Meli melo of news -

No better way to start the day than with a street market - whether you are looking for bread, fish, leather good, roast chickens or tea towels, it's all on offer!

"A Paris Walking Guide" 20 strolls through the streets, courtyards and gardens of Paris - http://www.parigramme.com/Collections/Guides/Guides-illustres/A-Paris-Walking-Guide.htm
a tresure trove of addresses and hidden spots that you will never find on your own.
When you visit La Butte aux Cailles, a village in the heart of the 13th arrondissement, be sure to stop by Paris-Mythique Shop and have dinner at Le Temps des Cerises. There is an abundance of bistros, restaurants, quaint bakeries and other stores from another era.

The tattoo has evolved from an act rebellion to an act of beautification of our body - a way to reveal one's true personality. But it is also a way to remember important life moments, experiences, emotions - we have come to expect it on Lady Gaga, David Beckham and the likes - but Catherine Deneuve and Samantha Cameron? that's more surprising.



Another busy day at the shows. Caught up with Lili Pix of the raw silk infinity loops as well as Mariana and Isabelle, the mother-daughter team behind Les Petites Echarpes.

 

Nicoletta Cei and Philippe Roucou - designers of the day

The tradeshows are one giant warehouse with hundreds of designers exhibiting every kind of jewelery, accessories and clothing one can think of - not easy to find the gems amongst them. But...
Nicoletta Cei and Philippe Roucou always stand out.
Nicoletta is experimenting with glass, fabric and lace cut silver in her new collection - more more parred down and stunning than ever - she is wearing a necklace of glass disks, wood elements and onyx

 Philippe Roucou has expanded his "Objets  Trouves" collection of scarves with larger pieces and deeper, richer colors. The photos still surprise but the worn effect is magical

Les bonnes adresses a Paris

My first visit was to Stephanie Cesaire - meet the designer of THE Cesaire bags (just in at  Rue Pigalle).
Soft spoken and diminutive, Stephanie reveals her passion and energy as soon as she starts talking about her bags, makes you touch the softness of the leather, explains the intricacies of the stitching, the polish of the hardware - I even had a peek at the spring collection - so exciting.

Then off to Irene van Ryb's new boutique Rue Croix des Petits Champs - her collections are elegant, simple  with that interesting detail to keep it young and fresh -  her prices are well within our range. http://www.irenevanryb.com/

Le Palais Royal is one of my favourite quartier in Paris - this small havre near the Banque de France, hidden behind high walls reveals itself in its grandeur after you walk through small inconspicuous arches: the beauty of the buildings, the peaceful gardens and the ecletic choice of boutiques surprise and delight at every visit.

    I always visit Gabrielle Geppert - the Queen of immaculate, high end, haute couture vintage - no way we will resist that little chanel bag, Hermes belt or YSL heels. Just walking in her immaculate white boutique you already feel luxurious - Gabrielle also has her own line of handbags and sunglasses - everything is Made in France and has that je ne sais quoi that makes you want it immediately (could not resist the sunglasses myself - walked out the boutique with a pair on my nose and walking an inch taller - that's how fab they are). For the vintage you'll have to visit her but for an instant gratification fix her collection is on line - http://www.gabriellegeppert.com/ 31 & 34 Galerie Montpensier, Jardins du Palais Royal -

To savour the moment relax at one of the bistro terraces in the Jardins or just sit by the fountain and savour the oh so very french art of watching people go by - alternatively engage in a conversation with the locals -