I was greeted by Rhonda J Bayliss who began Healing day spa in 1997. Anyone that has a treatment with Rhonda will be glad she did. There is a certain energy about her that gives you a feeling of calm and reassurance.
My treatment began with a Bio cleanse foot-spa which also detoxes your body while you relax and enjoy. Then after a luxurious foot massage I lay on the bed, so relaxed and at ease while Rhonda worked her magic.

A combination of Jin Shin Jyutsu a Japanese healing art, Chakra Balancing and Aura-Soma Colour Therapy.
If you are not familiar with these treatments perhaps the best way to explain it is what effect it had on me.
When I walked through Rhonda’s door I was somewhat confused about several issues. Exhausted and feeling a little down. The busier your life becomes the less we tend to spend on nurturing ourselves.

The treatment itself is so gentle and non invasive. You lie in a lovely comfortable treatment bed with crystals and healing stones, Rhonda sprays the most delicious aura soma essences, lays her wonderful healing hands on you  re-balancing and releasing unwanted energy.
Something Rhonda said to me really stuck. Most people live 80% of there life on fear based choices and 20% on trust based choices.
It has been six months since I went to Rhonda and there has been a huge shift. My energy levels have improved immensely and my intuition is much stronger. I am making decisions based on my intuition. The inner voice is becoming stronger than the voice of others. I have not had those anxious butterflies I would often get. It seems to continue working on a cellular level.
The other part of the experience I love is the beautiful French aesthetics of Rhonda’s sanctuary. The whole experience was absolute bliss.
When Rhonda began her venture she said she had a calling and knew that was what she was here to do. I completely understood that as that was my experience to.
Rhonda really does have an amazing gift.

There is Japanese scientist called Masaru Emoto who has proved that words and the energy around us have a huge impact on our health and well being. It is worth having a look at his website.
This is the way of the future. Nurture yourself with Rhonda’s treatment and you will reap the rewards . I cant think of a better way to start the New year.

To find out more about Rhonda and the amazing work she does visit her website

Lithographs are pieces of art work that have been hand etched on a copper plate, printed onto paper and then hand coloured. Such beautiful pieces that unfortunately are not done today. Its amazing when you look at a beautiful vintage La Mode picture that its all lovingly hand done.

The term lithograph or lithography comes from Greek, meaning ‘writing with stone’. It was invented in 1798 by German Alois Senefelder (1771-1834), as a way of printing text, in particular his own plays. Lithography is a popular planographic (surface-printing) technique based on the immiscibility (chemical repulsion of) oil and water. Senefelder patented the process in 1798 and his first publication was a set of drawings by Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner (1516-65) in London in 1799. The lithographic process was kept top secret until 1818, when Alois Senefelder published Vollstandinges Lehrbuch der Steindruckerey (A Complete Course of Lithography). A modern variant is photo-lithography, which employs photographic processes to capture the image on metal plates.

Lithography quickly became popular with artists as a means of reproduction. The artist simply drew a picture on a stone, which was then pressed to reproduce lots of copies on paper. Senefelder continuously improved the process during his lifetime, receiving awards and medals for his work. The first collection of lithographs was published in London in 1803, and included works by American artist Benjamin West (1738-1820), Irish painter James Barry (1741-1806) and Anglo-Swiss artist Henry Fuseli (1741-1825). In 1804 the first series of lithographs in Berlin were published, and included a drawing by the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841). In France the process proved popular with some of the country’s most important artists including Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863), Theodore Chasseriau (1819-1856), Theodore Gericault (1791-1824) and the aged Goya (1746-1828). By this time the process had been further developed and it was now possible to give both colour and tone to a lithograph. It was discovered that every colour could be produced by overlapping blue, red, yellow and black.

Here are some of my favourites.

You can find these on my website

www.vintagerevival.co.nz

Scènes de la vie privée et publique des animaux (Scenes from the private and public life of animals), J. Hetzel et Paulin, by J. J. Grandville, Paris, 1842

Scènes de la vie privée et publique des animaux (Scenes from the private and public life of animals), J. Hetzel et Paulin, by J. J. Grandville, Paris, 1842

Original La Mode magazine cover 1888

From a famous series of caricature lithographs showing French middle class. Age unknown, but 19th c. 1827 or later.

Louis-Leopold Boilly (1761-1845)

Original La Mode magazine cover 1879

A group of children watching Punch and Judy show is from Journal de Modes Paris 1860

Stressful, rewarding and at times a but surreal. I almost need to pinch myself every now and then. It has been quite a fast journey to say the least. They say if you do what you love and love what you do it will flourish, and that it has.

I have been so inspired by others that have this passion such as Rachel Ashwell from the Shabby Chic® brand and Claudia Strasser from The Paris Apartment.  I love looking at their websites and dreaming over their books. This has always come with some frustration as it is near to impossible to find all that French furniture in New Zealand and to bring just a few pieces from abroad is very expensive.

I will be working very hard to bring the loveliest treasures I can find to dress the beautiful homes of New Zealand at a reasonable price.

It has worked well having my home as my showroom it has just outgrown my small abode so hence the move.

It is a long awaited dream come true. As well as a lot of hard work.  Although in saying that it’s not like work as I love it. The hard part as any mother would know is juggling it with looking after a home and still being a good Mother to my beautiful children.

Here are some photos of my work in progress and some of my new treasures.

The entrance to Vintage Revival

Inside. A work in progress

Set of four vintage dining chairs with beautiful vintage Romeo and Juliet fabric

French 1920’s sofa

French vintage Armoire in original cream and french green finish with gilt highlights

Sensational pair of vintage French nightstands in original cream and french green finish with gilt highlights. Very sweet little nightstands, perfect for any boudoir or even girl’s room.

French Queen size bed

Vintage marble top table

Vintage cherub light

This is a fabulous pair of nightstands with marble tops and matching vanity.  All original with exquisite hand carving on the drawers and legs.

Beautiful old Louis XVI style vanity desk. Could also work great as a console.

A stunning French Vintage Romeo and Juliet fauteuil

A stunning French Vintage Romeo and Juliet canape

Very old antique French theatre mirrors

When designing a room I believe art is one of the most important features. If you walk into a room with nothing on the walls it looks unfinished. Even if you like a minimal look one or two pieces of art is still necessary.

You can design a whole room around a beautiful painting just as you can around a piece of French furniture. I have a passion for Vintage art with a romantic feel to it. I’m very lucky to be from a family of artists so I have no shortage of inspirational pieces with great sentimental value. I walk past some of my favourite pieces every day admiring, always feeding my soul, feeling grateful for all the creative people in the world. After all if we had no creative geniuses we would have no beautiful architecture, furniture, art, jewellery, clothes, cars, pretty much everything we buy starts by an artist or a designer.

I always choose art from an emotional point of view. If I fall in love then I will do what I can to continue my love affair. Which is what brings me to my exciting news about my new art work.

Thanks to my good friend Geoffrey Heath who called me and said “Claire you must come and see this drawing by my friend Vivien Masters that is up for Auction at the Richmond Road primary school.”

When I saw this beautiful watercolour by Vivien Master’s I just fell in love with her. It was the perfect match to go with all my lovely pieces of Vintage furniture. Luckily I won the auction and now The Duchess of Superbia graces my wall. It is almost like having the presence of Marie Antoinette herself.

Having had such a lot of feedback on how beautiful she is I decided to ask Vivien if she would do some pieces for Vintage Revival.

As a result of this Vintage Revival is very pleased to announce new art works by Vivien Masters. These beautiful original water colours are exclusive to Vintage Revival.

I have added some inspiring rooms below that are finished with lovely pieces of art as well as a peek inside a few of my favourite books and of course Vivien’s beautiful drawings.

“Olivia”

“The Peacock”

“Diamond Dame”

“Rose”

“Lady Catherine”

“Olivia”

Christian Lacroix in Vogue Living.

Amanda Harlech at the Ritz in Paris, Vogue Living.

Rachel Rileys home in Loire France, Vogue Living.

Rachel Rileys home in Loire France, Vogue Living.

The new Tricia Guild Book A Certain Style.

The new Tricia Guild Book A Certain Style.

Designers Guild.

Designers Guild.

Marie Antoinette.

The Opera house in Paris.

A Renoir painting hangs in the living room of  Greta Garbo.

A Louis XVI trumeau in Greta Garbo’s living room.

Greta Garbo’s hallway.

Greta Garbo’s living room.

Marilyn Monroe in her home a month before she died.

Mickey Rourke’s living room.

My old living room.

A year in Paris is my wish and a day in Paris is like when you fall in love with someone you can’t have.

A week in Paris left me with such a thirst that needs to be quenched again and again.

When my feet first walked on the old cobble stone streets of Paris I felt a familiar sense of being home. Perhaps a past life memory or a romantic ideal I don’t know, I was sure though that a new relationship had begun.
Dragging my suit case along behind me searching for the train station to deliver me to Versailles my eyes were constantly captivated by the beauty of what surrounded me “Paris”
It was early in the morning and people were bustling there way to work, the train station was busy and confusing. The thought of my French lessons on my to do list crossed my mind of regret for not getting it together.

With such a small glimpse of Paris behind me arriving at Versailles was a love affair all of its own. Could I possibly blend into the palace unnoticed and stay for ever!

When visiting Versailles it is well worth arriving on Monday. The Palace itself is closed but the gardens are open for free. You need a whole day just to explore the beauty and splendor of these beautifully laid out gardens that seem to go for miles. Every corner you turn is yet another divine sculpture or fountain laid-en with more stunning flower beds, the air filled with sweet aroma.

Spending the evening in Versailles was a romantic dinner with France followed by a leisurely walk around the edge of the palace grounds. Certainly a step up on the esthetics of a romantic night out, be it with yourself or another.

The second day started with a long que. It pays to pre buy your tickets and arrive 30 minutes before opening time so you avoid cues and crowds in the first stage which is the Palace itself.

I was told it can be quite overwhelming. Not for I. I felt as though I could just melt into it all.

Most people visit Versailles, go through the palace and then leave. There is so much more to see without the crowds of tourists from the main palace.

The Grand Trianon which is like a smaller Versailles. The Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s sanctuary which includes the amazing Theatre she loved to preform in. The Queens Hamlet a village of thatched roofs inspired by the Queen Marie Antoinette’s return to nature which consists of twelve houses along with a miniature farm. It really is like a fairytale village.

Versailles is one of those must do destinations. Especially if you are looking for ideas and inspiration. I am still inspired just with the memory.

And then there was Paris.

Truly the most beautiful and visually exciting city in the world.

I have often heard how the French are rude and arrogant. I found this to be the opposite, such a lively and certainly the most friendly city I have graced the streets of to date.

The constant bustle of a city mixed with the captivating aroma of coffee on every corner, flower and perfumery shops everywhere. Coffee, flowers and perfume what more could a girl want?… Fashion, Bohemia, antique markets, french furniture, the most amazing architecture, stunning gardens, food that will lavishly cover your taste buds, and of course french men everywhere.

Then there is the pungent smell of urine that will occasionally waft up your nose in the underground but  the rest more than compensates for that.

There is so much to look at in Paris I really do need a year

The Palais Garnier ( The Opera house )
Rodin Museum
Notre Dame
Grand Place
Musée du Louvre
Champs Elysees
Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
Moulin Rouge
The Eiffel Tower
The Sorbonne and the Latin Quarter

This is just a few. Beauty is every whereas well as cheap souvenirs for sale on every corner. This can get a little annoying but a simple no is all thats needed unless of course you want an Eiffel Tower key ring or a flashing glass Eiffel Tower.

If you cant live in Paris having a piece of beauty from Paris is the next best thing. There really is something very romantic and special about having a piece of Paris.

I have just received some lovely pieces from Paris as well as a few from Burgundy a town south of Paris.

For prices and more information please see my Vintage Revival French Furniture web site.

ont une belle journée

au revoir

This was once an old council building built in 1896 and still graces the main street of Greytown today.



When you walk in you feel as though you have entered a wonderful remaining piece of New Zealand history. On the ground floor you will find Sally’s Antiques, full of beautiful china, a favorite of mine. All rooms should be graced with beautiful china. Then there is Julie s shop “stylish pre-owned furniture“.

At the top of the grande staircase you will find your room in Paris. Beautifully laid out with lavish linen and all the accessories that make a luxury room as well as a beautiful shuttered window to finish off the parisian feel.

When you have settled onto your romantic retreat you can leisurely wander out the front door to the many wonderful French antique shops and delicious cafes.
I cant think of a better weekend to unwind from the bustle of a busy city. Relax in  your beautiful Parisian room, indulge in yummy food and shop all day for French Furniture

For more information go to the Greytown website

A wonderful treasure I did find. My beautiful Dresden ballerina, she is so damaged and broken with several bad attempts at putting poor ballerina back together again.

Despite this I placed her next to on my other french antiques. I just fell in love with her broken or not. I will keep her, treasure her and be inspired by her.
Sophie found lots wonderful clothes being the up and coming vintage clothes guru she is.

School fairs are lots of fun and there is always a treasure to find, just as opportunity shops are. Opportunity being the operative word. You have to have your eyes open for every opportunity to present itself. You may not find a quality piece of french furniture, but things such as chandelier frames are common.

I love looking at these pieces and imagining where they have been? Who’s house they graced and what stories they could tell. If only a vase could speak.

I arrived at the first event in blustering winds, forcing me to leave my well groomed hair in the car. I was then immersed in the World of Haute Couture, watching Walk the Line by North Shore YMCA.

This Show was created by young designers, it provides an opportunity for young Designers, aged 13 -18 years, to show their talent. Talent there certainly was. My favourite dress out of the four shows I viewed was from this one. Unfortunately the judges were not of the same opinion.

I think this is absolutely gorgeous. It reminded of the beautiful Valentino dress in my last blog.

The very attractive girl modeling it was the  designer, Narelle Melissa, an exciting name I’m sure we’ll catch up with in future magazines.

Nicole Miller was another favourite.  An American Designer, who completed a degree in Fine Art at the Rhode Island School of Design and also earned a degree at the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, where Nicole trained to drape and maser the classical techniques of Couture.

Annah Stretton is also inspiring. A definite temptation to shop.

Just as a beautiful chandelier will enhance your French Furniture so will shoes to a beautiful outfit. What better way to display them than in this gorgeous cabinet?

How would you imagine the decor of a French farmhouse? What about after renovation and french furniture? An English textile designer has spent much of her time renovating not one, but two farmhouses in France.  The Lawrences found their second home away from home in Bourg, France. It was a 1750s farmhouse with the classic style of a Girodine manor. Throughout the renovation they added a pool and sloping garden, combined 2 bedrooms to form the master suite and separated the original farmhouse from the main house creating a cottage. Take a look at the renovated farm house and let us know what you think of the new design.

Images by Ed Alcock for The New York Times

To read the entire article visit The New York Times.

The biggest highlight of my trip apart from spending quality time with a valuable girlfriend was the Valentino exhibition, currently showing in Brisbane, Australia.
The ‘Valentino. Retrospective: Past/Present/Future’ is a major exhibition exploring the work of the celebrated Italian fashion house Valentino, known for its sophisticated, timeless design and glamorous clientele.
Developed by renowned decorative arts institution Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris, the exhibition encompasses haute couture from the first collection designed in 1959 by the house’s founder, Valentino Garavani, through to work from the Autumn/Winter 2009-10 creations by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Picciolli – appointed as creative directors for Valentino in 2008.
Valentino retired unexpectantly in 2008.
Designs from the house of Valentino have been coverted and worn by European royalty, Hollywood celebrities and members of high society the world over. This magnificent exhibition includes garments worn by Cate Blancett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more. The garments are absolutely amazing and are all hand stitched.
To find out all about Valenino I would highly recommend the movie “Valentino: The Last Emperor”
I absolutely love haute couture and Valentino is one of the greats.
I came home feeling so inspired and motivated, now I want to get out my sewing machine and revamp my own clothes.
Arriving home with an overweight suitcase I felt a tad depressed while unpacking finding nowhere to place and show my new found treasures. I feel as though my house is shrinking. Accumulating more without enlarging your space things can become a bit cramped. I am currently looking for a larger home as we have certainly outgrown this one! My home is so full of Vintage and French furniture as well as yummy treasures from around the world.
I have always planned a walk in closet like Carey Bradshaw’s in “Sex in the City,” which is one of my favourites. I am a huge fan of “Sex in the City”.
The vision has grown, unpacking I decided what I need is a beautiful complete dressing room!!! Not just a walk-in closet but whole room to show off my beautiful things.
A room for myself, my clothes, my adornments and all my accessories. I imagine emerging from my bathroom in the morning and  opening the door of my very own dressing room.
I sit in my beautiful French chair or Canape and leisurely decide what I will wear today.
My face framed in a huge gilt mirror. Shelves for my shoes and hand bags. All my clothes and jewellery hung beautifully and easily accessible.
I love to dream and design rooms in my head. My visions are endless and I have only just begun with this one. Browsing on the web  has inspired my vision but has also unfortunately triggered impatience!

Look at what I found. These are some of my favourites.

Carrie Bradshaw’s walk in closet, of course!!

My new found favourite. Nanette Lepore’s Eclectic Dressing Room Designed by Jonathan Adler. I love the Art Deco rug, the colours are divine!

Organization is the  key in a dressing room or large closet area. The bench in this purple one {above} looks like a necessity with all those shoes to try on!

Miley Cyrus’ dressing room is absolutely what I would expect to see for decoration  in a teen’s room. I love the big mirror and chair. Loads of fun to be had with girlfriends, trying on the many variations of outfits!

Olivia  Wilde’s wardrobe at her townhouse in Venice, California. What a beautiful dress!

Mariah Carey’s  dressing room is absolutely stunning.  “Spending time in here would be such a pleasure, I would never want to leave.”

This is the dressing room of the head designer of  J.Crew,  Jenna Lyons — you can be sure it’s full of many fabulous things!!

In Christina Aquilera’s Los Angeles mansion she has two expansive wardrobes. Very theatrical in a very feminine style.

I adore this one,  Very Marie Antoinette.