le petit hameau...

" Rousseau says, if we assume man has been corrupted by an artificial civilization,

what is the natural state? The state of the nature from which he has been removed?

Imagine, wandering up and down the forest, without industry, without speech,

and without home…" Marie Antoinette (the film)

I'm sure I've mentioned this before but one my absolute favourite movies is Marie Antoinette. Not just because it's absolutely gorgeous (that's a given), but because her life truly fascinates me. I find it so hard to believe how an entire kingdom could put their faith and dependency on a couple of teenagers and expect things to run smoothly. Of course, it was a whole different era, but still... it's no wonder all she wanted to do was party and get away from it all! Wouldn't you?

What I love best about the movie though are the scenes at her little country getaway tucked away in the gardens of Versailles. It's seriously breathtaking... such a gorgeous little place where flowers grow wild, farm animals roam free, and crops grow sweetly all in a row. It just seems like the perfect place to enjoy nature and be totally at peace with yourself... birds singing, laying in the grass, floating silently along the water in a little white rowboat... just meerly watching these scenes makes you feel all tranquil inside, I can only imagine what it's like to actually be there in person. One of these days though I will make it back to France and Versailles is at the top of my list. From what I hear you could spend a few days there, and there's nothing wrong with that!

In the meantime i'd settle for the chicest of country leisure – a picnic in the grass wearing a light cotton dress... something "natural" as Marie described it. With a gauzy white tent blowing in the breeze, candlelit chandeliers, elegant furniture and beautiful porcelain dishes, I can't picture a more beautiful setting! Along with the sun shining and fresh air to breathe in, it's practically heaven as far as i'm concerned... ahh to dream...

Photos: Parapluie, Hitchcock Blonde

Collage: Settee & Armchair - via Terrain, Macarons via Hidden in France, White Pitcher - Williams Sonoma, Chandelier - The Paris Apt., Carafe - Pier One, Picnic Basket - Williams Sonoma, Cashmere Blanket - The Paris Apt., Dresses - Pacsun here & here, Teacup - Anthropologie, Candles - Google, Cup - Anthropologie, Plates - Anthropologie, Parasol - ModCloth, Pillow - Pottery Barn, Flateware - Pierre Deux, Champagne Coupe - Kendermar