What’s in a name? When people ask me about blogging – how to get their blog noticed, what it takes to attract readers - one of the things I stress is to think up a good name for your blog. It needs to be catchy, memorable, and at the same time, it needs to explain something about yourself and describe your blog in some way. I struggled for weeks for a name, finally settling on something that speaks to both my love of French design and my location: Cote de Texas, meaning, in French, I live on the Texas coast. Also, it’s a play on words for the French magazine, Cote de Sud. Hopefully, anyone interested in Texas and/or French design would be willing to give my blog a chance after they saw my name.
When I first heard of the web store Paris Hotel Boutique, the name alone intrigued me: French antiques with an emphasis on hotel silver. The name of the web store and blog is catchy enough to attract readers and it gives a clue to what’s in store. Plus, it’s easy to remember. Who could resist taking a peek with a name like that? Paris Hotel Boutique is owned by Lynn Goldfinger-Abram, and after visiting her website, I was hooked. Lynn has a feminine flair – with an infectious interest in the glamour days of bygone. She has a passion for antique hotel silver – those wonderful pieces that once graced the dining tables at the most elegant hotels. The initial core of her business, started in 1995, was this much sought out silver, but now, she sells a variety of antiques including hotel china, jewelry, lighting, accessories, furniture, and rare, first-edition design books. Lynn’s discerning eye ties it all together. The web store is charmingly arranged like an old hotel elevator – which only adds to the visual appeal. One of my favorite emails is the New Items announcement from the Paris Hotel Boutique. I always immediately click on the site to peruse the newest arrivals because the best tends to sell quickly. Over the years, I’ve bought from Lynn and have always been thrilled with the actual item. Her pictures are accurate, there are no surprises. One surprise though, was a personal connection between Lynn and myself. Her husband’s name sounded awfully familiar to me – Leif Abrams – not exactly a John Doe kind of name. But why? They live in San Francisco, how would I know her husband? As fate would have it, years and years ago – when we were both single - Leif and I met when we both attended a “Singles Mission” to Israel - and he actually dated my roommate during that trip.
I dug out this old, old photograph from the 80s – that’s moi on the bottom, with Leif, Lynn’s husband, and my roomie and bff Mindy on an Israeli Singles Mission. We sure were “handsy” in those days. And btw, the Singles Mission was a huge bust for me. I remained single after going on TWO missions!!!! But, we sure had fun.
Do you notice something interesting in this picture? Hanging on the hotel wall in Jerusalem is a huge suzani. I wonder if it is old? And no, I never noticed it at the time.
Besides her web store, Lynn writes a charming blog HERE. Over the years on the blog, she has shown pictures of her house – which has been publicized in several design magazines. One of my favorite rooms in Lynn’s house is her breakfast room – here you can see a part of her hotel silver collection. It’s amazing!!!
Another picture of her breakfast room. Lynn attends all the auctions of the old grand hotels when they close their doors. Betty Lou Phillips has a similar food warmer in her own dining room.
My favorite at Lynn’s house is this antique map. Wow. Incredible!!!
Besides hotel silver, Lynn collects hotel china. It’s all so romantic!!
What’s for sale at the Paris Hotel Boutique these days? Here are some of my favorite items: these vintage French chairs in white with blue fabric. Beautiful.
I am loving this charming chandelier with the pink glass teardrops.
This is an antique apothecary scale. Really beautiful.
Lynn has this large set of bound NY Times newspapers from the 1930’s. I wish I could afford the entire set!
And I can’t resist this hotel sugar bowl from 1900 Paris. I love the pink and gold trim.
THE GIVEAWAY:
I was thrilled beyond belief when Lynn offered to host a giveaway for Cote de Texas readers! One reader will receive this beautiful antique convex Lyre-shaped mirror from the early 1900s. It measures 26-1/2" tall, 15-1/4" wide and is approx. 2-1/4" thick. The convex mirror is 9-1/2" in diameter. Lynn says the mirror was probably once mounted on top of a dresser. The mirror’s value is $675.
How to enter the contest: In order to win, you must first go to the Paris Hotel Boutique web site at http://www.parishotelboutique.com/store/lobby.php
Once there, please look around at all the items offered for sale, and pick out your personal favorite. Then, come back here and leave me comment telling me your favorite item from the Paris Hotel Boutique. That’s all! Remember – if you enter, you must leave your name and email address!! The lucky winner will be chosen this Thursday at 12:00a.m. So hurry!!! One entry per person, please.
And finally, I want to offer a huge thank you to Lynn for hosting this giveaway!!! Thanks Lynn, you’re the best!!