Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, London
September 21 to October 1, 2012
Join Jennefer Penfold, author and Donna Flatley for a private London Sojourn
You can add an exquisite weekend in Paris

September 21 Independent arrival in London, private car transfers to our first class hotel located in the Kensington/Knightsbridge area of London are included. Close to all that is fashionable and gorgeous in London. Jennefer will greet you upon arrival at the hotel. Together we will enjoy a welcome lunch and begin our London discovery in Sloan Square with two of Jennefer’s favorite shops. Bascia Zarsycka, a visual feast for the eyes and a must see shop for your creative mind. Then slip into one of Jen’s Top Ten, VV Rouleaux the ultimate trim shop. We will get lost in the beauty and excitement of one of London’s most posh shopping districts. The evening is yours to enjoy a cozy pub supper, or perhaps a West End show. L

September 22 A full English breakfast is served for you each morning. Today we are visiting the Fashion Textile Museum, another Top Ten. Here you will see Zhandra Rhodes archive collection along with several special exhibits. Located in the district of Bermondsey; the site of the antique market, art galleries and many designer boutiques. This afternoon follow Jennefer on a delightful fabric excursion to Berwick Street, one of the premier fabric stops on any tour to the British Isles. Perhaps plan a ride on the London Eye this evening; complete with champagne to celebrate your visit to London. B

September 23 A wonderful way to begin the day, a docent led visit in the Victoria and Albert Museum, Costume Collection, this is the top of the Top Ten list. The fashion, textiles and a most glorious historic costume exhibit will surely inspire and fascinate you. Jennefer will share her favorite discoveries, along with a great tea room and gift shop….. The afternoon is yours to choose Kensington Palace, Harrods, Portobello Road or perhaps Notting Hill. This evening we will gather for cocktails to discuss tomorrow’s out of this world experience. B/C

September 24 We are off to Spitalfields, the very center of design and all that is new in London. You will have a multi-day pass for the world renowned Origins Design Event. The foremost fashion, jewelry, accessories, and home décor designers will exhibit and sell their wares at this annual must attend event. The Spitalfields Market and African fabric sellers will stimulate your creative pursuits for sure. This evening immerse yourself in a unique visit to Dennis Severs House; relive 18th century London complete with a dinner on the hearth. We will dine at The Water Poet, an authentic pub this evening. B/D

September 25 You are going to Bath; a full day outing to this Georgian masterpiece city. Included will be a visit to the Costume Museum, the Assembly Rooms and the Roman Baths. Together we will have afternoon tea in the Pump Rooms just as Jane Austen did nearly two centuries ago. In your free time you can shop for antiques, vintage clothing and much more. Our rail pass will allow us to stay for dinner if we choose to, there are many charming eateries in Bath. B/T

September 26 Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration awaits all of us at Buckingham Palace this morning. We will enter the world of British Royalty for a first-hand view of the palace. Queen Elizabeth is celebrating sixty years on the throne, displaying her personal diamond collection and much more. This afternoon you can choose to return to the Origins Design Event, shop with Jennefer or explore on your own. We will offer several smashing itineraries from which to choose. Tonight, get dressed in your finest and plan for a special evening in London. The location is a secret. B/D

September 27 Enjoy a full day of independent exploration of London; and the surrounding countryside. Your rail pass allows a day trip out of London if you desire. We can offer several suggestions, the Cotswolds, Cambridge, Stratford- Upon- Avon and much more. Jennefer will be escorting those working to complete her Top Ten list. This afternoon you are invited to our farewell event; Pret-A Portea at the famed Berkeley Hotel. The tea foods are created to resemble couture garments, handbags and shoes currently on offer in London. Experience a truly elegant farewell to London and your new friends. B/T

September 28 After your breakfast, private transfers to London Heathrow are included. We can assist with your flight plans if needed. B

What is Included for London: Round trip private car transfers between the airport and the hotel, seven nights first class hotel with private bath, seven day London Underground Pass, three day Brit Rail pass, admissions: Origins Design multi-day pass, Fashion and Textile Museum, Buckingham Palace, Bath Costume Museum, Assembly Rooms and Roman Baths, Victoria & Albert Museum and Dennis Severs House. Full English breakfast daily, welcome lunch, pub dinner, afternoon tea in Bath, elegant dinner in London and Pret-A-Portea at Berkeley Hotel, The week is fully escorted by Jennefer Penfold, author Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, London, Michele Abrate, internationally recognized tour designer and escort of women’s tours. Joining our tour is Donna Flatley, President of Connecticut American Sewing Guild Chapter. Deluxe maps, document holder, luggage tags, reading lists and much more.

Cost: $3295.00 per person double occupancy. Single room supplement $1300.00 additional.

Not included: Air travel to and from London, travel insurance, meals not included in the itinerary.

 

 

Weekend in Paris Extension
September 28 to October 1, 2012

September 28 We have included private transfers to St. Pancras Station to board the Eurostar for Paris to make your journey more pleasant. We arrive in Paris, at Gare du Nord later this morning. Transfers to our charming Left Bank hotel are included. We will join Jennefer for a bienvenu to Paris bistro lunch complete with wine and a divine café crème. This afternoon we can reserve a seat for you at the Galeries Lafayette Fashion Show. Later this afternoon we will be visiting the Institute YSL, a truly remarkable collection. Evenings in Paris sparkle, the Tour Eiffel puts on a show beginning at nine o’clock. We have included a ticket to ascend the Tour Eiffel and enjoy an evening cruise on the River Seine. Charming cafes and bistros are on every corner in our charming neighborhood. B/L

September 29 Enjoy breakfast in our hotel before embarking on a fabric shopping day like none before. Begin with a quick Metro ride to Anvers and ascend the gentle hill to Marche St. Pierre and the fabric center of Paris. Several square blocks are filled with bolts of silks, woolens, cotton, notions and great home décor fabrics. We will ascend the funicular to Montmartre and have a café lunch on your own before joining Jennefer at La Droguerie, her ultimate Top Ten stop. This is one of the most famous bead, trim and button shops on the planet. Time permitting we can dash over to E. Dehillerin, the best kitchen store in Paris. Julia Child bought all of her famous copper ware here. By now you will need a break and a rest, afternoon tea is on the menu. The evening is yours to explore Paris. B/T

September 30 Sunday in Paris is for flea markets, strolling charming neighborhoods and sitting in sidewalk cafes. Jennefer will take you to Vanves, where the Parisians shop for their apartments. Vintage jewelry, ephemera, books and bric a brac fill the dealers stalls. Then we are off Clingancourt, the original Paris Flea Market. There are more than 2000 dealers. Discover Chanel trims, black jet jewelry, vintage Louis Vuitton leather goods, silver and crystal too. The most spectacular vintage clothing worn by the stars fills many shops. The atmosphere is like no place you have ever been before. This evening we will enjoy a casual bistro dinner and share our Paris memories. B/D

October 1 Enjoy your breakfast and we have private transfers to Charles de Gaulle are included in your trip. We can assist with your flight arrangements. B

Included: Eurostar rail travel to Paris with transfers, three nights first class hotel, breakfast daily, welcome lunch, afternoon tea and a bistro dinner. Admission to Yves St. Laurent, Tour Eiffel, River Seine Cruise and a small carnet of Metro tickets. You will be fully escorted by Jennefer Penfold and Michele Abrate both Parisian experts, autographed copy of Finding Fashion and Fabric Abroad, Paris, map, reading list and reservations for the Galeries Lafayette fashion Show.

Cost: $1055.00 per person double occupancy, single rooms available for $500.00 additional.

Not Included: Air travel from Paris to your home city, travel insurance or meals not included in itinerary.

Bon Voyage

 

 

Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, Florence
October 4 to 11, 2012
Escorted by Jennefer Penfold
Author, Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, Florence

 

Florence is a city overflowing with charm, exquisite fabrics, incredible food and most of all inspiration for every woman to create her dream life. Jennefer Penfold has spent more than a decade exploring every corner of this incredible city frozen in time to unveil the unique one of a kind experience that our tour will offer you. A private glimpse into seldom seen collections, memorable moments in century old shops offering exquisite fabrics and trims to make your garments as individual as you are, await our twelve lucky guests.

We will visit many of Jennefer’s top ten: Antico Setificio Fiorentino, Museo della Fondazione Roberto Capucci, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Galleria del Costume, Palazzo Pitti, Valmar “La Passamaneria”, Zuffanelli, Casa dei Tessuti and of course Trattoria Nella. Included are two full days out of the city to explore Tuscany and her charms. First, the world famous Arezzo Antique Market held the first Sunday of the month filled with vintage inspiration for your “new life”. The journey back to Florence
will take us to a famous winery in Chianti and a rustic Sunday supper. We can’t resist Siena, the site of the Palio and the historic treasures in the Duomo. Discover beautiful pottery, historic art treasures and of course more fantastic shops. The hill town of San Gimingano is filled with history, stunning views of the Tuscan countryside and great gelato. We will all enjoy an evening to remember, dinner at Antica Macelleria Cecchini in Panzano. Celebrity chef and butcher Dario Cecchini, will grill you an unforgettable Florentine Bistecca with all of the trimmings complete with countryside ambiance under the stars.

October 4 Independent arrival in Florence, private transfers to the hotel are included. Our hotel is a gorgeous 4 star stunner in the very heart of Florence, walking distance to all that is stylish. Jennefer will greet you with a welcome aperitif in a local Enoteca. We will dine in a casual trattoria this evening. D

October 5 Every morning the smell of freshly brewed cappuccino and pastry will begin your days in Florence. This morning a private walking tour of the historic center of the city will give you a real sense of the magnificent architecture, elegant shops and great museums to explore on your free time. For lunch we are going to Trattoria Nella, a Top Ten of Jennefer’s for lunch. After a truly memorable meal we will visit two more Top Ten must see shops, Zuffaneli for out of this world buttons, beads, lace, trims. Then on to Valmar, La Passamenteria followed by a tour of the Salvatore Ferragamo Shoe Museum. Your day will end with an aperitif at Hotel Tornabuoni Beacci’s roof garden overlooking the city. The evening is yours to experience Florence. B/L

October 6 Travel across the Arno for a day filled to overflowing with exquisite fashion and costume collections. Visits to Museo della Fondazione Roberto Capucci and Galleria del Costume Pitti Place, two of Jennefer’s Top Ten will amaze and delight you. Our exploration of the Piazza Santo Spirito filled with antique shops and boutiques will include lunch at a favorite café and plenty of time to visit many of the locales in the book. For those wishing for a sunset view over the city, we will go to Fiesole for an aperitif and memories of our day. Diner will be on your own this evening. B/L

October 7 Experience a full day trip to Arrezzo, we will drive across the Tuscan countryside for the once a month Antique Market. This is one of the best in Europe; you will find vintage goods, antiques and great photo opportunities. Jennefer has several special vendors and shops to share with you. Our return journey will take us into the heart of Chianti to taste some wine and enjoy a rustic Sunday dinner. B/D

October 8 Jennefer is bursting with excitement to share her favorite highlight of Florence, our seminar on vintage textiles at Casa dei Tessuti with Romano, her very dear friend. You will see and feel fabrics that are centuries old and learn how they were created and used in fashion and costume design. A short walk takes us to the newly opened Gucci Museum, to experience 90 years of Italian design. You can explore the book store operated by Rizzoli, have a bite to eat in the elegant café and of course shop. The rest of the day is yours to pick your own Top Ten; use your book to plan a great afternoon and evening. B

October 9 A further exploration of Tuscany will take us to Siena, city of Renaissance splendor and the Palio. A walking tour will share the history of this exquisite city. Enjoy lunch overlooking The Campo and reflect on the pomp and pageantry that is Siena. You will have free time for shopping and photo taking. We will visit a hill town or two and perhaps one of the famous outlets before arrival in Panzano, for our Florentine Bistecca at Dario Cecchini’s famous restaurant. B/L/D

October 10 Your day will begin a bit early to experience the San Lorenzo Market, here you can sample foods from all over Italy. We have suggestions for balsamic, truffles, coffee, olive oil, porcini and much more. Many of the vendors will ship your purchases to the United States. Travel across the Arno to visit Antico Setificio Fiorentino, the only18th century fabric designer still working in Florence today. See how the silks are woven on antique looms, shop for exquisite one of a kind fabrics to adorn your home and your life. The balance of the day is yours for private exploration. Tonight we will gather for a farewell to Firenze dinner. B/D

October 11 As Andrea Bocelli says, “Time to Say Goodbye.” We can arrange for transportation to the airport or rail station to suit your needs. You can extend your stay in Rome, Milan, Venice or other cities and Europe. We can make those arrangements for you. Perhaps you want to come to Paris with Jennefer and Michele. B

 

The program includes: Seven nights in a four star hotel with daily breakfast, arrival transfers form the airport or rail station to the hotel, welcome dinner and aperitif, three lunches, four dinners with wine, walking tour of Florence with a café stop, two full day excursions; Arezzo for the antique fair and Siena and Tuscan Hill Towns by private coach, entrances to: Fondazione Roberto Capucci, Pitti Place and Costume Gallery, Ferragamo Shoe Museum, Gucci Museum, private seminar Casa dei Tessuti, and wine tasting in Chianti. Fully escorted by Jennefer Penfold and Michele Abrate, owner of Armstrong & Hedges. You will receive a signed copy of Finding Fabric & Fashion Abroad, Florence, deluxe maps, document case and much more.

The tour is limited to 12 persons. A valid passport is required to travel to Italy. Transportation to Florence is not included in the price; we offer complete travel planning service if needed. We recommend travel insurance and will provide details at the time of booking.

Cost: $3295.00 per person double occupancy. If you wish a room on your own the additional coast is $1200.00.

Reservations: Contact Michele Abrate, owner and tour guide extraordinaire at her office
(510) 521-1141 or email teagardntravel@earthlink.net. A deposit of $500.00 is needed to reserve your place. The balance will be due August 1, 2012. Florence may be combined with the Paris tour if you are so inclined. Travel between Florence and Paris will be by air on October 11, 2012.

Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, Paris
October 12 to 19, 2012
Escorted by Jennefer Penfold, Author of Finding Fabric and Fashion, Paris

October 12 Independent arrival in Paris, private transfers to your first class hotel are included. Jennefer will greet you upon arrival at our very chic Left Bank hotel. Together indulge in a welcome lunch at a great Parisian tea room. Later this afternoon a visit to a courtesan’s Belle Epoque apartment located upstairs at Maxim’s on the Rue Royale. The evening is yours to stroll about the St. Germain des Pres or sip champagne while the Tour Eiffel twinkles. L

October 13 Enjoy a lovely French breakfast each morning at our hotel before beginning the fabulous events planned for the day. This morning our expert fashion guide will meet us for Chanel and the Saint Honore Fashion Walk. Explore the boutique at 31 Rue Cambon, the Place Vendome and the elegant world of Coco Chanel. Inspired by the fall fashion trends lunch will be served in a tres chic locale before experiencing another fashion icon, Yves St. Laurent. His atelier is open for visits with an ever changing display of style changing garments from his 5 decades of fashion design. This evening we will get all glammed up and go out for a Little Black Dress dinner. B/L/D

October 14 Sunday in Paris is simply the best day of the week for the vintage fashion lover.
For the early risers you may want to explore the Organic Market on Boulevard Raspail or attend services at one of the historic churches and cathedrals. Jennefer is anxious to share her love of the Paris Flea Markets. We will visit Vanves first. This is truly where the Parisians shop to furnish their apartments and add to their eclectic and varied wardrobes. The ephemera, vintage jewels and “the button man” are must see vendors. A quick stop for a caffe crème and we are off to Saint Ouen with more than two thousand dealers to tempt every shopper. The beads, trims, vintage fabrics, lace and millinery supplies are out of this world gorgeous. A fun lunch is planned at a cabaret inside the marketplace, think Edith Piaf, an accordion and things dreams are made of. We will orient you to the various markets and our favorite vendors. You can buy authentic Chanel trims for “the jacket”, beads for custom jewelry, vintage lace; and many dealers offering vintage clothing from Yves St. Laurent, Dior, Chanel and endless Louis Vuitton and Chanel leather goods. The evening is yours to explore the cafes and bistrot’s. B/L

October 15 Our agenda for today is filled with exploration in the area of Sentier and the Drouot Auction House, a Top Ten stop. There are many incredible shops and locations to
visit; each with exquisite contents. We will peek into Drouot and see if there are some vintage fashions or jewels we may like, visit Lesage Ecole de Broderie d’Art and some may wish to take a class (optional), stroll a Passage or two and explore Librarie de la Mode for fashion books, magazines and all things Pantone. We will stroll rue de Mail and the surrounding area for the most beautiful home décor fabrics imaginable. There are many charming cafes, tea rooms and bistrot’s in the area. We will search for notions, beads, hat making supplies and more at Pappo Paulin et Cie and Le Boite a Perles. Certainly a late afternoon stop for tea or chocolate will be needed to recover from all of the loveliness.
The evening is yours to sample the Parisian table. B/T

October 16 Fashion in Paris is like no place else on earth and our walk today will spotlight the Palais Royal and Place des Victoires for the ultimate in vintage shopping at Didier Ludot, custom shoes at Louboutin and Serge Lutyens the most beautiful perfumer in Paris. The former home of Colette, Chopin and Cardinal Richelieu is filled with history and intrigue. We will have lunch in a Passage at A Priori The and plan our afternoon at two of Jennefer’s most favorite discoveries. La Droguerie and Ultra Mod are the ultimate shops for buttons, trims, notions and so much more. Time permitting we will visit E. Dehillerin where Julia Child bought her famous copper pots and Ina Garten adds to her Paris kitchen on every visit. Certainly this busy day will call for a refreshment stop or two.
Jennefer know all of the best places for tarte tatin and a café crème. B/L

October 17 On the Metro and up the hill to Marche St. Pierre; the fabric market area of Paris. Literally a dozen square blocks filled with every fabric you can dream of. You can purchase the designer over runs from Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, and many more. Discover fine silks and quilt fat quarters too. We will venture up to Montmartre for lunch on the square and some bohemian culture. Perhaps you will select an original art work as a memory of this exciting journey. We suggest a visit to The Costume Museum later this afternoon. Jennefer will guide you to her favorite collections. Late afternoon treat, a cocktail a Café Marly overlooking the Pyrmaid at the Louvre. B/L/C

October 18 Our gift to you, Paris Dream Day. We will help you to create your perfect day in Paris. If you wish some pampering at a spa or hammam, cooking class, makeover, chocolate walk, day trip to Versailles or the Champagne region we can make your reservations. Tonight is our farewell to The City of Light, we begin with a concert at St. Chapelle followed by a wonderful dinner to share our memories and new friends. B/D

October 19 Say au revoir to Paris and this magical adventure of Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad. Shuttle transfers to Charles de Gaulle are included in our package. B

The program includes: Seven nights in a first class hotel with breakfast daily, round trip transfers between Charles de Gaulle Airport and the hotel, five lunches, two dinners, one afternoon tea and a cocktail party, two private fashion walking tours, entrance to Maxim’s Belle Epoque Courtesan apartment, Institue YSL, Costume Museum, five day Metro Pass plus carnet tickets, autographed copy of Finding Fabric and Fashion Abroad, Paris, fully escorted and guided by Jennefer Penfold and Michele Abrate, both Parisian experts, deluxe maps and pre trip planning guides. Limited to 12 persons.

Cost: $3295.00 per person double occupancy. Room for single occupancy is $1250.00
extra. Air travel to Paris is not included in the cost. We can assist you with all reservations and pre or post travel needs.

Not included: Air travel to and from Paris, travel insurance and meals not included in itinerary.

Make your reservations: Contact Michele Abrate CTC, owner Armstrong & Hedges LTD
By telephone (510) 521-1141 or email teagardentravel@eaerthlink.net. A deposit of $750.00 is required to confirm your place. The final payment will be due August 1, 2012.
Reservations forms can be mailed or emailed to you.