Barbie Does Paris

It makes sense, in a funny way, that the icon of many a childhood should strut her stuff in the fashion capitol of the world.  What are we talking about?  Barbie on display at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, bien sur.  Over 700 dolls are on display, alongside Barbie-inspired art, gowns, and more, with a narritive focused on "Barbie's lives."  A must-see for fans of pop-culture and the beloved B-doll.

From 10 March to 18 September 2016
Tickets online here [French only]

Musée des Arts décoratifs

107, rue de Rivoli, 1st
website

Chic Cadeau- A French Tea Towel

I always think that tea towels make great gifts or souvenirs.  They are one-size-fits-all, unbreakable, and lightweight.  Wendy spotted these beauties at Tumbleweed in the Marais.  

I love how modern and bright they are, a chic cadeau for sure.

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 new resto: Ellsworth

I had a lovely birthday dinner at Ellsworth with some friends [and my mom!] a few weeks ago, and although I was having too much fun to take pictures and/or notes of the food, I thought I'd still share my experience.

The details: Ellsworth is a new spot from the cool American couple behind Verjus and Verjus wine bar.  [More yummy restaurants to try!]  It is a tiny, intimate but fun little place in the 1st, with an amazing sharing menu. [Although, I will admit, my plates were so yummy I actually did not share!]  I had the sprout salad- and I kid you not, my mouth is salivating at the thought it.  The dressing was so great that I could have eaten 3 salads.  And the famous buttermilk chicken? It is all that.  And more. All washed down by some lovely bottles of wine, and followed by apple fritters.  Definitely worth a visit.  [And you can reserve online, and English!]

Trendy Teens in Paris

Over the years, we've had quite a number of teens come on shopping tours.  Some come with very small budgets and big dreams, some come with even bigger dreams of fancy dresses [prom, bat mitzvah, etc], some just hope to see a bit of Parisian style....and I can confidently say that we've left them all as satisfied customers!  Teens who come on a special shopping trip to Paris can be considered a privileged group, to be sure, but we aim to keep our clients of all ages feeling like they've left with a bit of Paris in their bags! There is nothing more exciting than seeing one find the perfect dress- like the young lady above!  If you are coming to Paris with a teen, check out our
Tres Teen tour- it will save you hours of agony trying to figure out where the "cool" shops are for you and your teen.

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

French made bags

As many of you know, most of the big names in luxury goods make now make their goods outside of France- sometimes in nearby Italy, but many times in factories in Asia.  I don't know about you, but that certainly takes some of the cachet out of buying a French bag.   I'd like one that is actually made with quality materials, in France.  Never mind the logo- don't need it, or would prefer it discreet, s'il vous plait.  

Our intrepid guide, Wendy, is always on the lookout for items that are truly Made in France, and voila!  She came upon 1854 Grunenberger, who still makes their bags in France, since 1854, naturellement.  I think the styles are a great mix of trendy and classy, non?  Available online and in a boutique in the 17th.

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.

Hermes Haute Couture Candles

French designer Guillaume Bardet and perfumer Celine Ellena were taped by Hermes to design their new luxury candle collection, Le Perfum de la Maison.  The result?  These stunning candle bowls, that can be tipped on their sides, along with a paper horse and a scented stone.  The scents are created around five story lines:  Des pas sur la neige, Temps de pluie, Fenetre ouverte, Champ libre, and A Cheval.  Trop chic!

A Chic Shopping Fave: Musee des Fetes Forains

If you have kids or you like off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, this is the place for you. Stepping into the Musee des Fetes Forains makes you feel like you are in another world, another land, another era-- there is really nothing like it.  A vast collection of carnival rides and memorabilia that lives in the former wine storage warehouses in Bercy [Eastern Paris], the collection/ space is usually only open for private parties and special affairs.  I have been on several occasions and have been swept up by the magique of the place each and every time.   The museum will be open for 10 days at the end of the year [December 26th to January 4th], so if you are in Paris at the time, put it on your must-do list!

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

Christmas Markets in Paris

Will you be in Paris this Christmas?  Be sure to check out the Grands Magasins [Galeries Lafayette, Printemps- both pictured above] for their exquisite store windows.  What else is on?  Check out this great list of the Marches de Noel [Christmas Markets].  Joyeux Noel!

It's on tonight!! Chic Shopping Paris founder on HGTV

I'm terrified and curious to watch myself and my family at the same time...tune in to House Hunters International TONIGHT to see Rebecca and family!  HGTV program description here!

Introducing Chic Shopping London!

We are elated to announce the opening of Chic Shopping London!  You've shopped with us in Paris, now visit shop with us across the pond to take home a bit of London in your bag.  We are starting with three tours to help you find the off-the-beaten path London- away from Harrod's and the high streets, we'll help you discover the best London has to offer.

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.  

Paris Peepers

Over the years, we've had clients looking for that certain je ne sais quoi with regards to....glasses!  After all, they are one of the accessories you might find yourself wearing daily.  
We've listed several of our faves, all Made in France!   

Our very own guide Wendy just picked up these great sunglass readers by See Concept at Colette.

French brand Lafont has been making glasses forever...and I'm a bit partial, as we are family friends.   Lafont offers a huge range, from modern and funky to the re-editions [shown here] of some of their classic styles.

Last but not least are the creme de la creme of glasses, the made to measure versions from Maison Bonnet.  Find exactly the right pair for your face, and be assured that no one else will have the same.