A SPEC-tacular affair

I had been searching for a pair of statement specs long before Lora bragged about the stylish selection in Paris and suggested that I hold off.

Fashionable optic boutiques are as frequent in Paris as the pharmacies, so reasearch had to be done in order to find something so special, that it was worth the wait.

Les Opticiens in Marais stocks distinctive hand picked international frames, and leaves out the mass marketed showy logo ones that seem quite the trend at OPSM.

It's also said, that the international jet set head to Les Opticiens to find just the right french touch. Some even funky enough for Lady Gaga.

My pick... A spectacular pair of square framed Mykita's (hand made in Berlin). Perfect in every way!

xx S

Smells like..... Paris.....

Paris' panache for evoking all the senses is unmistakable. But one sense that is peaked in paris is smell.... Croissants baking in a boulangerie, boutiques burning scented candles and of course the fragrant world of perfume houses like L'artisan Parfumeur.

Their Le Marais store at 34 rue des Francs Bourgeois is a must visit and the english speaking perfume experts there will help you pick the perfect scent for your style. 

I chose Bois Farine, a creation of the now nose of Hermes fragrances. It is sensually woody with notes of Iris, Sandlewood and Fennel Seed. After my first spritz... I kept smelling myself all day and saying mmmmm! What I like most about it is that the fragrances are unique and will be sure to have people stopping you in the street asking "what perfume are you wearing it's divine!"

if you can't make it to paris visit the L'artisan Parfumeur online store. 

xx L

Dress like a Parisian

Having Paris as our new playground for just five days, we haven't managed to see one single tourist attraction - unless you count Coco Chanel's flagship store at 31 Rue Cambon. The moment you wake up in Paris your senses are awakened like you are on speed, and your eyes are taken on a visual adventure. With a 35 hour work week, these Parisians might seem like they have more time to preen themselves in the morning, but I'm here to tell you, that the land of the free, the Parisians....they just get it!

I've been told by locals that the French prefer to wait for the sales of their beloved designers before they snap up their statement pieces.

Lora and I were fortunate enough to stumble across the hideaway of Tunisian born designer Azzedine Alaia's store which displayed last seasons pieces for less than half the original price. It was then that we discovered the special formula that makes Paris style so enviable. You will find it at 18 Rue de la Verrerie (enter via the courtyard).

For something that won't max the credit card, the Parisians have stores like Sandro and Maje which can fill every other need. Both of these French brands have a way of dipping into the current seasons trends and making them classic and timeless.

Coco Chanels flagship store, the mecca for Chanel lovers!

Lora in her Azzedine Alaia skirt, Sandro top and Chloe heels (not pictured)

 My guilt free purchase from Azzedeine Alaia. 
An effortless outfit from Sandro's current season lookbook

xx S