I LOVE Paris. A LOT.
The last time I went was with Miss Aimz in ‘08 – we were both single, it was new year, we kissed boys, we conceptualised Sassy Minx, we saw dancing girls, visited every lingerie shop Paris had to offer and Paris sprinkled us with it’s delicious magic…3 years on, Miss Aimz is in love with and is now living with her shaggy-haired manboi with their beautiful baby boy. LOVE.

I have written a book for grown-up girls about finding that Parisian magic every single day – out in 2012 – wohhhooo! – have met and moved in with my hot Viking beau who I love and adore, and who is now taking me back to Paris in February – ohhhh la la!

I am doing star-jumps o’ joy to actually be visiting the magickal city o’ all things bohemian, writer-y and delicious with the man I love, I’m watching the last two episodes o’ SATC, Midnight in Paris, Paris, J’taime and Amelie, reading Anais Nin and planning a walking tour round Montmatre ending in an evening at Lapin Agile, opened in 1860, where artists and writers such as Picasso, Utrillo, and Modigliani used to hang – SO excited!

So while I may not be able to fly above the rooftops of Paris ala this whimsically bee-you-tiful Sophia Coppola short film for Dior, I am, however, able to put in a call to the most awesome Paris tour-guide you’ll ever wish to meet – Miss Marine Chotard, creatrix o’ www.misssugarcane.com.

Not only does she create totally crushable-on items of adorability – check them out: www.misssugarcane.com, she’s worked for the super swank Chanel and other fabu designers, she loves Marilyn Monroe and she’s spilling her classified insider info on my city du jour, Paris – who WOULDN’T heart, Marine?!

The Insider’s Guide to Paris – by Marine – MissSugarCane

Hey Sassy Minxes – I’m born in Paris, I’ve always lived here, but everyday I see Paris in exactly the same way a tourist does. I live 5 minutes walk from Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge, Paris is not a very big city, so don’t be afraid to lose yourself in it!

EAT

Stohrer : 51 rue Montorgueil 75001. Metro: Etienne Marcel. In a nice district, typical of the old Paris centre, go to this famous bakery, open since 1730 and have a spinach and shrimps salad – a specialty of this pretty, pretty place.

Laduree: You can’t miss this beautiful place. Feel like a queen and eat the same macaroons as the truly decadent Marie Antoinette! The history of Parisian tea salons is intimately tied to the history of the Laduree family.

It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Laduree, a miller from France’s southwest, created a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris 75008. Metro Madeleine. These small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, are made every morning in Laduree’s ‘laboratory’. With each new season, Laduree pays tribute to this, its most famous creation, by creating a new flavour.

My personal favourite is the Rose one – yummy!

Marche des enfants rouges: 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Metro Arts et metiers – Tuesday to Saturday. The oldest market of Paris, built in the 16s century. Eat a wonderful spicy Moroccan tagine outside, facing the sun and feel like you’re on in Marrakech in the middle of Paris. Then, while your food goes down, take a stroll to the rue Vieille du Temple for some shopping, Vanessa Bruno, 4me, and most exciting of all, Abu dhabi bazar at number 125: an amazing selection of clothes and accessories for all budgets.

DRINK:

Hotel Raphaël Bar: 17, avenue Kléber, 75016 métro Charles de Gaulle/ Etoile. Warm and cosy atmosphere with red velvet and amazingly magical views of the Eiffel Tower.

Work your best Audrey Hepburn look – black dress and big sunglasses – sip a Mojito, and if you’re lucky, you’ll meet a few stars incognito!

Le Cyrano: 3 rue Biot 75017, metro Place de Clichy.
Man Ray, Max Ernst, Dali used to meet there to imagine a new vision of life in this typical Parisian cafe. You can feel the spirit of the 30’s on the wall and enjoy the cool vibes of young parisian way of life.

SHOP

Mamie: 73/69 rue de Rochechouart 75009 – Metro: Anvers. One of my best addresses in Paris. Fact.
For girls who have always dreamed of being Betty Page or Brigitte Bardot. Vintage finds from the 40’s through to the 60’s. Set aside an entire afternoon for a visit!

Guerrisold: 33 avenue de Clichy 75017. Metro: Place de Clichy.
Vintage again, but very low priced bags, shoes, clothes, scarfs. You can find real treasures for around 5 or 10 euros – hurrah!

WALK AROUND

Marché aux puces Vernaison. Metro: Porte de Clignancourt
Open from Saturday thru to Monday – 9.30am to 18.30pm. You will fall in love with this market full of furniture, vintage Chanel bags, old lace clothes and generally funny and quirky stuff. Then, have a Jamaican break at the Red Gold and Green bar for a slice of delicious banana cake.

MUSEUMS

If you’re a true fashionista, then you must visit the Musee Galliera, and see the wonderful exhibition about fashion history and designers.
Metro: Iena / Alma-Marceau. open from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.

Musée Gustave Moreau - 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld 75009. Métro: Trinité
Closed on Tuesday.
There is something very special about the Gustave-Moreau museum. The painter himself had it established and designed, so that his works could be gathered and displayed the way he wanted. The building was built at his expense, at the very spot where the artist lived and worked all his life. Gustave Moreau’s masterpieces, 4.800 drawings and 450 watercolours.

The Gustave-Moreau museum is exceptional in the way it lets visitors share the intimate life of a painter and his work – and its ability to preserve the magical atmosphere despite the passing decades.

ROMANTIC LOCALES

Hotel Amour – 8 rue de Navarin 75009 – Metro: Saint Georges.
This is a very romantic and hip address. Nice hotel, two steps far from Montmartre and the famous Moulin Rouge, with a little garden and fancy rooms designed by contemporary artists. Go there for good food, but do go for a beautiful night o’ love.

Five minutes walk from Hotel Amour, you’ll find heaven in Paris – Le Musee de la vie romantique. 16 rue Chaptal. 75009 – Metro: Saint Georges ou Pigalle.
Open from 11am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
You can visit the small 19th century art collection and also take tea in the rose garden. Tres romantique!

RELAX

Go to the roof of the Galeries Lafayette – 40 boulevard Haussmann 75008. Metro: Chaussee de Antin.
You can enjoy the beautiful view of the city for free – perfect spot for a summer afternoon break!

Spend a lazy oriental afternoon at the turkish bath, Hammam Pacha. Clean, exotic and not too expensive.
147 rue Gabriel Peri – 93200 Saint Denis Metro: Saint-Denis Basilique.

Parc Andre Citroen: A big and beautiful park built in 1992, on the banks of the river. A japanese garden, exotic greenhouses, waterfalls and prettiest of all, a balloon where you can see Paris from 150m high for free!
2, rue de la Montagne de la Fage ou 2, rue Cauchy, 75015. Metro: Javel – Andre Citroen/ Lourmel / Balard

Have a fun time at the Fete Foraine – the fun fair in the Tuileries gardens.
Rue de Rivoli. Metro: Tuileries ou Concorde – open from June to August.
Feel like you’re 8 years old again, have a drink at the gypsy bar and jump on the big wheel!

We’ve got 3 days in the city o’ love – if you have any Paris discoveries – shops, places to visit that you think we absolutely MUST see – please let me know!

Vintage shopping in Williamsburg
I have scouted many of the best vintage areas in the world from London’s Portobello to the Paris Clignancourt, but nowhere does Vintage and for as cheap as it should be, like NY. Williamsburg in Brooklyn has huge Warehouse’s of the stuff, from Beacons Closet and Buffalo Exchange to discounted wares at new store Peach Frog. Pick up a taco from one of NY’s famous food trucks ‘Endless Summer’ and you are in heaven!

An affair to remember at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building provides one of the best views in the city but when the sunsets, it is extra magical. Moviestar moments galore.

Ice Skating in Central Park
Pretty scenery? Check. The bridge from Home Alone? Check. Ice skating? Check. Strawberry Fields? Check. Running away from a hungry squirrel whilst chomping on a bagel? Just me then….

Consumerism at its best
Playboy at Marc Jacobs, Ken and Barbie at Dylans Candy Bar and Wonderwoman at MAC.

Burlesque at Le Poisson Rouge
Head over to Greenwich Villages ‘Le Poisson Rouge’, a hip arts club on Bleeker Street. We watched Filthy Gorgeous Burlesque, a fab show produced by Angie of the Pontani Sisters. Feathers, frolics from Miss Astrid and the evil hatemonkey.

Brunch on a Sunday at Hells Kitchen Flea Market
Lazy Sundays rock, so me and the beau headed over to Hells Kitchen for an eggs benedict brunch and to check out the Hells Kitchen Flea Market. Its pretty small but it has everything from vintage pictures&postcards, vinyl-I got Sonny and Cher and The Rolling Stones LPs, clothing and boots, bags and really old homely bits such as the fifties cocktail shaker that sits on my sideboard.

Food Glorious Food
Nobody does it like America. And nobody needs a gym as much as me after!
A cheesecake in my Sundae at Serendipity 3, Prawn overload at Bubba Shrimp, Tacos at the fabulous Tacombi in Nolita, Cupcakes here there and everywhere and a meal at Hamburger Heaven. Yikes. Needless to say I have purchased a mexican cookbook so I can adapt with some low fat love!

Random pieces of ArtJust inspiration everywhere, and it is looked after. Even the graffitti looks like art.

Glamour camping is a luxurious girly version of the original and what with the IOW festival kicking the season into touch, it only seemed fair we gave you the heads up. You won’t catch me in a tent this year, the boy has a V-Dub camper van – but I love getting my head down on a bit of earth and watching the stars up above.

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Zandra Rhodes teepee 119.99 and Zandra Rhodes sleeping bag, 24.99@ Milletts.co.uk Cherry coolbag@ Cath Kidston.co.uk, 30.00, Femibion radiance 9.99@boots.com, Durex extra safe 8.29@durex.com/en.gb, soap and glory face wipes, 4.00@soapandglory.com, Dermalogica Extra Rich SPF 30 faceblock 27.45 from www.pure-beauty.co.uk, Cotton Knickers, 5 for 12.00@lasenza.co.uk, Camo box, 15.67 @ ww.thebrowncorporation.com

The best looking Tiger Lilies in town sleep in a te-pee and this Zandra Rhodes one, from Milletts certainly stands out in the crowd! The range also includes chairs, and sleeping bags so you will be getting the ultimate in beauty zzz’s. Store your food in this lovely cool bag by Cath Kidston, and rock the floral trend all over-you might not be the most comfortable lounging it on the floor, but if its made prettier X10 by your inner tent surroundings, it’ll be a pretty haven away from the crowds. Speaking of comfort, keep to cotton knickers for the endless days and nights. Cotton is breathable even if you can’t grab a shower.-and showers might not even be that difficult if you have a nifty pocket shower which can hold up to seven litres of water. No-one likes queuing for the toilet, so pick a spot to hide and set up your own camo box-with bags, wipes and a recyclable toilet you can sit on, you won’t be wasting anytime. Now, if you are anything like me, its a little bit difficult to take your whole beauty case with you-but I promise Soap and Glory’s ‘In Your Face’ wipes clean away all that dirt, and Dermalogica’s Extra Rich face block will make sure it stays super smooth and protect your face from the festival rays. Unless it rains, but I can’t prepare you for that. With all the junk food at stalls, it’ll be worth popping some Femibion radiance tabs, which are full of essential vitamins to boost your diet and look after you. Finally, it may be all well and good to get right down and dirty with an indie-boi, but make sure you strap it up, before you whack it up and go for Extra Safe-Sassy and Sorted.

CAPSULE GLAMPER

BDG batwing coat, 65.00@urbanoutfitters.co.uk, Madhavi carry Playsuit, 65.00@laden.co.uk, Studded Slip Dress, 50.00@topshop.co.uk, ditsy bandeau and brief, 14.00/12.00@warehouse.co.uk vintage minidisco feather bag, 284.00:angeljackson.co.uk, Vivienne Westwood Mellisa Jellies, 90.00@hervia.com, feather headband, 8.00@accessorize.co.uk, faceted heart studs, 6.00@temporary-secretary.com, Glitter stackers, 5.95@barrym.com, Gloss Pur by YSL, 20@debenhams.co.uk, Eyelure false lashes, 6.15@justbeautifully.co.uk.

Lets face it, you can’t exactly carry that much to a festival and you’re only there a few days. I prefer to jazz up my looks with makeup-see Lily Allen and Bat for Lashes for ideas, and keep it classic elsewhere. A lil’ bit retro is easy to carry off-a silk dress looks everso 90’s grunge, and feathers add a fun element which is why Angel Jackson for bags and Accessorize for the best headbands and accessories rock. A playsuit, like this one from Laden.co.uk, always looks cute and they are mega comfy, and ditsy florals are best for bikinis to liven up a summer of love. One of my favourite pieces-the mac, is great updated like this one from Urban Outfitters, with its batwing details which gives a twist on the traditional 90’s Oasis style, and I have seen others with cute prints and ruffles on the high street. Work with the basics and you can still rock on.

Whats your favourite festival ? Care to share your favourite experiences?

Have you been to Ibiza? What are your tips-care to share?

For pure naughty nautical, What Katie Did , deliver a small but perfectly formed range of darling-ly retro swimsuits. It goes all out, so its more for our hardcore-retro laydees. However, I would certainly be doing a little wave and a curtsy, modeling this! All the sailors will be bringing you a Shirley Temple cocktail!

It would be ill advised of me not to feature something from the nations beloved Marks and Spencers. They are slowly but surely capitalising on what they do best and twisting in some quirky numbers, like the leopard one above, that can rival most high-end boutique styles. With the interesting loop detail on the bust, this isn’t going to hold above a D-cup, but it is very Miami beach, and will gloriously define a slender figure better. £19.50 for a top, and 15.00 for the bottom and you have a designer looking piece for a fraction of the price.

From Bristol to Brazil, it just ain’t easy to find a bikini that supports a large bust and makes a girl look like a pin-up girl.
Play it safe, and go back to black. A faithful lover, it disguises any lumps and bumps and gives that sheeny, sexy allure all at the same time. This iconic heart ‘Eclipse’ collection from Freya (£26-£28.00), truly delivers in a classic yet playful way. It also has four brief options (£13017.00)-so whatever your shape there will be one to suit you. A brazilian brief is better for those girls with a peach of a bum as it gives the least coverage, a skirted brief skims off the hips makes for a flattering focus instead of you worrying about your lovehandles. A classic brief is good for any girl with Barbie like pins and a shortie is a perfect all rounder.
The blue and white stripe ‘Midnight Grace’ number on the left, is perfect for those ladies heading out to St Tropez, and encumbers not only fashion but function in its styling, with a choice of two tops (£22/24) and two bottoms (£18.00). A flirty frill bottom or cheeky halterneck is sexy and guaranteed to focus on the best of your bits, and this is the one time I’d say to do a horizontal stripe, as you maximise your assets. And both are available from Figleaves too!

I am always partial to a bit of Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams, and this geometric printed number is super Sassy- the frills are pin-up, the print is a bit 60’s Jayne Mansfield and it would look stunning on any hourglass figure. Sure, its bright, but you have to WORK what you’ve got, right? Its also one of those great cross-graded styles which go up to a 38E. At a high street price too, £18.00/14.00, it won’t hang around long, sadly like Ms Mansfield, herself.

The number on the right, is the gorgeous coral coloured bikini from La Senza-again great high street value, which goes from an A to a G (£20.00) with a choice of knickers from tie-side to tummy control high waisted-yes, I know what you are thinking, fabulously fifties!-bottoms(£14.00). Coral is always a brilliant colour to wear on the beach-it is warm enough for those without tans to carry off, and it complements a honey glow too, unlike the other super-brite pinks and reds which seems to come out this time of year. Its about being subtley noticed, not being spotted from three miles down the beach, after all.

For the full Bardot experience, you go for a full gingham. This cotton set from APC Madras at ASOS, might not be the one for jumping into a pool -it will go soggy, heavy and see through-but its perfect with a bit of nude lipstick, some tousled hair and a yacht.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas apparently. What happens in this swimsuit however, is a whole other matter. I have nothing other to say than the Seafolly Fringe Benefits at ASOS range is FABULOUS and won’t fit me, therefore I look upon it with a lust for country and western that goes beyond normal. Dolly yourself up in this however, and it won’t be cheap at £79.00 but its one of those things you’ll remember forever, just like the Lady herself.

For the ultimate pin-up girl-the one with the pennies, basically- there are only two viable options that you MUST explore. One is the fabulous Pistol Panties, and the other is Agent Provocateur. Whether you want to do festival chic-Try P.P’s Britt or Polly- or Minnie Mouse-A.P’s Allie- at the beach, get inspired by their fun ranges.

If you want any advice, on finding a swimsuit or a bikini that will suit you, or want to channel a style icon, leave a note at the bottom and I’ll see what I can do!

I can’t believe it’s been 2 whole months since Miss Aimz and I hit New York and we’ve not even shared our sassy adventures with you…Well, it was a whole lot o’ awesomeness, but you’d expect nothing less when the minxes hit the city that never sleeps, right? Here are some of our highlights, must see’s and total NYC must-dos…

Fred Flare, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
I have been a fan-girl o’ Fred Flare and their gorgeous merch for years now, they’ve now got a pile o’ bricks in Brooklyn and the Fred Flare shop sure is location cutesville! We hung out with the fabu Bilgin and Bee, purched some merch – well, it’d be rude to go all that way and not, right? – and had a mini photoshoot with the girls starring on their very own blogginz! Head out to Brooklyn on the L train and go find the cuteness!

While you’re in Brooklyn, hit the vintage shops of which there are plenty and buy cute pillar box hats like Miss Aimz…

Go find Patrica Field. Step inside and indulge. Need I say more? The staff are so hip and fabulous and there’s just enough pink and leopard print to make me the happiest girl in happyville!

302 Bowery, NYC, NY 10012 – Between E Houston & Bleecker Streets

Dylans Candy Bar may be owned by a super-rich ‘it’ girl, but I don’t care, because it’s filled-to-the brim with yummy scrummy candy deliciousness that you simply have to witness, and taste – natch, for yourself. They also have super-complimentary staff – those guys do wonders for a girl’s self-esteem and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a VERY cute boy on the promo stand who may over-share about his boy exploits with you.

1011 Third Ave, New York, NY 10021

Miss Aimz and I demolishing Magnolia cupcakes in true Sex and the City style – yumz.
Magnolias Bakery 401 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10014

We got our burlesque on at downtown New York locale, The Slipper Rooms. It was a li’l bit dark, a li’l bit dive-y and a whole lot of glam-girls pulling seriously saucy moves…
The Slipper Rooms, 167 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002-2214

Miss Aimz post Bloomie’s makeover.

Me mid-Bloomie’s makeover.

The Yves Saint Laurent beauty counter in Bloomingdales. It’s a li’l bit of heaven right here on earth, and I’m not even exaggerating. We met an adorbz make-up artist called Miranda who made us both real pretty and then helped us to part with a whole lot of crazy cash for beauty prods in bee-you-tiful gold packaging…Le sigh.

Bloomingdales 1000 Third Ave, between 59th and 60th streets.

The soundtrack to our entire trip…

We’ve still got so much to share, we’ll follow up with part 2 and 3 very soon – in the meantime, we’d love to know what your New York highlights are…

My gorgeous gal-pal, Deepa intro-d me to this song and I’ve been playing it on repeat ever since. I’m now officially looking for a man who I love more than chocolate and ice cream – he’s gonna have to be pretty freakin’ awesome!

Read ANYTHING written by Miss Dani – she’s a million shades of awesome and injects a touch o’ positivity every single day at her blogginz – Positively Present and Hope Springs Internal – oh, and she did a rather fabu interview with li’l ol’ me about sassyness and being a member of girlkind which you can read right here…Big props, g’friend.

Swell Vintage – LOVE this site so much, come back soon as I’ll be interviewing the lady behind the label, FYI: She’s awesome, til then, sigh out loud at the pretty, pretty vintage finds at her etsy store – I WANT. NEED. MUST HAVE this Oscar de la Renta scarf – le sigh.

Read this quote, write it out, read it again and believe it:
“…Smart is the new sexy. Awkward is the new cool. Flawed is the new beautiful…”
– Melissa Blake

Carolyn Turgeon – new girl crush. She’s freakin’ crazy awesome – interviewed her for SM yesterday and she’s blown me away with her awesomeness – you will be too when you read the interview on Friday – ahh-mazing. She’s the belly-dancing, author girl of Godmother: The Secret Cinderella story a book that I devoured in one sitting, it’s so good. If you love Enchanted and Bewitched this will sprinkle a whole lot of magic in your life and after all, everyone needs a bit of magic in their lives, right?

What’s new with you, pussycats? Care to share?

No, that’s not me – I know, hard to believe, right? That’s a crazy-cool surf-girl doing crazy-cool surf-girl things in Cornwall.

Oh Cornwall,  how I heart thee.

Now,  I am by no stretch of anyone’s imagination an actual surf-girl, but a visit to Cornwall, on the South West coast of the UK, makes me want to be one. A lot. Mainly because if I surfed all day, I’d be able to eat clotted cream on scones in the back of a camper van with a chilled-out, dreadlocked surf-boy by night – le sigh.

Margaret’s Rustic Tea Room – Northcott Mouth, near Bude, Cornwall.

The most yummy-scrummy, lip-licking cream tea can be found in a…caravan.  Yep, Margaret’s Rustic Tea Room is THE place to go, but there’s a teeny tiny snag – you have to find it. It’s hidden behind pretty Northcott Mouth, follow the gravely drive inland where you’ll spot her little green camper-cum-kitchen with Cath Kitson-esque tables and chairs beside a stream. Retro, cute and did I mention freakin’ yummy cream tea?

Elemis Body Glow Super Protection SPF 25 / 30 -  £19 – www.timetospa.co.uk

Unfortunately, the sunshine levels in Cornwall can be sporadic, so to be sure you’re working a surf-girl glow, this prod o’ love from Elemis is the hero prod. It’s a great sun protection that melts into the skin.  Containing sun filters and plant extracts that guard against the suns UVA’s and UVB, this vitamin rich milk protein, jojoba and camellia extracts leave the skin feeling supple and conditioned with a nice hint of summer skin.

The St Ives Bay SK2, Hayle railway station, 5 miles from St Ives

Why stay in a boring-snoring hotel, when you could stay in a railway coach?!  This self catering holiday accommodation is within easy walking distance of the golden sands of Hayle beach – purrr-ity, Paradise Park and yummy Hayle restaurants. The carriage is divided into two holiday homes, each with its own kitchen, lounge/diner/bedroom, bathroom and bunkroom – how cool?!

Cornwall may be one of the warmest parts of the country, but it also gets crazy-mad wind and rain, so be sure to pack your swim-suit and a warm jumper. If you wanna rock the surf-girl look be sure to pack anything with a Billabong, Ripcurl or Animal label. I’m particularly hearting this heart motif hoodie – tres ca-ute. www.animal.co.uk £39.99

To experience a li’l bit of Cornish old-school romance read Daphne du Maurier’s dark novel Rebecca – it’s the haunting story of a young girl consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity – love it. www.amazon.co.uk £5.99

Have you ever been to Cornwall? Do you live there? Please share your must-do list with us!

Okay, so I may not be able to fly you above the rooftops of Paris ala this whimsically bee-you-tiful Sophia Coppola short film for Dior, I am, however, able to intro you to the most awesome Paris tour-guide you’ll ever wish to meet – Miss Marine.

Not only does she create totally crushable-on items of adorability – check them out: www.misssugarcane.com, she’s worked for the super swank Chanel and other fabu designers, she loves Marilyn Monroe and she’s spilling her classified insider info on SM’s city du jour, Paris – who WOULDN’T heart, Marine?!

The Insider’s Guide to Paris – by Marine – MissSugarCane

Hey Sassy Minxes – I’m born in Paris, I’ve always lived here, but everyday I see Paris in exactly the same way a tourist does. I live 5 minutes walk from Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge, Paris is not a very big city, so don’t be afraid to lose yourself in it!

EAT

Stohrer : 51 rue Montorgueil 75001. Métro: Etienne Marcel. In a nice district, typical of the old Paris centre, go to this famous baker,y open since 1730 and have a spinach and shrimps salad with a delicious “flan” or a “Baba au rhum”-  a speciality of this pretty, pretty place.

Ladurée: You can’t miss this beautiful place. Feel like a queen and eat the same macaroons as the truly decadent Marie Antoinette! The history of Parisian tea salons is intimately tied to the history of the Ladurée family.

It all began in 1862, when Louis Ernest Ladurée, a miller from France’s southwest, created a bakery at 16 rue Royale in Paris 75008. Métro Madeleine. These small, round cakes, crisp on the outside, smooth and soft in the middle, are made every morning in Ladurée’s ‘laboratory’. With each new season, Ladurée pays tribute to this, its most famous creation, by creating a new flavour.

My personal favourite is the Rose one – yummy!

Marché des enfants rouges: 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Métro Arts et métiers – Tuesday to Saturday. The oldest market of Paris, built in the 16s century. Eat a wonderful spicy Moroccan tagine outside, facing the sun and feel like you’re on in Marrakech in the middle of Paris. Then, while your food goes down, take a  stroll to the rue Vieille du Temple for some shopping, Vanessa Bruno, 4me, and most exciting of all, Abu dhabi bazar at number 125: an amazing selection of clothes and accessories for all budgets.

DRINK:

Hotel Raphaël Bar: 17, avenue Kléber, 75016 métro Charles de Gaulle/ Etoile. Warm and cosy atmosphere with red velvet and amazingly magical views of the Eiffel Tower.

Work your best Audrey Hepburn look – black dress and big sunglasses – sip a Mojito, and if you’re lucky, you’ll meet a few stars incognito!

Le Cyrano: 3 rue Biot 75017, métro Place de Clichy.
Man Ray, Max Ernst, Dali used to met there to imagine a new vision of life in this typicall Parisian café. You can feel the spirit of the 30’s on the wall and enjoy the cool vibes of young parisian way of life.

DANCE

If you’re in Paris for our National Day, July 14th, you must go to one of the ‘Bal des pompiers’ – fireman party. My best one is at: 200 quai de Valmy 75019 – Métro: Jaurès on the dock next to the ‘Point ephémère’. Cheap drink and and retro orchestra for a popular and hot party time!

Chacha club: 47 rue Berger 75001.Sophisticated and glam club, good music and trendy customers. Closed on Sunday.

Bellevilloise: 19/21 rur Boyer 75020 – Métro: Ménilmontant. Very cool venue where you can have dance lessons, go to concerts, eat food, and attend funky parties. Before having a nice time there, have a walk at the Père Lachaise cemetary – Métro: Père Lachaise to say “hello” to some ghosts o’ Paris – Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Ingres, Visconti, Gertrude Stein… then get lost in the Ménilmontant and Belleville streets.

SHOP

Mamie: 73/69 rue de Rochechouart 75009 РM̩tro: Anvers. One of my best addresses in Paris. Fact.
For girls who have always dreamed of being Betty Page or Brigitte Bardot. Vintage finds from the 40’s through to the 60’s. Set aside an entire afternoon for a visit!

Guerrisold: 33 avenue de Clichy 75017. Métro: Place de Clichy.
Vintage again, but very low priced bags, shoes, clothes, scarfs. You can find real treasures for around 5 or 10 euros

WALK AROUND

Marché aux puces Vernaison. Métro: Porte de Clignancourt
Open from Saturday thru to Monday – 9.30am to 18.30pm. You will fall in love with this market full of furniture, vintage Chanel bags, old lace clothes and generally funny and quirky stuff. Then, have a Jamaican break at the Red Gold and Green bar for a slice of delicious banana cake.

MUSEUMS

If you’re a true fashionista, then you must visit the Musée Galliéra, and see the wonderful exhibition about fashion history and designers.
Métro: Iéna / Alma-Marceau. open from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.

Musée Gustave Moreau - 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld 75009. Métro: Trinité
Closed on Tuesday.
There is something very special about the Gustave-Moreau museum. The painter himself had it established and designed, so that his works could be gathered and displayed the way he wanted. The building was built at his expense, at the very spot where the artist lived and worked all his life. Gustave Moreau’s masterpieces, 4.800 drawings and 450 watercolours.

The Gustave-Moreau museum is exceptional in the way it lets visitors share the intimate life of a painter and his work – and its ability to preserve the magical atmosphere despite the passing decades.

ROMANTIC LOCALES

Hotel Amour – 8 rue de Navarin 75009  – Métro: Saint Georges.
This is a very romantic and hip address. Nice hotel, two steps far from Montmartre and  the famous Moulin Rouge, with a little garden and fancy rooms designed by contemporary artists: André, Sophie Calle, Marc Newson… Don’t go there for good food, but do go for a beautiful night o’ love.

Five minutes walk from Hôtel Amour, you’ll find heaven in Paris – Le Musée de la vie romantique. 16 rue Chaptal. 75009 – Métro: Saint Georges ou Pigalle.
Open from 11am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
You can visit the small 19’s century art collection and also take tea in the rose garden. Tres romantique!

RELAX

Go to the roof of the Galeries Lafayette – 40 boulevard Haussmann 75008. Metro: Chaussée d’Antin.
You can enjoy the beautiful view of the city for free – perfect spot for a summer afternoon break!

Spend a lazy oriental afternoon at the turkish bath, Hammam Pacha. Clean, exotic and not too expensive.
147 rue Gabriel P̩ri Р93200 Saint Denis M̩tro: Saint-Denis Basilique.

Parc André Citroën: A big and beautiful park built in 1992, on the banks of the river. A japanese garden, exotic greenhouses, waterfalls and prettiest of all, a balloon where you can see Paris from 150m high for free!
2, rue de la Montagne de la Fage ou 2, rue Cauchy, 75015. Métro: Javel – André Citroën/ Lourmel / Balard

Have a fun time at the Fete Foraine – the fun fair in the Tuileries gardens.
Rue de Rivoli. M̩tro: Tuileries ou Concorde Рopen from June to August.
Feel like you’re 8 years old again, have a drink at the gypsy bar and jump on the big wheel!

Hope you have a tres bonne stay in Paris, Sassy Minxes – be sure to share your own fave Paris discoveries with us, won’t you?!