The Ten Never-Ending Trends of Parisian Shoppers

January 14, 2011  by Tory Hoen

Ballet flats (Paris in Pink)

Casual shoppers, beware. The French sales are just around the corner and many a French fashionista is getting ready to pounce on items she has secretly coveted all Fall. In all honesty, though, the soldes are often the one moment of fashion folly many Parisiennes allow themselves. For decades, one market has proven remarkably resistant to passing trends: Paris. Despite jumping at the occasional fad (the Balmain-inspired shoulder pad, the hardware-adorned gladiator sandal), Parisian shoppers — both young and old — follow certain cardinal rules in their shopping habits, year-in and year-out.

The key to this eternal French chic may lie in a natural sense of restraint and discernment. In considering her past wardrobe choices, a French woman is less inclined to wonder, “What was I thinking?” because (most likely) it’s what she’s still thinking: invest in high-quality staples and err on the side of understated elegance.

An Hermes scarf, guaranteed to never go out of style (Paris in Pink)

Here are the most time-tested items that can aid your journey towards impeccable Parisian dressing. Continue Reading »

Posted in Parisian Living, Shopping | 22 Comments »

Paris by Appointment Only: YSL’s Country Home Blow Out at Christie’s France

November 13, 2009  by Haven in Paris

Our friend Zeva Bellel at Paris by Appointment Only has the inside scoop on the upcoming auction of country home furnishings of deceased designer Yves St. Laurent. If you have a chance to attend the auction from November 17-20, you could own a piece of fashion history. If not, you can gawk with us from the sidelines!

Elk antler chandelier. Photo: Christie’s

Text by Zeva Bellel

The dismantling of a collection of objects amassed with care and love over a lifetime can be a rather somber affair. Especially when it belongs to the dearly departed Yves Saint Laurent. Yet after the very serious, very lucrative auction this past February of the masterpieces he and his partner Pierre Bergé collected, the upcoming second YSL sale at Christie’s France has a lighthearted, uplifting air about it. Continue Reading »

Posted in Arts, Events | 2 Comments »

Merci: Shopping for a Cause in Paris

April 10, 2009  by Tory Hoen

photo courtesy of: www.lescarnetsdudesign.com

Photos Erica Berman (except above)

As the global economic climate has forced consumers to shop more selectively, it has also forced retailers to sell more creatively. Merci, Paris’ newest concept store, provides a breathtaking space where visitors can shop with a conscience. Created by Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, founders of renowned children’s clothing line Bonpoint, Merci donates all of its proceeds (after breaking even) to a co-op for young women in Madagascar. Continue Reading »

Posted in Parisian Living, Shopping | 4 Comments »