Today I went to les grands magasins on Boulevard Hausmann, ostensibly shopping for yet another pair of black shoes. But somehow I never made it to any shoe department. I was too distracted by the bohemian windows at Printemps and the Asian-inspired displays at Galeries Lafayette (check back Thursday for photos of the latter).
Once inside the stores, my attention was diverted by exquisitely-crafted handbags; handmade jewelery; wonderful patterned and sequined scarves for friends and fabulous red crocheted gloves for Jordana's design partner (who adores gloves). And that was just the first floor of Galeries Lafayette! Before I knew it, was laden with packages and couldn't think about visiting a shoe department while keeping track of all those bags.
All this shopping is strictly necessary, after all. Next week I'll be off for three weeks to the Wild West - my first trip to the US is over two years. And one can't arrive empty-handed, when visiting friends and family - it's just not done! Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
As I'd been shopping for hours without eating, my blood sugar was plummeting. So a quick two-block walk over to Madeleine, where on a little side street lined with sex shops - and a Starbucks - there's a great little sandwich place, Cojean. It has tiny sandwiches and salads with fresh organic ingredients, juices, etc. - not cheap, but a fast energy revival before more shopping!
Check out the painted trunk and wooden horses, piled along with these brightly-patterned fabric "hobo bags" in a Printemps window. See that guy sitting on a fence? If you're sitting on a fence about something in your life, this is a reminder to get off! Make a decision; take a stand; do something! Don't just sit there!
Bohemian clothes, suzani fabric bundles and handbags tied to a purple car!
More views of the purple car, piled high with worldly possessions.
A dress in animal-print fabrics, along with fabric-tied bundles and a pedicab in my favourite aqua colour.
More aqua bundles, a wooden horse and an enamel tiffin.
A mannequin sitting on a bright pink Mini, loaded with parcels.
Red fabric-tied bundles, along with a gorgeous hand-painted chest and a Lancel handbag (er, ahem...there is one just like that at home!)
A green jungle-print chiffon ruffled dress and surreal images reflected in a Printemps window.
And if you're an American voting in the presidential election, this is both surprising and dismaying.
Great photos! They make one feel alive! :) I'll definetely recommend people to visit your site via my blog!
Posted by: Flickan F | 30 May 2008 at 23:30
As if another world lived beyond the glass...
Posted by: runliarun | 12 May 2008 at 22:47
I always love window-shopping with you - the reflections in the glass are nearly as interesting as what is behind them!
Missed you~
Bisous xox
Posted by: tinker | 08 May 2008 at 14:41
Wow, those are amazing! I love bohemian inspired fashion and the way those windows are styled is breathtaking. Thanks so much for taking pictures of everything.
Posted by: Jacqueline | 08 May 2008 at 06:19
Do you know Tara your images are so good I feel as though I have already been there.
Posted by: Di Overton | 07 May 2008 at 20:59
boho fashion at its best. beautiful...i am shopping vicariously through you!~
Posted by: Octavine Illustration | 07 May 2008 at 07:28
I love the reflections in the windows. You got me at sitting on the fence. I couldn't seem to get past that. I need to get off the fence, in more than one area of my life. Thanks for the gentle reminder.
The recipients in the US are sure to be pleased of all those lovely treasures you found. I want to run around and shop with you in Paris and eat at that little shop too.
Posted by: collette ~ all over the map | 07 May 2008 at 04:02
My comment it seems was deemed as spam and is awaiting your review, Tara. (I bet I know why... hehe)
Posted by: Colette | 06 May 2008 at 22:12
Nothing like a Starbucks in a little sex-shop-lined street!!
Happy shopping, you lucky girl you. xox
Posted by: Colette | 06 May 2008 at 22:11
Oh how beautiful BUT the idea of Boulevard Hausmann makes my blood run cold, even as an inveterate shopper. Shoppers in Dublin (where I am from) are rude enough, but coming from Marrakech, where personal space is practically inviolate, even on the most crowded streets, the unabashed rudeness of people on that one street in Paris was very off-putting: only there have I ever been taken firmly by both shoulders and shoved aside... you are a braver blogger (and black shoe shopper - btw, just go to Repetto!) than I, Tara!
Posted by: Passementerie | 06 May 2008 at 20:59
Oh Tara, those pictures sent me into overdrive. What decandent windows! Beautiful.
Posted by: Yoli | 06 May 2008 at 20:09
I love all of it!
I hope you have a great time over here soon, sounds like two years is a long time to wait to see your beloved San Fran!!!
xo
Posted by: Gillian | 06 May 2008 at 19:02
You go girl. Shop 'till you drop
Posted by: Di Overton | 06 May 2008 at 18:55
All this red and yellow is kicking my color genes into full gear! How I adore color and how you feed that pleasure so often in your wonderful jaunts through Paris (and elsewhere!) with your camera! Trust me. The windows at the Gap, Pottery Barn and Coldwater Creek don't look anything like this!
Posted by: Jeanie | 06 May 2008 at 18:40
Do people ever give you odd looks, when you take pictures of the windows? lol
:)
Posted by: amber | 06 May 2008 at 18:37
The Colors! The Colors! I am dizzy from the richness of the vibrant colors (in a good way). Heady, delirious, exotic! Yumm-o!!
Posted by: kelly snelling | 06 May 2008 at 18:33