From the Little Bookroom

Chic Shopping Paris

Dear Readers, To announce the publication of Chic Shopping Paris, I turn the newsletter over to the author, American-in-Paris Rebecca Magniant, founder of the city's premier bilingual shopping service (www.chicshoppingparis.com). When Rebecca married a Frenchman and moved to Paris, she took as her role model her new belle-mère (mother-in-law), who taught her the secret of every stylish French woman: "les bonnes addresses," a personal list of favorite shops meticulously compiled and jealously guarded by every serious shopper. Here's Rebecca's letter from Paris: Even the most seasoned traveler cannot resist the allure of saying "I got this in Paris." But these days, thanks to the Internet, one can purchase almost anything from anywhere—which is why, in Chic Shopping Paris, I tried to focus on boutiques and shops that are truly offering something unique—whether it is a special service offered only in Paris (such as Christian Louboutin's sur mesure service, or the funky, one-of-a-kind accessories at Matières à réflection) or an out-of-the way boutique that is oh-so French (like Belle du Jour, which carries vintage perfume bottles, or Astier de Vilatte, with its sophisticated twist on shabby chic home décor). Bringing back something special, perhaps one-of-a-kind, is the essence of Paris, and it's what most people are searching for. While sussing out the best places to take my clients, I see dozens of boutiques and thousands of items every week…yet I can still experience coup de foudre ("love at first sight"), the sensation of having found something that I cannot live without. Some of the items that I have bought for myself from the shops in the book include a gorgeous hand-crafted polka-dot travel umbrella from Alexandra Sojfer, my signature scent (Iris Poudre) from Frédéric Malle, and a pair of simple leather sandals from St. Tropez's K. Jacques that have the perfect patina after a few summers' wear. These have all become personal favorites, and while none of these items have a flashy logo, they are all symbols of Paris to me, well-made items that I will enjoy for years, truly worth the investment. So check out the more than 100 shops listed in Chic Shopping Paris, some off the beaten path, others a bit more well-known, but all with a certain "je ne sais quoi"… Amitiés, Rebecca We're happy to offer Chic Shopping Paris at $12.71 (25% off the retail price of $16.95). To see Rebecca's book in more detail, to read excerpts, and to see interior pages, please visit our website. Angela Hederman Editor, The Little Bookroom