PICKS OF THE MONTH: VANCOUVER

My last post about Lagerfeld Confidential was what the French would call "faire une tartine". I wish I could say that this refers to some mouth watering pastry, but in fact it actually describes a written work that is really....really long. So in the spirit of mixing things up, I have decided to keep this post brief. Because, in the words of a witty line I read in Eat, Pray, Love this morning, "the next time you feel the need to cry about spilled milk, make sure it's condensed, will ya?"

So here are my August Picks of the Month for Vancouver:

Restaurant: Hapa Izakaya

1479 Robson Street, www.hapaizakaya.com

Delicious Japanese fusion tapas, refreshing sakke served out of a hollowed bamboo trunk and a funky, friendly atmosphere make this a great restaurant to meet up with friends.

Shop: Blo Blow Dry Bar

1150 Hamilton Street, www.blomedry.com

For those days when that dread bed head will not be silenced and a ponnytail will not suffice, the glamourotti flock to Blo to get their mane tamed, straightened and twisted into a chignon just in time for that dinner, date or charity ball.

Activity: Rollerblading in Stanley Park

Rent rollerblades from one of the many shops on Denman Street (just off Georgia Street) and blade all the way around the beautiful, breezy seawall of nearby Stanley Park. Great fun with girlfriends, boyfriends and families, a trip along the seawall is also enjoyable on foot or bike.

ÉDITION PARIS: HAPPY FETE DE LA MUSIQUE

Every June 21st several countries around the world celebrate the arrival of summer with Fete de la Musique. It is a celebration of music spanning all cultures and ages. Countries that participate in this global party organize free music concerts and exhibitions in every village, city and town. From morning to midnight, the streets of major cities are lined with musicians (anyone can participate), entertaining the locals in parks, pubs, castles and historical monuments.

France is one of Fete de la Musique's biggest supporters - the entire country is engulfed in the vibrant celebrations. If you are lucky enough to be in France, particularly in its capital, on June 21st, forget Orsay, Notre Dame and Hermes - spend the day strolling through the streets taking in the diverse little concerts you stumble upon. Try some reggae, classical, rock, salsa, African or Arabic. Then dance the night away under the stars to some jazz in a narrow cobblestone side street.
.
Possibly the biggest concert put on for Fete de la musique is the big show put on by TV5. It lasts about 4 hours and has performances by most of France's most popular musicians of the time as well as the odd international superstar, such as Celine Dion, the Pussycat Dolls and Eros Ramazzotti. It always occurs at some very famous, humongous venue that can accommodate the couple hundred thousand people who attend every year. Past locations include the Trocadero, the Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower) and Versailles.
.
Having been a couple times, I can tell you that the concert is fantastic, especially if you are a fan of some of the performers. However, people can be very pushy up closer to the stage and, like any other large public gathering, there are the occasional "weirdos" out and about. Think mosh-pit. Still there is always lots of security to make sure that things are kept under control. For safety reasons, the few closest metro stations to this venue are generally closed for the night so prepare for a bit of a walk home. The nearest open ones are so crowded they make the Tokyo subway look deserted.

For a complete list of concerts going on around France, visit the official website: http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/index_flash.php

.
Have a wonderful time everyone and happy first day of summer!

ÉDITION PARIS: WHERE HAVE ALL THE GIRLS GONE?

Twice a year something very strange happens in Paris: its entire female population seems to disappear. It is early in the day, but this morning they do not sit in cafes enjoying their ritual croissant, they have not shown up for work. All of a sudden you see a French woman dash by in a hurry and so you decide to follow her. As you turn a corner onto Avenue Montagne a great wind of eau de parfum engulfs you as you discover an incredible mass of girls lined up outside Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. Mystery solved....the semi-annual French Sales have begun!

Every January and June all of France seems to go on sale. Known as the "Soldes" to the French, they last about a month and a half and are restricted by the government. In general, stores in France are only allowed to have sales during these two periods, at which time everything from the previous 6 months goes on sale. And this isn't just everyday labels such as Guess, Zara or the Gap. Everything from Dior to Christian Louboutin to Burberry can be had for at least 30% off (most of the time). This means clothes, shoes, bags, jewelery, accessories, houseware, books, etc.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris (or anywhere in France) during the Soldes and you enjoy spending on some of the finer things in life, carpe diem and go nuts. If you are planning to buy several designer items (especially on a trip to Europe) it is worth planning your trip around these dates for the savings alone. Designer clothes and accessories are much cheaper in Europe, particularly during the sales. ie. Miu Miu patent leather mary janes 260 euros incl. tax in Paris vs. $540 CAN at Holt Renfrew in Canada not incl 14% tax.

This June the sales start on the 27th. If you have something specific in mind, hit the soldes early. If not, the discounts only get better as the time goes on. For designer handbags and other hot items, I definitely recommend lining up outside the stores at least an hour before they open so you can get first dibs (they only let a few people in at a time because things can sometimes get a little out of control). It also helps if you don't go to the flagship of these stores since that is were everyone else will be. For example, I was told at the Gucci accessories store at 350 Rue Saint Honoré (75001 Paris tel 33.1.42968327) that almost everyone goes to the other Gucci stores on the first day so this location is not nearly as busy. It is the best store to go to for the first few days of the sales.

Last but not least, when you spend at least 175 euros in one day at one store you qualify to get some of the tax back. Just get the cashier to fill out the "détaxe" form and show them your passport (it's very important to bring your passport with you when shopping) and then you can collect the tax back at the airport when you fly home. It really adds up and is another reason why it is often cheaper to shop in France than at home.

So to you who just happen to be in France in June 27th, shop till you drop!