Haford Grange Paperweights

I love paperweights and bought just about all their botanical selection. 

"Haford Grange has been producing paperweights for over 30 years. Situated in the middle of in the Margam Forest, high in the mountains overlooking the Swansea in South Wales, Haford Grange used to be the summer grazing area for stock kept by the Cisterian monks of the now ruined Margam Abbey."

Rothco

I bought the most amazing black canvas bag in NYC last year - great cotton, so simple, so sturdy, perfect feel, perfect size, no label or brand whatsoever, it was instantly a great classic that I would take everywhere - and it cost something like 30$ !

Since there were no labels, I didn't know where it originated from, and had to send a spy in the shop to scout the info for me during his recent NYC trip- and he successfully found the precious info : Rothco military bags!

The website is not very welcoming, its basically a military surplus provider, but damn, the bags are very nice, including the Air Force crew bag and the duffle bags, mine is the "parachute cargo bag"...

Tembea

Tembea is a line of original Totes designed by Torso design in Tokyo.

I got their "Book" Totes for my office supplies, already hooked by the looks of them, just perfect!

They don't retail outside of Japan but you can always contact them and cry for Tote-loving relief and they might ship abroad..

Fuji Cheki

Everyone always asks me where they can buy this camera I use for small polaroid-like photos. I found a website that sells them and ships in France.. (including film..): http://www.japantrendshop.com/

Ziploc

Ziploc is one of my favorite invention, the smartest thing for a picky life. I don't understand why they haven't entered French homes yet (or barely). I remember my step mom bringing them back from the US, we washed and re-used them until the next trip. I recently discovered they make them in X-large sizes for many other picky uses, and now I'm getting mine shipped over...

Cire Trudon

Trudon, "the oldest wax and candle maker still in operation", was created in Paris in 1643 and became the official royal wax manufacturer of Versailles in 1719. To this day, they continue to supply the Eglise Saint Roch on the rue St Honoré where the original shop was opened. Recently, they started producing scented home candles, blending smells to create atmospheres inspired by themes such as Marie-Antoinette, British Royal gardens, former European colonial outposts etc. Their obsession with quality has brought them to continue making natural (not parafin) waxes and to use cotton threads.

Filson's Wool luggage

Just released for Fall 09.

Nat Sherman

The Nat Sherman shop on Fifth Avenue in NYC is quite something. They offer you a smoke as soon as you've entered the premises which feels like the ultimate act of rebelion nowadays, or like entering Gatsby's library. Their beautiful specialty cigarettes could almost make me regret that I do not smoke.

Il Bussetto coin case

Il Bussetto is specialized in handmade fine leather items such as these elegant coin cases, completely void of any visible seam and dyed using organic substances such as chestnut and mimosa.

Custom LLBean Tote

My summer 09 custom version of the classic tote: blue body, black bottom, yellow handles & monograming.

Moon

Today the moon is full in Paris. My poetic iphone widget "Moonphase" gave out the werewolf alert.

Paper weights

I love paper weights. Serious picks would be crystal domes by John Derian.

Alternatively, I like using Schleich plastic animals and dinosaurs, they are large and heavy and their quality and level of details are great.

Labour and Wait

London-based Labour and Wait shop sells nice "hamish style" house products and delivers worldwide, including the Savon Noir Mou (see below), and the same Dual Pencil Sharpener I had as a kid.

Bag lady

I want a shoulder bag from Chapman's hand crafted English bags (in chocolate brown).

Yashica T4

I love cheap cameras, and shooting film. I used to be obsessed with my 35$ Polaroid camera, now I take my Yashica T4 wherever I travel or wander. It's a great camera but it also looks like the kind you would offer an 8 year old. It's Terry Richardson's favorite tool.

Right esthetics

Anything can look good if designed right. The Japanese are very gifted for creating common yet beautiful objects, as illustrated by these cleaning brushes. These, and the most useful Tawashi vegetable brushes, can be found on the exciting Korin website (check out the uniforms for hats and chef slippers!!!).

Tote bags

LL Bean classic boat tote, on Pink Sands beach, Bahamas.
Marimekko red tote, in Cambridge, Mass.

City, beach, travel, shopping, these totes are mandatory and most useful basics.

Bodum

Bodum makes a beautiful thermos coffee press.

Savon noir

I recently bought a "miracle worker" product from the Mediterranean region called Savon Noir Mou. It claims to wash perfectly your whole house from floors to ceiling, windows included. It can also be used as laundry detergent. It's an organic, ecological replacement for all your disgusting, irritating and artificially smelling detergents. But my favorite part is that the exact same product (as written on the label) is also a veterinarian shampoo used in organic farming to wash the udder of goats and cows before milking!
(photo Larry Towell)

Filson Luggage

I always thought the Vieux Campeur was a great shop, shopping there was an expedition. First you had to go all the way accross Paris, then figure out which one of their 15 grouped locations sold the specifics you wished to buy. Then North Face re-invented outdoor gear and wear and offered it all online. But THEN a friend told me about Filson, which has the greatest selection of products. And their field bags are just so elegant. Their products make you wish you lived in the Yukon and went fly fishing and just lived outdoors a lot more.

Plus the original Mr Filson was from Nebraska, the state depicted with great love by Jim Harrisson in "Dalva", so it couldn't get any better!