To do une soirée or not to do une soirée? What exactly is this rather elegant and mysterious sounding soirée? And, how should it be approached by mere Anglophone mortals? Definition Noun: soirée: party or gathering, with a sophisticated name to impress the uninitiated, taking place in apartments across the glimmering city of lights (usually accompanied… …read more
Winter in Paris is the perfect opportunity to indulge in creative layering, colorful tights and stylish boots. While stylish Parisiennes abound in Paris, the people-watching on the cobblestoned streets of Montmartre is one of our favorite ways to while away a lazy afternoon on a heated café terrace. Fashion guru and dear HiP Paris contributor… …read more
Mark and Allegra Karoski-Biava Fresh off the plane and bleary-eyed with two kids in tow, we set out for our first family meal in Paris. Surely in this city of more than 8,000 restaurants, finding a suitable spot would be simple enough, non? After passing snug bistros and lively brasseries, we spotted a red neon… …read more
As this wonderful year draws to a close, we can’t help but be grateful for all the amazing things we experienced in 2011: We finally got the 10 never-ending trends of Paris fashion straight – phew, no more fashion no-nos for us! We got savvy to dining etiquette in France We unearthed Paris’ best coffee spots… … and bike shops… …read more
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… …read more
Bonnaf I don’t think anyone would dispute that the French are the masters of leisure and purveyors of refined hedonism. Meals, apéros, discussions, and strolls are all to be conducted tranquillement – without haste and with an utmost respect for life’s little pleasures. With a vast selection of renowned terraces, parks, shops, secret passageways and… …read more
Lost In Cheeseland On arriving in Paris, No.1 on the lengthy to-do list (in between museum visiting and restaurant testing, bien sûr) is deciphering the elision-liaison-silent-letter-filled waves of French flying from left, right and center. Before setting foot (or even a single toe) on Parisian soil, I had already been vigorously drilled with irregular verbs… …read more
Dave Bloom Soon after arriving in Paris, I was approached by an older man at a cafe. With my blond hair and toothy grin, I was clearly a foreigner and at 29, a still-prime target. He asked if he could join me. “Actually, I am engaged,” I said, a fact I was very excited about… …read more
Making Magique Every true Parisienne has certain key items in her wardrobe: at least one beautifully printed scarf, a chic sac à main, a black cocktail dress and classic trench among them. But to most, the lingerie she wears under her carefully crafted ensemble is as central to her wardrobe as her Chanel mini sac…. …read more
Gelato from Amorino in Paris is a no-no for the lactose averse, unfortunately! (Josh Leo) Hello. For about ten months now I have been grappling with intolerance in my life, something deeply rooted and painful to me and to loved ones. I feel that it’s time to come out with it, to share this issue… …read more
Little Girl in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens (Ktylerconk) I’ve always thought of Paris as the ultimate adult playground. But Paris for the under-four-foot set? I wasn’t so sure. That’s why discovering kid-friendly Paris (yes, it exists!) has been such a happy surprise. When the kids tire of museums and medieval churches (dubiously labeled “kid-friendly” by many… …read more
