Shop.  

     Eat Macaroons.  

          Browse For Vintage Treasures.

Repeat.  
 

This is how I spent most of last month in Paris.  Luckily, my friend Ed Kavishe of Fashion Wire Press and A Thing of Beauty was there to capture it on film.  Below is a snapshot of what my days looked like: what I did, where I went and what I wore.

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My three passions in life are Fashion, Food and Travel – not necessarily in that order.  So when the three come together, it’s pure bliss…
 

The food in France is dangerously delicious.  Breads and pastries are a daily diet staple, and by not pasteurizing their dairy, the French manage to churn out creams, butters and cheeses that put American nachos to shame.  But equally rich in Paris’ dining traditions – is the “see and be seen” element of café culture.  With bistros and brasseries on every block, sidewalk seating offers a view of the city and it’s inhabitants from the inside out.  For this purpose, the infamous Café de Flore couldn’t be more perfect.  Oh, and they bake an impeccable croissant too.  

[WEARING]

[Knit Tunic] JOSEPH [Silk Pants] TOPSHOP [Patent & Cork Wedges] STELLA MCCARTNEY [Tortoise Sunglasses] XXX [Macramé and Stone Necklace] OLD HOLLYWOOD [Gold Stackable Rings] VAN H.  [Gold/White Sapphire Pinky Ring] VINTAGE
 
 

When something is steeped in patina, it makes it that much more precious… especially when it comes from a foreign country.  More than many cities, Paris understands an appreciation for all things old, which is why the city continues to support independent, outdoor booksellers called bouquinistes.  Lining the banks of the Seine on both sides, the green metal boxes are a treasure trove of collectable books, magazines, post cards and more.  Even if you can’t read French, the bouquinistes are a joy to browse – and are a Parisian tradition dating back to the 1500’s.  When I found an 18^th century map of 18^th arrondisement of Montmartre (where I was living in Paris) I knew that my digging had been worth it.  

[WEARING]

[Red Dress] 10 CROSBY BY DEREK LAM [Denim Jacket] GAP  [Patent & Cork Wedges] STELLA MCCARTNEY [Tortoise Sunglasses] XXX [Leopard Tote] MAJE [Leather Fringe Bag] TOPSHOP
 
 

While there is no doubt that New York offers some of the world’s best shopping, the sheer quantity of places to shop in Paris is tremendous.  It seemed that everywhere I turned, there was yet another boutique, specialty shop or high-end department store.  While I spent a good deal of time poking around le Marais and my own neighborhood of Montmartre; the rue Saint-Honoré as well as the left bank’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés, quickly became two of my favorite areas to shop.  I paid numerous visits to my favorite French labels, including Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Céline, Sandro and Maje, as well as countless vintage shops and concept stores.  Lucky for me, Paris’ citywide semi-annual sales were happening during my visit, and I made sure to take full advantage.  I also noticed that certain labels – most notably, Isabel Marant, were actually cheaper in Paris than New York!  Again, I did my best to, as the French say; “profite”.

[WEARING]

[Olive T-Shirt] TRUSSARDI [Woven Knit Maxi Skirt] MAJE [Patent & Cork Wedges] STELLA MCCARTNEY [Yellow Tortoise Sunglasses] BOTTEGA VENETA [Studded Belt] JCREW

Biz,

Natty