Marvelous Made in France Hangbags at Sabatier

The team at Chic Shopping Paris hold a special place in their hearts for things that are Made in France- they are just that much more special to take home with you!  One of our super guides has found an amazing handbag line- Sabatier.  What's so special?  Besides being Made in France and in a super luxe quality leather since 1947, you can customize your bag by switching up the front panel. That's right- the bag in the photo above is the same bag with a different front!  So cool, so chic. Available at 8 different boutiques in Paris and online.

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

Retro- Cool Souvenirs at Le Bon Marche

How cute is this new line from Le Bon Marche?  Inspired by architectural elements of the famous department store, along with designs from the archives, the collection has a big range of items that make great souvenirs.  I, for one, will definitely be snapping up some items for my gift closet!

Le Bon Marche
24 rue de Sevres, 7th

Twins for Peace: Chic Sneakers

Twins for Peace was started by two friends in 2009, with an idea similar to Tom's in the US:  Buy a pair, give a pair.  Sounds like a win-win to us!  We get an amazingly cool pair of sneaks [love the ones above!] and get to help out a kid in need.  And as sneakers are all the rage right now, you can be fashionable chic and comfy too.

Twins for Peace
5, rue Commines, 3rd

Also at Colette and Le Bon Marche in Paris

(photo:  @twinsforpeace)

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€