Bloggers In Paris: Shopping, Sipping And Supping

iconic Paris metro sign

One of the best parts of this Paris visit was being able to spend time with a few of my blogger friends.

The second day of Josephine’s visit (day 1 recap here), we were up early and off to Citypharma to check out the “parapharmacie” skincare and beauty products. We arrived before 9am and seem to have avoided any huge crowds, though there were already quite a few other customers. I’d made a list, and found most everything I was looking for. For those who have been asking, here’s my “haul.” Yes, the prices there do seem to be lower, even than other pharmacies in the area.

French pharmacie beauty products

Clockwise: moisturizer | toothpaste | lip balm | eye drops | makeup remover wipes

(Re: the eye drops, I don’t know if it was the unusual amount of air pollution or just dry winter conditions, but I found my eyes were feeling a bit dry and irritated during my stay.)

We did some wandering and shopping around St. Germain, and took lots of pictures for our blogs. And a few coffee breaks…

Josephine enjoying a coffee at a Paris cafe

I love this picture of Josephine.

The day after Josephine left to return to London, Greetje (No Fear Of Fashion) arrived from Amsterdam. Greetje and I met the first time over two years ago when we visited Amsterdam. She’s great fun and I was looking forward to seeing her again. She has a wonderful sense of humor, loves to shop and loves a coffee, so we get along famously.

And shop we did, though mostly browsing (at first). We hit rue Cherche-Midi first, and worked our way through the neighborhood up to Boulevard St. Germain. Below, Greetje tries on some fun earrings.

Greetje tries on earrings

We’d both been circumspect with our spending for most of the day, but then wandered into this fabulous shop (Greetje was looking for long gloves) and found ourselves in a world of temptation with a very shrewd and persuasive Sales Associate. She was good, that one. We didn’t stand a chance. She used all of the Jedi mind tricks. That she was “Parisian Nonchalant Rockstar Chic” personified probably didn’t hurt either. Jeans, white blouse, black sequin jacket.

Alexandra Sojfer Blvd. St. Germain Paris

I left with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal and jet bead necklace, which you’ll see in an outfit on the blog soon. I’ll let Greetje tell you what she bought. You can see her recap of the visit here. The shop, BTW, is Alexandra Sojfer on Blvd. St. Germain.

We dropped our purchases at the hotel, and then set off for dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais. I’d eaten there with le Monsieur some years before and it was fabulous, so when Greetje suggested it, I was eager to return. It did not disappoint.

We decided over dinner that after our encounter with the Jedi Sales Associate, that we needed to stay out of the shops for the remainder of her stay. So our plan for the next day was to wander and take photos.

Greetje makes a friend

We set out along rue de Grenelle, stopping periodically to do our style blogger routine.

Paris outfit

You can tell from the camera angle how much shorter I am than Greetje. We kept to our shopping ban.

Outside of Amelie rue Grenelle Paris

But there’s no harm in looking in the windows, especially if the shop is closed.

on rue Cler, 7eme Paris

I’d wanted to visit rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement, so we walked there. It’s very charming, and one section is lined with shops, food stalls and cafes.

at L'Eclair on rue Cler Paris

We stopped, of course, for a café crème and a pastry.

café crème and pain au chocolat

Nom nom.

rotisserie chicken vendor rue Cler Paris

Locals were out shopping for Sunday lunch or dinner, and this vendor above was popular. It all looked (and smelled) wonderful.

poissonnier rue Cler

The woman in the background in the puffer…a very tenue typique that I observed. (Check back on Wednesday for more Paris street style photos!)

Since we were in the neighborhood, I was determined to get some good Eiffel Tower shots so we wandered over that way next. December is a wonderful time to be in Paris! The city is quieter, and not as overrun with other tourists. I will definitely visit again this time of year.

the iconic Eiffel Tower, Paris

That mission accomplished, it was getting time for Greetje to catch her train back to Amsterdam, so we scurried back to the hotel and said our goodbyes.

I also was able to enjoy two long lunches with Tish, one of those with Sharon as well. We always get to talking so much that we never get around to taking pictures.

It was the icing on the éclair being able to spend time with these wonderful women! Do you ever take “girlfriend getaways?”

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19 Comments

  1. Meeting fellow bloggers is always so much fun. What is it with these 40+ bloggers? Why are they all so nice? I have so enjoyed our weekend. I could do it every weekend haha. But not for a while though. Ron literally froze my credit and debit cards haha. (On my request.)
    Greetje

  2. Lovely photos! We always stay in the rue Cler area and so it was nice to see a few familiar places.

    Based on your report about Citypharma, it doesn’t sound like it is worth the trip? I think I’ll just hit the Monoprix in my neighborhood when I’m in Paris in the spring.

    1. Debra, I think it depends on what you’re buying, but I did save about 9 euros each on the moisturizers, and I’d say most of what I purchased was 25%-30% off what Monop was charging.

  3. I saw your trip over on Greetje’s site!
    How absolutely fabulous to meet up with bloggers when you travel! That’s a business write off, right?
    I wanted to say how much I admire your pink glasses. I just bought a pair from Firmoo, and I haven’t been too sure about them (they are a different shape than yours, but otherwise the same color). But I really loved how they look on you, so maybe I need to rethink mine!
    Glad you guys had such a fun time!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. What fun! You managed to squeeze in lots of other bloggers too. So nice to meet someone face to face.

    It’s funny in the one photo it looks like spring the way Greetje is dressed and you look like it is winter. Maybe that is your California skin? ; )

    bisous
    Suzanne

      1. There were heaters above our heads, so it wasn’t cold. And I wanted to get my duster coat (worn as jacket) in the picture. Otherwise it would all be pictures of my kimono coat. (Vain, I know.)
        Greetje

  5. I don’t like to trash talk brands, but I had a bad experience with one of the ones here. I was totally dedicated, until I got a bad rash on my eyelids. My doctor informed me that it wasn’t as organic as the name implies. Ciao to that one.

  6. What a lovely post, Susan. I’m still so irritated I couldn’t come and meet you ladies there. I so enjoyed reading both of your accounts of meeting up with each other. I’m impatiently waiting to see your Swarovski crystal and jet bead necklace, and I’m going to steer clear of that store with the Jedi sales associate! xx

  7. I cracked up when I read about the Jedi Sales assistant – she must have been good! Loved the pics and sounds like you everyone had a great time. Paris in December – now there’s a thought!

  8. Enjoyed your trip vicariously. Recognized the Rue Cler cafe as I stayed nearby and had breakfast there each day. Not a blogger myself, though I follow many of you that meet up. Josephine has been helpful in giving me some tips for London where I am headed again in a few weeks. I am very appreciative to hear about the places you all have enjoyed, shopping and otherwise. Happy you had such a great trip.

  9. Back in the day, all those purchases had to be made in Europe.
    Now, it’s all available online. Marvis is available from Nordstrom!
    Must admit that shopping always seems better in Paris or Milan or
    London.