famed fash photos at the carnavalet

Photographer Willy Maywald moved to Paris in the 1930s and became the photographer of la vie boheme -- photographing artists like Leger and Clader and models sporting the latest duds in the streets of Paris, alongside scenes of everyday Parisian life. Over 200 photos from the years 1931 to 1955 are on display in the charming Musee Carnavalet, until Sept. 30th.

bebe got back

voila the new french fad-- special panties to lift your buttocks! while all of the jeunes americaines are trying oh-so-hard to lift up their buste, lithe french girls apparently dream of j.lo-style booties [who knew?]. french lingerie company huit has created 'magic pulp' panties to round out their bums. now there is an original souvenir...

lacroix at laredoute

la redoute is sort of a chic version of that retro jcpenny's catalog you flipped through as a kid-- a multipurpose catalog that sells everything under the soleil. they, like all the other big retail players [monoprix, etam, h & m], have snapped up special collections by big names to highlight their catalogs. new for fall are the colorful, extravagant looks of christian lacroix-- who has designed, clothing, furniture, boots, and even bed linens for the catalog. the line seems to be available only on the french version of the site, although the american catalog does offer some other chic french designers [maje, ventilo], which are hard to find elsewhere.

mini palais, maxi chic

the new chic place to have a drink this summer-- the mini palais under the columns in the grand palais, a new uber-chic summer terrace, complete with baccarat light fixtures and faux croco walls [in the interior.] the menu is by gilles choukroun [of the angl'opera restaurant], and serves up salads, sandwiches, and little plates - plan on spending 25 euros. open from 10am to 1am, 7 days of the week.

no longer a secret: bistrot paul bert

neighborhood fave bistrot paul bert is no longer a secret after the recent article in the ny times, which listed it as one of the best places for steak-frites in paris. after living only 2 blocks away for, oh, about 5(!) years now, stan the frenchman and i decided to see what the fuss was all about.

set in a former butcher shop, meat is the specialty of the house, bien sur. when i ordered the special steak au poivre, and asked that it be cooked medium rare, the waitress balked, went to ask the chef, and reluctantly let me have the meat cooked to my liking, although she made sure to tell me that that was not the way it should be eaten. nonetheless, the steak was fab, as were the frites maison, and the lovely garden-fresh salads that we had alongside. desserts seemed a bit of an afterthought, so if you have room, you might opt for the cheese platter instead.

the place was packed [half with americans!] at 9pm, so reserve ahead of time. a great neighborhood bistrot, not pretentious, but with plenty of character quand meme. prix fixe menu is 32 euros for starter + main course + dessert or cheese.

amuse bouches

an oh-so-chic way to start off your next dinner party-- serve the amuse bouche [mini starter course] in these cute little emile henry ramekins. a compact set of 12 for 29 euros, they make a great souvenir for the gourmande friend of yours as well. [check out BHV or galeries lafayette for the full collection from emile henry]

our new fave for guidebooks

i've just discovered the most charmant series of books on france [and other places too, bien sur!], and maybe you've seen them stateside at anthropologie or elsewhere-- i'm talking about the great little guides published by the little bookroom. they are full of charm, wisdom and the style of the books are impeccable. check out the tomes on the markets of paris or authentic bistros of paris, and you will surely be in the know on your next trip abroad.

chic new hotel in the 6th

I am constantly being asked to recommend hotels in Paris, which is a bit difficult, as I live here and never actually stay in them! That said, I rely on client comments and old favorites. I've also found a new gem that is getting a lot of press around town-- the Hotel des Academies et des Arts. Located in St. Germain [but nearer to Montparnasse], which is a great, relatively central place to stay-- close to lots of fun cafes and restos, and- most importatnly-- close to great left bank shopping. Prices seem reasonable and the deco is chic, modern and French.

summer sales 2007!

we've suspected for a few weeks now that the sales will start the last wednesday of june, and now it is official-- the paris sales will run from june 27 to august 4th. so mark your calendars, start pre-shopping and trying on the items you covet, and enjoy! also, be sure to check out my previous post on the sales for tips on how to do the sales right!

bad hair day?

quel horreur! head to the new "happy hair" by jean-marc maniatis counter in the basement of galeries layfayette, and 15 minutes [and 10 euros] later, you'll be out the door with a new 'do!

this weekend-- 'design' flea market

the 16th 'edition' of the puces du design [design flea market] takes place this weekend, june 1st-3rd. this time the sale will take place in a new venue--along the river at the quai de la loire in the 19th. three full days to stop by and browse the vintage furniture and home deco finds, alongside some new vendors that specialize in vintage fashion, from the 40s to the 80s. click here for the map/directions. happy treasure hunting!

atelier de parfum at guerlain

if you have always wanted your own French fragrance-- here is your chance. the guerlain boutique on the champs elysees now offers an upclose look at guerlain perfumes. the so called 'atelier de parfumerie' takes place one friday a month. a 'nose' from the venerable perfume house will talk about the house's perfumes, how perfume is made, etc. you get to leave witha mini bottle of perfume. 180 euros for the day, including lunch. call 01.45.62.52.57 for more info.

i want to ride my bicyclette

Velib, Paris' super cheap new rent-a-bike service, will be up and running [or rolling?] later this summer....read on for the scoop:

- bikes can be rented in any of the 1000 stations scattered throughout the city [with over 14,000 bikes available]; bike stations will be near metros for easy access
- prices start at just 1 euros for a day's rental, to 5 euros for a week and 29 euros for a year; you can simply pay by credit card at one of the bike pick-up stations, or beforehand online on the Velib website
- the 3-speed bikes are equiped with a handy basket, adjustable seats, a locking system with key, and lights

The service seems to be aimed more at locals than at tourists, as the site is only in French....but hopefully they'll expand as the project grows -- by the end of the year, there should be over 20,000 bikes available! A great [and green] way to see Paris.

chic chanel book

famed french publishing house assouline has just published a gorgeous 3-volume book set on legendary fashion house chanel. the leather bound set is made to look like chanel's famous quilted 2 55 bag... and it is the chic-est coffee table book that i've seen in a while. [although at 495 euros, you might pay more for it than you do for your coffee table!] another good excuse to visit the assouline boutique, just to take a peek if nothing else....

parcours st. germain

if you don't know the st. germain area well, this is a great way to become acquainted with the artsy, fashionable left bank. the yearly event parcours saint germain [st. germain contemporary art tour] takes place from may 24 to july 19. this years theme is is "sweet'art," and art is on display in the chic boutiques of the neighborhood (lacroix, paule ka, armani, etc.). sweet treats to see, to eat, to drink are on display-- showing how we use food as a way of expression in other ways than in the kitchen. check out the website, print yourself a map, and let your eyes do the feasting!

treat yourself [or your maman]

just in time for french mother's day [fete des meres, june 3rd], guerlain announces another special treat-- on saturday, june 2nd, they will engrave [for free] your initials or other saying on any perfume purchased. so chic!

seeing red [or just eating it?]

from the souffle resto to fondue to crepes, and everything in between, you can find any sort of cuisine you are looking for in paris. the newest to pique our interest is the rouge saint-honore, a resto that specializes in tomatoes. menu items include a terrine of goat cheese with sundried tomatoes, pasta with green tomato sauce, and a dessert with a liquorice-tomato sauce-- you guessed it, the tomato is incorporated into every dish. vive la tomate!

french lover....buy yours today

ok, just admit it-- you've always wanted one, now here is your chance--well, your chance to have the perfume version, anyway. and who knows, it might just attract the real thing. check out the new fragrance by perfume "editor" frederic malle, the fashionistas secret perfume source, and don't blame me if you have a trail of frenchies sniffing in your wake.

courson- a chic day trip

le domaine de courson, 35km outside of paris, is the home to a lovely chateau and a famous plant show-- this year, the journee des plantes celebrates its 25th year with the architectural plant. stop by from may 18-20th to buy some lovely leaves [if you have somewhere local to plant them!], saveur gardening a la francaise, or pick up some oh-so-chic gardening tools and accessories.

l'art contemporain

magda danysz art gallery, which has been in paris since 1999, has just moved to a bigger, industrial space near the bastille. stop by the check out the 3 levels of work by up-and-coming artists or check out the website for upcoming events and children's workshops.

kate moss at colette

ready...set....mark your calendars for may 2nd, the arrival date of the kate moss for topshop collection at colette. the collection debarks in london on the 1st, and arrives at colette on the 2nd, the only place in paris where you can buy the goods [and at the same price.] about a hundred items are available, from jeans, to jackets, to bags in kate's glam vintage style of the 70s.

deja vu

usually it is the other way around-- americans copying french style/ trends/ fashion in general. this time around, though, it is the french who are the copycats....two recent new french websites are blatant copies of their american cousines....

Sac Deluxe is a site that specializes in renting the most current Parisian "It bags," owing its concept to the American site Bag, Borrow or Steal. great concept, if you feel the need to be up-to-the-minute in everything you are wearing or for a special soiree.

the other copycat site is Creme du Jour, a faux Daily Candy site. while i'm a big fan of the fun and fresh candy site, i'm not so sure that "creme" gets it right-- the illustrations used on the logo just aren't as good as their counterparts, and the info. is just not quite as on... but the concept is still a great one.

designers expose themselves at printemps

more news from department store printemps....they are inviting top designers to create a 'vitrine' [window display] of their choice-- the window is revealed, and the whole process is taped and shown on french chanel paris premiere. the first guest karl lagerfeld [in photo] showed how the book is omnipresent in his life, surronding himself with livres for his window display.

stop by to check out the following windows being filmed ["tournage"] and/or the paris premiere showing ["diffusion"] of the making-of...

- Paul Smith - tournage le mercredi 28 mars et diffusion le samedi 21 avril
- Rodolphe Ménudier - tournage le mercredi 4 avril et diffusion le samedi 28 avril
- Jean-Charles de Castelbajac - tournage le mercredi 11 avril et diffusion le samedi 5 mai
- Chantal Thomass - tournage le mercredi 18 avril et diffusion le samedi 12 mai
- D squared - tournage le mercredi 25 avril et diffusion le samedi 19 mai
- Isabel Marant - tournage le mercredi 4 avril et diffusion le samedi 26 mai
- Albert Elbaz - tournage le mercredi 30 avril et diffusion le samedi 2 juin
- Antonio Marras - tournage le mercredi 6 juin et diffusion le samedi 9 juin

your mug on a french mag

as part of their 'croissette' [red carpet] theme for the cannes film festival, printemps department store is offering us humble mortals the chance to look and feel like glam stars on the cover of gala magazine-- strike a pose, and leave with your very own magazine cover. who knows, your friends back home might just belive you made it to cannes! every saturday in may from 12pm-6pm, in printemps main store on blvd haussman.

new designer sale in montmartre

up-&-coming designer rosalie de montmatre is showing her new collection this weekend, friday and saturday from 3pm to 8pm, at her atelier, 48 rue de Levis, Paris 17th. stop by and check out the fun summer dresses, and go back to the US with a designer creation that no one else has.

pucci does guerlain

what could be more summery than pucci? if you can't afford to deck yourself out in wild pucci duds, check out the new make-up line by guerlain-- 8 products dressed up in pucci prints, summery, fun, bright and oh-so chic.....starting at just 23 euros.

sous le soleil

it must have been my lucky week-- not only has it been sunny in paris for weeks [!?], but [somewhat coincidentally] i got to try out both of the brances of le soleil in one week. first i checked out the new resto at 135 rue de grenelle in paris, and was enchated by the sunny turquoise and terracotta dining room, delcious amuse-bouche, and yummy mediterranean cuisine. [the huge bucket of fresh salted butter they give you with your bread could be a meal in itself!]

next up was the original resto, on a side street near the puces de st. ouen, which has been hailed by critics for years as the only decent place worth eating at the puces. i have to say that it was much more than decent, utterly delicious, and worth every centime of the 28 or 35 euro lunch menu. the welcome is warm and friendly, as is the spacious dining room, littered with antique-y finds. stopping for a nice glass of savignon and a tasty dejeuner is a great way to think over that vuitton valise you had been eyeing at the flea market....right ron & gay? [and merci again for a lovely lunch!]

sephora studio

with sephoras popping up around paris almost as fast as starbucks, it is nice to have one that offers something en plus....the new sephora studio (79 blvd st germain, 6th) offers tons of services, besides their standard beauty bar fare....body scrubs, spray-on tanning, massage, nail bar, etc. all for very reasonable prices [the 1 1/2 hr shangai surprise massage is 85 euros; spray on tanning is 20 euros]. appointments are required, and only taken up to 48 hours in advance, so all you last minute girly girls out there can get your beauty fix at the last minute.

another hat in the ring.....jovovich at mango

just when you thought nothing in paris was affordable.....yet ANOTHER famous designer doing a line for a chain retailer. this time it is super model-cum-designer milla jovovich [with partner/designer carmen hawk], designing a line of 10 dresses for mango's spring collection. the vintage-inspired frocks go on sale april 15th....and are modeled by model-cum-actress lou doillon, my neighbor here in the bastille area....maybe lou would like to drop by a few dresses in advance?

castelbajac exposes himself

....at the musee de la mode in paris. opening today and on expo until july 29th, jean-charles de castelbajac's first retrospective shows off his preferred themes such as camoflauge, cartoon imagery, and rock stars in a neon toile-lined space. over 40 years of creation are on display in this space entitled 'gallierock,' intended to be a performance/exposition. the bright & energetic display is surely something to see.

lolita lempicka for etam

following the lead of competitor h&m, etam is breaking into designers-for-less market. the lolita lempicka line premieres on april 25th, following in the footsteps of the recent madonna collection at h&m. lingerie and 50s & 60s inspired duds & dresses are expected, so check out the bargains [pieces start at 25 euros] later this month.

yum, yum--the bonpoint resto

i finally had the chance to taste the delicacies at the basement resto at bonpoint's flagship shop, 6 rue de tournon, in the 6th. the menu, which surprises with lovely fresh salads and other ladies-who-lunch-with-chic-children-in-town ideas, also features a few specialties for the kiddos, a rarety in paris. with high chairs, crayons and paper, and a reading corner, children feel welcome, although minding one's manners is still encouraged. little lucie especially loved when the waiter came by with a huge jar of guimave [marshmellows], handing one out to each child.

the only improvments? how aboud kid-sized plates and silverware, to make the package complete. and we can't wait until the weather warms up, and the resto expands outside to gorgeous courtyard.

after your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the endless array of rooms filled with baby and kid's clothing, each one prettier than the next.

chic shopping in ny magazine

merci to ny magazine for the mention on our little blog. the article, called "track down vintage fashion in paris" lists a number of fun shops and things to do in paris-- bravo for a nice little list. this is what is says about chic shopping paris:

Rebecca Magniant harnesses her love for both Paris and shopping in her blog Chic Shopping in Paris, which focuses on tips, trends, and fashion news.

p.s. a little tip for our readers--one mistake in the article about shopping at la vallee village could leave you stranded-- the high-speed TGV train does not go to the outlet mall, it is the commuter RER train that takes you there.

les exclusifs de chanel

don't you just love having something that no one else has? ...our favorite new 'something special from paris' is this-- one of the 6 new 'exclusifs de chanel,' six perfumes that are only available in Chanel boutiques. the six new fragrances-- rue cambon 31, bel respiro, no. 18, eau de cologne, coromandel, and 28 la pausa-- are all named after places and things important to mademoiselle coco herself. they follow in the steps of other famous chanel perfumes such as no. 5, allure, etc., and are issued only in chanel bouiques in order to keep up with the notion that some things, such as a woman's fragrance, should be sacred and special, and not available in every duty free shop or corner sephora. sniff your way to the nearest chanel boutique to check them out....

limited editions at petit bateau

to celebrate the 1st of april [april fool's day for americans, poisson d'avril for french], kiddie fave petit bateau is offering limited edition t-shirts. to fete the holiday, little french kids usually put a paper fish on the back of their friends as a joke-- now you can do the same for your little poission, with a little petit bateau shirt or onesie festooned with fish. (model shown above, 3 months to 18 months, 9 euros)

ballerina flats are back...encore!

once again this spring, ballerina flats line the boutique shelves in paris. be sure to check out repetto--fashonista fave & maker of the original bridgette bardot flat and real ballet shoes for dancers for over 60 years. the boutique on rue de la paix has just had a facelift and offers limited edition shoes as well as other dance accessories. your feet will thank you [although we can't say the same for your wallet...]

chic & cheap line for Erotokritos

Paris-based label Erotokritos follows the trend of other Frenchy brands and has just launced a second line, Eros, that will be 30% less expensive that its main label, offering the same simple forms and girly prints at a lower price. Follow Kate Moss & Kirsten Dunst's lead and check out the line at both of the designer's Parisian boutiques (in the Marais and in the Etienne Marcel area) and also at Galeries Lafayette.

Fashion Self-Portraits at the Bon Marche

Just over one week to stop by the Bon Marche to check out the "Autoportraits de Mode" expo--on display are self-portraits by some of fashions biggest names (Christian Lacroix, French star Emmanuelle Seigner, etc.)....Also a good time to hit the Bon Marche's TBM [tres bon marche] sales-- you can leave your hubby checking out the "culture" exhibit and run off and do a bit of shopping. Both events end March 31st.

chic shopping on travel channel

i admit, i was a bit reluctant to post this, as i still have not seen the footage, but yours truly was on the travel channel's not your average travel guide. the segment features the shows intrepid reporter/producer kate, and in part of the segment, i am taking her shopping in the marais. so now all of you CSP fans will get to see Paris shopping in action...

i have also just discovered that they have put out a petit "pocket guide" with the best stuff that was featured in the show. here is the download for the guide, which, i'm sure, will be oh-so-helpful in planning your next trip. thanks, travel channel!

tara jarmon expands

parisian fave tara jarmon, a canadian who has been designing feminine and colorful duds for over 20 years, has expanded in the st. germain area. a second shop [75 rue des saint peres, 6th] now almost guarantees that you won't leave paris without one of her girly frocks. stop by quickly to pick up one of the limited edition dresses that she designed using colorful motifs by pop artist peter zimmerman to add a little zing to your spring wardrobe.

target + colette

Ok, so we all know Target is cool. And even us Parisians miss the big emporium of chic bargains from time to time. Well, apparently, Target is even cooler than we thought, as uber-chic shop Colette is carrying the Proenza Schouler line for Target in their Paris boutique until March 5th. So if you can't get someone to get to Target for you in the US to grab up the bargain designer pieces, swing by Colette to get your Target fix.

chic & cheap men's shirts

A well-read client recently turned me on to a chic & cheap spot for men's shirts and ties-- Ray Club. Slightly off the beaten path, and not nearly as elegant as its website would imply, Ray Club does classic men's shirts in a wide range of colors and stripes. M. Papazian, the proprietor, is happy to help you find the size and style that would work best for you or yours. Our favorite part? The blown-up photos of Bill Clinton, hung in at least 3 places in the boutique, who is, apparently, a fan. 76 rue de Turenne, 3rd.

chanel's new naked bag

in response to the ever-more-strict airline restrictions, lagerfeld has come up with the new 'naked bag' for chanel's spring 2007 line. infinitely chic-er than a plastic baggie that the airlines hand out for your beauty products, n'est-ce pas?

a chic valentine's treat

Laduree, Paris' uber-chic bakery and original home of the macaron cookie, does it again for Valentine's day, offering up lovely hot pink box filled with goodies. Choose the heart shaped macarons (chocolate/coconut and raspberry/chocolate) for 14 euros, or a box of 8 mini macarons (assorted flavors) for 12.50. After all, what better way to a (French) man's heart than through his stomach? Available starting today at Laduree in Paris.

cafe beaute, as seen in the ny times

Last May, the NY Times featured an article on French women and their makeup habits, discussing one cafe in particular where French women get together for tips on beauty and makeup. The next such event, Cafe Beaute, will be held this Thursday at Columbus Cafe, 59 rue Faubourg St Anotoine, Paris 11th. Sign up online on the Cafe Beaute website, click on contactez-moi. The topic this time is hair care, and representatives from Rene Furterer haircare line will be on hand to chat about their product line. A great chance to see if you can discover some of those Frenchy secrets for that tousseled bed-head look....

new nain bleu toy store

in case you were wondering what happened to old-school toy emporium au nain bleu, paris' famous toy store that used to be on rue st. honore, they have reopened at 5 blvd malesherbes. this is the place to buy custom clothing for your little one's poupees and those great little bateaux to go sailing in the luxembourg boat pond. the toy store, which has dominated a big corner of st. honore since 1911, must've gotten bumped by a big ogre (otherwise known as a fancy women's boutique), but we are glad they found a new abode.

BHV goes manly

neighborhood favorite department store, BHV, announces a new department store exclusively for men, BHV Homme. The store, set to open March 7th on rue de la verrerie in the marais, will boast a 'new york loft' look, with over 150 men's labels, an interior courtyard/terrace/cafe, and one of those gorgeous mur vegetal (garden wall), done by Patrick Blanc who did the amazing vertical gardens at the Musee du Quai Branly.

armani takes up residence on ave montaigne

january 23rd marks the opening of the new giorgio armani boutique at 18 avenue montaigne. the 400 sq. meter boutique, his flagship in paris, boasts a brushed-silk and onyx themed decor. armani's classic collections will be on display along with a new sur mesure line for monsieur.

on your marks, get set, GO!

the soldes started yesterday, to the glee of many a shopping fanatic in the streets. while some shops started out with a measly 20% off, others went for the gusto and were already sportingdiscounts of -50%. tonight, thursday night, is a special nuit des soldes, meaning that many shops will stay open until [gasp!] 10pm. most shops will also be open this sunday, in hopes of tempting bargain-hunters to buy during the first few days of the sale. happy shopping!

2007 Winter SALES

This just in -- the 2007 Winter Sales have been scheduled for January 10th to February 7th. So plan a day off work (or book your plane tickets now!), as there are many bargains to be had. And read on for our tips for doing the soldes.....

The scoop:

When I meet visitors to Paris, they are often searching the city looking for a bargain, disappointed to not see any sale signs in their favorite boutiques. Let me tell you why--in France, by law, sales (“soldes”) are held only twice a year, with one sale period starting in January and the other in July. The government decides when the sales will be held and announces the official dates just days before the sales start. The stores then flutter around getting ready and shopaholics (myself included!) wait with bated breath for the opening day of the sales. Sale prices start at about 25-30% off for the first few days, and grow bigger as the sales go on. By the end of the sales [6 weeks maximum], the reductions can be up to 75% off.

The strategy:

Strategy for the soldes depends on what you are looking for. My advice is that if it is a one of a kind item and you know it is going on sale, snatch it up on the first day, even if it is only 20% off. However, if there are millions of the cashmere sweater you’ve been dreaming of, wait a week and go back to purchase it at a more reduced rate. Essentially, it’s all about the gamble-- and what you are willing to risk.

As for returns, I encourage you to ask before you buy. Although by law shops are supposed to allow you to make an exchange, this policy is not always in practice. If you are not sure about an item, see if the shop will hold it for you for a short period of time while you make your decision.

The snag:

French sales are not limited to just a few items or a few brands; instead the entire outgoing collection is usually on sale. This means that this season’s hottest blouse, pant, shoe, and bag will probably all be on sale, if you still want them at the end of the season. Everything from electronics to shoes to linens and more goes on sale at the same time, so it is easy to get overwhelmed! I try to make a list before hitting the shops to keep from getting sidetracked by flashing signs beckoning me over to a bargain that I don’t need.

The soldes are a great time to pick up classic Parisian pieces that never go out of style, like Longchamp “Le Pliage” bags, a great fitting trench coat, or some Repetto ballerina flats. Longing for a Hermes scarf? Keep your eye out for their sale announcement in Le Figaro or call the store to ask—the sale lasts only a few days and takes place at a special location.

The summary:

The frenzy of French soldes can have you running around town and your credit card might never cool down, but it is a memorable experience. If you happen to miss the sales, don’t worry. Most shops have in-store promotions year round that are almost sales, but not quite. As they cannot technically be called soldes outside of the official periods, these mini sales are often called “promotions” or “fin de series” (“end of series”). Just keep your eye open for bargains, and I know you’ll find plenty of things to make you smile.

shopping the sales like a pro

6 Tips for Doing the Sales from a Chic Shopper:

1. Hold a stake out: Visit the store before the sale starts, see how many of your beloved item is still in stock, and try to get some information from the vendeuse about its sale price.

2. Avoid the first day: The stores are packed with people and while marathon shopping can be a great sport, shopping the sales on the first day is bound to leave you frustrated.

3. Shop with a friend: She’ll talk you out of that pair of neon green cowboy boots, even if they are 75% off. And you can divide and conquer more territory.

4. Get out of bed: Go first thing in the morning (except on the first day!) to avoid lines or look for special opening hours during the evenings or on weekends.

5. Dress for success: If shopping for clothing, wear layers and clothing that is simple to remove to facilitate trying on.

6. Shop well-armed: Bring multiple forms of payment—credit cards and cash—just in case.

chic comfort

le coq sportif, makers of frenchie sportswear, have inaugurated a new shop in the hip etienne marcel area of paris. be sure to check out the "rue du coq" line, by young graphic designers, which was previously available only in japan....and take them home as a truly original gift.

vikor + rolf has arrived

i nearly forgot that today was the 'big' day when i happened past my local h&m this morning-- and voila, not only was it open early, but all the fashionistas were snatching up the goods....everything from the wedding dress above to skinny jeans, tuxedos, and slinky undies. if you can't get to h&m, the stuff is already on ebay!

antik batik designs shoes for andre

also following the trend of hiring big name designers to sell to the masses, French shoe retailer andre has a new line of shoes, boots, and ballerina flats by bourgeois-bohemian creators antik batik. so if you want the look without the pricetag, check out andre...

mark your calenders: viktor & rolf do h&m

following the trend of inviting top designers to stock the shelves of their chic & cheap chain stores, swedish retailers H & M have invited designers Viktor & Rolf to design a line for them, starting november 9th. mark your calenders and set your alarms, as these limited edition designer pieces tend to go quickly, and then you'll be forced to get your goods from those earlybirds selling leftovers on ebay!

semaine de la gout

for all of you foodie fans out there, this week is for you! special "sales" on fixed priced menus are on tap this week as france celebrates food during the semaine de la gout. until oct 22.

sales at the bon marche

called the TBM sales for "tres bon marche", from october 11th to the 21st. this is a great time to stock up on fall favorites. special sunday hours on october 15th from 10am to 7pm, and open late [until 8pm] on wednesday the 11th and friday the 13th. happy shopping! more details on www.lebonmarche.fr

the material girl does paris

ahhh, you have got to love the french press. while the american rags only got pics of madonna coming out of her hotel [the crillon], the french press knows where she ate and shopped-- the most important things to do in paris by far! for those madge fans out there: breakfast at hotel costes, dinner at le petrelle in the 9th, and shopping at jp gaultier and chopard, bien sur.

design/furniture sale at Via

if modern furnishings are your thing, be sure not to miss the sale tomorrow at Via. over 70 famous interior designers have created objects especially for this sale, with proceeds going to a charity for women with cancer.

33 avenue Daumesnil, 12th
thursday, sept 12th, 1pm-8pm
tel: 01 45 86 54 50

chic must: louis vuitton city guides

we've already started gathering ideas for a chic christmas list -- and one of our fave gift ideas for the jetsetter on your list is the Louis Vuitton City Guide 2007 set. this year's set is in bright sunny yellow, and features the new additions of cities such as Bologne, Bratislava, Kiev, and Monoco, in addition to the 30 cities already featured. the slim, elegant volumes are easy to pack and give the lowdown on the fashionable spots in the featured cities.

chic must: sonia rykiel's new magazine

for the second year in a row, the Sonia Rykiel team is putting out a new magazine entitled quoi de neuf ["what's new"], to outline their favorites in cinema, theater, music, moveis, and the like. get your copy at one of the rykiel boutiques along rue de grenelle, rue des saints-peres, or blvd st. germain in the 6th. but hurry! they are only available until october 1th.

special clothing sale-- today!

If you are in Paris at the moment and want to pick up some bargains, check this out. «Vintage Fashion Week-ends» --01 & 02 september, bargains on Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Vivianne Westwood etc., as well as some vintage stuff and young designer creations. Happy hunting!

Espace Kodjo
54 rue Letort 75018 Paris
M° Porte de Clignancourt (ligne 4) / M° Jules Joffrin (ligne 12)
Tél. / Fax : +33(0)1 42 55 81 86
web: kodjo.fr

csp in the news

today we are featured on delight.com-- check out this fun blog, dedicated to the 'cult of shopping'. and tuesday we film a segment for the travel channel-- oh la la! we'll keep you posted on when chic shopping goes primetime.

other than that, we are slowly perusing the soldes [sales], where the bargains are getting better already and the lines getting shorter. happy shopping!

black is the new black

well, at least this time we are talking about black in regards to housewares and home decor, which makes it seem a bit more original....

the bon marche is currently having an expo in its store windows along with a sale of black objects for the home, in conjuction with the auction house artcuriel, who will auction off some of the luxe objects on june 28th. stop by and check out the new black and what designers are doing with it.

summer sales!!

this just in--- our ever-faithful checking of the french govt DGCCRF website has paid off-- the sale dates for paris have just been announced-- and they are june 28 to august 5. so set your alarms and mark your calendars for this twice yearly sale event, called the soldes in french. read on for more....

The scoop:

When I meet visitors to Paris, they are often searching the city looking for a bargain, disappointed to not see any sale signs in their favorite boutiques. Let me tell you why--in France, by law, sales (“soldes”) are held only twice a year, with one sale period starting in January and the other in July. The government decides when the sales will be held and announces the official dates just days before the sales start. The stores then flutter around getting ready and shopaholics (myself included!) wait with bated breath for the opening day of the sales. Sale prices start at about 25-30% off for the first few days, and grow bigger as the sales go on. By the end of the sales [6 weeks maximum], the reductions can be up to 75% off.

The strategy:

Strategy for the soldes depends on what you are looking for. My advice is that if it is a one of a kind item and you know it is going on sale, snatch it up on the first day, even if it is only 20% off. However, if there are millions of the cashmere sweater you’ve been dreaming of, wait a week and go back to purchase it at a more reduced rate. Essentially, it’s all about the gamble-- and what you are willing to risk.

As for returns, I encourage you to ask before you buy. Although by law shops are supposed to allow you to make an exchange, this policy is not always in practice. If you are not sure about an item, see if the shop will hold it for you for a short period of time while you make your decision.

The snag:

French sales are not limited to just a few items or a few brands; instead the entire outgoing collection is usually on sale. This means that this season’s hottest blouse, pant, shoe, and bag will probably all be on sale, if you still want them at the end of the season. Everything from electronics to shoes to linens and more goes on sale at the same time, so it is easy to get overwhelmed! I try to make a list before hitting the shops to keep from getting sidetracked by flashing signs beckoning me over to a bargain that I don’t need.

The soldes are a great time to pick up classic Parisian pieces that never go out of style, like Longchamp “Le Pliage” bags, a great fitting trench coat, or some Repetto ballerina flats. Longing for a Hermes scarf? Keep your eye out for their sale announcement in Le Figaro or call the store to ask—the sale lasts only a few days and takes place at a special location.

The summary:

The frenzy of French soldes can have you running around town and your credit card might never cool down, but it is a memorable experience. If you happen to miss the sales, don’t worry. Most shops have in-store promotions year round that are almost sales, but not quite. As they cannot technically be called soldes outside of the official periods, these mini sales are often called “promotions” or “fin de series” (“end of series”). Just keep your eye open for bargains, and I know you’ll find plenty of things to make you smile.

6 Tips for Doing the Sales from a Chic Shopper:

1. Hold a stake out: Visit the store before the sale starts, see how many of your beloved item is still in stock, and try to get some information from the vendeuse about its sale price.

2. Avoid the first day: The stores are packed with people and while marathon shopping can be a great sport, shopping the sales on the first day is bound to leave you frustrated.

3. Shop with a friend: She’ll talk you out of that pair of neon green cowboy boots, even if they are 75% off.

4. Get out of bed: Go first thing in the morning to avoid lines or look for special opening hours during the evenings or on weekends.

5. Dress for success: If shopping for clothing, wear layers and clothing that is simple to remove to facilitate trying on.

6. Shop well-armed: Bring multiple forms of payment—credit cards and cash—just in case.

camping chic at printemps

You have to love the marketing efforts by the grands magasins here in Paris-- they will do anything to come up with a new theme to tempt you back into the store. The latest is "CampinGlamour" (until June 17) at Printemps -- who knew camping could be so chic? Check out campy faves a la francaise such as petanque demonstrations, pastis aperatifs, nail art, and, our fave, tupperware parties (!). There is even a special place to take a refreshing nap, just like when you are camping, or rather, to get your shopping mojo well rested!

makeup misconceptions

After living here for four years, I feel like I've become a keen observer of my native people-- not the French, but the Parisian (or Parisienne, as they call themselves). And more often than not, the Parisian woman shows off her natural elegance, style, that je ne sais quoi, without a proper coiffe nor makeup.

My clients often ask what types of beauty products the French love, what chic secrets they might take back stateside with them, and I'm always reluctant to answer-- because the answer is less is more. The recent NY Times article explains this phenomenon beautifully-- Sans Makeup, S'il Vous Plait. And I noted the same thing last night watching the Festival de Cannes on tv-- it's amazing how much less made-up the French are, compared to the Hollywood starlets. (The exceptions being those actresses who have 'crossed over' into American culture, such as Monica Belluci, etc.)

It seems a bit ironic that the country resposable for giving us Chanel, Guerlain, by Terry, etc. wears less of it than other cultures,but maybe this is how French women keep their mystique....they somehow manage to look sexy without looking perfect....

the may chic beat is here!

want to know more about shopping, etc. in paris? sign up for our newsletter, the chic beat, at
www.chicshoppingparis.com

plastic, it's fantasic

The ordinary plastic grocery bag was the inspiration behind contemporary artist Mai Ueda's lastest bag for Celine . Baptized the "Mai Bag for Celine", the bag resembles a plastic bag in shape and weight, but it is made out of an extraordinary material-- laminated kangaroo, in gold, silver, and chocolate leather. The concept was to find the extraordinary in the banal, taking an ordinary sac and making it luxe-- and, I might add, definitely not recycleable. Available for a limited time at Celine shops.

Bastille Antique Fair

This twice yearly Antiquite Brocante (antiques fair) straddles both sides of the river at the Place de la Bastille. Not the biggest bargains, but some goodies are sure to be had. And the plus side is that you don't have to trek all the way up to Clingancourt Puces if you are in the mood for treasure hunting.
May 5-14, 11am to 7pm, Place de la Bastille

bespangled thongs

with monogramming and personalization still the rage, galeries lafayette joins the club by offering Havaianas thongs that you can slip your pretty little feet into and have an 'original' pair of shoes. pick the color of the sole and straps and add on some sparkle with Swarovski crystals or your initials. et voila, c'est chic! starting may 15th; prices start at 27 euros.

chic bookmark

In a never-ending quest to find the best souvenirs with that certain 'je ne sais quoi,' we've uncovered the latest from chic silver brand Christofle. A silver-plated 'marque page' [bookmark], engraved with a portion of the Eiffel Tower. At first glance, it looks like a random, graphic pattern, but on closer inspection, it is indeed your favorite monument, complete with an oh-so-french tassle on the top to make the perfect bookmark. All that for only 35euros; available in Sacre-Coeur and Arc d'Triomphe models as well at their boutique at 9 rue Royale, 8th.

"design" flea market sale coming in may

If you haven't checked out the Quartier Montorgeuil, centered around rue Montorgueil in the 2nd, this is a great chance to do so. A funky sale with 20th century modern furniture and accessories will take place May 19-21. Check out the link for more details.

children's clothing- private sale

this just in-- a vente prive of new desinger anne zoe's children's clothing from march 31- april 1. see link for details:
http://annezoeb.googlepages.com/ventepriv%C3%A9e

Bensimon at Monoprix

Colorful, fun French line Bensimon has a new line out at hypermarche Monoprix. Bright printed clothes for mom, dad, and the kids are for sale, along with a funky line of home decor items-- printed totes, soft coolers, baby bags, and more. Fun gift items such as floral printed mugs and wacky plastic vases printed with goldfish round out the offerings. Go quickly as Bensimon is a favorite of young Parisian families, and the Monoprix line is moins cher than the regular Bensimon line found at its boutiques.

designer spring sale

Just got an invite for this that I thought I'd pass on to all the Chic Shoppers out there:
Vente de Printemps [Spring Sale], April 1- 9, at the Loft Sevigne, 46 rue de Sevigne, Paris 3rd. No mention of what brands will be on sale, but it does say Big Name brands for women & men, French & Italian labels at exceptional prices.

new Lancel shop on the Champs

After a long closing for renovations, French leather goods brand Lancel has reopened its doors on the Champs-Elysees [no. 127, to be exact]. With a red resin canopy marking its space, the new shop shows off its handbags, leather goods, jewelry and luggage lines and adds to the chic-ifying of the Champs, started by Cartier, Mont Blanc, and the new LV boutique a few years back. Bienvenue!-- We are glad that the Champs is finally living up to its reputation as one of the most famous streets in the world.

chic must: secretes of paris blog

Talented writer and girl about town Heather Stimmler-Hall, creator of the fab Secrets of Paris website, now also has a blog to keep you up to the minute on just what the name implies-- the ins and outs of behind the scenes Paris. So check out her blog and enjoy!
http://secretesdeparis.blogspirit.com/