On one of the side streets, they have displayed Ines de la Fressange’s La Parisienne. It is a light read for those wanting to learn more about how the typical French woman lives, her style, where she shops for herself and her children, where she eats, and suggestions on where to sleep when in Paris.

I interpret the overall theme as “very Parisian/rive gauche”, and I find it quite intriguing. Let’s not forget that during the summer months Paris is handed over to the tourists, while the French are busy basking in the sun along the Mediterranean coast. So, who are they really reaching out to: the everyday Parisian or the Parisian tourist?

Happy shopping!

Metro

If you are planning on being in Paris for more than a week, I suggest that you buy a weekly metro/bus pass – good savings. Investigate when you get here.

Tips

• Don’t forget to drink wine and champagne, well priced, so enjoy it while in the land of grapes!
• Tip is always included, from taxis to restaurants – up to you if you want to leave more.
• Pick up a basic French book to help you out… just in case!

Museums

I love art and I’ve been to a lot of museums in Paris. My two favorite museums to visit are:

Musée D’Orsay
Go on a rainy day or Thursday evening as they are open late – don’t waste a nice day indoors!

Musée Rodin
Great museum and the gardens are an absolute must see – go on a nice day.

Parks and Gardens

Les Tuileries (across from the Louvre)
Bring a book and sit in a chair by the big water fountains, people watch and enjoy a nice glass of cold white wine at one of the outdoor cafes! (White wine suggestion – Pouilly-Fumé). I recommend that you go from the Tuilerie to Place de la Concorde and straight on to the Champs Elysées (very touristy) take the Line 1 metro to L’Arc Triomphe if you get tired, as it’s a long walk.

Luxembourg Gardens
Check out the “Fontaine de Medicis” – take a good walk around the park – the trees are trimmed quite neatly. Again, chairs are located around the park and there’s some great people watching. Note: do not to sit on the grass, it’s a big no-no. There are designated areas for this.

Les Buttes Chaumont (in the 20th)
It’s a French Central Park. Gorgeous, but it’s a bit out of the way.

Neighborhoods to hit and walking about

1. St-Germain des Pres (the 6th) – BEST people watching area.

Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
These are the two most popular cafés in Paris – extremely touristy, but well known for famous patrons such as Hemingway and Picasso, etc.

Le Germain
Great people watching and hip.

Amorino
Best Gelato!! A must!

Les Editeurs (Carrefour de l’Odéon)
Great people watching and hip.

La Grande Epicerie
The most impressive and renown grocery store… if you need one…

2. L’Opéra (the 8th)

The opera house is located in this area as well as some other great architecture, but  the area is well known for…

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps
Two big famous department stores

3. Le Marais (3rd/4th)

Tons of cool boutiques, nice to walk around and good little eateries.  If you like Falafel, stop in at L’As du Falafel (34 rue des Rosiers, in the 4th) – don’t go on a Saturday as it’s closed.

4. Trocadero (the 7th)

Champs de Mars and Eiffel Tower are located in this area. Best view of the Eiffel Tower at night!! Expect long lineups at the tower during the day. For an AWESOME view of the Eiffel Tower at night you have to go the Cafe de l’Homme for either a drink (good champagne) or dinner (reservations recommended).

5. Montmartre  (18th)

Sacré-Coeur Basilica and lots of cool little places to check out.

6. Les Quais

Take a nice long walk along the river and enjoy the views and bridges!

River Cruises

If you feel the need to jump on and off a boat, then I suggest that you do it at night. The city of lights is quite impressive from the water.

Food

1. Ladurée – check out locations and stop in while out and about
An absolute must! Famous for their “macarons” and pastries – you have to try one!! Everything is just Die-licious.

2. Paul – check out locations and stop in while out and about
Need a good sandwich?! Stop at one of the many Paul’s for a yummy baguette sandwich on the go – I recommend the Camembert cheese on a sesame baguette.

3. Le Grand Colbert (in the 2nd on rue Vivienne – make reservations)
A very French Brasserie, and renown for it’s role in “Something’s Gotta Give”.

4. Da Carmine (rue des Martyrs in the 9th)
If you’re in the Monmartre area go for pizza here. I absolutely love the Buffalata pizza!

5. Vin de Bellechasse (in the 7th – make reservations)
If you’re a meaty kind of person, you’ll definitely like this place.

Happy touring!

Sugarplum is headed by three women, two Americans and one Canadian. I had the opportunity to sit down with Krista Juracek, the head decorator at Sugarplum, who was so enthusiastic about what she does as a designer. Their concept was born where they initially met and worked together at a cake shop in Aulnay-sous-Bois. And as good things come to those who wait, it took them about a year to get the project off the ground, and opened their first storefront in March 2010.

They specialize in cakes for all types of events, from weddings to birthdays to baptisms. As for the design, feel free to come with your own ideas, or better yet let their inspiration run wild! I mean, who would not want a one-of-a-kind stylist cake at their next special occasion?

As would be expected, everything is made from scratch, and all frostings have been toned down to appeal to the local palette. Not such a bad thing in my books. And the two most popular flavors right now? Carrot and chocolate. I was really surprised to discover that carrot cake is a top-seller. I guess that is where my palette differs from the French: I prefer the traditional chocolate and vanilla cakes I grew up with and that to me defines cake.

If you do check out Sugarplum, know there are a bunch of goodies you can indulge in on the spot or to go: cookies, squares, apple pie, scones, brownies, carrot cake and even rice crispie squares. Oh that rice crispie square was so good! The space is open and airy, and seats about 20 people. So, next time you are in the 5th, think about stopping by Sugarplum where you can have your cake and eat it too.

Sugarplum Cake Shop
68 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
75005 Paris
http://www.sugarplumcakeshop.com/en/

Tues-Sat 9am-7pm
Sun 10am-5pm

Also, check out their Facebook page where they have posted more pictures of their masterpieces!

At Jüli, which has been around for about a year now, you will find everything from tops, dresses, pants and skirts to jewelry, purses and shoes. Upon entering the boutique, expect to be greeted in friendly Parisian fashion and be faced with an impressive amount of trendy, flirty and unique clothing. Some of the talent to be found here includes French designers Anse, Sessun, and Le Mont St Michel, Danish designers Rützou, and D.Co Copenhagen, among MANY others. They even carry a small selection of Un Jour Un Sac’s purses and handles.

My fave item at Jüli was definitely the trench coat by Designers Remix Collection, another Danish designer. Its simple lines accentuated by the girly ruffles are a match made in heaven! If you are looking for a unique item for your upcoming night out on the town, consider passing by Jüli cause you never know what you might find!

Jüli
20 rue d’Assas
75006 Paris
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am-7pm

Happy shopping!

Hidden on rue Condé in the 6th, boutique Binôme is owned by two creative “Delphine’s”: one an inspired jewelry designer, the other a talented purse designer. And you will naturally find both collections, B1 delphine bijoux and Delphine Conty Sacs, in store. Since Binôme is also a multi-brand boutique, expect to find a selection of goodies from Hartford, Bella Jones, Des Petits Hauts, among other brands.

Casual chic clothing is what you will find at Binôme and in an array of colors: strawberry colored tops and dresses, bright yellow cardigans, as well as your basic blacks, whites, and blues. You will find a large selection of Delphine Conty purses, as well as some really cute ballerinas and boots by this same designer in black, moka and taupe – perfect colors for any spring wardrobe!

Happy shopping!

Simply put, these shoes are stunning. Adorned with Swarovski crystals, beautiful bows and glittery butterflies, I’m sure all of womankind would not disagree with the fact that these shoes are elegant and feminine. And I can definitely say that these two words are synonymous with this brand.

The details alone are incredible! I particularly loved the Orfea black leather peep-toes with a simple yet tasteful button in the front. But it’s the back of the shoe that caught my attention: lined with buttons, the back of the shoe reveals a certain je ne sais quoi. Just love these shoes!

Designed in the UK, and made in Northern Italy, these shoes can be incorporated into your daily wardrobe quite effortlessly. Take the Josie black patent heels, another one of my faves, which can easily go from day to night. How great would these look with this season’s must-have pencil skirts? Everyone at the office will be oohing-and-ahhing over them! And for your night out on the town, why not pair them with your favorite jeans? They would be the perfect final touch to glam up any outfit.

Aruna Seth has a wide selection of shoes and a must-stop for brides-to-be. You’ll find everything from ballerinas, pumps, and wedges, to boots and booties – in leather, patent, satin and lace. And maybe you will find a pair in my closet soon!

Happy shopping!

The collection consisted of a lot of graphic print dresses in varying lengths (mid-thigh, knee and mid-calf), and different sleeves (sleeveless, cap, long and combo of cap and long). Necklines were kept simple and to a minimum, as the focus was on the shoulders. Draping was a strong theme up around the shoulders, as well as down the front of some dresses, ultimately creating a beautiful and flowing silhouette.

Leggings were paired with oversized tops and/or sweaters, again creating a strong shoulder and drawing the focus here. I loved the hair accessories used in the second half of the show. These  feathery accessories would sure make a statement should someone be bold enough to wear one in public!

Caroline Charles’s evening wear collection consisted of dresses, jackets and tops adorned with beaded embellishments – a little too glittery for me, but appealing nonetheless. Here are a couple of pics, unfortunately not that great.

Lastly, here’s a short video of the last couple of minutes of the show.

Some people I know don’t celebrate for the same reasons: it’s too commercial, no one to celebrate with, and why should it be different from any other day? For those of you who don’t feel this day is any different, why not go out and indulge in something special like sexy lingerie? And if you don’t have anyone to celebrate with, why not treat yourself to a spa treatment or a trashy romance novel?

I personally avoid restaurants on Valentine’s Day, but I still celebrate and show my love through the art of food = candy and a special dinner. Call me traditional, but I like it! Sure the idea of changing my ways has crossed my mind, so maybe this year will the THE year to do just that.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Here are a few key things to remember in keeping your wardrobe up-to-date.

1. The Golden Rule

If you haven’t worn it in a year, chances are you will never wear it again. Don’t be afraid to purge old items; they’re just taking up valuable space. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Classic pieces, such as wool or cashmere sweaters, are good examples of clothing items you might want to keep.

2. For When I’m Slimmer

Don’t keep or purchase items for when you will be slimmer, what a waste! Rather, spend your money on items you can wear right now, and if you do loose weight, then consider having them refitted. Not only will you get to wear them now, but you will also be able to appreciate them later.

3. Back to Basics

Be sure to have these must-have items, as they are the foundation to building your wardrobe: trench coat, basic black dress, classic shirt, dress pants, skirt, jeans, any occasion top, basic tees and a fitted jacket.

4. Fads

Don’t build your wardrobe on fads, as you will look out of style in a season’s time. Instead, stay up-to-date by adding a few trendy pieces into your wardrobe.

5. Stick to What You Know

Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you have to do it too. It’s like when I came across Jeggings…are you serious? Are these for real? Stick to what suits you best and you’ll feel and look great!

6. A World of Possibilities

Don’t forget to add color! Once you’ve established your basic colors (black, brown, navy, green/olive, beige) add color. Just think about all the possibilities and what it can do for your wardrobe! That splash of hot pink or yellow in the dreary winter months will definitely brighten up your day. Another easy way to add color to your wardrobe is through accessories: shoes, purse, jewelry, and scarf.

Happy shopping!

Here are my Top 3 things to know in order to survive the sale season in the Capital of Fashion:

1. Know the Dates

For winter 2010, the sales started on January 6th and go until February 9th, 2010. That gives you a whole month to find what you are looking for. And do not forget, there are second and third markdowns, so the longer you wait, the more you save!

2. Strategize

If you fall into a popular size category (women 34 to 40; men M and L), consider going earlier rather than later. If, however, you prefer waiting until the second markdown where you will save about 40-50%, or the third markdown where you will save over 50%, know there is a chance that your size may no longer be available. It is a risk, and one you have to be willing to take!

3. Know When to Shop

I know a lot of people who just do not enjoy shopping. If you want to avoid the crowds, then try going at off-hours, such as first thing in the morning or in the middle of the afternoon. And avoid Saturdays!! Also know that the bigger department stores, Printemps and Les Galeries Lafayette, are both open until 10pm on Thursdays.

Happy shopping!

With free worldwide delivery, the cabin size suitcase starts at €175, while the 62cm and 72cm start at €225 and €275, respectively – yes, a little steep. The more intricate your design, the more expensive the suitcase. Check out my design below.

Happy shopping!