I am in Paris now and before my trip I cannot help buying a couple of insiders' Paris books before coming here. The photos are nice and reviews are enticing, but I tried several shops in the 4th arr. and they are not working out well for me.
Carabosse (page 90) - the store is closed for good at this address.
Lobato (page 97) - shop is closed at 5pm. Display in the window showed very expensive (500-900 Euros)and not so unique shoes.
ba&sh - Simple and well-cut, but most are dark colors. I find a top selling over 3000 euros and don't think it worths the price tag.

It maybe a coincidence three of the four stores I went in the same neighborhood did not work out well, but I lost confidence in this after the experience.

If you want to find unique things without a big price tag, I don't think this book will help you very much. Just my two cents.

It will be love at first sight! This lovely little book is a must if you are traveling from your armchair or in person. The photography is wonderful and you get the feel of how special shopping is in France. Don't leave this little diamond at home - read it while sipping a cup of coffee at your local Starbucks or on the plane before landing in France.

It will be love at first sight! This lovely little book is a must if you are traveling from your armchair or in person. The photography is wonderful and you get the feel of how special shopping is in France. Don't leave this little diamond at home - read it while sipping a cup of coffee at your local Starbucks or on the plane before landing in France.

even if it's only window shopping.

My wife and I love travel and we have had the privilege in shopping in many of the great cities of the world: New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Rome, Milan, Houston, and many many others. Paris is without equal for shoppng in a number of respects: elegance, beauty, quality, knowledge of staff and the pure joy of seeing fine products in a beautiful setting.

We both admit that we are a little intimidated, and frankly it's only in Paris we have that feeling. Partly it's the attitude of the sales people -- worldly, fashionable, speaking impeccable French. Partly it's our awe that the French seem to have discovered how to imbue even the simplest product with a level of sophistication.

Chic Shopping Paris is a great passport to discovering the joys of shopping in that great city. The photographs by Alison Harris are beautiful -- the book is almost a postcard collection of beautiful products beautifully displayed. The text is descriptive, educated, loving even -- Rebecca Perry Magniant proves her learning not only in this sampling of her work, but also on her frequently updated website. If the following passage resonates with you to any degree, visit the website, and carefully consider buying this beautiful little book:

Nicole Lehmann
19, rue de Turenne, 4th arr.
01 42 77 57 21
Métro: Saint-Paul
Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 2pm-7pm, closed Monday
nlparis.com

Nicole Lehmann's new shop just a block away from the Place des Vosges is small but elegant, the perfect setting for showing off her luxurious purses. Each of her bags is entirely handmade, with attention to fine details, in high-quality leathers and skins with metal accents. The bags come in three basic styles: the cabas (tote), the pochette (clutch), and the besace (messenger). Each comes with either long or short straps and in different finishes (grained or smooth leather, suede, alligator, ostrich). Some have unique details such as a long chain strap that can be removed and worn as a necklace; another style has a slim leather closure strap that is interchangeable with straps of other colors, and any of the straps can be worn as a bracelet. A small line of jewelry, cuff links, and belts rounds out the collection."

And if this book doesn't interest you, at least visit the publisher's website; The Little Bookroom publishes a number of delightful books that will enhance your travel experiences.

Robert C. Ross 2008

I travel to France and especially Paris often and love to have an insiders look at shopping places that visitors often don't know about. I can't wait to get there in October and use my little green book to check out some of the places in it. Love having the email addresses, phone numbers and the many pictures. Thank you Rebecca!

Travel through the best of the insider's Paris in 208 beautifully written and photographed pages. In concise, but through narratives, Ms. Magniant brings the best of Paris to your mind while Allison Harris' photos are each a well composed tableau of the individuals shop's wares. From wall designs to unique notions to toys, antique printed matter, designer clothers, jewelery, perfumes, all manner of foodstuffs, and other off-the-beaten-track treasures- if you can't find something of great interest to you, don't see Paris-see your doctor!

The perfect book for exploring Paris via shopping! The book is divided by neighborhoods for easy reference. The descriptions are extremely helpful and the photographs could be postcards of Paris themselves. The small size of the book will fit into your purse for easy access. I read this on the subway before I went shopping and couldn't wait to start shopping.

The best addresses and tips are in this little gem of a book. Things the average tourist or even seasoned shopper would be hard pressed to find on their own. I'm almost sad that "the secrets are out" !! I highly recommend this book before your trip to Paris and for a fun read in general.
Stephanie
PS I live in Paris and consider myself a 'shopaholic' and loved discovering some new addresses in this book.

I just purchased a copy of "Chic Shopping Paris." It's a delightful guidebook. The information is absolutely essential if you plan to visit Paris, and, of course shop. If you don't plan to visit Paris, you can still injoy the beautiful color photos and dream!