Paris Shopping: Rue de Rennes Steeple Chase

Give it up for the Gants at Guanti, 59 Rue de Rennes Photographs by Theadora Brack

tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock at Plastiques, 103 rue de Rennes

By Theadora Brack

This week, let’s hoof to one my favorite shopping districts in Paris, the lively rue de Rennes—one of the longest streets in the city. Giddy-up: This is where I shop during the last few days of the Big Winter Sales.

Here’s the squeal: The Zara location at 140 rue de Rennes in the Félix Potin building (an Art Nouveau marvel!) usually serves as one of “last stops” for the Spanish marque’s leftover clothing. Also, there’s a second Zara shop, located nearby at 45 rue de Rennes (next to the Église de Saint-Germain-des-Prés).

Divine, yes, but their proximity also saves time. Bopping between both shops, my sister once scored a belted trench coat and black skinny jeans, along with seven turtle necks, all costing just €3,99 a piece. She had just arrived—but by this victorious wardrobe-expanding moment—the woozy feeling of jet lag completely abandoned the scene. Yes, sometimes fleeting joy CAN be bought.

Rue de Rennes

Thanks to Haussmann, this super-sized boulevard was made for non-stop walking, gawking and talking. Don’t forget to pack an oversized bag for your treasures. While the multiple-shopping bag scene with Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” is charming and all, you’re just inviting advances from pickpockets with both hands filled with separate bags. Combine them in all in one big sturdy bag. Most grocery store chains sell them for just a few cents.

Tie one on at the Boutique Nodus, 40 rue de Rennes

Layout of the land

The rue de Rennes shopping district stretches from Boulevard du Montparnasse to Boulevard Saint-Germain, connecting the tallest (and only real) skyscraper in Paris—Montparnasse Tower—with the oldest church in the city (Saint-Germain-des-Prés). This ‘hood has always been one of my favorite spots for window-shopping. For the love of juxtaposition, the trendy chains and boutiques coolly mesh with the classic Parisian shops. Frankly, I dig the mix.

Documentary photographer Eugène Atget would have had a field day. Stop. Look. Hold your horses! Actually, Atget did shoot a dragon here ’round 1900 at 50 rue de Rennes. Today the façade has dramatically changed, but the dragon still frolics in a land called Paree. Look for the perfect blue door and the Monoprix sign.

Ready for my close-up

Where else in this world is it possible to fall madly for a spectacular turban window display after trying on maillots de bain at Etam? And yes, feeling all femme fatale and pin-uppity, I bought an armful of resort wear (in noir, of course, Mr. Wilder. How could I not?).

Film buffs, Billy Wilder made his directorial debut during the 1930s in Paris. Can you name the film? It wasn’t “Sabrina.” Clue: The film’s leading lady Danielle Yvonne Marie Antoinette Darrieux is still one of France’s most beloved movie stars!

Eiffel Tower by Léonidas Chocolatie, 65 rue de Rennes

Looking for military garb?

Don’t leave the city without a flyby through the Doursoux Surplus, nestled in the shadow of the Montparnasse Tower at 3 Passage Alexandre. The prices can’t be beat and the service is always charming.

Here in the airy hangar-like warehouse, you’ll find vintage bags, pea coats, hats, sweaters, belts, shoes, scarves, midi blouses, striped shirts, and sailor caps. My pal Jess recently scored a leather aviator “Trapper” cap‎ and goggles from WWI. Channeling her inner-Amelia Earhart, later she donned the headgear on the boulevards and looked silver screen marvelous.

Chains, Chains, Chains

I dig chain stores. There, I’ve said it. Their affordable price tags allow me to experiment without shelling out big bucks. Keep your eyes peeled for my pet haunts: Etam, Zara, and Naf-Naf, along with Kookaï and Darjeeling. If the cuisine is your scene, pop-by the practical and whimsical La Vaissellerie, Culinarion, and Plastiques where the owl egg timers rule the roost.

Need a camera chip? Stop by Fnac (pronounced “fuh-nack”). The largest French entertainment retail chain discounts their inventory of books, including the latest exhibition catalogues. Fnac also stocks cameras, camera chips and batteries (not to mention DVDs, CDs, and tons of French comic books Bande dessinée (an art form all their own).

Royal Jewels at Antoine et Lili, rue des Martyrs, Abbesses

Sugar, Sugar

It’s now time for a little pick-me-up. First, we’ll stop by the Boulangerie de Rennes, and buy a meringue cookie. Sweet and crunchy, it’s the ultimate instant sugar rush, making the perfect portable snack. Goldilocks, size does matter, so I recommend going with a medium-sized cookie because the smaller ones are sometimes on the dry side, and the larger ones are occasionally too soft.

Next, we’ll nip into Léonidas Chocolatier and pickup a few gifts for the cat sitter. Located at 65 rue de Rennes, they’re more than famous for their sparkling (and tasty) Versailles-worthy Eiffel Tower sculptures, royal cameo candies and metallic covered chocolate hearts. In my book, edible rhinestones and dark chocolate will always this girl’s best friend.

Designs on you

After strolling your heart out along the rue de Rennes, make a bee-line to Saint-Germain-des-Prés for some high-ticket boutique browsing. Check out the splurge-worthy beret caps at the agnès b shop at 6 rue Vieux-Colombier. They’re hard to find outside of France and terribly expensive online.

Designer and founder Agnès Bourgois Troublé has also created inexpensive unisex red scarves. Available in cotton during the summertime and wool during the winter, the profits go to various humanitarian causes, including the fight against AIDS.

BOUTIQUE JACQUES DARCEL, 87 Rue de Rennes

Moveable Feast

Afterwards, let’s rest our tired tootsies and grab a café and a fromage Cantal sandwich at the Café de la Mairie at Place Saint-Sulpice. It’s another personal favorite people-watching spots, plus the prices are affordable.

Bookworms, who else found inspiration here? Don’t stop me if you heard this one before! Heck, it’s one of my favorite tips. Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, and Ernest Hemingway, along with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Saul Bellow, and Djuna Barnes. Added bonus: After fifteen years of restoration work, the church of Saint-Sulpice across the square recently shed its scaffolding, and the view is once more a beauty.

Still in the mood to shop ’til you drop?

Well then, jump on the “95” bus line (there are multiple bus stops along rue de Rennes), and take it to any of several other bustling shopping meccas along its route, like the Carrousel du Louvre, the neighborhood surrounding the Opéra (wannabe Black Swans, Répetto is just a hop, skip and a pirouette from the Opéra Garnier!), or the grand magasins along Boulevard Haussmann, or the funky boutiques, vintage shops and bargain bins in the Montmartre-Abbesses area.

Pinch yourself. ALL these happy-hunting-grounds are on the scenic “95” bus line. It’s another win-spin.

This has been Theadora “Norma Desmond” Brack! Happy Hunting!

Meringue Caps at the Boulangerie de Rennes, 101 rue de Rennes

Zara on rue de Rennes in the Félix Potin building and the Montparnasse Tower

“Danielle Yvonne Marie Antoinette Darrieux” in Billy Wilder’s directorial debut

Tags: Paris, Teddy Brack, Theadora Brack, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, window-shopping

100 thoughts on “Paris Shopping: Rue de Rennes Steeple Chase”

Chef Emil on 05/02/2013 at at said:

I had to eat four (okay it was eight!) meringue caps before I could figure it out…………MAUVRAISE GRAINE was the film debut of Billie Wilder, who became Billy Wilder when he fled Hitler and came to Hollywood. Of course, in my book, he is most fabulously famous for writing the screenplay adaptation for “Emil and the Detectives” making the Tin Man’s name eternal. Love you, Theadora! XXXOOO Chef Tin Man Emil

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  BINGO. Ring-a-ding-ding!! Tin Man (aka, Chef Emil) solved another mystery. Yes, MAUVRAISE GRAINE was the film debut of Billie Wilder. That’s three for three in my book. I laughed out loud when I spotted “Emil and the Detectives.” Fitting! I’m giving you bonus points for contributing that wonderful tidbit. Yes, Billy Wilder wrote the screenplay adaptation for it in 1931. (I’d like to read the book and see the movie. Stay away from the chocolate!) Bravo!! And again, thanks for being our in-house Cinematic Pop Quiz Master!! Big, big hugs, T.
  
  (I’m off now to see your new Paris post!! I bet it’s a beauty, Monsieur Tin Man. . .)
  
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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Dear Tin Man, your poem about Paris, time, travel, life, and memories is such a haunting, moody-bluesy beauty. I also loved the photographs. Thank you for sharing it. T.
  
  Here’s the link: http://the-tin-man.com/2013/02/05/beyond-the-clock-face-musee-dorsay-paris/
  
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belocchio on 05/02/2013 at at said:

Ah Theadora, glorious Theadora, who but you could create a hundred city blocks of shopping memories. My daughter and I lingered long on rue de Rennes. You have me digging out my Longchamp over-night bag and flying off to Paris. No reason to take any more luggage because one can shop until you drop. Paris is a state of mind, and you Theadora are the President!! V.

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  YES. Don’t forget the over-night bags by Longchamps! Say, they’re also located in the rue de Rennes-Saint-Germain-des-Prés shopping neighborhood (41 rue du Vieux-Colombier)!! I’m with you, Virginia. Trekking to Paris? Take two empty suitcases (pack one inside the other), and then shop until you drop. My sister and I have shared and exchanged many stories, as we strolled along rue de Rennes. I think it’s also her favorite spot, along with the village-like aint-Germain-des-Prés. We’re walkers and talkers. Sweet memories. . . T. (Do you have a favorite café in the area?)
  
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  - belocchio on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    There was a little place where we loved to stop and relax. It wasn’t a cafe but a tiny cheese shop where you could indulge in a tray of cheeses and a lovely glass of wine. To use the facilities you descended a metal spiral staircase into the cellar. Sadly the name of the shop has slipped my mind Theadora.
    
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  - Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    A cheese shop? With a metal spiral staircase. Lovely. Lovely. I’ll throw on my “Nancy Drew” detective cap. . .T.
    
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lily on 05/02/2013 at at said:

Theadora, thank you for the trip. I lingered long over your very first photo; I love gloves! (Oh, which colours??) And hats and scarves, and of course shoes, and as you know perfume bottles, and also architecture… so this is why I should shop in Paris. Thank goodness for you so that I can do so vicariously! ~ Lily

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Lily!! I always adore shopping with you. YES. I also have a mad penchant for collecting gloves. Did you pick out a pair? I’ve got my eye on the hot pink pair in the bottom right-hand side of the photograph. I also dig the pair in bright sunny yellow. Gosh, it’s always fun to shoot pics on rue de Rennes. There are so many great window-displays. While in Paris, never, ever leave the hotel or flat without the camera! T.
  
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sustainabilitea on 05/02/2013 at at said:

I loved the shopping trip, just wish I could have really been there. Good tip about the one large shopping bag to help fend of pickpockets (who would know?). I have several things from Naf-Naf in Avignon. 🙂 And dark chocolate makes everything better. I regret all the years there wasn’t any, so I try to make up for it now.

Love the photos with the reflections (impossible to get without them, I’m sure, but they look great.)

janet

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Janet, thanks for shopping with us!! The “one bag trip” will also help keep the other bags looking pretty. They make perfect souvenirs! YES. Naf-Naf is a favorite. And speaking of Avignon, here is where I discovered Zara. I fell madly as I made my entrance. I thought I heard angels singing from above!! I still have a few pieces from that July shopping spree! T. (Did you make it to the Opera House in Avignon? Golly, what a stunner!)
  
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  - sustainabilitea on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Haven’t made it to much except the Palais des Papes. My s-i-l and b-i-l live nearby but we mostly relax and do markets and the wineries while we’re there.
    
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Touch2Touch on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Ah, Theadora, these are my nabes! Quelle nostalgie!
Saint Sulpice, St. Germain des Pres, Montparnasse tower, the length of the Rue de Rennes! One of my favorite little hotels is the Abbaye on the Rue Cassette.
But my years there were long before your blog, so I had no fabulous shopping maven as guide.
I LOVE hearing about your shopping adventures.

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  It’s a great area!! Plus, my favorite macaron shops are just around the corner. Ladurée’s Saint-Germain tea salon is located at 21 Rue Bonaparte, while Gérard Mulot holds court at 76 Rue de Seine.
  
  And oh, my. Your Hotel de l’Abbaye at 10 rue Cassette looks amazing. Very pretty! Do you recommend it? I’ve been looking for a few hotels in the area to check-out and recommend. What a great location. It’s very close to the Jardin du Luxembourg (a great place to jog!).
  
  Enjoy the week!
  T.
  
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  - Touch2Touch on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    T., It’s several years since we were last at the Abbaye. Prices keep going up, and it was a splurge for us last time (we began Paris life on humbler Rue Jacob aeons ago). And change happens. But I must say, it was really really nice when we were there last. We splashed out on an upgraded room in real Parisian modern style. Très élégante. And as you say, a GREAT location. I’d say check it out.
    
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  - Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Thanks for lead. I’ll check it out! T. (I like to be able to recommend a mix of one to three star hotels, along with a spurge-worthy 4-star joint–covering all budgets and needs!)
    
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rutheh on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Oh I want to have a meringue cap! Mmmm.
thanks for the shopping trip. I was almost there.

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Ruth! One day soon, we’ll have to get a few photographs of “Flat Ruthie” shopping! T. (The meringue caps are SWEET and filling. Heaven!)
  
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Time With Thea on 06/02/2013 at at said:

OK I want your job. I love to shop. I love Paris. I love to write. I love photography. I love to blog. Do I qualify? Kidding aside, I look forward to each of your posts! Best wishes from Thea

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Thea!! Have you seen my new “Théa” header? The “Théa” shop is located also located near Saint-Sulpice. It’s a swanky clothing shop. Let me know if you’d a copy of the pic! T.
  
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24/7 in France on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Paris is indeed a shopper’s paradise, full of colors, textures, tastes, and tints – just divine!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  It’s true! It’s true! I thought of a few captions for your caption contest. I’ll stop by your site today! T.
  
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  - 24/7 in France on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    OK, great!
    
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Sisyphus47 on 06/02/2013 at at said:

A wonderful evocation of yet another magic street in Paris… Gorgeous pictures dear friend 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thank you!! The camera is always in the bag. 🙂 There’s so much to shoot in Paris! It IS a magical place. T. (For the love of inspiration, the notebook is also always in the bag. Fiction and non-fiction!)
  
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edwardkan on 06/02/2013 at at said:

I’m soon coming to Paris! Because you know best about Paris, is the Fashion Week at the end of March? I would love that if yes!!! Very cool post!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Exciting!! I’ll get the exact dates for you! T.
  
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  - edwardkan on 06/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Thanks!
    
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  - Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Hi there! Here are a few dates. I’ll keep digging up info for you. Cheers! T.
    
    The World’s Premier Fabric Show, Parc d’Expositions Paris Nord (Tuesday, February 12th – Thursday, 14th 2013
    
    Paris Fashion Week Ready to Wear, Carrousel du Louvre (Tuesday, February 26th – Wednesday, March 6th 2013
    
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  - edwardkan on 07/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Thanks a lot!
    
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A French Frye in Paris on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Another uber-informative, fun, and clever post! I especially appreciated “walking, gawking, and talking”, along with the dragon frolicking in Paris. You keep your readers on their toes, and I like that. 🙂

Thanks for another bunch of good ideas for when I get that inevitable question from my visiting mom: “Where’s the good shopping in Paris?”. Posts like these will certainly be my go-to.

I also must, must, must get to Café de la Mairie!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Well, hello there, Corey Frye ! Congratulations on the well-deserved, very exciting “Fresh-Pressing.” Your photographs of Paris in the snow are true beauties !!
  
  Thanks for your swell words, as always. I do like the mix along rue de Rennes. Plus, Saint-Germain is located just around the corner. YES. Give the Café de la Mairie a shot. I recommend scoring an outdoor table. Here’s another shopping tip for you (and your mother!). The Annick Goutal perfume boutique is located next to the café. The body creams are wonderful and affordable. Also, for the absolute love of Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” flick, Gertrude Stein’s former flat is located just hop and a jump away at 27 rue de Fleurus. A plaque marks the spot.
  
  Enjoy the week!
  T.
  
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megtraveling on 06/02/2013 at at said:

This sounds like a perfect day of shopping for bargains, eating treats and learning more about Paris. Thanks for the great information!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, thank you!! Bargain Shopping + Paris History = Heaven!! T.
  
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Chef Emil on 06/02/2013 at at said:

I so want you to see my latest post : http://the-tin-man.com/2013/02/05/beyond-the-clock-face-musee-dorsay-paris/

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  I’m on my way ! I’m on my way ! T.
  
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ElizabethWolf on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Oh this post just makes me pine for Paris…thank you for sharing!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thanks Elizabeth ! T. (“Pine” is such a great word. It’s one of my favorites !)
  
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Tulle and Tweed on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Again …On my list, thanks for this

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thanks!! I’m in the process of creating more shopping district portraits. I plan to include the arcades, along with vintage/antique shop, located at the Jardin du Palais Royal. So stay tuned! And enjoy the week! T.
  
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Richard Guest on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Wow, what a post, T! Love the new (header?) image! And your photographs (I would like to add my applause to the first shot), which are fab! And the idea of channeling Amelia Earhart – another great image. Whenever i think of her I also think of flying boats for some reason – I wish they’d bring them back.

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Merci, Richard! In celebration of the New Year, I added a few more headers. Thanks for noticing.
  
  Ah, the flying boats! Here’s how Anaïs Nin described the bumpy take-off during the winter of 1939, while fleeing Europe. It’s a beautiful passage.
  (The Diary of Anaïs Nin 1939-1944)
  
  “To get inside the hydroplane we walk on its wing and enter through an opening in its belly. The metal is the same color as the sea. It seems too heavy to fly. As it courses along the water with one engine starting then another, gathering speed but bumping against the waves, I feel as if in a nightmare when one cannot fly upward even though menaced by great dangers. Strange that when we finally fly, the separation from the past seems easier to achieve. Height and distance from the earth seems to stabilize the spirit, to liberate it from its sorrows. We enter the consciousness of the cosmos. The face of Europe grows smaller. Now there are only sky and clouds. “
  
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Sherievon on 06/02/2013 at at said:

Thanks for some more great fodder for my little journal of useful info to refer to when I visit Paris again next year – love the idea of non-stop walking, gawking and talking… you have such a great turn of phrase!

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Ah, thanks! For the love of whimsy and goofy, I’ve never met a rhyme or pun I didn’t love. I’m currently researching the arcades of Paris. Fascinating! Lovely shopping, too. (Wink!) Enjoy the week! T.
  
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  - Sherievon on 07/02/2013 at at said:
    
    I will look forward to your Arcades post – there is so much to see and do in Paris that I am uncovering via your blog – thank you!
    
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  - Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
    
    I’m now grinning. Thanks!
    
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  - Sherievon on 12/02/2013 at at said:
    
    You know what they say – grinners are winners!
    
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LondonUnveiled.com on 07/02/2013 at at said:

Great photos… I love the chocolat Tour d’Eiffel… while its only been 2 months since I was last in Paris, every blog post of yours makes me want to get back there right away.

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Merci!! The feeling is mutual. Your wonderful blog posts about London makes me want to get back there. Another favorite city! T. (I also love the rhinestone-studded Eiffel Tower. Perhaps they sell mini-towers. I will investigate!)
  
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Another Thousand Words on 07/02/2013 at at said:

Wow, Mlle B.! I’m purely tuckered out from this whirlwind tour! Love, Love, Love your ‘reflections’ images!!! So much seen so quickly, yet all the beauty remains in my brain…and now, with Spring not far off, I’m certain Paris will be bubbling with excitement…and romance, of course!

BTW, check back on my site for the crust recipe for the pizza…I’ve gone into pretty extensive detail!

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  AH, thank you!! Yes, I fully embrace shadows and reflections! It’s all in the composition and cropping, of course. I’m really enjoying your Chicago snow series, along with the scrumptious pizza shots and recipe. Again, thanks for taking the time to type out additional instructions for me. I’ve jotted down the recipe. I plan to create the pizza sometime over the weekend. I’ll send you a report from the field, er, cuisine. Maybe you’ll post more recipes?! B.
  
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  - Another Thousand Words on 08/02/2013 at at said:
    
    Just assemble all the things first, Mlle B.! A prepared cook can then be as creative as he/she prefers!
    
    And I do have many ‘recipes’, but they change all the time. I’m constantly saying, “What if I add this, or don’t add that? What if I substitute this for that?”…most of the time, it all tastes delicious! I do many different types of cooking…I make excellent crepes, quite tasty, hot Thai, Northern Italian, Greek…whatever I feel would be good for the day!
    
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Martino on 07/02/2013 at at said:

Fantastic post, T. I give up. I’m caving in. I’ve decided to grab my own sweetie and head to Paris–and it’s ALL YOUR FAULT. I figured it would be a pretty good Valentine’s Day prezzy. Two more weeks! And we’re heading for rue de Rennes first thing, too. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes. I can hardly wait!!! Thanks for getting us BOTH fired up about this adventure.

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Well, goodness, Martino, this is fabulous news !! What a swell Saint Valentine’s gift. Feel free to ask questions. I’m looking forward to seeing your photographs and reports from the field and countless museums. Bon Voyage !! T.
  
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24/7 in France on 07/02/2013 at at said:

Your photo caption was chosen in my “Nice” giveaway – congratulations, Theadora! Can you please email me your mailing address (twentyfourseveninfrance@gmail.com) – thanks.

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- Theadora Brack on 07/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Thanks!! I’ll shoot you an email tomorrow. T.
  
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ideflex on 08/02/2013 at at said:

Well you’ve made my snow-covered housebound day a little brighter! Can hardly wait ’til I get there, not even worth thinking about shopping on this side of the pond…

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- Theadora Brack on 08/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Merci ! Merci ! Stay warm. And fire up the hot chocolate ! T.
  
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thom bradley on 11/02/2013 at at said:

Theadore you continue to pull us into Paris. In addition, you inspire me to find similar places in NYC. The pictures and the decriptions help me to look more carefully and gather-in the immediate world around me. Thanks
Thom

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- Theadora Brack on 15/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Gosh. Thank you, Thom! I feel the same way about your work. With each post, you really bring New York City to life! I thoroughly enjoy your words and photographs. Let’s not forget the historical tidbits! What would a post be without at least one historical tidbit?! Enjoy the weekend. And take care, T.
  
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madperfumista on 11/02/2013 at at said:

Your posts always leave me hankering for a visit to my second home, Paris. There’s no better place to windowshop in the world. Thanks for the tour, will make sure to make the crawl along the rue de Rennes next time I’m there.

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- Theadora Brack on 15/02/2013 at at said:
  
  Mad Perfumista, I’m with you! Paris is the perfect location for window-shopping and perfume testing! Do you have a favorite perfume shop in Paris? As you know, I’m a Annick Goutal fan. Enjoy the weekend! T. (Sadly, there isn’t a perfume shop on rue de Rennes. . .I’ll double-check!)
  
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  - madperfumista on 15/02/2013 at at said:
    
    My two favorites are Frédéric Malle and État Libre d’Orange. Both for very different reasons–FM for its elegance and artistry, and ELdO for fun and irreverence.
    
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J West Hardin on 05/08/2013 at at said:

Love the reflection shots … window shopping has always been my favorite thing ….. I frequently use the images in either my photographic and literary art or in my blog jwesthardin.wordpress.com . Theres something sublime about being an outsider…….it’s quite Dickensian. Thx for taking a look at 13 Angels…after 14 months it’s finally published.

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dragonlife on 11/08/2013 at at said:

Dear Theadora!
Greetings from Shizuoka, Japan!
I’m actually a Frenchman living in Japan!
Thank you for showing another face of Paris and France!
I actually hail from Bourgogne.
What brought you to Paris?
Looking forward to more reports!
Best regards,
Robert-Gilles

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- Theadora Brack on 13/08/2013 at at said:
  
  Dear Robert-Gilles! Thank you for your thoughtful words. As you know, I’m a big time fan of your fabulous, fabulous “Shizuoka Gourmet” site. Do you miss Bourgogne? Say, do you have a favorite French cheese? Again, merci! Enjoy the week! Theadora
  
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patriciasands on 12/08/2013 at at said:

Nobody does it better … cue Carly Simon … Theadora, I never want your posts to end. It’s not simply the information, the great photos and the turn of phrase but also the energy that wraps itself around the reader. Once again, magnifique!
(I still intend to reblog the post I mentioned months ago … )

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- Theadora Brack on 13/08/2013 at at said:
  
  Patricia, I never want your magnificent comments to end! Thanks for spreading your positive enthusiasm. It’s contagious! By the way, I’m thoroughly enjoying your “The Promise of Provence” book. I highly recommend it! Enjoy the week! T. (Now I’m singing Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does it Better” tune!)
  
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tomseyeview on 13/08/2013 at at said:

Hi Theo

just touching base. Carly Simon……I bought her apartment for my art studio. She and James were married in this apt. Tee Hee.

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renxkyoko on 14/08/2013 at at said:

Been there… alas, the tour didn’t include shopping.

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J West Hardin on 09/09/2013 at at said:

I love the reflection shots…..out of this world.

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Jean-Paul on 23/10/2013 at at said:

very interesting post 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 23/10/2013 at at said:
  
  Merci!!
  
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unwillingexpat on 25/10/2013 at at said:

Your blog always fills me with a burning desire to visit Paris!! Thank you, perhaps this way I will eventually make it!

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thom bradley on 05/11/2013 at at said:

I was reminded of this post when I startde to get our winter coats out of the closet. My wife has this favorite coat which she calls her “Zara Coat” which was purchased on a trip to Paris. Note: we saw the same style coat in Madrid at a slightly higher price. Memories may fade but the “coat” reminds of happy days. Thanks!

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- Theadora Brack on 06/11/2013 at at said:
  
  Dear Thom, I love your “Zara Coat” story! Color? Style? Fabulous. I bet it transports her to Paris each and every time she wears it. While in Berlin one spring, I purchased a shiny red rain slicker in a Zara. And yes, the moment I throw it on, I’m back in Berlin. Cheers! T.
  
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  - thom bradley on 12/11/2013 at at said:
    
    Theadora
    This may not be the best place to include thisbut it is interesting and when googled has had a lot of comments… many a basis for one of great essays ??
    http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/opinion/sunday/how-hipsters-ruined-paris.html
    
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subeeskitchen on 15/01/2014 at at said:

Great post, Theadora! But you forgot one of my rue de Rennes favorites: Monoprix! I always pop in when in town – great for value-priced gifts, spice bottles with French labels, etc.

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Violet Hoarder on 25/02/2014 at at said:

With your writing skill, a virtual shopping trip is almost as good as a real one. Oh those winter sales!

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- Theadora Brack on 28/02/2014 at at said:
  
  AH, what sweet words! I agree. A virtual window-shopping trip is easy on the eyes and pocketbook! T.
  
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Karen B on 04/03/2014 at at said:

Wow, first the striking black background with lively white iconic buildings and then closely followed by such a powerful energy pulsing through your posts! I love your blog! It has such a great vibe!-Karen.

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- Theadora Brack on 05/03/2014 at at said:
  
  Thank you, Karen! By the way, I’m a fan of “Sweet Baby Veg” site. It also flaunts a handsome background with vivid cuisine photographs. Bright and crisp like garden vegetables! Theadora (Enjoy the week!)
  
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Karen B on 05/03/2014 at at said:

I love the way that blogs enable so many people to express themselves so creatively. And it intrigues me how much we reveal of ourselves in them, just by our choices of design, images and writing style. I feel so happy writing on your blog, because as I do I can see the moon and stars and even a little lady in a bath! Good design makes me feel at home and your style is unique. Tomorrow, I am going to travel around “People, Places and Bling” and it is going to be as indulgent as taking a bubble bath!

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paroleacapo on 19/03/2014 at at said:

Reblogged this on cristina capodaglio.

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- Theadora Brack on 20/03/2014 at at said:
  
  Thanks for spreading the word, Cristina! I appreciate it. ~Theadora
  
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Carl D'Agostino on 15/05/2014 at at said:

Great window displays especially the ties and the gloves. The reflections in the glass give such a collage effect.

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- Theadora Brack on 15/05/2014 at at said:
  
  Thanks for such nice words, Carl! The glove shop is one of my favorite window-shopping stops in Paris. I’ve always loved their displays. They always make me smile. And speaking spreading good cheer, your daily cartoons also make me grin. It’s true! ~Theadora
  
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dianaed2013 on 11/08/2014 at at said:

What a brilliant tour from the view of a younger person

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- Theadora Brack on 15/08/2014 at at said:
  
  Merci, Diana! The hustling, bustling Rue de Rennes is one of my favorite spots on the planet. It’s a great place to people-watch! Enjoy the weekend, ~Theadora
  
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dianaed2013 on 11/08/2014 at at said:

Oops and love the photos

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- Theadora Brack on 15/08/2014 at at said:
  
  And I feel the same way about your photographs!
  ~T.
  
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Maurice Sapiro on 19/09/2014 at at said:

You never told me you are such a talented photographer. Talent and beauty—a powerful combination!

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victualling on 07/04/2015 at at said:

Love the photo with the neckties!

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- Theadora Brack on 17/04/2015 at at said:
  
  Merci! Rue de Rennes is one of my favorite streets in Paris. It’s always hustling and bustling.
  
  Enjoy the weekend,
  Theadora
  
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Carlos Ferreira on 11/05/2015 at at said:

I love the title shot. Really dynamic and multi-layered!

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- Theadora Brack on 13/05/2015 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Carlos! Ah, I also love the J.B. Guanti glove vitrines. Especially the window on rue de Rennes. I’d love to have a pair. Perhaps in shocking pink. Saving cents, now!
  Enjoy the week,
  Theadora
  
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Chris on 12/05/2015 at at said:

Those tie faces… X)

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- Theadora Brack on 13/05/2015 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Chris! Rue de Rennes is one of favorite window-shopping haunts. Great vitrines!
  Theadora
  (By the way, I’ve been enjoying your Florence series. Did you indulge in any window-shopping?)
  
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  - Chris on 13/05/2015 at at said:
    
    Thanks! I haven’t thus far, I’ve been more about traveling on a budget out of necessity, but your blog has made me want to! I may have some material for that for an upcoming South Korea series, and I just got a new job so here’s to more window shopping in the future! Besides, it’s fun to look even without funds 😉 I’ll need to do one for Venice Beach, California as well.
    
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anyone4curryandotherthings on 14/09/2016 at at said:

o lala lala – Merci Theadora – Rue de Rennes – what super memories for me.

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