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	Shopping in Paris For the past several years I have been lucky enough to visit Paris on a regular basis. I am still mesmerized by the women in the streets striding over cobblestones in 3 -or-four-inch heels, the older ladies smartly turned out in suits with VERY short skirts and sensible shoes or boldly matching their husbands in head-to-toe leather, and the way everyone -- men and women -- look so dashing in their casually wrapped scarves. And, of course, I've never tired of some of the most scrumptious window shopping in the world. >> NEW SHOPS IN CHICAGO Francophiles and lovers of fine tea will both find PORTE ROUGE a terrific destination for antiques and kitchen accouterments. Owner Kristin Doll has been planning this opening for over a year and has been exploring some unexpected regions of France to find merchandise not completely typical in its' styling. There is plenty of Spanish influence in some of the furniture; spare, Milanese kitchenwares and the best-looking chef's aprons I've seen. Add to the mix the fragrance of Mariage Freres teas and you'll be lingering long over this treasure trove. Porte Rouge 1911 West Division Street (at Wolcott) Chicago 773-269-2800. It took an entrepreneur with an eye for fashion and a feel for real estate to bring KRISTA K BOUTIQUE to this charming north Chicago 'hood. The other neighbors - the Music Box theatre, some fine restaurants and plenty of vintage and home stores, including another favorite, POSH; already made Southport Avenue a destination. Now, though, you can find women's clothing from Catherine Malandrino, Rebecca Taylor, and Beth Bowley, plus the city's most complete selection of Liz Lange maternity. Owner Krista Kaur Meyers is the perfect host of this pristine space, and has an eye for pulling together a great and personalized look. Check with her for upcoming events this fall. Krista K Boutique 3458 North Southport Avenue (at TK), Chicago 773-248-1967 krista@kristakbotiques.com. GO WEST ON ARMITAGE So you think you know Armitage Avenue - that stretch between Lincoln Park High School and Racine that is home to some great, off the avenue shopping. We now beg you to go west past Damen Avenue to Leavitt, where there are several very special shops awaiting you. Bucktown is rife with storeowners whose personal styles are immediately evident; these are a further testament to the power of personal style! BLEEKER STREET 1946 North Leavitt Street 773-862-3185 Call for hours. Inspired collection of antiques that look as good in your home as they do in the store (a neat trick and a testament to owner Denise Odell's eye) E BELLA 1943 North Leavitt Street 773-227-2929 Attractive, intimate and with limited space for services so it's very peaceful. Excellent manicures & pedicures by real pros. GIOSTRA for the home 2151 West Armitage Street 773-394-7141 It means "carousel" in Italian for those of you interested in such details; it's a funhouse of gorgeous items including well-done reproductions of some classic antiques, linens for the bed, hostess gifts and two adorable doggies to greet you. STANLEY DECORATING, INC. 2154 West Armitage 773-227-6330 A small but lovely showroom of custom furniture in exotic woods and inlays. They will design a bed, table or mirror, and the taste level is impeccable.
	EARTH BOUND Fall clothes have hit the stores in a big way, and one must-have is a great boot. You will need a pair for work and for play; for the latter we suggest you look at EARTH FOOTWEAR. The original Earth show, which was introduced in the US in the 1970's is back, big time, and unlike the late 90's Hush Puppies resurgence, I think Earth shoes will be here for awhile. They are well styled, well priced, and have the ever-so-slightly addictive "negative heel technology" that made them such a hit the first time around. Before you demur, let me remind you how high heels took getting used to! Earth shoes are the perfect antidotes to teetering, and these indestructible shoes actually align your body so your shoulders are back, pelvis is tilted forward and your diaphragm opens to allow for deeper breathing (followed by deeper thoughts? Maybe). Find a dealer near you or buy them at www.earthfootwear.com.	The Earth Footwear Essentials boot

Mirror Me tee shirts	TEE TIME Every female over the age of 7 - when self doubt and peer pressure generally kick in - should own one of Jennifer Petsu's MIRROR ME tee shirts. Reverse type from the front, a simple affirmation - "Trust Yourself", "Love Yourself", "Breathe" - is revealed when you look in the mirror. This is a suprisingly powerful little technology, and the tee shirt themselves are adorable. Yes, they are available in larger sizes and this fall, Jennifer will introduce a new affirmation and a long-sleeved version. See the collection and chat with Jennifer at www.mirrormeteez.com. I think these would make a great bridesmaid gift as well!

	BEST NEW MAKEUP LAUNCHES ARMANI BEAUTY, Giorgio Armani's new makeup line has received raves from everyone we have sampled. Make up artists love the color palette and even makeup-averse friends have loved the texture of the taste-free lipsticks. The packaging, of course, is brilliant, and Pat McGrath, the makeup wizard who collaborated on the collection with Mr. Armani, is an editorial and runway genius, and a natural looking girl herself. Lipsticks come in shine, sheer and smooth - Shine lipstick number 9 is the quintessential red. More products are being introduced this fall - the mascara is particularly nice. Armani Beauty is available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores only.
Aura Science, a joint venture between the Limited and Shiseido	Coming soon to a mall new you - the joint venture between sophisticated beauty powerhouse Shiseido and an all-female team from a new division of The Limited Brands have introduced AURA SCIENCE, a complete skincare and beauty line. The concept is far more engaging than most - you enter and are handed a warm towel - a nod to Shiseido's Japanese roots - then gently asked if you would like to be "phased". If you want to buy any skincare - the bulk of Aura Science's products - you must go through this brief facial identity process. It's just a minute or two answering some questions at the skinPhase ID technology touch screen computer, and the results provide a far more detailed description of your skin's needs. You will fall into Phases 1, 2, 3, or 4, and receive good-sized samples of the cleansing, prepping and hydrating products that are best for your skin. The products are beautifully packaged and the cosmetics offer a rainbow of colors for lips, cheeks and nails, of course. All of Aura Science's gorgeous stores were designed by architect David Collins (Cool Brit and Madonna buddy - really. At the Chicago Water Tower Place launch he asked if Bay City, Michigan was close enough for a quick visit!) One small note: most of the women who have tried the skincare were very pleased, but a couple of women we know experienced slight irritation, so make sure you take those free samples and give them a test run. Aura Science now also provides fragrance-free products, too. www.aurascience.com.

	FIVE FOR FALL This question comes up constantly and everyone seems interested in the answers; here are Stacy's picks for Fall 2002 - plus a little style schmoozing. A NEW WINTER COAT More dramatic than in recent years - maybe a great and flattering color? Or a wrap coat to fit over those winter layers? It's the first thing people see when you walk in the door, so take the opportunity to make a statement. Inspiration: Narciso Rodriguez' oatmeal colored wrap coat with a leather waist tie on www.style.com. BOOTS For work and play - if you can just spring for one pair, go for brown; espresso brown, luggage brown or oxblood. If you're very brave and investing in more than one pair of boots, go for suede. And yes, you can wear them with black pants - in fact, we insist you do! A skirt worn with a boot and showing a bit of a textured hose is an instant update. As always in footwear, buy the best you can afford and protect them - have your shoemaker add a rubber sole and a silicone spray of waterproofing. The non-slip sole adds durability and comfort. Inspirations: Coach and Tod's. If you live in Chicago, you must see the Angelo Figus boots at Ikram, 873 North Rush Street 312-587-1000. A BLACK SUIT Think a more fitted jacket and the most flattering pant style for you - narrow is in, but most women look best in a slightly tapered leg with a boot cut. Find a jacket you can wear alone without a shirt underneath, and if the suit comes with a pant and a skirt, buy both for greatest versatility. If a new suit is not in your budget, have your best black or navy jacket tapered at the waist, and perhaps shorten the hem. Narrow the skirt. Unless you are wildly confident in your dry cleaner's tailor, this is better left to a professional. In Chicago: Boguslaw at 56 East Oak Street 312-640-1521 or La Modista 2449 North Clybourn 773-327-4298. Inspiration: Balenciaga and Barneys New York private label. A WHITE TUXEDO STYLE VEST OR BLACK OBI Wear the vest over a white shirt, under a jacket. Belt the shirtor jacket with an obi. Fabulous, dramatic and easy - and everyone's wardrobe needs a little drama. Inspiration: Ralph Lauren at www.polo.com or www.style.com. A VELVET JACKET In your most flattering jewel tone - rich burgundy, moss green or deep blue. Over black pants, a long pencil skirt and your best jewelry. Dark winter days call for some color, and this is a good way to incorporate it, day-to-evening. Blazer, cropped, bomber style, whatever. But velvet. You'll feel and look like a million bucks. Inspiration: Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana.

	ADD-ONS HANDBAGS Bottega Veneta's accessories line designed by Tomas Maier is divine, and we can say that without flinching. The woven leather is personally distinctive, meaning it looks great on YOU and does not scream "designer bag" It whispers quality and style and that is what it's all about. Take a look at the real things (around $900) and memorize the details, the feel of the leather. If you don't buy it here, shop around for a similar style. Go for deep brown rather than black for a stand-out accessory. Brown leather really is richer. Tod's bags, as always, look great this season. www.bottegaveneta.com and www.tods.com. PATTERNED HOSE Texture more than color; Wolford is the industry leader, and pricey, but their hose do last and are the most comfortable on the market. If there is a Wolford boutique near you, stop in and try them on - a novel and valuable concept for something you're wearing that close to your body for such long periods of time. Donna Karan always does up some nice style for the leg. A CUFF It can be leather, precious metal or fabric, but a big, chunky something on your wrist - at least two and a half inches long, unless you are very tiny. We've seen black silk with glove buttons and appliques; Elsa Peretti's bone cuff in silver or gold is classic, and Hermes leather, or course, is a knock out. Brand new - Vintage Record Cuffs are made from old vinyls; each one is an individual work of art. They have pedigree and the proper heft, and the price is right - under $20! Call or stop by retailer Sofie (1343 Nrth Wells Street, Chicag; 312-255-1343) Grab one for a friend, too.

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