Personal Favorites in Paris

After more than ten visits over the past years, I have picked up a good amount of favorite spots in this fantastic city of Paris. Here, I share a few of them with you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment.

Where to begin?

TASTE: Ladurée
This legendary tea room and pastry shop brand sells fifteen thousands macarons every day, for one reason only - they are simply the best (well, those from Pierre Hermès are not that bad either...)
There are four shops throughout Paris (plus one in Versailles and one at Roissey), of which the one in 16 Rue Royale (Metro: Place de Madelaine) is the oldest. Here, decadent Parisiens have indulged  fine bakery since 1862. Must visit!
Their website is really sweet, too!

SEE: La Tour Eiffel

A classic monument of beauty. The tower is best viewed from the end of Rue de l'Université - away from all the Asian hordes of tourists. This is where this photo is taken. Very romantic, too!

SHOP: Vintage at Free'P'Star - 20 Rue de Rivoli (Metro: St. Paul)

This is the best of the three Free'P'Star secondhand stores. If you enjoy treasure hunting, this one is a gem! Here is where I found my ostrich leather handbag and a very unique leather sweater (pictured below), priced twenty and ten euros respectively. 

 

Free'P'Star

Vintage leather sweater - too cool to be left in the shop!

Palace Vintage  - 40 Rue de Rivoli

This relatively new boutique is jammed with vintage designer clothing, modern secondhand stuff, shoes, bags etc etc. The woman behind it all is really sweet, especially if you compliment her store:) I found some really nice items here: An oversized sweater from Sonia Rykiel (80 euros) and a flowery silk tunic (20 euros). Both in mint condition.

Come on Eileen - 16/18 Rue des Taillandiers

A ten minutes walk towards la Bastille you will find another vintage haven. This is also fully equipped with treasures from chic French ladies' wardrobes. Well worth a visit!

EAT CHIC: Pershing Hall - 49 Rue Pierre Charron

If you want to dine in style in the terrace of the chic hotel, Pershing Hall, this is the place to be (and to be seen). Make sure you order “L’assiette Pershing“, the perfect dish including panko prawns, nem, black cod, foie gras, scallop carpaccio and so much more. Yum!

Very elegant atmosphere. Dress up!

Le dish at Pershing Hall

NIGHT OUT: L'ARC - 12 Rue de Presbourg

Well after midnight, it is time to dance your butt off at one of Paris' many clubs. I always have a good time at L'ARC, which is located just ahead of L'Arc de Triomphe. A trendy, yet friendly crowd, contemporary decor, and eclectic music that will undoubtedly put you in a dancing mood. Could you ask for more?

Approaching L'Arc...

SUNDAY BRUNCH IN MARAIS - Le Loire dans la Theiere, 3 rue de Rosiers

Don't be put of by the line of people outside this popular Marais café. Once you're in, it is worth the wait. The relaxed atmosphere, its inviting armchairs and mouth watering tarts will soon want you to export the whole place to you hometown.

Afterwards, spend a few hours wandering in the cosy neighborhood and enjoy the Sunday open boutiques - like a true Parisian!

That's all for now, folks! I could go on forever, but I am almost falling asleep...

Bonne nuit!

Histoires de Parfums

Look what Mr. Postman brought me today! Can't wait to tear open the envelope...

Voilà! On my recent trip to Paris I smelled this heavenly scent: 1804 by Histoires de Parfums. This was, however, after I had gone "somewhat bananas" at Balenciaga, so 130 euros for a bottle of the oh so sweet perfume was totally out of the question.

Well home I searched it up, though. And to my luck, samples were available at the official website of Histoires de Parfums - at just 10 euros for a set of six, shipping included! These are perfect to bring along in my purse, making sure I will always smell as glorious as Paris:)
The fragrance 1804, my favorite, is described as follows: For the George Sand's heiresses, a perfume reflecting her generosity and sensuality. An amber flower bouquet, warmed with heady spices and colored by sweet fruits.
Originality: Hawaiian, spicy pineapple.
Moods: sensual, cocoon, fruity perfume, well-defined, sensual.

We'll always have Paris...



At the trés chic restaurant/bar/club Pershing Hall



One night in Paris II

Saturday's Wear

After going through my closet, sorting out stuff that I'm sure I'll never wear again, I discovered a few things that were worth a revival. This skater skirt by H&M, for instance, had been undeservedly ignored for too long and deserved its second chance.

In general, I find it hard to separate with my clothes. Due to limited storing space, however, I have started selling some (at Finn.no) and giving some away the to charity (Family, fleamarkets or Fretex). But I never give away belts (tend to go in and out of fashion quicker than other things), jewelry, pretty dresses or clothes that bring good memories.

Besides from the revived skirt my outfit today comprise of ballerinas purchased at Century 21 in ew York, vintage scarf from Kiliwatch, and wool blazer from Et Vous (bought at Et Vous Stock in 15 rue de Turbigo, 75002 Paris that sells ends of ranges at rock bottom prices. Worth a visit if you're going to Paris!)

My week in Paris!

I can't truly excuse my blogging absence. However, I've just come back from a week in Paris! Paris is truly one of my favourite cities in the world, and a place I'll never get enough of! Besides from the obvious tour Eiffel, I'll share some of my favourite spots with you.

Palais Royal

Apart from being one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, Palais Royal also houses a few fashion goodies, like Marc Jacobs' concept store and Didier Ludot, the famous vintage dealer of haute couture garments from the 20s to the 80s.

Jardin des Tuileries

If you need some rest after spending all your money in the designer stores around Rue St. Honoré, the garden of Tuileries is a fine place to sit down. Enjoy the view, watch the stylish Parisians around you, and let your mind wander back to the earlier centuries.

Marais

Don't even think about leaving Paris without spending a Sunday in Marais. The narrow streets of the 11. arrondissement block out the traffics on Sundays and keep stores open. Start off my the metro station St. Paul, and walk down Rue du Roi de Sicile, up Rue Veille de Temple and stop by the trendy La Perle for a glass of cheap wine. And don't overlook Free 'P' Star. This heavy loaded vintage shop in 61 Rue de la Verrerie is a haven for treasure hunters. I bought a vintage fur coat from there - I'll come back to that later:)

Ladurée

This historic patisserie is tastful, stylish and classy. Who else would have their special editions macarons designed by Christian Louboutin?

Their first and best branch is situated at 21, Rue Bonaparte in St. Germain-des-Près

I could have listed up tons of more places, but I'll think I'll stop here and come back with more.

Just Discovered Vintage Shop in Paris

Quite often, the best things in life come around when it's least expected. Luck, love... and shopping bargains!

I discovered this amazing vintage store on my way to the Canal St. Martin, with no shopping in mind and little cash in my wallet.

Still, I dragged my boyfriend inside the treasure house and found this lovely white dress at just 15 euros. The dress is probably meant to be a bridesmaid dress, but when it comes to fashion, my rule is: There are no rules.

The question is now: Is this a kind of dress I can wear to a wedding party?

The shop:

Boucherie

Rue Lucien Sampaix

10.arr

M: Jaques Bonsergent

Marc Jacobs in Paris

Finally, I made it to the Marc Jacobs concept store situated near Palais Royal in Paris. The store was classy, yet edgy, and housed lots of (expensive) girl candies...
Fortunately, not everything was out of my league. Marc Jacobs' collection of T-shirts are just brilliant for us who want a bit of casual glamour:) Coming home with me, did also the extraordinary Marc Jacobs fresh cucumber fragrance. The perfume comes in 300 ml bottles only, which gives a good value for money. Me like!

Paris Update

The Fashion Economist is now reporting from Paris, where the weather is warm and fashion is cool. Parisians really know how to dress. Thus, sitting on a sidewalk café watching people passing by is an ideal way to be inspired.

Each borrough has its own style, ranging from the classic uptown chic to the casual cool - and everything in between. Most frequently observed might perhaps be oversized tops/tunics with leggings and ballerinas for girls, and faded black slimfit jeans and bomber jackets in leather for boys.

Other oberved trends are: beige trench coats (a true classic!), designer "it" bags and the LV "Speedy", and cropped jackets.

It might sound ordinary, but somehow the French manage to look undenably trendy in a "too-cool to -care-way". After all, we are in Paris - la cité de la mode.

Can't Get Enough of Paris

I love Paris in the spring time

I love Paris in the fall

I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles

I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles

I love Paris every moment

Every moment of the year

I love Paris, why oh why do I love Paris

Because my love is here

Frank Sinatra

... and that's why I decided a couple of days ago to spend 17th. May and the weekend in Paris.

Life's good!

The Fashion Bible

If I can't afford to buy a runway piece, I would always own the entire collection in paperback;)

This fashion bible contains pictures of all collections from the fall/winter 2008 fashion weeks.

130 fashion houses, 2600 looks, 1100 accessories from Paris, Milan, London, and New York - it's all in the book!

I wasn't even aware of its existence, so when I saw this Vogue collection at the News Agent's, I just had to buy it. Definitely great for getting an overview of the fashion picture and to find inspiration.

I'm Back!

I'm sorry for the lacking blog updates. I've been a "busy bee" lately and been travelling to Paris. For those of you who consider visiting the City of Love, I warmly recommend going at this time of the year. Spring in Paris is like a Norwegian summer, meaning 25 degrees and lively street life! Mmm.. I love it!
Enjoy a picnic by the Seine or share a bottle of wine on Pont des Arts, the pedestrian bridge over La Seine. The scenery is breathtaking and the air is warm (writing this makes me want to go back right away).
Furthermore, the stores are filled with stunningly beautiful dresses and irresistible summer collections. If only I were rich.... Fortunately, window shopping is free, though!


I could not leave Paris without a new pair of second skin jeans from April 77:) The black top is also new - from Zara...

City Report - Paris

After a weekend of nothing but joy, laughter, and feeling the spring in the air in delightful Paris, today was a true blue Monday... Nonetheless, loaded with shopping finds and new impulses from the fashion paradise, I'll share some of the best with you.




In this dark shop selling vintage clothing and shoes and jeans from April 77 and Cheap Monday, it's easy to find something worth buying.


At 30 euros this bright tulle skirt left the shop with me. The quality feels great and I doubt it's ever been worn.


The belt was found in a small depot-vendre boutique in the Montmartre area and goes with everything.

What a treasury storehouse!

Mamie, situated just south from Montmartre is a three-storeyed vintage store crammed with everything you can imagine of 50's, 60's and 70's stuff: Dresses, coats, boots, shoes, bags, prom dresses and more. This is a place any girl will love and any boyfriend would hate...;)

Vintage boots from Rag

Rag is a small second hand shop near Les Halles, in 83-85 rue St. Martin with a good selection of vintage boots and shoes. I've long been craving for some red ones, and these Gabor boots were comfy and in good condition for a walk home with me:)

Thank you, sweet Ellen SB for recommending these great addresses!:)

Time for lunch!

If you're searching the true French feeling of rococo style, traditional French music and Parisian ladies with small dogs mixed with tasty food and heavenly cakes, Les Cakes de Bertrand needs to be checked out. Not the cheapest eateries, but your palate will not regret it.

...and at last: Never leave Paris without a crêpe with nutella and almonds. Yummy! The pancake is here styled with a silk top from Zara, cardigan from Gina Tricot, jacket from Bruuns Baazar, jeans from April 77, and buckle bag from Chloé.

This list of recommended spots could go on forever, but I chose to stop here. If you need more Paris tips, feel free to contact me by e-mail or add a comment, and I'll LOVE to help :-D

La Vie En Rose in Paris

lyrics - edith piaf

Weekend Escape

Whereas most of my scandi sisters were spending the weekend shuffling snow and struggling through the minus degrees, I enjoyed the mild and sunny Paris January:-)

The sales were on, and most department stores were packed. Thus, I ended up strolling through the less dense Marais and Rue St Honoré. Much more comfortable and inspirational. Furthermore, I couldn't believe my luck when I ran inro the stunning black Chloé Paddington tote marked down by 50 % and another 10% with the tax deducted! The bag has black hardware that makes it go with everything - just what I was looking for:)

Windows of Inspiration

The big department stores in Paris like Lafayette and Printemps might be too expensive for Santa, but window shopping is without doubt a great source of inspiration for all.
I would say most decorators would have something to learn from these spectactular show windows.

Good Night!

Good Night to you all. I have a plane to catch at 06.40 a.m tomorrow, so I'd better hit the bed.
ZZZZZ....

December Weekend in Paris

Next weekend will be spent in Paris:) I'm looking forward to see the city dressed up for Christmas, decorated shop windows, and monuments covered in lights...

I have never before been to Paris during the Christmas season, but I'm sure it will be glorious!

Hopefully, I'll get to do some Christmas shopping - as well as a few treats for myself=)

Since my last visit, I've had constant cravings for crêpes, so that will ddefinitelybe on the eating agenda.

Paris Snapshots

Paris is said to be the City of Love, and with its beautiful surroundings it's no wonder why.

Here is some of my personal recommendations:

Best shopping area: Around Les Halles, for instance Rue St. Honoré, Rue Tiquitonne, Rue de Jour etc. Just walk around, and you'll find small cute shops with clothes, shoes and aaccessories that make your credit card go crazy...!

Best boulangerie: Paul's will not disappoint your palate and is found all over the city.

Best macrons: Ladurée at Champs-Élysées and St. Germain serves the most delicious macrons I've ever ever tasted (and the first!). Their relatively expensive, but you will not regret.

Best romantic garden is above all the wonderful Jardin de Luxembourg

Best dinner deal and my favourite so far is the pittoresque "Pot de Terre" in a small rue close to Rue Mueffetard. Here you'll get three meal menus for 20 euros including wine and a cosy atmosphere

Lining Up For Louis Vuitton

When I read in a magazine about people lining up for the Louis Vuitton flagship store on Champs-Élysées, I thought it was a joke. However, this picture taken today speaks for itself. Yes, people actually do love the monogram bags, and apparantly they don't mind queueing up to 30 minutes to visit the store.

Don't they know there is another LV boutique just down the Rue Montagne? Or do they simply prefer lining up like it's just another tourist sight?