris, coincided perfectly with our big event & having the chance to talk with her, first-hand, about the Paris of today & the book’s 1940’s setting there, is an amazing opportunity.
In the course of writing this book, Lynn moved to Paris & immersed herself in ‘La Vie Parisianne’ in order to nail down every little detail correctly & with complete historical accuracy. She accomplished this with great aplomb!
It’s this intimate knowedge of our favorite city inside & out, down to every little alley & lane, that makes for such a fascinating read.
Plan to spend the day with us shopping & sipping French champagne on Saturday, September 24th~ the Soiree is Noon to 5:00 pm & Lynn will be signing books from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
This book makes the perfect Christmas gift for every Francophile on your list & especially paired with Karen Lampard’s custom Eiffel Tower bookmarks ~ Ooh La La! And wait until you see what else Karen is creating~Oh My!
What a day we are planning for this celebration ~ tres magnifique.
Stay Tuned. (& Mark Your Calendars!)

Oh, Sew Amazing!

2011-08-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Two wildly creative & extraordinary talents have just joined forces at Vignettes ~ to our, & their ever-growing fan bases sheer delight!
First, my dear, dear friend Shirley who’s always been so far ahead of the times with whatever direction & collections she’s pursued ( ie: a phenomenal collection of Victorian memorial jewelry & one-of-a-kind, antique silver & turquoise jewelry) has just unveiled her latest passion. It started years ago, long before anyone else was doing it, when she found a new creative calling, repurposing, refashioning & upcycling jewelry & Victorian parts into unique objets d’art & pioneered what was to eventually become the ‘Steam Punk’ movement. Oh mais oui - mes amies, Miss Shirley’s avant-garde, forward thinking, cutting-edge style helped launch & put the “Steam” into the modern day Steam Punk craze!
Her latest collection of jewelry, frames, top hats & other one-of-a-kind, lovely oddities are a fascinating assemblage of high-end antique & vintage parts melded together with an unrivaled imagination & creativity that will stop you right in your tracks!
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better ~ she teamed up with San Diego’s premiere Couturiere ~ the high Priestess of historical, period apparel, costuming & bridal attire…

Holly Hess.
I first met Holly years ago when she opened her studio, Atelier Polonaise, & became one of the first in San Diego to create & recreate custom historical recreations (to a huge & adoring fan base) & have since followed her as she rose up the ranks at the Old Globe Theater & the San Diego Opera. She is now widely regarded as San Diego’s premiere historical couturiere, non-pareil & at the heart of it all ~ she is a true artiste, the likes of which do not come along in many lifetimes, insanely gifted, who sees the human form as a canvas & is able to translate that into wearable paintings. She goes on to embellish each of her custom pieces with many unconventional materials along side tiny vintage glass pearls, metal findings, beads & jewels, & then hand-dyes each silk ribbon & floss; each thread being laid like a brush stroke, layered & stitched to create “painted” textured surfaces. Her creations take months, sometimes years to complete as each are given much thought & research about subject, materials, construction & design. And her inspiration? Vintage images of women, antique santos, European textiles & anything with a mythical quality.
She has just embarked on another major project, very dear to our hearts here at Vignettes, that will be months & months in the making, a memorial/tribute piece to the one & only French icon ~ Marie Antoinette. Be still my heart!
Watch for it here as we follow this monumental project on it’s journey ~ all the way to the official unveiling of this masterpiece at our Valentine’s Soiree 2012. Holly is the only couturier/dessinateur that the royal court would ever entrust & commission to undertake this projet tres importe & so ~ de par la Reine, “by order of the Queen” ~ it has begun.
Marie is definitely smiling down.
Welcome aboard Shirley & Holly!

And Don't Forget: Vignettes' Chic 16 Aniversary Soiree ~ Saturday, September 24th 2011, Noon to 5:00 pm

Your Maximum Daily Requirement

2011-08-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

…Of Faded French Couture.
Come in & be inspired.

Vignettes' 16th Anniversary Event ~ Save The Date!!! September 24th, 2011

SAVE LE DATE: 9-24-11

2011-07-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calendars For:
Une Celebration – Tres Magnifique!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vignettes’ 16th Anniversary ~ Event
~~~
Samedi, 24 de Septembre, 2011
Noon to 5:00 pm

Ooh La La ~ RE-DEFINED!

Going Coastal!

2011-07-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

We have all the gorgeous, seaside chic you’re looking for - in abundance!
Fabulous, faded, just brought in from 20,000 leagues under the sea.
Come in & dive in…Beaucoup decorative treasures await you.

Kudos to Linda Kripe/Link2Jewels

2011-07-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t get much better than a mention or nod from Martha Stewart & that’s just what our superstar jewelry dealer, Linda Kripe, got for her vintage jewelry business, Link2Jewels in the current issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.
Linda’s client had her destination wedding written up in this DIY issue & there, prominently featured & credited, was the stunning, sterling silver ~ Art Deco set the bride had purchased from Linda & worn in all the photos. What a coup & so well deserved by one of the nicest & most hard-working gals in the industry.
Linda is known for her fabulous collecting eye, vast collections of remarkable & highly coveted, vintage costume jewelry & most impressive, her impeccable reputation in this business.
She works hard at her trade, stays up on everything happening in the jewelry world, is a highly sought after vendor at all the top shows, including the Del Mar Antique Show & is a beloved dealer by all her many clients & all of us here at Vignettes.
It’s always so sweet when someone this nice & this dedicated gets the monumental recognition they deserve.
Oh Mais Oui ~ It’s a very good thing!
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com:80/photogallery/courtney-and-hunter

Cote d’Azur

2011-07-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Artists have been escaping to the glorious Cote d’Azur in the South of France since the late 19th century & it’s no wonder with the cobalt-blue sea, feathered palm groves & remarkable light that enchants & epitomizes the captivating Mediterranean lifestyle.
Picasso, Matisse, Bonnard, Leger & Chagall were seduced by the ever-changing color palette that washed over them & it became their own private artistic paradise that they just couldn’t leave.
Living on the coast we feel that same love for those dreamy sea-glass overtones, that iridescent azur blue, the soft blush-pink deep inside a conch shell, the chippy grey of faded driftwood & the glossy white of ocean foam on the shore.
Mother Nature surely has a soft spot for her coasts & always displays some of her finest handiwork for us to admire.
"Coastal Chic" - It’s an awe-inspiring, calming, almost therapeutic décor concept to create within le maison.
We have it in abundance…shimmering, glimmering, waiting for you.
Come soak it up.

4 de Juillet

2011-07-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Have A Fun & Sparkling 4th!!

Naturally Entertaining

2011-06-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

We’re all stocked up for the summer entertaining season when life & dining officially moves to the outdoors. C’est si bon!
Nothing is more naturally beautiful than that sun-drenched, faded palette - custom made, perfectly imperfect by Mother Nature herself. (With a huge assist from the deep blue sea)
We have lots of it to show-off.
Do stop by & soak it all in.

Karen Lampard/Caf'e Paperie - PUBLISHED

2011-06-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

It really was only a matter of time before the magazine editors found out about our resident design genius/darling,
Karen Lampard of Café Paperie & came calling -
Here they come!
First up, a full page article in the June issue of Romantic Homes Magazine & then - many more features to follow. Oh, so well-deserved.
She had us in awe from day one when she ingeniously invented her signature, elaborately decorated, paper cake slices that open up in the back for gifts. It was love & petite magique at first sight!
From there the most fascinating, paper objets d’art, started pouring forth from her infinite imagination - the list is almost unbelievable - you might want to sit down for this - & remember, they’re all made from PAPER:
A triple decker sandwich complete with pickles & crinkle cut potato chips; 8-inch high, yarn topped cupcakes; books with designs cut into the center pages, ie: bird’s nests with birds jumping out, elaborately wild floral designs with branches shooting out, Alice in Wonderland characters leaping out; then she went on to constructing full scale (paper) birdcages, all hand-cut with perfect narrow strips duplicating the bars of real birdcages so precisely that customers naturally assumed that these were all laser cut so we patiently explained over & over “No, an artist actually HAND-CUTS each of these with itsy bitsy, teeny tiny scissors”. Say What? Yes, that’s our Karen! The only thing laser here - is her focus!
Week after week, month after month, year after year, she has poured her heart & soul into every single solitary project & brought in one, right after another, of the most over-the-top, fabulous & imaginative works of - pure artistic genius that any of us has ever witnessed. Her work is not of this world. I say that alot!
And just when we thought we’d seen it all - this past holiday season, she donned her haute couture, designer chapeau & dove into the fashion world of Coco Chanel, & Voila! Karen’s runway ready “Little Black Dress” made its’ debut. (All out of paper, mind you! Coco was smiling down) She could have retired right there! Mais, no! She went on to 3 other, equally magnificent fashion creations, including the multi-ruffled, snow white fantasy gown that was made from over 700 coffee filters! That’s right - 700! (That checkstand purchase made history! “Excuse me ma’am, but exactly how much coffee do you drink each day?”)
From that she launched into her French boudoir line of, extremely elaborate, Parisian Corsets! So tres chic! From there she designed her unique line of whimsical & remarkable, Kites! So tres fun!
That takes us to Summer 2011 when she launched her entirely new lines of: paper & duct tape (!) haute couture bathing suits & bikinis, followed by her outrageous straw hats & opulent purses covered, of course, in vintage paper & velvet roses!
Oh Mais Oui - this gal is one red haute designer/artist extraordinaire & it’s only a matter of time before she’s snatched up to run a major design firm in New York, London or Paris. (Please don’t go!)
Until then, Vignettes is proud, honored & blessed to have the most
talented woman in the universe under our roof & I’m the lucky one to have her as my dear, dear friend.
If you want to meet her, come to one of our events & she’ll be the one that’s talking up & complimenting every other designer & dealer in the shop on their work!
Did I mention she’s also the most humble, grounded, lovely person on the planet?
Mais Oui - that’s our Karen…
Ground-breaking, risk-taking, artist extraordinaire who’s heart, soul & boundless imagination is lovingly wrapped, folded, woven & tucked into every single, solitary piece of her astonishing work - & therein lies the profound magique.

An Officer & A Gentleman

2011-06-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

It’s long over due to pay special tribute to my Dad who had such a huge impact in my life.
His special manner of reserved, quiet dignity & the way he lived & carried himself always spoke volumes to me of a true Gentleman, a man of honor & of the highest character.
I was always so proud & supremely blessed by the time he would take to spend with me.
When I came along, the little family was really rooting for a boy, (they even had a boy’s name all picked out) & so, it was a shock, to say the least, when I came barreling into their world.
Not to worry, my Dad rallied & I became the tomboy he hadn’t seen coming!
We went on weekly walks & long hikes collecting driftwood & shells, he taught me how to ride a bike, play competitive tennis, throw a fast ball, mow a lawn, map out a plan to sell the most Girl Scout cookies in our community, drive a stick shift at age 12, develop my love of writing & got me my first job in sixth grade, as a check-stand bagger/box-girl at ‘Toyland’ at the Navy Exchange. I loved it there & have never been more proud of my work! We went to work together over my school vacations & as he went off to his office as Procurement Supervisor, I went to my check-stand. Nothing could have made either of us prouder.
Thru him, I learned my work ethic & of always, always staying the course.
When I filled both sides of my Girl Scout sash with patches, he was there - smiling,
when I played in tennis tournaments, he was there - cheering, when I attempted to speak only in French on the weekends, he was there - chuckling, when I graduated from College, he was there - beaming. Thru all my victories & defeats, he was there - standing in my corner.
Thru out my life, he provided a steadfast calm & unwavering show of strength & class, my mighty oak, never wanting or requiring any fanfare, special attention or fuss made over him. He was my quiet cheerleader, always rooting for me, believing in me & was most content to encourage & stand tall behind the scenes - where I always looked for him.
Now, whenever I smell fresh mown grass or night blooming jasmine - I’m instantly taken back to warm summer evenings long ago, when a kind-hearted Father took the time to play catch, back & forth across the street long into the night, with his youngest daughter.
*******
So here’s to my humble hero - the world has so few,
For giving, teaching & showing me - always in the quietest of ways,
Life’s most powerful & noble lessons…

Here’s To You, Dad

Cannes Film Star!

2011-06-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

For our French Riviera themed, summer kick-off party last month, only the amazingly creative Susan Darnell could have come up with the idea of a spot-on tribute to the Cannes, France - Film festival.
Her labor of love consisted of a FABULOUS, custom-designed, ballroom gown, constructed entirely of FILM & elaborately displayed on a mannequin!
We’re talking head-turning, over-the-top celluloid whimsy!
(This just might be our most outrageous mannequin display - ever & we’ve had some doozies!)
The stars in Cannes this year had some amazing designer gowns on but they had nothing over this Kodachrome darling.
At every one of our themed events, Susan rises mightily to the occasion with her tres magnifique custom creations, & this, of course, was no exception.
When you get a chance - come in & see this starlet’s remarkable stateside debut. She’d be perfect to showcase in your home theater & she’s definitely ready for her close-up.

Beach Décor Comes Ashore

2011-06-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

So much gorgeous, coastal chic in the shop right now!
Stop in & see our take on ete 2011 -
There’s something for every nook & cranny of your maison, pied-a-terre, villa or outdoor pavilion/jardin!
We are currently featuring the extraordinary shell artistry of Bonnie Hickman of The Shell Room & her creations are bar none the most opulent works of shell art that you will see out there. Her techniques are a trade secret that truly surpass all others & the sheer beauty of these mother-of- pearl masterpieces take center stage wherever you place them.
Summer is the perfect time to bring out all your prized shells, collected over the years on those long walks along the shore & place them, dome them, feature them in places of honor.
Mother nature never looked so beautiful.
We hope to see you soon.

Merci Pour L’Amour!

2011-06-06T08:34:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of our loyal friends, fans & followers
for nominating us into the top ten of the
‘Union Tribune’s 2011 Reader’s Best Poll’ for
BEST ANTIQUE STORE!
We do have the hardest working dealers in this business & they scour the countryside for you on a daily basis so we really appreciate this nod of approval. (Plus, we have frequent themed events & soirees & if you haven’t been to one, you need to make it a point to attend!)
Now, the voting begins to narrow it down to the
TOP THREE city-wide.
Put your vote in at:
www.sdbestpoll.com
under the shopping category.
Merci Beaucoup to all!

Summer Is HERE!

2011-05-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

Summertime was officially launched yesterday at our seaside fete & I think, as everyone who attended can attest, it was white haute summer chic.
“Amazing”, “Fabulous”, Over-the-top” was what we
overheard as people looked in our windows & waited to get in the front door!
Every dealer here stepped it up a thousand knotches for our French Riviera theme - there was beaucoup vintage, coastal chic everywhere you looked, fabulous canapes, bubbly pouring all day & a packed French Flea Market in our back lot.
The centerpiece of the flea market was Sandra Finn’s amazing “Petite Caravan de Francais”, (a 1950’s travel trailer) that had been completely refurbished with Sandra’s masterful designer mojo behind it, culminating in a pied-a-terre on wheels that had every single man & woman oohing & ahhing over it. That’s why it sold in the very first hour! Oh mais oui - Fabulously French doesn’t begin to cover it.
In the front room, Karen Lampard of Café Paperie once again waved her magic wand (& enormous artistic talent/genius) & Voila! Woven paper & duct tape, haute Couture, Bathing suits & Bikinis! I kid you not - Ooh La La - times a bizillion! You must come see them because after viewing these bathing beauties - you’ll never look at a swimsuit the same way again!
If you’re not jetting off to Paris this summer, or holidaying in the South of France, do make it a point to come visit us -
Our forecast calls for weekly arrivals of beaucoup vintage, coastal chic!

Saturday’s Seaside Fete!

2011-05-25T19:13:00.001-07:00

The countdown has begun to this Saturday, May 28th, & our fabulous Seaside Summer Fete here at the beach!
What better way to kick off your summer than with shopping, food, friends, more shopping, champagne cocktails & a French Flea market?
The waves are right outside our door, the sun is shining & summer is about to officially debut…
Come join the celebration…Noon to 5:00 pm.
The weather’s beautiful - You’ve got to be here!
Bienvenue Ete 2011!

One If By Land, Two If By Sea

2011-05-22T13:58:00.001-07:00

We hope you’re planning on joining us for our Seaside Summer Fete, next Saturday, May 28th!
Whether you come by car, fast train, or private jet, there will be no better way to kick off your summer than this.
Food, fun, libation in addition to seaside entertaining ideas, vintage décor, accessories & a French Flea Market…Start packing your bags - Your ultimate seaside shopping adventure is about to begin!
We’re 2 blocks from the ocean & the forecast calls for -
Amusant Sous le Soleil!

Beach Baroque

2011-05-19T18:48:00.001-07:00

We are so proud to feature an extraordinary grouping of The Shell Room’s Summer Collection at our seaside fete on May 28th.
Over-sized, grand mirrors, fabulous consoles,
tres magnifique demi-lunes & absolutely one-of-a-kind chandeliers all elegantly & abundantly embellished with Neptune’s gems.
Bonnie creates jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring seashell encrusted furnishings & accessories & every piece of her opulent mother of pearl creations becomes le piece de resistance!
No wonder she now designs for homes all over the world & exclusively for the royal family of Norway.
Come take in her gorgeous shell décor that just washed up on our shore.
Summer 2011 begins here - Saturday, May 28th
Noon to 5:00 pm
Amusant sous le soleil!

By The Sea - By The Sea

2011-05-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

SUMMER IS THE NEW BLACK!

See you on Saturday, May 28th from Noon to 5:00 pm for our Seaside Fete - Tres Magnifique! From Karen Lampard's French Riviera Swim Shoppe, to Sandra Finn's Petite Caravan de Francaise, to The Shell Room's opulent seashell masterpieces, to Miss Frenchy's summer afternoon on the Isle of Capri, there is decor, whimsy, bathing beauties & seaside entertaining ideas everywhere you look - & a flea market in our back lot! We are officially kicking off summer 2011 & you won't want to miss it! Beaucoup fun under the sun - we'll see you here.

Summer’s Grand Debut

2011-05-09T06:49:00.001-07:00

We hope you’re planning to join us for our
Grand Seaside Reveal,
on Saturday, May 28th.
Come in for a splash of our shimmering, summertime accessories - fabulous, faded French finds & beaucoup outdoor splendor – all aged to perfection & perfectly picked for grand seaside entertaining.
Whether you’re bringing the outdoors in this summer or looking to magnificently furnish the grand outdoors – we have all the gorgeous décor, reminiscent of the French Riviera, circa 1940 that you’re looking for.
We’re redefining S u m m e r - Mes Amies
& it’s not just for the kiddies anymore!
Oh Mais Non!
Drop in on Saturday, May 28th & take a peek - the weather’s beautiful & so is our seaside décor.
5/28/11
Noon to 5:00 pm
Amusant Sous le Soleil!

Toujours Dans Mon Coeur

2011-05-07T07:08:00.001-07:00

“All that I am
Or ever hope to be,
I owe to my
Angel Mother.”
-Abraham Lincoln

Our Seaside Summer Fete!

2011-04-28T07:16:00.001-07:00

Please Join Us

Saturday, May 28th from Noon to 5:00 pm

as Vignettes presents our

Vintage Seaside Soiree - circa 1940 in the South of France
positively guaranteed to start your summer off right!

We have been scouring the countryside & Europe to deck the shop with over-the-top, vintage coastal settings, decor & accessories so you’ll be able to find inspiration & one-of-a-kind seaside treasures in every nook & corner - to officially launch the summer entertaining season. It’s your exclusive, first look at what our seashore holds!
Collections of vintage bathing suits (Ooh La La!) will be on display intermingled with the brilliant creations of artist/designer Karen Lampard of Café Paperie as she takes on the swimsuits of the French Riveria, circa 1940’s, each of hers - fashioned from paper!
The shop is also proud to showcase the opulent seashell artistry of designer Bonnie Hickman of The Shell Room who designs for the royal family of Norway. Major pieces from her current collection will be on view & available for sale. These all need to be seen to be believed. Jaw-dropping, shell art extraordinaire as opulent home decor
Each of the shop’s floor space dealer/designers will be staging their spaces with vintage finds & interpreting “vintage summer” in their own way with striped cabanas, summertime settings under market umbrellas, unique, vintage seaside décor for entertaining & in addition, each will host an array of French market specialties, fruits de mer, les fromages, baguettes & gourmet accoutrements in their individual areas.
And of course - French wines & Champagnes will be pouring to complete the South of France experience. Une autre Ooh La La!
And since no summer fete would be complete without a vintage 1950’s, refurbished travel trailer, the shop is proud to show-off designer Sandra Finn’s latest acquisition, “Le Petite Caravan de Francais”, which will be available for rental, photo shoots & stagings. This completely remodeled French bungalow on wheels will be showcased in the shop’s back yard/lot in the middle of a bustling French-style flea market set up just for Saturday’s celebration with multiple vendors for the ultimate outdoor shopping experience. Come shop Glamarella Junk, Paris Flea Market, Sheri 4 Sure, What Mama Had, Michelle Scott & many others. Major sales, mark-downs & items being brought in just for the day will be featured.

Wherever your travels may take you this summer,
We hope your journey will begin here at Vignettes…
Saturday, May 28th, Noon to 5:00 pm.
Bienvenue Ete 2011!

Joyeux Paques!

2011-04-21T07:20:00.001-07:00

Joyful Easter Wishes!

And Mark Your Calendars -

Summer Begins At Vignettes...

5/28/11

Salvaged Charm

2011-04-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

“Reclaim” & “Repurpose” are such fabulous words that perfectly sum up what we do so passionately in this trade.

Come & see the magnificently reclaimed & repurposed offerings featured in the shop right now that our talented dealer/designers have just turned around, re-imagined & put their signature on. Amazing finds that have been given new life, new meaning, new direction.

A vintage “do over” if you will.

And there’s nothing so poignant as a second chance.

See which piece draws you in… There’s sure to be one that reaches out & claims you.

And Mark Your Calendars!

5/28/11

Summer Begins -

At Vignettes

Avril a Paris!

2011-04-07T07:21:00.002-07:00

Heureux Printemps Mes Amies!

Seaside Summer Launch Party!

2011-03-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

Save this date

to get your summer kicked off to a fabulous start:

Saturday, May 28th

Noon to 5:00 pm.

Join us for

Vignettes’

South-of-France

Seaside Summer Launch Party

Bienvenue Ete 2011!

Ah, Printemps!

2011-03-24T15:22:00.001-07:00

We’ve combed the countryside for our latest gathering of beautiful springtime accoutrements & décor

& along the way we also found the

perfect symbol of Spring… K i t e s !!!!!

Only Karen of Café Paperie can come up with these brilliant ideas, time after time, & this time - she’s taken kites where they have never flown to before…designer, hand-painted, hand-cut, couture k i t e s, unlike any you’ve ever seen.

Come in to find the one that has your name on it & then -

on a perfect Spring day when the breeze picks up...

Let it fly, let it fly!

Spring Forward!

2011-03-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

Oh, how we love clocks, timepieces, hour glasses & sun dials for the fabulous visual presentation they make!
Whether you feature one grand timekeeper or arrange a compilation of whimsical clock parts & fragments; from pendulums, wind-up keys & bezels to all the inner workings, the subject of time as a decorative focal point always makes for a fascinating display.

(Probably because no matter how we try, we can’t slow it down!)
Come in soon & take in the extensive assortment we have gathered for you & maybe you’ll find the perfect chronometreur for your unique décor…
Only time will tell.

Cloche Encounters

2011-03-10T06:30:00.001-08:00

What more fascinating way to spotlight a petite collection than by putting a vintage dome over it?
Almost by magique, the enclosed gathering d’objets take on the look of a fabulous, rare find.
From favorite books, tarnished loving cups or black & white photos to wedding cake toppers or bird’s nests found on your walks - the contents you choose to highlight take on major importance & are made that much more special by being enclosed in glass.
Come & see our large assortment of vintage cloches in all shapes & sizes that are each tailor-made to house, feature & show-off your sentimental collections & while you’re here - take a peek at what we’ve chosen to capture en verre.
Dome it & instantanement, right before your eyes -
Magique under glass!

Mirror, Mirror

2011-03-05T10:46:00.001-08:00

What you choose to adorn your walls with has such a huge impact on a room & mirrors, fabulous, glorious mirrors - will always provide the most effect & grand style.
Whether you group an assortment of shapes & styles, periods & finishes or hang one fabulous statement/power piece - the outcome is monumental & will totally change up the environment.
There has never been a more jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, over-the-top, use of mirrors to study & emulate than the floor to ceiling walls at Versailles. And vraiment, that fabulous crystal ballroom look of gilted, ghosted mirror magique reflecting onto your décor & casting a spell can be achieved with une grande refleter!
Here at the shop - all of our floor space dealers proudly feature every size, shape, period & style of mirror.
Antique French with porcelain flower bouquets? Oui. Ornately carved Italian gilt? Ah Oui. Chippy & distressed with lots of ghosting, swags & gesso garlands? Oui, Oui. Grand, double bevel with murano glass fleurettes? Oh, Mais Oui!
You will be amazed at our enormous selection.
Come in & have a look,
You’re going to love what you see…

Lumieres - Extraordinaire!

2011-02-26T11:54:00.001-08:00

Ah, lighting….
that monumental focal point of any room - we call it

‘Ceiling Architecture’.
Make sure to look up when you come into the shop as you will be viewing one of the largest selections of vintage, antique & decorative lighting in all of San Diego, including the lighting stores!
Our superstar dealers - Jim & Brian, of ‘What Mama Had’ are famous for their vast, vintage lighting inventory that they've showcased ever since they began on Park Boulevard 15 years ago. Everyone knows them & their phenomenal lighting finds!
They, along with all of our floor space dealers, feature a fabulous collection of periods & styles; from over-the-top French Ballroom, Italian Florentine, Hollywood Regency & Spanish Colonial to Seashell encrusted, whimsical, repurposed birdcages to opulent pairs of macaroni beaded, Murano glass, French Industrial, distressed wood & iron sconces.

All of these stand-out, decorative styles present le capacity-enorme to make a room come alive.
Change out a chandelier in any room & see the dramatic results that immediately take place.
When extraordinary fixtures light up, you can count on a room being transformed, a spell being cast & magique to abound.
Drop by soon to check out our immense inventory & until then -

We'll leave a light on for you...

Tete-a-Tete

2011-02-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

Take a stroll thru our ever-changing romantique home décor & find inspiration & that piece or pieces that call out to you.
Our vintage settings provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop that evoke ‘Old Paris’ at every turn.
Whether you’re remodeling your home, re-doing one room or making over a petite corner, we have the vintage furnishings, fixtures & fabuleux decorative accessories that will complete your vision of elegant, old world, sophisticated décor.
With our 25 dealers combing the countryside for fabulous finds & bringing vintage merchandise in daily - you’re sure to find

le ‘piece de resistance’ that speaks to you.
Come see us, we’re open every day & there’s merveilleux treasures waiting to be discovered, calling your name & waiting to grace your maison et jardin.
Until Then…

Stage d’Amour

2011-02-13T13:33:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a banner day for the heart & soul, &, bien sur for the shop to shine… Oh Mais Oui, Vignettes was tailor-made for Valentine’s Day!
Our resident artistic genius, Karen Lampard sent glamorous haute couture into the stratosphere, Sherry-Mattia-Welch wowed with her Trunk Show’s Spring debut & every dealer at the shop stepped it up by several thousand notches.
Karen’s masterpieces - her one-of-a-kind corsets, took center stage in the front room & literally came to life, dancing off their satin hangers; each one came attached with it’s own story, written in a tiny book. (One was constructed entirely of Napoleon's love letters to Josephine, all hand calligraphied by Karen onto the fabric) The word “Brilliant” doesn’t begin to cover it. Karen poured her heart & soul into the making of these which simultaneously unleashed a wild, creative abandon that she carefully wove into every seam & gusset which is why these show stopping, museum-worthy, drop-dead gorgeous - works of art soared to a whole new level that no one has ever seen before! As I’ve said a thousand times, her talent is not of this earth, you must come see these to believe them & in just a matter of months - you’ll be reading all about her - Oh yes, mes amies - she’s being featured - big time! Stay Tuned for that!
We also proudly showcased Glamarella Junk’s Spring Couture Collection & Wow! How does this gal keep out-doing herself & coming up with outrageous new designs that are totally original?

Sherry Mattia-Welch doesn’t follow trends - she sets them, always, always so far ahead of the pack & she continues to set the bar higher & ever higher for herself & the world of fashion & jewelry design. She’s the one to watch & her trunk shows that are popping up in high-end salons all over the country are the ones to follow.
Having these fabulous designers set up shop amongst our vintage settings & romantique home decor is an absolute match made in heaven & we truly have the most amazing talent under our roof! Come check us out!
Now, pull up a chair, get comfortable & enjoy the ‘E’ ticket ride that Vignettes’ went on yesterday at our over the top

Valentine Soiree! No seatbelts required.
X.O.X.O.X.O.X.O.X.O.

See You On Saturday!

2011-02-09T09:14:00.001-08:00

Put on your favorite pink party dress & do come see us this

Saturday, February 12th

from Noon to 5:00 pm
for

Vignettes’ Over The Top

(Is there any other kind?)
Valentine Soiree.

We’re celebrating the sweetest month of the year by taking the French Boudoir to our signature level of

dreamy Parisian glamour.
Vintage satin settees, yards & yards of pink velvet & ruffles, deco vanities with heart-shaped chairs, Glamarella Junk’s Spring Collection Trunk Show & Karen Lampard’s custom designed, haute couture Corsets that have to be seen to be believed! These textile masterpieces are one-of-a-kind fabric & paper fantasies that will bien sur make your heart skip several beats.

Prepare to swoon…we have fainting couches ready!
We’ve popped the cork on romantique boudoir décor so hold on to your berets, look both ways before you cross our threshold & come drink it all in.
Pink Champagne Everyone?

One in a Million: “Miss Frenchy”

2011-02-06T14:50:00.001-08:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of the amazingly talented - Cristina Resendez,

aka: “Miss Frenchy”.
Frenchy & I go way back together & whenever she’s in town, back from jet-setting/globe-trotting around the world, she always has an open invitation to create magique at Vignettes.
That time is N O W!
What this gal finds out there on the hunt & how she effortlessly stages a space, a room, or an entire home to duplicate a Paris pied-a-terre, a New York penthouse, or the set of “Pillow Talk” with Doris Day is something to behold.
She has “it”. She was born with “it”.

She is a creative powerhouse.
Designing is in her genes & we all stand back in awe & watch as she brilliantly creates decorative vignettes using never before seen palettes, textures & components. She paints, distresses, designs, sketches, repurposes, recycles, drapes &/or poufs sumptious fabrics all over ceilings, walls & windows, creates fabulous collage work on any surface, & her signature mirrored, peacock feather mannequin deserved it’s own special place of honor on the cover of ‘Elle’ décor magazine!
You’re all invited to our

Over-the-Top
Valentine Soiree,
on Saturday, February 12th,
Noon to 5:00 pm
to meet this Glamorous Femme Boheme,
the Maestro of Toute Decorative Magique -
Miss Frenchy is back in the house!

A Valentine Peek

2011-02-02T09:16:00.001-08:00

We have so much to unveil at our Valentine Soiree!
We have a remodel to show you, new expanded spaces,
a newly designed front window
& then, of course, there’s
Glamarella Junk’s
fabulous, Tattered Glamour Boutique

& Trunk Show to preview!
There’s a lot to take in,
inspiration around every corner
& bien sur - corks will be popping!
Here’s a petite sneak peek…
Come on in for the full impact
& for your

Maximum Daily Requirement of
O O H LA LA !

***
2/12/11
Noon to 5:00 pm

Amour, Trunk Show, Corsets!

2011-01-26T12:03:00.001-08:00

Oh, Mes Amies, do we have a

Valentine Soiree

planned for V O U S !
Mark your calendars for
Saturday, February 12th
Noon to 5:00 pm
& be prepared to swoon!
From the unveiling of Sandra Finn’s nouveau
Theater of the French Industrial,
to the Debut of
Sherry Mattia-Welch’s
Glamarella Junk Boutique
with an over-the-top Trunk Show Magnifique
revealing her Spring Couture Collection,
to the icing on the petit gateau -
Designer Karen Lampard’s preview of

her new line of Custom Couture Corsets -

tailored in the manner of the royal couturieres.
Everything guarenteed to make your heart race, pound & go pitter-patter!
**
Pink Bubbly, Petit Fours & everywhere you look –
Amour, Amour, Amour!
All we need is V O U S !

Jour de L'Amour

2011-01-19T06:49:00.001-08:00

XOXOXOXO!

Early Signs of Spring

2011-01-13T14:13:00.001-08:00

O Wind,
If Winter Comes,
Can Spring Be Far Behind?
Perry Bysshe Shelley

***
A preview of our beautiful, vintage settings
that herald spring’s glorious arrival.
Come in & be inspired…
Garden Parties are right around the corner!

And Mark Your Calendars ~

Vignettes' Valentine Soiree

Saturday, February 12th

Noon to 5:00 pm

Oh Mon Cherie! Save Le Date!

2011-01-08T07:12:00.001-08:00

An afternoon you won't want to miss -

Vignettes’ Over-the-Top Valentine Soiree
Saturday, February 12th
Noon to 5:00 pm
***
When Hollywood Glam

Meets The French Boudoir...

Au revoir 2010 – Bonjour 2011!

2011-01-01T09:57:00.001-08:00

It was certainement - a year to remember!
What fun to look back at all the fabulous & famous people who came thru our door in 2010 & left us inspired & exhilarated by their amazing talents.
Three brilliant super-stars stand out.
Our day with Rachel Ashwell was unforgettable & a dream come true. (Thank you Susan Darnell!) We were all starstruck by her accessibility & natural, down-to-earth beauty & truly amazed at her remarkable vision for knowing exactly what women love.

She walks her talk & now, so do we.
Then, there was the one-in-a-million, Claudia Strasser of

The Paris Apartment fame. She came, she spoke & we all fell in love with her from the minute we laid eyes on her. This petite ball of fire, who embodies everything tres Francais, ingeniously grew her empire to include customized shopping tours to Paris.

She had us at ‘Bonjour’!
And then, of course, there was our resident, design-genius darling, Karen Lampard of Café Papier, who we came to realize this year, can design anything out of paper. She always blows minds with her fascinating & whimsical creations but for our tribute to Coco Chanel at Christmas - she unleashed an off the charts creative abandon that AMAZED us all with her little, black paper dresses that she designed & fashioned from construction paper & coffee filters! No one had ever seen the likes of these

haute couture paper masterpieces, nor will they ever again.
So, to say it was a banner year, a record year & one for

the history books, would really be putting it tres mildly.
In 2010, Vignettes was the setting for three of the most inspiring, mega-talented women in the universe who wowed us, enchanted us, & waved their designer wands to give us a glimpse into their magically creative worlds. They each provided us a never to be forgotten experience.

Long may they reign…& create!
**
So what lies ahead?
….M.O.R.E….
AND THEN SOME!

Watch for the opening of -
Vignettes’ Online Marketplace:
“Home Couture - A LA CARTE”

***

A N D

Our First Event in February!

Our journey to Joie de Vivre has only just begun

Mes Amies, so
Jump On Board & Here We Go!

New Year’s Eve - Fabuleux

2010-12-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner & what a magical, sparkling night of the year to celebrate with tres elegance & enthousiasme!
Whether you’re adorning your maison, or yourself, for gala soirees - we have all the glitz, glamour & sparkling accessories to ring in 2011 right!
For the maison - we have walls of ornate, French & Italian mirrors that combined with magnificent ballroom chandeliers make a tremendous, uber- glamorous statement. Put them together with all sizes of sterling silver candelabras, a silver champagne bucket filled with star-shaped ice, your favorite bottle of bubby & all of this bathed in candle-light creates a spellbinding, old world echappee!
And for a decadent night on the town - we truly have it all: An authentic, show-stopping, head-turning - Chanel - (Is there any other brand?) little black dress with matching black lace jacket - Ooh la la (This dress is all you really need!) Vintage mink muffs, cuffs & collars with accompanying rhinestone fur clips, vintage French pumps with rhinestone encrusted heels, antique & extra-long cigarette holders in their original cases, (Just hold it, no smoking necessary!) rhinestone clutches & wallets, sterling card cases - There’s nothing out there that comes close to V i n t a g e

so why not buy an original?
***
The celebration essentials are here.
Come in & discover - Tout le Magique...at Vignettes
***
Heureux Annee! Happy New Year!

Merrily, Merrily!

2010-12-24T13:16:00.001-08:00

Joyeux Noel
&
Glamorous Wishes
To All!
***

Glamorous Noel

2010-12-19T09:49:00.001-08:00

Our customers often remark on how glamorous the shop is & we say - Mais Oui! Surrounding yourself with Vintage Home Décor & Accessories that all have a French twist is truly a glamorous way to live!
From our faded velvet settees, old satin chairs, ghosted mirrors & tufted headboards to dripping chandeliers & chippy architectural pieces. From antique leather books to sterling cocktail shakers,

silk top hats & elaborate rhinestone encrusted gloves - there is certainment a glamorous way to live, to dress, to decorate & to carry yourself & that is what we are proud to showcase.
Step inside our world & discover what it’s all about…
Sophisticated, Vintage, French-inspired
G. l. a. m. o. u. r.
Make it your lifestyle.
**
Joyeux Noel!
We're Open Every Day Until Christmas!