Paul & Joe (Paris, France)

Avenue Montaigne is a great area to window shop if you love high end designers or want to people watch those who do. However it's always taken a bit of persuasion to get my friends to actually go in a store there, because as we all know - most luxury boutiques don't seem to be all that welcoming. Paul & Joe is a label that one may not necessarily associate with the likes of Chanel or Dior, but its impressive store facade makes it look like the most expensive retail space on the avenue. It isn't of course. In fact, it isn't even all that pretentious or intimidating - quite the opposite. The brand, known for it's chic, sometimes quirky, often beautifully casual clothing has one of the grandest but also most charming flagships - which makes it so much more special.

Paul & Joe FW10 campaign (images: Paul & Joe).

A selection from the FW10 runway show (images: Paul & Joe)

Founded by Sophie Albou in 1995, the Parisian label was named after the designer's two sons. Albou's impressive CV includes studies at the French Fashion Institute, followed by working experience at Azzedine Alaïa and various years working as a stylist for Le Garage. After finally starting her own menswear label, which proved to be very successful, she followed up with a women's wear range a year later. These days, Paul & Joe also boasts a beauty line, a children's wear collection, a lingerie label as well as a wide selection of accessories including jewelry, bags and shoes. Albou has also made sure that every one of her boutiques reflects her personal universe by incorporating various finds from her travels in the boutique decor.

The front garden, where you'll find statues, sheep and various plants.

The spacious and beautiful entrance area.

The Avenue Montaigne location is the newest and also most luxurious store, though all flagships are equally delightful. The charm begins once you approach the flagship: passing through the iron gates, you'll find yourself in a small garden, complete with palm trees, fake sheep and ornate statues. The circular entrance hall is just as impressive with its delicate chandelier, antique mirrors and walls painted in a peachy shade. This is where I found most of the key looks from this season, including a very cool shearling jacket, wool coats and knit dresses. There wasn't a single SA on this floor (I've noticed this on every visit), which allowed you to browse in peace.

The jewelry and beauty section near the cash desk. Note the subtle parrot sculpture.

Fine jewelry (left) and a white Vespa near the mosaic wall (right).

Going off the entrance, a small corner near the cash desk features the higher-end jewelry made of 18-carat gold and a great selection of beauty products in its signature beautiful packaging. Although if you're like me, you'll most likely be distracted by the giant gilded sculpture of a parrot perched on a branch. If that's not enough, there's always the mosaic flower print wall, not to mention the Vespa that's parked near the stairs.

The shoe and bag area. Loved the aquarium.

Jacket and necklace are from a previous season, but similar items are available now. Chic footwear, included shearling booties and cute bow ballerinas.

Heading down to the basement, you'll find the main sales area. My favorite part is the circular shoe corner, which comes with a large aquarium, a comfortable couch and of course the footwear itself, which included shearling boots, strappy sandals and the most adorable T-strap bow pumps and ballerinas.

The Moroccan themed evening wear room, with its vintage cabinets and gorgeous couches.

Stepping out, the remaining area is large and spacious, though a peek in the evening wear section is worth a browse as well. This separate corner had a Moroccan vibe with its dark wallpaper, golden palm trees and vintage closets. While I wasn't in the market for anything sequined or glittery, this was the best place to be if you were looking for anything a little more elaborate.

Overview of the main basement space.

The rest of the store was just as fun to browse, though almost too overwhelming, since the entire women's range, including the less expensive Paul & Joe Sister was available for perusing. I was a little stunned by how large the selection was. Regardless of whether you needed a fur coat, a printed tunic or a simple striped t-shirt - it was all there, embodying French chic perfectly. Then again, according to Paul & Joe, their target customers are women who are active, bubbly, love to mix and match their clothes... and accessorize them according to their moods. So it's not surprising you'll find an outfit for any occasion here. And while everything is highly wearable - cute and quirky details ensure the looks are anything but boring.

Another exotic furniture piece (left), as well as shearling and fur jackets (right).

The gilded flower installation which reflected the store light (it's not illuminated). More goodies, such as swan prints, purple gowns, shearling shorts and enamel jewelry.

The only other things I'd like to point out are the amazing gold flower ornament that could be found towards the far wall and the children's wear (Paul & Joe Little) section. Even if you're not a child or have kids, I dare you not to fall for the furry teddy bears, giant dolls or the crazy couch made of plush toy animals. And if you have any time left, take a peek at the glass cases which contain colorful costume jewelry.

Cute stuff from the children's' department: the very cool animal couch, fur bear, mini coats and Japanese dolls.

Paul & Joe is available in more than 40 stores around the world, so if you don't get a chance to shop in Paris, the brand is easy enough to find. And of course there's always the official online boutique or other e-tailers such as Net-a-Porter. Perhaps not as charming as shopping in-store, but hopefully these photos will have put you in the right mood.

A selection from the current lookbook (images: Paul & Joe).

Address: 2 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00
Paul & Joe Homepage & Online Shop

Odd Molly (Stockholm, Sweden)

Of course I'm no longer in Sweden, but I still have so many great shopping destinations to catch up on, I hope no one minds if I showcase yet another Scandinavian brand. Odd Molly was one that I was already familiar with, mainly because the cute charming clothes, usually featuring quirky prints and beautiful embroidery, had already caught my attention back in the days when I was still a student perusing a boutique stocked with Nordic fashion. Unfortunately the prices didn't agree with my meager budget, so I had to resort to mere browsing. Years later, I had almost forgotten about the label until a friend reminded me to check out their flagship in Stockholm. Which is exactly what I did.

SS10 campaign featuring Helena Christensen (images: Odd Molly).

FW10 campaign shot by Helena Christensen featuring Daisy Lowe (images: Odd Molly).

Those unfamiliar with Odd Molly will most likely find the brand name... well, odd. And that's the whole point. Founded by Karin Jimfelt-Ghatan and Per Holknekt in 2002, the idea behind the label wasn't just to create great looking clothes, but to make women feel great as well. 'Molly' being the symbolic name for a woman who doesn't really care what others think and rarely dresses to impress anyone but herself. The result is a clothing line that doesn't rely on trends or whatever the season's runway looks dictate, but instead gives women timeless beautiful clothes that are so charming and girly even the biggest tomboy will have a hard time ignoring some of the well-made pieces. And with Helena Christensen as the company's loyal spokesperson, it's not difficult to see why Odd Molly has quickly become a favorite brand for many - one that is now stocked in over 1500 retail locations and also boasts a skincare line in addition to a range of sunglasses.

Overview of the beautiful boutique from the ground floor (top image: Odd Molly).

The stunning gilded closets (left) and various racks on the walls showcased the many pieces.

Knowing how colorful and cheerful the clothes were, I had a feeling the flagship would be special, but nevertheless I was still surprised by how overly adorable it turned out to be. The storefront alone was worth checking out, with its bright pink exterior and random handwritten musings scrawled along the windows and walls. More of that could be found indoors, but chances are, you'll be distracted by the beautiful combination of concrete, gold and wood that greets you once you enter the boutique. Delightful details such as the crystal chandeliers, vintage mirrors, old-fashioned lamps, retro wallpaper or the pink velvet seats make the entire shopping experience so much more pleasant. And as such, you'll feel like you're actually browsing someone's living room, rather than just another clothing store.

The cash desk (left) and cute trinkets such as purses and cushions (top right), as well as sunglasses (lower right).

White dresses and blouses in a corner... and more accessories.

Not that the decor will keep you from looking at the clothes. As with most Odd Molly collections, the SS10 'Power of a Lover' range is vibrant, feminine and in this case seems to embody a 40s dance hall meets beach holiday theme. Chiffon silk, brocade, crochet, embellishments, lace or whatever else you fancy... it's highly likely you'll find the perfect piece for your wardrobe here. Though some of the stuff was a little too hippy or girly for my taste, I did fall for the simpler silk dresses and shorts or the floaty tunics. Thin camisole tanks or thicker cardigans made perfect basics and if you're looking to accessorize, there are some lovely belts or purses to choose from as well.

Overview of the corner niche (left image: Odd Molly) and more summery dresses.

Loved the vintage mirrors and lamps (right image: Odd Molly). Other goodies included crochet pieces and skincare items.

The ground floor was my favorite area, mainly because of the gilded wardrobes in the main section and the heavy oak furniture, complete with old bookshelves and a unique gift wrapping wall. But head one floor down and you'll find even more tempting items to choose from, including a large range of denim pieces, tracksuits, cozy jumpers and even a few suede booties. As for the quotes that could be found near the storefront, more of them were scattered on walls in the basement and the stairwell leading down to it.

One floor down... the basement area.

More quaint decor items such as the garden chair and Moroccan mirror (right). Scribbles and campaign photos could be found on various walls (left).

Even if you're not into the ultra girly charm that Odd Molly offers, I dare you not to fall in love with the boutique itself. Though once you're inside, you'll probably find it hard to resist at least picking up a few clothes to try on. Thankfully the Stockholm boutique isn't the only one out there. The company has just launched it's first U.S. store in LA and for more 'odd' goodness, many items can easily be found online via retailers such as Yoox or Bohemia.

Helena Christensen opening (right) and closing (left) the SS10 runway show (images: Odd Molly).

Other looks from the SS10 runway (images: Odd Molly).

Address: Humlegårdsgatan 13, 114 46 Stockholm
Opening Hrs: Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:30, Sat: 10:00-16:30
Odd Molly Homepage

Shopping in Nice (France)

As expected, the French Riviera isn't a bad place to do a little shopping, but in my quest to find any local brands (or preferably local independent designers), I soon realized that the majority of the boutiques belonged either to the usual suspects in designer fashion (Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton etc.), the typical high street chains (Zara, Mango and a slew of French retailers you'll also find in any other city such as Paris) or multi-brand stores which offered a mix of the above brands. It's great if you're searching for a particular item from your favorite label which might be sold out elsewhere, but if you're hoping to find something typical of the French Riviera, a Dior scarf or a Zadig & Voltaire tee probably isn't going to cut it.

Cannes, Nice and Monaco offer basically the same mix of high street and designer stores. Luxury labels are more prominent in Cannes and Monaco... the latter is also a great place to get a Ferrari, Maserati or Aston Martin if you ever win too much money in a casino. Nice, being the biggest city of the three, offers a lot more affordable fashion and foodie fare. It's also the only area that has a distinctly unique cuisine and because it's a source of some of the best olive oils, checking out a few of the gourmet places is a a must.

Some local foods... starting top left: farcis, socca, pissaladière, beignets de fleurs de courgettes.

Cheap and good food that shouldn't be missed includes socca (a crepe made of chickpea flour), pissaladière (an onion tart with olives and sometimes anchovies), farcis (vegetables stuffed with breadcrumbs and/or meat), beignets de fleurs de courgettes and the more famous salad niçoise. All of this is available in the old part of Nice and can be found in cheaper cafes or kiosk-like eateries. Of course the entire Riviera area is also a great place to get some seafood.

Alziari

In prepping for my trip, I was told that no visit was complete without stopping by legendary olive oil makers Alziari, who opened shop in 1868. The small store located near the seafront promenade is quaint and filled with an incredible selection of different olives, old-fashioned canisters and jars, various oils as well as olive oil aromas (lemon, garlic, basil etc.), skincare products, countless nibbles ranging from honey to foie gras and an assortment of herbs. If like me, you only have a carry-on bag with you and can't check in liquids, no worries... they have an online shop that delivers worldwide! So guess what I'll be ordering in the near future...

Alziari's charming interior (left) and barrels of olives (right).

Giant canisters filled with olive oils (left). Ceramic jugs and pots on display (right).

Address: 14 rue Saint François de Paule, 06300 Nice

A l'Olivier

Another olive oil expert, this company was founded in 1822, though the decor is a lot more modern and sophisticated. I don't actually know if they started out in Nice, but they have stores all over France and their products are easily available throughout the world (I believe even Amazon sells their items). They do have an online-shop as well. We stayed here for the longest time, because the selection was just huge. The girl working there let us try different olive oils, balsamic vinegars and mustards. The range pretty much covers what Alziari has, but they offered more flavors and also had a great range of sea salts, jams and other preserves, as well as an extensive selection of olive-based bath, skincare and beauty items (from various brands). I've never bothered checking out the Paris location, but something tells me I'll be heading there very soon.

Top: olive oils behind the counter. More olive oils in cans (left) and a range of other products, such as herbs and salts (right).

Overview of the store's sleek decor (left) and some of the bath products (right).

Address: 7 rue Saint François de Paule, 06300 Nice

So enough with the food... let's get to the fashion!

Aratto

I'm going to start of with the cheapest of the cheap. Someone told me this place is something of an institution in Nice and if you're ever in need of some trendy inexpensive bling, this is probably going to be your ultimate destination. What fascinated me the most though, was the deli-style concept of the store: you first choose what you want from the window displays, then take a number. Once it's your turn, you show the staff member the item you want and she'll pull it out from one of the many shelves behind her. Earrings start off at 1 EUR, cuffs around 3 EUR and necklace prices range between 5-13 EUR. The more elaborate pieces will go up to 35 EUR, but that's about as expensive as it will get. They also sell bags (10-35 EUR), wallets and umbrellas. The products aren't necessarily well-made or meant to last, but for that price you'll probably end up buying more than one piece anyway.

Top: Aratto storefront where items are displayed. Once you've found what you want, take a ticket (left) and proceed to the counter (right).

Some of the jewelry on display ranging from overly bling and borderline tacky, to somewhat more toned down.

Address: 18 rue Masséna, 06300 Nice

Façonnable

The only local brand I could find in Nice, was Façonnable, the classic sportswear chic brand with items suitable for any member of a country club or anyone who needs an outfit for a polo match (i.e. it's a more conservative Ralph Lauren). The store opened it's doors in Nice, back in 1950 and gained popularity among Hollywood stars visiting the Cannes Film Festival. The label now has two additional boutiques in the same street catering to women's wear and more formal looks. I can't say that I've ever been drawn to their range which I deemed a little too preppy, but considering how many well-made basics they stock, I can imagine the classic coats or argyle sweaters to be something you could pair with edgier pieces to create a cool country look. Their items are stocked throughout the world and US residents can also order online via their homepage.

One of the storefronts in Nice (above) and some of the current season looks (images: Façonnable).

Address: 7-9 rue Paradis, 06300 Nice

Espace Harroch

Finally, I also browsed this four-storey multi-brand boutique, which some claimed was a concept store (it isn't) and stocks designer brands that don't happen to have their own boutique in the city. I found a decent selection of Balenciaga, Marni, Chloé, Miu Miu and Yohji Yamamoto to name a few, while the menswear section was dominated by Paul Smith, Missoni and Helmut Lang. The top floor had a great range of beauty and skincare products from the Provence, home decor items, as well as linen, towels and bedsheets. There was also a perfume counter and a small range of Diptyque candles. For other luxury designer fixes, you'll of course have a range of flagship boutiques to choose from and Galeries Lafayette has a branch in Nice as well.

Part of the women's wear (left) and menswear (right) section.

A selection of the beautifully displayed beauty and skincare products. For some relaxation, head to the outdoor terrace (right).

Addres: 7 rue Paradis, 06300 Nice

Lastly, I would definitely urge anyone to check out the many markets in this area. I forgot to take pictures of them, but Nice has a lovely flower market, while Forville in Cannes is a great covered market which sells everything from flowers, herbs and seafood to wild mushrooms and (of course) olives. Provence specialities, such as lavender can easily be found in these areas as well.

Lavender and other dried flowers on display at a crafts market in Cannes (top) and more dried petals at Forville (bottom).

Chanel Boutique - Rue Cambon (Paris, France)

When I realized that this post would be my 100th on the blog, I knew I couldn't just write about any ol' store. No, to celebrate this mini-milestone, I would need to feature a brand that influenced the fashion world like no other. Who's founder changed the way women dressed and touched their lives, even if they couldn't afford her precious goods. I think there's no arguing that even if you're not the type to run around in a tweed jacket, you'll most likely still be influenced by Chanel, whether it's the quilted bags, timeless designer fragrances, strands of pearl necklaces or just a simple little back dress. Coco Chanel famously liberated women from tight corsets and overly ornate garments, saying that "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance". My earliest memories were seeing bottles of Chanel perfume on my mother's dressing table, then saving up to get my first Chanel lipstick in my early teens. I remember when Rouge Noir was all the rage and watching Vanessa Paradis swing around in a birdcage during a TV commercial. Chanel is one of those brands that is everywhere and has most likely been present for most of our lives. Which is why going into the Rue Cambon flagship always feels like you're entering a sacred place.

Coco Chanel entering the Rue Cambon building - 1962 (photo by Douglas Kirkland).

Entrance and mirrored staircase next to the boutique (right image: Notcot).

The original flagships always play an important role in brand history and tend to define a brand more than anything else. It's definitely the case with Chanel's oldest and first boutique - bags have been named after the address, the Chanel No. 5 bottle is modeled after the shape of Place Vendôme nearby and the simple interior of the store is the basis for the design of every other Chanel flagship in the world. While Coco herself lived in an apartment in the Ritz, just opposite the Chanel building, the 31 Rue Cambon location she bought in 1910 housed everything else related to the Chanel business: the boutique on the ground floor, haute couture on the first, an apartment on the second (which she used for social and entertainment purposes), the atelier on the third, where Karl Lagerfeld now does most of his Chanel work and lastly a rooftop garden at the very top, with supposedly one of the best views of Paris.

The Haute Couture fitting rooms (images: Cafe Mode, Materialiste)

Entrance to the apartment (left) and sitting room (right image: Materialiste)

The famous mirrored staircase, which allowed Coco to view every single room when she sat at the top, still remains unchanged. The same goes for her apartment - only accessible during certain events or occasions - which is surprisingly ornate given her love of simple design and looks nothing like the sleek interiors in the rooms below. Whenever Coco paid the building a visit, it was said that staff would scurry about in advance spritzing every corner with Chanel No. 5. And while the interlocked C's of the Chanel logo, the number 5 (her lucky number) and her favorite camellia flower can be found throughout the apartment, the boutique itself is sparse, allowing the pieces to speak for themselves.

Hallway area near the main entrance.

If you've seen a Chanel boutique before, chances are, this one won't look any different. And in fact, it's probably not terribly exciting either if it weren't for the history surrounding the building. The flagship is huge though - not the largest in the world (that one is in Tokyo's Ginza district), but big enough for you to find almost anything you could possibly need. And just knowing that Coco herself used to work away in the floors above (and now Karl) adds a special something to the boutique experience. There are two entrances you can use coming in - one of them is near the valet area (yes, Chanel has a valet service), which leads you through a large entrance hall filled with a few bags and rows of sunglasses, yet other than that, it's relatively empty. The other entrance will lead you directly to the accessories and handbag area, if you have no time to waste in finding that perfect purse. I tend to use the main entrance, just because there's something majestic about walking through the large hallway towards the stairs that lead to the ready-to-wear collections.

The accessories and jewely area.

Some of the goodies I found...

As intimidating as the boutique may look, don't be discouraged.... even during a weekday you won't be the only customer there. There's a lot of security staff scattered around and SA's are numerous as well, though fairly helpful - and they won't follow your every move. Once in the entrance, I turned left first, where I saw more bags, some from SS09 and a few from the current season. What you'll mainly find here though is accessories and jewelry - most of it costume and a very small selection of fine jewelry and watches.

More accessories, mainly bags, shoes and clothes.

Next up, further to the left, you'll find another room, again filled with a few more bags, but also a small selection of shoes, such as the lovely sparkly ballerinas, smaller clothing items including cashmere cardigans and a select range of scarves and shawls. Everything is laid out to avoid any rummaging, but more stock can be found behind the large black panels next to the shelves. During sale season you can look yourself, but otherwise I'd get the staff to help you out.

The main shoe section.

Most of the shoes are displayed in the next room, usually a small selection of what is available, so again, I'd ask if there's a particular style you're looking for. The footwear mainly consisted of boots and booties, though I did spy some wedge sandals and more ballerinas.

Mannequins near the stairs and a bag I spied on a shelf nearby.

I'm sure some would call this the Stairway to Heaven...

If you keep walking, you'll get to the main handbag area, though I tend to leave this for last (so I can use this exit). I walked towards the large stairs that lead to the clothing section. This area is my favorite - not that I can afford anything, but the lights on the ceiling remind me of stars in the sky and occasionally they'll bring down a screen in the center on which the latest Chanel runway show is projected. You'll find a few comfy seats here as well, but if you're like me, you'll probably immediately start looking at the various items hanging in their little spaces. Conveniently, everything is hanging facing you, so it's almost like you're looking at pieces in a museum. Sometimes the appropriate shoes can be found below, with bags and other accessories in a shelf above.

First section coming up the stairs... lots of tweed and smart suits.

If you can tear yourself away from this area, you'll find more stunning pieces in the next room. This one had a more cosy feel, with a lounge area on the left, where you can watch more runway shoes on the three screens facing you. From there you can also view most of the clothes, but again, I couldn't resist going around touching every garment. I sighted a few beautiful pink gowns (last season), thick wool coats (this season) and some lovely dark tweed pieces that Mr. Lagerfeld revamped to give them a more youthful edge.

Second room dedicated to RTW.

Some of the items I found... but couldn't afford...

The staff in the ready-to-wear section are usually a bit friendlier, I'm guessing because they rarely deal with the full force of tourists and locals who come in or call every 5 mins asking whether a certain bag is in stock. But if you think they have nothing to do, you're mistaken. Every time I've been there, a society lady or upper-class madame would have an appointment booked. The staff will then prepare one of the changing rooms, which can be found behind the wood-paneled sliding doors in the next and final room, and stock it with items the client has requested or pieces they feel the customer would like. Ahhh, to lead that life... I think most people would be happy enough with one signature Chanel item! It's in this room I found some of the Paris-Moscou range in addition to sports wear and other more casual items. Once again, only a select few pieces were on display, but there's more behind the panels. During sale season this changes of course - the entire stock then hangs from racks (side by side), categorized by size.

The final room dedicated to clothing. It's also where the changing rooms are hidden.

An assortment of sporty and chic wintery pieces in this area.

Walking by, I paused briefly at the make-up and fragrance section at the bottom of the stairs, just to the side of the entrance hall. You might think it's trivial to buy something so minor in such a large boutique, but after a friend told me she got a lipgloss here, which was then lovingly packed in a small Chanel bag and adorned with a white camellia, I can understand that buying anything here is a special experience.

The make-up and fragrances area near the stairs.

My last stop was the handbag and accessories section at the other end of the store. The selection is large, but as everyone tends to come here first, coveted items are just as hard to find here. Although this area is usually the busiest, it was surprisingly quiet when I last went. Again, you'll find sofas and tables with a TV screen at the end, where you can relax (or cry) after spending too much money. Most bags are on display on the shelves, while smaller accessories and more costume jewelry is housed in the glass cases along the counter.

Heading towards the handbag section (left) and overview of this area (right).

More lovely Chanel pieces...

Even if you've been confronted by snooty Chanel SA's in the past (I've heard of plenty of cases), it's definitely worth taking a peek in the legendary flagship if you're ever in Paris. If you're not going anytime soon, I hope this virtual shopping tour gave you a good idea of what it looks like. I will add that staff in all the Parisian Chanel boutiques (i.e. the four other flagships, which all happen to be in the same area) are quite friendly, whereas I've had hit or miss experiences in the department stores. And even if you don't plan on buying anything, there's nothing that brings out a little Coco in you than wandering through this historic boutique and browsing the gorgeous pieces Lagerfeld designed in her memory.

Chanel RTW FW09 runway looks (images: style.com).

Chanel Haute Couture Fall 09 looks (images: style.com).

Address: 31 rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
Opening Hrs: Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00
Chanel Homepage