The season of shopping has arrived. A comprehensive shopping experience awaits at I Love Paris in Oakdale for those looking for special and unique gifts that can’t be found just anywhere.
Owners Eleanor Colombo and Jill Haney have made it their business to know what customers like in order to accessorize themselves and their home. In keeping with a French theme, they carry U.S.-made goods as much as they can find, as well as items from France.
“I think our most unique gifts are the jewelry,” Colombo said. “We have a lot of the French, Parisian design, (such as the line) La Vie Parisienne. We also have other lines that are really nice.”
They also carry jewelry lines from Germany, France, and the U.S. that are made with Swarovski crystals. Haney added that their large jewelry selection is special and something that customers appreciate.
Haney said that they also have a selection of winter hats and scarves, with scarves being a customer favorite. Additionally, purses for everyday to fit the season or special occasions are also top sellers at the boutique.
Since the holidays are officially here, I Love Paris also has a special selection of holiday décor and ornaments. During the holidays, they “stock up on everything,” Haney said. Along with the jewelry, they also carry apparel that ranges from spa robes to formal party dresses, as well as French perfumes, lotions, and organic soaps. Home décor and accessories are another facet of their business including lamps, pictures, mirrors, and statuary. There is also glassware and dishes, candles, and more to pick from, as well as baby gifts. Colombo noted that at this time of year they bring in local dried fruits, teas, and chocolates as well.
When a customer isn’t sure what to choose for a gift, there are various options.
“We’d probably show them the jewelry and soaps,” Colombo said. “And there are also gift certificates – people love to come in and shop.”
“We recommend that people come in and make wish lists for their loved ones (to use),” Haney added. “It’s really fun and they get exactly what they want for Christmas.”
She said that the way the wish lists work is that the customer will come in and select what she’d like to find under the tree and they will write down her choices and file the wish list under her name at the boutique. This way, the lists don’t get lost and the woman doesn’t have to worry about handing out her Christmas list. Colombo noted that the wish lists really help husbands and boyfriends who come in to shop.
“Our selection is so different… People like to come here because our selection is different than anywhere else,” Colombo said.
I Love Paris will host a Christmas Open House, starting the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also on Sunday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Haney noted that they will also be open on Sundays in December until Christmas.
I Love Paris is located at 325 East F St., Oakdale, nestled between Chase Bank and Starbucks.
