Bonjour Paris recommendations: some seriously girlie stuff

Being a girlie from way back, I’m always on the look-out for fun French products to brighten up my home. So, here’s a list of some of the things I love – and please forgive me in advance if it gets too pink, but what’s a girl to do? If you haven’t heard of them, BeneFit is a San Francisco-based company that makes wonderful 50’s-style cosmetics with great, fun names (eyeshadows called "trust fund baby" or "touch me then try to leave" body cream). My favorite item from their range is Kitten Goes To Paris ($24). The shimmering puff leaves a pale lilac glow and a light sexy scent wherever you let it touch. Just the packaging alone is worth it; do what I have, and use it as a jewelry box when the glimmer runs out – which takes some time. Christian Dior pink is my favorite, favorite color, which is why I fell in love with this Fifi in Paris bathrobe. It’s the right color, plus it’s got poodles and Eiffel Towers and 2 big pockets, just perfect for storing tissues in. And why do you need those? Because this robe is just right for lounging around watching chick flicks on a rainy day. What are you going to watch? Yes, I’m going to be predictable and say "Amelie" because really, why wouldn’t you want to watch this charming movie for the 215th time? But if for some insane reason you don’t, then try "Venus Beauty Institut" ($13.48). Audrey Tautou plays a secondary role in this bittersweet film written for Nathalie Baye. Her seen-it-all, done-it-all attitude is turned on its head when a younger man, played by the delicious Samuel Le Bihan, approaches her in the street and delivers the astounding "My name’s Antoine and I love you." In between sighs, try painting your toes with one of Sephora’s 59 different shades. The coolest thing about this inhouse products from one of France’s leading retailers – apart from the gorgeous colors – is that the bottles are only 5 mls, which means they’re easy to toss into your handbag for a touch up, they’re not likely to go all gluggy, and, at only $4 a pop, you can buy all 59 hues! (To Fifi it up even more, try the matching PJs. Both robe and pajamas are $27.99 each and not available in stores, only via online orders.) If you’re not in the mood for movies, how about a few fun reads? Robyn Sisman’s Weekend In Paris ($10.40) has a few almost predictable moments, but overall it’s a lighthearted read by an author who loves Paris and lets us see it through the sometimes-too-wide eyes of her heroine, Molly. For when you need tips on how to be a "rawther extraordinaire" diva, you can’t go past Kay Thompson’s Eloise in Paris. She might be six but she knows her tricks, and Hilary Knight’s illustrations will delight you. To learn a few more tricks, try Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl, by Debra Ollivier ($10.36). I realized as I read it that my inner French girl wasn’t so inner – I just hadn’t known what to call her before. If you’re feeling the urge to jazz up the boudoir, The Paris Apartment: Romantic Decor on a Flea-Market Budget ($18.20) is the perfect place to start. Claudia Strasser, owner of The Paris Apartment store in New York, gives you all the tips you need to make your apartment a Belle Epoque fantasy on the cheap. But if you need some more tips, then how about a Le Frou-Frou poster? ($17.99)  Lucien-Henri Weiluc’s cover for a long-forgotten Paris magazine adorns my living room and reminds me that a little bit of blasé goes a long way. When I say I’m a candle freak, I’m really not kidding. I have every accessory and every scent known to man and Yankee Candle. And while we’d all love to have Diptyque candles for every room of the house, sometimes there’s room for cheaper fun. This Passport Pillar features the Eiffel Tower (London and Venice are also available) and burns for 50 hours – though it looks so great, you won’t want to burn it! The scent is Sky Blue. $20 each. I’m also quite partial to L’Occitane’s entire range (make that entire store) and believe in keeping their Green Tea room spray ($23.00) in stock at all time. Lastly, you’re going to need something in which to lug around all your goodies, and there’s nothing better than the Bonjour Paris messenger bag ($20.99). Mine currently holds my 14" iBook, a copy of my favorite Paris "what’s on" magazine, Zurban, more lipsticks than one girl can possibly wear in a lifetime, and I can still fit more in. It’s bright, sturdy, and attracts quite a bit of attention. Luckily for me, it caught the attention of a cute young French chef last week, so I’m going to be heading back soon to "interview" him. Enjoy!