Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Two Rogue Shoppers in Paris!


In front of the Saint Sulpice fountain
Photo credit: Margy

It's been a long time coming! I decided to come to Paris with the Tiltons almost exactly one year ago. Margy decided to join me, and here we are, at last!

We haven't yet met up with the Tiltons—the official trip starts in a few days. Margy and I have been having fun bumbling around Paris on our own, visiting shops we've long heard about, finding new shops, learning the Paris subway system, and adjusting both geographically and with the time change. (Europe changed to standard time a full week before the U.S. and, of course, Margy only arrived in this time zone a few days ago.)

Navigating the subway system

Waiting for the subway

TOC:


Trippens!

Sorry if I sound a bit like a broken record, but you know that we love Trippens!

One of our first stops in Paris was the Trippens store. It was fun to compare it to the Munich Trippens store! (For the record, the Munich store had a wall of red shoes, but seemed smaller than the Paris store. They do carry slightly different stock, but both have the wonderful tiled floors.)

Margy and I each found a pair of Trippens to add to our collections. Margy will show hers when she blogs, but I found these "Judy Jetson" boots!

This is the first pair I've had with this particular sole

Trying on my new "Judy Jetson" boots

Is it my imagination, or does Margy have that you-caught-me-indulging-in-a-guilty-pleasure expression as she pays for her Trippens? ;)

Leaving the Trippens store with a jaunty step, new shoes in hand

OH! I almost forgot! Rumor has it that the Trippen folk are considering opening a Trippen store in San Francisco!!!


Groom Store

For many years Marcy has sold Groom bags on her website and, in fact, she made a video in 2011 of her visit to the Groom store in Paris:

So, of course, Margy and I had to visit!

I found a beautiful blue purse

I caught Margy perusing some gloves through the window


Clingancourt Flea Market

Neither Margy nor I are big flea market aficionados, but one hears that flea markets are a "thing to do" in Paris, so we decided to head to one of the biggest, Porte de Clignancourt Les Puces Flea Market, aka Clingancourt. It's outside of Paris proper, but you can ride the #4 subway line to the end and it drops you very close to the market. All the guidebooks tell you to watch out for pickpockets, but we went early and saw/heard no problems. As we left, it was getting quite crowded and that's probably when you need to be more careful.

It was interesting to check out the market. I found a necklace made of sterling silver and Daum glass that was very unique. Margy didn't find anything but it was fun to look and take some photos.

My eyes immediately fell upon this gorgeous neck piece. Sterling silver, for a mere 2700 Euros, it is documented in a book that the seller showed us. This museum piece is from China, before it was China. It was extremely heavy so it's really more of a display piece.

Photo credit: Eva, who sold me my Daum glass necklace


Places des Vosges

The Places des Vosges is an historic square in the Marais. Around the square, under beautiful tiled arched walkways, are art galleries (with amazing art, but I didn't feel comfortable taking pics), restaurants, and shops. The very center features a beautiful park with a fountain, a statue of Louis XIII, and a playground.

Me and Louis XIII. He has better hair than I do.


Window Licking

I think it's fairly well documented that what we call window shopping the French call lèche-vitrine, or window licking.

Pretty apt.

Here are some of the window displays that inspired me. Some didn't photograph well, but c'est la vie.

The biggest story I noticed is the knitwear! The wonderful wonderful knitwear, often distressed. In fact, I purchased a distressed-looking sweater in the Marais.

Don't ask me where these photos were taken, because I have no idea. I just clicked and kept moving!

I just loved the styling of this outfit with that fabulous polka dot scarf!

I'd just make the lower tier as a skirt

Drool...

The men's stores in Paris have some of the best scarves! This one is embroidered to mimic a bandana!

I am seeing lots of grommets and lacing here, as well as in San Francisco

I'd wear this knitted dress in a heartbeat!

A Shibori scarf "flower"


Street Wear

I didn't take too many photos of street wear, though I saw some interesting clothing. I'm also including some pics of Margy and myself. Well... we were also on the street. ;)

I didn't see Munich-folk wearing dirndls, but I sure see Parisiennes wearing berets! This was on the subway.

I wish I'd gotten a photo as she walked onto the subway! This coat featured a high red waistband and the wonderful contrast stitching.

My first purchase in Paris—an écharpe (scarf)
Photo credit: Margy

At the Cafe Strada
Photo credit: Margy

Also at the Cafe Strada

In the Marais

Looking forward to a long day of shopping at the Marais
Photo credit: Margy

Just look at the amazing mix of colors! What would you call that pink? A "vibrant orchid"?

Seen on the subway. Photo credit: Margy

I'm covering my earrings while trying on this great necklace. No, I didn't buy it.
Photo credit: Anca, a very friendly sales woman

This is cheating a bit, but I really wanted to share this! My colleague, Kathy, visited Italy just before the Dart Summit. She was walking in Florence where she saw this coat. She knew that I'd like it, so she snapped a quick pic. Fabulous!


Edibles

I don't take a lot of food shots (Margy took more than I did), but here are a few, along with a pic or two of a cafe.

How do they do it? How? How do they make a simple green bean salad with shallots taste so amazing?! Photo credit: Margy

I ordered the vegetable soup off the daily special menu, and I was assured that it was vegetarian—no fish or meat in the stock. I expected a thin broth with vegetables, but this, this was SO RICH AND CREAMY and not a visible vegetable in sight. Totally delicious, but I'm sure it had cream, butter, AND cheese. I would never call this a vegetable soup, but it's good to know for the future! The croutons on top were also amazing, no doubt fried in oil and perfectly seasoned. Photo credit: Margy

A chocolate Jack-o-Lantern.
Halloween is pretty low key in Paris, but I did see Halloween themed items for sale, especially at Marks and Spencers Food shop and at the many chocolate shops I've seen.

From the same store with the chocolate Jack-o-Lantern

A very large chocolate orangutan from another chocolate store just a few doors away. The French like their chocolate.

Look at Cafe Strada! So French!

We had lunch here and split some chocolate cake, which we did not finish! (Feeling highly virtuous.)

Salads at La Carotte in the Places des Vosges.


Miscellaneous

Just a few other pics!

Heading down to the bathroom in a cafe in the Marais

Yes, "I am conscious" in the cafe's bathroom! ;)

The Saint Jacques Church Tower, near the Marais


By the way, I learned that November 1st is a big holiday in France! Many shops are closed on All Saints Day, much to our chagrin!

Last night when Margy went to sleep, I was blogging. When she woke up, I was blogging. She quipped that she fully expects me to blog on my deathbed, if possible...

Well, YEAH!!!

More later!

71 comments:

  1. Wonderful pictures, thank you for the vicarious quick visit to Paris. Your new scarf is truly special.
    All the chocolate looks very tempting too - I'm pretty sure that's an orangutan, however, not a gorilla?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Radostin! Yes, you are right. I've corrected the text!

      Delete
  2. Have you taken two suitcases - one full of your spectacular European teal wardrobe and an empty one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ruth, I'm confident I can figure something out. ;)

      Delete
  3. Bonjour! What a delightful day in Paris... blog away I say, enjoyed reading about your trip & trippens, not to mention all the sartorial photos. Sleep is recommended though if you are going to keep up this pace ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sandra! I admit it, I'm sleepy today! :)

      Delete
  4. Jealous. The knitwear looks fashionable- I almost want to get out my needles. Loving all the hardware -grommets and such.
    Vicariously traveling with you. Keep posting on your deathbed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kathy! And I'm wanting to knit, too!

      Delete
  5. Lovely report with lots of great pics of you and Margy in your fabulous outfits - so jealous! Karen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Paris is such a special place. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Glenda. Yes, it is! I can't believe I've waited until now to visit!

      Delete
  7. This is so much fun to watch. I haven't been to Paris since middle school. How great to see it with a friend too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Cidell! It was so nice to meet your friend, Jeanne!

      Delete
  8. What fun to be in Paris with you and Margy! Thanks for all the gorgeous photographs.
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  9. so much fun already! you are a shopper extraordinaire - how do you carry all that you buy or do you ship it home?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beth! I'm sure I can noodle it out. ;)

      Delete
  10. You and Margy are definitely the absolute example of elite DIY style. You both look so happy and energized!! Thanks for sharing your trip with all your readers. (me).

    ReplyDelete
  11. You went to Chez Fernand! One of my favorites. It is a fun place. You two look ecstatic. Thanks so much for sharing. You will have to go to Angelina for hot chocolate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that restaurant was delightful, MaryHelen! Margy has mentioned Angelina, so we will have to check it out!

      Delete
  12. I am in Paris too but am about to leave . I love all the areas you speak of and found that when nothing else is open la Fayette is . I had a lovely afternoon there looking at lots if beautiful clothes which have given me lots of inspiration. In the evening I went with my son on a dinner cruise . It was really good with a great ambience and really very good food . If you are looking for something to do i the evening I would suggest La Calife which you need to book , is very reasonably priced and enables you to see Paris at night fro the river . Just great . Even my 23 year old was impressed ! I do hope you and Margaret have a great time . I read your blogs often . Mem in Australia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for these great recommendations, Mem!!!

      Delete
  13. Ps I meant Margy of course and you two hold up pretty well with the locals style wise !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you know she pronounces it with a hard 'g'? ;)

      Delete
  14. I just love the light in Paris. Everything is so beautiful! I hope you and Margy have a wonderful time - it looks like you already are! We witnessed the most pickpocketing around the big museums, so do be careful. One fellow had all his cash stolen right in front of the Musée Dorsée. If you have a chance, go to Angelina for Chocolat Chaud. Rather touristy, but so worth the trip!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Ann! I definitely want to try Angelina's! We are definitely more aware of pickpockets when it is more crowded or more touristy. That would be an awful thing to experience!

      Delete
  15. Oh...pant, pant...I've been waiting for these blogs to begin. I'm so happy for both of you. The two of you look like you just swallowed canaries!
    Keep on shoppin'! For all of us! Don't miss Noriem!

    ReplyDelete
  16. So exciting to see you and Margy having a wonderful time. You are an excellent writer/reporter. Yes, it's taking my breath away to read/see where this journey takes you. LOVE both of your styling outfits. I want some TRIPPENS, too. Look forward to more.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Trippen in San Francisco? Oh please shoe gods! Please! There is too much difference bwt the sole styles in sizes for my fat feet, and I would give you more of my money if I could just Try Them On.

    Oh yeah, nice photos! Paris! Margy! I will now use the phrase 'window licking' in place of the other.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, SJ! And, yes, wouldn't that be AMAZING! However, you CAN try Trippens on in person in the U.S. In San Francisco, Mio and Bulo both carry some Trippens. Outside of SF, Shunzi carries some styles. In New Mexico, Santa Fe Dry Goods carries them. In some I'm a 41, but in those styles with stitching on the top of the sole (which run larger), I'm a 40.

      Delete
  18. You both are so beautiful, energetic and happy!! I am really enjoying your travel blogging while in Paris. Wishing you both a most marvelous time as you spend your time together. Looking forward to reading more about your travels.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Had a typo and wanted to re-enter my comment...

    Love, love, the armchair travel! Especially knowing you and Margy are on the adventure together! This Paris trip was on my wish list, but I was in Italy instead, so I can not complain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Italy is also high on my list, Sue! How wonderful that you visited. There's much to visit now that the kids are grown! And thanks!

      Delete
  20. There are no words...I'm so overwhelmed (in a good way!) by travelling vicariously with you - LOVE!

    ReplyDelete
  21. So wonderful to "experience" a little of your trip! Lovely photos! You and Margy are tops for fashion on the street. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was with Marcy and Katherine in late October two years ago, it was life changing and the best week of my life. I'm enjoying seeing it again through your blog. You capture it so perfectly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rose! Our trip with the Tiltons starts today. I'm excited! I'm so glad it was transformative for you.

      Delete
  23. What a time you two are having! How about sending me that white poncho - pretty please :) Or even just a cup of that marvelous coffee........

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sarah! I know!!! Isn't that poncho great?! I I saw it in the Marais, but I can't remember where. And you're right, even mediocre Parisienne coffee is pretty darned good!

      Delete
  24. I am so jealous....wish I were there with you and Margy...say hello to the tilton's for me...you will meet Ruth ..she was with us last year and DOL in September...she sews beautifully and a master shopper!
    Keep blogging...you can sleep when you get home....we are all living vicariously through you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Debra! We met Ruth yesterday! She was wearing a gorgeous Koos coat and I hope she lets me take pics and post them! She is WONDERFUL!

      Delete
  25. I can't imagine two better partners in crime. Thanks for taking us along so expertly! Am happily reliving my own trips to Paris,t hanks to you

    ReplyDelete
  26. Paris is going to enjoy having your enthusiasm and energy as much as I do reading about your adventures. Thank you for the glorious pics and for taking the time to share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well yes those store displays justify the licking! Wow, lots and lots of inspiration. I really want one of those scarves embroidered to look like a bandana.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Robin! I know, aren't those great?!

      Delete
  28. Love the pictures! Oh to be there too! Did you make your hat? I really need one for Germany in a few weeks! Pattern please if available?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mam! No, I purchased that hat from Etsy. I believe I included a link to the seller several posts back. And have fun in Germany!!!

      Delete
  29. Oh, looks like so much fun! But how did you take a picture of the Metro w/o people? What time of day (or night) did you manage that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know that I did anything special, Grace. I took that picture about 9:30am on a holiday (All Saints Day).

      Delete
  30. OMG, wonderful pics! You've really planned a spectacular Parisian journey and it's great to see both of you having so much fun. Thank you for sharing, especially the purse porn! Totally made my day. Cindy (Creative Hormone Rush)

    ReplyDelete
  31. I did a doubletake--I thought the lady on the metro (with the blue hat) was you. Thank you for sharing your pictures and experiences of your travels!

    Rose in SV

    PS--Before you fly back to the States, can you please show us your suitcase (I'm trying to figure out how your are fitting in everything) You don't have to show the inside, but I'm having fun visualizing the size.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Or is it you on the Metro--I didn't know you had a black coat with feathered cuffs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm wearing a sweater I bought here with a bracelet I brought from home. Not feathered cuffs. :)

      Delete
    2. Ahh! You are able to pass as a local! :)

      Delete
  33. What a Blast!! Such great shopping on the Left Bank and Marais! So Fun!! Beautiful photos of Paris and Munich. And, you still have a week with the Tiltons to look forward to. How good is that?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kathy! The Tilton trip started yesterday, and it's definitely fun!

      Delete
  34. Congratulation to both of you for looking so elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  35. How wonderful that you and Margy had some private time to explore Paris before meeting up with the Tilton's. For some reason only about three photos from your blog showed up, the rest had the blue boxes. Hopefully I can sort this out, never had this problem before. I enjoyed the narrative though.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Suddenly all the photos came up which made for a wonderful vicarious experience. My iPad is showing its age perhaps.

    ReplyDelete