There's a first time for everything

- The Coco wishlist -

Firsts, some are memorable like your first kiss, the first time you make love, the first time you fall head over heels with mister wrong and let's not forget the first time you saw 'Pretty Woman'.

And then there are those firsts you rather ban out of your memory like the first time you had a fight with your boyfriend or the first time you got sick in front of that boyfriend or how about the horrible memory of the first time you got laid off and your hart was broken.

Then there are those first fashion moments... those moments when your credit card magically passes the test of checking off that wonderfull first DVF wrapdress, Christian Louboutin pumps, Louis Vuitton handbag and Hervé Leger party outfit from your wishlist. Come'on ladies, there's no denying that you don't have such a list and that you don't feel up in the clouds when you get to check of an item of it.

Although those fashion firsts are very moving and exciting, it is nothing compared to checking off an icon from the OMG- its- a -Chanel- wishlist. Yes boys, our Chanel wanna- have- list, correction: gotta-have-list, doesn't end with a dose of N°5, the list goes on and on: The 2.55 handbag (in multiple colors that is), the pearl necklace, the never going out of style blazer, the J12 watch,... - and since fashion is ever evolving, especially with uncle Karl on board, this list fluctuates according the VOGUE bible prescriptions.

Let me tell you about that first personal affair with Coco. Walking through that black laqué framed door, housing all those little wonders - knowing you will go home with a little piece of Chanel, is worth having a wishlist for. Even witnessing your friends first Coco moment, it feels like your re-living your own! Whenever in need to know you are still alive, just book yourself a trip to the wonderfull world of Chanel, the beautifull and timeless creations that live there will most certainly reboost your energie. And if you are asking for my opinion: Champagne is in order when mister Visa doesn't bail on you!

Marché Saint Pierre

- How to spice up your creative life -

Who would ever think that you would find the worlds largest fabric market at the foot of Montmartre.

One big fabric store next too an even bigger fabric store. When entering this walhalla of jersey, satin, linen and faux fur, you feel your inner Coco, Valentino and even YSL coming up. 

Yarns and yarns of beautiful (and also very ugly) fabrics make you want to grab a sewing machine. All of the sudden you are convinced that you are able to create your own Chanel jacket, red Valentino evening gown and YSL smoking. Or how about your own Vera Wang wedding dress...

But than again when you snap back in to real life,you realise that you have never sewn anything - let alone an of the runway designer look.

So I guess, this little tip comes in handy whenever you are in need of a little creative pick-me-up. Marché St. Pierre is the place to make your wildest dream come true, that is for 50 seconds... 

Shopping in Paris

- Something for everyone -

The winter sales will be starting in a couple of days. And as a fashionlover myself, I find it upmost important to give you readers some guidances into my Parisian shopping experiences.

HIGH FASHION SHOPPER
If you are looking for the big designer flagship stores, 'le triangle d'or' will be your cup of tea. Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, you name, the golden trianlge (Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V and Rue François 1er) has got it. Crossing the Champs Elysees and taking the Rue faubourg St Honoré brings you in  another one of Paris's premium shopping hubs. Christian Louboutin, Lanvin, YSL, Hermès make even window shopping exciting. Further down the road, you will be passing Longchamp, Max Mara, John Galliano and off course the temple off all things trendy Colette.

Main streets: Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, Rue François 1er, Rue Faubourg St. Honoré, Rue St. Honore, Rue Cambon

CHIC FASHION SHOPPER

I am a big fan of shopping at the left bank's- St Germain des pres, where typical BCBG French brands like Comptoir des cottoniers, Maje, Sandro, Tara Jarmon, Sonia Rykiel, Gerard Darel are well represented. Hermès and Ralph Lauren recently opened the most breathtaking stores in this district and rumor is that Chanel will soon be joining them.

..."Rive Gauche exprime un luxe qui n'est pas celui de la fortune,
mais de l'attitude' (Yves Saint Laurent)....

Main streets: Blvd. St.-Germain, Rue St. André-des-Arts, Rue de Sèvres , Rue de Rennes, Rue St. Sulpice

ECLECTIC FASHION SHOPPER

Explore boutiques of up-and-coming designers, shop for vintage or visit original stores like Merci and L'eclaireur. All shops are open on sunday, when the area is filled with people from all over the world. The Marais is rich with nooks and hidden courtyards... You never know when an absolute shopping treasure might just wait around the corner.

Main streets: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Place des Vosges, Rue de Turenne, Rue des Rosiers

DEPARTMENT STORE SHOPPER

When you are looking to find everything under one roof - Les galeries lafayette, le printemps or le bon marché - will be the best shopping destination for you. Where 'Les galeries lafayette' love to welcome tourists, 'Le printemps' is setting his eye on a luxury shopping experience with a whole new deco and a floor dedicated to high couture jewelry. 'Le bon marché' on the other hand is known to welcome the typical rive gauche client.

When it rains in Paris

- It's raining cats and dogs...What to do -

This morning I motivated myself to go and see the Monet exhibition at the Grand Palais, near the Champs Elysees. As the exhibition is coming to its end and everybody seems to talk fondly of it, I really had no excuse to skip this cultural highpoint.

As I walk out of the metro station, it starts pouring rain...
Arriving at the entrance of the Grand Palais, with my broken umbrella in hand - I realise that I am not the only one wanting to see the last glimps of the seasons most talked about exhibition. As I face to wait outside of this beautiful architectual building for 3 hours in the most depressing rain since Audrey Hepburn looking for Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's - I could not help but to lose my cultural appetite.

And even now, being home, looking online what I should have done...google tells me that when it rains in Paris, you are best of visiting a museum...How ironic

Dining out: Le grand colbert

- A traditional Parisian brasserie -

 As Diane Keaton can't stop talking about 'le grand colbert' in the movie 'something's gotta give', I had to see and taste it for myself.

And she sure did have a point - when entering the old town house, and admiring the impeccable interior with high walls, relics, sculpted pilasters and their consoles, mosaique floors and pompeian style paintings you know your are in for a treat.

The menu suggests a typical Parisian dinner, from fresh sea food platters, onion soup, escargots to blanquette, steak with french fries and beef tartare, finishing with a splendid dessert like crêpes suzette, profiteroles with hot chocolate or tarte tatin.

The setting is perfect for impressing your date, celebrating a birthday or enjoying a nice dinner with friends and family - This address sure is a keeper.

Diamonds are forever - Bulgari exhibition at the Grand Palais, Paris

- 125 years of exceptional Italian jewelry -

Andy Warhol used to say that he enjoyed visiting the Bulgari store, it was 'the most important museum of contemporary art'.

And art it is... From the first original jewels made by Sotirio Bulgari, to the typical colorfull styles from the '50s and '60s - the years of the Cinecitta, the eclectic creative pieces from the 70's, the iconical jewels from the Bulgari heritage...every piece displayed at the exhibition is a true piece of art.

The most exciting thing about the expo isn't only the diamonds, it was the way colors, forms and creativity are re-united in every piece of jewelry.

One of the galaries was dedicated to Elisabeth Taylor's personal Bulgari collection. She might not have had the best taste in men, but she sure does know her jewelery. During the filming of Cleopatra in Italy, Elisabeth used to spend afternoons in the Bulgari store, talking to Gianni Bulgari about all sorts of things, but especially about her love for diamonds.

The exhibition only lasts until the 12th of January, but it sure is worth the trip.