In September I had the good fortune to be in Italy and it just plain made me feel good. We began in Milan for a few days and I was so impressed by the positive activity and commerce everywhere we walked. There were no "going out of business" signs, no sales, no "for let" spaces peppering each block and I have never seen so many shopping bags being carried about. Nearly everyone was dressed "to the nines" and looking employed, well fed and housed. Having just been in Ireland the week before, it was a pretty sharp contrast. The hotels and restaurants were all packed and finding a taxi was a bit of a wait. I checked if there was a big market in town, but it was just business as usual.
From Milan, we took the train to Florence and I expected that things would be less hectic there, but again, Firenze was nicely full and the merchants were all enjoying great business. My point in writing this is that it has been a while since we have seen or felt this kind of activity at home and it just felt good to see that it was happening somewhere. It gave me hope and allowed me to enjoy my trip completely.
Italy has such wonderful spirit, art, architecture, food and style. I am so lucky to be able to experience these exciting parts of the world from time to time and share my good fortune in stories and photos. Here are a few examples of the sights of Italy.

Well, it's been a while since we added to the blog, but now that the beautiful summer has passed and fall is flirting with colored leaves and frosty nights it's time to get back to work.
Our theme is "comfort" and so as you dig out your sweaters and overcoats and head to Georgetown in search of the perfect elements to create a cozy and comfortable environment for your clients, we invite you to stop by to shop, have a warm beverage and a freshly baked cookie. Of course this is first come, first serve, but we will have a morning batch and an afternoon batch going each day. We did our first taste test yesterday and it made us all very happy. We would love to share this happiness with you!
We will see you soon.
The Cookie Elves at JPR

New Showroom Arrivals

We just received an admirable collection of 17th, 18th & 19th Century European antiques from an important Washington Park estate in Seattle. The collection includes this fabulous set of four framed 19th Century Chinese paintings on silk. They measure 62 “ x 104” each and are a wonderful addition to the showroom. Also available is an 18th Century English Chinoiserie cabinet and a 17th Century Flemish ebonized and gilt mirror. We have two sets of eight dining chairs. One is a Venetian painted set and the other, a balloon back with leather. Additionally, we have received several pairs of antique gilt arm chairs and a collection of superb smaller accessories.
In the courtyard, we have a Carrara marble top table with carved marble griffin base; two long marble benches with lion design bases; and a pair of carved white marble footed urns. Also for the garden, two carved stone statues on stone bases of figures depicting two of the four seasons. They stand about 72 inches tall and feature great patina.
Please come by the showroom and see these wonderful new additions to our mix of Asian and European furniture and accessories.

Maya Romanoff On 1stdibs

Please click on the link to read and view a marvelous thumbnail sketch about the extraordinary Maya Romanoff and his evolution from counter culture tie dye artist to creator of the world's most exquisite wall surfacing materials.

http://www.1stdibs.com/articles/eye_on_design/maya_romanoff/index.php

Paris

Ahhh, Paris.

Where to begin? The sights, the sounds, the smells and the insane beauty simply everywhere! The French have such a delicious touch when it comes to flowers ( lots of one type or lovely delicate mixtures), fabrics (exotic and lush), clothing (look for lots of navy), window display ( always a story being told), gardens (the clean straight tree trunks exactly the same distance apart, the trimmed fresh green leaves, the flower beds so pretty and the raked gravel with tidy benches in just the right places), the beautiful bakeries ( each patisserie a small work of art that tastes as good as it looks), the cafes (so professional and serious in presentation, taste and aroma), and the daily sounds of the bells mingling with the urgent sirens. I have to pinch myself each time and smile throughout the day not really believing my good fortune at being in Paris France!
While enjoying the many flea markets around the city and touching bases with old friends, I am always inspired by what treasures there are still. The Americans have not been able to buy for a long time now, but the dealers are still optimistic and things are starting to improve. I had the special treat of having lunch with Patrick Frey ( Pierre Frey) again and his message was very positive and that they are seeing great recovery in Europe and also on the East Coast in the US. Now that the Euro has become weaker and the dollar stronger, Pierre Frey has made the decision to correct their prices accordingly in the US, within the next ten days. This really is amazing news and is certainly a gift to the trade. I am so impressed once again by this forward thinking company.
I hope you enjoy the few pictures included in the blog. The tent is at the George V, the glorious peonies in a little shop on rue de Rivoli, I am standing on the banks of the Seine last Sunday morning and the fruit is always so pretty in the outside markets. Life is good and I hope you have enjoyed my sharing a few of the recent moments.
Jane back in Seattle

While enjoying the last day in Ireland I am reviewing the things I have done and seen as it relates to our business. Always looking for inspiration or new ideas, but in this case finding little. Design is not high on the list for the Irish, but their charm and happiness makes up for it all. While having a latte in the hotel lobby this morning I looked around at this charming old room and found charm...only. The carpet was rosy beige with a dusty rose design, the sofa's a mustard cord, the too low chairs were brown leather, the walls an odd beige and the art was contemporary with watery turquoise flowers on white. None of it made sense, but it was friendly and busy. I have spotted one very nice remodel while walking in the neighborhood and in contrast to everything else, it is a real standout. The public gardens have been tended and the tulips are in bloom everywhere. The Irish do a very good job of living in a poor economy. We can learn from them and remain ever optimistic. Tomorrow I will be going to France and I can't wait to see the saturated beauty of Paris. I have loved my time in Ireland with my family and my fabulous grand babies, but always love to finish my time in Europe with Paris. I feel so lucky to have this wonderful opportunity and I will try to learn something each day never take for granted how delicious life can be.Best to all,Jane

New line arrives at Jane Piper Reid & Co.

We have just received a beautiful and luxurious faux fur throw from the Henry d'Elkin line of faux fur accessories. Please stop by the showroom to see the sumptuous throw and revel in the fantasy of your own Dr. Zhivago moment.

Another diversion for you to enjoy here in the showroom!

http://www.henrydelkin.com/intro.asp

You can link to the Pierre Frey Blog Here To View the Spring 2010 Collections http://www.pierrefrey.blogspot.com/

The 2010 Collection suggests both traditional and modern with interesting textures, plains, elegance and practicality. We welcome back the wonderful theme prints and more organic cotton woven's. Tres' chic!

Fadini Borghi

Sophisticated elegance to the tenth degree with stunningly elaborate designs that simply amplify luxury. Deux tres' chic!

Boussac

Youthful, bright and bold patterns that coordinate in happy harmony at prices we love. Tres' jolly!

Braquenie

Finally these crème de la crème 18th century designs become 21st century wall coverings that we will adore for centuries to come. Tres' Angelina Jolie!

FYI

Be the first to experience our newest and most innovative sales technique. All of our samples have been sprayed with a special fragrance "Eau de Spenda-Lot". Enjoy the results of this advanced selling tool found only at JPR&Co.

See you soon!
Sincerely,
Jane and le Staff

Soon to follow - random thoughts, observations in various degrees of mirth & relevance.