Lolo's French Bloguette: September 2013

Sunday, September 29, 2013

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT...

Load an armoire the size of Texas, that is! Like this really large 18th century Louis XIV armoire Lolo found in Saint-Malo, France, a port city in Brittany and home of the French corsairs. Maybe that explains the compass stars hand carved in the 3 panel doors. Or could it be they're stars of Texas?

Antique French Louis XIV Armoire

It took Lolo and three other really big guys an hour and lots of very careful maneuvering to get this monster loaded. The doors come off most armoires, but not this one! Thank goodness the stepped cornice did.

Cornice is Removed and Doors are Shrink Wrapped

Now the heavy lifting begins! Notice Lolo has disappeared...

1...2...3...LIFT

Loaded and Doors are Closing

Wait! Lolo is Back

Touch-Ups

Ready to Go

He has some last minute polishing to do and then this big daddy is headed to Ft. Worth, Texas, where a happy family will enjoy it for many more years. And that is how we do it...Lolo's way!

À Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi

Monday, September 16, 2013

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!

In less than a week, nearly 5,000 antique, collectible and flea market dealers
from around the world will set up shop in the four small Texas towns of Carmine, Round Top,
Warrenton and La Grange for Round Top Antiques Week .

Illustrated Map Featured in Texas Monthly Magazine
Illustration By: Christopher Monro DeLorenzo

Considered the largest antiques fair in the United States, this shopper's paradise, which has been around since the 1960's, is no longer one show held the last weekend of October and April each year. Round Top Antiques Week now lasts more than two weeks every spring and fall with about 40 separate shows set up in dance halls, barns, warehouses and sheds. Tents cover cow pastures and front yards. Crystal chandeliers hang from the rafters and margaritas are plentiful.

Round Top Antiques Week

The merchandise is as varied as the venues and the dealers, featuring more than just antiques. You can find pretty much anything under the Texas sun...from period French antiques to a Brady Bunch lunch box to a signed first edition of William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury. Industrial salvage, vintage jewelry, European linens, fine art, furniture from every era and plain ole' junk can be had. You'll see designers and decorators alongside pickers and junkers. Collectors and hoarders of all kinds will descend on this 25-mile stretch of Highway 237 from Burton to La Grange.

Pandora de Balthazar

Lolo French Antiques et More

Lolo will be set up at the Arbor International & Interior Design Show in Round Top.
Join the fun! Come experience the most amazing shopping experience you can imagine. Be sure and bring your wallet (dealers like cash), sunscreen, an umbrella (it can rain at anytime), camera and a tape measure. And definitely be prepared to shop 'til you drop!

À Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi

Monday, September 9, 2013

LAST MINUTE LOADING...DAY 10

After a whirlwind week of rummaging through warehouses, brocantes, shops and maisons, it's time for Lolo to load the container and head back to the USA. Take a look at the final load.

Country French Rush Seat Chairs

Louis Philippe Bedside Table with Marble Top

Country French Rush Seat Chair

Rustic Cabinet

Farm Table

Large French Butcher Block

Set of 6 Os de Mouton Chairs

Buffet Deux Corps

Louis XV Buffet

Louis XV Bookcase

18th Century French Empire Buffet

Off to Scott Antique Market on Thursday! Be sure and stop by the South Building to say hello and take a look at the fabulous selection Lolo has with him.

À Bientôt!

Lolo and Mimi

Sunday, September 8, 2013

AROUND TOWN...DAY 9

With most places closed once again on Sunday, Laurent takes his family out for brunch in a quaint little village near Nantes.

Village Restaurant in Vieux Pont, France

Roger and Marie-Hélène

Lolo and Gigi

After brunch, a picturesque drive up the coast leads to an uncle's Bed and Breakfast that was originally a 16th century castle.

Brittany Coastline

Castle Turret

Castle Chapel

Then it's back home. The container has to be loaded on Monday!

À Bientôt!

Lolo and Mimi

Saturday, September 7, 2013

FLEA MARKET FINDS...DAY 8

After a fast paced week of intense shopping along the Brittany coast, Lolo made a last minute run to the local Place Viarme flea market in Nantes. This Saturday morning market has about 100 stalls regularly packing the streets to sell antiques, Quimper ceramics and all sorts of nautical collectibles.

Place Viarme Flea Market
Nantes, France

Louis Philippe Mirror

Antique French Wine Jail

Iron Fleur de Lis Coat Rack

Time for a little sight-seeing tomorrow!

À Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

HOME RUN....DAY 5

Lolo hit a home run today! The sun was shining and he was off to an early start. He left home with an empty truck and returned with one packed to the rafters.

Home Sweet Home
in France

He headed up the Brittany coast and stopped in several little towns along the way. It didn't take long to start filling the truck once he ran across a few dealers with some really nice armoires and buffets.

Lolo definitely scored today!

À Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

CHAIRS TO YOU...DAY 4

You really can shop from the comfort of your own chair. One of the chairs Lolo found today would be perfect for a virtual shopping tour (after a little reupholstering). He will be glad to look for that special piece you found on Pinterest or saw in a magazine that you can't live without. "Let Lolo Know" and sit back while he does all the work.

Pair of French Upholstered Armchairs

Set of 8 Os de Mouton Dining Chairs

Set of 6 Os de Mouton Dining Chairs

Os de Mouton Settee and Armchair

French Prie-dieu

Chairs to you!

À Bientôt!

Lolo & Mimi

Monday, September 2, 2013

THE HUNT BEGINS...DAY 3

The French take Sundays seriously. It's a day for window shopping. All the shops and markets are closed. Nothing is open except for restaurants, cafes, patisseries and boulangeries (bakeries).