Shopping in Paris Part 2

My friend, lauraloo reminded me to visit the Hermes store at St Germain des Pres. I'm glad I did because the interior of the store is a work of art. I barely paid attention to bags or scarves on display. There's a floral store as you enter and a cafe on the first floor. The store is spacious and rather quiet compared to their flagship boutique at rue Faubourg St Honore which felt like a market. In fact, I wasn't overly impressed with the latter store. It was crowded and hot. Given that I arrived  an hour before closing time, I will make a little concession for the poor customer service. The three weary and disinterested sales associates I had the misfortune to deal with had spent better part of the day saying no to every customer's request. Before I even finished my sentence which was if they could show me a few examples of messenger style bags, they'd already said no. One tried to avoid eye contact so she didn't have to serve any customers.






Hermes
16 Rue Grenelle
75007 Paris, France

+33 1 53 63 02 19

 Metro: Sevres-Babylone or St Sulpice






We were wandering around the Republique area near our apartment when hubby spotted a store with the words New Zealand on it. The poor guy has been missing home so much that anything that has a minute connection to the country makes him want to break into a song. Before I even blinked, he'd  already dashed into the store despite knowing they only sell women's clothing. Catherine is the owner of Koko boutique that stocks only New Zealand designer labels such as Trelise Cooper, Kate Sylvester and my personal favorite, Karen Walker. Every visitor is invited to autograph her wall.

Koko
75 rue Charlot
75003 Paris
metro: Republique, Temple, Filles du Calvaire
opening hours : monday 3pm – 7.30pm and tuesday to sunday 11.30am to 7.30pm
tel : 06.45.43.05.81
email : Catherine McMahon






One of my favorite shops in Paris would have to be Fragonard, a perfumery that sells a menagerie of  products which include toiletries, printed tunics, souvenirs and scarves. Their merchandise is very affordable with beautiful shawls priced at a mere 40€.  There is so much to see at the store and plenty of perfumes to try out. I must warn you though, walking into their store is an unforgettable olfactory experience.

 Fragonard Boutique

196 bd St Germain
75007 PARIS
FRANCE
Tél: +33 (0) 1 42 84 12 12
Metro: St Germain des Pres or Rue du Bac

St James Breton tops are quintessentially French. In fact, I would say these famous nautical striped tops and sweaters are not only part of their daily uniform, they've permeated into every fashionista's wardrobe all around the world.

BOUTIQUE SAINT JAMES PARIS

 66 rue de Rennes, 75006 PARIS

Tel. (33) 1 53 63 09 82
e-mail : boutique.paris-rennes@saint-james.fr  

Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00

Métro: St-Sulpice

I've only just "discovered" Cotelac but boy, did I fall in love in a swoop. Their clothes are beautiful beyond words. They'vre very typical of French fashion where they're able to combine both classic designs into something really edgy and very wearable. Prices aren't cheap with dresses ranging from 185€ upwards. Cotelac has a few stores in the US and even as far as Taiwan but unfortunately, none in the UK.

Cotélac
30 rue St Sulpice
75006 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 88 09 13
Métro: St-Sulpice

Any concessionary store or Celine stockists in Paris must've received a big shipment of Celine Luggage totes when we were there. There was a gamut of choices in terms of color and the different styles of the Luggage totes. The medium sized totes were 1220€ which I think is value for money. I had a chance to examine the bags inside out. The leather is divine and one can't fault the impeccable workmanship.






Hubby has been dying to visit Charvet, THE ultimate shirtmaker based at Place Vendome. The Rolls Royce of all cars. Hermes Birkins..... okay, you get the idea. This is THE shirtmaker for the French presidents, political leaders, celebrities and so forth. In fact, Naomi Campbell custom orders men's pyjamas for herself. We were lucky to meet Xavier, a kind and personable gentleman who took us around the store despite knowing that no, we won't be walking out of the store with a 550€ shirt. It was an eye opening experience indeed. There were well over 5000 different fabrics, 15 different collars and God knows how many choices of cuffs one can choose from. Xavier had just returned from Sydney, Australia after 22 years there. It was a revelation talking to someone with similar experiences of juggling between two different continents half a world away. I strongly urge you to visit Charvet if you have a chance and do ask for Xavier.





Charvet

28 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris, France  
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 60 30 70

Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm

Subway: Pyramides

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in France....... wear French clothes. Little L's daily outfits are from Petit Bateau and Catimini, two popular childrenswear labels in France.