funky and artistic parisian valentines day gifts

February 7, 2010

Well, I’m still putting together my Parisian Valentine’s Day Gift Wish List.  I know I’m going to have to hand it over to My French Guy really soon if I plan on getting anything at all,  but with all of the choices in Paris, it really is hard to narrow it down.  Earlier in the week I was inspired by Avenue Montaigne and the couture boutiques in Le Triangle D’Or, and posted some of my favorite luxury Valentine’s Day gift items. This weekend I was hanging out with friends who live near Rue Oberkampf in the 11th Arrondissement and was inspired to put together a wish list based around this eclectic, artistic, funkier part of Paris. Take a look:
paris valentine's day, rue oberkampf inspiration

eclectic, artistic and funky parisian valentine's day gifts

Paris 2CV pillow by Graine d’Interieur, Rouge Baiser telephone by Bathroom Graffitti, Recuperated tin lantern, by Nature et Decouvertes Doggy Queen wall art, by Teo Jasmin, Keith Haring Chocolates, by Ligne Blanche, Heart photo collage frame by Maisons du Monde, Red kitchen clock, by Maisons du Monde, Aimer natural notepad set, by Thé des Ecrivains, PLAY high-tops, by Comme des Garçons for Converse, Home fragrance diffuser by Resonances, Magnetic Love Notes box, by La Plume de Louise, Baby Olive Tree by Cadeaux.com

luxury parisian valentines day gifts

February 3, 2010

One of the (many) perks of shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts in Paris is the sheer magnitude of options. All year long, in nearly every corner of every arrondissement, you’ll find little shops selling romantic goodies for les amoureux de Paris.  So, whether you want to go “High” or “Low”, there’s something for every style and budget, if you just know where to look.  I’ve put together a few shopping guides to help you sort through all of the V-Day loveliness. I was inspired by the sparkle of the Avenue Montaigne for this first one, with a bit of Saint-Honoré and Place Vendôme thrown in for good measure.  So without further ado, here are a few luxury gift ideas for your Parisian Valentine’s Day Wish List:

luxury parisian valentine's day gifts
luxury parisian valentine’s day gifts

An assortment of his-n-hers valentine goodies, from Colette. Sequined, heart-shaped keychain/change purse by Miu-Miu. Silver with red Swarovski Crystal ring by Alexander McQueen.  “Lady Claude” pumps by Christian Louboutin. Rose gold and diamond B pendant by Boucheron. Valentine Macarons by Pierre Hermé. Crystal and Diamond Dust “B in Love” pendant by Baccarat. Red matelassé wallet with heart charms, by Chanel. Metal and resin heart earrings by Chanel. Limited edition red Leica camera. Valentine’s dinner cruise on the Yachts de Paris. Mini heart pendant in crystal, by Baccarat.

swarovski little black dress couture event in paris

January 30, 2010

Nothing says “chic Parisian party” like the LBD- the Little Black Dress, and no one knows that better than Crystallized Swarovski Elements, who has teamed with 22 of today’s leading fashion pioneers in a new traveling exhibit which premiered here in Paris this past week. The designers were asked to reinvent the little black dress using Swarovski crystals, and the results are nothing less than spectacular. From the all-over-beaded mini-dress by Alexis Mabille to Valentino’s silk shift with it’s Crystal Yarn webbed collar, the “Ways to Say Black” exhibit not only pays a sparkling tribute to the perennial staple of every party girl’s wardrobe, it also will pay tribute to a good cause. The collection of dresses will be sold at auction in New York this September, and all proceeds from both the sale and the hard-bound coffee table book of the show will go to the American Cancer Society and La Ligue contre le Cancer. I had an opportunity to view the exhibit at the Hotel Pozzo di Borgo (Karl Lagerfeld’s former digs) in the 7th arrondissement earlier this week. Here are a few of my favorite souvenirs:

hotel pozzo di borgo, paris

hotel pozzo di borgo, paris

crystallized "way to say black" paris, france

crystallized "way to say black" paris, france

gianfranco ferre, swarovski little black dress

gianfranco ferre, swarovski little black dress

missoni & fendi, LBD paris

missoni & fendi, LBD paris

alexis mabille, little black dress, paris

alexis mabille, little black dress, paris

valentino, crystallized swarovski elements, paris

valentino, crystallized swarovski elements, paris

alberta ferretti, little black dress, paris

alberta ferretti, little black dress, paris

swarovski crystallized LBD, paris

swarovski crystallized LBD, paris