PTT Picks: Martin Margiela 10

I'm not qure sure how to describe the designer's clothes. They're un-structured but stylish. If anything, maybe the bag they give you with your purchase says it all: it's a white cloth sac with no labels and rough edges. It looks like you cut-up a sheet for a trick-or-treat bag.

My first purchase of one of the Belgium's designers items was my winter coat - that I unfortunately left on a plane in Puerto Vallarta. Most recently, I found a simple black jacket perfect for either casual or fancy affairs. Margiela modeled it after a "mod 60s jacket."

The store is a bit hard to find, but well worth it. It's tucked away across from the Palais Royale in a small passage between Rue de Richelieu and Rue de Montpensier. Look for a blue door with a hand for a knocker.

Passage Potier
23, rue de Montpensier
1st arrondissement
(+33) 01 40 15 06 44
email: mm10paris@martinmargiela.net

PTT Picks: Boss (Hugo Boss)

They may have Hugo Boss in America, but the newly opened store in the heart of Paris has items not available stateside. Besides that, you'll be able to stroll down Rue Saint-Honoré where the most fabulous (and some quite disturbing) shoppers parade themselves on the weekends. Be sure to ask for Jack (Jacques). He's unpretentious and quite helpful. After describing what I was hoping to find, he pulled a blazer from the back - one that wasn't "on display." And he offered me a cold beverage. Now that's service.

Boutique Boss
372-374, Rue Saint-Honoré
1st arrondissement
(+33) 01 47 03 67 20

PTT Picks: Hotel du Petit Moulin

If the name Christian Lacroix rings a bell, you know what you're in for in terms of hotel design and attitude. I didn't know so it was new to me. Expect French chic - with many patterns. This four star hotel is perfectly located in the heart (or just a bit North of the heart of the Marais). The hotel is the site of an ancient bakery and has been completely renovated - keeping in tact the facade from 1900 as well as the shop's sign. The rooms are small, but in Europe, isn't that what you expect? It's fun. It's trendy. And with they boys next door, what more could you ask for?

29/31, rue du Poitou
3rd arrondissement
(+33) 01 42 74 10 10
www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com

PTT Picks: Le Cafe Suedois

Being from Lindsborg, KS (Little Sweden U.S.A.), I have an affinity for the blue and yellow. But if you're not, you'll still enjoy Le Cafe Suedois. Tucked away in the Hotel de Marle in the 3rd arrondissement, Le Cafe Suedois features an array of healthy sandwiches of the season, soups and desserts - easily portable to enjoy in either their outdoor seating area or the park across the street. Before or after, stop by the Centre Culturel Suedois and learn a bit about my ancestors up North.

Hotel de Marle
11, rue Payenne
3rd arrondissement
01 44 78 80 11
www.ccs.si.se
Open Tuesday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.

PTT Picks: Man'Ouche

It's "Galette Traditionanelle Libanaise," but to me it's more like a bean burrito with exotic flavoring. Stand in a short line, order, and watch as they pluck your flatbread from a bin, flatten it, then place it on a large, heated dome. As the dough begins to pop, they plop on top your selection of ground meat or yogurt cheese. Once complete, they finish with selected extras (olives, tomatoes), wrap in a paper napkin, and send you on your way. Perfect lunch on-the-go

62, rue Rambuteau
3rd arrondissement
01 42 72 05 17
(Just a block from the Centre Pompidou)

PTT Picks: Western Tip of the Ile-de-Cite

With a weeping willow swaying in the breeze overhead, sitting with your loved one is a calming and peaceful experience. The problem is you may never be alone as it's quite popluar. And if you don't have someone by your side, you might easily find one.

PTT Picks: Patrick Cox

I'm not a fan of buying shoes. For some reason, I'm more focused on upper body purchases. Fortunately for me, my partner and I wear the same size, so I leave it to him to buy the leather goods. And one of his favorite shoes stores is Patrick Cox.

From my point-of-view, they have boots and pointy shoes. I'm sure they have more, but since I don't usually pay attention, and I don't know the proper classifications, I don't do the store justice. Just know this: they have nice shoes. And with the store being located next to Killiwatch, you can kill two birds with one stone.

62, rue Tiquetonne
2nd arrondissement
(+33) 01 40 26 66 55
www.patrickcox.com

PTT Picks: Killiwatch

It's somewhat like Urban Outfitters, but way better. If you can look past the sales people's attitude and the swarms of club kids that sometimes overtake the establishment, you'll find an array of stylish stuff both old and new.

For something old, Killiwatch takes pre-worn clothing, cleans it, then resells the merchandise at great prices. Sure, they have standard t-shirts and polyester sport jackets. But they also stock leathers, fur-trimmed coats, 70's apparel and more.

For something new, look no further then their wall of jeans, streetwear and racks of pants, sweaters and long sleeve shirts. And if clothes don't tickle your fancy, they also have books, magazines and the latest club flyers - that way you know where to go in your new (or old) purchases.

64, rue Tiquetonne
2nd arrondissement
(+33) 01 42 21 17 37
Open: Mon. 2-7 p.m., Tue.-Fri. 11-7 p.m., Sat. 11-7:30 p.m.

PTT Picks: Thiou

The first time we visited Thiou, we ran into Tom Ford. He entered with his boyfriend on one arm and an attractive model on the other. They sat across from us - unfortunately not close enough. Though, when he stepped outside to take a call, I pretended to do the same. I was curious to hear his conversation. Turns out he was deciding where to place some type of bird on fabric. And since then, we've run into Sting as he celebrated the launch of his latest album, Songs from the Labyrinth. At the time, it entered the chart at #26 and was on the rise so he was happy.

With moments like that, it only sets the mood for the overall experience. And with Thiou, I'm never disappointed. The Thai dishes are aromatic and delicious - and very pricey. So if you're on a budget, Thiou isn't the place for you. Their signature dish is crevettes sauteed with crisped basil leaves (shrimp and basil). The ambience is dark and can be romantic - if that's what you're hoping to find. Being in a relationship for 10 years, we more interested now in the food!

49, Quai d'Orsay
7th arrondissement
(+33) 01 47 05 69 09
Lunch: noon - 2 p.m., M-F
Dinner: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m., M- Sa

PTT Picks: Laduree

You see them scattered throughout Paris - small and large disc shaped, brightly colored "cakes" resembling UFOs. They're known as macaroons - and Ladurée is known for having the best. With four locations in Paris, the famous patisserie also has a salon de thé and restaurant where you can sit and enjoy your sweet treasures amidst French opulence. Flavors include: chocolate, bitter chocolate, vanilla, coffee, hazelnut praline, rose petal, lemon and salted butter caramel. They famous treats have yet to tickle my fancy. I find them oddly bland (consider it a result of being raised in a Twinkie and Ding Dong household). But with the lines stretching out the door, they must be doing something right!

75, Avenue des Champs Elysées (open Sundays and recommended for the experience)
8th arrondissement
(+33) 01 40 75 08 75
www.laduree.fr

Other locations:

16, rue Royale
8th arrondissement
(+33) 01 42 60 21 79

21, rue Bonaparte
6th arrondissement
(+33) 01 44 07 64 87

PTT Picks: Hotel de Noailles

Located in the heart of Paris, Hotel de Noailles is a pleasant hotel worth the price. With rooms starting around $200, it's a deal. Rooms are contemporary comfortable - not stuffed with excess. My partner's business associates, those who commute between London and Paris, call Hotel de Noailles there second home. He also holds business meetings there as well. So if it's good enough for them, it might be good enough for you too!

9, rue de la Michodiere
2nd arrondissement
(+33) 01 47 42 92 90
www.paris-hotel-noailles.com