Holiday Scents from Frederic Malle

Just out- the 2012 collection of collector's boxes from Frederic Malle, nose extraordinaire   Choose from 8, 15 or 18 of the houses incredible perfumes, housed in an oh-so-chic black box.  Available at the three Malle Paris boutiques or at Printemps.

News for Hermes lovers

Hermes and designer Rei Kawakubo will reunite for a limited edition collection of scarves, available in February 2013.  The collection will be divided into two mini-collections.  The Noir et Blanc collection will have 5 abstract scarves and will be sold in Comme des Garcons boutiques in Paris, NYC, and Tokyo.  The Couleur collection will consist of 6 patchwork, checkered and striped pattern scarves, and will be available in London and Tokyo.  Mark your calendars- these are sure to be collectors items.

Vanessa Bruno

Vanessa Bruno has been making her classic canvas totes for years, and yet they never seem to go out of fashion.  This season, she's created an exclusive leopard tote for Monnier Freres [the upscale online bag site], in a limited edition of 200 pieces.  Get it quickly before it is gone!

Chic Chocolate Bars

Yes, I'm a sucker for cute packaging....and who can resist a gorgeously wrapped chocolate bar?  The collection includes the Champs Elysees, Notre Dame, and more.  I'm picking these up for stocking stuffers.  

Comptoir de Cacao

192 av de Versailles, 16th

Chanel at the Grand Palais

Created by Mademoiselle herself in the 1950s, the little black jacket has become a staple of a modern women's wardrobe, alongside her LBD [little black dress].  King of fashion Karl Lagerfeld gives hommage to La Petite Veste Noire with over a hundred photos, sporting a black Chanel jacket, bien sur.  Hurry to see the expo- that has already passed through NY and Hong Kong- before it moves on.

La Petite Veste Noire, at the Grand Palais, until November 25th

Vintage ABCs

I've been hooked on vintage sign letters for years- ever since my mom bought me a blue letter "M" with rusted edges from a neighborhood brocante when I first moved to Paris 10 years ago.  I've been slowly collecting them ever since- keeping an eye out at every flea market or sale I pass.  And now I'm afraid my collection will continue to grow ...with the new vintage shop Kidimo, that stocks over 2000 letters and numbers.  What a fun idea to get a giant letter or two....or spell out a whole phrase in a homemade font.    It does get addictive...don't say I didn't warn you!

Kidimo

227 rue Saint Denis, 2nd

06.85.42.93.42

(Note:  the shop is open by appt only)

Shhhh: CSP's secret shop list

The secret is out....I've been adding all the great boutiques I blog about on a Google Map that is available to all my loyal readers.  Click here to access the map to start planning your next trip!

Christmas/ Holiday Lights & Windows in Paris 2012

 

It's that time of year- Paris is getting all decked out for the holidays. [Yes, already!]  Galeries Lafayette's holiday vitrines went up this earlier week, with Printemps to follow today.   This year, both grand magasins are being decked out by big names- Louis Vuitton for Galeries [pictured] and Dior for Printemps.  The fashion-forward windows still appeal to kids and adults alike- and fashionistas will adore them, bien sur.

Be sure to stop by the Cinderella's carriage [installed by Disney at Galeries], and check out the special Cendrillon [Cinderella] macarons created by Dalloyau.  Talk about co-branding! 

 

After all that shopping....continue on for more lights around the city.  Gorgeous lights are to be found on the Champs Elysses, Ave Montaigne, and Place Vendome.  Check here for a listing of all the holiday lights and here for a list of Christmas markets.

chic chloe double header

Attention Chloe fans- this is for you.  First, start by visitng the boutique and picking up one of these great perfume-filled  (60 euros at Chloe boutiques.)  Then take your good smelling self to the Chloe exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo. The expo traces the brands history [since 1952] and all the big names (Stella, Karl) who have made the brand what it is today.

Palais de Tokyo

Until Nov. 18, 2012