Lifestyle

Shoe Shopping at Chanel: What to Expect

If I’ve entered a Chanel store in the past, it has never been with the intention of buying something…at least not until now. I recently visited two Chanel locations in Paris, 31 rue Cambon and 51 avenue Montaigne. My purchase took place at the latter. The fashion advisors who assisted me at both stores were welcoming, excellent conversationalists (we spoke in French), and made my experience memorable. I was also showered in bouquets of white roses for International Women’s Day, which opened beautifully when I placed them in a vase at home. Someone left a bouquet of tulips from Ferragamo behind, so I added those to my collection. Thus, I concluded March 8 with my first Chanel item and three bouquets of flowers. Here’s what to expect on your initial visit to a Chanel location in Paris.

  • Someone will ask you what item(s) you are shopping for the moment you enter the store (after the bonjours and bienvenues of course). It’s a good idea to have an answer prepared. I’d planned to buy a pair of classic ballerines in black and even went so far as to try them on for size at Bergdorf Goodman beforehand.
  • When you arrive, you’ll be put into a queue. At Cambon, I was asked to wait for a fashion advisor in the shoe department on a cushioned bench; one became available within 30 minutes. At Montaigne, I waited at least 90 minutes for an advisor and went to Dior and Ladurée in the interim. I opted to receive a notification via text message when it was my turn. You may schedule an appointment in advance online provided there is availability.
  • You will be offered a drink at the beginning of your shopping session and may choose from either still water, sparkling water, juice, or Champagne. At Cambon, I settled on a bottle of Evian. I asked for Champagne at Montaigne but they’d run out by then; I was there past closing time after all. Also, chocolate wafers from Angelina appeared along with Evian at Montaigne; I’m not sure if they are a staple among Chanel’s refreshments or if they were for International Women’s Day like the roses. If you know, comment below.
  • Everything isn’t on display. Just because something isn’t visible doesn’t mean it’s out of stock. I learned this on a walk around the shoe department with my style advisor at Cambon. To my amazement, she pushed aside several sliding mirrors to reveal shelves upon shelves of shoes not otherwise visible.
  • The display shoes have a price sticker on the bottom. I deduced that the ballet flats I tried on at Cambon had been on display (at some point) from the price sticker on the bottom. They were the last pair at that location.
  • The advisors wear all black. This makes them easy to spot on the sales floor. However, you shouldn’t need to go searching for anyone; your advisor stays with you the whole time.
  • Your advisor will need your passport to prepare the paperwork that will allow you to receive your VAT (value-added tax) back. Please note: it is not advisable to wear the purchases from which you plan to receive VAT on the flight home. In case of inspection, they should look like purchases. Place them in your carry-on.

Works Sighted

Meridame II (navy/ecru stripes) // J.Crew Martie pant (black) // Chanel classic ballerines (black)

Packing for Paris

I’d intended to settle my wardrobe for Paris in advance and not wait until the day of departure. But alas, that is not how the story unfolded As the flight time drew nearer and nearer, I decided to concentrate on packing the essential electronics: laptop, phone, watch, camera, chargers, and all accompanying cords. As for clothes, I brought two sweaters, a white shirt, and the Saint James/Martie pant uniform I’ve been wearing all winter. Et voilà ! No thinking necessary. I had clothes in my suitcase and time to get a mani/pedi before the flight. If I’d left something behind, I figured someone in Paris would sell it and searching for the vendor would lead to an adventure.

Works Sighted

An assortment of Saint James marinières and J.Crew Martie pants; Eyewitness Travel Guides: Paris // Alan Tillier; Cook Like a Local in France // Lynne Martin and Deborah Scarborough; a sketchbook from The Met Store; The Bigger Carry-On by AWAY

Paris Bookcase Inventory

Now seems like as good a time as any to take inventory of the collection of books in my Paris bookcase; my upcoming trip will present many opportunities to purchase more I’m sure. Despite the name I’ve aptly given it, the case also contains books pertaining to other areas of France and French culture as a whole. I’m open to recommendations and disagreements in the comments section. A library should be highly curated after all.

Style

Scenic Paris

The Table

Biography and Memoir

History and Culture


Language Learning

Further Reading

My French Soul: An Introduction

Browsing at Flotsam and Fork

I discovered the couple-owned housewares shop Flotsam and Fork through a Google search for French steak knives, probably the famous and highly-copied Laguiole knife by VERDIER Manufacture. The website is esthetically-pleasing; the products have been photographed against a neutral background and the copy, like the name of the establishment, is well-written. The website’s classic appearance is minimalistic and polished like the European home goods it displays.

I once dreamed of visiting the Flotsam and Fork brick-and-mortar location in Minneapolis, which opened in 2019 but has since closed permanently. The owners, Joe Hasler and Adrianna Fie, started their business in 2013 with the mission of making European brands of quality accessible to the American market.

Many of the items that interest me are sold out but listings for such things are accompanied by a notify me when back in stock option. Nontheless, F+F is an excellent online resource for discovering European brands. Here are some covetable items from my wish list.

Works Sighted

market basket // Iris Hantverk table brush // Papier d’Armenie ceramic burner // Papier d’ Armenie sampler box // Georges Lalo stationery

Inge Glass Champagne ornament // Clairefontaine classic notebook // Filt market tote // Kessy Beldi glasses

VERDIER Manufacture Laguiole cheese knives // olive oil can

copper ladle // VERDIER Manufacture Laguiole steak knives // Inge Glass glass croissant ornament // Charvet Editions dish towel

fruit basket // Charvet Editions table runner // Cereria Intona baguette candle // butter dish

An American in Paris (1951): A Paris Collage

Perfume-seller Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron) and artist Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) see each other for the first time in a bustling cafe in Montparnasse. As I watch them meet, separate, repeat in locations around Paris, I forget that An American in Paris (1951) was filmed on the California sound stages and backlots of MGM. The film sets overload my senses. In addition to the talent, there are many props, movable and stationary, to observe. In the opening scene, my eyes hurry to survey the contents of Jerry’s compact studio apartment. Is his marinière Saint James? What books are those? What type of bread does Jerry eat for breakfast?

This theatrical version of Paris is overly grand, a tad too shiny, too dreamy. Some of the dance scenes are dreams. But, perhaps this is what encourages my thoughts to wander. As a viewer, I am reminded that:

  • artists must create art often; otherwise, they are not truly living
  • every woman has a unique combination of qualities
  • flowers are essential for the table
  • lavender has a calming effect
  • clothing for children was tasteful once upon a time
  • there’s nothing like a good party
  • there’s nothing like a good party dress
  • sherry is for sharing
  • the neighborhood cafe should be visited often 
  • perfume is and isn’t a luxury
  • a white dress paired with black shoes is an eye-catching combination
  • I find vintage posters (and antiques in general) charming
  • a view of the Eiffel Tower never gets old
  • pointe shoes in skin-tone-inclusive shades are a recent invention 
  • choreography is exercise; note to self: consult YouTube for routines

Works Sighted

Breton shirt // lavender // artist palette // paintbrushes // coupe cocktail glasses

silk scarf // gum // children’s coat // sherry // cup and saucer // baguette // dress (ivory)

painting // Champagne Dehu traditional brut // perfume bottle // ballet flats // ice bucket // dress (black) // pointe shoes

Cocktail Books

A week ago, I went to happy hour with a friend. I usually order a glass of wine but decided to order a cocktail this time. The one specially priced for the occasion consisted of (if I remember correctly) vodka, cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. I requested that the mixologist dispense with the simple syrup. My friend followed suit; American-level sweets are too much for the both of us. The mixologist agreed but warned that the freshly-squeezed lime juice was potent. The color of the drink was a beautifully-subdued shade of pink. Its tartness was pleasing. As we sipped, the mixologist set to work on several concoctions for others. One drink called for a blackberry on a cocktail pick. Another, a blow-torched sprig of pine, the scent of which could only be described as the epitome of the season. I imagined myself behind the bar mixing and blow-touching to my heart’s content. Then, I came down to earth and rounded up some books that might be hepful to the home mixologist.

Works Sighted

Apéritif // I’m Just Here for the Drinks // Good Drinks // Spirits of Latin America

A Woman’s Drink // Cocktail Codex // Batch Cocktails // The Joy of Mixology

Spritz // Keto Happy Hour // Mezcal and Tequila Cocktails // Essential 3-Ingredient Cocktails