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.]

Spring trends in Paris: Stripes are back!

It's springtime here [at least that is what the calendar says- the weather isn't quite cooperating!]- and stripes are back in shops again!  Here are a few of my Frenchy faves for spring:

Petit Bateau, 45 euros

Dress by Sineanquanone, 109 euros

Dress by Comptoir des Cotonniers, 135 euros

Sandro,  63 euros

Happy Birthday to Claudie P!

To fete their 30 years this summer, the brand Claudie Pierlot is offering a limited edition round up of it's favorites pieces- reinvented by guest designers.  How sweet is the LBD, designed by Audrey Marnay?  I'm also coveting the silky polka dot pjs.....well, most all of the collection, really!   Check it out at the Claudie P boutiques soon.....what fun items to snag that no one else will have!

Haute Couture at Hotel de Ville

Over 150 pieces that trace 100 years of fashion will be on display at the Paris Haute Couture exhibit at the Hotel de Ville.  This is an amazing occasion to see up close and personal the handiwork and craftsmanship by Chanel, Vionnet, Courreges, and many more designers.  Here is a slide show preview of some of the amazing pieces on display.  Be sure to pick up the cute kids guide [bottom picture] for your favorite jeune fille fashionista.

Paris Haute Couture at the Hotel de Ville [Salle St Jean]
until July 6, 2013

free exhibit, open everyday [except Sundays and holidays], from 10am to 7pm

King Karl's new St. Germain boutique

We've been walking by for months, waiting for the opening of Karl Lagerfeld's new left bank boutique.  Et voila!  It's open....a sleek display for Karl's own line, alongside his accessories and a curated collection of misc. items.  Black and white dominate the shop, bien sur, and his reasonably priced watches [starting at 149 euros] are becoming a hit with Parisianistas.

Karl Lagerfeld
194 blvd St. Germain, 7th

Chocolate by Alain Ducasse- Paris' newest chocolate shop

Chocoholocs, add this one to your list of places to visit in Paris- multi-starred and multi-talented chef Alain Ducasse has opened a chocolate factory shop in the 11th.  Step off the main street, into a quiet courtyard and into this former garage to check out the chocolate being made right in front of you.   Pralines with coconut or salty peanuts, ganache with lime or mint, giant bars of chocolate that way 3.5kg....a wide range of yummy flavors await.   [Note:  they are open Easter Sunday from 10am-1pm if you forgot your chocolate for that last minute egg hunt!]

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

40 rue de la Roquette, 11th

CSP 10 Year Anniversary= celebrate with us!

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This spring, Chic Shopping Paris celebrates 10 years of being Paris' favorite shopping tour service.  Often imitated, never equaled, if I do say so myself!  I can hardly believe I've been in Paris for over a decade now.....and still love shopping and showing off my adopted home to visitors to Paris.

Celebrate with us by booking a shopping tour on your trip to Paris this spring!  Mention this post and book a tour before May 1st, 2013, and receive 10% off your tour.

Les Marquis de Laduree

Laduree's presence in Paris [and abroad!] continues to grow, sharing its macarons with the world.....and now it will attempt to do the same for chocolate.  Les Marquis de Laduree [not far from the Jardin de Tuileries] features all sorts of chocolates, alongside pastries and sweets infused with rum, wine, and exotic fruits.  The boutique will also offer workshops and tastings, for those who can't get enough of the brand's rich concoctions.   

Les Marquis de Laduree

14 rue de Castiglione, 1st

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.

Family Friendly Exhibits in Paris

It can be hard to find exhibits that work well for the whole famille- either too sophisticated for the kiddos or too dull for the parents. This spring, Paris is once again offering up a host of cool museum exhibits. Here are two that the whole fam can enjoy.

And Man....Created the Robot, Musee des Arts et Metiers

A cool expo about the links between man and the machine, and the future of robotics.  Kids can check out all sorts of robots, including some famous models from the movies.

Until March 3rd

A Thousand and One Nights, Institut de Monde Arabe

Another interesting exhibit of the mix between Oriental and Occidental culture for over a thousant years.  Over 350 items help tell the famous tales of such famous personalities such as Aladin and Ali Baba.  Be sure to check out the panoramic cafe or roof top views as well.

Until April 28

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

Chloe Pop-up store at Printemps

Department store Printemps is feteing Chloe's 60th birthday with an exclusive line of re-editions, like the Paraty bag above.  But hurry- the 16 piece mini-collection is only available for a short time!

At Printemps Paris, until March 9

Belle Bangle Bracelets

I'm loving all the classic bangle bracelets out there for spring- here are a few that I've got my eye on, all of which can be picked up in Paris, bien sur!

Lio de Gregorio, at White Bird, 3200E

38 rue du Mont Thabor, 1st

Stone Paris, 

Available at Colette

Alexandra Semainier from Monsieur Paris, 150 euros
53 rue Charlot, 3rd

Two cobbs wheat bangle, Aurelie Bidermann, 270 euros

217 rue Saint Honore, 1st

Diane bracelet by Emmanuelle Zysman, 125 euros
33 rue de Grenelle, 7th

Chic Treats: 3 New Pastries to Try in Paris

If you've been to Paris before, you've most likely had macarons.  Laduree macarons on your first visit, perhaps venturing to Pierre Herme or Sadaharu Aoki to try more unusual flavors if you are a foodie or a frequent visitor.  Now that cupcakes have hit Paris and macarons have hit New York, and the taste buds are hankering for something nouveau....here are a few ideas for your next visit.  Bon appetit!

Les Choux, from Popelini

  These little puff pastry balls are filled with creme in different flavors- from classics like dark chocolate and salted caramel- to funky flavors like raspberry & rose.

Nine flavors on tap daily, so you might need to try a few to find your favorite.

A box of un peu [a few, or 1/2 dozen] runs 11 euros.

Popelini, 29 rue Debelleyme, 3rd and 44 rue des Martyrs, 9th

La Fabrique:  Cookies

It's always hard for me, as an American, to admit that the French might take something we are known for, and do it, well, better....but you'll have to be the judge of this one on your own.  La Fabrique specializes only in cookies, with a French twist.  A rotating 17 different specialties focusing on traditional Frenchy ingredients [like the calission d'Aix en Provence filled cookies, pictured above]- these are not your mama's cookies.   12 euros for 8 cookies

La Fabrique, 47 rue des Martyrs, 9th

l'Atelier de l'eclair and l'Eclair de Genie

L'Atelier de l'eclair has serves up mini, normal or giant eclairs, depending on your appetite.  Also available in savory flavors, such as chorizo and sun-dried tomato or fois gras- you can make a lunch out of pastry.  L'Eclair de Genie offers even more twisted flavors- rose bonbon, chocolate/mango/banana- alongside gorgeous chocolate truffles in a hip, Marais location.

L'Atelier de l'eclair, 16 rue Bauchaumont, 2nd
L'Eclair de Genie, 14 rue Pavee, 4th

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

Made in France by Melle Emilie b

I came across these cute leather accessories online and had to share- so cute, so simple and fun, and the best part is that they are designed and Made in France.  [A fact that is becoming more and more rare these days, unfortunately!]  Melle Emilie b's line of little handmade leather goods are so charmant, you almost need one in each color.  Available online here or in Paris at the boutique below.

Delephine Charlotte Parmentier

26 rue Bourg Tibourg, 4th

Valentine's Day Duo from Guerlain

A sexy new scent from Guerlain, just in time for Valentine's day- the musky Eau de Lingerie is made to be sprayed on your lingerie, so your skin be be enveloped in scent.   The beauty brand also teamed up with couture lingerie brand Absolutely Pom to create a special line to go with its new scent.  A double dose of romance for your Valentine!

Fragrance available in Guerlain boutiques on Februrary 14th; lingerie available at Printemps Haussman.

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