From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

Monday, July 14 was Bastille Day, France’s National Holiday commemorating the 1789 storming of the Bastille that launched the French Revolution. I’ve never participated in any Bastille Day festivities, but thought I would honor the day by talking about shopping. Because I’m sure that’s what those French soldiers had in mind as they charged into battle – how they could get the best deal on a really nice handbag.

Chanel Store – Although I usually avoid Beverly Hills like the plague, the Chanel store on Rodeo Drive is sort of like how my husband describes certain streets in Amsterdam: Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s really fun to look around. Besides, what could be more French than the Parisian fashion house founded by Coco Chanel? So even if you’re not ready to spend your kids’ college fund on a purse, stop in and take a peek. You can at least spray on some Chanel No. 5 for free before you leave the store.

Café Des Artistes – Chances are, you couldn’t resist picking up that five-thousand-dollar keychain at Chanel, and now you want to take a break and have a good stiff drink and a meal to forget your troubles. Head on over to one of my favorite restaurants, Café Des Artistes. Along with the amazing food (I always order the steak and pommes frites but they are known for their French-style mac n’ cheese) the setting is beautiful – it feels like you’re dining in a home in the French countryside. Have a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon while you’re coming up with ways to tell your husband about the keychain.

Maison Midi – This is my absolute favorite store for unusual housewares and gifts. It’s an offshoot of clothing retailer American Rag (which is right next door). You won’t find a more beautiful and varied selection of dinnerware and linens, much of it one-of-a-kind and imported from France. The best part: they have an excellent café that’s part of the store, Café Midi, which is modeled after an authentic French sidewalk café. While you’re waiting to be served your Croques Monsieur you can browse the store and pick up those new salad bowls you’ve been wanting.

Samuel French Bookstore – This place is not French, and has nothing to do with France, but it does have ‘French’ in the title and definitely would be the place to go if you were looking for the screenplay for “An American In Paris” or maybe a biography of Edith Piaf. Samuel French is the bookstore for anyone interested in, or wanting to break into, the entertainment business and a place for filmmakers, writers and actors to find plays, scripts, movie-buff material and industry magazines. Maybe you’ll even see Juliette Binoche browsing the aisles.

After your day packed with French-themed shopping, you’ll want to head home, make yourself some crème brulée and put on your favorite DVD featuring Johnny Depp (totally counts since he’s married to French singer Vanessa Paradis.) Très bien!