The Hip Paris Holiday Gift Guide continues with A Cup of Jo’s fabulous Joanna Goddard. (Thanks so much, Joanna!) We just love her French-inspired gift idea, and plan to stock up on several pairs toute de suite! -Maggie
Two years ago, my New Year’s Resolution was to dress like a French woman. My only question was…how? My first step was buying a bunch of striped shirts (obviously). My second step was to pull my hair up in a top bun. And my third–and favorite–step was discovering Bensimon.
Bensimon shoes are the French girl’s Converse. Comfy and cute, the sneakers are great for running errands, traveling or kicking back at home–while still feeling like you have that Parisian je-ne-sais-quoi. My mom, sister and best friend now all wear them, too. They’re a perfect stocking stuffer. xo
Related Links:
- Badaude also loves Bensimons (seen here on sketches of Trench-bedecked Parisiennes.)
- Check out Joanna’s 2011 Holiday Gift Guide
- We love these faux-fur lined numbers for keeping toasty this winter
Written by Joanna Goddard for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
WRITTEN BY
Joanna Goddard
Joanna Goddard writes A Cup of Jo, the award-winning blog about fashion, design, travel, lifestyle and bewildering new motherhood. She and her twin sister were born in Paris but spent most of their childhood in the Michigan suburbs. Joanna’s articles have appeared in Glamour, New York, Conde Nast Traveler and Elle. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and their baby boy.
They are cute… great suggestion… xv
I know what I want for Christmas . . .
my Bensimons still in near PERFECT condition despite being worn religiously for 4 years! i love that perfect effortlessly casual but stylish look. and Oh the comfort!!! At the time i was oblivious and didnt realise they were the ‘it’ shoes for casual wear for parisiens. I just loved their look! But now that I know ill be making a beeline for more bensimon shoes when in Paris in 2 weeks. YAAY!
There are Bensimon shops all over the place, down here.
I will have to check out the shoes !
I can’t ride a bicycle with open sandals or high heels, somehow I know that would spell disaster for me 🙂
besos, C
I have some white Bensimon, and it’s true… they’re a classic. And so typically French!