Boutique

Dear Internet Shopper and Travel Researcher,

Shopping while you're away is great fun. Once back home, however, it is often less exciting. And finding the time to do it can be a particular challenge. I've surfed the internet and have found some of the most alluring shopping Web sites around. I invite you to browse through these lovely online boutiques listed below...

European Offerings for Your Home, Table, and Kitchen
I was thrilled to find www.gallictraditions.com, a lovely Web site that showcases Beauvillé tablecloths from the Alsace region of France at particularly alluring prices. Founded in 1838, these striking tablecloths became de rigueur at Parisian dinner parties twenty years ago and now stylish people throughout the world have caught on to their beauty and charm. Based on woodblock prints from centuries past, the designs of these superior quality textiles are fanciful yet eloquent. Color schemes range from a single-colored pattern on a plain white background to a riot of hues of often astonishing nuances. I own several, all of which have held up beautifully after countless dinner parties and numerous spills of red wine. I have also offered them as special gifts and they have always been received with great enthusiasm. Be sure to visit this site for other handsome table and kitchen arts and home decor items such as Belgian lace tablecloths, tapestries, Sabatier knives, Cristel cookware, and whimsical lithographs from the eighteenth-century Imagerie of Epinal in France.

Casual Wear Brazilian Style
Not long after I arrived in Telluride, I began to spot this tall, alluring woman around town that exuded a sexiness that was distinctly South American. She habitually sported stunning, body-hugging clothing adorned with very painterly designs. Who is this goddess, I wondered. We soon met and I learned that Alicia Nogueira is the driving force behind BaliDog Yoga Clothing, a company she created that is headquartered in our beautiful mountain town. Made in Brazil from fine cotton-Lycra blend and 100% cotton, each piece is hand-painted with exotic designs, many of which would make the Gods tremble! Most are so fabulous that I would refrain from wearing them for yoga, but there's no doubt they'll help you to get in touch with your prana in the most elegant manner. Ladies will want to wear the pants and tops out for a romantic dinner filled with sushi or Thai. Juniors and girls will surely choose to don them at every possible occasion. Hey, there are even creations for the guys, too! Go to www.balidog.com.

Fit for a Foodie's Pantry
Good cooking begins with the finest and freshest ingredients. Begin your food shopping at D'Artganan, a company known as one of the best purveyors of foie gras, game, truffles, and mushrooms in the U.S. Ariane Daguin founded D'Artagnan in 1985, and since then, Americans have savored succulent foie gras, pâtés, sausages, smoked delicacies, organic game and poultry, and much more---all of the sort of quality once only associated with the gastronomically-driven region of Southwestern France. Ariane has been supplying the world's top chefs (including all of New York's four-star restaurants) with her superior products for the last 22 years. Thankfully you can buy them as well at www.dartagnan.com. Be sure to read "Everything but the Quack" on the Web site first to have a full appreciation of D'Artagnan. I also love to check in Ariane's recipe file. When you order, type in TRUFFLE BUTTER (all caps., specifying if you want black or white truffle butter), so that you may receive your free gift of this delicious spread.

As Good as a Fine Wine
Shopping for the wine connoisseur in your life? Perhaps that person is you. Wine lovers and art aficionados alike must check out the new Willi's Wine Bar Bottle Art Shop at www.williswinebar.us. If you're lucky enough to enjoy a fine meal accompanied by a memorable nectar at the renowned Willi's Wine Bar in Paris, you'll actually have the chance to view many of these handsome art posters on the restaurant's walls. But until your next trip to Paris, you'll enjoy viewing the collection at this site. And yes, of course, I included Willi's Wine Bar in my most recent edition of The Riches of Paris. I have been reporting on this handsome establishment since 1991.

French Gift Ideas Galore
If you're a lover of things French, you're going to be thrilled to shop at www.quelobjet.com. A choice selection of hand-picked products from and about France are on display at this colorful online boutique. My favorites include tea towels and tablecloths of the finest quality that have been confectioned in the most brilliant hues. Francophiles will particularly enjoy the tea towels which illustrate some aspect of French history, literature, or culture. Other must-haves include scented candles, olive leaf soaps, and market baskets, all of which the French do exceedingly well. If you're a cook (or know one!), you must purchase Quel Objet's sachets of bouquet garnis, these incredibly handy herb packages that add such marvelous flavor to soups, stews, or other special dishes.

The French Table
When asked what kinds of French products I like most I usually end up gushing about the table arts in France. To me, no country dresses their tables more beautifully than France. (I guess that makes perfect sense since they spend so much time à table!) And the good news is that some of the best bargains around are found in French tableware. Carting dishes home, however, is not exactly how you want to end your vacation. No worries. Go to www.tableideas.com to shop for elegant faience from Gien, Laure Japy Limoges china, and superior quality table linens from Garnier Thiebaut. Characterized by a festival of colors and a host of original and traditional designs, all three of these renowned French brands have what it takes to transform your next gathering into a totally charming affair---even if it’s just tea for two.

Paris Chic
Hou la la! You don’t have to go to Paris to purchase a bit of Paris chic. I am thrilled to have discovered Emilie Holland Paris, a sort of mini couture salon based in Paris that creates timelessly elegant fashions and accessories of the finest quality. And best of all, the prices are tout à fait raisonable. You absolutely must check out www.emiliehollandparis.com to embark upon your Right Bank shopping tour right now!

Elegant Jewels
Jeanne Johngren Design's latest collection of sophisticated 18K gold jewelry is alluring and gorgeous. JJD uses brilliant gemstones in elegant color palettes mixed with sparkling diamonds. Necklaces with intervals of chain and gems are intriguing alone or in combination---so you just may want to buy a few! Many of her pieces evoke a mosaic feel and indeed, Byzantine imagery, Etruscan architecture, and medieval stained glass are some of her inspirations. Jeanne's entire collection shimmers with warmth and style--it's no wonder celebrities and fashion forward ladies alike have become JJD fans. Go to www.jeannejohngren.com to view more stunning pieces.

Alpine Treasures
Mary Dawn Debraie, the driving force behind Alpen Schatz, a company that imports fine traditional products from the Alps, is as passionate about the discoveries she has made as I am about the riches I have reported on. Mary Dawn lived in Germany for many years, speaks the language, and has embraced many of the German, Swiss, Austrian, and Italian traditions---particularly from the Alps---as her own. Her company started out by importing Swiss dog collars, beautifully crafted works that depict alpine scenes in brass and silver on leather bands. Men and women can also be a part of this 250-year old tradition from the Alps by donning a fashionable belt, also adorned with the same iconic images of Switzerland. You can find these along with Italian silk scarves, Edelweiss-inspired jewelry, and home furnishings at www.alpenschatz.com. But if you’re lucky enough to visit Mary Dawn's store in Telluride, Colorado (my town, too!) you’ll discover a charming alpine emporium brimming with a full line of European clothing including high-styled dirndls and lederhosen, imported custom Austrian furniture from Voglauer, and also felt hats, the original alpine headgear for any dashing adventurer. Click here to read about the Christmas Market Tour that I'll be doing with Mary Dawn.

Positively Provence
You’ll be amazed at the array of heartwarming and reasonably-priced gift items at www.spiritofprovence.com. This Boulder-based company has done a fantastic job of assembling a wide selection of products made in this glorious sun-drenched region of Southern France by small family-owned and operated companies. And visiting the site of Spirit in Provence is like shopping in a colorful Provençal open-air market. You’ll find everything from dried lavender bouquets to tablecloths and pottery to gourmet treats and more.

Yummy Offerings

There’s no doubt that the French do a terrific job with desserts and all kinds of special treats. Visit www.3crepes.com to find an assortment of typically French goodies such as Madeleines (spongey little cakes), Pain d’Epice(gingerbread), nougat, assorted jams, and more. This is also a good source for special baking ingredients such as flavored syrups or dark chocolate caviar, and chestnut spread---all perfect for that special dessert. And if you're in New York, be sure to visit Les Trois Crêpes Patisserie, a little country French pastry shop that serves up a dessert cart full of sweets, home-baked breads and croissants, sandwiches, and, of course, crêpes. Frédérique, the French lady that started Les Trois Crêpes is as charming as the boutique she created.You may also shop there for a choice selection of French bric-a-brac, home and bath accroutements, and a variety of other gift ideas. Be sure to check their calendar for special events as well.

Home Baked Goodness
Hmmmm. Waking up in the morning to the warm and buttery smell of croissants baking in your oven? You can indeed savor fresh-from-the-oven croissants, pains au chocolat, brioches, and a whole basketful of other delectable French pastries---just like the ones from the very best bakeries of Paris---in your home, cozied up by the fire or snuggled in your bed. My Boulangerie, or www.myboulangerie.com delivers the dough; you just have to let it rise and pop the goods into the oven. What an ingenious idea! And the gifting possibilities of My Boulangerie are endless. How about sending a monthly supply of French treats to your mother-in-law for the upcoming year? Two French sisters, Laura and Sophie Lavigne, founded the company here in the U.S. Enter promotional code mbc07 in the Coupon Box at check out to receive 1 dozen FREE pastries on your first order over $50 (before S & H).

The Finest Chocolates
Okay, I hate to be boastful but I do know a thing or two about chocolate. I once conducted Chocolate Lovers’ Tours in Paris and chocolate shops have always been prominently featured in my books. Thank God I discovered Telluride Truffle just a couple of weeks after having moved to Telluride over three years ago. These chocolates are extraordinary and in my expert opinion, rival those of Paris’s most renowned chocolatiers. Go to www.telluridetruffle.com to begin your shopping now. Use promotional code Paris 07 to receive your 10% discount on online orders.

Reading Recommendations
You can't go wrong with offering a magazine or newsletter subscription to friends, family, and business contacts!

http://www.francemagazine.org/holiday2007.asp
Embrace the best of French culture, travel, history, and trends with this glossy magazine that always provides a good read. Be sure to type in promotion code PR07G to receive a free issue for each gift subscription.

http://www.entreenews.com
I've been a fan of this high-end travel newsletter for twenty years now! ENTREE reports on travel worldwide and always clues readers in on the most alluring destinations and best hotspots of the moment. And if you're like me, you'll be greatly entertained by its provocative, opionated style. Mention my name to receive a special discount on a subscription.

With best wishes,

Shopping for table and kitchen arts is fun and easy at Sur la Table. From stylish coffee makers and teapots, to a plethora of muffin, cupcake, and popover pans, to Laguiole flatware and darling little ramekins, this site showcases food arts for neophytes and expert chefs alike. More unusual items include chili roasters, mussel pots, Stainless Steel Samovars, coucoussiers, chef hats for children, French bread pans, and even Bundt pans in the form of a castle. Be sure to check their Sale section regularly which features goods up to 75 percent off.