Paris part duex

the sights were amazing in paris (i especially loved these little tile monsters hidden on buildings all over).  however, shopping and dining were the highlight of our trip.  hidden outside the main streets, where zara and hm are home to, you can find unique jewelry, antiques and local designers' boutiques.  each disctrict has there own distinct shopping:


1. Louvre, Tulieries and Le Halles  (1st Arr)
      Versace, Hermes and YSL can be found in this area, along with other high end fashion designers.  dont miss the beautiful shopping boutiques along the jardin du palais royal, this was my favorite shopping spot in the 1st arr.  shops include linda farrah, marc jacobs and a dont miss boutique- didier ludot.  didier ludot has two vintage shops next to each other on the strip, one for all vintage "little black dresses" and another full of amazing vintage jewelry, coats and furs.  it was hard to pull away form the chanel necklaces and dior furs.

    

palais royal

didier ludot


Best Italian (if you want a change from French):
 Olio Pane Vino
after having way too much beef the night before we decided to try italian.  we were gracously greeted by the owner, an italian native.  he was warm and welcoming, i felt finally at home.  entrees on the blackboard change daily, depending on what their delivery of the day is.  we tried one of everything and not one dish disappointed.  

2.  The Marais (4th arr)

     eclectic and unique jewlery can be found here. marais is very laid back and has a hipster vibe to it.  one of the best areas to find great places to dine at night or have lunch and people watch.  

Best Steak Frite: 
Le Relais de l'Entrecote

  only a two minute wait and we were seated in a cute intimate table in the corner.  no menus, but we were asked how we liked out steak cooked which was written on our table.  before we knew it we were being served steak in an amazing sauce and frites on the side.  while we were all finishing our meals and chatting about our first day, we see our waitress bring over a second serving of our delicious steak and frite.  tres magnifique! they need to open one of these in ny!

3.  St. Germain (6th arr)
     my favorite part of paris would have to be st germain.  we ended up here every day just to walk around and see what we could find.  up and coming designers rent out shops in the area to keep their costs down, but everyone else's curiosity up.  this area is known for its bohemian feel and the streets are small and windy which gives it more of an intimate feel.   two famous places to go and dine or have drinks are le duex magots and brasserie lipp.

Best Macaroon:

Laduree

we went here everyday, along with visiting their main store in champs- elysees.  by far the best macaroon that you will ever put in your mouth, i highly recommend coming here.  if you can make it to paris, they opened a store on the upper east side in nyc!  my favorite was the rose water and even brought home the rose water marshmellows.  i cant say enough about these sweet treats.

laduree st germain

4. St Ouen Flea Market in Porte de Clignancourt 

the most anticipated part of our trip was this flea market.  we read up on it and were ready to spend some serious euros on vintage chanel and louis.  after taking the metro to clignancourt we went on a hunt for the biggest flea market in paris, with over 2000 stalls.  after going through hundreds of fake nike and rhianna t-shirt selling stalls we stumbled upon a side road with antique furniture.  if i could redecorate and ship every piece i found back to ny without it costing an arm and a leg, i wouldn't hesitate.  its a furniture shoppers paradise.  after browsing through old mirrors and varnished silverware, we stumbled upon chanel scarves, hermes ties and vintage louis luggage.  it was parisian heaven.  we struck up a deal with one vendor to buy a chanel necklace and louis duffel package.  its key to talk these people down, because they will break sooner or later.  

until we meet again paris....