Trip 3- Part 2: Paris

I was up at 4am on Thursday morning to allow ample time to get to St. Pancras station and board the chunnel to the one and only Paris! I studied in France twice during college. Freshmen year while at Hollins University I did a French immersion course in Tours, France during January term. Though I was not studying in Paris I still made it into the city four times during my one month stay. Then, junior year at Minnesota I took a Gothic Art, May term course with my thesis professor in Paris. This was one of the best courses I took in college and three of my Kappa sisters took it with me so we had a ball! Needless to say I adore Paris and am always looking for an excuse to visit!

I had my day all planned out a week in advance as all you readers know. I am happy to report I did just about everything on my list, plus a few extras. I decided against going to the Louvre as I have literally been 6+ times and it was a bit crowded. I did however take the Metro from Gare du Nord to the Louvre (Palais Royal) stop so I at least got a taste of art!

A really dreadful photo of the building that houses one of my thesis paintings (The Louvre).

I took a few photos before heading to grab my pick-me-up that would allow me to make it through the rest of the day. I was a bit upset I had forgotten to put Angelina on my list for breakfast as it was on the Rue de Rivoli, instead I stopped a block before and ordered my cappuccino. However, as I was in the middle of enjoying my drink it dawned on my that Angelina was just down the block so I waited and grabbed my pain au chocolat there. I also picked up some of their famous hot chocolate as it is to die for! C and I are going to have to have a hot chocolate party when it cools off in Dallas; I have so much!

After Angelina I headed for the famed Rue Saint-Honore to hit up the Paris sales. I stopped to look into the windows of Catherine on my way, but since they did not open until 11am I was only able to window shop. I stopped in Herve, but stood strong and did not buy anything; imagine that! They actually did not have any bags I was dying for. There was a cute pink and orange combination, but seeing as I already have four Herves and about a dozen pink bags this was the last thing I needed. However, for all you HC fans they do have a new style out. It is very similar to the LL Bean and J Crew totes except it costs about three times as much. Very, very durable though. I peeked in all the windows of the other shops on my way to Longchamp, there were some beautiful dresses and shirts! When I arrived at Longchamp at about a quarter after 10am (they opened at 10am) it was already packed. This is why you have to hit the Paris soldes at the beginning, if you wait too long everything is gone. I was crossing my fingers that there would be a few Le Plaige bags to spare and I was indeed in luck. The Plaige wall was actually still full, though the Rose pink I had wanted was long gone. I did however pick up a wonderful lime greenish bag which will match all my Lilly. Perfection! I did not know they had done a fun, bright green again this year so I was very excited. I still regret not buying the true lime and hot pink they did in summer of 2005, but this green should hopefully make up for that.

Then, I was headed to the area around the Madeleine; I peaked into Hermes, but it was far too crowded to enter and I am not one that enjoys wasting time waiting in a line while in Paris. I stopped into Fauchon and picked up a few surprises for the family and also snapped a new photos before heading up to Gallerie Lafayette. I had not originally planned to go here, but seeing as I had time I had nothing to lose. I stopped in their grocery store and picked up some Bonne Maman (the BM in France is so much better then what they import to the US) and a few other little items. Afterwards, I went into the main store in which I could barely move due to the sales. I picked up three pashminas (one pink, one blue and one cream) on my way out and was off to the Opera.

I adore Maille mustard!

What a delicious window Fauchon had!

I adore the Place de L'Opera; the building is lovely inside and out and there are some great stores in the surrounding blocks. I wanted to stop by Zara to look for my 'Oscar de la Renta' dress. I walked in and there was one sole dress right in front of me. I ran over to grab it only to realize the dress was part of Zara's maternity line. So sad, but at least I had Catherine to look forward too! I took the scenic route to one of my favorite stores in all the world. I walked through the Place Vendome and got a snapshot of the Ritz too!

I had been looking forward to Catherine and it is actually one of the main reasons I decided to go to Paris. As soon as I walked in the owners recognized me, what a wonderful feeling after an entire year! We quickly got down to business and I started inspecting all the bags. To my disappointment there was only one bag I wanted. I asked if they had anymore in the back, but sadly they did not. However, they proceeded to tell me since I was one of their best bag customers and had been shopping there for the past five years they would be willing to order any bags I wanted! I about feel over I was just beyond thrilled! I bought the below bag (for a mere 95 euros!) and then ordered one in the exact same style in hot pink, but in a smooth/normal? leather. I also got the larger, 'Birkin' style in a caramel color, croc. The bags are being shipped to me Monday and should arrive by Wednesday and I will of course post pictures as soon as they get here! As I mentioned before if you are EVER in Paris you absolutely MUST go to Catherine. They have the best handbags as well as makeup. They are one of the only stores in the city that gives you your detax when you purchase your items. They also give an additional 15%-25% discount to all tourists on cosmetics (this includes Chanel and Dior which are rarely discounted anywhere).

After all my amazing luck it was time to celebrate with lunch at Laduree (you all probably think I have an odd obsession with Laduree, but it is just so amazingly wonderful). I got there just before the lunch crowd and was seated right away. I ordered the Laduree club and opted to get my macaroons to go as I was also purchasing tea and caramels. I am so glad I went ahead to got my copy of the Laduree book at Harrod's because they were indeed sold out of it in Paris! After Laduree I headed toward the Champs to hit up Porthault. I grabbed mother a gift here and ran into a few other stores before heading back to Fauchon To-Go to grab my dinner. As you can tell I had the most marvelous day and was so lucky the weather was just gorgeous. It was sunny and in the high 70's/low 80's. On my way back to the metro and stopped and grabbed an Eiffel Tower Limoges box and a gold Notre Dame charm for my bracelet. I also picked up a special gift for mother dearest and was then off. I was so thrilled that no one sat next to me on the train as I was able to stow my many purchases here. It felt so wonderful to sit down and rest my arms and swollen feet! I arrived back into London around 5:30pm and took the next train out to the house. It is so amazing that you can go to Paris and London in one day (and it also amazes me that a cell phone can work anywhere you go). What a perfect vacation day. I am so thrilled I went ahead and bought my chunnel ticket and visited two of my favorite cities. I hope you all enjoy all the photos even though they are not too amazing. I found it very difficult to snap and walk. I have saved a selection of special/favorite photos from London and Paris which I will post early this week, you all are sure to adore them just as much as I do. I am off for a bike ride through the countryside. Have a marvelous Sunday!