What's a must to buy in Paris?
Mar 28th, 2008, 03:08 PM
#26
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Guilia - I buy the same perfume - LouLou by Cacheral!! My middle name is Lou, so when it came out years ago it was a logical choice for me. Then it got discontinued in the US, so every few years I must go to Europe to restock!
Mar 28th, 2008, 03:19 PM
#27
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cls2paris: Is it not the most AMAZING scent?????????? People stop me and ask me what I am wearing! I will be miserable if they discontinue it! I have bad news too, it's already been discontinued in other European countries! In Italy all I heard in every profumeria was " Ahhh si, Lou Lou non esiste piu' che peccato". Translation, "Its over, your perfume is gone, c-ya, bye bye, what a shame". Not really, that's just me being dramatic 
But really, I never found one bottle in London, Glasgow, or all over Italy last year. I am sooooooo going to stock up in October!
But really, I never found one bottle in London, Glasgow, or all over Italy last year. I am sooooooo going to stock up in October!
Mar 28th, 2008, 03:30 PM
#29
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This now reminds me of the review in the New Yorker recently of “Perfumes: The Guide”....there were two great quotes from the book
"Amarige, from Givenchy? “If you are reading this because it is your darling fragrance, please wear it at home exclusively, and tape the windows shut.”"
and
"‘What scent drives men wild?’ After years of intense research, we know the definitive answer. It is bacon.”
"Amarige, from Givenchy? “If you are reading this because it is your darling fragrance, please wear it at home exclusively, and tape the windows shut.”"
and
"‘What scent drives men wild?’ After years of intense research, we know the definitive answer. It is bacon.”
Mar 28th, 2008, 04:09 PM
#32
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Chocolate from La Maison du Chocolat. They have the most amazing chocolates. There are La Maison boutiques in the US (depending on where you live), but when I went to Paris back in 2004, it was actually less expensive to buy gourmet chocolate there than in NYC (not sure about now). They have multiple locations in Paris - I remember the one near the Hotel Lutetia in the St Germain des Pres area.
Mar 28th, 2008, 04:15 PM
#33
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Nogent paring knives at the roving markets. they cost about 3.5 euros (could be more now) and are wonderful. Saveur magazine counted them among the 100 most important cooking tools in one of those editions they do of the 100 best this or that.
Mar 28th, 2008, 04:25 PM
#34
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Second the recommendation for Fragonard but if the budget doesn't stretch to the perfumes I can strongly recommend the shower gels. A friend bought me some and I've been hooked ever since. My favourite is the orange flower one.
Mar 28th, 2008, 04:26 PM
#35
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For me, the ultimate cheap souvenir from Paris, after the mustard, fleur de sel, chocolate and other edibles, is soap.
I find the drugstores often very nice soap bars priced inexpensively. They make a good little gift, if I must bring someone a gift.
I find the drugstores often very nice soap bars priced inexpensively. They make a good little gift, if I must bring someone a gift.
Mar 28th, 2008, 05:46 PM
#36
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Maile mustard in the crocks filled from the tap and sealed with corks.
Roger & Gallant bodywash and lotion from the local "drugstore," esp the ginger.
Scarves from Galerie Lafayette.
Posters from the various shows in local galleries.
And anything from this fabulous pottery, etc., shop on rue Jacob.
http://www.maison-ivre.com/index_uk.php
Roger & Gallant bodywash and lotion from the local "drugstore," esp the ginger.
Scarves from Galerie Lafayette.
Posters from the various shows in local galleries.
And anything from this fabulous pottery, etc., shop on rue Jacob.
http://www.maison-ivre.com/index_uk.php
Mar 28th, 2008, 07:09 PM
#38
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With the exception of fresh food items like Laduree macaroons (which would never last on the plane ride back with me!) there is almost nothing I can't buy in the US for less now.
Guerlain have some wonderful fragrances that are available only in their Champs Elysee flagship store. Someone mentioned Serge Lutens non-export perfumes at the Palais Royale. But eventually, they will be released to Neiman's or Bergdorf's.
I really miss the days of shopping in Europe with a strong dollar. Even window shopping is painful now.
Guerlain have some wonderful fragrances that are available only in their Champs Elysee flagship store. Someone mentioned Serge Lutens non-export perfumes at the Palais Royale. But eventually, they will be released to Neiman's or Bergdorf's.
I really miss the days of shopping in Europe with a strong dollar. Even window shopping is painful now.
Mar 28th, 2008, 07:23 PM
#40
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These recommmendations are great. I'll be in Paris in September and will definitely keep this information handy. I especially like the macaroon recommendations...but with my sweet tooth I probably wouldn't even make it out of the shop with a full box let alone home on the plane! 
