BHV [Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville]

It's been a while since I've popped into BHV, and when I went this week, I was once again amazed at the selection of home decor items.  BHV [or, more formally, Bazaar de l'Hotel de Ville] is a cross between an old-school JC Penney store and Target- i.e., you can get everything from a toaster to a dust pan to a chic swimsuit or handbag, all in the same store.  One of the most unusual departments is the basement bricolage [DIY] department- with everything from cow hides to enamel French signs and wine storage options.  I love the huge selections of things like knobs and lampshades, pictured above, and always wind up walking away with more than I'd planned on.  Check it out if you'd like to give a French touch to your maison.

BHV

rue de Rivoli, 4th

Magnifique Mustard

This Maille mustard is absolutely stunning, non?  One might buy it just to have on the table for a chic pique-nique....but the best part is that is tastes as good as it looks.  The entire trio is amazing looking- green herbs, blueberry/violet [shown], and garlic/red pepper- but get them quickly, as these fab flavors are limited-editions.  [Although at the Boutique Maille, you can always find a great array of mustards/ oils/ vinegars- great gifts for gourmet friends back home.]

Maille

6 place de la Madeleine, 8th

Sexy new summer scent

It's rare that I'm drawn to a new perfume- I've been faithful to the same one for years, never feeling the need to change...but when stuck in a long line at the pharmacy the other day, I gave this one a sniff, and I was blown away!  Maybe it has something to do with the dreary weather we've been having in Paris this spring, but the Nuxe Parfum instantly smelled like sexy summery days to me.  Not some icky coconut/ sunscreen scent, but something more subtle and definitely sunny.  The fragrance was developed after the phenomenal success of Nuxe's huile prodigieuse, and is only available in France for the moment, so be sure to put it on your bring-back-home list if you are visiting this summer. [Around 40 euros, available at most pharmacies/ parapharmacies.]

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!  

A simply classic bag

Sometimes a girl gets sick of all the bells, whistles and logos on a bag.  That's why I love the look of this sleek tote from Un Apres-Midi de Chien.  Simple, smooth leather, with an attached pouch, in a variety of fun summer colors.  Simply chic. Available online or at La Cour, 60 rue Tinquetonne, 2nd.

The Sun King's new bag: Louis Quatorze purses

Louis Quatorze [Louis the 14th], a "vintage" [i.e., 1980s] French brand is making a comeback. After gaining a following in Asia, the brand has decided to relaunch itself in France with a line of scarves, bags, gloves, umbrellas....Inspired by the Sun King himself, the bright and fun boutique in the Marais is filled with the wares alongside colorful vintage furniture [also for sale.]

Louis Quatorze
Hôtel Mégret de Sérilly
106, rue Vieille-du-Temple, 4th

Best Brunches in Paris

Over the past few years, the concept of brunch has been taken to a whole new level here in Paris.  Parisians spend a good part of their Sunday morning brunching on delictible goodies, in a way that only the French can.  Here is a resume of 5 new brunch hot spots:

The Trendiest:  Le Dome du Marais [pictured]- recently redone by a duo of trendy restraunteurs, this former auction house-turned-restaurant is oh-so-Parisian.  Menu?  Hot drinks, pastries, scrambled eggs [or benedict], salad, fresh fruit.  Or order off menu [salads, burgers].  Time:  12pm-4pm, 25 euros

The Most "Made in USA":  Livingstone NY Steakhouse- US- style steakhouse.  Menu?  Juice, American coffee, pancakes, muffins, popovers, strawberry butter, burgers, bagels & lox.  Time:  12pm-6pm, 24 euros

The Most "Dangerous Liasons":  Hotel Daniel- a boudoir/ hotel setting where one expects to run into the Marquise.    French pastry chef Sebastien Gaudard puts back the Frenchiness in brunch, a forgotten tradition of the 17th century.  Menu?  Finger sandwiches, eggs to order, ham, fresh yogurt, salad, pastries, cakes. Time:  10am- 3pm; 43 euros

The Most "Strickly for Taste":  Alain Milliat- the top-notch specialist of fruit and veg nectars has opened his own tea salon/ juice bar.   Menu?  brunch/ buffet with cakes, compotes, tartes, homemade jams, breads & pastries, cereals & yogurts.  Also cheese plates, omelets, hams.  Time:  11am- 3pm, 28 euros

The Most Seaside:  O restaurant [above]- in order to forget the dreadful Parisian weather, check out this freshly redecorated barge restaurant.  Menu?  Large buffet with Beef bourguignon, cheeses, beef tartar, pastries, salmon, salads, oyster bar, etc.  The Plus?  A clown that looks after the kids while you sun yourself on the terrace.  Time:  12pm- 3pm, 38 euros [15 euros for kids]

Article translated and modified from Elle.fr

Limoges porcelain in Paris at countryside prices

When I visited my friend Emilie at her country house in Limoges two summers ago, I loved visiting all the cool Limoges factory shops.  [By the way, did you know that Limoges refers to any hard-paste porcelain made in/near Limoges?  It is a common misconception that there is only one exclusive brand, when in fact anything produced in that region can carry the name....]   I picked up interesting pieces [a berry bowl with draining holes for subtly draining your precious berries; a double-spouted sauce pourer, etc.], in the classic white porcelain....and I've always wished I'd gotten more!  

I had remembered spotting a similar place in Paris years ago, and happened upon it this morning.  Porcelains MP Samie has the same sort of stuff- piles and piles of every sort of dish, serving plate, or bowl you can imagine, all produced in their factory in Limoges, all available at very reasonable prices.  

Porcelain MP Samie

45 av General Leclerc, 14th

Balenciaga & Comme des Garcons: new neighbors

I finally got around to checking out the big green caterpillar of a museum, also know as "Les Docks" [or the Cite de la Mode et du Design], the big lime colored squiggly building that floats on the docks of the Seine in the 13th. The space, which is to host artists-in-residence, a few design/ fashion shops, cafes and bars, and an upcoming roof bar, is currently hosting exhibits from the Musee Galliera, while it is under renovation.   A very interesting choice to have both Balenciaga and Comme des Garcons expos next to one another, the contrasts are too many to list....so you'll just have to check it out yourself.  

Les Docks - cité de la Mode et du Design 34 quai d’Austerlitz 75013 Paris

Until October 7, 2012 

Happy Birthday, Disney!

Hard to believe it, but it was 20 years ago this month that Disneyland Paris opened it's portes.  I still remember all the fuss about it, way back then.  What's new for the big 2-0?  A  new parade [at 5pm every night], a huge new Disney Dreams fireworks show [every night at 9.30pm], and seven new attractions.  What's nice about Disney Paris is that it is small enough to do in one day. [Although, if you are here for just a quick trip, I'm be apt to leave it off the list.]   And bien sur, you can get loads of trinkets with Mickey and the Eiffel Tower.  

spring stripes

I'm a huge fan of stripes, and have always loved the pattern to pep up your wardrobe.  This season, the classic marieniere t-shirt has brought in its cousins, for a fresh take on fun, colorful stripes.   From top- Dehry dress [146 euros], Naf Naf short stripy dress [49 euros],
and Petit Bateau [70 euros]

Ballroom dancing with an Eiffel Tower View

Just read about this and thought it was so fun.....the Theatre de Chaillot [at Trocadero, over looking the Eiffel Tower], is hosting 3 balls this spring.  The first two have already taken place, but it is not too late to sign up for the last one, the Gershwin ball, May 19th at 10pm.  Sign up online [6 euros] and get ready to boogie to the sounds of Gershwin with over 200 others, led by the Montalvo-Heriveu dance company.   Click here to see a video, and allez, dansez!

a sparkling sweet sixteen

Lately, I've had a bunch of teens come over for their Sweet Sixteen celebrations in the City of Light...and now I think I've found the perfect gift for them.  My First Diamond has created a line of rubber bracelets with mini diamonds [0.03 carat], for 79 euros.  The mix of something so precious along with something so.....ordinary [?] is such fun, and having a few would definitely be a fashion statement.   Available online soon, and for now you can get them in Paris at Made by Moi.

time for your close-up

Ever dream of having your portrait done, big and glossy like a retro starlette?  Now is your chance....Harcourt, the famous French photography studio, is sponsoring a photo expo at the Forum des Halles in Paris, so first stop by to check out the stars portraits and learn how to strike a pose.  Next stop:  the Harcourt photo booth (Place Carree, Les Halles), where [for only 12 euros!], you can have your portrait snapped, and leave with a glossy photo, signature H in the corner and smile forever immortalized.  Say "chic"!

spring street art

I've been noticing more and more 'street art' as I shop the streets of Paris lately, like the funky plastic wrap installation in Place Furstenberg [top] or the "look at the sky" graffiti near the Odeon metro [bottom].  Usually limited to more funky/ urban neighborhoods, it is now popping up everywhere, even in posh places like St. Germain.  So keep your eyes open, and look high and low....you can find the most unexpected things in this City of Light...

paule ka black carpet

Serge Cajfinger has done it once again with his new line of hot little dresses for Paule Ka.  Trendy and timeless at the same time, the dresses ooze chic.  Some of the short little numbers could be perfect for today's teen, others could walk the aisle during "Here comes the bride."  Check out the mini collection of 30 dresses, along with shoes and bracelets to match.  

chic new travel sprays from frederic malle

The French have gotten so good at this collaboration thing, and the most interesting duos team up to make amazing, one-of-the kind products.  One of the latest is the mini purse vaporizers from Pierre Hardy [luxury design shoe maker] for Frederic Malle.  The cute atomizers [empty, of course, to fill with your fave Malle scent], were done with auto paint, in a smart, minimalist design that fades the color from one to the next.  A limited edition of 1500 were produced, each painted individually.  As chic and individual as the fragrance inside...

claudie + olympia = cute stuff!

Frenchie designer Claudie Pierlot has handbag designer Olympia le Tan guest designing for her this spring- a capsule of 3 adorable pieces is the result. The well-priced mini-collection makes you want to jump the next TGV for the south of France.   Vive le printemps!

louis vuittion & marc jacobs at les arts decoratifs

Another one for your spring musee agenda:  Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs- the double history of the company's founder and of its current artistic director, and how both men made the company what it is today.  Two legends, over a century apart, united in this fun, visually stunning expo at Les Arts Decoratifs. [Until September 16, 2012]

sublime scents

A few years ago, the only place to buy superbly scented candles was Diptyque...now all of the chic boutiques are doing their own.  Here are a few uber-Frenchie models that would make great gifts.  From top:  Balenciaga [a chic couture model, 55 euros; available only in Balenciaga boutiques]; Ines de la Fressange [a lovely, springy bougie, scented like marshmellow from former muse/ supermodel; available at these boutiques]; and a cubest model from flower guru Christian Tortu

markets & parks

dear loyal followers- sorry for the lapse in blogging this week...the weather has been too incroyable to stay inside- much more suited to fun days shopping and enjoying cafes.  to this end, i'm offering you a mini post on markets & parks.  pick two:  go to the market first, get some picnic fixin's, and off to the park.  parks are listed here and markets here.  enjoy your pique nique!

spring sales all around town

In Paris right now, or coming before the month's end? Take advantage of the great spring sales all over town.  Since the government "loosened" regulations on sales periods that stores are allowed to have, many now have great sales all throughout the year.  [Although the big two sales periods- in summer and winter- still have amazing storewide discounts that you don't have at any other time during the year.]  All the big department stores are having soldes at the moment- Le Bon Marche, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, even BHV.  Bon shopping!

creative Paris

Been here, done that?  Check out creativeparis.info, a new website that aims to help you visit Paris, well, more creatively.  Check out listings on everything from cooking classes to wine making to singing lessons, all with a French touche.  The site is in English and French, so put in your vacation dates and have a look.

les suites parisiennes

More private than a hotel, more services than an apartment rental, Les Suites Parisiennes gives you the best of both.  Full-service suites [wifi, kitchen, safe, etc.], located in lovely, typically- French apartment buildings.  A la carte options include a gourmet breakfast, delivery from a nearby French bistro, massages, and more.  A dream maison away from home.

kilometre t-shirt/guides at colette

A fun new t-shirt option for the global traveler in your life: kilometre t-shirts are printed with GPS coordinates to help you find the best secret locales in your chosen destination.  The t's are also sold with a baggage tag and a mini guide, which gives you tips on the best park benches for sharing a smooch, the coolest bars, the best souvenirs.  Check out the 22 world destinations offered at Colette.  

French kiss

As a self-professed lip balm addict, I'm always on the lookout for new formats to try....and just spotted this trio of newbies on Elle.   I'm especially intrigued by the top on by diptyque, the company that makes divine candles.  Their balm has cotton oil, mango butter, and a floral fragrance.  The bottom two- by Absolution and Kenzoki are great runners up.  [The Kenzo one is called Baume Levres a Embrasser- so cute!]  What a chic way to pucker up this spring.

spring style tip: the lace dress

The sweet lace dress is back [again?] this year, and its already filling the spring fashion pages.  It would be easy to pair it with some nude heels and a sweet little clutch, but the Parisienne knows how to mix up her styles.  Mix it up with some rock touches for a rock-romantic look: some great, over-sized sunglasses, a fitted black leather jacket, and black studded sandals.   Et voila- the sweet day dress goes out for the night.

[Top:  Pablo by Gerard Darel and bottom: Sinequanone]

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

sweet bijoux at delphine pariente

I finally got the chance to pop into Delphine Pariente's new Marais boutique this week and it instantly brought a smile to my face.  Such a cute mix of retro/ vintage furnishing and home goods [much of which is for sale], along with her sweet/ Frenchie jewelry.  Cute pendant necklaces with mini cameos or French sayings, like one that simply says "Oui."  She also has a cool collection of jewelry that is created from vintage pieces, changed up and made more modern.  Chic? Yes.  Cher?  Not really!

Delphine Pariente

8 rue de Turenne, 4th

spring style tip: the sweatshirt

I thought it would be fun to do a mini-series on French style tips- all the cute new stuff that is cropping up in boutiques around Paris, plus a mini-note on how to wear them.  First up- the sleek sweatshirt.

How to wear it-
By day:  over a shirt with a color, with a black motorcycle jacket and a skinny cropped pant
By night:  tucked in loosely with a full skirt and a oversized clutch; bright socks and platform booties

Top:  APC leopard sweatshirt, Bottom:  Monoprix striped sweatshirt

[Style tips taken from Elle.fr mode story:  le sweat-shirt]

Louboutin at the cabaret

To celebrate his 20th anniversary as a shoemaker, Christian Louboutin goes back to his roots.  He started his career with an internship at  Folies Bergeres, a famed dancehall.  Now his work is back on stage at the Crazy Horse cabaret, where he is the guest creator.   Louboutin created four different tableaux for the show, consulting on choreography, lighting, and bien sur, the shoes.  The show, called Feu ["fire"], is on stage until May 31st.

PS- If you'd rather buy some Louboutin's than see them on stage- check out the 20th anniversary capsule collection, only available in his 3 Parisian boutiques.

French beauty secrets at the Pharmacie

Who can resist a new face cream or great new conditioner?  Many of the top French brands [Nuxe, Caudalie, La Roche Posay] have mainstreamed into stateside drugstores or departments stores, but in France, you can get these brands- and many more- and your corner para-pharmacie or pharmacie.  [Note:  A pharmacie can fill prescriptions and dispense medications, and sells some beauty products as well.  A parapharmacie sells only beauty and skin care products- no medications.]  You can also enjoy some great soins [treatments] at these brands spas- the Nuxe spa in Paris is a hidden gem, and the Caudalie spa (outside Paris, near Versailles) is mini-escape in a gorgeous setting.  [Addresses listed below]

What to buy at the French pharmacy?  Gwyneth Paltrow's now famous list of fave French products appeared last year in her newsletter Goop.  This list is a great starting point for many cult products- feel free to ask advice of your pharmacist as well- they are pretty knowledgeable about most of their products.  [Be sure to ask politely if they speak English first, or you won't get any help at all!]  

City Pharma [pictured] is the hot pharmacy at the moment- the multi-lingual signage and lines out the door will let you know that you've found it. They've recently doubled their space, due to popularity.  This place stocks complete selections of tons of great brands, and the discounted prices have many a fashionista trekking across town to stock up.

My other new find is the brand Etat Pur, which offers reasonably priced serums ["actifs purs"] plus treatments to create a truly individualized skin care regime.  At the moment, their website is only available in French, but their concept store in the St. Germain area should be able to help you out in person.  [Address below]

Etat Pur

24 rue du Regard, 6th

Nuxe Spa

32 rue Montorguiel, 1st

Spa Caudalie- Les Etangs de Corot

53-55, rue de Versailles
92410 Ville d'Avray - France

City Pharma

26 rue du Four, 6th

matisse at the centre pompidou

The big spring line-up at the museums is starting up once again for tourist season in Paris.  Starting tomorrow, Matisse will be up at the Centre Pompidou with a retrospective called "Matisse, Pairs and Series", until June 18th.  Click here to buy your tickets online (Billet Musee et Expositions is what you want to buy) and avoid the lines, and check out the cool iPad app that goes along with the expo [French only].  And don't forget to go up top to the roof top deck at Le Georges for a drink and great city views!

chic souvenirs- French tea towels

One of my favorite souvenirs to recommend to clients is French linens.  Tea towels are especially nice, as you don't necessarily have to match someone's kitchen exactly, and they are light and easy to pack!  They can also be used as hand towels in a bathroom- and I've always thought that a few together would be an adorable kitchen curtain.  Each season, many of the big brands come out with new designs and colors, like Monsieur Rabbit, above.  Classic neutrals are always a good bet as well, or why not go more touristy with an Eiffel Tower version?  The classic Le Jacquard Francais models can be found in all big department stores, and Sylvine at La Maison Ivre has an amazing collection of French linens in all colors and sizes.

La Maison Ivre

38 rue Jacob, 6th