French Souvenirs
Tee || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Crossbody Bag || Silk Scarf (similar) || Earrings || Watch || Bracelet
One of my favorite things about traveling, besides the adventure and food, is bringing back a suitcase full of souvenirs. Paris was no exception. Even though it’s very tempting to make it all about the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, finding practical mementos is so much more satisfying. Having something from my vacation that I use often is the perfect reminder of a trip well spent. Last year I shared the goodies I brought back from Italy, here. This time around, I want to share my favorite French Souvenirs.
Chanel Flats
Really anything from Chanel will do the trick, especially if you’ve been saving up. If you do decide to splurge on some classic Chanel, then you must do your shopping at 31 rue Cambon. It is home to both Chanel’s Parisian apartment and her first boutique. There, they will treat you like royalty. Being the original store, they have a very extensive collection of items. To really help you stand out, your goodies will be wrapped in white packaging, instead of the traditional black. It’s the only Chanel store in the world that offers it.
Exclusive Perfume
Apart from incredible fashion, if there’s one thing that France is known for, it’s their fragrances. You can pop into so many different designer stores and buy one of their’s. Chances are, you can probably also buy that perfume in the states. Instead, why not spend your Euros on something only available in Paris? While there, my friend introduced me to Fragonard. We marched into their boutique and both came out with a new signature scent. I’ve been spritzing on Belle Chérie everyday and really wish I could have brought home a bigger bottle. They have several stores throughout France, but not one in the US.
Saint James Breton Tops
These iconic striped shirts and sweaters were originally made for the French Navy, and are still being used. Today, they serve as a preppy staple that can be worn all year long. You can’t go wrong with any of their color schemes, but I just love this royal blue long-sleeve option. Recently, new colors have been debuted and now the whole rainbow can be added to your closet. My favorite detail is the discreet St. James logo on the sleeve that helps it stand out and make it undeniably French.
Le Petit Marseillais
I have fallen in love with these beauty products. Inspired by the South of France, their shower gels and lotions are subtly scented and so clean. You will find them in nearly every grocery store and market in Paris because they are so popular. I was so happy to find a few stores in New York that sell them too. Le District is a French inspired food market, near my work in the Financial District, that carries almost their entire line. Since they are such a good deal, my entire bathroom is going to be stocked with this French brand.
Runners Up
- Longchamp Tote Bags
- Hermes Silk Scarves
- Anything from Louis Vuitton
- Dijon Mustard
- Chocolate
Whichever French souvenir you pick, you really can’t go wrong. I find everything about this city impossibly chic, and that includes what’s in their gift shops. Thinking back on my time in Paris only makes me want to return sooner and hopefully bring home even more goodies.
Love from NYC,
Katie
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