flowers are an integral part of the french art de vivre-- and now you can drink your flowers instead of just admiring them. artisan nature proposes cocktails created with fruits and floral waters-- they mix up an interesting combo of orange flower water, geranium, and lemongrass for a refreshing tonic. or check out their cooking classes that focus on the use of essential oils in cooking (80 euros, including a meal.) 123 rue saint maur, 11th. 
so you've been invited to an uber-chic soiree while in paris, and you've packed nothing but jeans? check out mon dressing secret ["my secret closet"]. you can rent a fab dress from top designers [from kate moss for topshop to the latest from sonia rykiel, fendi, etc.], starting at 79 euros for 24 hours, delivery included. a great way to look the part without having to part with your entire budget.
it's almost that time again-- Paris' twice annual summer sales ["soldes"] are less than a month away. the official dates are June 25th at 8am until August 2nd. check out my previous posts on les soldes to get the scoop on how to shop like a pro. happy shopping!!
..with the new line of sweet bijoux by jewelry designer virginie monroe for famed parfumeur annick goutal. the perfumer's first line of bijoux is named after four of the most popular fragrances--petite cherie, quel amour, grand amour, and songes, and themed to match with girlie stars, butterflies, hearts, etc. available at all annick goutal boutiques.
as many big fans of the brand know, Hermes has a twice annual 'secret' sale, which takes place off site [i.e., not in the boutiques]. i've just heard from a reliable source that the summer sale will take place june 25-28 at the palais des congres. bargains are incredible, so come prepared with your wish list [and even your christmas gift list!] and be ready to elbow your way into the sale. o
Ivy Paris will present the work of IC Rapoport, from his collection "Paris est un fete", starting with a gallery opening this Saturday from 6pm-8pm. check out some works from his archives, being shown for the first time in paris, before they collection gets retired. 
as many french foodies out there know, a macaron is a must-have delicacy when in paris-- whether the ever-changing flavors at the famous laduree tea salon or these summer cuties, made by lenotre. disguised as fresh summer veggies, these ice cream dessert macarons are part of their sweet summer collection. and at only 1.60 euros a piece, summer is sweet indeed!
sexy shoe designer bruno frisoni has just launched a new line of bags for the fall-winter 2008 season. the cabas [or doctor's bag], pictured above, features special clipped handles that let you wear the straps short for hand-carrying or unclipped for on your shoulder. prices start at 950 euros, but that seems a small price to pay for such a timeless stunner as this, non?
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.
les frigos is one of those mythical places in paris that is definitely off the beaten path of most tourists. since the 1980s, a huge number of artists have squatted a large building on the banks of the seine in the 13th, formerly owned by the sncf. the building has become synonymous with art and rebellious spirit, and, bien sur, creativity. after years of trying to expel its tenants, the mairie of paris bought the building to insure that the artists could stay and create. this weekend, you can check out the infamous warehouse for yourself during its open house-- may 24th and 25th [from 1pm until late at night]-- jazz music, artists expos, and dancing are all on tap.
one of my favorite parks in paris is the jardin du luxembourg -- with its magical hidden fountains and magnificent flowers, this place is one of the most beautiful spots in paris. this spring, the French Senate is again sponsoring its ArtSenat program, which exhibits art all over the garden. from now until June 15th, the orangerie in the jardin will exhibit a number of painters and sculptures [for free], and all around the garden, sculptures are on display until september 21st.
Tienette la Belette is sponsoring a jewelry sale this weekend [May 16 & 17], with jewelry from over 20 up-and-coming creators on exhibit, with "atelier" prices. check the website for hours and location details....and stock up during this pre-sale sale!
last year, the spartiate sandal was the sandal to grace the foot of every fashionista. this year? la caravelle, made by k.jacques, the famous house of st. tropez sandals. a simple, flat sandal, available in a wide range of leathers. you can even order online and have them made expressly for you, and shipped to the US. or you could visit their tiny little boutique in the marais, featured in my book, which is infinitely more cool.
the carita sister's famous fluide de beaute is over 50 years old this year, and, to celebrate, it got all dolled up. the luxe gold bottle in a limited edition box [100 ml for 60 euros] may have been the same secret skin-smoothing formula your grandmere used, but it is still wildly popular today. the non-greasy multipurpose dry oil is chock full of vitamins and active ingredients, and smells like a yummy combo of lemon and verbena. the ultimate french beauty secret? peut-etre...
if you are looking for a different nightlife scene in paris, check out this new resto, which takes its name quite literally: sur un arbre perche ("perched on a tree"). the deal? dine around a giant tree, suspended in swings or in a little wooden cabana. eat from an eclectic gourmet french menu. and, finally, relax with a seated shiatsu massage. all without leaving central paris. (1 rue du quatre septembre, 2nd, 01.42.96.97.01)
1: SAMPLE SALES are incomparable! Tory Burch, Helmut Lang, Theory .. (to name a few). Even prom dresses. Big name designers, crazy deals. (see
2: SOHO and NOLITA shops are scrumptiously stocked with all the exciting new styles of the season and everyone will enjoy our exclusive store discounts!
3:MOTHER'S DAY “week” Special Promotion
An occasion to treat yourself or your mom to what you or she wants to do most. Shop! Honorees come 1/2 price on our Soho & Nolita and Garment Center shopping tours
4:SWEET 16 SHOPPING
5:The natives have not yet left town for the
...book your next stay in Appart of Paris, the new one bedroom apartment "hotel" by Stanislassia Klein, the creator of Stella Cadente. The flat sleeps two in the bedroom, a possible 2 more on a fold out couch, and boasts a lovely kitchen and living room area decorated in the brand's signature style mix of modern and flea market chic. For 175 euros a night [320 euros for a weekend], you can stay in the midst of the hip Canal St. Martin area, privy to an insiders view of Paris, and Stanislassia's personal list of the best of the neighborhood.
couture designer pierre cardin has teamed up with parisian brand paul & joe for a seven year long collaboration. the result? 10 new looks each season, such as this gorgeous djellaba in silk crepe with a beaded border [1160 euros], on sale at paul & joe. only 100 pieces were made, so the dress seems to possess a collector's status straight off the runway.
christian lacroix, unstopable designer with a talent for color and print, has extended himself into our homes...and gardens! this spring, he has again designed items for french catalog la redoute, including the funky garden tools above. [40 euros] even mundane items look chic with the lacroix touche.
famed hat createur marie mercie is the subject of a tribute starting april 5th at the bon marche. fashionable friends such as nathalie garcon and evelyne bouix sport her creations in photos taken by anne roman. a good lesson in stylish ways to wear a chapeau. [until may 10th]
on my shopping tours, clients often pick up tea towels as souvenirs or little gifts for friends. i think they are great because they are french-made, easy to pack, and have wonderful graphic prints. beauville, one of the big linen brands, has just launched its spring line, which includes the 'paris magic' tea towel, above. much chic-er than an eiffel tower t-shirt, non? available at department stores for 14 euros or online in the US.
95-year-old louise bourgeois' work is on display in a huge retrospective at the centre pompidou, featuring over 200 pieces of her work. her infamous sculpture, maman, a giant spider-like sculpture, is on display simultaneously at the jardin des tuilleries, a first in europe. (until june 2)
