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.

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!

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.

Chic Shopping Paris Limited Edition Fall Tour- September 26- October 5th Only!

Attention Antiques Lovers:  Chic Shopping Paris is offering a limited-edition tour of the charming Chatou flea market and ham fair.  Join us for a half day tour of this treasure trove of French antiques. Looking for furniture or artwork?  Or "smalls" such as doll clothes, buttons, toys, clothes, dishes, etc?  This is the place.  Set on the charming Ile de Chatou in the Seine, outside of Paris, many famous Impressionsts once painted here.  Enjoy a day outside of the city at this quaint market.  Contact us for availability between September 26th and October 5th, 2014.   

French for the tips of your toes

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.

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!

YSL Permanent Collection

Hedi Slimane, as head of Saint Laurent, has decided some of the YSL items should be always and forever available.  Check out the aptly-named Permanent collection, including the Duffle coat and Duffle Bag, above. [Also available in black, bien sur.]  Because classic never goes out of style, n'est-ce pas?

Love locks rock!

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!

http://www.anne-elisabeth.com/tops/688-top-penelope-love-locks.html

And for the funky fashionistas out there- there is even a shirt printed with the locks!

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.]

Louis Vuitton and the Art of Writing

To anchor itself in the rich literary history of St Germain des Pres, Louis Vuitton has opened a Cabinet d'ecriture, filled with writerly offerings such as stationary, ink pens (alongside an ink bar), crystal ink wells and more.  The boutique/salon will also offer special events to showcase exceptional artists and artisans in the field.

Le Cabinet d'Ecriture

6 place St. Germain, 6th

Made in France: Bespoke Shirts for Men

Very excited to discover this made in France brand, Saint Sens, as I'm always on the lookout for good guy gifts....Custom made shirts [starting at a reasonable 99 euros] can be made in a matter of weeks- either send your measurements or your favorite shirt to be copied via their "Scan Shirt" system, pick out details like button choice, collar, monogram, and more.  They ship to France, the US, and the UK, so you can even offer your cheri a custom shirt from France, even if you can't get here.

Hermes - Comme des Garcons collaboration

It's here!  The graphic scarf collection by Hermes and Comme des Garcons that I blogged about in November, is finally available in stores.  The black and white collection is available exclusively at Comme des Garcons boutiques.

Chic drinks in St. Germain

I discovered a charmant new bar the other night we I went out for drinks with the girls- La Companie des Vins Surnaturels.  It's tucked away on a side street that you probably wouldn't wander down, right behind the covered market at Mabillon.  The wine bar is very cosy and chic, with little banquettes and couches making it feel like you are at a private party in a Parisian apartment.  The menu features a good selection of wines and small plates [think cheese & jambon].   It was quite packed, even on a week night, so email or call ahead to reserve a table.  

La Companie des Vins Surnaturels

7 rue Lobineau, 6th

Chic Sneaks

Just in time for spring travels, a whole new crop of chic & comfy sneakers has hit the stylish streets of Paris.  Here are a few of my faves.....

Studded Saucony sneakers, available at 66 Champs Elysees or online, 178 euros

San Marina "Cheiti" sneakers, available in their Paris boutiques, 89 euros

Isabel Marant "Bobby", available online or at Isabel Marant boutiques, 395 euros

Bensimon tennis shoes, available online or in Bensimon boutiques, 30 euros

The sales are here!

The big bi-annual sales started this week....are you shopping as much as last year?  It seems with the holidays just past and the economy in a downturn, the shops are emptier than usual....but that means more bargains for the die-hard shoppers out there!  Check out past posts on shopping les soldes to get my scoop on getting the best deals....

Holiday Scents from Frederic Malle

Just out- the 2012 collection of collector's boxes from Frederic Malle, nose extraordinaire   Choose from 8, 15 or 18 of the houses incredible perfumes, housed in an oh-so-chic black box.  Available at the three Malle Paris boutiques or at Printemps.

News for Hermes lovers

Hermes and designer Rei Kawakubo will reunite for a limited edition collection of scarves, available in February 2013.  The collection will be divided into two mini-collections.  The Noir et Blanc collection will have 5 abstract scarves and will be sold in Comme des Garcons boutiques in Paris, NYC, and Tokyo.  The Couleur collection will consist of 6 patchwork, checkered and striped pattern scarves, and will be available in London and Tokyo.  Mark your calendars- these are sure to be collectors items.

Vintage ABCs

I've been hooked on vintage sign letters for years- ever since my mom bought me a blue letter "M" with rusted edges from a neighborhood brocante when I first moved to Paris 10 years ago.  I've been slowly collecting them ever since- keeping an eye out at every flea market or sale I pass.  And now I'm afraid my collection will continue to grow ...with the new vintage shop Kidimo, that stocks over 2000 letters and numbers.  What a fun idea to get a giant letter or two....or spell out a whole phrase in a homemade font.    It does get addictive...don't say I didn't warn you!

Kidimo

227 rue Saint Denis, 2nd

06.85.42.93.42

(Note:  the shop is open by appt only)

Shhhh: CSP's secret shop list

The secret is out....I've been adding all the great boutiques I blog about on a Google Map that is available to all my loyal readers.  Click here to access the map to start planning your next trip!

Free Hermes bag!

Ever dreamed of owning your own Hermes Kelly or Hermes Birkin bag?  Well, this is the latest bag from Hermes- and it's free!  Go to the Hermes website, to download your very own Jige bag.  What's the catch?  Just a little DIY- you have to print it and put it together.  Available in 6 models [including one white one to create your very own design], all free, all fun, and certainly collectible.  Trop chic from the makers of bags that can be trop cher!