I returned from Paris a little over a week ago and I already miss it! The food was great, the people were fabulous, and of course the shopping was divine. While I was there it just so happened that there was a city-wide sale going on and every store had the majority of its merchandise priced at 50-70% off! It was shopping heaven. I bought so much clothing that I had to buy another suitcase to bring it all home with me.

As a break from shopping (let’s face it, we all need one sometimes), I visited the “Musee des Arts Decoratifs” to spend some quality time with the designs of the one and only Valentino. The museum is currently featuring an exhibit showcasing his masterpieces from various periods of his fifty-year career. The gowns were stunning, and without looking at the labels it was impossible to tell which pieces were from the 70’s and which were from five years ago! Who wouldn’t kill to wear one of those down the red carpet? Since the exhibit I have been craving Valentino; unfortunately I have yet to see a Valentino gown in my Salemail this week. I’ll be keeping my eye out. For now, some eye candy; here’s a Valentino gown from the Spring 2008 Couture Collection, courtesy of Style.com.

Speaking of Paris, Mary Jo Matsumoto over at Trust Your Style has been featuring some amazing photographers on her blog and recently posted a few photos by Gilles-Marie Zimmermann. He did an amazing shoot in Paris, and has also taken tons of other gorgeous photographs! The Parisian series really brings on the nostalgia, but I love these photos. Here are two of my favorites, and I’d love for you to tell me yours! Go to gmzimmermann.com to see more.

To sum it all up, I loved Paris and can’t wait to go back some day.

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Hello Readers! My name is Hilary and I am an intern for the summer here at Shop It To Me. I will be writing posts periodically, and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and getting your thoughts in return!

I’m headed off to Paris for two weeks for some relaxation and retail therapy, and I can’t wait to see who’s wearing what over there. This summer, everyone in the U.S. is buzzing about the gladiator sandals, maxi dresses, and belts. It will be interesting to see what Parisians do with these trends!

Our friends over at the Style and the City (a Parisian Trendsetter!) are always posting pictures of the latest Parisian looks, and here are some of my favorites from their site (www.styleandthecity.com):

I’m expecting a lot of hats, boots, and leather. I guess these ‘basics’ are a little different from the American-style jeans and t-shirts, but they are a welcome change. What are your thoughts on must-have items for your closet? I can’t live without my scarves!

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An appreciation of fashion isn’t just for the gals… I’ve recently come across more than expected interesting Men’s sites. Here’s my take on a number of them - for you guys to enjoy (and ladies to pass along!)

First, our Trendsetters:

Better Than a Beatdown - Brought to you by Be Better Guys, this site is for the everyday guy. Tips on Men’s health, grooming, lifestyle, shopping, parenting…easy to read and the variety of topics keeps it fresh, especially for the guy who isn’t necessarily only fashion-obsessed.

Thrillist - Nick, Ben, and the rest of the team are the first to spill the dish on what’s new, happening, hot in your city (recently launched Boston and Chicago)…as a female I’ve also discovered some great new venues and products!

I Luw Fashion -This European blog does a solid job of combining celebrity photos with fashion commentary on new designers and styles. Helps you understand the details behind what the glamorous Hollywood elite are wearing! More geared toward those who care about fashion details.

Bay Area Style File Men’s -Highlights specific product finds, with details about where to buy these items, and price information. Only downfall is that they only post about once each week, so the recommendations are limited. Sister site Bay Area Style File approaches in the same manner, but posts much more frequently…maybe the guy’s site will increase the frequency over time too?

Calculatus Eliminatus - You can think of this as “what not to wear”. Tries to keep guys from making fashion errors. The humor is a bit on the negative side, but at least you won’t mess up if you take their tips!

And although they aren’t Shop It To Me Trendsetters (yet!?!), here’s a few other faves:

Off The Cuff DC -Based in DC, this site takes a more intellectual approach to fashion. Incorporates current events (like the death of Tim Russert) into commentary, and provides personal style guidance on topics like summer footwear, wearing ties, and various types of watches.

Easy & Elegant Life -Wants everyone to live an elegant life! Travel, food, classics all in one. I think this one is for the more mature and established gents of the bunch.

Metro Style Men for a few fashion picks each day, nice and easy reading with one photo and a quick paragraph.

And if you’re still eager for more…check out London-based commentary on fine luxury found in Permanent Style, WASP101 (the title says it all for this one), A Suitable Wardrobe for more classic men’s clothing (aka grown-up guy) advice, Savoir Vivre NY for tips spanning New York and beyond, She Knows Best where are girl dishes out the tips, grooming/shaving tips on Manscaping101, and new site Dapp3r which is somewhat like Digg or kirtsy for the guys to flag and share great fashion-related stories.

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Summer is a time that’s fun to enjoy some new purchases — even beyond clothing! This year in particular is notorious for people trying to save money…

I thought this write-up on “Faves under $50″ from our Trendsetter Little Window Shoppe especially captures some unique products for affordable prices.

It’s particularly nice how in addition to Women’s items, the post includes ideas for the Home/outdoor fun, Kids/Baby, Men, and even Maternity. Everything from Men’s Urban Outfitter flip-flops, lime colored beaded bracelets, floral print water bottles from Pottery Barn, bold patterned wallets, to my personal favorite — a beach ball sprinkler! Emily really had the whole family in mind when she compiled these items.

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Customer service is a funny thing. It seems that the far majority of the time, frustrating moments spur interaction with a sales associate. These are the interactions that I don’t miss when shopping online! However, every so often, you experience the treat of a charismatic salesperson, or better yet, someone to add value to your shopping trip.

I thought it was pretty neat when I read about J.Crew’s ‘new’ concierge services. The Wall Street Journal reported, “Last month, it launched its first concierge service, called the “just ask desk,” at its Rockefeller Center store in Manhattan. At the desk, customers can make appointments with personal shoppers, arrange private shopping parties, request monogramming, preorder items from its high-end Collection line, look at color swatches for bridesmaid dresses that are sold online, and order clothes, such as those from the kids’ line called crewcuts, that aren’t carried in most stores. Concierges will also hold coats, packages and umbrellas….Like concierges at high-end department stores, J. Crew’s concierges also can help shoppers solve problems that aren’t related to the store: They’ve provided directions, made restaurant reservations and given advice on Broadway shows, the company says.” Fashion blogs Passmenterie and The Real Cougar Woman also picked up this story.

The ironic part is that even without the “Just Ask” desk, I feel that J.Crew probably offers many of these amenities, but keeps them more under wraps. Just by promoting that these services exist, they are gaining the attention of both the media and eager shoppers who want to experience this red-carpet-like service.

J.Crewaholic - one of our Trendsetters - is a site you can look to for regular updates on J.Crew and what is happening in their stores!

I also want to give a special thanks for Nora and Erin at the San Francisco Westfield J.Crew store, who always make my shopping experience special and personal. They are providing a service just as valuable in my eyes!

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