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.

Fashionable Macarons

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for packaging- a great looking gift or an eye catching product always wins me over!  Just spotted these uber-colorful Pucci designed Laduree macaron boxes...not only do you get some delectable treats (with seasonal flavors like banana chocolate, yuzu ginger and pineapple!), but you get to keep these sweet and funky box.  [They make great desk organizers.]  Voila!  Spring Paris souvenirs sorted.

New Tour: Bobo Bastille Tour

The Bobo Bastille Tour explores the true Parisian’s Paris in the less-touristy eastern part of the city. This historic furniture-making quarter has been taken over by hipsters of all types in the past decade or so, and the ateliers have now been turned into showrooms and boutiques.  Explore the charming shops in an authentic French neighborhood, from made-in-France shoes and bags to locally made jewelry, funky clothing and some great kids’ stuff. We’ll show you our favorite haunts, and point out some great restaurants and wine bars for you to explore after your tour.  Contact us to book your tour.

New Tour: Trendy Tenth Tour

The Trendy 10th Tour takes place in the trendy and cool 10th arrondissement of Paris, in the tree-lined area around the Canal Saint-Martin. Filled with shabby-chic bars and funky shops, this area of Paris is on the rise—far away from the touristy, high-rent quartiers of Paris. We’ll take you to one of the best bakeries in Paris, a sleek concept store with European treasures, along with a bit of vintage and some locally made bijoux. And if you want to have a pique-nique along the picturesque canal, we’ll even tell you how to get pizza delivered to a park bench.  Contact us for more info or to book your tour!

New Tour: Paris Out of Bounds

Just in time for your holiday shopping, Chic Shopping Paris offers up three great new tours!  We'll be rolling them out, one after another this week.  Check the blog and Facebook page for details!

The Paris Out of Bounds Tour is designed to introduce you to the charming boutiques that are within view of the spectacular castle where Louis XIV was born, in the village of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, just outside Paris. You’ll find top French brands, one-of-a-kind shops, used treasures (depot-ventes), antiques (brocantes), and a vibrant open market (note: market is only on Tuesdays and Fridays). Strolling through the chateau’s forest while taking in the Paris skyline is optional. Experiencing this city’s charm is like taking a vacation within a vacation!   Contact us for more details.  

Chic Shopping Paris Limited Edition Fall Tour- September 26- October 5th Only!

Attention Antiques Lovers:  Chic Shopping Paris is offering a limited-edition tour of the charming Chatou flea market and ham fair.  Join us for a half day tour of this treasure trove of French antiques. Looking for furniture or artwork?  Or "smalls" such as doll clothes, buttons, toys, clothes, dishes, etc?  This is the place.  Set on the charming Ile de Chatou in the Seine, outside of Paris, many famous Impressionsts once painted here.  Enjoy a day outside of the city at this quaint market.  Contact us for availability between September 26th and October 5th, 2014.   

Dessance: A new Dessert Bar in the Marais

A new dessert bar has popped up in the Marais.  Dessance is the name, a mix of the words dessert and naissance [birth], and the pastry chefs behind this cafe invite you to try their "innovative, light & addictive" new pastry creations.  Modeled after a proper restaurant, you are invited to try a tasting menu of sweets, with matching wines or champagne.

Dessance
74 rue des Archives, 3rd

Cafe des Abattoirs

The name sounds oh-so-chic in French, but translating it gives you a hint at the menu:  "slaughterhouse cafe" serves up a nice piece of boeuf.  Chef Sophie Rostang's Lyonnais-style restaurant serves up classic French fair in an updated setting; leather-lined walls hint at the farm fare on the menu, and the gorgeous vintage sign reminds one of brasseries of yesteryear.

Cafe des Abattoirs
10 rue Gomboust, 1st
(online booking available)

YSL Permanent Collection

Hedi Slimane, as head of Saint Laurent, has decided some of the YSL items should be always and forever available.  Check out the aptly-named Permanent collection, including the Duffle coat and Duffle Bag, above. [Also available in black, bien sur.]  Because classic never goes out of style, n'est-ce pas?

& 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.

Happy Birthday to Claudie P!

To fete their 30 years this summer, the brand Claudie Pierlot is offering a limited edition round up of it's favorites pieces- reinvented by guest designers.  How sweet is the LBD, designed by Audrey Marnay?  I'm also coveting the silky polka dot pjs.....well, most all of the collection, really!   Check it out at the Claudie P boutiques soon.....what fun items to snag that no one else will have!

King Karl's new St. Germain boutique

We've been walking by for months, waiting for the opening of Karl Lagerfeld's new left bank boutique.  Et voila!  It's open....a sleek display for Karl's own line, alongside his accessories and a curated collection of misc. items.  Black and white dominate the shop, bien sur, and his reasonably priced watches [starting at 149 euros] are becoming a hit with Parisianistas.

Karl Lagerfeld
194 blvd St. Germain, 7th

Les Marquis de Laduree

Laduree's presence in Paris [and abroad!] continues to grow, sharing its macarons with the world.....and now it will attempt to do the same for chocolate.  Les Marquis de Laduree [not far from the Jardin de Tuileries] features all sorts of chocolates, alongside pastries and sweets infused with rum, wine, and exotic fruits.  The boutique will also offer workshops and tastings, for those who can't get enough of the brand's rich concoctions.   

Les Marquis de Laduree

14 rue de Castiglione, 1st

Louis Vuitton and the Art of Writing

To anchor itself in the rich literary history of St Germain des Pres, Louis Vuitton has opened a Cabinet d'ecriture, filled with writerly offerings such as stationary, ink pens (alongside an ink bar), crystal ink wells and more.  The boutique/salon will also offer special events to showcase exceptional artists and artisans in the field.

Le Cabinet d'Ecriture

6 place St. Germain, 6th

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.

Chic drinks in St. Germain

I discovered a charmant new bar the other night we I went out for drinks with the girls- La Companie des Vins Surnaturels.  It's tucked away on a side street that you probably wouldn't wander down, right behind the covered market at Mabillon.  The wine bar is very cosy and chic, with little banquettes and couches making it feel like you are at a private party in a Parisian apartment.  The menu features a good selection of wines and small plates [think cheese & jambon].   It was quite packed, even on a week night, so email or call ahead to reserve a table.  

La Companie des Vins Surnaturels

7 rue Lobineau, 6th

Chloe Pop-up store at Printemps

Department store Printemps is feteing Chloe's 60th birthday with an exclusive line of re-editions, like the Paraty bag above.  But hurry- the 16 piece mini-collection is only available for a short time!

At Printemps Paris, until March 9

Chic Sneaks

Just in time for spring travels, a whole new crop of chic & comfy sneakers has hit the stylish streets of Paris.  Here are a few of my faves.....

Studded Saucony sneakers, available at 66 Champs Elysees or online, 178 euros

San Marina "Cheiti" sneakers, available in their Paris boutiques, 89 euros

Isabel Marant "Bobby", available online or at Isabel Marant boutiques, 395 euros

Bensimon tennis shoes, available online or in Bensimon boutiques, 30 euros

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.