Paris Avec Moi // Shopping
While thinking that I was a French poodle in a past life doesn’t necessarily give me the authority to write guides on Paris, here is one anyway. I have attempted to gather my favorite places, shops, things to do etc from my trips over the past 8 years. So, from one poodle to another, here is the first episode in my Paris Avec Moi series: Shopping!
Best Shopping Streets
Rue du Commerce - Frequented by Paris locals, this hidden gem has a variety of boutiques and specialty shops and is a quick walk from the 7th AR across the Champs de Mars into the 15th AR (arrondissement = neighborhood).
Rue Saint Dominique - Located just off of the Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th AR, this shopping street has affordable French fashion, boutiques and a fantastic collection of restaurants and cafes.
Avenue Montaigne - Right off the Champs-Elysées in the 8th AR, this avenue is the pinnacle of luxury shopping in Paris. The major haute-couture designers have luxurious ateliers here, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Céline… need I go on?
Rue Cler - Located in the 7th AR, Rue Cler is a quintessential market street straight out of a French film. Stroll down the homey street to peruse specialty cheese shops, boulangeries, fresh produce stands, and flower shops - perfect for gathering supplies for a picnic on the Seine.
Department Stores
Le Bon Marché - Le Bon Marché was the first department store in France (founded 1838) and it has withstood the test of time to remain a Parisian staple in luxury shopping. Address: 24 rue de Sèvres, 75007
Galeries Lafayette - A massive, glittering glass dome tops the atrium of this iconic department store. Come to see the architecture and stay for the diverse shops. Address: 40 boulevard Haussmann 75008
Printemps Haussmann - Printemps focus on beauty, lifestyle, fashion, accessories, and men's wear. The gorgeous dome and Haussmann architecture are the picture of department shopping in Paris. Address: 64 boulevard Haussmann, 75008
French Brands
Maje - Flirty, femminine, and oh so Parisienne, Maje is an accessible luxury brand specializing in classic but current ladies wear. Kind of like affordable Chanel imo.
Sandro - Classic and slightly preppy silhouettes + the effortless vibe of a French girl. Lots of amazing staples to compliment a capsule wardrobe.
Sézane - If Chanel-esque preppiness is not your thing (like Maje & Sandro), try Sezane! Their warm, French country style has a relaxed attitude that makes you feel like you’re in a 70’s Paris summer.
Violette FR - Clean French beauty that encourages you to embrace your innate perfection to cultivate your unique “je ne sais quoi.” Their cult favorite Boum-Boum Milk has a whole facial experience to go with it in Paris.
Discount/Outlet
La Vallée Village - The best Paris outlet is just 35 minutes outside of the city. Take a short drive into the peaceful countryside and find yourself in a discount designer paradise. Givenchy, Gucci, Longchamp and more. Beyond worth your time! Address: 3 Cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris.
like what you read here? more paris avec moi to come!
Valentino Haute Couture Spring '23
With flirty textures and colors reminiscent of a Ladurée macron, the Valentino Spring ‘23 Couture collection brings feminine energy into the forefront.
The fashion trends of the past few years have seen a rise in minimalistic looks with an emphasis on neutral tones and tailored silhouettes. Coming out of a traumatic time frame meant that fashion was generally geared toward practicality and comfort rather than experimentation and playfulness. My own style seemed to focus on all black palettes and yoga pants for days on end. I have greatly missed dressing like a birthday cupcake but the times have not been right for it yet. Until now!!!
Spring 2023 Paris Fashion Week was filled with the most epically gorgeous combination of soft but vibrant colors, voluminous fabrics, and feminine details. Bows on bows on bows. Pink pink pink. For a former power-pop girly girl like me, this was a very exciting moment in fashion. This fashion escapism is exactly what I have been needing more of in my life - a breakup with all black, dull, safe outfits that do not make me feel vibrant and beautiful. Taking cues from PFW 23, I plan on putting together more looks full of color and life, ruffles and fuchsia.
Dear Santa...
Every year I make a Christmas wishlist and email it to my family. This year for ~quismois~ I would love to add to my collections of ridiculous coats, vintage vinyl, and coffee table books. I also need to replenish my favorite beauty items like my beloved perfume and moisturizer.
Record Town albums - I have my eye on a few specific albums, but just digging in the bins is an adventure.
Charlotte Simone puffer coat with pink Mongolian wool - That coat is what dreams are made of, no? Baby pink Mongolian wool on a puffer jacket I die.
Dieux Skin Eye Masks & Instant Angel Moisturizer - The best of the best for my sensitive skin.
Glossier You Perfume - I genuinely have been stopped multiple times and am asked what I’m wearing when I have this on. It was not my fave at first but totally grew on me and now I’m on my 4th bottle.
Luke Edward Hall “Greco Disco” & Luke Edward Hall “A Kind of Magic” - The maximalist artist/classical genius is laid out in two gorgeous books - its a need.
Aspen Fits
When your very best friend in the world gets married in the chic city of Aspen you don’t sleep on prepping rad outfits. You show up looking like Elizabeth Taylor who knows how to knit (more on that topic).
One of my recent obsessions has been learning how to knit handmade sweaters. For this special trip, I really wanted to make a custom sweater with my initials on it. I ordered a sweater kit from Wool And The Gang and it knitted up like a dream. I went for a gray alpaca sweater that I customized with my first and last initials and paired it with a floor length nude tule skirt. I also knit (knitted?) a pink balaclava to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn meets Miu Miu.
In a snowy city like Aspen, outerwear definitely takes the main focus. I went for lots of fur coats + knits and then really leaned in to the “extra-ness” with accessories feat. Celine. 3 out of the 4 coats pictured above are from Zara - The long coat was such a lifesaver in the snow and as a bonus it provided some padding when I slipped and busted my a** in the snow. Between the snow boots, wool sweaters, and fur outerwear, I’d say my packing job was a 10/10 for all that we got into an Aspen!
Zara long coat / Tulle Skirt / Ski Pants / Rubber Boots / Celine Triomphe Bag
Aprés Ski
Baby pink ski suits, iridescent puffer jackets, fur boots, and knit balaclavas - these are what snow babe dreams are made of. In preparing for an upcoming trip to Aspen, I shopped around for snow gear that I would want to wear again and again. I fell in love with the Miu Miu ‘21 winter show and all of the pastel, puffy glory. The balaclavas really stole the show for me and I had to try my hand at knitting one for myself. I have a pic of how it turned out in the next post + all the outfits I planned!
All outfits courtesy of the Miu Miu FW 2021 show
Glossier Makeup Faves
The Friends of Glossier 20% off sale is going on May 26 - 31st and it’s the only time Glossier offers this much off! I am a die hard fan and have loved their non-fussy products for years. Several items I always keep a stock of are the lip sticks Ultralip and Gen G, the waterproof liner and mascara, the brow gel & perfume.
Use the code FOG22 at check out :)
