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.

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

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!

special sale at Geraldine Valluet's Atelier this week

Do you remember Geraldine Valluet from the Chic Shopping Paris book?  She has closed up her original boutique and now sells her jolie jewels from her atelier [which is Marchel Duchamp's former workshop!]  during special sales and by appointment only.  If you are in Paris, don't miss this opportunity to stock up for all the spring holidays- Mother's Day, spring birthdays, etc!  Thursday- Saturday, March 16-18, 12-7pm

Atelier d'Art Rrose Selvy

5 rue Fromentin, 9th

code 28A45

chic by candlelight

If you are looking for an unusual [and longlasting!] souvenir, and don't already have overweight luggage, check out the gigantic candle by Cire Trudon. Weighing in at 2.8kg [that's over 6 lbs!], the famous candlemaker's luxe candle is adorned with the Trudon coat of arms, and comes in five scents: Roi Soleil, Abdel Kader, Odalisque, Spritius Sancti, and Ernesto. The best part? The long life of this candle is over 400 hours. Vive la bougie!

Cire Trudon
78 rue de Seine, 6th

Chic Dots!

Everytime I take clients on a shopping tour in the St Germain de Pres area I always go back to my favourite store - Sabre. [Also featured in Chic Shopping Paris, the book, FYI!] Bright, fun, happy colors are the theme of this boutique that specializes in table wear. I love collecting the big coffee cups in every color possible. If you get a chance do check out Sabre at 4 rue des Quatres Vents in the 6th arrondissement!

x Stephanie

Twice as Chic

A must see shop when in Paris -the fabulous lingerie/home wear store Princess Tam Tam is making mother/daughter bikinis in adorable cotton poplin printed fabric. For more details have a look at their website or visit one of 26 stores in Paris. My fave is at 9 rue Brea in the chic 6th arrondissement!
x Stephanie

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.

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!

riding in style

ok, so this isn't something you can throw in your suitcase, but it is just so mignon that i couldn't resist-- frenchie mom & daughter brand comptoir des cotonniers has created its own bike, to complete the french-girl-riding-on-the-cobblestones-ensemble. the bike, available in a regular version [950 euros] and the tandem version [pictured], comes complete with wicker basket and bell. irresistible, non?

a celestial spa

to celebrate spring, and to help us get in shape for summer, printemps department store is opening a roof top spa with terrake products. a free 15 minute massage is offered, or sign up for the other services at very reasonable prices [1 hr back massage, 45 euros]. a nice break from shopping, indeed!

also on display on the roof deck are the stunning creations of ebano. ebano creates sleek pieces of furniture out of steel, along with jewelry and other home accessories. the furniture is on display at printemps, but check out their jewelry in their montmartre boutique, also featured in my book.

french bijoux straight to you

one of my fave boutiques in montmartre [and also in my upcoming book] has just opened an online boutique- yeah horray, they even ship internationally! check out geraldine valluet for a wide range of hand made parisian jewels-- from simple classics to over-the-top showstopping pieces.

petite poupees for your neck

just in time for the french fete des meres [mother's day], servane gaxotte, parisian jewerly designer, has created new versions of her famous poupee necklace. the poupees, articulated dolls in sterling silver, are always dressed in up-to-the-minute fashion, and are already a collectors item. the latest doll to join her soeurs is a pregnant doll, a cute way to show you are expecting before your belly pops. around 195 euros at the servane gaxotte boutique, 55 rue des saints peres, 6th.