Monoprix: My Mini French Target

Many people who live in Paris frequent Monoprix for their daily essentials, i.e., cheese and wine, among other groceries!  But what visitors to Paris may not realize is that Monoprix stocks a great range of clothing, accessories, baby and kids stuff:  I call it my mini French Target. Here are some great items to scoop up this spring.

A sunny yellow jacket for grey days, in a chic cut that only the French could do.  

Blouson paletot, 69.99€

"Oiseau" (bird) printed cardi, 34.99€

Cotton and linen scarf, 29.99€

Did I mention the kids clothes? Love, love, love the kids department!
Great baby gifts, and gorgeous kids items, like this sweet dress (29.99€)

Monoprix locations here

Top 5 French Gifts for Royal Babies

Congrats to Will & Kate on the adorable Princess Charlotte!  We thought we'd dedicate this post to the baby gifts we might offer her, if we were invited for tea.  All are available online, if you have a prince or princess in your life to shop for!

This is just too sweet.  Can't you see Princess Charlotte pushing this around Kensington Palace gardens next summer?  aBaby Doll Carriage, $153

In order to have smooth and soft baby skin, French mamans swear by Mustela for babies and themselves.  Mustela Newborn Gift Set, $40

A classic French baby doll, to go in the pram above!

Corolle, Les Classiques, baby doll, $50.48

My girls both LOVED their Sophies- a great squeeky toy and teether.

Sophie the Giraffe, natural rubber teether, $23

I was gifted one of these for my first born and it will be a heirloom, I'm sure.

A baby beautiful blanket.  Bonpoint Baby Shawl, 86€

Chic for Kids! Color your own dress

Wendy spotted this cuteness when out and about the other day....a color your own dress for girls! You color it, wear it, and then you wash it and start again!  The brand, Charabia, also offers t-shirts with the same concept, great for the little artistes in your life.

Charabia, 11 rue Madame, 6th

Il Fait Beau....it's almost spring!

As the sun starts to warm up our days in Paris, we start thinking of vacation destinations....and apparently the creative team at Monoprix is thinking the same thing.  This cute destination-inspired line of clothing for babies and kids is a fun way to transition into spring.   (It's making me feel the need to pull out my Breton stripes again!)  Prices range from 7.99- 19.99, so the pieces make chic (and cheap!) souvenirs.  At Monoprix shops and online.

Chic Charms at Colette

Who doesn't love getting a little bling for Noel?  This stunning charm bracelet boasts the name of one of Paris' most famous rues- Rue St Honore.  By Aussie designers Dallas and Carlos, this chic & chunky bracelet will sure to be a hit.  Available at Colette, on rue St Honore, bien sur.

A French twist on the boxer

We've been watching this quirky French brand take off for some time now....and I thought now was a great time to introduce Le Slip Francais.  "Slip" is French for boxer and these cheeky numbers are Made in France, with the French flag colors front and center.   A fun gift for the homme who has everything, n'est-ce pas?  The brand also offers boy shorts for girls, alongside a few accessories [espadrilles!] Now available at their first boutique in the Marais.

Le Slip Francais, 137 Vieille du Temple, 3rd

Street of Dreams

Chic Shopping guide Wendy spotted this cute leather pochette [and yellow purse!] out and about on a recent tour.  We are all suckers for cute items with Frenchie writing, and I love that this looks like a Parisian street sign.  Check it out at Kesslord [French brand with a very un-French name!] on rue de Sevigne.

French for the tips of your toes

Chic Shopping guide Wendy spotted these adorable French quote slippers at Fragonard on a recent shopping tour.  What a great souvenir, n'est-ce pas?   The top pair says "Yes, No," bottom pair says "And why?  Because." Available at Fragonard.

La Chambre aux Confitures

Nothing beats an amazing jam with butter on a fresh baguette.....it is also a great gift to take home to those who didn't get to come to Paris!  La Chambre aux Confitures has something for every taste- rasberry & violet, banana & chocolate, salted caramel, and jams to match up with foie gras or cheese.  A lovely selection products, made with quality as the gourmet products of long ago.

La Chambre aux Confitures
9 rue des Martyrs, 9th

Chic Shopping Paris *Free* Shop List

Want to know where to go shopping in Paris?  Well, you could join one of our fab shopping tours with one of our amazing guides who will whisk you around the boutiques for a few hours to show off the best of Paris.  You could also check out our *FREE!* shopping map on Google Maps. I've linked all of the addresses I blog about in one place so you can check out the shops (and restaurants) you've read about.  Get it here.  Happy shopping!

Love locks rock!

If you are a Paris lover, you've undoubtedly heard of the Love Locks tradition that has taken over the Pont des Arts.  And if you haven't- well, have a look if you are in town!  It is an impressive sight, especially if the sun is reflecting off the locks.  [And never mind if you've forgotten your own lock- plenty of enterprising salesmen on the bridge will help you out.]

We've also been spotting Love Lock themed cadeaux around town.  Check out the adorable pendant by Tournaire.  What a lovely souvenir!

http://www.anne-elisabeth.com/tops/688-top-penelope-love-locks.html

And for the funky fashionistas out there- there is even a shirt printed with the locks!

& Other Stories

A few snaps of a recent trip to & Other Stories, the glam big sister of H&M, on rue St. Honore.  Interesting, architectural fashion and amazing jewelry- great stuff to take back home as it is not yet available stateside.

Chic Shoes for Cabaret and Everyday

One of the amazing things about Paris is the artists and artisans that still work at highly skilled crafts, like no where else in the world.  I've recently stumbled upon the maison Clairvoy, a handmade shoe workshop that has been making shoes for French theater and cabaret since 1945.   The house was  taken over by new artisans in 2006 ; it still supplies all the cabarets, but it also now makes sur mesure shoes as well.  It takes 6 -8 months [with between 150-200 steps to make each pair!], and you, too, can have your own custom-made shoes.  [Top photo:  shoes for the Moulin Rouge dancers.]

Made in France: Bespoke Shirts for Men

Very excited to discover this made in France brand, Saint Sens, as I'm always on the lookout for good guy gifts....Custom made shirts [starting at a reasonable 99 euros] can be made in a matter of weeks- either send your measurements or your favorite shirt to be copied via their "Scan Shirt" system, pick out details like button choice, collar, monogram, and more.  They ship to France, the US, and the UK, so you can even offer your cheri a custom shirt from France, even if you can't get here.

Hermes - Comme des Garcons collaboration

It's here!  The graphic scarf collection by Hermes and Comme des Garcons that I blogged about in November, is finally available in stores.  The black and white collection is available exclusively at Comme des Garcons boutiques.

Belle Bangle Bracelets

I'm loving all the classic bangle bracelets out there for spring- here are a few that I've got my eye on, all of which can be picked up in Paris, bien sur!

Lio de Gregorio, at White Bird, 3200E

38 rue du Mont Thabor, 1st

Stone Paris, 

Available at Colette

Alexandra Semainier from Monsieur Paris, 150 euros
53 rue Charlot, 3rd

Two cobbs wheat bangle, Aurelie Bidermann, 270 euros

217 rue Saint Honore, 1st

Diane bracelet by Emmanuelle Zysman, 125 euros
33 rue de Grenelle, 7th

Made in France by Melle Emilie b

I came across these cute leather accessories online and had to share- so cute, so simple and fun, and the best part is that they are designed and Made in France.  [A fact that is becoming more and more rare these days, unfortunately!]  Melle Emilie b's line of little handmade leather goods are so charmant, you almost need one in each color.  Available online here or in Paris at the boutique below.

Delephine Charlotte Parmentier

26 rue Bourg Tibourg, 4th

Valentine's Day Duo from Guerlain

A sexy new scent from Guerlain, just in time for Valentine's day- the musky Eau de Lingerie is made to be sprayed on your lingerie, so your skin be be enveloped in scent.   The beauty brand also teamed up with couture lingerie brand Absolutely Pom to create a special line to go with its new scent.  A double dose of romance for your Valentine!

Fragrance available in Guerlain boutiques on Februrary 14th; lingerie available at Printemps Haussman.

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.