Tag Archive for 'paris shopping'

real french wedding favors that don’t suck

March 3, 2010

If you’ve been reading this blog for any time now, you know that I can get a little bent out of shape over the general state of wedding favors in France.  In general, they’ve always seemed a bit, well, cheesy compared to the favors coming out of the States or the UK.  It, of course, goes back to tradition- the traditional French favors are dragées- candy coated almonds.  So most French cadeaux d’invités are just dragée holders, i.e. little tulle bags or wicker baskets tied with satin bows. Over the years, I’ve posted a bevvy of resources for non-traditional French or Paris-themed wedding favors that can be found in different boutiques around Paris - everything from delicate silver tea scoops from Mariage Frères to luxurious hand-made fans from Olivia Oberlin. Recently though, I’ve been excited to see a wave of French companies crop up that offer unique, creative and stylish wedding favors-  all under one “roof”.  For instance, I’m LOVING these fun favors from Ca Change Des Dragées (which basically means “something different than dragees”- hallelujah!). Email them a 7 second video of you and your petit chou-chou smooching on the Eiffel Tower or tangoing down the aisle, and they’ll turn the clip into a mini flipbook!  What a cute way to announce a Parisian elopement or thank your wedding party or special guests, right?  Check out these and other fresh French wedding favors that don’t suck at www.cachangedesdragees.com

french wedding favor, flipbook

french wedding favor, flipbook

eau de vie, french wedding favor

eau de vie, french wedding favor

french wedding favor, flowering tea

french wedding favor, flowering tea

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.