Paris Please

Visiting Paris during the warm summer months is an amazing experience, but we’re here to tell you that a winter getaway to the city of love can be just as beautiful — arguably even more so! Not only does ice give the city a unique, sleek look and transform the grand architecture into works of winter art, you and a special someone will cuddle all the more closer while strolling through the cool city streets (and while sipping on cappuccinos during the breaks to get warm)! What’s more, the January sales in most French boutiques can’t be beat, and ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville and Gare Montparnasse is second only to maybe ice skating at New York’s famous Rockefeller Center. So what are you waiting for French Charmers? Pack up your winter best, and we’ll see you in Paris!

Photo credits from top to bottom: Flickr.com, CollageOfLife-Henrqs.blogspot.com, ParlezMoiBlog.blogspot.com, Paris.org, Photo.net, Stevenunsworth.co.uk, TravelingBoard.net, TrekEarth.com.

WINTER SALE IN THE BOUTIQUE!

The WINTER SALE begins today. 20% OFF SITEWIDE plus FREE SHIPPING! Dec. 26 - Jan. 1

Wishing you Peace, Happiness and Good Fortune in the coming New Year! oxox ~ Chelle

PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SALE EVENT!

French Charmed is starting today with our BLACK FRIDAY SALE EVENT! Merchandise is 20% - 35% OFF in our Pinkalicious Christmas Shoppe. Stop by for some tres chic deals! And remember, FREE SHIPPING every item, every day! Also, some great sales going on at Shabby Cottage Shops this week:

"PRE BLACK FRIDAY BLOW OUT SALE at Shabby Cottage Shops!

Enjoy up to 30% OFF ~ NOW THROUGH SUNDAY!

Some shops will also offer free shipping,

free gift with purchase and free gift wrap!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Shabby Cottage Shops!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING READERS!! Hope your week is filled with many blessings ~ OX, Chelle

Passport To Paris: Rendezvous With Kambra, Part Two

Bonjour French Charmed readers! Kambra here again with the continuation of my fun, Parisian getaway! I can't believe it's already been two weeks since I returned from the City of Love; I'm still flying high on the excitement of it all, especially because I can still taste the delicious cappuccinos my sister and I shared, still hear the sound of Mopeds zooming down the narrow streets and still feel the cobblestones under my feet. (Speaking of which, we found out quite early on that it's nearly impossible to wear stiletto heels in Paris because of these streets. We tried out best to match the vibe of the city and dress as sexy as possible, but it's really not so sexy to be wobbling over the stony streets! I mean, it's no wonder all girls wear ballet flats! So keep that in mind if you're tempted to pack those sky-high Christian Louboutin pumps...)
   As I mentioned before, August is traditionally the month most Parisians take off on holiday, so many of the boutiques and cafes were shut down. But that didn't stop my sister and I from discovering some real gems. Here are a few of the fun spots we explored, and stay tuned for yet more on our adventures. We had a sexy Parisian boy give us a tour of a spectacular neighborhood that I think would make a fabulous day trip for any tourist up for an adventure. Maybe not the most typical tourist experience, but why not step outside of the usual and spend a day as a native would? But anyway, more on that later... For now, I hope you enjoy some of these delicious and wonderful spots!

Until next time,
xoxo, Kambra

Stopping in little cafes for a cappuccino is pretty typical in Paris, and you can pretty much find a billion such places to serve you something heavenly. This cafe, called Petit D'ejeuner, had the most delicious and chocolatey cappuccinos we've ever tasted. It was more like dessert than a coffee, especially paired with a scrumptious shared creme brulee. 

We met a local friend at this amazing cafe called L'ebouillante, located on 6 rue des Barres. They had the most amazing cheese plate we've ever tasted. (We sat outside in a narrow alleyway near a church, and it was a bit dark to get a nice photo, sorry! But it's definitely worth a trip. Their food is positively amazing, and the inside atmosphere was so homey and warm, complete with a tiny spiral staircase to an upstairs eating area!)

It's obviously touristy, but you must check out the Notre Dame just for the sake of seeing such beautiful architecture. It will really take your breath away.

On a gray, rainy day, this boutique, Antoine & Lili, really popped on the street. What's more, the clothing and accessories inside did the same thing! Head here for some amazing sweater dresses and really bright and colorful scarves and such.

Well, au revoir for now. I'll be sharing more from the adventure – including that fabulous day trip from a local's perspective – very soon! xoxo

Passport To Paris: Rendezvous With Kambra, Part One

Bonjour French Charmed readers! My name is Kambra, and I’m Chelle’s daughter. I just had the spectacular opportunity of visiting Paris for the first time ever, so my mom asked me if I’d do a few guest blogs and share my experience in the City of Love. Seeing as how the woman has gone on and on about how much she loves all things French since before I was even born, I couldn’t very well turn her down! And besides, I have much that I’m very excited to share with you all!

Even though August is the traditional month that most Parisians take their holiday (i.e. vacation, which therefore means many of the shops and cafés were closed) my sister, BreAnna, and I had a wonderful time and discovered many fantastic boutiques and places to eat. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!

Lotta & Djossou, a fabulous jewelry store located at 11 Rue Ferdinand Duval, was such a treat to find on a dreary, rainy afternoon. The handmade pieces cried out to us as we strolled by, and we couldn’t help but run in and try on about every single thing in the shop! I loved the silver feather bracelet in the window, while my sister opted to buy an elegant gold rope necklace.

Bonus: They wrap your purchase in such a pretty, reusable bag, that it’s like getting two beautiful things for the price of one!

Au revoir for now, and I look forward to sharing more of my fabulous finds with you!

xoxo, Kambra