Looking for that basic black Chanel cocktail dress, a special evening gown, the Kelly bag, and possibly Cinderella’s glass slipper? You need to visit Paris’ largest luxury consignment store! For an amazing selection and great prices on luxury designer brands from around the world, look no further!  Reciproque is the largest luxury consignment store in Paris, comprised of 7 boutiques and over 7,500 square feet of selling space, all located on Rue de la Pompe in the 16th arrondissement.  From Vuitton luggage, to Hermès handbags, scarves and every designer known, their selection is amazing! Read here for more…

The Paris sales in January are one of the biggest shopping events of the year.The dates are decreed by the French government…and the sales must be ‘real’. That is, the sale merchandise must be regularly stocked merchandise that is marked down for the sales. This compares to many sales practices in the U.S. where merchandise is often brought in at ‘sale prices’ to supplement regular stock.

Hermès Sale: Jan 20 to 23 at Porte Maillot. The event has become so big that they could not longer hold it in the flagship Faubourg Saint-Honoré Store. Women line up the day before at dawn to make it in for the opening.

Chanel Sale: Starts January 6 at 42 Ave Montaigne, 75008 Paris

Dior Sale: Jan 9 to 12 from 10 am to 7 pm at Artcurial, Address: 7 rond-point des Champs Elysées. Easy, stroll across the river from the 7th and walk three blocks to the Rond Point intersection. Takes 15 minutes and you can stop for tea at the Four Seasons on your way home!

My favorite chocolatier, Pierre Hermé has some stunning and original designs for the famous Bûches de Noël for Christmas! I have found a simpler recipe for you to try…

Here’s a nice recipe for a simpler Bûche de Noël, courtesy of Epicurious.com….

Italy Perfect has recently discovered a little jewel of an apartment in Rome. Carina is located in the prized Spanish Steps neighborhood. Every room in this apartment has a terrace, filling it with Roman sun. Retractable awnings extend the seasons you can enjoy the terraces. Timeless views of the Pincio hill, Villa Medici, the top of the Spanish Steps with Roman steeples, cupolas and rooftops are beautiful and inspiring. There are two small bedrooms each with a queen bed so it is good for romantic get-aways, small families, friendly couples or a pair of single friends. With low season weekly pricing starting at €190/night, the value is clear! Mention this newsletter for a 10% discount on weekly stays. Enjoy the photo tour on the Carina web page. Contact Italy Perfect for reservations.