While on the Eurostar traveling from London to Paris I struck up a conversation with a chic Parisian on great places to shop. On the topic of unique shopping experiences, she told me about Le Bon Marche, an uber department store which carried the latest in fashion and home in addition to a giant gourmet food market. And away I went.

The city’s oldest department store, Le Bon Marche (”the good market”, or “the good deal” in French) opened in 1852. In my opinion, the word department store hardly describes the French capital’s most exclusive store thanks to the quality of the products and a unique range of customer services. I prefer to call it “a genuine cultural dimension.”

Luxury boutiques such as Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel greet you as you enter this shopper’s paradise along with makeup, perfume and accessories. Upstairs you’ll find chic labels such as Burberry, Sonia Rykiel, Martin Margiela in addition to French favorites such as Mont St. Michel, Zadig & Voltaire, Manoush, Isabel Marant’s Etoile line.

My absolute favorite was the home floor, particularly the holiday section. I was transported into a Winter Wonderland with elegantly decorated holiday tree’s and the most unique Christmas ornaments. Never in my life have I seen black Christmas ornaments, or a black Christmas tree, but Le Bon Marche had both. Tres chic!

We spent upwards of 90 minutes taking in the holiday glory and I ended up purchasing 24 black and white ornaments in addition to crystallized leaf stems, which I’ll arrange around the tree to give it that extra something special. I’ve never seen these before, but the French shoppers were gathering them up by the dozen and when I got home I was bummed I didn’t buy more since they look so unique and elegant.

My latest Christmas obsession; crystallized leaf stems in cream and black

We had intended to stay an hour, but left after three. After a trip to the in-store Louis Vuitton boutique, where three fabulous handbags were purchased, the three of us could barely squeeze into a cab with our overwhelming baggage from our new favorite department store. When in Paris, THIS is the ultimate shopping experience.

Le Bon Marché
24, rue de Sèvres
75007 Paris – France
www.lebonmarche.com

The Thread compiled this extensive list of stores offering great deals on Black Friday. Call me crazy, but I usually hit the shops the day after Thanksgiving because the sales are too good to overlook and usually don’t encounter horrendous crowds. I am even considering the “Midnight Madness” sale at Woodbury Commons.

Be brave, shop well

7 FOR ALL MANKIND

Spend $200 or more at the denim mecca and receive up to $100 off your entire purchase.  This Wednesday through Saturday, December 12.

Soho: 394 W. Broadway (near Broome Street)

ALDO SHOES

The fast-fashion shoe chain will offer 30% off all shoes and 20% off bags.  Friday only.
Various locations

American Eagle Outfitters

Take half off logo tees and 20% off a purchase that includes 2 hoodies or sweaters. Not a tall order if you have kids and tweens on your shopping list. Friday only.
Various locations

Ann Taylor Loft

20% off all store merchandise if you shop before noon. Friday only.
Midtown: 35 West 34th Street

Bare Escentuals

Receive a four piece makeup set with any $50 purchase made before noon.  Friday only.
Midtown: 44 West 34th Street
Upper East Side: 1140 3rd Avenue

Barneys New York

Save on Rag & Bone denim (marked to $119 from $242), Giles & Brother accessories and Moschino footwear.  Friday through Sunday.
Midtown: 660 Madison Avenue
Chelsea: 236 West 18th Street
Upper West Side: 2151 Broadway
Soho: 116 Wooster Street

Bebe

Try your luck with Bebe’s scratch-off savings cards. Friday only.
Midtown: 1 West 34th Street

Betsey Johnson

Enjoy 40% off the wack-a-doo designer’s fall offerings (with the exception of intimates, swimwear and accessories).  Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 138 Wooster Street (between Houston and Prince)

Bird

This hip Brooklyn boutique is offering between 25 and 40 percent off select men’s and women’s fall collections.  Keen shoppers should keep their eyes peeled for Alexander Wang, Loeffler Randall, and Commes des Garcons.  Friday through Sunday.
Cobble Hill: 220 Smith Street (at the corner of Butler)
Park Slope: 316 Fifth Avenue (between 2nd and 3rd streets)
Williamsburg: 203 Grand St (between Bedford and Driggs)

Billy Reid

Spend 500 dollars and receive a $100 gift card toward future purchases. Friday through Sunday.

East Village: 54 Bond Street (near Bowery)

Blue & Cream

30% off select designers like Yigal Azrouel, Rag & Bone and Charlotte Ronson.  20% off all other merchandise.
East Village: 1 East 1st Street

Brooks Brothers

Shop before noon and receive 15% off your entire purchase. Pay with a Mastercard and get an additional 5% off (exclusions will apply on shoes, made-to-measure, and special order items). Friday only.

Various Locations

Built By Wendy

Rising indie star Wendy Mullen will offer 30% off select fall styles–we’re particularly enamored of the hooded wool car coat, now $220 from $315. Friday through Sunday.
Williamsburg: 46 North 6th Street (near Kent Avenue)

Charlotte Russe

Take 25% off all store merchandise. Friday only.
Midtown: 901 6th Avenue

Cloak and Dagger

Last spring’s collection will be marked down up to 75% off, with fall/winter styles at 15%. Friday through Tuesday.
East Village: 441 East 9th Street (at Avenue A)

Club Monaco

Scoop up Italian cashmere, marked down from $150 to only $99, at Club Monaco locations throughout the city.  Friday through Sunday.
Various locations

Diesel

Fall collections from the Italian mega-brand will be up to 30% off–a good opportunity to stock up on new jeans. Friday through Sunday.
Various locations

Duo

On Saturday the store will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a sale starting at 11am and a raucous fete at 5pm.  Tasty drinks and food have been promised. Enjoy 15% off womens’ clothing and 10% off accessories.

East village: 337 E9th St, near 1st. Ave

Dusica Dusica

This one is sure to get shoe-aholics exercising a little spending power: additional markdowns of 20% on previously on-sale boots and shoes;  30% off full-price styles. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 67 Prince (at the corner of Crosby)

Elie Tahari

40 to 50 percent off Fall collections–which, by the way, were particularly awesome this year. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 417 West Broadyway (between Spring and Prince.

Express
25% off everything purchased before noon; 20% off purchases after noon.  Friday only.
Various locations

Fred Flare

We’re big fans of this discrete Greenpoint boutique, and even more so now that it’s marking down all store merchandise by 25%. Be sure to scope out the faux fur vest, down to $45 from $60. Friday Only.
Greenpoint: 131 Meserole Avenue (at Leonard Street)

Frock

Offering up to 15% off vintage clothing and accessories from the cream of the fashion crop (think YSL and Lacroix).  Friday through Sunday.

Nolita: 170 Elizabeth St., near Spring St

H&M

Ye Olde H&M will knock 25% off the item of your choosing should you arrive before 10am.  Plus, the $5 rack is rumoured to be stocked aplenty with dresses, tops, and (gasp) outerwear. Friday only.
Various locations

Hayden Harnett

Brooklyn natives Toni Hayden and Ben Harnett will offer up to 40% off their complete fall collections. Don’t miss the handbags!
211 Franklin (at Freeman Street)
253 Elizabeth Street (near Houston)

Helianthus

Womenswear up to 40% off including pieces from buzz-worthy designers Pencey and Wren.
Soho: 196 Spring Street (at Sullivan Street)
West Village: 552 LaGuardia Place (near 3rd Street)

Hickey Freeman

40% off all fall sportswear and dress shirts for men.  Dad much? Friday only.
Various locations

J. Crew Factory Outlet

J. Crew’s Woodbury Commons factory outlet will offer an additional 40% off to shoppers who arrive before 8am.  Looks like the early bird catches the fitted tweed blazer. Friday only.
Woodbury Commons

John Varvatos

Perfect if you’re shopping for the men in your lives, Varvatos will offer 30% off its fall collection. Friday through Sunday.
East Village: 315 Bowery ( at Bleecker Street)
Soho: 122 Spring Street (at Greene Street)

Kate’s Paperie

Channel the thrill you felt at age six when shopping for new pens and notebook covers for school: chic office supply and stationary supplier, Kate’s Paperie, will offer 21% off all calendars, planners, and agendas in honor of the brand’s 21st birthday. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 72 Spring Street (between Crosby and Lafayette)
West Village: 8 West 13th Street (between 5th and 6th)
Midtown: 140 West 57th Street (between 6th and 7th avenue)
Upper East: 1282 Third Avenue (at 74th street)

Kenneth Cole

For the first four hours of Black Friday shoppers will receive 41% (not a typo–41%) off all store merchandise, which will revert to 31% for the rest of the weekend. Friday through Sunday.
Various locations

Kill Devil Hill

Another hidden Greenpoint gem: Kill Devil Hill is offering 25% off all store merchandise, including vintage clothing, antiques, furniture and assorted bricabrac. As an added incentive and/or hazard, all edged weapons will benefit from an additional markdown at 50%. Friday only.
Greenpoint: 170 Franklin (between Huron and India Street)

Kisan

Lifestyle boutique Kisan will offer clothing and home accessories at up to 70% off. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 125 Greene Street (near Prince Street)

Oak

Take 20% off all clothing and shoes.  Look for choice selections from Alexander Herchovich, Filippa K and Clu. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 28 Bond Street
Williamsburg: 208 North 8th Street

Old Navy

Already budget-friendly Old Navy crosses over into the dirt-cheap, with all adult sweater and jeans at $15 a pop. Friday through Sunday.
Various locations

Opening Ceremony

Major discounts on the in-house brand as well as serious designer offerings from Boy by Band of Outsiders and Jeremy Scott. 30 to 50 percent off select men’s and women’s styles.
35 Howard Street (at Broadway)

Project No. 8

Shoes and women’s styles between 25 and 40 percent off.
138 Division Street (at Orchard Street)

Rebecca & Drew

Pick up a fitted button-down or shirtdress and have it monogrammed for free on top of savings up to 40%.  Friday through Sunday.
342 West 13th Street (at Hudson Street)

Ralph Lauren

Belated but no less noteworthy, Ralph Lauren’s “open invitation” Friends and Famiy sale will offer 25% off to those who request it. Starts Tuesday, December 1st.
Soho:  381 West Broadway (between Spring and Broome)
West Village: 383 Bleecker Street (at the corner of Perry Street)

Rogan

Shredded-denim afficionados will enjoy  30% discounts off men’s and women’s collections.  Today through Sunday.
Nolita: 330 Bowery Street

Sephora

Rumour has it that the first 100 guests to any of Sephora’s NYC locations will receive a mystery gift card worth anywhere between $10 and $500.
Various locations.

SHOP BROOKLYN

A slew of participating Brooklyn merchants — from St. Kilda to Brooklyn Fox lingerie — will be offering a special “Brooklyn Bonus” to holiday shoppers this season, from discounts to free gifts with purchase.
For participating locations and information, visit ishopbrooklyn.com

Stella Filante

40% off all fall styles including Bulga, Boy Meets Girl and Antik Batik.
Lower East Side: 156 Ludlow Street (near Stanton Street)

Steve Madden

More scratch cards!  cards!  Shoppers can receive up to 40% off with one of Steve Madden’s Black Friday gambles.
Various locations

Temperley London

Accessories and fall collection up to 40% off. Friday through Sunday.
Soho: 435 Broome Street (at Mercer Street)

Terra Plana

Eco-friendly footwear from Terra Plana’s Fall/Winter 2009 collections will be marked down 30%. Friday through Sunday.
Nolita: 245 Elizabeth Street (at Houston)

Thistle & Clover

Enjoy 30% off select women’s styles–Sunner, Trovata, and Geren Ford ready for the the taking. Friday through Sunday.
Fort Greene: 221 Dekalb Avenue (near Clermont)

Tommy Hilfiger

Receive 20% off purchases of $150 or more, 30% off purchases of $300, and 40% off purchases over $500.  We’ve been eyeing a navy peacoat with gold buttons for some time now…
Various locations

Tracy Reese

Take 20% off jewelry, womenswear, and shoes. Friday only.
Meatpacking: 641 Hudson (at Gansevoort Street)

Uniqlo

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Uniqlo will offer a different promotion each day for 25 days, kicking off–when else?–on Black Friday. Ease in with women’s cashmere for only $49.90.
Soho: 546 Broadway (near Spring Street)

Yes, it is true; America has become so lazy that our idea of exercise consists of mental exercises through visuals such as the television, with the occasional walk to the TV because we lost the remote.

However, there is hope. A video game has been created to reach the inner couch potato. Since it is in fact a game, its almost like we’re tricked into thinking that its fun. Pretty tricky marketing I’d say.

What is it you ask? Why it’s the Wii Fit.

As many were, i too was skeptical at first. How can a game consol, such as the Wii, promote exercise?

I was able to get a first hand look at the system in action.

You start out by creating a “Mii”. Entering in your age along with some features that could match your own. Then the Wii Board measures your stats, (i.e. your weight, BMI and center of balance) then places you in a category. The categories range from underweight to obese.

Once positioned you create a goal of what you want to lose, and a plan on how to do it. It requires daily check ins and even reprimands you if you don’t follow schedule. Then there is a series of games from balance exercises to yoga. Perfect for the easily distracted, or easily bored.

It’s a personal trainer, at no extra cost, in the comfort of your home, and it actually works. I know a few people who have been Wii Fitting for a few weeks and are seeing positive results.

Its just under $100.00 at Walmart and with Black Friday right around the corner, I’m sure deals will be hard to miss.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has agreed to star director Woody Allen’s next movie

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the glamorous singer-model wife of French President Nicholas Sarkozy, is to make her debut as an actress, appearing in a forthcoming film directed by Woody Allen. Bruni, 42, confirmed that she has accepted an offer made publicly by Allen, one of France’s favorite film-makers, on a trip to Paris in June.

Asked whom he would like to cast in his next work, the New York director said: “Without question, Carla Bruni. I am sure she would be wonderful. She has charisma, and she performs, so she’s not a stranger to an audience.”

Bruni, who married Sarkozy last year after a two-month romance, discussed her movie plans on a television show saying, “Woody Allen kindly asked me not to do a film with anyone else before him. If anything concrete ever comes of it, it will be a great experience for me. She went on to say, “I go into everything blindly, or I’d never do anything at all.”

Carla Bruni, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell

Vogue, March 1994

The Italian-born former supermodel made a brief appearance as a model in Prêt-à-Porter, Robert Altman’s 1994 movie about the Paris fashion scene. “I am not an actress at all,” she said. “Perhaps I will be completely hopeless but I can’t miss an opportunity like this one. When I’m a grandmother I’d like to be able to say I made a film with Woody Allen.”

The New York filmmaker visited the French first couple in June this year during a trip to Paris to promote his last movie “Whatever Works.” Allen, who has raised the financing for three of his last four films in Europe, is aiming to shoot his next comedy in Paris in 2010. The film-maker, who is regarded in France as a cultural treasure, was recently reported by industry sources to have been seeking financial aid from France for the production.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s sister, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi, is an acclaimed actress and director in France.

Thanksgiving is two days away and my house is filled with talk of turkey and football. During this celebratory time of year, pause for a moment and pay tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who are spending their holidays without their family in order to preserve our freedom.

The mission of Let’s Say Thanks is to provide a way for individuals across the country to recognize U.S. troops stationed overseas. This web site gives you an opportunity to send a free printed postcard to U.S. military personnel showing your support and appreciation for their service to our country.

The postcards, depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images, were selected from a pool of entries from children across the country.

All you have to do is click on your favorite design and either select the message that best expresses your sentiment or draft a personal note.

http://www.letssaythanks.com

Everyone is still talking about Adam Lambert’s erotic performance at last night’s American Music Awards and rightfully so, since the Freddy Mercury wanna-be put on quite a show full of hip gyrating, boy on boy kissing and a tumble on his butt. But we cannot overlook the fabulous fashions that hit the red carpet last night at one of the music industry’s most glamorous events.

Rihanna made a dramatic entrance at the American Music Awards last night wearing a stencil-floral dress on the red carpet, before hitting the stage in an eye-popping white bandage outfit with strong padded shoulders. Marking her first performance since the Chris Brown incident, Rihanna looked radiant in a glamorous laser-cut black-and-white Marchesa Spring 2010 strapless gown. Party in the front, business in the back – the white lined gown had a shortened front which accentuated Riri’s toned legs. The dress, which commands attention, is one of my favorite looks of the night

Jennifer Lopez performed her latest single “Louboutins” in a warrior-style fierce gold dress with exaggerated hips, which was removed to reveal a lace playsuit. But her red carpet entrance had Jenny from the Block looking like a femme fatale in a beaded bodice strapless Marchesa dress with a feathery skirt that was fun and flirty. The feminine Marchesa dress, one of my favorite looks of the night, was a drastic change from the sultry Gucci she changed into after the show. Jennifer Lopez slithered into a Gucci Spring 2010 skintight white dress with cutout detail.

On her feet? Louboutins, of course. Jennifer Lopez loves her Christian Louboutin stilettos so much that she wrote a song of praise for the red-soled shoe label. During Lopez’s performance of “Louboutin” she wore to-die-for custom-made lace peep-toe platform booties with a super-high gold glitter heel by Christian Louboutins.

Shakira added a punch of color to the red carpet wearing a vibrant yellow Versace minidress with metallic and cut-out details from the Spring 2010 collection. Kate Hudson, who narrowly avoided a nipple slip, also opted for Versace in a super low-cut vintage Versace chainmail minidress.

If the rumors are true, then Josh Duhamel needs to have his head checked because Fergie looked sexy and stunning in an asymmetrical zipper-edged Armani Privé Fall 2009 Couture black gown. The sparkly gown was covered in black triangular paillettes and embellished with tiny Swarovski crystals.

The iconic jewel encrusted, sparkly white glove Michael Jackson wore for his first moonwalk was the star of a rock auction Saturday, fetching an astounding $350,000.

The winning bidder counted himself lucky to be taking home the prize of the auction. “It was a bargain – we were expecting to pay more,” said Hoffman Ma, a Hong Kong hotel executive. “We’re going to put it on display in our hotel. It will be free for everyone.”

Ma traveled to New York just for the auction but some of his staff bid on other items online – to round out their new King of Pop collection, set for display at his Ponte 16 hotel in Macau.

Jackson, who died in June, had given the glove to Walter Orange of the Commodores after his 1983 moonwalk at Motown’s 25th anniversary special. A jacket he wore on the 1989 “Bad” tour brought in $225,000.

Other Jackson keepsakes included a fang tooth mold used in the “Thriller” video – which fetched $16,000 – and a black fedora the music icon wore to the 1995 MTV music awards – for which a Swiss collector paid $60,000.

What recession? Diddy spends like it’s 1999 on over-the-top birthday bash

Hip-hop mogul Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs rarely needs a reason to throw a fabulous soiree, but to celebrate his 40^th birthday, he went all out with a lavish, star-studded party at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York.

The father-of-five spent $3million on the ‘party of the century’ at the hotel’s famous Grand Ballroom on Thursday.

Diddy hired celebrity event planner Bronson Van Wyck to transform the 1920s ballroom into a ‘fantasy dreamland’, featuring a maze, fashion shows and performance art installations. Guests at the party were greeted by ballerinas carrying trays of drinks. Combs spent $30,000 on flowers alone, which featured white orchids and a black chandelier which hung over the dancefloor.

The 500 guests quaffed champagne and vodka and were treated to a performance of ‘Love and Happiness’ by soul singer Al Green. Writing on his Twitter micro-blogging page the morning after, he said: ‘I haven’t had a hangover in five years! But I have one now! What do I do?’

Celebrity guests from the worlds of hip-hop and Hollywood gathered for the epic party, which lasted long into the early hours of Friday morning. The partygoers included Jay-Z, Denzel Washington, Estelle, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Hunter, Cassie, Black Eyed Peas rapper Taboo, Spike Lee, Lil’ Kim, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Fallon and Nelly.

Among the many guests were some of Diddy’s family members, including his mother Janice Combs and two sons Justin, 15, and Christian, 11. Diddy also has three daughters, twins D’Lila Star and Jessie James, two, and Chance, three, who were deemed too young to join in the adult party. Also in attendance was Diddy’s on/off girlfriend Kim Porter, mother of Christian and the twins.

I think Indian weddings are the most beautiful events. The colors, the celebration, the jewels, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the fanfare. When I saw this image of the bride I gasped over what a stunning vision she was.

Bollywood actress and UK Celebrity Big Brother winner Shilpa Shetty married in a lavish ceremony in western India yesterday.

The 34-year-old was clad in a red sari and diamonds and emeralds as she exchanged vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family wedding in Khandala, a hill resort near Mumbai. The groom wore a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery and a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He arrived at the ceremony in a two-horse chariot.

Friends, family and colleagues attended the Hindu service and all-night celebrations, including her father, who discovered he was ill with two types of malaria just two days before the ceremony. Sunday’s wedding was the climax of the two-day festivities that included a sangeet ceremony on the Saturday night.

Pirelli unveiled the 2010 edition of its famed hot & sexy calendar on Thursday in London, shot for the first time by Terry Richardson.

The Pirelli Calendar is an iconic annual publication that’s famous for its limited availability because it is not sold and is only given as a corporate gift to a restricted number of important Pirelli customers and celebrity VIPs. It’s the world’s only prestigious and exclusive “girly” calendar, featuring a steamy, mostly nude catalog of the world’s most beautiful women.

Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley

Appearing in the calendar is a mark of distinction for those chosen and over the years stars and models have graced the pages such as Elsa Benitez, Sienna Miller, Naomi Campbell, Gisele Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Lauren Bush, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Hilary Swank, and many more.

Fashion snapper Terry Richardson shot the R-rated collectible in Bahia, Brazil, at the Uxua Casa Hotel, a rustic getaway in Brazil opened this year by Wilbert Das, the recently departed creative director of Diesel.

Marloes Horst

Lily Cole

Richardson’s Pirelli shots feature no retouching. “A great photographer captures the moment — that’s why I shoot without extra equipment and without assistants,” said Richardson of the project.

The lovely ladies who appear in next years fanciful feast for the eyes includes Daisy Lowe, Georgina Stojiljkovic, Eniko Mihalik, Catherine McNeil, Lily Cole, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Miranda Kerr, Ana Beatriz Barros, Gracie Carvalho, Marloes Horst, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Miranda Kerr

Marloes Horst

Georgina Stojiljkovic

Daisy Lowe & Catherine McNeil