I’ve always heard about life on la Rive Gauche…and I am thankful now to be living it, myself. As I now reside, just a mere two blocks away from the spectacular and historic, Le Bon Marche, which is simply divine and dangerous all at the same time! As this grand magasin, has been open and offering incredible wears since 1852 and now in 2015, it’s my turn to experience the luxury and beauty that is offered here.
From it’s stunning collections, unique art installments and historic look-and-feel that has been carefully crafted and maintained, this place is truly divine.
The architecture inside is impeccable and yet still offers clean lines that make it feel quite open and easy to navigate within. The center escalators frame the interior space and offer a pristine and lovely focal point, as you find your way strolling through some of the best fashion and global brands alike.
Now, onto the shoe department! (As if this goes without saying!?) It is almost as if these delicately gorgeous shoes are on display within a dome shaped, bird cage. Absolutely stunning and makes me want to sit on my pirch all day, trying on each and every pair! Tweet, tweet.
Lastly, and certainly worth the mention, is their upcoming Brooklyn Rive Gauche animation and inspiration, featured throughout the shopping experience. You can find “Made in Brooklyn” items by various artists and designers, starting September 3rd-officially. Luckily, on my walk about this morning, I caught a glimpse at what’s in store. Though it’s not just in the themes, or items sold within that are note-worthy, it’s an entire experience! From the moment you enter, you will notice the BROOKLYN inspiration throughout. Colorful lounge chairs set up in a museum-like black room, featuring gigantic LED screens, showing visually pleasing images and videos of Brooklyn, as part of this exhibit are not to be missed! Especially for me, being an east coaster by birth, nothing is more exciting than to see your original favorite city being featured, in your new favorite city, of Pareeee! Through this installation and thematic inspiration, they have truly done a spectacular job creating an experience for their shoppers.
As they say…Art is Fashion. And as far as I’m concerned, Le Bon Marche epitomizes these two cultural essentials- bringing together the best of both. So with much appreciation and adoration, this little Rive Gauche Dweller says: Merci Beaucoup!!!!!
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. -Coco Chanel
Le Marais, what I’ll always remember as a spicy, edgy, phenomenal place to get lost for hours- enjoying the quaint streets, the small boutiques and some of the best shopping in all of Paris. These petite streets are beyond charming. It’s almost as if they’re enticing you to stroll along to get consumed within it for an entire afternoon.
One of my favorite spots to add to my wardrobe, with weekly visits to the SANDRO Stock store. Even now, back in the US, I’m so thankful for my find in this store, as I got the chance to bring home all my beloved French fashion at a fraction of the cost that I’d find here at home. There’s also a Zadig & Voltaire store in the neighborhood as well. Plenty of vintage finds can be found here, too. And in Paris, it’s always worth a look as you never know what brands and unique pieces you can discover. Be sure to peek around in alley ways and what seem to be low profile entries to boutiques as they can be some of the best! I found a $600Euro french couture dress for $100 Euro, just because my curiosity drug me into this side street boutique.
Though above and beyond shopping, the Marais offers some of the most deliciously flavorful eats and treats. From kebabs and falafels for roaming the streets, to scrumptious crepes filled with anything that suits your fancy. Sundays a sweet day to explore the Marais when all the bakeries and restaurants are bustling and the streets are filled with excitement.
Sights and details to note, when in the Marais: Place des Vosges- which just so happens to be Paris’s oldest square and quite picturesque. An absolute perfect place to enjoy a picnic, or a gelato while enjoying this historic square and some shade.
Pablo Picasso Museum- 5 Rue de Thorny A spectacular collection of classics, along with Picasso’s personal archives. From paintings and sculptures to many little discoveries along the way. One of my favorites!!
Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY! Sunday is the day for hustle and bustle in this normally cozy, charming quarter. Streets are closed to allow for pedestrians exploration and strolling about. So, if you’d like to experience a Marais to yourself, do so during the week day!
Victor Hugo’s Home–6 Place des Vosges
If you’re feeling like stepping back into time and indulging in even more history, take a tour of Victor’s very own home.
Hotel De Ville– Home to the municipality of Paris dating back to 1357, also home to the Mayor.
Like most places, when you’re a “stranger” in a new city (as they call foreigners here in Paris), there’s always adjustments to be made. The continual joke for living here in Paris is that perhaps I’m too smiley for this town and that I somehow need to perfect my “resting bitch face!” Well, today it seems I have mastered my RBF being out in the chilly rain.
From the simple things in life of getting around, buying groceries, even just ordering an espresso can be tough. It can be challenging when you’re here, doing your best to be the person you are at home- yet a bit more subdued, a bit more quiet, a bit more Parisian, if you will. I’m fine on that front, though it can be tough navigating your way through the world in a place that’s entirely new and different from the world you know at home. Especially in the rain!
It’s not just the language barrier- there’s more than I’m sure I can even describe at this moment. For instance, today it has been raining non-stop. So, does that mean you stay indoors? Or do you venture out in the pouring rain for a new adventure? Well, that’s exactly what I did. I went out in the rain to make the best of my day. Yet again, poorly equipped for the conditions as I have sandals, ballet flats and other open toed shoes thinking It’s summer still here, after all? WRONG. I need boots. So, yet again, clearly the shopping gods are supporting my habit by “allowing” me to do what I’m best at, each and every day.
As one day it’s sweltering, the next day it’s freezing…and then today, it’s pouring down rain. So, here I sit with soaking wet feet, another pair of shoes ruined. (currently we’re at pair #3) that have suffered the loss due to these unpredictable conditions and weather.
They say that tomorrow it will be hot once again….though, for now, it’s soggy feet, a turned upside umbrella and a new pair of shoes. Looking forward to seeing you again hopefully soon, Sunshine!! So, for now, I will simply have to listen to Sous le Soleil, since I can’t be under the soleil today!
Although I’ve been before, I was ready to explore and experience Amsterdam once again. I left Paris to experience a new city…especially as most Parisians are on vacation anyway… and I didn’t come to Paris to hang out with Americans.
I must say that the driving, even the walking around in Amsterdam is complete insanity. Bikes everywhere. Cars everywhere. Shouting from bikers… A gazillion accidents waiting to happen!!
Though this place is truly unique. From their edgy style to the incredible cuisine. Sadly, from my little suitcase, I was ill-prepared for the fashion sense in this city. No sandals, except for me and a family of tourist. Mostly converse. Dark colors predominantly. Seattle hipster vibe. Had shorts on….complete Ridiculousness. Clearly, my packing has failed me. Perhaps it’s so I can further justify purchases I make!! It is an emergency you see. A girl can’t freeze in the middle of summer when there are plenty of enticing opportunities to expand upon my wardrobe!!
For a traditional mall girl, there is something truly dynamic about street side fashion. There is inspiration everywhere. Not your perfectly manicured shopping centers, splattering ads throughout. Just the incredible architecture and unique dynamic this city offers.
For me, fashion is everywhere. I love to seek it out while I stroll around aimlessly, through these foreign streets. I explore random alleys with my handbag and an open mind, open to the experience. To see. To be inspired.
August is certainly an interesting time to be in Paris. Summer heat, sunshine blazing and yet, only Americans to be found. Not the real Paris I came to experience. I had been forewarned that Parisians vacation during the month of August. Though I truly had no idea they took off for the entire month. This makes me love this country even more…as they honor and cherish their time away, time to relax, reoup and enjoy with family and friends! Especially since I’ve recently resigned from my job to do the exact same. To take time for me, to enjoy this thing we call life! Novel concept.
So today, I decided to explore beyond Paris to seek out new inspiration in this fabulous country of France! Today, I am experiencing the incredibly beautiful and well maintained gardens and home of Claude Monet, en Giverny. For anyone who loves art, especially that of Monet, this place is not to be missed. Come to think of it, you don’t even have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the beauty and splendor of this site. It is massive and offers some of the most unique and colorful mix of plants and landscape I’ve ever seen. If only I could bottle up the wonderful aroma that exists here! Or bring home the sweet, baby hummingbirds that zip all around these gardens. It truly is heaven on earth. So for now, I’m going to enjoy my life amongst le fleurs et sous le soleil!
Marche aux puces, Saint-Ouen on a Sunday afternoon.
Designer finds and uniqueness extraordinaire. Guaranteed to be a feast for your eyes, with offerings ranging from very pricey and tres jolie chandeliers to vintage Chanel pieces that are in pristine condition. And might I add, way better than bringing home yet an eiffel tower keychain!
Although most items are simply to be adored, as although I’d love to bring home a historic chaise lounge or gigantic chandelier, I’m not sure that will fit within my suitcase. However, Paris is known for it’s open air and antique markets that are not to be missed.
If you enjoy museums, unique art and creative displays, this is certainly where you can get your fix. Especially when most stores are closed on Sunday….and even more so in August when most Parisians pack up for a more coastal locale. So head out of the city, to indulge your senses….do some antiquing…and fill your soul, just be careful not to empty your wallet while doing so!
The best things in life are free, the second best are very expensive. – Coco Chanel
For someone like myself…Someone who not only is known to be a queen of shopping, though who also has worked in the world of retail for most of my professional career, representing the best of global and local brands alike, I was surprised to see that Paris truly does shut down during the month of August.
Apart from your standard Je t’aime Paris t-shirt, or in spending all of your loot at the ever fabulous Le Printemps or Galleries Lafayette, there is not much to offer in terms of shopping during this time. And believe me, I’d love nothing more than to spend all my hard earned cash at either of the above mentioned, though I’d also like to stay in Paris and enjoy this place for as long as possible.
August is certainly not the best time for shopping, in the fashion capital of the world. So therefore I wait. This simply means, that I must stay longer to get a real feel for the ever stylish, trend-setting city. Hurry along, September so I can devour all of your heavenly shopping!!
Enjoying the view….at Galleries Lafayette
The signs are everywhere…This town is Closed for the summer!
From restaurants to boutiques, the French certainly know how to live…and leave Paris for the summer!
Being raised in simpleton Amish Country, I always knew there was more to life out there than simply living my entire existence in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. And as soon as I got my drivers license, I was out adventuring. Always! I would literally drive four hours just to go to the beach for a day, only to turn around and return that night, yet another four hours. I’d take road trips to anywhere I could go to ensure I was home at night. After all, I was still a teenager, driving around some rather large and sometimes a bit sketchy cities (Philly, DC, Baltimore) solo! Though this for me, was only the beginning of my exploration.
I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact that I was from Amish country or for the fact that I had a grandfather that traveled the globe continually for his career. As we always had National Geographics and unique momentos from some of the most obscure places across the world, throughout our house. Either way, I knew that I was being driven to experience the world for as long as I can recall.
During college, I had the opportunity to study abroad- in Plymouth, England. Upon my return, it was quite apparent that Lancaster (although I am quite thankful for my upbringing there) was no longer serving me. So, off I went- packed up my Volkswagen Cabrio and headed to the West Coast. Landed in Newport Beach and was floored by all the beauty and abundance that surrounded me. After 7 lovely years, I decided to change it up once again and headed south to San Diego in hopes of setting some permanent roots for me to call “home!”
San Diego, although superb, tends to be one of the most transient towns, certainly on the west coast. From its military presence, to the limited larger corporations, this gorgeous place I still call home, may be more of a layover for life for me. There is something very special about San Diego. That small town feel of a place that offers 70 miles of spectacular (and unique) beaches and a locale that’s so beautiful you dream to make it your own.
Though for now, it was time, yet again, to venture out into the world to experience new cultures, new people and in hopes of further learning a new….and ohhhh so beautiful language, French. Although I certainly miss San Diego, especially during these summer months, I trust that this was a calling for me to come and experience something new. And thus far, Paris has certainly not disappointed.
So today I begin, another adventure, within this foreign place, in hopes of creating yet another location I can call “home.” Because as they say, Home is Where the Heart is…and for now, my heart is here and happy.
Here I sit, flooded carpet, cut-out dry wall, dehumidifier set at a balmy 105 degrees….damaged condo all around. This is it. This is the last message needed to send me on my way.
For months, I’ve been seeing signs to head to Paris, though to be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention. Why would I? I don’t know a soul in Paris, barely speak le Francais….why would I uproot my life and leave behind my entire network of family, friends and colleagues to head somewhere where I know no one? Good Question.
The only answer I could find is simply…to Live! Seems like a good enough answer for me. Not to mention the signs were becoming ever so present that my friends asked if I needed to be beat across the head by a baguette before I pack up and go! As for me, I’d much rather indulge in a scrumptious baguette than be beat on the head by it….so with that, I decided to pack it up for Pareeee!
