BFF... BLOG FRED FLARE DAILY DISPATCHES FROM YOUR FRED FRIENDS

Our selection of 7 New Yorkers to watch in 2007 continues with ooh-la-la style arbiter STEPHANIE DELEAU. Her charming boutique Noisette is a mere five blocks from our warehouse but each time we visit there we feel like we're back in Paris. Stephanie features French fashion labels exclusively and her shop is a great spot to discover clothes and accessories with that certain je ne sais quoi. Be sure to pop over and say, "Bonjour!" at 54 North 6th Street or check out noisettenyc.com! Lastly, if you'd like details on the heart necklace Stephanie is wearing, please click here. Merci!

How will 2006 be remembered fashion-wise? What's next?
Skinny jeans, black and layers before you can see the color of the skin... In 2007 look for things to be soft, natural and pure with organic tones and colors... Britney was about 6 months ahead of the curve!!!

Your shop highlights French designers exclusively. Who are some of your faves you think deserve more attention stateside?
There is a brand called April May - so creative and fresh - also Maje and Sandro, the biggest Parisien brands and yet very hard to find in the US...

How would you compare and contrast French and American style?
In France, women follow trends closer. The style is sleek and sophisticated... The market is very focused on everyday clothing with a feminine twist. You can shop at Vanessa Bruno and Maje and still look like you know what you are doing because there is a harmony in style. Here in the US, there are so many different styles... If you shop at any big stores such as Intermix or Barneys, you will find a huge variety of clothes but they are all different from each other, they don't really go together. You have to be creative and take risks in order to look good.

Who are some of your style idols?
Charlotte Gainsbourg, sleek and chic. Jeanne Moreau, the elegance! Brigitte Bardot in the 60's...

We know you travel to Paris often. Any insider attractions you can recommend in the City of Light?
So many things... A short list: The "mercerie" at Le Bon Marché... If you are a knitter expect to have the best time of your life, and the button collection is off le hizzy. If you like food, check out the "epicerie de Paris" downstairs... You will lose your mind over some dry sausage (saucisson) and homemade dishes such as bouchee a la reine...Tea time at Ladurée with some macarrons on the Champs Elysees... Le pied de Cochon for his onion soup and pigs foot in les Halles. Monoprix anywhere in Paris has all the coolest selection of french culinary products... It's our deli!

Now that your shop has been open a full year, can you give any advice to aspiring boutique owners?
Advice: so many times it happens too fast, you trade your passion for glory, don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past, you must fight just to keep them alive, it's the eye of the tiger, it's the cream of the fight, rise it up to the challenge of the rivals and the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger... and also the customer is always right!

What's next in the '07 for Noisette?
Introducing new designers, growing the online store, getting a rubber door stop to keep the front door open for the summer.

Sound awesome. Kay, it's time for a SPEED ROUND!!
FAVE DISCOVERY OF 06: yoga
MUSICAL HIGHLIGHT: Charlotte Gainsbourg's 5:55 (produced by Air)
MEMORABLE MEAL: mussels and french fries at Sweetwater
2006's VIBE WAS SO VERY... Fergalicious
2007 IS ALL ABOUT: Growing....and shrinking!