paris
Khadi and Co.
Spun from khadi (a cotton-like Indian textile), Danish designer Bess Nielsen's blankety scarves and featherweight tunics are carried by such forward-thinking retailers as Barneys. But only here is the collection available in its exquisite entirety. 37 rue Debelleyme (3rd arr.), 33-1-4274-7132, khadiandco.com
George Hogg
There's no sign outside this new boutique (I was led here by a savvy journalist friend), but inside, a kaleidoscopic collection of crazily affordable Shetland sweaters (30 euros for a navy or blush pink pullover) guarantees this young label—a Benetton-backed venture—won't stay a Left Bank secret for long. 78 rue de Grenelle (7th arr.)
Editions De Parfums Frederic Malle
Known in the industry as "the nose," scent genius Malle oversees four lab-like Paris perfumeries offering his sleekly bottled fragrances, home scents and innovative olfactory gadgets. At the crimson-shelved Mont Thabor locale, I recently picked up the Fleurs Mécanique perfume diffuser—a beautifully crafted machine that makes my house smell wonderful. 21 rue du Mont Thabor (1st arr.), 33-1-4222-1689
Ciao Bella
The combat-boot-wearing, punk-tutu-rocking rebellious little sister to ever-popular (and more traditional) kids' chain Zef comes complete with rad fuchsia neon signage and little girl fare that's at once very Material Girl–era Madonna and age-appropriately playful. 14 rue du Pré aux Clercs (7th arr.), 33-1-4548-2454, zef.eu
Complément d'objet
The place for retro lighting from the '30s to the '80s, with prices starting at 150 euros. Recently spotted: a '60s chrome-and-bubble fixture that transported me straight back to childhood.
HOD
This accessories hot spot's gilded display cases are laden with of-the-moment, everyday jewelry I want to wear right now, like bejeweled woven friendship bracelets, bow-shaped stud earrings and stackable gold and colored-stone rings. I always leave with a sparkly little something. 104 rue Vieille du Temple (3rd arr.), hod-boutique.com, 33-9-5315-8334
Chez Sarah
Upon arriving at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (a must-hit, 17-acre, Saturday-to-Monday antiques and flea market), I zip straight to my friend Sarah Rozenbaum’s whimsical little stall of vintage treasures. Her collection ('30s feathered stoles, patterned A-line dresses from the '50s) never ever disappoints. 27 rue Lécuyer (18th arr.), Saint-Ouen, 33-6-0801-8089, chezsarah.fr
