Paris is telling a bright and beautiful story this morning—as opposed to the chilly, dank and wet one it greeted me with upon my arrival yesterday. And although it wasn’t my idea of fun to slog through the driving rain picking up groceries and running other basic errands, it was also hard to get too worked up, because: Paris! The apartment where I’m staying is literally right across the street from the Seine, and if you stand out on the (charming old) balcony you’ve got a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. So happy to discover I’m not too jaded to think that’s really cool. Also, there’s a washer/dryer, which isn’t nothing.
But before we get going, let’s wrap up Amsterdam. My rule when traveling is to try to hit spots that only carry things you can’t get at home, which has become—as my stroll through the city’s Nine Streets neighborhood became clear—increasingly challenging. But when I saw the storefront above, I sensed possibility.
Maison Rika is a cute, bright boutique overseen by designer/proprietress Ulrika Lundgren , a very cool girl of a certain age whose line is called Rika and who turns out to be kind of a big deal. Today—and, one senses, many days—she was hanging out and feeling chatty. The store that houses her accessories and clothing line is across the street; this is mostly for home goods, a few of her scarves and bags and jewelry by local designers. Also: she runs a guest house upstairs.
Which of course she was only too kind to show us. We walked up this exceedingly steep staircase…
…until we got to this amazing second-floor room. Was I not just saying how much I love black, white and yellow? (Okay, so the accents here might veer a bit more gold, but still.) Also: that wicker chair! Ulrika found it at a flea market. Which of course she did, because she’s the kind of person who totally would find a piece that perfect at a flea market. Back downstairs, Ulrika said we had to go to her friend’s restaurant for dinner and made a reservation for us. And then it was across the street.
Rika’s whole thing is stars, and I love a good star print. I’m not entirely sure the cheeky cool of this quilted bag is coming through, but it was rather amazing in person.
I’m already kicking myself for not buying this white canvas tote with little star studs.
And while I know these were probably a touch butch for me, I might also regret not having purchased them too. Check out the perforations: they’re actually itsy stars. How great is that?
Okay guys, I’m off until later. Time to weigh in with your suggestions: where must I absolutely go now that I’m in Paris?
I
want
all
of
it.
Last year I went to this great restaurant in Canal St. Martin called La Cantine de Quentin – a combo restaurant and food/wine shop. They have every flavor of Kusmi Tea there… And found some great shopping nearby at a shop called Le Chemin Blanc. Also had a fabulous meal at Le Chapeau Melon in Belleville.
Les Catacombes !!
Cafe Varenne, 36 Rue Varenne @ Ru Du Bac, really great couple run it, wife is beyond chic ….and after Varenne you can toodle round that neighborhood. Great linen store a few steps down RDB heading away from BSG twds Bon Marche .. i’m an easy mark for those lovely dish towels. Also, good leather, mocassin shop, nice Tod like mocs a few steps away from Varenne on RDB twds BSG. Epi Dupin, 11 Rue Dupin just great.
Deyrolles. The new Hermes store in the 6th. And, as always, a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries at closing time…
I adore every one of those star themed items!!!!
thank you for not writing up colette, is so so great to read about new finds, for paris finds try hiparis.com website and blog, love the post and pics and stars, best wishes from a fellow girl of a certain age.
Marche des enfants rouges 39 Rue de Bretagne near Beaubourg. Small hidden and very old market mainly recommended for L’Estaminet des Enfants Rouges, a wonderful market bistro selling artisanal products from the market, but also with delicious cooking and desserts – the chocolate and black pepper mousse was unforgettable. And half the price of equivalent restaurants…lunch for two with wine was only 50 euros…
You may want to visit “Epice” in the Courtyard of the Palais Royale Gardens. Yes, it’s just a scarf store but it is so much more. Check out the look book, ask to see a particular design and one of the exceedingly friendly sales women (yes! In Paris!) will find the drawer which contains that scarf and pull it out for you. Yes, you can find a few Epice scarves in Barney’s and a few designs online but this store is heaven for those of us who love swatches of art around our necks. You will wish for two necks when you see the entire collection!