Once again my slightly small obsession with shoes has me absolutely head-over-heels (pun intended) for these Valentino beauties. The daydreaming began when a photograph of these popped up on my Twitter feed a few days ago. I know, I know, it’s not that I am late on the kitten-heel trend (which hardly made it’s way through 2010), I was just never really a fan of the small, delicate, there-but-barely-there heel anyways. However, this Valentino SS2011 style made its impact, endured the trend, and I am still in love with them. These sandals were also made in black, nude, red and lizard; all of them equally as fabulous, but we all know I am a sucker for anything leopard. From the leopard print calf hair to the silver studs, everything about them makes me swoon. I’m telling you, if I were a shoe, this would be it. They’re currently on Net-A-Porter (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/101666) for a heart and bank-breaking $1,075… my saving for these studded babes starts NOW.

Every week for Boston magazine’s ‘Bostonista’ blog I will be hitting the streets and updating you with the best trends and hippest happenings in the fashion and shopping world of Boston.  Check out my latest post here:

http://blogs.bostonmagazine.com/bostonista/2011/08/23/street-style-school-4/

And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter! @lisarichov

After writing about my fab fur find in my “J’adore Vintage” post, I felt the need to elaborate on just how much a gem this “thrintage” (thrift and vintage) boutique is.  Free ‘P’ Star sits on a cozy street in the Marais district- as I said before my favorite neighborhood of Paris.  The entire area is filled with chic shopping and great food.  When I first walked into the super small space I was immediately overwhelmed by the amount of hand-me-down clutter.  Barely able to walk around the piles of 3€ goodies, I finally settled and began rummaging though the tightly packed racks and bins.  Buckets and buckets full of leather belts and silk scarves, fur stoles, retro sunglasses, biker bootstraps, and racks full of tops and tees, oversized knits, dresses, and jumpsuits- this place had everything.  I was hoping to find a great pair of gloves, but that must have been the one thing this store didn’t have. The real treasures of this boutique sit in the basement, down the almost hidden tiny winding stairs in the back corner of the store.  Down in that little dungeon was where I found sexy leather skirts, motorcycle jackets, fur, fur and more fur, and my prized accessory which I purchased- my fur coat.  

Although  I wish this store had a few better accessories while I was there, like a great pair of bad-ass fingerless gloves, I am sure the next trendy Parisian to drop off some well worn goodies will have some amazing affordable accessories.  So if you are in the area, and can deal with the crazy clutter of thrifty vintage steals, Free ‘P’ Star in the Marais is perfect for fashionistas with a small budget and big sense of style.

8 Rue Ste Croix la Bretonnerie, Paris (www.freepstar.com)

Okay, okay.  I know every day I say I have found my new favorite part about Paris, but this time I really have- Le Marais.  This neighborhood, primarily a Jewish neighborhood, and is also now the scene for the gays and trendiest fashionistas in Paris.  Definitely more my sort of place than the tourist filled Champs Elysées.  From the corner cafés filled with well dressed men, to the hole in the wall vintage boutiques, I am loving this neighborhood.  Which brings me to my next subject- vintage. I could spend hours digging through these dingy little shops and find absolute treasures.  In one of these shops, Free ‘P’ Star, from across the filled racks and overflowing piles of give-aways, I spotted a gorgeous fur coat.  I made my way over and pulled it out from in between a few other not so fabulous furs.  Just my size.  60€.  It was a match made in heaven.  I visited my coat at that old thrifty vintage shop a couple times over the next few days, and finally I took the plunge.  I had to have it.  

Outerwear is a key accessory and my personal favorite add-on to complete a look.  The only thing missing from my collection of trapeze toppers, luscious leathers, tweed crops, casual denims, classic trenches and faux furs was a luxuriously perfect real fur.  A classic.  After ten days of some serious people watching in Paris, I have noticed that the must have accessories of the ideal Parisienne are an umbrella, scarf, cigarette, handsome beau, and a black jacket.  I have enough scarves, black jackets, and handsome beaus, so for now, I’ll stick with my fab fur find.

Free ‘P’ Star,  Rue Ste Croix la Bretonnerie, Paris, www.freepstar.com