Back in Paris?!

I took a mini-break this past weekend and jetted over to Paris for 3 days.  3 dinners, 3 lunches, 3 days to shop.  Oh wait, one of the days was Sunday, and other than in the Marais, there is no shopping to be done on Sundays.  Oh, and I was on a get-away with my dear husband, who didn't want to rabidly shop.  Not shocking.

How did I get any shopping done?!?  I consolidated the brands I wanted to look at (Massimo Dutti, Comptoir des Cotonniers, COS, Vanessa Bruno, Eric Bompard, Malene Birger) and figured that if I went straight to Galeries Lafayette, I could probably knock out a bunch of shopping in one place!  Brilliant! 

My tired husband and I arrived in Paris center on Friday morning around 9:30am, and headed straight to Galeries Lafayette after breakfast.  I was on the hunt for a couple of things and doing a little research as well.

With my research hat on, I wanted to visit Massimo Dutti, which is part of Zara's parent company.  I had seen an ad of theirs in Vogue, and liked the coat I saw so much that I started to check their stuff out online.  Price point was great, and I was really excited to see the store-in-store at Galeries Lafayette.

Unfortunately, in person, the clothing wasn't as fabulous.  It was the fabric (itchy) more than the cut of the clothing.  Maybe that's something to watch for in the future!  I'll stay tuned.

Then I put my errand hat on and raced over to the Eric Bompard section.  Yes, I love their cashmere, and this fall, I had been looking for a long, self-belted, black cardigan.  After more-than-a-little online research, I thought that the Kimono sweater was the one for me.  And sure enough, it was! (Please ignore the post-overnight-flight-room's-not-ready-ponytail.)

Image from eric-bompard.com.

Fitted sleeves, fitted at waist, and actually had an inside tie to keep the tucked flap of the sweater from shifting.  Dear husband made a face when I told him this was an investment piece, which it is.  I hope to wear it for years to come.  I had to continue my hunting there as Lisa wanted to expand her Eric Bompard v-neck sweater options; I picked up a light gray classic v-neck for her as well.

Image from eric-bompard.com.

After pawing a leopard coat in the Malene Birger section (didn't fit; was too boxy) and being disappointed with the fall lines of Comptoir and COS, I figured dear husband was running out of steam and patience, and a lunch break was needed.  I hated to leave Galeries Lafayette - the building is something else.

Over the next two days, I had some fun stops in random stores that yielded some good stuff.  While dear husband and I explored the Canal St. Martin area (beautiful!)...

... I wandered into an Antoine et Lili store.  Kind of whimsical for adults (there is a home and a kids line too), but I fell in love immediately with this cheap and cheerful, 28 Euro, silk scarf.  Totally useful!

Image from antonieetlili.com.

And later on Saturday, I found myself on rue St. Sulpice in the Vanessa Bruno store, fawning over their bags.  Again.  But for fall, they are SUEDE.  And I am a sucker for suede.  So I picked up a gray one of these. (The one on the very bottom is gray.)

Finally, I did a quick City Pharma run for Lisa's Nuxe lotion and yes, more Bioderma.  

OK, maybe I am a horder.  

I'm not sure when I might get back to Paris.  I kind of knew this weekend might come together this past summer, so I was definitely looking forward to it.  Going forward, who knows?!  Until then, I'll cozy up in my sweater(s) and scarves and every now and then, look at this photo from my run on Monday morning...

...or our walk through Luxembourg Gardens on Saturday afternoon.

À toute à l'heure! ~ JH

Unless noted otherwise, all images from Jennifer Houston.

Paris 2013 - What we bought.

Finally - almost 2 months late, but we really wanted to wrap up our Paris trip and show you what we got!  Don't get TOO excited.  Our shopping endeavors were not as successful as prior trips.  Still, we did have to each check an extra bag on the plane back home.  Just saying.  So what DID we pick up?

I finally bit the bullet and bought one of Vanessa Bruno's iconic tote bags.  Very L.L. Bean looking, but updated with sequin trim.  Mine is the canvas color below, but the sequins are silver.  Love it.  Great summer bag.  Oh, and guess what?!  Lisa got one too!

Image from farfetch.com.

I picked up this top at Comptoir des Cotonniers because I thought it would be a great transition top over skinny, cropped black pants and heels.  And yes, it looks great over that.  Love the grosgrain ribbon details.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Speaking of Comptoir, Lisa picked up 2 dresses there that she thought would be useful for work yet fun.  What do you think?  The print dress is a no-brainer, while the white one was a lovely surprise.

Images from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

On day ONE, I HAD to swing by Eric Bompard to pick up another classic cashmere v-neck sweater.  This time, I chose a light, heather grey; if I wear it as much as I wear my navy and camel ones, it will be worth every penny.  I wear these to death in the transition seasons, with a tank top under and a scarf wrapped around my neck, over cords or jeans. I like to think of them as part of a 'uniform' that's easy to throw on and go.  But it's the quality of these sweaters that gives a polished look.  I will, in the future, try to pick one up each time I'm there.

Image from eric-bompard.com.

Onto shoes.  I'm having shopper's remorse on one item that I purchased in lieu of another that I REALLY wanted.  First, what I wanted.  I was in Printemps with Lisa and spied these gorgeous strappy heels by Francois Najar.  Hard to tell in the photo (that I took in the shoe department), but they are a shiny navy leather with a 'tortoise shell' detailed heel.  I can't even look at them right now because I love them so.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

It was our FIRST stop of the day, and I thought, well, they are REALLY expensive, so I'll come back if I love them.  The day went on, as did the week, and I kept thinking about these shoes.  On my last day in Paris, I found these shoes, the ones I eventually purchased, in Tara Jarmon.  

Images from Jennifer Houston.

Tara Jarmon is a Canadian-born, French designer who makes LOVELY clothing, shoes, and accessories.  Kate Middleton has been seen wearing her clothing.  (Lisa bought a beautiful knit sweater by Tara Jarmon, but we cannot find a picture of it anywhere for your viewing.)

Anyway, the shoes are similar in that they have this shiny but matte navy blue leather (a new trend?!), are heeled, and are strappy.  And these were many Euros less in price.  MANY.  Since it was the last afternoon and I was in the 6th arrondissement and Printemps is all the way up in the 9th, I decided that these would do.  WRONG!  Although I have worn them and do like them, they don't hold a candle to the Francois Najar heels.  Sigh...

Back to what we have versus what we should have had!  Lisa and I both hit the pharmacies HARD.  Lisa is hardcore and will set aside hours to wander through City Pharma on rue du Four.  From Lisa:

"I'm a lotion junkie and this Caudalie hand and nail cream is my latest addition.  The smell is divine and it disappears without leaving a greasy feel on hands.  J.Crew is selling this cream in store now so I know where to go when I run out.

Image from amazon.com.

I get up early everyday and this Rene Furterer Dry Shampoo saves me from washing when I just don't feel like it or have the time.  Just spray on hair, rub lightly with a towel and voila!  No more stringy hair!  Look at these ingredients...rice and corn starch powders to absorb oil and impurities, clay and silica powders also to absorb oil and impurities, colored iron oxides which add color to powder for invisibility, and essential oils of caraway, basil and peppermint which clean and balance your hair.  Plus, it smells super with extracts of basil, mint, blackcurrant.

Image from amazon.com.

I also stocked up on Klorane Dry Shampoo just for something different.

Image from amazon.com.

Nuxe makes the most amazing products with incredible scents.  I tried this rose body lotion last time in Paris.  Now whenever I wear it I feel transported back to the city. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is legendary.  This dry oil, with a unique super-activated formula combining 30% precious plant oils and vitamin E, helps nourish, repair and soften face, body and hair in a single spray."

Images from amazon.com.

If you think that Lisa's the only junkie, take a seat.  I too love the pharmacies in Paris, and my absolutely favorite product is hard to find in the U.S. and a fortune on Amazon.com.  Bioderma Crealine H2O is the BEST makeup remover I've ever used.  Gentle and thorough at the same time.  Gets EVERYTHING off your face, including eye makeup, gently.  

Image from amazon.com.

I found this product on Gwyneth Paltrow's list of favorite Parisian pharmacy items.  Not a Gwyneth fan, but fan of her product choices!  I've used it for years and get frustrated at the lack of supply.  And the prices.  Price on Amazon.com for a 500ml bottle?  Over $30.  Price in Paris?  On sale at City Pharma for 7 Euros.  Done and done.  And the baby 'travel size' that I paid, gulp, $18 for online?  On sale for 2.50 Euros.  I couldn't stop grabbing bottles.  As a result, my linen closet looks like I'm a Bioderma horder.  

Image by Jennifer Houston.

Don't judge.

Other than the requisite wine and chocolates (don't get Lisa started!), I think that wraps up our shopping adventures in Paris.  Phew. ~ LB & JH

Paris 2013 - What we saw.

And, back to report on our trips to Paris in April.  This is a quick list of what we saw, so keep your eyes out for these items and trends in the near future. 

Cobalt pants

Even my husband noticed.  Quote: "Is the new uniform blue pants and a white top?"  Everywhere.  With ballet flats.  With white t-shirt. A uniform.  Except, unlike this pic, they always had a scarf around their necks.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

T-A-S-S-E-L-S 

On purses, on shoes, on zippers.  Anything that could have a tassel did.  And you KNOW how we love our tassels!

Images from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Skinny Jeans

Rolled up, cropped, yet all SKINNY jeans.  SKINNY and possibly damaging to one's blood circulation.  It was a little weird not being able to tell apart an American from Parisian from sight alone.  Honestly, we missed the elegant French.  

Love of Everything Brazilian

This took us by surprise.  Bon Marche (the Mecca) had an entire Brazilian theme going on...lots of bright colors.  Different Brazilian designers and products were scattered all over the store with special displays and the Parisians were eating it up.  Lisa said there was a jewelry counter in Bon Marche FULL of Brazilian bracelets that was PACKED by French women when she was there alone one day.  Get your Havaianas out because they were, no joke, selling for 26 to 55 Euros in Bon Marche.  Honestly, I think with the Olympics in Rio in 2016, we are going to see A LOT of Brazilian influence in style, so keep your eye out and an open mind! 

Images from lebonmarche.com.

Flat Booties

Mon dieu!  But it's spring.  Time to swap out for sandals or at least ballet flats.  Short, below the ankle and flat.  Worn with impossibly skinny jeans (see above). I will definitely be getting a pair of these for fall. 

Image from mytheresa.com.

Car Coat

Sure, there was the requisite trench but also lots of other great mid thigh looks that were chic.  Lightweight fabrics, leathers, and suedes too.  Jen and I were petting this lovely one at Gerard Darel.  Purrr.

Image from gerarddarel.com.

That's the overview - stay tuned for what we actually bought! ~ LB & JH

Liquid Love

Fashion inspiration can come from the most unexpected of places.  This time, it was from my 10 year-old, t-shirt and yoga-pant-wearing daughter on her birthday trip with me to NYC and a walk past Uniqlo.  If you've never been in a Uniqlo, that will change over the next 3 years as the Japanese retailer makes a push on-line and into the 'burbs.  The store is super big and super fun, with cool basics arranged by color and a staircase that lights up when you walk on it.  She set her sights on the wall of down jackets, all liquid and glossy, in a virtual rainbow of color choices, like all of their offerings.

Image from backseatstylers.com.

The Uniqlo jacket is lightweight and warm, and folds up into it's own cute little sack to the size of a small loaf of brioche.  All for $69.90!  After seeing Grace wearing it in purple - and throwing it on once when I ran out to groceries -  I was disappointed that I didn't get one for myself.  (Note: Jen has one from last season, not quite as 'liquid' as this season's offerings.  And, she loves it!)

Image from uniqlo.com.

Well just a few days ago, Uniqlo opened its online store!  Two days later, my new black coat arrived, looking slick and warm,  perfect for fall days in New England.

Image from uniqlo.com.

I personally feel you don't need to look any farther than Uniqlo.  Heck, I got a navy one for my husband.  He travels down south quite a bit - he can be warm in Boston and then easily stow it when he arrives.  Here are some of my favorites this season:

It was Patagonia that started the trend a few years ago with it's down sweater.  The company has got a whole line in all lengths and weights now, but I like the cranberry and black in these two styles the best. 

Images from patagonia.com.

For a higher end look, Uniqlo did a special collab with sister company Comptoir des cotonniers.  Gorgeous paired with here with the green dress.  And, sold out completely.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Burberry doesn't disappoint with this lovely puffer.  Can't you just see it with jeans or legging and boots for date night?

Image from bloomingdales.com.

Check out Zara's glossy puffer.

Image from zara.com.

Moncler can do no wrong and this stunner in oxblood (yes, I'm still obsessed) is city chic paired with black leggings and booties.  I could see transitioning it to jeans or a cute dress and still looking fabulous.

Image from barneys.com.

If you don't have a lightweight puffer in the closet for winter, you don't know what you're missing.  The glossy finish is fresh and breathes new life into this age old wardrobe staple. ~ LB

...it's Fall 2012: Booties

Ladies, time to get your bootie on!  Last fall, I obsessed about an ankle boot (or 'bootie') I saw online at my favorite French boutique, Comptoir des Cotonniers.  These are the booties that started it all for me.

Image from pinterest.com.

Lisa and I traveled to NYC in October 2011 on a shopping trip, and visited the 2 Comptoir boutiques that existed in the U.S. at the time (one in Soho and one on the Upper West Side) to see if I could find them.  Both stores were out of my size.  And then I remembered that Bloomingdales in NYC has a store-in-store for Comptoir.  We went, and I purchased the LAST pair of size 39s in the U.S..  

I'm SOOOOO glad I bought them.  I wore them with everything from slim bootcut jeans to cropped pants, almost everyday.  These booties inspired 2 more bootie purchases last year too - a grey, weather-proof suede pair and a dressier, rag & bone black bootie (below) that I wore with pants as well as with opaque tights and dresses.  (Full disclosure:  Lisa spotted these rag & bone ones first, and I couldn't resist copying her.)

Image from pinterest.com.

This year, booties are EVERYWHERE for this fall and if you've visited Lisa's Fall 2012 Pinterest page, you can see how obsessed she is too.  Believe me, booties are such a fun change from ballet flats and knee-high boots in the winter.  

For everyday booties, I like a stacked heel with height coming in around 2 1/2 to 3 inches maximum.  One of the classics out there is by rag & bone; their 'Newbury' bootie that comes in 4-5 colors, both in suede or rugged leather, and is ridiculously comfortable.  

Image from rag-bone.com.

If you are not comfortable with the price-tag or heel height that accompanies them, brands like DV by Dolce Vita have great booties too.   The 'Nuri' and 'Java' booties are really attractive, even more so since they are both under $130 a pair.

Images from nordstrom.com.

I've seen more 'everyday' - thicker heel, casually styled - booties this fall than I've ever seen.  If an everyday bootie fits your lifestyle, consider a tan or light brown suede.  They work well with jeans as well as black, tan, and navy colors.

And you ask: "How do I wear them?".  Casual booties can be worn with jeans, pants, and more casual dresses.  Calypso St. Barth shows this boot styled several different ways...

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

...with skinny jeans rolled to the tops of the booties...

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

...or with a casual dress and bare legs (a great transition look into fall).

Image from calypsostbarth.com.

Even paired over a pant, cuffed or cropped, booties give an outfit (that probably already in your closet) an updated look.  Below, this plain top, belted into a slightly cropped pant looks a more polished with the booties than with a pair of flats, doesn't it?  

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

For dressier occasions, go with a smooth leather bootie with a higher, thinner heel.  Basically, a closed pump.  Pair them with dress pants, a dress, or pencil skirt.  So nice to have a change from the standard pump, and a bit warmer in colder temperatures.  This Corso Como bootie is an inexpensive, great way to enter the bootie market, at Bloomingdale's for $169.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

This bootie is one of the few I've seen with a mid-heel.  By Pour la Victoire, it's also a great start for trying out the dressier bootie look.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

And as for how to where them?  Check out these looks for inspiration.  You can add stockings or tights as the season changes.  

Images from net-a-porter.com.

There are TOO many booties out there to post one picture at a time.  So I went to trusty Polyvore and created a set, showcasing some of the best choices for everyday and dressier booties.  Whatever you do, just try some pairs on the next time you are in the shoe department.  Enjoy the ode-to-booties below! ~ JH

W2WW: Booties by jenhma

Jean-Michel Cazabat high heel boots
piperlime.gap.com

Rag & bone black boots
ssense.com

J.Crew high heel boots
jcrew.com

Christian louboutin boots
bergdorfgoodman.com

Rag & bone studded boots
intermixonline.com

Diba boots
dsw.com

KORS Michael Kors western boots
nordstrom.com

Sam edelman boots
nordstrom.com

Stuart Weitzman western boots
bloomingdales.com

Rachel Roy leather boots
nordstrom.com

Jean-Michel Cazabat high heel boots
saksfifthavenue.com

Cole Haan leather boots
saksfifthavenue.com

La Canadienne platform boots
endless.com

Stuart weitzman boots
stuartweitzman.com

Banana Republic stacked heel
bananarepublic.gap.com

Cole Haan high heel boots
endless.com

Sam edelman boots
endless.com