Last week, inspiration for this article struck. I had just finished creating a Paris theme window at Mountain Rose Gifts and was walking down the 2200 block of Honolulu Avenue. I passed several stores who had their own touch of France also. Ta da! Paris in Montrose!

Did you know the name Montrose is French for Mountain Rose? Truly our little town is like a rose in the mountains.

French themes are all the rage this year, especially when neutral colors, distressed finishes, burlap, Eiffel towers, fleur de lis and crowns are added. Mountain Rose Gifts (3808 Ocean View Blvd., next to the Montrose Barber Shop) is on top of the new trend with Paris signs, new pillows with French graphics, Eiffel Tower wine bags, fleur de lis wine glasses and Paris journals. They also carry a line of confits made at a farm in the south of France. Their “Confit of Rose Petals” tastes like roses smell. You can see the petals as you spread the confit on your toast.

Marilyn at Victori Ana also loves France. They have always carried the French made “Rance” boxes of soap with scents like tuberose, and a new one called Chevrefeuille. They are delightful. There is also a new line of charm necklaces with silver encased mini frames of French themes. Very hip! The store has several French antique furniture pieces that are enhanced with brand new, boxed, Eiffel Tower clocks (some only $15) and black and white “Barnyard Toile” china.

Revelation Tops (2321 Honolulu Ave.) always seems to have the latest top styles with an Eiffel Tower theme. In style this year are the longer tunic tops that are worn with jeggings. A jegging is a slim cut combo jean and legging. Women are buying them in several colors. Right next store, you can pop into Salon Du Soleil (2317 Honolulu Ave.) and let Candace give you a French gel manicure that lasts two weeks. This salon looks like it was plucked right out of Paris with chandeliers and Eiffel Tower murals.

To complete your Montrose/Paris journey, check out Ocean View Books (3701 Ocean View Blvd., next to Quizno’s). Owner Priscilla has a whole section of used books with a Paris/France theme, along with flags and some antiques.

I hope this has inspired you. Oui, oui?

  Business, crescenta valley, CV, CV Weekly, JULY 07, Mary Dawson, montrose, MSPN