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Jeanne Herring (T. Brack's archives

JEANNE HERRING AND CAPTAIN H. HOGERVORST, HOLLAND-AMERICA LINE, 1956 (T. BRACK’S ARCHIVES)

BOUTIQUE JACQUES DARCEL, RUE DE RENNES, PARIS

BOUTIQUE JACQUES DARCEL, RUE DE RENNES, PARIS

Bienvenue!

Grab a soda pop and a ballpoint pen. Then prop up your feet (or “dogs” as my grandmother would say).

People, Places and Bling! celebrates shopping and “window licking” (faire du lèche-vitrine) like there’s no tomorrow. That’s how we stroll.

We cover the Paris fleas, chains, and bargain bins, along with vintage clothing shops and open-air food markets. We also gab about art, cuisine, and cinema, always served up with a side of gossip and historical tidbits.

Questions about the Paris shopping scene? Drop us a line.

We also embrace collaborations. Got an idea? Give us a ring at peopleplacesandbling@gmail.com.

All Aboard!

Paris Toilet Water copyTheadora

© 2013 by Fast Chat Productions.

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149 thoughts on “About”

  5. Good day Theadora
    I was wondering if you would give me a few thrift spots in the Marais for men – please.
    Thank you very much!

    Reply ↓

    • Hello Matthew,

      Thanks for your question! It’s a great one. Yes, there are deep pockets of vintage clothing shops in the Marais and Abbesses (18th arrondissement). I’ll put together a short list (with addresses) for you.

      Are you looking for a specific item? Thanks, for popping by the site.

      Stay tuned!
      Theadora

      Reply ↓

  7. Forgot to answer your question – always on the lookout for good frames (eyewear), shoes, and table lamps (mid-century).

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Matthew,

      Here’s your plan!

      I would kick-off your shopping trip at the Porte de Vanves flea market (Metro: Porte de Vanves, 14th arrondissement). Here is where you’ll find affordable table lamps. I’ve also scored vintage eye glasses here, too. It’s open Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM – 1 PM. Arrive early! The dealers start packing up at noon.

      I’d then trek it the Marais (Metro: Saint Paul, 4th arrondissement. Most of the shops are open on Sunday. I recommend the FREE’P'STAR. They have three locations in the Marais! Here are the addresses:

      8 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 4th arrondissement
      Métro: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Saint-Paul

      61 rue de la Verrerie, 4th arrondissement
      Métro: Hôtel de Ville

      20 rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement
      Métro: Saint-Paul

      There’s also Vintage Désir on 32 rue des Rosiers. Nice collection! Small shop.

      After shopping in the Marais, I’d take the Metro to Abbesses, (Metro: Abbesses, 18th arrondissement). Le Caverne à Fripes at 25 rue Houdon is located near the Metro station. The shop has been open for decades. Owner Patrick Lambert is always very helpful!

      Brocantes and vide-greniers (yard sales) are also great hunting grounds. Click here for a handy 2012 listing of Paris brocantes, vide-greniers and marches aux puces.

      Bon Voyage! Let us know what you score!

      Theadora

      Reply ↓

  8. Thank you sooo much for this invaluable information! I will definitely let you know what I find.
    Have a lovely weekend! Ciao

    Reply ↓

    • Hello M.! Oui. Please file a report during your trip to Paris. We’re looking forward to reading about your trip to Paris. With pics! If I think of other tips, I’ll send them your way! Theadora

      Reply ↓

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    • Jessica, I love your restaurant profiles. Your portrait of sushi master Shiwa (head chef of Gohan Gohan) was a stunner. The coffee machine at Lulu’s was another favorite. Great work! Theadora

      Reply ↓

  14. Wow, when I heard you were eating chocolate dipped macaroons behind Hector Guimard’s fabulous
    art nouveau metro entrance, my heat sang. I love that spot. Have you been to the city of Nancy? There is a house full or his art nouveau treasures there. Looking forward to following your adventures.

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks for you swell words and touring tip! The Musée Historique Lorrain, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy and the École de Nancy have amazing collections. I agree, it you’re visiting Paris, Nancy is a great day trip! Theadora

      Reply ↓

  15. Thanks for stopping by my blog Theadora! I am a Canadian completely obsessed with Paris! In fact we are travelling there this August and I would love some insider tips! Looking forward!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Shira, I’ve been enjoying your homemade snack recipes. Especially the Date Coconut Bliss Balls! I’ll give it a shot over the weekend. Wish me luck. Thanks for popping by! Theadora (And enjoy your jaunt to Paris!)

      Reply ↓

    • Dear Shira! Ah, thank you!! And congratulations! As you know, I’m a big fan of your “In Pursuit of More” site. It’s consistently witty and very informative. And very pretty! I love your gorgeous photography, spiffy layouts, recipes (especially the avocado on barley toast–oh, my!). Bravo! (And thanks!!) Theadora

      Reply ↓

  19. Hi Theadora! A friend and I are coming to Paris for a quick break in late April. We’ve both been before, so we’re planning on spending our days wandering around instead of a checklist of sights. We’ll definitely be hitting a flea market (probably Vanves, based on your posts!), but do you have a suggestion for a fun neighbourhood (or hoods) to wander in? I love to take photos, we both love to eat, and we’re both hearty walkers, cyclists, and transit-users. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated – thanks!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Krista!

      Thanks for question about my favorite hoods in Paris.

      (By the way, I love your “bite-sized travel” site! Your photography is beautiful. I enjoy your stories, too. I’m looking forward to seeing your shots of Paris!)

      I’ll create a list of my favorite neighborhoods. Here’s a question for you. For the love of multi-tasking, do you have any other missions? Shopping for a specific item? Museum expositions?

      Yes, add Porte de Vanves Flea Market to your weekend agenda! You will not be sorry. Also, during the merry month of April, you’ll also be able to visit brocantes.

      It’s a win-grin!
      Theadora

      Reply ↓

      • Thank you so much for the compliment, I really appreciate it!

        Thank you for the assistance – our shared goal is to get out of town here and look at beautiful things! My specific goal is a photo safari of sorts, and getting small unique or unusual item at the flea markets. I’ve done many of the museums, but if there’s an exposition coming up that is not to be missed, I’d love to throw it on the agenda. We’ve brainstormed things we’d like to do, for me, it’s hitting some outdoor spaces I missed on my previous trip, including Luxembourg Gardens and Promenade Planetée (I’m a huge fan of the High Line in NYC).

        I’m not familiar with the brocantes, but I’m definitely intrigued now. I’ll make good use of the rest of your site, too – thanks again!

      • Hi Krista!

        I’ll create a list of favorite hoods for you. You’ll love both the brocantes (antique/junk sales) and vide-greniers (neighborhood-wide yard sales).

        By the way, I’m also a fan of The High Line in New York. What an incredible idea! I was there back in January at sunset. After visiting a few galleries in Chelsea, I took a peek and a long stroll. It was packed! It’s a prime people-watching spot. I loved the rolling chairs, too!

        Stay tuned for your list!
        Theadora

  20. Hi Theadora! Thanks for checking out my new blog, Biscotti Is Awful Naughty. I’m so glad you did, because I absolutely love your blog! I wish I’d found it last year before our trip to Paris – one of my most favorite cities in the world. I ALWAYS could use shopping tips there! Les puces is a favorite stop, but I always could use more advice. Now I know I can turn to you before we visit again. Cheers! — Michelle Silva

    Reply ↓

  21. Hi Theodora. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to more articles. At the same time, thanks for dropping by our recently launched blog. We are still experimenting and am loving sharing our musings. To more interesting sightings and happenings in Paris! :)

    Reply ↓

    • Dear Pierre and Yvonne! I’m enjoying your Paris site! The feeling is mutual. I especially loved your “street sign” series. Great shots! I also love your photograph of the wine bottles and of course, the name of your site. Beautiful thought! And yes, here’s to more interesting sightings and happenings in Paris! Enjoy the evening, Theadora

      Reply ↓

  22. Oh, the concept of window licking is wonderful! That is very much what I tend to do in Pittsburgh- and in my dreams, someday I’ll do it in Paris. My sister Colleen, on the other hand, will be in Paris within the next year, so I’ll make sure she sees your (lovely) site. -kate

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Kate! I loved, loved your Anthropologie window-shopping jaunt. What a fun post. It was also inspiring! Off to see if the blue and orange halter top is on their website. Oh, dear! Enjoy the week! Theadora

      Reply ↓

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  25. Thanks Theadora for the fly over and like of my Memere post! Yours, as always, continues to impress and please!
    Rhonda

    Reply ↓

      • Thanks for your kind words. I so appreciate the support that the blogging community so freely gives to one another! It’s an amazing group.
        Rhonda

  27. Theadora, your continued patronage humbles me. I have chosen you as one of my 6 nominations for The Reader Appreciation Award, but I’m not quite sure how to follow through. Do I notify each nomination? How do I get the link to the award to each of you? So confusing!!!

    Reply ↓

    • Thanks, Rhonda!! You totally deserve to receive the “Kreativ” award. I love your energy. Keep on posting!! Theadora (And thanks!! Forgive me for the delay! I’ve been working “in the field” in New York.)

      Reply ↓

    • Yes, yoo-hoo! You’ve also been sorely missed!! After I meet a few more deadlines, I’ll stop by your neck of the Oz tomorrow. It’s been way too long!! Theadora

      Reply ↓

    • Merci, Dawne! I love your “D Magazine” site. I especially enjoyed reading about the Delancey Underground Project in New York. I’m looking forward to its mini-launch in September. It looks fantastical! I’m a big fan of the High Line. Enjoy the weekend! Theadora

      Reply ↓

  39. Hi Theadora!

    I’ve been following your blog now for a few months and am very happy because I’ll get the chance to actually visit in about a week’s time! I’ll let you know what I see/do. I was also wondering if you might want to get a coffee sometime, writer to writer? Anyway, thanks for the always fun and useful blog posts!

    Best,
    Sarah

    Reply ↓

    • Bon Voyage, Sarah!! Thanks for the coffee invite. Great idea. Unfortunately, I’ll be working outside of France. This year, I’ve doing quite a bit of trekking between Paris and the east coast. If my schedule changes, I’ll send you a shout-out. Here’s my email address: theadora.brack @ gmail com. Keep me posted on the Paris jaunt. I’m looking forward to your reports. I love your travel site, by the way. I’ll keep in touch. From time to time, I end up in Chicago for work. It would be great to brainstorm with you!! T.

      Reply ↓

      • Oh my goodness, thank YOU so much haha! I’m blushing! You are so welcome – you deserve it, your blog is so original! Stay fabulous! ;)

  41. Hello there Theadora – congratulations! I have nominated you for One Lovely Blog Award. Hope you will accept – the ‘rules’ will be on my very next post. best wishes, Philippa

    Reply ↓

  42. Hi there! Just nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger award. Rules are on my page, if you’re into that thing! Have a beautiful day.

    Reply ↓

    • Bravo to you!! Of course, I appreciate the very “Lovely” shout-out. Merci!! T. (I love your top shot of the yellow rubber ducks. It never fails to make me giggle. Where did you take this beauty? It’s gorgeous!!)

      Reply ↓

      • Haha! Thank you. Those rubber duckies belonged to my 12-year-old, now handed down to the 4-year-old. Shot was taken at a beach in Bohol, Philippines. Not only are they cute, you can always trust them to float on water, so they’re our regular travel buddies. ;-)

  43. Just the mommy duck (smaller one on the right), daddy duck, and 3 baby ducks on dad’s back. The babies look all the same so apparently my children feel no need to distinguish one from the other. ;-) .

    - fcg

    Reply ↓

    • Thank you for the “Beautiful” shout-out. I appreciate it. And as you know, I’m a fan of your work. I love your writing, Plus, literature and history dance like there’s no tomorrow on your lovely “Of Glass and Paper” site. I also like how you share the work of other artists. Thanks for the gifts!! T.

      Reply ↓

      • I have been to Paris, three years ago, for only a weekend. Definitely not enough time, but I loved it.

        My dream shopping “‘hood” is probably anywhere in Italy, although I can’t say I can afford much of it! In the end, the city I usually shop in is satisfying enough for me and that’s Denver, CO :)

      • Oh, you’ll love Italy! I scored a many bargains at the markets. I still wear the well-loved skirts! T. (Do any old department stores still exist in the Denver area? Curious.)

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    • Thank you, Roberto. The feeling is quite mutual. Your artwork is incredible. Brilliant, really. I’m looking forward to reading about your upcoming exhibition in Siena, Italy. “Colors of an Apocalypse – An Intrigue for the Eyes and Mind from Decomposed Publicity Posters“ opens on October 6, 2012. Very exciting!! Bravo. T.

      Reply ↓

  53. Theadora,
    Where can I find trend setting clown clothes in Paris? I tried watching Project Runway for the info, but Tim Gunn never answered my question.
    Le Clown

    Reply ↓

    • Hello there, Monsieur Clown!

      (tee-hee) Thanks for your question, sir. Whenever I’m in need of red noses, tiaras, and florescent wigs, I hotfoot it to my favorite costume shops: Au Fou Rire and Clown Montmartre, located at 22 and 22 bis rue Faubourg de Montmartre, 9th arrondissement. Yes, they’re neighbors. It’s shop-hopping convenient! Both shops are ancient and amazing. Perhaps I’ll write a post about the costume scene in Paris. . . Thanks for the brainstorming session! T. (By the way, your work and wit are also pretty darn AB-FAB.)

      Also, the Cirque d’hiver Bouglione at 10 Rue Amelot, 11th arrondissement (Degas, Seurat, and Toulouse-Lautrec sat here!) and the nearby Clown Bar are also worth the clown-car trek!

      Reply ↓

      • Theadora,
        Can I say how magnificent™ your answer is? I am impressed, and although this was in jest, I do appreciate the research and thoughts behind your answer. We will see a great deal of one another, I feel.
        Le Clown

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    • Dear Jennifer, Apologies for the delay!! I’ve been completing a project. Again, thanks for the warm, fuzzy, and positive cyber thoughts. I really appreciate it. What a great description! T. (And congratulations to you!)

      Reply ↓

  62. Just thought of you as I’m reading a book I think you’d enjoy: “Talking With My Mouth Full”, by Gail Simmons (among other things, host of Top Chef: Just Desserts which, I add, I’ve never seen.) It’s a fascinating story but what made me think of you was a description she just gave of a meal she once ate at Pierre Gagnaire. I wanted so badly to have some of that meal!!

    Anyway, take a peek if you get a chance,

    janet

    Reply ↓

  66. Each time I visit your wonderful blog, I return to Europe, in heart. I just love the way Paris reflects from the eye of your lens! Thank you so much Theodora, Merci bien!

    Reply ↓

      • No, since it was my first time in France, I just took in a lot of sights. I did buy some vintage stamps at an outdoor market that I still have. Second time around I would likely do a lot more shopping for treasures :)

      • I love it. Champagne. Great name. Did you save the bottle? I’m a bottle keeper, I’m afraid! T. (Years ago, I purchased Mugler’s “Angel” on the Champs-Élysées. It was December, so the little holiday white lights were up and twinkling. Whenever I pass someone wearing the scent, I’m transported back to that night!)

      • I kept it for a long time, alas t’was a very long time ago. “Angel” smells delicious and very sensual. I wore it for a while as well, among many others. Bit of a perfumoholic…

      • YES. I’m also a perfumoholic! And not just a bit!! If you like perfumes, you should check out Lanier Smith’s “Scents Memory” site. It’s fabulous. And so is he. Lanier meshes Hollywood with fragrance reviews like no other. Here’s a link: http://sentsmemory.wordpress.com/about/ (The Perfumed Dandy, Australian Perfume Junkies, The Scented Hound, Olfactoria’s Travels, and the Mad Perfumista are also favorites!)

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