I confess. I can’t decide which category to put these in: cute, curious, clever or capable? Ten interesting items I’ve stumbled across in Paris…what do you think? Baby sunglass and dummy combo – ’nuff said
Cane toad coin purses and necklets – elegant use of a pesky critter’s coat
Chicken wire lace fences – bog standard fence be gone! Flams – a skinny tostada that thinks it’s a Pizza that thinks it tastes great and it does
Grape drape – makes grapes look super lush
Herb storage tower – love these!
Pig face pies – or is it a teddy?
Ribbon Giraffes – coats made entirely of grosgrain ribbon
Seven days exploring Paris means regular coffee stops which means I’m ricocheting off walls, or should I say boutiques which means my credit card is moaning, but not as loudly as my feet which means I’ve done some serious legwork, 63k in fact which means I need new shoes. Shame! ‘Cos there are some seriously funky boots out there. But I digress…it’s the Passages I’m here to report on today and I have found another. Well it wasn’t actually lost in the first place, but I was. And in a good way for that’s how I stumbled upon Galerie Vivienne.
Beautifully preserved architecture, delicate mosaics and exquisite detail housing seriously cool, chic and tres expensive shops including Jean-Paul Gaultier’s flagship boutique; Wolff & Descourtis a fabulous fabric store and my little favorite L’Aparte specializing in paper butterfly’s and flowers. As well, Les Caves Legrand believed to be one of the best wine shops in town, several lush restaurants and A Priori Thé an elegant little rendezvous for afternoon tea.
Naturally a spot to rest the feet, quench the thirst and observe the scenery; and you know what? It’s often the smallest observations that bring the greatest pleasure. As I sipped my coffee I noticed an elderly woman sitting outside her store discreetly sketching the patrons opposite as they sipped theirs. Her companion, an enormous shaggy cat sprawled across the entire stoop. Both were wearing deeply satisfied smiles. Seems I wasn’t the only ‘observer’ that day. I like that.
Uh! oh! I have an addiction. Correction. Another addiction (yes, yes there’s that wine one, and the chocolate one, and the…oh shut up!). This one’s to do with Passages. Parisian ones.
Determined to report in on the lesser known experiences Paris has to offer, suffice to say I was absolutely thrilled to find these hidden gems. This particular one reminded me of the fabulous Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. The Passage du Grand Cerf, again full of delightful surprises (see previous post ‘Loving Parisian Passages’) absolutely enchanted…
Restored to its former glory a few years ago and off the usual tourist track which means it wasn’t crowded, rarely is they say despite the myriad of tempting shops within. Gorgeous Florist Marie Stark, contemporary jeweler Eric et Lydie (apparently originally discovered by Christian Lacroix) and more with très intriguing display props. Particularly enamored with a cocktail umbrella wreath (may press that idea into action for Xmas, accompanied by a steady stream of actual cocktails).
Home wares store La Corbeille for unusual finds including storm umbrellas and Pour Vos Beaux Yeux for vintage eyewear. Loved L’Illustre for cute and clever prints and right next door to a store full of gorgeous silks and wool and a dear little vintage pram housing bolts of fabric. As’art for cool African goodies and the particularly eclectic Richshaw full of twee antique pieces, from delicate door knobs and bicarb lamps to ancient decorative tins and classic comics.
The bonus? Stepped out and onto the cutest pedestrian only rue Saint-Denis bursting with bars, Frommagerie, Boulangerie, Chocolatiers and a batch of uber coolly dressed Mums picking up tiny, chattering tots from the local crèche sporting complete ‘Tartine et Chocolat boutique’ ensembles. Almost made me want one…a wine that is.
Also found an Escargot restaurant. It’s on my list for dining experiences as I’m positive I can manage those ‘slippery little suckers’ without taking an eye out.
Baby sunglass and dummy combo – ’nuff said
Cane toad coin purses and necklets – elegant use of a pesky critter’s coat
Chicken wire lace fences – bog standard fence be gone! 
Flams – a skinny tostada that thinks it’s a Pizza that thinks it tastes great and it does
Grape drape – makes grapes look super lush
Herb storage tower – love these!
Pig face pies – or is it a teddy?
Ribbon Giraffes – coats made entirely of grosgrain ribbon
Storm umbrella – need a storm to test
Wing wearing Monkey – well why not?
st wine shops in town, several lush restaurants and A Priori Thé an elegant little rendezvous for afternoon tea.
