Chic Shoes for Cabaret and Everyday

One of the amazing things about Paris is the artists and artisans that still work at highly skilled crafts, like no where else in the world.  I've recently stumbled upon the maison Clairvoy, a handmade shoe workshop that has been making shoes for French theater and cabaret since 1945.   The house was  taken over by new artisans in 2006 ; it still supplies all the cabarets, but it also now makes sur mesure shoes as well.  It takes 6 -8 months [with between 150-200 steps to make each pair!], and you, too, can have your own custom-made shoes.  [Top photo:  shoes for the Moulin Rouge dancers.]

Spring trends in Paris: Stripes are back!

It's springtime here [at least that is what the calendar says- the weather isn't quite cooperating!]- and stripes are back in shops again!  Here are a few of my Frenchy faves for spring:

Petit Bateau, 45 euros

Dress by Sineanquanone, 109 euros

Dress by Comptoir des Cotonniers, 135 euros

Sandro,  63 euros

Happy Birthday to Claudie P!

To fete their 30 years this summer, the brand Claudie Pierlot is offering a limited edition round up of it's favorites pieces- reinvented by guest designers.  How sweet is the LBD, designed by Audrey Marnay?  I'm also coveting the silky polka dot pjs.....well, most all of the collection, really!   Check it out at the Claudie P boutiques soon.....what fun items to snag that no one else will have!

Haute Couture at Hotel de Ville

Over 150 pieces that trace 100 years of fashion will be on display at the Paris Haute Couture exhibit at the Hotel de Ville.  This is an amazing occasion to see up close and personal the handiwork and craftsmanship by Chanel, Vionnet, Courreges, and many more designers.  Here is a slide show preview of some of the amazing pieces on display.  Be sure to pick up the cute kids guide [bottom picture] for your favorite jeune fille fashionista.

Paris Haute Couture at the Hotel de Ville [Salle St Jean]
until July 6, 2013

free exhibit, open everyday [except Sundays and holidays], from 10am to 7pm

King Karl's new St. Germain boutique

We've been walking by for months, waiting for the opening of Karl Lagerfeld's new left bank boutique.  Et voila!  It's open....a sleek display for Karl's own line, alongside his accessories and a curated collection of misc. items.  Black and white dominate the shop, bien sur, and his reasonably priced watches [starting at 149 euros] are becoming a hit with Parisianistas.

Karl Lagerfeld
194 blvd St. Germain, 7th

Chocolate by Alain Ducasse- Paris' newest chocolate shop

Chocoholocs, add this one to your list of places to visit in Paris- multi-starred and multi-talented chef Alain Ducasse has opened a chocolate factory shop in the 11th.  Step off the main street, into a quiet courtyard and into this former garage to check out the chocolate being made right in front of you.   Pralines with coconut or salty peanuts, ganache with lime or mint, giant bars of chocolate that way 3.5kg....a wide range of yummy flavors await.   [Note:  they are open Easter Sunday from 10am-1pm if you forgot your chocolate for that last minute egg hunt!]

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

40 rue de la Roquette, 11th

CSP 10 Year Anniversary= celebrate with us!

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This spring, Chic Shopping Paris celebrates 10 years of being Paris' favorite shopping tour service.  Often imitated, never equaled, if I do say so myself!  I can hardly believe I've been in Paris for over a decade now.....and still love shopping and showing off my adopted home to visitors to Paris.

Celebrate with us by booking a shopping tour on your trip to Paris this spring!  Mention this post and book a tour before May 1st, 2013, and receive 10% off your tour.

Les Marquis de Laduree

Laduree's presence in Paris [and abroad!] continues to grow, sharing its macarons with the world.....and now it will attempt to do the same for chocolate.  Les Marquis de Laduree [not far from the Jardin de Tuileries] features all sorts of chocolates, alongside pastries and sweets infused with rum, wine, and exotic fruits.  The boutique will also offer workshops and tastings, for those who can't get enough of the brand's rich concoctions.   

Les Marquis de Laduree

14 rue de Castiglione, 1st

Louis Vuitton and the Art of Writing

To anchor itself in the rich literary history of St Germain des Pres, Louis Vuitton has opened a Cabinet d'ecriture, filled with writerly offerings such as stationary, ink pens (alongside an ink bar), crystal ink wells and more.  The boutique/salon will also offer special events to showcase exceptional artists and artisans in the field.

Le Cabinet d'Ecriture

6 place St. Germain, 6th