Tag Archives: Goyard

Culture, Fashion

Custom “Made in Italy”

As an American who has worked in the world of retail and fashion for most of my career, it was top on my list to explore, discover and purchase all the incredible “couture” I could find during my 3 months living abroad. My first week alone, I can recall walking…or rather, sprinting on a serious mission to find my new fashion mecca for something unique and oh so french.  Sadly, I was rather disappointed to find most of the boutiques were of the brands I’m already well versed in.  Not that I was disappointed to find the original Goyard, or strolling along streets that housed Dior, Kenzo, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and the like.  Though I was hoping to find my very own treasure trove.

After weeks in Paris doing my own “research” and coming up empty handed.  Ok, that’s not entirely true, as I was still scoring some incredible fashion-obviously.  I was not finding the Made In France finds I had hoped for.

So, before heading to the U.S., I went to Italy now completely determined to find something custom and rare throughout my tour-de-Italia!  Off to Florence, I went.  I mean, this is after all, the home to some of the top world renown brands that put Italian fashion on the map!  Although I did manage to find a few boutiques that offered Made In Italy labels, it wasn’t what I had dreamed up on my hunt. In addition to the fashion houses that call Florence home, you can also find the Gucci Museum as well as the Salvatore Ferragamo museum, which I personally LOVED.  It housed years of collections from the most glorious, gorgeous shoes a girl could dream of!  Needless to say, I was able to get my dose of fashion while in Florence, even if I didn’t find a new collection of “collectables” along the way.  Thankfully, however, I made up for my minimal shopping by consuming as much glorious pasta and vino I could get my hands on.  So much for shopping, time for a new Italian indulgence!

We travel to experience something new.  To experience new culture.  To enjoy a new viewpoint in life.  To FIND ITALIAN CLOTHING.  Luckily, I experienced new culture, appreciated the historic beauty and essence of Italy, though I came up empty handed in regards to discovering some new Haute Couture.  For me, it’s about exploring and discovering not only the local flavor and certainly the fashion.  Guess that means I’ll just simply have to be back again soon to Do it Again!  Ciao for now Couture…

Fashion, Travel

A day of Iconic history and fashion…then again, it IS Paris.

Gallery

Yesterday, I had an overload of stunning handbags, as I went to the original Goyard boutique on Rue St. Honore, as well as a visit to Rue Cambon, to the original and mind blowing Chanel store (which just also happens to be where Coco herself resided, and now also houses Karl Lagerfeld’s office on the 3rd floor)  Talk about feeling the love for Chanel!

I decided after living in Paris for close to 3 months, it was time to indulge.  And indulge I did.  My original intent was to finally purchase the signature Goyard tote as a sweet souvenir to return home with.  However, I instead treated myself to a little something at Chanel and topped it off with a little champs in-store, to officially celebrate this fine day.  There’s something truly special to the service offered in these boutiques.  No wonder people come back for more, as you’re truly queen for the day.  Or at the very least, while splurging!

Spending time at the original Chanel store offers more than beautiful couture, it offers a rich history into one of the most prestigious brands in the world.  Knowing Coco spent time here, diligently deliberating over every detail to ensure the highest quality and fashion is enough to inspire any fashionista.  Every detail in ensuring the most welcoming visit to the store, even includes fitting rooms that just may happen to be larger than your petite hotel room!  Along with a gorgeous Chanel robe to sport, in between fittings, of course.  Hands down, the entire experience is simply, Tres chic!

After having the chance to spend an afternoon with some of the best brands in Paris and certainly some of the best shopping offered on Rue St. Honore, it was time to give thanks for enjoying some incredible materialistic finds by spending some time at the historic La Madeleine.  La Madeleine is a historic Catholic church located nearby in the 8th arrondissement.  Luckily, I stumbled in just as service was starting.  Being there to hear the prayers and hymns in french was a unique and powerful experience in itself.  No better way to finish the day, than to be able to indulge in some of the best of Paris, through Couture,  then wrapping up the day by experiencing one of the most historic monuments in Parisian history.  An iconic day all in all.  Bon soir, my sweet Pareeeee!