Vintage Fashion hits the 17th

Towards end of spring a new boutique opened up in the 17th, Bastien de Almeida. It is a gorgeous shop, it's slick, dark interior is more typical of the Marais then Batignolles, so all the more lucky for us up here that it arrived. It stocks impeccable vintage threads that would make any Mad Men fashion victim swoon with envy. Yves, Sonia, Balenciaga are some of the big names, but many items here are not of the designer label, but classic dresses and suit/jacket ensembles that were popular and elegant in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Bastien de Almeida, 46, rue La Condamine.

There is also a great selection of photography based books and the cherry on the cake is they offer sewing courses once a week. I can't wait to get started! I have been wanting to take a proper class in "couture" and here it falls two steps from home.

Fall in Paris: Let's Begin Again

Fall in Paris- Although the leaves started changing in our neighborhood at the end of August and I was nervous we wouldn't get any fall weather this year, September has turned out to be a lovely month-minus a few hyper-gray days here and there. I side with the Jewish calendar with having the new year begin in the fall rather then the Roman calendar of January. Since childhood, unless you went to one of those year around schools, we go around with the notion that September is the new "school year," and then as we get older, the feeling of September, following a nice summer, feels like a time to start fresh. In the arts and culture world, September starts the "new season" of exhibitions, shows, books, etc.

If we are lucky enough for an Indian summer like we had here in Paris last week, then you still feel the energy of summer and feel motivated to start new projects and be productive--at least until winter fully takes hold. Whereas in January, unless you are in the southern hemisphere, it's much harder to feel rejuvenated and inspired to begin anew, make resolutions, etc. In reality, most of us feel bloated from holiday drinking and eating and depressed at the cold weather in store for at least 2-3 more months.

Bref, It's fall and Paris has regained its momentum after a sleepy August. I have to say I loved being in Paris in for a couple of weeks in August. People were friendlier, riding a bike was a joy and there were never lines at the market--even if only 2 vendors were working. But it is hard not to be affected by the energy of the new art season. Posts coming tomorrow for some worthwhile shows.