Essentiel essentials

So David was walking with his new friend from a french class in St Germain des Pres the other day and saw a shop which he thought I'd like. Incidentally, I did.

It's called Essential Antwerp, is based in Belgium however has some boutiques across Europe. The use of colour and texture is what sets this label apart, as well as the remarkably reasonable price point. As you've heard when I purchased my Dirk Van Saane cape, Antwerp is where it's at, producing designers like Anne Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten.

So here's some pics of the jacket - which is called summer weight here but will probably only be useful in Sydney winter - courtesy of David, and the shoes courtesy of my new job.









I especially love the lining of the coat, the detailed work such as the internal seams are what make such habillements such a pleasure. Then there was the glorious happenstance that I could buy shoes in Paris, they were made in Italy of course since I cannot fit my fat Australian foot into slender French shoes.

Paris - days 1-3

Architecture

Yes. It is beautiful. In a ridiculously ordered way. Take for example the trees. I can only imagine the expense of maintaining such straight lines, trees trimmed on all four sides - giving them four sides to start with is surely a challenge - and along the top. But it seems to work, this ordered space with a national character of rebellion, or so they like to think. The proprietor of a cafe complained to us about the new smoking laws and explained that the French aren't law abiding but he still took his cigarette outside.





People



Just about everyone speaks to us in English, from the corner supermarket checkout chick to waiters in cafes and shop assistants. I still persevere with my poor French and have been complimented once, which was really just because he was amazed someone from Australia had any French.

There are far more non-caucasians than when I was here four years ago. The metro, the streets, in rich areas and poorer ones exhibit a near Australian level of multiculturalism. There are sushi places EVERYWHERE and Thai places, although they're expensive.

The French women so far are failing expectations. There have been some perfect examples but on the whole they just look like they're trying to keep warm. The men, on the other hand, seem more frequently to dress exquisitely.

And on some streets it is 95% tourists. In the low season. Come summer I think we'll be hiding out in backstreets, if not before.

Shopping

Until I have a job I planned to get boots and a coat. This has been achieved, under budget no less.



The cape is from an outlet store in the Marais, from Belgium designer Dirk Van Saene. I am now equipped to fight crime.

Boots from upper 2e, just Italian ones, super comfortable.

Weather



It's a bit ridiculous. We're on to our forth day in a row of pure sunshine. It's "frais" indeed but yesterday, as we walked up the Champs Elysees, I went so far as to remove my jacket. This run of sunshine must end shortly. Perhaps it in part explains the the parks full - every seat taken. Just on the seats. It is difficult to imagine a park with loose chairs in Australia. Sure they are not of much value but anything not pinned down in Sydney for instance is stolen quick smart - regardless of value.

Signing off from days one to three. About to embark on day four.