Fab Guide to France
by Savas Abadsidis on 2012-05-17
Bradford Shellhammer is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Fab.com. Less than a year after its launch last June, Fab is on track to become something of a phenomenon. The site, which attracted 1.5 million users in its first six months, is nearing 4 million members today. Bradford grew up in Baltimore and currently lives in New York City. He has degrees from Goucher College and Parsons The New School for Design. Prior to founding Fab, he launched retail concepts for both Blu Dot and Design Within Reach and contributed to Sundance Channel, Full Frontal Fashion, and Dwell. His homes have been featured in The New York Times, Dwell and Time Out New York. Bradford owns 137 pairs of shoes and has a weakness for paisley, all things Eames, and Scandinavian electro-pop. You can read his blog at www.youngbradford.com where he writes about all the things that make him smile. Here's Brad's fab guide to France!
What's your favorite getaway?
Paris, France.
Why?
The city is filled with the world's best wine, cheese, shopping, architecture, art, and fashion. No one can escape the charms of Paris. It's the most beautiful city in the world. And though this is a very, very obvious statement, they're no place on earth more romantic and no culture that honors beauty- in food, art, fashion- like the French.
What's your favorite way to entertain when you're away?
I love big dinners. I gather my companions and friends and colleagues in foregin lands and plan one big dinner with lots of wine, many courses, and people from various walks of life coming together. It's a practical thing to do when traveling as you can see everyone all at once. This leaves the rest of your stay without commitments making it easier to decide to sleep in or walk a museum without feeling the pressure of being on a schedule.
What are your favorite activities?
I'd lie if I did not say shopping! It's my favorite thing to do. I buy a toy in every port I go to to place in my toy cabinet at home. I love to eat too. Really eat. I am amazed I have time to do anything else really. I either have a fork or shopping bag in my hands at all times.
What is it about the local culture that you love?
The language drips sexiness. The smells. The sounds. The looks of the people on the streets. And did I mention the food?
When traveling Bradford always brings along:
Basics by Prada. You cannot go wrong with jackets and pants made from nylon. Lightweight and water repellent they work in sun and rain. And they pack easily and efficiently and never date.
Fab.com features some of the coolest and best designed travel merchandise around. Here's a sample:
EarPeace Invisible Hi-Fi Ear Plugs MSRP 26 Fab price 18.50
Love loud concerts but hate the ringing ears of the morning after? Try these earplugs. Think they’re embarrassing and muffle the sound? Not so. The high fidelity engineering won't distort the sound, and they come in a range of skin tones in soft, strong silicone. Hook the stylish little case to your key ring souvenirs.
Kishu Charcoal Filtered Water Bottle MSRP 44 Fab price 28
Once you see the Kishu, you’ll want to say a swift goodbye to those little charcoal granules in your water purifier. These sticks not only filter your H2O, they also impart minerals like calcium and potassium. Sustainably harvested and compostable, they'll make you thirsty for more.
Help Remedies MSRP 30 Fab price 20.50
This little kit will take care of the unfortunate, hypochondriac and plain clumsy on your visitor's list. (Or you, if that's the case.) From scrapes and headaches to stuffy sinuses and insomnia, thisfirst aid kit contains all the fixings to make you good as new. Perfect for minor maladies on the go—though it does not contain supplies to mend broken hearts, wounded pride or foot-in-mouth syndrome.
Quality Mending Small Duffel Bag MSRP 174 Fab price 74
Constructed from canvas with leather trim, webbing handles and webbing shoulder strap, this duffel bag has an end compartment, an main compartment and a subcompartment, all secured by heavy two way reproduction Talon bell zippers. This bag is perfect for a short weekend or day trip. It is also named the gym bag as it is perfect for daily workout trips.
Have Questions? 1 800 559 2850
Speak to a Vacation Rental Specialist.
Anguilla
Amanyara
Antigua
Bahamas
Barbados
Casa De Campo
Canouan Island
Jamaica
Mustique
Parrot Cay
St. Barths
St. Croix
St. John
St. Lucia
St. Martin
St. Thomas
Tobago
Tortola
Turks-Caicos
Virgin Gorda
Trust, Experience, Quality, Service