Isabelle in Paris: Part One

Paris is as energizing and beautiful as ever - one can sense that spring is not far in the budding trees, the women's outfits and the display windows. The daily cafe au lait and croissant breakfast is a great start to the day. For some reason one feels less guilty about it when savoured at the terrace of a Parisian cafe...

Some great finds - a new scarf designer from Belgium - silk and fine wool with chatoyant (coined from the French "œil de chat" meaning "cat's eye") colors.

Philippe Roucou bags are always elegant. (Rue Pigalle has just received our spring selects from Philippe's spring line, so do stop by for a look - they will be on the website soon.) Plexiglass jewelry from a little pixie of a designer straight out of London. The English government has been giving tremendous support to its young designers resulting in a fabulous stable of talents. If only we could get it right, too. We have so many undeveloped resources in our fashion industry.

Some pictures of spring flower installations and display windows, the pink hotels particuliers of Le Marais, the famous escalators of Le Bon Marche (the chic department store of the Rive Gauche) and the very delicious colors of the sucres d'orge - a small little stick of flavored sugar that brings back many childhood memories.

Ah! I almost forgot to tell you about my most precious discovery - a new designer called Margareth et Moi. They have a delightful little store off Rue St. Honore - the cuts, the fabrics, the details, the color combinations, the service were unbelievable. The spring collection is glamorous and practical - what more can one ask for? Visit them at 16 rue de la Sourdiere 75001.

Must go, much more to discover...a bientot les Coquettes,

~Isabelle