Today after school, I set out along the bustling Rue Beaumarchais in search of a trendy little concept store called Merci.  I had previously read about the Anthropologie-esque vibe of Merci, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that there is also a super cozy cafe/miniature library attached to it.  Trés chic, non?

When you pass by the café terrace and under the archway, you find yourself in an open courtyard full of potted flowers, benches, and a little red Fiat thanking you for your visit.

Once inside, you’ll notice Merci‘s deconstructed loft, effortlessly cool, je ne sais quoi feel.  The racks are overflowing with designer clothing (the likes of Isabel Marant, James Perse, and Stella McCartney), high-end jewelry, buttery leather bags, on-trend shoes of all styles, and super soft scarves, all taunting you with their expensive beauty.  And when you realize their second floor is all home furnishings and a unique kitchenware line it just gets even better!  The one obstacle holding most of us commoners back from making any sizable purchases here are the sky-high prices.  But before you nix Merci from your list of Parisian shopping destinations, know that they donate 100% of their profits to woman and children in Madagascar, one of the world’s most impoverished countries.  So that means the shopping is guilt-free…merci indeed!!!

Although I say with absolute certainty that visiting Merci is a must even if you don’t plan on buying anything, I decided to make my little contribution to the cause anyway (mostly because after smelling this Annick Goutal for Merci parfum, I couldn’t leave the store without it!  And at 22 euros, the price beats any overrated designer perfume at Nordstrom).  I also left with one of their signature “merci medallians”, a little wrap around bracelet made with Liberty print fabric and a round gold disc dangling down inscribed with, well what else but, merci, of course?!

I’m looking forward to returning to Merci and visiting their café for one of the many interesting cocktails offered up on their chalkboard menu…stay tuned!