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
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.
