An American Blogger In Paris: Taratata Bijoux

When I was in Paris three years ago, I came across a cute jewelry store specializing in enamel work. I adore enamel jewelry both for the beautiful colors and for the fact that no two items are exactly alike. I bought a necklace, the one you see here on my poor Buffy:


I dearly wanted to go back there on my recent visit, but for the life of me couldn't remember the store's name so I could look it up. I completely forgot that I still had the little satin pouch (it was in a bottom drawer while I kept the necklace in a jewelry box) or that the store's name was actually engraved on the back of one link. I thought it was a lost cause.

but luck was on my side. Minutes after leaving the Serge Lutens boutique at the Palais Royal, I spotted something pretty in a store window. Within seconds I recognized the name and the place. It was my store: Taratata.

It really was my lucky day, as they were having a big summer sale and everything was 40% off. I got these three necklaces and a ring, which I'm not sure the pictures are doing them justice. The colors are vibrant and there's something innocent and happy about them.

This is the only Taratata boutique, even though according to their website they have other distributors (who aren't listed). They don't sell online and you can only get a glimpse of their winter collection, but if you find yourself in Paris, it's worth a visit (after you got your Serge Lutens bell jar).

21 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris

Make sure you're familiar with the tax papers and how to fill them. They made a mess with ours and we didn't get our refund on this purchase.

Images: all mine

An American Blogger In Paris: Taratata Bijoux

When I was in Paris three years ago, I came across a cute jewelry store specializing in enamel work. I adore enamel jewelry both for the beautiful colors and for the fact that no two items are exactly alike. I bought a necklace, the one you see here on my poor Buffy:


I dearly wanted to go back there on my recent visit, but for the life of me couldn't remember the store's name so I could look it up. I completely forgot that I still had the little satin pouch (it was in a bottom drawer while I kept the necklace in a jewelry box) or that the store's name was actually engraved on the back of one link. I thought it was a lost cause.

but luck was on my side. Minutes after leaving the Serge Lutens boutique at the Palais Royal, I spotted something pretty in a store window. Within seconds I recognized the name and the place. It was my store: Taratata.

It really was my lucky day, as they were having a big summer sale and everything was 40% off. I got these three necklaces and a ring, which I'm not sure the pictures are doing them justice. The colors are vibrant and there's something innocent and happy about them.

This is the only Taratata boutique, even though according to their website they have other distributors (who aren't listed). They don't sell online and you can only get a glimpse of their winter collection, but if you find yourself in Paris, it's worth a visit (after you got your Serge Lutens bell jar).

21 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris

Make sure you're familiar with the tax papers and how to fill them. They made a mess with ours and we didn't get our refund on this purchase.

Images: all mine

An American Blogger In Paris: Taratata Bijoux

When I was in Paris three years ago, I came across a cute jewelry store specializing in enamel work. I adore enamel jewelry both for the beautiful colors and for the fact that no two items are exactly alike. I bought a necklace, the one you see here on my poor Buffy:


I dearly wanted to go back there on my recent visit, but for the life of me couldn't remember the store's name so I could look it up. I completely forgot that I still had the little satin pouch (it was in a bottom drawer while I kept the necklace in a jewelry box) or that the store's name was actually engraved on the back of one link. I thought it was a lost cause.

but luck was on my side. Minutes after leaving the Serge Lutens boutique at the Palais Royal, I spotted something pretty in a store window. Within seconds I recognized the name and the place. It was my store: Taratata.

It really was my lucky day, as they were having a big summer sale and everything was 40% off. I got these three necklaces and a ring, which I'm not sure the pictures are doing them justice. The colors are vibrant and there's something innocent and happy about them.

This is the only Taratata boutique, even though according to their website they have other distributors (who aren't listed). They don't sell online and you can only get a glimpse of their winter collection, but if you find yourself in Paris, it's worth a visit (after you got your Serge Lutens bell jar).

21 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris

Make sure you're familiar with the tax papers and how to fill them. They made a mess with ours and we didn't get our refund on this purchase.

Images: all mine

Is Henri Bendel Owned By Young Mr. Grace?

I considered writing a long rant in which I'd question the genius business minds behind Henri Bendel, and their decision to keep their online presence to an absolute minimum. Yes, there's a web site, but you can only buy the store brand signature items. If you desire a striped makeup bag you're in luck. If you want to buy Secretion Magnifique, not so much.

But then, why bother?

Here's the link, see for yourself how one of the top department stores in NYC (and the US) operates its web business in 2008:
http://www.henribendel.com/shop

Yes, there is a concierge service, which I'm guessing means you can order by phone, but the website doesn't even list what exactly you can buy there.

Are you being served?

Original store image from Henri Bendel site. Botched photoshopping: Mine. Harold Bennett as Young Mr. Grace from somewhere on the net.

Is Henri Bendel Owned By Young Mr. Grace?

I considered writing a long rant in which I'd question the genius business minds behind Henri Bendel, and their decision to keep their online presence to an absolute minimum. Yes, there's a web site, but you can only buy the store brand signature items. If you desire a striped makeup bag you're in luck. If you want to buy Secretion Magnifique, not so much.

But then, why bother?

Here's the link, see for yourself how one of the top department stores in NYC (and the US) operates its web business in 2008:
http://www.henribendel.com/shop

Yes, there is a concierge service, which I'm guessing means you can order by phone, but the website doesn't even list what exactly you can buy there.

Are you being served?

Original store image from Henri Bendel site. Botched photoshopping: Mine. Harold Bennett as Young Mr. Grace from somewhere on the net.

Is Henri Bendel Owned By Young Mr. Grace?

I considered writing a long rant in which I'd question the genius business minds behind Henri Bendel, and their decision to keep their online presence to an absolute minimum. Yes, there's a web site, but you can only buy the store brand signature items. If you desire a striped makeup bag you're in luck. If you want to buy Secretion Magnifique, not so much.

But then, why bother?

Here's the link, see for yourself how one of the top department stores in NYC (and the US) operates its web business in 2008:
http://www.henribendel.com/shop

Yes, there is a concierge service, which I'm guessing means you can order by phone, but the website doesn't even list what exactly you can buy there.

Are you being served?

Original store image from Henri Bendel site. Botched photoshopping: Mine. Harold Bennett as Young Mr. Grace from somewhere on the net.

Ôverhype- Lancome Ôscillation Mascara

A first edition tube of mascara. Seriously.

I probably shouldn't be speaking, considering I attended three Harry Potter parties when the last books came out. I couldn't wait for the morning and had to get my paws on a copy at midnight (and spend most of the night reading). But I just can't wrap my mind around the idea of people supposedly standing in line to be the first ones to buy a vibrating mascara. I'm staying home.

What do you think?

Image: Lancome.com

Ôverhype- Lancome Ôscillation Mascara

A first edition tube of mascara. Seriously.

I probably shouldn't be speaking, considering I attended three Harry Potter parties when the last books came out. I couldn't wait for the morning and had to get my paws on a copy at midnight (and spend most of the night reading). But I just can't wrap my mind around the idea of people supposedly standing in line to be the first ones to buy a vibrating mascara. I'm staying home.

What do you think?

Image: Lancome.com

Ôverhype- Lancome Ôscillation Mascara

A first edition tube of mascara. Seriously.

I probably shouldn't be speaking, considering I attended three Harry Potter parties when the last books came out. I couldn't wait for the morning and had to get my paws on a copy at midnight (and spend most of the night reading). But I just can't wrap my mind around the idea of people supposedly standing in line to be the first ones to buy a vibrating mascara. I'm staying home.

What do you think?

Image: Lancome.com

Chanel Fall 2008 Glossimer Amberlight

Before we move on to the other lip color trend for fall, deep brown, let's have a look at one of the limited edition glossimers: Amberlight (114). The other colors were too light for me (Delight is a pale, silvery lilac and Gold Light is a perfect match for the Gold Fiction nail polish), so I picked this deeper golden caramel shade. It looks more bronze in the tube, but when applied the effect is very transparent, and it has more of a glow than a shimmer.

It can be worn alone, especially if your natural lip color is not as dark as mine. I prefer it over a lipstick and have been layering it with Dior Must See Mauve for a stunning candle-lit effect, which means I'm not saving it for fall. It's a good thing that by October we'll have the holiday collections, because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's been wearing fall colors in July.

Chanel Glossimers ($26) are available at your local department stores from Macy's and up, and online. I ordered mine directly from Chanel's website.

Photos: mine. A somewhat reluctant model: Kosh.

Chanel Fall 2008 Glossimer Amberlight

Before we move on to the other lip color trend for fall, deep brown, let's have a look at one of the limited edition glossimers: Amberlight (114). The other colors were too light for me (Delight is a pale, silvery lilac and Gold Light is a perfect match for the Gold Fiction nail polish), so I picked this deeper golden caramel shade. It looks more bronze in the tube, but when applied the effect is very transparent, and it has more of a glow than a shimmer.

It can be worn alone, especially if your natural lip color is not as dark as mine. I prefer it over a lipstick and have been layering it with Dior Must See Mauve for a stunning candle-lit effect, which means I'm not saving it for fall. It's a good thing that by October we'll have the holiday collections, because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who's been wearing fall colors in July.

Chanel Glossimers ($26) are available at your local department stores from Macy's and up, and online. I ordered mine directly from Chanel's website.

Photos: mine. A somewhat reluctant model: Kosh.