WHAT I BOUGHT: PARIS
One of the benefits of biking around Paris besides health, is you can easily pop into every shop that tempts you.
For Paris has a proliferation of shops that are specific and purposeful around all of life’s little pleasures and details. Whereas Manhattan’s sidewalks seemed so often to be crammed with only big brand banks, drugstores and nail salons these days, in Paris, dozens of small businesses owned, deeply personal places seem to thrive:
Case in point:
A workshop-boutique offering made-to-measure hats, where you can create your own right down to the feather! Here’s what I made and then stupidly left on the plane in the carry on. Still heartbroken about this so wear yours with pride on your head and keep it there for the plane ride home!
This store (or “universe” as they aptly call it) is as groovy as it is quirky. From Swedish furniture to vintage sunglasses, the varied choices are highly selected and displayed. As their super cool owner Rozemarijn de Witte declares: "Follow your instincts, dare to be different and bold in your choices.” Need I say more?
I even tried on a crazy amazing coat which I didn’t buy and sort of regret:
Stacey and I always stop here, at our dear friend Eric’s pottery boutique. Every ware here has been lovingly and meticulously resourced by him from seasoned solo artists and artisans all around France.
And if you want to see Eric’s gem of an apartment, we filmed there! You won’t want to miss this Quintessence visit: it’s as edited and delightful as he is...
Go for the colorful cashmere but stay for the festive company. Owner and former model Linda Wright makes her global clientele look beautiful and feel at right home, with her flair for how to drape sweaters, scarves effortlessly comme ca. And the best part is she shows you how on YOU. I live in her epic travel ponchos as seen here in Berlin:
