November 12, 2009

Montmartre Shop Trait

So I went on a typical Julia adventure recently… I traversed at least four arrondissements on foot during a five-hour period. I permitted myself a map for the first part of my journey toward the Sacré Coeur, but beyond that it was all but my goal to get lost. I am familiar enough with the area that I did not in fact get lost, but did manage to stumble upon some really adorable shops, many of which I have likely passed before but somehow never noticed. I wound down the curving streets of Montmarte shaded by golden-leafed trees, past Chez Plumeau with its I-don’t-even-know-what-instrument-that-is musician in front and ended up at the carousel at the Abbesses metro station. I wanted to head to the lower part of rue Lépic (for a treat I’ll write about another day), so I made a right and followed the vibrant road.

Eventually, I came upon a charming little shop sandwiched called Trait between a restaurant and fruit stand, the storefront so small it almost went unnoticed. Since I am a sucker for cute Paris postcards, the likes of which I saw on an outdoor rack, the store did indeed catch my eye and ultimately lured me in with its pretty Japanese-looking windsocks and bags and colorful papers. Being a lover of pretty paper, notebooks, and stylish business accessories, this place was heaven for me! The narrow shop’s walls are lined with papers in delicious colors, adorable greeting cards, chic passport holders, plain and patterned notebooks, and elegant address books… just to name a few. I was so taken aback by the beauty of all of their products that I noted many of the brands.

Madame Mo makes Japanese-inspired products ranging from the lovely windsocks that caught my eye to “Norens”, which are printed curtains, to postcards and greeting cards. Atelier lzc (also available en français: Atelier lzc) makes whimsical French- and Japanese-inspired designs of stickers, trays, bottles, and more. Another one of my favorites was the business accessories by Alife Design. They craft simple yet beautiful business and credit card holders, agendas, and passport protectors.

Surprisingly, I made it out of the store without making a single purchase, but I now know the first place I’ll go when I need some new stationery or just when I need some beautiful inspiration.

52 rue des Abbesses
75018 Paris
Tél. : 01.42.23.25.32

35 rue Jussieu
Paris 75005
Tél. : 01.43.25.28.24