March 25, 2010 by Haven in Paris
Text by Je Ne Sais Quoi for Parisien Salon
In Paris, the bitter temperatures are finally subsiding and the sun is trying to shine through the seemingly endless grayness. That means one thing: spring is quickly approaching, and heavy down jackets and wool scarves will be replaced with flirty skirts and blouses. But there’s no need to be in Paris, or any other big city, for that matter, to work Spring 2010 trends into your wardrobe. Here’s what you can expect this season. Continue Reading »
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March 24, 2010 by Haven in Paris
Text by Paris By Appointment Only; Photos by Fabrice Fortin.
Even though they live in the capital of couture, most Parisians can’t sew a stitch. Like most countries, France kicked home economics to the curb decades ago. Since hardly any one knows how to shorten a hem, fix a button, or take in a seam, you can find a retoucheur on practically every Parisian corner. But all that is about to change thanks to Sweat Shop, a new creative collective in the residential 10th whose mission is to teach Parisians how to make and customize their own clothes.
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January 25, 2010 by Tory Hoen
Garance Doré, www.garancedore.fr, www. frenchgardening.com
It’s that magical time of year… when shopping wishes come true and full-blown retail miracles can happen. Suddenly, the items we’ve been coveting throughout the fall and early winter are suddenly affordable… or at least, more affordable. That’s right: France’s biannual sales (“les soldes”) are here, and just about everything—from clothes and handbags to electronics and home furnishings—are repeatedly marked down until they are so cheap that we are practically forced to buy them. Typically, the première démarque sees prices cut by 20-50%, with the deuxième démarque resulting in prices up to 70% off. It’s like a city-wide “Everything must go!” policy… and by everything, we mean literally everything. This government mandated clear-out happens twice a year, and for avid shoppers, there is absolutely no better time to be in Paris (with your credit card at the ready).
Little Brown Pen, fr.modefix.com
But les soldes are not for the faint of heart. If you’re headed for the big department stores (Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché), prepare to brave crowds of strategic shoppers who are ready to fight tooth-and-nail to snag the best merchandise before it’s gone. Towards the end of the day during les soldes, these large stores tend to look more like ransacked warehouses than elegant shopping emporiums—with sweaters strewn about, piles of shoes stacked in corners, and wild-eyed shoppers sprinting from rack to rack to score overlooked gems before stores close their doors for the night. Smaller boutiques have a slightly less chaotic feel, but the end goal is the same: find the best stuff at the lowest prices…right now.
But the reward is well worth the struggle. I made the most unexpectedly exhilarating purchase of my life during last year’s soldes. I don’t even know how I ended up in the Chloé section of Printemps (fate I suppose), but there I was… and suddenly, I saw the coat, hanging towards the back of the section like a shining beacon of elegance—awesome in the truest sense of the word. Suddenly I was looking at it, then touching it, then trying it on… at that point, I think I blacked out. A few minutes later, I was out on the street, hyperventilating with shock (or was it poverty?), having made the most major purchase of my life. In my defense, it was 50% off, and to this day, I get giddy every time I put it on. It reminds me of Paris, which inevitably makes me happy. And that’s what les soldes are all about: impulse… and no regrets.
Plus, we all know the economy needs stimulating. So have an espresso, take a deep breath… and jump in. (This year’s soldes last through February 10).
Written by Tory Hoen for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.
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February 11, 2009 by Haven in Paris
Eco-Friendly Shopping Tours in Paris – Rachel Kaplan
These days, inspired by France’s Green Party and a growing emphasis on public cycling (Vélib), organic foods and sustainable development, Paris is emerging as an eco-friendly European capital.
On Sundays the quais of the Seine are closed off for bikers, joggers and roller-bladers. The city prides itself on its over 400 parks and gardens, including one growing organic fruits and vegetables. There are at least four weekly organic food markets selling everything from fresh produce, meats, and honey, as well as organic wine. The city boasts several health food chains, and even the Monoprix store group prides itself on carrying a range of organic foods, with the AB label. Once you have tasted an omelette made with organic eggs there is no going back. Now, a number of beauty companies have created organic skin care products and cosmetics, including Nuxe and l’Occitane. Other retailers are selling cutting-edge clothes made with organic cotton, or are steering away from leather shoes and bags in favour of attractive substitutes.
If you want to learn more about doing an Eco-Chic Shopping tour while in Paris, do visit www.parischicshopping.com or write to Rachel Kaplan at chic@parischicshopping.com
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