Petits Hauts

One of my favourite lines, Des Petits Hauts, has a fantastic selection of spring tops right now. I love the detailing in all the tops and blouses. If you are in Paris or heading this way make sure take home a few of their chic pieces for spring/summer. You won’t be disappointed!
--Stephanie

Introducing Stephanie

Chic Shopping Paris is proud to present a new blogger to our team: Stephanie! She introduces herself below...

I've been in France for 12 years now - how time flies! My two darling boys have started school and I'm finding myself with some time on my hands - I can only play so much tennis! Rebecca and I met through a mutual friend over 5 years ago and hit it off instantly. I was keen to join her on the shopping tours in Paris and am now thrilled to be joining the Chic Shopping Paris blog! One of my many passions is shopping, especially in the fabulous city of Paris! I love discovering new shops, services and restaurants and hope to bring you lots of interesting updates from the city of light.

Bises, Stephanie

ladies love paris- an event for paris lovers in nyc

The Ladies Love Paris! Francophile authors at Flûte Gramercy

New York, NY – April 28, 2009 – There’s just something about France, and Paris in particular, that captivates us. Is it the fashion? The art? The history? Les Parisiennes? No matter how many books have been published about the City of Light, we always want more.

Join the latest generation of female authors who write about France and the French for book signing and cocktails at Flûte Gramercy (40 East 20th Street, New York) on Sunday, May 31 from 5-8pm.

• Jamie Cat Callan – French Women Don’t Sleep Alone: Pleasurable Secrets to Finding Love (Citadel, March 2009)
• Jill Jonnes – Eiffel’s Tower: And the World's Fair Where Buffalo Bill Beguiled Paris, the Artists Quarreled, and Thomas Edison Became a Count (Viking, May 2009)
• Heather Stimmler-Hall – Naughty Paris: A Lady’s Guide to the Sexy City (Fleur de Lire, September 2008)
• Ellen Williams – Historic Restaurants of Paris (Little Bookroom, January 2001), Impressionists’ Paris (Little Bookroom, January 1999), and Picasso’s Paris (Little Bookroom, January 1999).

There will be $8 Kir Royals and drawings to win free books including Chic Shopping Paris (Rebecca Magniat) Paris, Wish You Were Here (edited by Christopher Meason), and advance publication copies of What French Women Know by Debra Ollivier.

There are two Flûte Champagne Lounges in New York, at Gramercy and Midtown, and a new location in Paris, Flûte L’Etoile. They serve over 100 different kinds of Champagne -- many by the glass -- and host events such as Charity Champagne Tastings, a monthly Champagne School, and live jazz on Sundays from 8pm.

Free entry. Please RSVP at fleurdelire@gmail.com for the guest list.

Flûte Gramercy

40 East 20th Street, New York City

Tel 212-529-7870
www.flutebar.com

For more information, contact:
fleurdelire@gmail.com
Tel France: +331 43 36 69 85
Tel US: 415 963 3804

lagerfeld for repetto

karl lagerfeld designing some new looks for repetto-- what could be a better addition to your spring wardrobe? the chanel designer and fashion demigod does his thing for the famous french ballet shoe brand, designing black patent, white, and navy sandals and heels, starting at 300 euros. the catch? the shoes went on sale april 8th....no telling if there are still any in stores, but if they are, they are sure to be a collector!

l'eclaireur at place des vosges

l'eclaireur, one of the most interesting shops in the marais has temporarily moved.....from rue des rosiers a few blocks over to the gorgeous place des vosges. stop by the new boutique between april 27th and may 2nd, with the invitation above in hand, for 20% off your purchases. a great chance to check out their unusual collection of up-and-coming clothing & accessory designers, in sure to be stunning locale.

i'm back!

after an extended maternity leave and moving house, i am back to blogging again! i've got a few others joining me in the next few weeks to give you even more content, fresh from paris.
thanks to all the faithful readers out there!
rebecca

sorry for the delay....

...but babies and moving house will do that to you! chic bebe C. was born on november 3rd, and we are in the midst of moving to a new maison....so hang in there, chic shopping blog will return soon!

this weekend in paris: nov 8-16

for organic and nature fans, check out the salon marjolaine at the parc floral de paris --more than 500 exhibitors with organic items, from gourmet goodies to furniture to decor .

cire trudon

cire trudon is one of the fabulous finds that i included in chic shopping paris, the book. i'd been walking by the rue de seine boutique for years, noting that they had a wide range of colored candles, but nothing special, per se. then, voila, overnight it seemed, the shop had completely reinvented itself, under the talents of stylist ramdane touhami. the boutique now stocks amazing scented candles [with such innovative inspirations as the Dada movement and the French Revolution], and was just featured in november's vanity fair. definitely worth a stop the next time you are in st. germain.

private sale at mango

chic spanish chain mango is inviting readers of elle magazine to an evening with 30% off the entire store, at the blvd des capucines address in paris. to sign up for the evening [complete with dj, cocktails, a makeup bar, etc], go to this link and sign up-- vite!

gem of a boutique

tucked into a quiet sidestreet in the marais is the newish showroom of stylist johanna braitbart. the tiny boutique carries her clutch purses, headbands, jewelry, and chapeaux, all infused with a modern twist on an era-gone-by.

showroom johanna braitbart
26 rue des blancs-manteaux, 4th
mon-sat 11-7

this weekend in paris: oct 29- nov 2

this one is for all the chocoholics out there-- over 130 of the best international chocolatiers are on hand with samples on hand at the 14th annual salon du chocolat! chocolate fashions, cocoa beauty treatments, and more are on hand too, to send you off in a cocoa-induced haze.

marc does paris [again]

parisianista marc jacobs opened up his second paris store last week, featuring his marc by marc jacobs line. check it out for satin quilted totes, a handful of funky books, cheap & chic jewelry, clothing, and my favorite paris souvenir- the rubber wellies with "paris" emblazoned on the side. all tucked into a neat corner in the marche st. honore.

Merci, Madame!

Chic Shopping Paris, the book, was in Madame Figaro magazine this weekend. Read on for my translation of the article:

Bible Tres Mode
The Joy of Fashionistas (La Joie des Fashionistas)
This little guide, neatly square with its cover adorned with a pink bow, is entirely in English.

Shopping Addict in her soul, the American Rebecca Perry Magniant knows the capital to the tips of her painted fingernails. She then decided to write about her best spots for her compatriots.

A passion worth sharing-- because a number of Parisiennes will love this trendy compilation, fournished with fashion, decoration, accessory addresses....without forgetting the shopping advice of Rebecca. The only catch- you'll have to arm yourself with a dictionnary!

this weekend in paris: oct 24-27

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  check out 104, THE new gallery/art hotspot on rue d'aubervilliers in the 19th. this weekend, they will host the offshoot to the big art show, the FIAC-- check out both for an artful weekend
  
  

  if art isn't your thing, check out the 3rd annual culinary salon, cuisinez!, at the carrousel du louvre, for the latest in the culinary world.

culinary chic

in case your pantry isn't as chic as your wardrobe: the latest from minimalist french clothing/lifestyle label APC-- their own olive oil label. available for purchase online at apc.fr.

this weekend in paris: oct 10-12

• if you didn't get invited to fashion week, invite yourself to stop by the carrousel du louvre to check out the ethical fashion show to see what ethical brands are up to
  

• also this weekend: the 19th edition of the puces du design will take place on the quai de la loire, on the banks of the bassin de la villette in the 19th. stop by for design objects from the 50s-80s and a stroll along the bassin.

vite! today only....

vite, vite, vite! diesel is celebrating its 30th birthday with a limited edition 'dirty thirty' jean-- for only 30 euros, available today only. a limited number of pairs are available online too, so check out their site for more details.

chic timewaster

a fellow chic shopper passed this on-- a great way to while away a bit of time! check out celeb style to find out what your fave celebs/tv personalities are wearing and where to get it.....me, personally, i'm always lusting after what blake lively is wearing on gossip girl [did i just admit that in public? yikes!]

fall fashion forecast

Today, I am speaking at the "Bloom Where You are Planted" seminar here in Paris, a 2-day seminar to help newcomers get adjusted to life in France. This is a great way to learn more about living in Paris, the mysteries of French grocery stores, and, bien sur, Parisian fashion. Using French Elle magazine as a resource, I've compiled a list of the top trends for fall-- see below [and note that in parentheses are shops that carry the item]. Bonne shopping!


Fall 2008 Forecast: Top Accessories*

• Maxi Scarves: wear them super long, wrapped around your neck a few times, or go for a trendy plaid [Etam, Diab’less, Les Petites]

• Gum-soled Shoes: rubber/gum soles on boots, booties, even heels are making a comeback [Mellow Yellow, San Marina, Avril Gau]

• Low Boots: great with the new pleated pants of the season [“carrot pants”], and with cropped pants, pencil skirts with tights [Sandro, Gap, Comptoir des Cotonniers]

• Oversized/Multipurpose Handbags: look for styles in leather, with multiple handles—long ones for wearing on your shoulder, short for hand-carrying [Sandro, 3 Suisses, Texier]

• Violet colored accessories: look for simple handbags [Lamarthe, Monoprix]; mix with dark greens or warm chocolate, not with black; focus on accessories, not a total look [shoes by Geox, Monoprix, Camper]

• Leather Gloves: small, but elegant or longer for a retro-glam look [C&A, 1,2,3, Maison Fabre]

• Silk Scarves: borrow one from grandmere- it goes great with a trench or a simple sweater & jeans for a casual chic look [Kenzo, Sinequanone, Les Petits]

• Tango Shoes: wear them with knee-length skirts or dresses, not pants [Jonak, San Marina, Repetto]

• High Heeled Derbys: a new silhouette, they look like men’s shoes with heels; wear them with any type of pant or skirt [Minelli, San Marina, Guess]

• Sporty Handbags: big handbags with sporty details, lots of pockets, can be worn everywhere [Naf Naf, Benetton, Kipling]

• Chain Necklaces: a multitude of different chains, worn layered, for a rich, excessive look; best worn with a simple outfit [Maje, Perles de Noa, Sinequanone]

• Metal Medallion Belts: worn on top of a twin-set, on a cardigan, on a cocktail dress, or a tweed pant to give it an update [Guess, le Mont Saint Michel, Sinequanone]

• Rain Boots: to be worn with trendy/girly outfits for the ultimate contrast [C&A, Marni, Bata, Andre]

• Crocodile Accessories: take a simple outfit, add a croc accessory, et voila! The key is to have only one croc piece- belt, purse, shoes, at a time [Minelli, Andre, Etam]

• Winter sandals: worn with wool tights in contrasting colors [Unisa, Nine West, Le Mont St Michel]

• The Minaudiere: classic mini purse, compact and rigid, for evenings out [Benetton, Sinequanone, San Marina]

• Wool Bonnets: match it with a coordinating scarf, but not with wool gloves! [3 Suisses, H&M, BA&SH]

• Printed Tights: this look only works with a perfect set of gams, so tread carefully!

*As adapted from French Elle, 15 September 2008: L’Accessoire fait le style!

creative compilations

a few years ago, it was all the rage to have a candle-- many a parisian shop had its own signature scent, sold with a hefty price tag to remind you of the chic spot once you got home. the latest shop souvenir seems to be the cd....a few months ago i wrote about the vanessa bruno compilation, and kitsune, which also has its own cd. a few others have now joined the band [pardon the pun]: check out cds by marithe + francois girbaud, an eclectic rock-n-roll compilation, lancel's cd, which features swingy 1930s tunes, and the cd from trendy label maje, featuring up-&-coming parisian artists. now you can not only smell like parisian spirit, but you can sound like it too.

argh! expedia and opodo ticket booking problems

just wanted to put out a 'warning' for anyone trying to buy airline tickets through opodo.fr or expedia.fr. read on for my rant....

i'm trying to buy my tickets for the US for the holidays-- i first purchased the tickets through opodo, only to receive an email saying that for 'technical reasons,' my purchase did not go through. when i called them, they explained that that was because my ticket was a paper ticket, but since june 1, they only issued e-tickets, therefore they could not fulfull my request. was i given a choice to take an e-ticket? no. was i offered another ticket at the same fare or even assistance at finding another ticket? double no. on to expedia....

i actually found cheaper tickets [with same airline] on expedia after the opodo disaster. score! or so i thought.....the next day, i received an email saying, basically, that 'sorry, we were not really able to provide you with the fare that purchased online, so we did not charge your card, and you have no ticket.' again-- assistance? no. another fare offered? no. doubly disappointing? YES!

airlines are already taking away so much-- we now have to pay for pillows, snacks, luggage?! and the service is even worse-- i'm trying to throw money at these people and still have no luck. will it ever get better?

chic tots

looking for chic euro fashions for your little ones and can't quite swing a trip abroad? check out little fashion gallery, a site dedicated to the most adorable clothing and accessories for enfants. they ship worldwide, which is a huge bonus, and many of the items on the site are exclusive to their shop. check out classic standbys as bonpoint or newcomers like victoria christmas [whose designer also happens to be my sister in law!]- and shop away with a few clicks.

this weekend in paris

saturday, october 4th is this years nuit blanche ("white night") from 7pm to 7am. the 7th edition offers a new look at paris' train stations, with artistic installations by international artists. over fifty displays are happening all over the city- from light projections to music and poetry recitals. a great excuse to see paris in a different light.
also this weekend: check out the jeff koons at versailles expo. seventeen of his works are on display, and the artist personally chose them to relate to each room of the chateau-- an interesting juxtaposition, to be sure! until dec. 14th.

bag must have

[one of the many] must have bags of the season-- this shiny red number, designed by up-and-coming designer gaspard yurkievich for la bagagerie. 270 euros.

this weekend in paris

this weekend marks the beginning of the foire a la brocante et aux jambons [antique & ham fair], in chatou, just outside of paris. funny name aside, this is a great place to spend an afternoon hunting for antique treasures-- over 800 proffesionals from all over france have their wares on display, so you can pick up everything from knicknacks to armoires. don't forget to arrive for dejeuner-- a bit plate of ham is de rigeur! from sept 26 to oct 5.
if you are after something a bit more refined, check out the exquisite photos of patrick demarchelier, on display starting this saturday at the petit palais. magazine covers and portraits of some of the beautiful women of the world are the theme of the "images & mode" exposition. sept 27 to jan 4.

cute cadeau

i just love these new little leather pins by miu miu- put your initials on your fall jacket, or spell out something chic like 'amour.' 45 euros a piece at miu miu.

kiss kiss t

printed ts are all the rage at the moment-- why not get one emblazoned with a french kiss? this special sonia rykiel model was created to fete her 40 years as a designer. 90 euros, black version exclusively available at colette; other colors available chez sonia rykiel

this weekend in paris

this weekend in paris, check out the 25th annual journees de patrimoine- 2 days with insiders access to some of the most famous buildings & monuments in paris. this is your chance to see the magnificient interiors of such buildings like the hotel de ville, the elysee palace, and the tower of st. suplice.

book signing october 2nd in paris

please join me as i talk about and sign my book, chic shopping paris, on thursday, october 2nd at wh smith bookstore in paris. click here to reserve your spot!

bourjois bijoux

bourjois, one of france's most well known makeup brands, has been making french women belle since 1862. manufactured using the same pigments as chanel makeup, the line is available at sephora and monoprix chains all over france. and starting today, you can purchase a special, numbered set of vintage powder compacts, available exclusively at hip boutique l'eclaireur, for 100 euros.

introducing self-guided tours

chic shopping paris introduces our new personalized self-guided tours....for those of you who'd rather set off on your own shopping adventure, at your own pace, whenever it suits your fancy.

how does it work?
we'll get details from you on your budget, style, shopping desires, knowledge of paris, etc., and then we'll map out a half day itinerary for you, and just for you, along with a detailed map. set off on your own to discover some of paris' most unique shops, shopping at your own pace: do a few shops one day, a few another, or shop 'til you drop!

the best part is that we are not a travel agent with yesterday's news-- you'll get an insiders look at shopping in the city of light, from someone who really lives here, and knows the chic-est shopping spots.

what does it cost?
a half day personalized self-guided tour starts at 100 euros-- rates vary according to the complexity of the tour required and the length. we'd suggest about four hours for a good shopping spree, but if you'd like the whole day mapped out, we can do that too!

email us to find out more details. happy shopping!

go underground for undiz

undiz, a funky new lingerie shop, has just opened its first parisian outpost. a bit like american apparel, the french line features a wide range of colors and encourages clients to mix and match everything from basic tanks to frilly bloomers. the location, however, is the centrally located, but not very glam forum des halles shopping center [level -3, boutique 31, porte lescot 2].

magic jardin

jardins de cristal, at the parc de bagatelle, proposes just that-- some of the biggest names in crystal [baccarat, daum, lalique...] on display in an extraordinary way-- walk through the gardens at the Bagatelle, and you'll find crystal chandeliers hanging in trees, small fragile sculptures on the edges of fountains-- in brief, a gorgeous mix of nature, raw materials, and rare treasures. until nov. 2.

laduree le bar

to celebrate its 10th anniversary on the champs, laduree has expanded its space with a new bar, set to open on september 16th. laduree le bar features creations by chef michel lerouet-- but don't come here to eat macaroons- with everything from caviar to gaspacho to gourmet salads, the bar focuses on the savory items in its new menu. 13 rue lincoln, 8th.

repetto opens on the left bank

enfin- a new repetto boutique in the left bank for all the fashionistas who prefer st. germain to st. honore.....the famous line of ballerina flats has opened a second address at 51 rue du four, 6th. so skip on by and check out their new fall line...

maria luisa 3 in 1

maria luisa, an uber-cool boutique that combines hot names like pierre hardy and manolo blahnik with newcomers and hot new labels, has finally expanded-- accessories, shoes, and clothing are now all under one roof, waiting to be discovered. check out their new digs at 7, rue rouget-de-l'isle, 1st.

graffiti artists bags a deal

clients are often in search of something with french writing on it, other than the ubiquitous j'adore paris t-shirt.....here is a great option if you are here this fall. Miss Tic, a famous parisienne graffiti artist, has collaborated with leather brand Lamarthe to create a small line of bags with her image on them, along with the phrase Je crois en l'eternel feminin. Prices range from 65 to 250 euros, and the bags are available exclusively at 107Rivoli, then after September 15th at Lamarthe stores.

this weekend in paris

la rentree in paris means back to school for the little ones, and back to being the city of fashion and creativitiy for everyone else! this weekend, the city of light hosts two giant tradeshows, just before the fashion show season starts.check out new trends & fashions at paris capitale de la creation, now throught sept 9th at the porte de versailles
and for the home, follow in the footsteps of magazine editors worldwide, and check out maison et objet to see what's next in home decor
and while its probably too late to register, you can still motivate yourself to do a bit of exercise [after one too many croissants!] by watching and cheering on the marathon, la parisienne, which raises money for breast cancer.

journey chic

just wanted to give a quick 'merci' to the femmes at journeychic, who recently blogged about the CSP book and tours....check out their other clever posts about chic ways to travel and inspirations to do so...

cheeky chocolates

designer Lolita Lempkia has partnered up with organic brand Bonneterre to produce some lovely gourmet goodies.....check out "sous le choc," a chocolate/almond bar, "sublime fondant," a chocolate/hazlenut spread, "the merveille,"a rare white tea blend, and "grands petits beurre," classic french butter cookies. the sweet treats are availble only at la grand epicerie at the moment, but at the end of next month, they will be widely available at gourmet groceries and even at duty free.

elle passions

the french version of elle magazine comes out on a weekly basis-- i'm always impressed that the mag is full of fun, fresh angles on fashion every week....and i'm also always intrigued by the little elle passions section they have, which features an outfit for sale at a reduced price, usually by a fairly well known french brand. you can check out the entire catalog of offerings by elle passions online, with everything from a classic trench to a trendy cashmere maxi sweater-- and the best part is that they ship internationally! [although for the US, you have to send them your order to get a quote first....]

en vacances....

chic shopping paris heads south.....to the south of france, to be exact. stay tuned for more updates from paris upon my return....bonne vacances!

zadig heads for the zenith

zadig & voltaire, a french label known for its rock-n-roll vibe, will launch its luxe line in the fall...be on the lookout for a 30-piece collection with items such as long cashmere dresses and little satin numbers too.

the chicest library

this one may be slightly out of the price range of us mere mortals, but its uber-chicness compelled me to blog about it....what happens when you take goyard, the luxury french leather goods brand dating to 1853, and marry it with visonnaire, the exclusive avant guard magazine, published only 3 times a year? if you are very fortunate, you'll get this limited edition trunk, with canary yellow lining which holds the first 50 editions of the magazine. calling all collectors...

this weekend in paris

• famous illustrator kiraz, who started designing his famous long-legged figures in the 50s, is on display at the musee carnavalet until 21 september. original gouaches, paintings, and publicity work are on display.
  
  
  
• karl lagerfeld's photos are quickly becoming as well known as his fashion design. check out his latest expo, versailles a l'ombre du soleil, at the chateau de versailles [until 7 september]
  
  
• and if you haven't yet given it a whirl, try out a velib, one of paris' new bikes-- pick it up one place, and drop it off at another, with pick up points every 300 meters throughout most of the city
  

back to school in style

the stores around paris have already begun to move out the sand shovels and pile in the backpacks and notebooks, ready for those coming back from vacation later this month....and just in time for back-to-school-- a cute line of backpacks, bags, and accessories such as snack bags, marble bags, and smocks, with retro cute imagery on them. available from new brand miniseri, at various sales points in paris and around france.

rebecca on france 24 tv

Here is my homemade video of my interview on France 24 this morning--less that professional quality, I know....but you can also check it out LIVE on France 24's website-- click on LIVE FEED. The show will be rebroadcast via the France 24 site today at 5pm [Paris time], and again tomorrow at 9.30pm, and Friday at 11.30pm.

colette x gap

while infamous concept store colette takes august off to do some renovations, they will set up a temporary shop in the big apple, in gap's flagship store on 54th and 5th avenue from september 5th to october 6th. what's in store? cool, limited edition products, naturally, such as a little marc jacobs bowling bag, and a steiff bear, designed by karl lagerfeld. plan to be in paris, not in nyc? not to worry, the same items will be available in the city of light when colette reopens, august 25th.

c'est chic, c'est bic

if you are like me, you probably never thought much about bic, other than the fact that they make pens and razors...well, the french company has gone and made your life as a tourist in france just a little easier...starting this fall, the company has partnered with french cell phone company orange to provide a prepaid bic phone for 49 euros....already charged up, sim card & 60 minutes of call time in place, and widely available at newstands, train stations, airports, etc. so now you have no more excuses when shoe shopping takes just a little more time than planned, and your cheri is waiting patiently at the cafe.....

hermes limited edition

the latest from hermes? 6 new scarves, designed by german bauhaus artist josef albers, in hommage to the square. using alber's innovative color techniques, which aim to show the interaction between colors, the eye-popping scarves are in limited edition-- only 200 of each. the box set runs 2000 euros, available at hermes, 24 rue du faubourg st. honore.