An Apartment in Paris, Seaside, FL
The charming beach town of Seaside, Florida has its array of exquisite shops, but none with the same je ne sais quoi as An Apartment in Paris. My mother and I were lucky enough to find this small little boutique tucked away in Seaside’s Ruskin Place on an afternoon walk and before we even took a peek inside the elegant red doors, we knew it would be a favorite. We were instantly greeted by the owner, Sylvia Forbes. Immediately, I asked Sylvia where she came up with the adorable name of her shop. “My entire life, when anyone asked, ‘If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?’ I always answered- an apartment in Paris!” With that, I fell more in love with Sylvia’s Parisian haven.
The prices in the store are reasonable and you can assuredly find something for each and every budget. The store’s contents are certainly eclectic – the only premise is items are in some way inspired by the City of Light. Of course, there are pieces made in France, but there are also objects that simply feel French and were created by local or regional artists. Like Paris, the store is a mix of all things cultural, worldly, and beautiful. Sylvia certainly has a refined curatorial talent herself and there is seemingly not too much or too little of anything in particular. The store displays a mix of art, jewelry, books, paper, vases, clothes, and an assortment of one-of-a-kind items.
I instantly fell in in love with these patchwork dresses- so carefree!
champagne lamps – designed by Sylvia!
I was inspired to hear Sylvia designed two of my favorite items in the store- lamps with lucite bottles made with over-sized champagne bottles. They are absolutely beautiful and of course, incredibly unique! The lucite bottoms simply make the pieces (and the perfect lampshades). The art around the shop was collected by Sylvia’s longstanding relationship with artists in the United States and abroad and each piece brings a certain energy and life to the cozy space.
I am so thankful to have stumbled upon this adorable new store. After all, it only opened just last fall! It adds the perfect amount of European charm to Ruskin Place and seamlessly blends in with the artistic community. And, a piece of Paris is always welcome no matter where you are – especially alongside the ever-calming shores of the beach.
Visit the store’s website here and find them on Facebook!
