your secret parisian closet

so you've been invited to an uber-chic soiree while in paris, and you've packed nothing but jeans? check out mon dressing secret ["my secret closet"]. you can rent a fab dress from top designers [from kate moss for topshop to the latest from sonia rykiel, fendi, etc.], starting at 79 euros for 24 hours, delivery included. a great way to look the part without having to part with your entire budget.

summer sales in Paris: the official dates

it's almost that time again-- Paris' twice annual summer sales ["soldes"] are less than a month away. the official dates are June 25th at 8am until August 2nd. check out my previous posts on les soldes to get the scoop on how to shop like a pro. happy shopping!!

listen up

in paris, you hear a lot of anglo music-- i mean A LOT. in the shops, at clubs, even the accordion player on the metro is usually playing some american tune. so it's refreshing to find some cool young french labels out there. april 77 has been known for its fab skinny jeans for several seasons now, and has started releasing singles by up-&-coming artists alongside its fashion. [ok, so it's a french label with mainly anglo musicians, but that counts, right?] buy the 45, or buy a t-shirt from the line and get a scratch off ticket that allows you to enter a code and then download the single. c'est cool, non?

look as pretty as you smell...

..with the new line of sweet bijoux by jewelry designer virginie monroe for famed parfumeur annick goutal. the perfumer's first line of bijoux is named after four of the most popular fragrances--petite cherie, quel amour, grand amour, and songes, and themed to match with girlie stars, butterflies, hearts, etc. available at all annick goutal boutiques.

Hermes "Secret " Sale!

as many big fans of the brand know, Hermes has a twice annual 'secret' sale, which takes place off site [i.e., not in the boutiques]. i've just heard from a reliable source that the summer sale will take place june 25-28 at the palais des congres. bargains are incredible, so come prepared with your wish list [and even your christmas gift list!] and be ready to elbow your way into the sale. o

gallery opening this Saturday

Ivy Paris will present the work of IC Rapoport, from his collection "Paris est un fete", starting with a gallery opening this Saturday from 6pm-8pm. check out some works from his archives, being shown for the first time in paris, before they collection gets retired.

GALERIE LE SIMOUN
78, Rue de Miromesnil
75008 Paris

summer sweets

as many french foodies out there know, a macaron is a must-have delicacy when in paris-- whether the ever-changing flavors at the famous laduree tea salon or these summer cuties, made by lenotre. disguised as fresh summer veggies, these ice cream dessert macarons are part of their sweet summer collection. and at only 1.60 euros a piece, summer is sweet indeed!

bruno's new bag

sexy shoe designer bruno frisoni has just launched a new line of bags for the fall-winter 2008 season. the cabas [or doctor's bag], pictured above, features special clipped handles that let you wear the straps short for hand-carrying or unclipped for on your shoulder. prices start at 950 euros, but that seems a small price to pay for such a timeless stunner as this, non?

a celestial spa

to celebrate spring, and to help us get in shape for summer, printemps department store is opening a roof top spa with terrake products. a free 15 minute massage is offered, or sign up for the other services at very reasonable prices [1 hr back massage, 45 euros]. a nice break from shopping, indeed!

also on display on the roof deck are the stunning creations of ebano. ebano creates sleek pieces of furniture out of steel, along with jewelry and other home accessories. the furniture is on display at printemps, but check out their jewelry in their montmartre boutique, also featured in my book.

french bijoux straight to you

one of my fave boutiques in montmartre [and also in my upcoming book] has just opened an online boutique- yeah horray, they even ship internationally! check out geraldine valluet for a wide range of hand made parisian jewels-- from simple classics to over-the-top showstopping pieces.

petite poupees for your neck

just in time for the french fete des meres [mother's day], servane gaxotte, parisian jewerly designer, has created new versions of her famous poupee necklace. the poupees, articulated dolls in sterling silver, are always dressed in up-to-the-minute fashion, and are already a collectors item. the latest doll to join her soeurs is a pregnant doll, a cute way to show you are expecting before your belly pops. around 195 euros at the servane gaxotte boutique, 55 rue des saints peres, 6th.

les frigos- paris' underground art scene

les frigos is one of those mythical places in paris that is definitely off the beaten path of most tourists. since the 1980s, a huge number of artists have squatted a large building on the banks of the seine in the 13th, formerly owned by the sncf. the building has become synonymous with art and rebellious spirit, and, bien sur, creativity. after years of trying to expel its tenants, the mairie of paris bought the building to insure that the artists could stay and create. this weekend, you can check out the infamous warehouse for yourself during its open house-- may 24th and 25th [from 1pm until late at night]-- jazz music, artists expos, and dancing are all on tap.

art all around us

one of my favorite parks in paris is the jardin du luxembourg -- with its magical hidden fountains and magnificent flowers, this place is one of the most beautiful spots in paris. this spring, the French Senate is again sponsoring its ArtSenat program, which exhibits art all over the garden. from now until June 15th, the orangerie in the jardin will exhibit a number of painters and sculptures [for free], and all around the garden, sculptures are on display until september 21st.

night at the museum

saturday night, may 17th, is the 4th year in a row that the museums of france are open all night, for free! check out the program for la nuit des musees to find out the participating parisian musees.

jewelry by jeunes createurs

Tienette la Belette is sponsoring a jewelry sale this weekend [May 16 & 17], with jewelry from over 20 up-and-coming creators on exhibit, with "atelier" prices. check the website for hours and location details....and stock up during this pre-sale sale!

caravelle, ma belle

last year, the spartiate sandal was the sandal to grace the foot of every fashionista. this year? la caravelle, made by k.jacques, the famous house of st. tropez sandals. a simple, flat sandal, available in a wide range of leathers. you can even order online and have them made expressly for you, and shipped to the US. or you could visit their tiny little boutique in the marais, featured in my book, which is infinitely more cool.

anne valerie hash is behind one of the hote new bags of the season-- a sly mix of girly with its satin bag, and punky with its safety-pin handle, its a chic way to add an edge to your soiree. [550-750 euros, at l'eclaireur]

book sneak peak

the 2nd best birthday present i got a few weeks ago was an advance copy of my book. [first was a chanel bag from stan the french man- quelle surprise!] it was lovely to see it live & up close, and I promise, it won't disappoint-- i even wanted to get out shopping when i started to check it out again! so make sure you local bookshops are going to stock it, or order an advance copy on amazon today.

sorry for the pause....

but spring has finally sprung here in paris, and it has just been too delicious outside to sit at the computer and blog! i think i've gotten spring fever out of my system, and i've got plenty of things to blog about, so here it goes.....