Where to shop for unnecessary desirables #3

Over the past few years, small French brands have made a killing. The clothes are simple, with a twist, always fashionable. Here are two of my favourites. They have stores all over the city (including a large concentration in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements), so go ahead, explore and enjoy!

BRAND: Zadig & Voltaire
Because you used to think skulls and butterfly wings didn't look right on clothes, but now you know better. Because you can finally be totally "now" and comfortable at the same time. Because it's an opportunity to brush up on your French literature. Because you'll love it more each time you go back. Because (and don't tell too many people), if you're wallet's a bit thin these days, there's a stock store tucked away in a small street in the Marais. Happy hunting.

www.zadig-et-voltaire.com

*

BRAND: Comptoir des Cotonniers
Because they claim both mothers and daughters can wear their clothes, which makes them perfect for us 30-somethings. Because their canine mascot (Leon) is adorable. Because they manage to make girly clothes look cool. Because everything fits incredibly well, even if you're not a 6ft, size 0 model.

www.comptoirdescotonniers.com

Where to dine #4

RESTAURANT: Le Pavillon Elysée Lenôtre
Because it's on the Champs Elysées, but in the middle of a garden, so priceless. Because the terrace lets you soak up the sun. Because the food is just the right kind of slightly pretentious but affordable French that goes so well with that new dress you bought. Because you might be sitting next to a celebrity (a French one, such as Michel Drucker, not a massive superstar, but still).

Pavillon Elysée Lenôtre
10 avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris 8ème
metro: Champs Elysées Clémenceau, Franklin Roosevelt
01 42 65 85 10

*

CAFE / ORGANIC MARKET: Rose Bakery

Because there's one in Montmartre (the original) and now one in the Marais. Because everybody else has already been there. Because everything is delicious and healthy. Because once you're done with lunch, you can also buy all your organic veggies and Rooibos tea. Because it's a sign that good things happen when the British and the French make not war but love, and cafés.

Rose Bakery

46 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9ème or 30 rue Debelleyme, Paris 3ème

metro: Pigalle or Filles du Calvaire

01 42 82 12 80 or 01 44 78 08 97‎

*

RESTAURANT: Les Bouquinistes

Because it's one of the "affordable" Guy Savoy restaurants, and the food tastes almost as good at the much more expensive mother shop (although slightly less surprising). Because ordering the 75€ tasting menu means embarking on a 3-hour long pleasure cruise for the palate. Because it is everything that fine French cuisine is about. Because if you take a date here, you're guaranteed to score.

Les Bouquinistes

53 quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 6ème

metro: Saint Michel

01 43 25 45 94