Paris - Day 2, Part 2!

I've told you all that at first I didn't love Paris. I think you can certainly see why I've changed my mind about that! 

Our trip this year has provided Jeanie and me time to reminisce a bit about our past experiences here and the growth that our trips to Paris has helped SOL achieve. 

Some highlights!

Circa 2004 - Our first trip. There are endless moments that took my breath away. Visiting Cadolle (stay tuned for our pictures to come of what they're offering this year!) and realizing everything...I mean EVERYTHING, in Paris is on SALE for the entire month of January.

Repato - Ballet slippers even on on SOLDE = SALE

Circa 2005 - I found Didier Ludot and realized that the list of Paris stores where I wold love to shop, but will never have the time, is extensive. And yet it doesn't matter because in Paris, window shopping is truly a worthwhile sport.

Didier Ludot Palais Royal. Didier Ludot sells vinage fine designer clothes and accessories. Swoon.

Circa 2006  - Jeanie, Janelle and I explored Paris armed with tips from my gorgeous mother-in-law who had been here on a girls' trip. Check out yesterday's post to read all about our first trip to a hammam.

Hammam Pacha

Circa 2007 - You cannot have enough champagne in Paris! It is everywhere and makes every little activity so much more...well...FRENCH! Watching the sun rise in Paris is a treat in and of itself, but doing it with friends and champagne AND still managing to get a lot of work done, that's just perfection. Much love to Janelle, Jocelyn, Jeanie and Amanda for one of my favorite trips to Paris ever.

France, Friends, Fun.

Circa 2008 - Mrs. Natori has kindly hosted us at her Paris flat on many occassions. This year was incredible in particular because we all gathered around her grand piano while she played and we sang. The apartment was incredible and filled with flowers, fun and amazing people. We met the Saks buyer from Dhubai, the Womens' Wear Daily Lingerie Editor Karen Monget, an amazing American lingerie designer named Alan Fisher...the list goes on and on.

Mrs. Natori poses with us. Such a kind and gracious woman. I am proud to call her a friend.

Circa 2009 - The splendor of Galeries Lafayette will always stay with me. Each SOL Girl back home enjoys a "Paris Treat" which we lovingly purchase at this most glorious 20,000 square foot lingerie department within a world-class department store. Shopping takes on a whole new meaning here!

The ceiling of Galeries Lafayette. Gorgeous!

Circa 2010 - Jeanie and I had our first moment alone in what seemed like years! we also got to stay beneath the Eiffel Tower and see tha sparkes up close! Never underestimate its beauty.

Breathtaking.

Circa 2011 - Dining out in Paris! You'd be hard pressed to find girls who enjoy delicious food and wine as much as we do. Dining out with our favorite colleagues makes it an even bigger pleasure. Three must visit eateries...


1. ANY sidewalk cafe. Seriously. Stop, take a moment, order a glass of wine and just look around and soak it all in before you have dinner.


2. Au Bonne Accueil - I've shared this with you all before - it sits right beneath the Eiffel Tower and the Sole is as indescribable as the service is impeccable.

An experience of a lifetime. Trust me.

3. Grocery stores, Patisserie, Charcuterie, and department stores are all home to incredibly ridiculously good snacks. Stock up on basic provisions at every turn so that you are never in Paris without something delicious to eat.

Just close your eyes and point. It's all delicious.

It's not all croissants and rich food - the fruit selection is remarkable.

Circa 2012 - Stay tuned! My absolute favorite moment starts today! We get to walk through these doors into my personal fairyland.

Entrance to Salon International de la Lingerie - can't wait to walk up the red carpet!

We will post later today about our exciting meetings with designers...check back or follow us on Facebook, we'll announce when we've updated there.

xoxo
Cindy