bag ladies

it all started with anya hindmarch's "i'm not a plastic bag" phenomenon-- the bag was given to stars at the oscars, and many have since been spotted carrying around the cotton tote. other big brands, catching the eco-friendly fever, have started creating reuseable or recycleable bags. bravo for agnes b, who created one out of potato starch [pictured]. stop by one of the many paris locations and walk out with your own piece of pomme de terre.

happy 80th la Coupole

famed resto in Montparnasse, la Coupole, celebrates its 80th birthday this year. to help them celebrate, you can buy a limited edition cocotte by Staub [similar to the one pictured], with la Coupole's logo on it, along with their famous recipe for curried lamb. perfect for recreating cosy french dinners chez vous.

csp: the book

it's official-- the chic shopping paris book, written by yours truly, comes out in may 2008. very exciting, and, bien sur, tres chic and full of my paris faves.

backwards bubbly

guaranteed to cause a stir at your next fete: the piper-heidsieck boutielle de champagne, designed by avantguard duo victor & rolf. the rose champagne sells for 65 euros at colette and other liquor shops.

glam glasses

as seen on the runways, chanel launches it's bijoux line of lunettes de soleil, available in january 2008, exclusively at chanel boutiques. the line is comprised of over-the-top glasses, with feathers, beads, sequins, and bien sur, camelias. in case you weren't already wearing enough sparkly accessories....

sit in deneuve's chair

if you've ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of living legend catherine deneuve, now is your chance. deneuve has recently redecorated the cafe/ salon at the cinema du pantheon, one of the oldest movie theaters in paris. the cozy chic space is open from 12pm-7pm from monday-friday-- stop by for a light lunch before a matinee or just to breathe in the aura of a cinema icon.

13 rue victor cousin, 5th

goyard meets lancome meets gucci

an uber chic gift for the beauty fan--luxe luggage maker goyard has teamed up with french beauty house lancome to launch a limited edition malle, or handmade makeup case. the case is designed specifically for professional makeup tools by gucci westman neville, the line's makeup director. only 8 editions are being released, in 6 sales outlets across the world. bergdorf goodman will sell them stateside, for $18,000, beginning november 1st.

cozy fall cuisine

local favorite christian constant has done it again with another resto (les cocottes) on the rue saint dominique in the 7th-- his 4th on the same street! cocottes are a sort of famous french casserole, and all the dishes are served in them-- from cesear sald to pigeo with sweet peas, each dish is served up in a ceramic or glass cocotte. an upscale french 'diner,' this one is sure to warm you up, inside out, on chilly fall nights.

135 rue st. dominique, 7th, tel: 0145501031

trocadero boutique hotel

another one to check out for your next trip here: le jays paris, a new boutique hotel near the trocadero. the all-suites design hotel [5 suites total], opened by new zeland native judy brahman, is situated in gorgeously renovated 19th century building. each suite has a different decor, from the romantic "provence" suite [pictured] to the classic louis XVI suite (from 390 euros)

chic lunch spot in st. germain

although i've passed by 100s of times, i've never had the chance to stop at cuisine du bar, which is right near the famous boulangerie poilane (rue du cherche midi in st. germain). i finally had the chance to stop for a quick bite with a client today, and years of wondering were finally satisfied-- this tiny cantine-like cafe is just what it looks like-- minimal, healthy, chic, and quick. the menu consists mainly of tartines [open faced sandwiches, slightly grilled] and small salads with lovely house-made desserts and fresh juices. for 12.50 euros, you can have a small salad, a tartine, a dessert, a glass of wine and a coffee-- a bargain, by parisian standards. i had the delicious tartine with fresh goat cheese, ratatouille and coppa ham. a delight, simple and perfectly satisfying.

les annees 20

celebrating the 1920s alongside the musee galliera, the musee baccarat shows its own collection of items from the 20s including art deco inspired perfume bottles and other lovely sparkly things. make time to stop by the crystal room resto if you have some time to languish over a fine french meal in an over-the-top philippe starck designed setting.

les anness 20, until feb 29th at musee bacccarat 11, place des etats-unis, 16th arr.

the big mac

after the FIAC art show this month, the MAC [manifestation d'art contemporain] contemporary art event takes place in november, showcasing 130 invited artists from around the world. each artist presents a personal expo and the artists are at their booth during the entire show. check out eva touroglou-bony's latex sculptures and christitian goyon's interesting 3D images, among other up-and-coming artistes.

november 22-25, at espace champerret

ethical fashion show

this sunday, october 14th, more than 70 french and foreign designers will show off their new collections of ethically-made fashions. using ancient textile methods or the newest recycling procedures, the show is a mix of couture and sportswear. the ethical fashion show is open to the public, 6 euros entry fee.
67, rue du faubourg st. martin, 10th.

uniqlo in paris

you heard it here first-- chic & cheap japanese chain uniqlo arrives in paris this fall. already a huge hit in new york, this muji-meets-h&m chain shop stocks well-designed basics for men, women, and children at incredibly low prices. the location is said to be in la defense, in december 2007, but we are hoping that one will also open in central paris. a voir....

chic bebe gifts

i've always loved these antique french baby rattles, but couldn't find the perfect one for my new niece. then i discovered this french website, sanaissance.com, which offers new versions of antique models, complete with engraving, all at a very reasonable price. they also offer baby spoons, egg cups, silver cups, etc. the website might be a bit simple looking, but the customer service is top-rate-- my order was hand-delivered to my door in 24 hours as i needed it in a hurry. bravo!

i *heart* rien

just spotted this in a magazine and it cracked me up-- oh-so parisien! translation: 'i love nothing, i'm parisien'. available as a sticker in several different color combos online at paristic.fr. the site also offers other frenchy wall stickers like an almost life-sized "metro" sign.

swiss spa special

to celebrate it's 10th anniversary, luxury swiss skincare brand la colline is offering a two-for-one spa special. called the 'soin prestige anniversaire pour visage,' the treatment combines a facial with a hand massage, foot massage, and back massage, leaving you completely relaxed and velvety smooth. the one and a half hour treatment is 145 euros for two people (usually 145 euros for one.) 24, avenue de l'opera, 1st, tel: 01.49.26.03.66

from our favorite francophile

fab francophile john malkovich is at it again, directing another play here in paris. the last one, hysteria, was such a success that monsieur malkovich has taken to directing, in french, an american play by author zach helm. good canary is about a tumultuous love story in new york in the 1980s, directed under the close eye of mr. dangerous liasons himself.

a room of one's own

as a resident of paris, i rarely see the interiors of many hotel rooms, but i'm always asked for recommendations. here are two that seem worth investigating, full of parisian glamour and charm... the above is one of the rooms in the christian lacroix designed hotel, the hotel du petit moulin, in the up-&-coming haute marais district. the over-the-top decor is signature lacroix, so if you are visiting and can't afford some of his couture, you may just be able to check into his hotel instead. the surrounding area is definitely worth checking out [hip new shops, restos, etc.] as well.
the second place to check out is the marais house, near the centre pompidou. this place is a giant hotel particulier [mansion] that has been redone to the highest standards. the entire place can be rented out if you are having a huge fete, or if you just want to have your own not-so-humble abode in paris for a week or so. recently featured in w magazine and on dailycandy, plan to book way in advance.

chic chair sos

check out this clever design from 5.5 Designers, a great way to spruce up old chairs. the plastic 'prothesis' adds a funky deco edge as well as a practical way to keep you from falling through the chaise. from 150 euros, available online.

rugby rugby rugby

the ultimate gift for a posh rugby fan, and a special souvenir for those who have been afflicted with rugby-mania.... a limited-edition chanel logo ball, 130 euros.