Vite, un chignon!

Those in-the-know know that this is the day to run to the Courreges boutique to be perfectly coiffed by an up-do expert.  The 60s-style boutique is hosting hair stylist Christophe-Nicolas Biot this week, with a special bar a chignons Thursday night.  A free chignon is offered to all who come by, from 5pm to 8pm.  Hot pants and go-go boots optional.

Bar a chignons chez Courreges
40 rue Francois 1er

Best Ice Cream in Paris

It's finally warm enough here [at least for today!] to warrant going out for a glace....so I thought I'd put out a list of the chic-est spots to get a cornet [cone] in the capital

Pierre Herme- famous pasty chef that turns out intriguing flavors, such as La Milena [fresh mint ice cream and red fruits sorbet, together] or try the Gla'Gla collection- ice cream sandwiched between to macarons.  Yum!  (Available by the pot- 140 ml for 6.60euros)

Mini Palais Bar a Glaces- the Mini Palais [aka the restaurant the runs out of the back of the Grand Palais museum] has opened an ice cream bar for the summer on its lovely terrace.  Around 20 flavors of sorbet and another 20 of ice cream, the menu combines classics and unusual flavors as well.  [Lemon-thyme, anyone?]  (3euros a scoop, in a cup or cone.)

Hugo & Victor- another famed pasty shop that has come up with some delightful glaces for summer.  Eat in it the carton, get a big carton to share, or try their original take on an ice cream cake, ice cream served with a financier crust.  [Pictured above, the lemon cheese cake ice cream sensation.]  (5.50 euros for an individual pot, 6 euros for a slice of cake.)

Martine Lambert- originally from Deauville, the tea shop in Paris now has quite a following as well.  They pride themselves on quality ingredients, with sorbets made of a whopping 70% of fresh fruit.  Unusual flavors [China nights- Szechuan Peppercorns and chocolate truffles or Gingerbread and candied peel of lime] and classics round out the list.  (Around 3 euros a scoop.)

Berthillon- the Parisian classic, all the others owe their start to the great, quality glace that comes from Berthillon.  Fresh pasturized milk delivered each morning to make their concoctions, on site.  Note- they are closed Monday & Tuesday, so make sure you take a visit to Ile St Louis on another day!

Summer Sales [Soldes] Start Today!

The big, semi-annual sales start today in Paris!  Check out my previous blog posts about tips for navigating the soldes like a pro.  Bon shopping!

Hermes 4th of July Sales!

This year's special Hermes sale takes place on Independence Day- although I am positive that it has nothing to do with its American fan base :)  The sale will take place at the Palais du Congres at Porte Maillot again this time.  Check out a previous post on tips for the sale, and Vain & Vapid's post about scarf tying tips to get you in the mood!

Sexy Stillettos at Versailles

After amazing expos by Koons, Murakami and others, Joana Vasconcelos is the first woman artist to be invited to represent the contemporary art world at the Chateau de Versailles.  The Paris-born Portuguese artist uses her feminity to provoke a look at the status of women in today's society.  The giant sculpture Marilyn [pictured], is made entirely out of pots and lids and is displayed in the Hall of Mirrors.  The installations are full of energy and humor, making a fun addition to the famed Chateau.  Until September 30th, Chateau de Versailles; online tickets available here.

Tsumori Chisato for Petit Bateau [encore!]

Tsumori Chisato and Petit Bateau have teamed up for a second time this month, turning PB's classic stripes into love-ly waves.  Check out the French PB website for the whole collection.  [It doesn't appear to be available stateside- so it's another great item to pick up when in France this summer!]  Here is a list of all the Paris boutiques.

BHV [Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville]

It's been a while since I've popped into BHV, and when I went this week, I was once again amazed at the selection of home decor items.  BHV [or, more formally, Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville] is a cross between an old-school JC Penney store and Target- i.e., you can get everything from a toaster to a dust pan to a chic swimsuit or handbag, all in the same store.  One of the most unusual departments is the basement bricolage [DIY] department- with everything from cow hides to enamel French signs and wine storage options.  I love the huge selections of things like knobs and lampshades, pictured above, and always wind up walking away with more than I'd planned on.  Check it out if you'd like to give a French touch to your maison.

BHV

rue de Rivoli, 4th

Magnifique Mustard

This Maille mustard is absolutely stunning, non?  One might buy it just to have on the table for a chic pique-nique....but the best part is that is tastes as good as it looks.  The entire trio is amazing looking- green herbs, blueberry/violet [shown], and garlic/red pepper- but get them quickly, as these fab flavors are limited-editions.  [Although at the Boutique Maille, you can always find a great array of mustards/ oils/ vinegars- great gifts for gourmet friends back home.]

Maille

6 place de la Madeleine, 8th

Sexy new summer scent

It's rare that I'm drawn to a new perfume- I've been faithful to the same one for years, never feeling the need to change...but when stuck in a long line at the pharmacy the other day, I gave this one a sniff, and I was blown away!  Maybe it has something to do with the dreary weather we've been having in Paris this spring, but the Nuxe Parfum instantly smelled like sexy summery days to me.  Not some icky coconut/ sunscreen scent, but something more subtle and definitely sunny.  The fragrance was developed after the phenomenal success of Nuxe's huile prodigieuse, and is only available in France for the moment, so be sure to put it on your bring-back-home list if you are visiting this summer. [Around 40 euros, available at most pharmacies/ parapharmacies.]