chic shopping paris is flying off the shelves!

Thanks to friend and Paris lover Catherine for the pictures above and this:
Success! I am now the owner of Chic Shopping Paris, purchased at Borders on Michigan Avenue. FYI I did find 2 other stores that had a copy, but they too were already sold-- Congratulations!

valentino on display

almost 50 years of valentino are on display at the musee des arts decoratifs until sept. 21. over 200 pieces are on display, dating back to the start of his career in 1959 and going all the way up to his final collection in january 2008. another parisian fashion expo not to be missed.

a new sweet treat from laduree

the latest from laduree....super sweet bow tie cookies in lemon, mint, and marscapone flavors, 7 euros a piece. designed by up-and-coming designer alexis mabille, who is well-known for his couture bowties, they are sure to a distinct flavor to your next tea party.

set your alarm clocks-- the sales start tomorrow!

soldes (sales) start tomorrow, wedesday, june 25th in paris. set your alarms early if you've got items on your list that you can't live without-- the grands magasins [galeries, printemps, etc.] open their doors at 8am!

allo? it's dior calling

while i've never been a big dior fan [if i have to choose, i'd pick chanel anyday-- dior is just a bit too paris hilton for my tastes], i'll have to admit that the new dior phone is quite sleek and tres chic. made with luxe materials [diamonds, crystal, etc.], and the famous dior caning pattern, the phone comes in pink, black, red, & silver, for the mere price of 3200 euros.

a freebie from cartier

ok, so they aren't giving away tank watches or love bracelets, but you can download some cool tunes from their website. go to www.love.cartier.com to download [for free] exclusive compositions by various artists such as lou reed and marion cotillard, on the subject of amour.

paper shoes

if you'd rather gaze at a gorgeous pair of stilettos than wear them--here is your answer. gorgeous paper collages of stilettos, done by master shoe maker roger vivier in the 1950s. for sale on the site souliers de papier, they make a chic gift for your shoe-aholic best friend!

gros bisous

one secret of parisian style? its all about the accessories. like this fab enamel lip broach from sonia rykiel [35 euros]-- cute enough to kiss.

a favor...

have you bought the book? if so, i certainly hope you are enjoying it! and if you would do me a favor......go to the amazon.com page about the book, and rate it, so that others can see what you think about it. merci!

fete de la musique

paris loves to celebrate the first day of summer-- even if the weather doesn't feel very summer-like! every year, june 21st is the night of the fete de la musique. amateur and pro musicians alike will play in nearly every corner of the city-- on the street, in cafes, bars, and other public venues. click here for the entire listing of events in paris-- or just wander the streets and follow your ears! my only advice? just be sure to able to walk home from wherever you plan to be-- taxis will be impossible to find, and the metro might be packed too.

a little bit of ysl

sadly, we bid au revoir to monsieur saint laurent this month. and while most of us mere mortals aren't able to afford one of his famous frocks, you might purchase this stylish necklace-slash-bronzer. ysl's soleil d'afrique pendant looks like a cool tribal necklace, but it hides a little compact of bronzing powder, great for discreet touch-ups on vacances. available online at the ysl us boutique for $72.

own a piece of a parisian palace

starting today through sunday, june 22nd, the hotel royal monceau is auctioning off all its furniture before a big revamp. over 3000 lots available-- furniture from 203 rooms, from the bar, hall, and suites, and from the two restaurants decorated by famed designer jacques garcia [such as the stool s pictured, above]. also for sale are chandeliers and fabrics from big names such as rubelli and pierre frey. check out the times and listings [including photos] on the auction website.

coffee with a view

check out a new spot for savouring the views of the tour eiffel-- cafe carlu, located in the cite de l'architecture et du patrimoine [in the palais chaillot], offers stunning views of the eiffel tower from across the river. the menu? casual fare such as salads, sandwiches, and champagne, bien sur.

affordable art

yellow korner gallery, a new-ish gallery in the marais, is the new spot to shop for cheap art. over 150 photographic works [numbered and framed], starting at just 59 euros, are available. this is not just college dorm room art, but original works by up-&-coming photogs, so check it out if you are in the market for something new to grace your abode.

riding in style

ok, so this isn't something you can throw in your suitcase, but it is just so mignon that i couldn't resist-- frenchie mom & daughter brand comptoir des cotonniers has created its own bike, to complete the french-girl-riding-on-the-cobblestones-ensemble. the bike, available in a regular version [950 euros] and the tandem version [pictured], comes complete with wicker basket and bell. irresistible, non?

it's here! chic shopping paris: the book

i am pleased to announce that the chic shopping paris book is now available at retailers nationwide! [i was very excited, indeed, to receive a case full, above.] check out amazon.com to order up a copy, or stop by barnes & noble or anthropolgie to take a copy home toute de suite. enjoy!

paris bargain shopping secrets revealed

check out some of my tips for bargain hunting in paris in an interivew in last saturday's globe and mail newspaper.

antique bargains

looking for antique bargains? watch for posters when you are out and about listing dates for local brocantes, or yard/antique sales. this weekend, stop by rue de bretagne in the 3rd to check out the goods on display-- the sellers are a mix of professionals and neighborhood inhabitants, mixed in with a few gourmet food vendors. happy hunting! june 6-8, from dawn until 6pm.

feathers for a cause

Deyrolle, a historic naturalist boutique in the heart of St. Germain, was ravaged by a fire earlier this year. to help out the venerable shop, Hermes designed this scarf called plumes ["feathers"], sales of which will be donated to help out the reconstruction of the historic building and the building up its former collection of naturalist objects [taxidermied animals, butterflies in frames, and loads of other special things.] for sale (265 euros) via deyrolle.com.

10 years of interior poetry

atelier lzc is famous for its delicate metal bird cutouts, flower stickers to adorn interiors, and floral table linens and paper goods. the poetic french brand celebrates 10 years this month, and to celebrate, check out their retrospective at the charming viaduc des arts. from now until june 8th, 11amd to 7pm, 57 avenue daumesnil, 12th.

floral cuisine

flowers are an integral part of the french art de vivre-- and now you can drink your flowers instead of just admiring them. artisan nature proposes cocktails created with fruits and floral waters-- they mix up an interesting combo of orange flower water, geranium, and lemongrass for a refreshing tonic. or check out their cooking classes that focus on the use of essential oils in cooking (80 euros, including a meal.) 123 rue saint maur, 11th.