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Neighborhood Watch: Sarah Lerfel

SarahLerfelPortrait by Cassi Bryn Michalik
Think you've discovered the coolest new DJ on earth? Paris's Colette has had dibs on the CD for months. Paws itching for a beyond-obscure art book or magazine? Yup, Colette already has that, too. With an art gallery upstairs, a "water bar" in the basement, and the latest—and yet-to-be—buzzed-about designer clothing and accessories in between, the world's first "concept" store Colette leaves little to be desired. So, just in time for summer in Paris, Refinery29 caught up with one of the best-known—yet least-seen—of the city's fashion crowd: Colette's famously elusive Sarah Lerfel, who graciously took a few moments from her busy sched to let us in on some of her favorite haunts in the city she calls home.
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Kunitoraya
Kunitoraya, 39, rue Sainte-Anne, +33 (0)1 47 03 33 65
Upon entering this Japanese noodle shop, you'll be greeted by a staff as welcoming as it is lovely. Sarah likes it, "because the noodles here are soooo good." Perfect for lunch within walking distance of Colette, or for dinner before heading down the street to Le Paris Paris for a night on the town...
Laduree
Ladurée,75, avenue des Champs Elysées, +33 (0)1 40 75 08 75; 16, rue Royale, +33 (0)1 42 60 21 79; 21, rue Bonaparte, +33 (0)1 44 07 64 87; www.laduree.com
Refinery29 has sent love to Ladurée before, and it's no wonder that this "salon de thé" also gets a shout-out from Sarah for "their delicious macaroons," which are like nothing else in this world. As hip as it is divine, Ladurée has collaborated with such fashionable names as Sonia Rykiel to create perfect gifts for those looking to bring a sweet treat back home.
MarianneRobic
Marianne Robic, 39, rue de Babylone, +33 (0)1 53 63 14 00
Check out Ms. Robic's lovely shop "for their beautiful flowers," presented in a visual feast of floral and plant designs that changes daily.
MadameAndre
Madame André, 34, rue du Mont-Thabor, +33 (0)1 42 96 27 24; www.monsieura.com; www.lovegraffiti.com; www.antijour.com
"Graffiti is not vandalism, but a beautiful crime." This is the mantra of proprietor/graffiti artist André (who seems to be on a first-name basis with all of Paris, if not the world). The exterior of the tiny boutique is bubble-gum pink and tagged with some odesigns, while the interior brims with trinkets and treasures from across the globe. Sarah loves that "it is just so girly!" It's also just a stone's throw from Colette and carries Madame Andre's own line along with Gilles DuFour...as well as a payload of Japanese charms and gadgets.
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BHV
Le BHV (Le Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville), 52, rue de Rivoli, +33 (0)1 42 74 90 00; www.bhv.com
Historic department store Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville made Sarah's list for being "the ultimate cavern of Ali Baba," filled with everything from designer goods and electronics to home furnishings and art supplies. Head down to the basement for the mind-boggling array of DIY gear or for a quick espresso in the café hidden among the gadgets.
ParisParis
Le Paris Paris, 5, avenue de l'Opera, +33 (0)1 42 60 64 45; www.leparisparis.com
If you are looking for a place to dance (or to learn how), head to Le Paris Paris the first Monday of every month for the Colette dance party. According to Sarah, this spot makes the list because "it's so close by, and here one feels so good." Another of Andre's ventures (see above), it is Paris's current chosen It club, where the party set rubs elbows with celebs and world-class DJs. The dancing goes from Tuesday through Saturday nights, 11 p.m. to dawn.
Colette is located at 213, rue Saint-Honoré +33 (0)1 55 35 33 90; www.colette.fr
Colette's buyer and co-owner may have a flawless eye for international styles, but here she turns her focus on some local Parisian gems.

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