Chic Paris #1: Holybelly

Photo by Nico Alary

My first tip for anyone visiting Paris is to ignore the obvious tourist traps. Sure, it's nice to pop into Colette, but when it's packed to the brim with camera-wielding voyeurs, it feels less like fashion's favourite concept boutique, more like an Apple store. Of course, I understand the allure of stopping by the plucked-from-a-postcard landmarks, but I promise Paris has a whole lot more to offer.

Much like London and New York, Paris is a hub of creativity, with sparks flying in design, music, and everything in between. Le Marais is the undisputed capital of cool, punctuated with niche bookshops, organic foodie spots and, naturally, great coffee/brunch joints. It's a great place for style-conscious first-time visitors on a budget. It's also got hipster/basic bitch written all over it, but don't let that put you off.

Ooh La La: Le Crazy Horse

Image by Riccardo Tinelli 

The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Le Crazy Horse. Though a cabaret may not be an obvious option for your first trip to Paris, Le Crazy Horse is in a league of its own.

Founded in 1951 by Alain Bernadin, the show fuses artistic impulse with incredible design, shaped by cultural influences. A Parisian institution, standing pride of place on Avenue George V, the cabaret has played host to all manner of extraordinary "Guest Creatures" including Dita Von Teese and Beyoncé (she filmed the promo for 'Partition' there, don'tcha know). Choreographed and styled to perfection, each and every show is a masterpiece.

Pre Paris Wishlist

Hefner slippers, £165.00 here

In a matter of days, I am heading to Paris for a lovely Easter mini break. This week, I have spent every lunch hour poring over guidebooks, blogs and Instagram (always a good shout for cool spots off the beaten track), trying to work out exactly where to check in. Three meals a day is just not enough- is it greedy to attempt two lunches? I've managed to find some great little places - with a big thank you to Serena Guen and Erica Berman of Hip Paris - and look forward to sharing these with you after my trip.

She's La Bombe

Être Cécile's La Bombe sweater: £110.00 here

It's no secret that I am obsessed with all things French. From Brigitte Bardot through to Breton tees and Pierre Marcolini by Olympia Le Tan macarons (topping my Christmas list), I have a real penchant for all things Parisian. The fact I've never been? Details, darling, details. 

For months on end I have been lusting after Bella Freud's Je T'aime Jane jumper, imagining it layered over myriad Equipment shirts and partnered with all manner of skinny jeans, leather minis and denim cut-offs for Seine-side strolls. Sadly I am yet to make her mine, but one fateful day we will live happily ever after on a diet of cafe au lait and almond croissants.

Maison Labiche at Urban Outfitters

Forget 'it' handbags, 'it' t-shirts are where it's at. Unisex and undeniably cool, a slick t-shirt can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Thanks to Ashish's über chic "Trés Fatiguè" tee (I treated myself to a shameless copy over on Etsy) and ACNE's covetable MUSIC tee for AW13, clean but cool t-shirts are the smart shopper's staple this season.

If you are looking for something a little more unique, then check out Maison Labiche which is now available exclusively at Urban Outfitters. 

Stocked in the renowned Colette boutique in Paris, Maison Labiche tees and sweaters are a huge hit across the channel, and are sure to be every bit as popular over here.

Though you will find Maison Labiche in the menswear department at UO, the pieces can easily be worn by both boys and girls. There is a style for everyone, each with a distinctly Parisian charm.

With styles in white, grey and midnight blue, the reasonably priced tops feature stitched monochromatic motifs and script embroidery. The pieces are understated but effortlessly cool, with everything from Kurt Cobain to Clash covers.

 Billie Jean tee here £55
LA tee here £55

1. My personal favourite is the Kurt Cobain tee which you can buy here.
2. Be still my beating heart! How adorable is the mini Pashli in subtle but statement red?
3. BEHOLD: my first AW13 purchase! I like to think that this little kilt is more Buzzcocks than Braveheart.
4. To finish off this punky look, simply add these covetable investment boots by ASH. Buy 'em here. 

Carven, Mon Cherie!

1. MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger
2. Red Dress by Carven at Petit Bateau (Price TBC)
3. ASOS Bangles £12.50
4. Zara Stud Slippers £99.99
4. Olympia Le Tan Clutch *sharp intake of breath* £1140 (to order online)

I'm all about Parisian labels, and Carven is one of my all time favourites. I have been lusting after collection after collection, and though I wasn't overly keen on the SS13 show, Carven have redeemed themselves by teaming up with another French institution: Petit Bateau.

The collection will include pieces for him, for her and for the little one and it shall go on sale in November exclusively in Colette in Paris (the ultimate fashion store!) before the collection is rolled out to worldwide Petit Bateau stores in December. 

My favourite piece has to be this sexy little red dress. Long legs are a must though, guess that is me out! 

La Beauté de Paris

Céline SS13
image from Catwalking

Chanel SS13
image from Catwalking

Dior SS13
image from Catwalking

Lanvin SS13
image from Catwalking

Balmain SS13
image from Catwalking

Alexander McQueen SS13
image from Catwalking

Wow. Just wow. A feast for the eyes!