a sparkling sweet sixteen

Lately, I've had a bunch of teens come over for their Sweet Sixteen celebrations in the City of Light...and now I think I've found the perfect gift for them.  My First Diamond has created a line of rubber bracelets with mini diamonds [0.03 carat], for 79 euros.  The mix of something so precious along with something so.....ordinary [?] is such fun, and having a few would definitely be a fashion statement.   Available online soon, and for now you can get them in Paris at Made by Moi.

time for your close-up

Ever dream of having your portrait done, big and glossy like a retro starlette?  Now is your chance....Harcourt, the famous French photography studio, is sponsoring a photo expo at the Forum des Halles in Paris, so first stop by to check out the stars portraits and learn how to strike a pose.  Next stop:  the Harcourt photo booth (Place Carree, Les Halles), where [for only 12 euros!], you can have your portrait snapped, and leave with a glossy photo, signature H in the corner and smile forever immortalized.  Say "chic"!

spring street art

I've been noticing more and more 'street art' as I shop the streets of Paris lately, like the funky plastic wrap installation in Place Furstenberg [top] or the "look at the sky" graffiti near the Odeon metro [bottom].  Usually limited to more funky/ urban neighborhoods, it is now popping up everywhere, even in posh places like St. Germain.  So keep your eyes open, and look high and low....you can find the most unexpected things in this City of Light...

paule ka black carpet

Serge Cajfinger has done it once again with his new line of hot little dresses for Paule Ka.  Trendy and timeless at the same time, the dresses ooze chic.  Some of the short little numbers could be perfect for today's teen, others could walk the aisle during "Here comes the bride."  Check out the mini collection of 30 dresses, along with shoes and bracelets to match.  

chic new travel sprays from frederic malle

The French have gotten so good at this collaboration thing, and the most interesting duos team up to make amazing, one-of-the kind products.  One of the latest is the mini purse vaporizers from Pierre Hardy [luxury design shoe maker] for Frederic Malle.  The cute atomizers [empty, of course, to fill with your fave Malle scent], were done with auto paint, in a smart, minimalist design that fades the color from one to the next.  A limited edition of 1500 were produced, each painted individually.  As chic and individual as the fragrance inside...

claudie + olympia = cute stuff!

Frenchie designer Claudie Pierlot has handbag designer Olympia le Tan guest designing for her this spring- a capsule of 3 adorable pieces is the result. The well-priced mini-collection makes you want to jump the next TGV for the south of France.   Vive le printemps!

louis vuittion & marc jacobs at les arts decoratifs

Another one for your spring musee agenda:  Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs- the double history of the company's founder and of its current artistic director, and how both men made the company what it is today.  Two legends, over a century apart, united in this fun, visually stunning expo at Les Arts Decoratifs. [Until September 16, 2012]

sublime scents

A few years ago, the only place to buy superbly scented candles was Diptyque...now all of the chic boutiques are doing their own.  Here are a few uber-Frenchie models that would make great gifts.  From top:  Balenciaga [a chic couture model, 55 euros; available only in Balenciaga boutiques]; Ines de la Fressange [a lovely, springy bougie, scented like marshmellow from former muse/ supermodel; available at these boutiques]; and a cubest model from flower guru Christian Tortu