Dreaming of France -- Shopping

Please join this weekly meme. Grab a copy of the photo above and link back to An Accidental Blog. Share with the rest of us your passion for France. Did you read a good book set in France? See a movie? Take a photo in France? Have an adventure? Eat a fabulous meal or even just a pastry? Or if you're in France now, go ahead and lord it over the rest of us. We can take it.

Many people think of shopping when they visit France, and since Christmas has become primarily a shopping season, I thought I'd share some pictures Grace took on a trip to Paris. I'm not a big shopper, but I feel like I could find plenty to spend my money on at this Paris flea market.

The sheer number of beautiful items would probably overwhelm me. What is French here? Or Asian? Or Russian? So many countries come together in the porcelain on this table. 

A statue lamp? Pourquoi pas? This light-holding statue looks a little more risque than our Statue of Liberty. 

Carpets anyone? I imagine beautiful French apartments with thick rugs from all over the world.

Hope everyone else is dreaming of France even as the Christmas holidays distract us all. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for dreaming along with me this year. 

Wardrobe Updates

Shopping is not something I enjoy. I like to go with a goal in mind, buy it, and come home. I know, weird.
Today I went to Macys in search of a dress for our trip to Paris. I didn't have a particular dress style or color in mind. I am getting better at choosing styles that look good on me -- smaller waist, full skirt. And I found this one with a swooping v-neck and a belt around the waist. I had to keep trying on smaller and smaller sizes, which says something about the dressmaker rather than any weight loss on my part.
The dress is a classic, Marilyn Monroe kind and Earl insisted I twirl while he took my picture. It's Jones of New York and its a polished cotton with a silky under liner.
The shoes I knew would be tricky. I want stylish shoes that feel good so I can walk for miles. Comfort and fashion just don't go together. I found these shoes called Jambu. Cute t-strap. Strap around the ankle as is the fashion this year. The shoe saleslady had a pair of this brand on and swears they are comfortable for working in. They feel very cushy on the bottoms of my feet. The verdict is still out on whether the leather tops will rub. I'm going to wear them around the house for awhile to test them.
Now my friends can stop worrying that I have nothing to wear in France. I have a dress and a pair of shoes. What else could I need?