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From Kim:

We have a great treasure in our midst – that of Casa del Herrero. It is one of only four National Historic Landmarks in Santa Barbara. Designed by George Washington Smith, and completed in 1925, it is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Owner George Fox Steedman traveled abroad to purchase incredible architectural elements for the interior and exterior of the house. He went neck to neck with William Randolph Hearst who was shopping for Hearst Castle at the time. What a competition between two great visionaries. Take the time to enjoy a docent tour of this architectural gem.

From Kim:

Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming seaside village that gently tumbles down a hill and drops  into the azure sea on the Eastern edge of the French Riviera. The Greeks, Romans, French and Italians have all left their mark and influence on this spectacular bit of coast, making it a marvelous meld of culture and style. The pine trees, palms and cacti co-mingle with bougainvillea, tile roofs and plaster walls. Church bells ring, harbor bells sound.  Sounds remarkably like Santa Barbara, n'est-ce pas?

From Kim:

Le Livre a toute heure! A consommer sans moderation! The book at all hours! Consume without moderation! This photo is 10 years old, but I will always remember the charm of finding this vending machine in San Germain de Pres after dinner one evening. No matter how you consume your books, whether on a Kindle, via Amazon, a vending machine or a shop like MAISON K, the power of commentary, story and documentation will always be a part of our collective need. I wonder what the next medium will be!

From Kim: Always winter white, shown left is, what is for me, the most beautiful architectural detail bar none. Meticulously hand-carved plaster work in a endless variety of pattern, covers courtyards, archways and walls in Moroccan Palaces, riads and homes. Closer to home than a trip abroad, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a phenomenal collection of art and architecture from the near East in The Met Islamic Art Exhibit.

From Kim: In addition to the fragrances mentioned above, another Astier de Villatte candle I love is "Cambridge," a soft delicious rose scent like no other. Pictured here is the visual equivalent, a magnificent rose arrangement from Dani Roses at Hotel Costes on Rue St. Honore in Paris. From this singular color arrangement of palest pink to vibrant mixed bouquets, this super chic floral boîte is sure to delight. After perusing the roses, step inside this spectacular Hotel for tea or lunch on the patio.

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Cashmere Caplet $495

Nepalese Cashmere Scarf $245

Braided French Necklace $145

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Cashmere Poncho and Scarf $245 each

French Antique Brass Necklace $195

Suede Fringe Purse $245

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Stripe Cashmere Wrap $295

Crochet-Edge Cape $145

Faux Leather Purse $195

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Cashmere Shawl Collar Sweater $295

Leather and Calf Hair Purse $295

Muti-Strand Pearl Necklace $95

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Super Soft Reversible Scarves $125

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Leather and Calf Hair Purses $150/$295

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"Orgashmere" Caplet $495

From Kim:

Following a surprisingly chilly evening in LA, I enjoyed a sunlit breakfast at the Ace Hotel downtown. Situated on the west side of South Broadway, it gets the glorious morning sun. Opened just this year, the Ace is situated in the historic United Artists building. Built in 1927, an ornate grand monument of the film industry, complete with a jewel-like movie palace theatre that now showcases entertainers, such as Patti Smith, and speakers, such as Rick Steves. The Ace Hotel is one of many great downtown attractions that make a weekend in LA a fascinating, fun and easy getaway.

We are so excited to share this divine new jewelry collection with you! There is nothing like the beauty of diamonds and natural stones to add elegance and sophistication to any ensemble, whether it's a white t-shirt and jeans, or a little black dress.These one-of-a-kind pieces from Turkey are perfect to wear now, to kick off the holiday season - and versatile enough to wear year round. Composed of antiqued sterling, diamonds, pearls and stones such as iolite, labradorite and emeralds, this jewelry is meticulously designed and created to be timeless and worn for years to come.

Each piece is truly unique so please contact us to reserve any of the pieces you see here.

1. Moonstone/Diamond/Labradorite Pendants: $395-595
2. Pearl/Diamond Bead Necklace: $395
3. Pearl/Diamond Bracelet $595 and Diamond Earrings $1,495
4. Baroque Pearl/Black Diamond Necklace: $595
5. Shagreen/Diamond Bracelet: $1,595 each
6. Iolite/Diamond Lariat: $1,495
7. Citrine Necklace: $1,295
8. Labradorite/Diamond/Emerald Necklace: $895
9. Feather Earrings: $1,795

From Kim: In addition to the beautiful topography of Santa Barbara, we are surrounded by a multitude of cultural treasures.  One of the oldest and most iconic is our  "Queen of Missions." Founded by Franciscan Friar Fermin de Lasuen on the Feast of St. Barbara, December 4 1786, the Mission is unique with it's twin bell towers, a feature restricted to a cathedral church.  Most visitors know the classic exterior view, yet a visit inside the main chapel (pictured), gardens and cemetery is fascinating. The Mission has the oldest tradition of choral singing among the California Missions and in the 19th century served in part as a college, making it Santa Barbara's first institution of higher learning. I always make an evening visit to the creche set up mid-December, wonderfully back lit by the Mission facade under a big shimmering starry sky.

The holidays are fast approaching so it's not too soon to consider decking your halls and getting a start on your holiday gift list!

We have numerous new decorative items for you and your home: scarves, purses and jewelry from France, as well as some tried-and-true MAISON K classics.Please shop early as many things are one of a kind and there is limited stock on the majority of other products.We are happy to gift wrap your presents, as well as manage the shipping.

Please contact us so we may assist you.

1. Milagro Tree
2. Lambswool and Rabbit Fur Throw
3. Vintage Wooden Deer Head
4. Printed Linen Scarves
5. Plush Robe
6. Fringe Purse
7. Cashmere Throw
8. Culinary Salts
9. Syrian Mirror and Moroccan Wedding Blankets
10. MAISON K Four Seasons Signature Candle Set
11. Alpaca Lions
12. MAISON K Gift Wrap