With the holidays right around the corner, and forever a need to find that perfect gift for the Francophile in your life, I decided to put together a holiday gift guide dedicated to online fashion, accessories, and home design, all designed in Paris, of course! Ready to shop à la Parisienne? There’s a lengthy book list for the readers, too!
PARISIAN FASHION AND ACCESSORIES
For the fashion lovers, I’ve launched fashion club Paris à la Mode in which you’ll have the chance to (virtually) meet local Parisian designers and feel as though you’re shopping in Paris. Plus, you’ll receive an exclusive discount on their wares and lots of exciting fashion news, straight from the fashion capital! Here are a few of the designers you’ll be meeting. Head over to their sites to find out what holiday promotions they are offering. Clémence Goudard is the founder of handbag label Good People, all handmade in Madagascar. Laurie Terrasse along with her mother Annie are the designers behind clothing and jewelry label Le Dressing de Zankara. My Kasia Dietz handbags you probably know by now. In honor of the holidays, take 30% off with code HOLIDAY30. Mari Samvelyan creates bespoke womenswear label Koshka Paris. Hermine of Douze Paris designs a handmade line of fine jewelry made of recycled gold.
I don’t want to exclude the men from all the fashion fun. Colorfully classic Parisian brand Erotokritos designs for both women and men and is offering 10% off with code KASIA10. Head over to Twins Concept Store for a wide array of clothing and accessories, all made in France. Use code twinsconceptstore for 10% off.
HOME DECOR WITH A PARISIAN FLAIR
If you’re looking to add a touch of Paris to your home, head over to Square Modern where you’ll discover a stunning selection of limited edition mid-century modern pillows. Take 30% off with code HOLIDAY2020. To outfit your home with more mid-century modern treasures, Maison Nordik offers a vast selection of Franco-Danish home decor from vases to armchairs. For porcelain tableware, ceramic artist Alix D. Reynis creates ethereal plates, platters, and bowls, as well as scented candles. To add the final touches to your holiday table, Madame a la Maison offers a swoon-worthy assortment of French linens and vintage tableware. Artist Marin Montagut will add whimsy to any home with his illustrated wall hangings, porcelain plates, and glasses.
TRAVEL TO PARIS BY BOOK
Since borders to Paris remain closed to those outside of Europe, what better way to travel to the French capital than via the pages of a book? Here is a selection that will certainly satisfy your Paris wanderlust.
Cook like a Parisian with Laura Calder‘s selection of French-style cookbooks, while her latest book The Inviting Life: An Inspirational Guide to Homemaking, Hosting and Opening the Door to Happiness will leave you hugging your home
Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) by Amy Thomas who also wrote Brooklyn in Love: A Delicious Memoir of Food, Family, and Finding Yourself for the New Yorkers
Read all about Samantha Vérant’s love story in Seven Letters from Paris: A Memoir and discover her latest book The Secret French Recipes of Sophie Valroux.
You’ll quickly learn how kale was reborn (and regrown) in Paris in Bonjour Kale: A Memoir of Paris, Love, and Recipes by Kristen Beddard
Je T’Aime, Me Neither by April Lily Heise, author of blog Je T’Aime, Me Neither, just published her latest book There’s Only One Paris: Tales From Our Times, all about post-pandemic Paris
Experience life in Paris in The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World’s Most Glorious – and Perplexing – City by David Lebovitz whose latest book Drinking French: The Iconic Cocktails, Apéritifs, and Café Traditions of France, with 160 Recipes will keep you mixing cocktails, the Parisian way
Embark on a dreamy escape to Paris in Katrina Lawrence poetic book Paris Dreaming while discovering her dedication to the city of light via her site Paris For Dreamers
The perfect book for those in search of the hidden Paris, Don’t Be a Tourist in Paris: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide by Vanessa Grall, also the author of Don’t be a Tourist in New York: The Messy Nessy Chic Guide
When in French: Love in a Second Language by Lauren Collins just might inspire you to learn the complex French language, and fall in love in the meantime
The Paris Journal is a Parisian tale written by Nicole and Evan Robertson whose witty literary art you can find at Obvious State
Uncover Paris’s hotspots in The New Paris by Lindsey Tramuta who dedicated her most recent book The New Parisienne: The Women & Ideas Shaping Paris to the vrai Parisian woman
The Seine: The River that Made Paris is Elaine Sciolino will take you on a historic journey all along the Seine
Notre Dame de Paris: A Celebration of the Cathedral by Kathy Borrus is a love letter to Notre Dame Cathedral
Paris in Stride: An Insider’s Walking Guide by Jessie Kanelos Weiner who also illustrated New York By Foot will have you walking all over Paris via her colorful illustrations
Paris On Air details the Parisian adventures of Oliver Gee who also runs podcast The Earful Tower all about those he meets in Paris
