Les boucles

Losco, artisan ceinturier located in the Marais, is one of those Parisian specialty shops that makes a photographer very happy.  Since 1979, they have specialized in just one item...belts.  The first time I stopped in they were happy to let me photograph to my heart's content. This last trip, I was graciously allowed three...then four ( with a smile) photos.  I was happy to oblige their request.  Today the case of fabulous silver buckles.

Losco

20 rue Sévigné

75004 Paris

L'artisan Ceinturier - Les Ceintures

It's a banner day here on my blog.  I'm so stingy with my photographs that I RARELY post more than one. ( Humor me, I fear my photos will run out before I can return to Paris!)  That said, I thought these two told the story so well. Look at these fabulous belts.  How would you choose?

Now do you see what the jars held yesterday?

Tomorrow: Les boucles!

L'artisan Ceinturier - The Look

I've been saving a small group of photos from this belt shop in the Marais since June, 2010.   I love the small specialty shops I find in Paris.  The craftsmanship is remarkable and made and displayed with such care.  Losco carries only handcrafted leather belts and buckles. Today my archive photo.  What I didn't realize was that I had piqued someone's curiosity!

I think it might be nice to keep this group of photographs together in a series,  so come back tomorrow to have a look at his workbench.

Losco

20 rue de Sévigné

75004 Paris

Métro- Saint Paul

Another boutique is located at 5 rue de Sèvres

75006 Paris

Métro- Sèvres- Babylone

L'huile d'olive

My last day in Paris, June '10, I passed this store in the Marais. The young ladies that worked there were so friendly, and welcomed my photographs.  In France, an olive oil shop is a work of art.  I have several more I'll share.

Trois?? Pourquoi?

I have no idea. This is a chi chi little shop at the Place des Vosges. I wandered in and was overcome. Made a teensy bit of an impulse buy,  which turned out to be a much appreciated birthday gift.  Très bonne!

Pitzman

This is a very special one that I've kept since last June.  The Marais district of Paris is known for it's cultural diversity, especially their Jewish population.  I happened upon this shop late one afternoon on my very last day in Paris.  I watched this gentleman as he went about his work.  I knew the afternoon sun was too intense but I shot and shot, walked down the block and came back and tried some more.  One of my favorite portraits. Maybe this trip I'll pay another visit and the light will be better. Regardless I feel very lucky to have found him.

Beaucoup de Couleurs

crayons de couleur

Merci, the very trendy concept store in the Marais, has the most wonderful displays. Maybe it's the former teacher in me, but I wanted one in every color!

Yak and Yeti

Today my Eva ( who has been my Paris buddy on two trips) picked the photo that she liked best. She chose a photo from one of my very favorite shops in the Marais, Yak and Yeti. It is a Nepalese shop that specializes in the most delightful and colorful items, handmade by the women in Nepal. My blog friend Bob Crowe and wife Carolyn have shared their commitment to an orphanage in Nepal, so when I first stopped in here, I felt it was a business I needed to support. ( How's that for rationalizing a spending spree!) My favorites are the bright colored felted wool pins, purses, bags and so much more. I'll bring you a few more photos in days to come.

This very special little shop has no outside signage. It is very close to the St. Paul Church and on this corner!

Marais Reflection

This is a reflection in the window of Alexis, in the Marais. As I've shared before, this shop has always been closed when I've photographed it. Perhaps on my next visit I'll find it open. If so, I'll take you inside with me!!

Fermé

Alexis, one of the most gorgeous shops in the Marais, was closed the last time I passed by. After I took this photograph here, I crossed the street, pressed my camera against the window and drew a breath. Just look!