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.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Learning Les Arts de la Table
If you've ever had the chance to have a drink or stay the night at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, you have witnessed the spectacular blooms of Jeff Leatham. American floral designer to the stars, Leatham uses over 12,000 blooms in amazing floral decorations all over the hotel. And now you can learn from the master in a two hour course. The catch?
The course is only open to clients of the hotel or of Le Cinq restaurant.
The course is only open to clients of the hotel or of Le Cinq restaurant.
And if you are interested in setting a beautiful table a la francaise, you can sign up for a class in a Paris atelier to learn from the duo that creates special events all over Paris.
JFC Style Hertiage Designers, 1 rue Portefoin, 3rd
JFC Style Hertiage Designers, 1 rue Portefoin, 3rd
Monday, April 07, 2014
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.
Friday, April 04, 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.
Imaginative Eats in the Marais
If you haven't been to the upper Marais for a meal, it might be time. Interesting new restaurants are popping up overnight in the area. Le Mary Celeste, above, is named after a 19th century ghost ship, and serves up rare oysters and small plates that change daily. Recently opened by the team that owns Candeleria, seafood lovers can't go wrong.
Table Ronde is designed as a place for exchanging ideas about gastronomy. Each month, 18 diners are invited to take part in unique meals prepared by 4 or 5 guest chefs. Check the schedule and sign up online to try your hand at a getting a coveted spot at the table.
Tuesday, April 01, 2014
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!
Monday, March 31, 2014
Maison Ullens
Designer Myraim Ullens brings her line of uber-chic travel wear, Maison Ullens, to Paris with a flagship store in the golden triangle. Ullens has collaborated with Veronique Leroy for the fashion and leather designer Peggy Huynh Kinh for the accessories, all laid out in a glorious boutique designed by Rem Koolhaas. Topped off with a champagne bar and Pierre Herme chocolates, this place reeks of good taste. The clothing, with a strong focus on cashmere, is aimed at the world traveler and those who live out of a suitcase. Or maybe she means a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk?
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.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Terroir Parisien
[top: roasted duckling and apples; bottom: braised sole with mushrooms]
I'm not one to usually take pictures of my food, but this meal at Terroir Parisien was worth writing about, so I snapped a few pics for the blog. This is the place where you want to come for classic French cooking, but in a modern sense. All the French classics are here, but interpreted in a new style-- lighter, funkier, newer, just better. True bistro food, highlighting local producers around Paris. Simple and yummy, set in a magnificent old treasure of a building, a great place for an introduction or re-introduction to French cuisine.
20 rue Saint Victor, 5th
reservations@bistrot-terroirparisien.fr
YSL Permanent Collection
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Mark your calendars: Isabel at H&M
Mark your calendars, ladies (I know I have!)- November 14th is the date of the launch of the Isabel Marant for H&M collection. Mademoiselle Marant has had a cult-status following for years now in Paris, and many a New Yorker has scoured the Paris shops for larger collections of merchandise. And now, as H&M does so well, some of the stylish Parisian looks can be yours for less. On your marks.....
Love locks rock!
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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!
And for the funky fashionistas out there- there is even a shirt printed with the locks!
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
& 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.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
A visit to Les Puces
Visiting the Saint-Ouen flea market reminds me of Alice falling down the rabbit hole—it starts with a little innocent curiosity and then suddenly everything's a blur of color and shape, nonsense and logic intertwined. It's where the past—and now the future—comes to life. Where else can you find a tablecloth from Paris' Ritz Hotel, a collection of extremely creepy (or very cool) dental equipment, a wooden mannequin's head, a space ship that was designed as the house of the future in 1968, a print of Obama, and chairs for your garden that are as mesmerizing as a handwritten love letter? You're dreaming of the house you'll need to hold all these treasures when suddenly, after taking a few steps past the Marché Biron, you're transported to the year 1964, Habitat's new industrial loft space/vintage paradise filled with carefully-sourced furniture and home wares. Blink again and you're in Paris' high-fashion concept store, l'Eclaireur. Thankfully, there's La Buvette des Tartes Kluger nearby where you can grab a bite, or something to sip, while you make sense of it all.
Lost in the labryinth of Les Puces? Join one of Chic Shopping Paris' Arts & Antiques tours to let us help you find your way through this charming treasure trove.
Monday, April 08, 2013
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.]
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Spring trends in Paris: Stripes are back!
It's springtime here [at least that is what the calendar says- the weather isn't quite cooperating!]- and stripes are back in shops again! Here are a few of my Frenchy faves for spring:
Petit Bateau, 45 euros
Dress by Sineanquanone, 109 euros
Dress by Comptoir des Cotonniers, 135 euros
Sandro, 63 euros
Friday, March 29, 2013
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!
Haute Couture at Hotel de Ville
Over 150 pieces that trace 100 years of fashion will be on display at the Paris Haute Couture exhibit at the Hotel de Ville. This is an amazing occasion to see up close and personal the handiwork and craftsmanship by Chanel, Vionnet, Courreges, and many more designers. Here is a slide show preview of some of the amazing pieces on display. Be sure to pick up the cute kids guide [bottom picture] for your favorite jeune fille fashionista.
Paris Haute Couture at the Hotel de Ville [Salle St Jean]
until July 6, 2013
until July 6, 2013
free exhibit, open everyday [except Sundays and holidays], from 10am to 7pm
Thursday, March 28, 2013
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
194 blvd St. Germain, 7th
Chocolate by Alain Ducasse- Paris' newest chocolate shop
Chocoholocs, add this one to your list of places to visit in Paris- multi-starred and multi-talented chef Alain Ducasse has opened a chocolate factory shop in the 11th. Step off the main street, into a quiet courtyard and into this former garage to check out the chocolate being made right in front of you. Pralines with coconut or salty peanuts, ganache with lime or mint, giant bars of chocolate that way 3.5kg....a wide range of yummy flavors await. [Note: they are open Easter Sunday from 10am-1pm if you forgot your chocolate for that last minute egg hunt!]
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
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