Vite, un chignon!

Those in-the-know know that this is the day to run to the Courreges boutique to be perfectly coiffed by an up-do expert.  The 60s-style boutique is hosting hair stylist Christophe-Nicolas Biot this week, with a special bar a chignons Thursday night.  A free chignon is offered to all who come by, from 5pm to 8pm.  Hot pants and go-go boots optional.

Bar a chignons chez Courreges
40 rue Francois 1er

Best Ice Cream in Paris

It's finally warm enough here [at least for today!] to warrant going out for a glace....so I thought I'd put out a list of the chic-est spots to get a cornet [cone] in the capital

Pierre Herme- famous pasty chef that turns out intriguing flavors, such as La Milena [fresh mint ice cream and red fruits sorbet, together] or try the Gla'Gla collection- ice cream sandwiched between to macarons.  Yum!  (Available by the pot- 140 ml for 6.60euros)

Mini Palais Bar a Glaces- the Mini Palais [aka the restaurant the runs out of the back of the Grand Palais museum] has opened an ice cream bar for the summer on its lovely terrace.  Around 20 flavors of sorbet and another 20 of ice cream, the menu combines classics and unusual flavors as well.  [Lemon-thyme, anyone?]  (3euros a scoop, in a cup or cone.)

Hugo & Victor- another famed pasty shop that has come up with some delightful glaces for summer.  Eat in it the carton, get a big carton to share, or try their original take on an ice cream cake, ice cream served with a financier crust.  [Pictured above, the lemon cheese cake ice cream sensation.]  (5.50 euros for an individual pot, 6 euros for a slice of cake.)

Martine Lambert- originally from Deauville, the tea shop in Paris now has quite a following as well.  They pride themselves on quality ingredients, with sorbets made of a whopping 70% of fresh fruit.  Unusual flavors [China nights- Szechuan Peppercorns and chocolate truffles or Gingerbread and candied peel of lime] and classics round out the list.  (Around 3 euros a scoop.)

Berthillon- the Parisian classic, all the others owe their start to the great, quality glace that comes from Berthillon.  Fresh pasturized milk delivered each morning to make their concoctions, on site.  Note- they are closed Monday & Tuesday, so make sure you take a visit to Ile St Louis on another day!

Summer Sales [Soldes] Start Today!

The big, semi-annual sales start today in Paris!  Check out my previous blog posts about tips for navigating the soldes like a pro.  Bon shopping!

Hermes 4th of July Sales!

This year's special Hermes sale takes place on Independence Day- although I am positive that it has nothing to do with its American fan base :)  The sale will take place at the Palais du Congres at Porte Maillot again this time.  Check out a previous post on tips for the sale, and Vain & Vapid's post about scarf tying tips to get you in the mood!

Sexy Stillettos at Versailles

After amazing expos by Koons, Murakami and others, Joana Vasconcelos is the first woman artist to be invited to represent the contemporary art world at the Chateau de Versailles.  The Paris-born Portuguese artist uses her feminity to provoke a look at the status of women in today's society.  The giant sculpture Marilyn [pictured], is made entirely out of pots and lids and is displayed in the Hall of Mirrors.  The installations are full of energy and humor, making a fun addition to the famed Chateau.  Until September 30th, Chateau de Versailles; online tickets available here.

Tsumori Chisato for Petit Bateau [encore!]

Tsumori Chisato and Petit Bateau have teamed up for a second time this month, turning PB's classic stripes into love-ly waves.  Check out the French PB website for the whole collection.  [It doesn't appear to be available stateside- so it's another great item to pick up when in France this summer!]  Here is a list of all the Paris boutiques.

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"!