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
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
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!
