Shop Joy: Le Petit Boudoir

(© Saskia Vanderstichele)

“Cobbler, stick to your last,” goes the saying. But if Brussels lass Malika Kahan had done that, she would still be an out-of-work screenwriter instead of the proprietor of Le Petit Boudoir, a likeable little accessory shop in Elsene/Ixelles. Kahan’s search for a job in the film world after studying screenwriting and screenplay analysis at the ULB was slow to make progress, so she went on to follow a further course in cosmetology and make-up. Work turned out to be scarce in that scene too, so she fetched up behind the bar in the Bar du Matin in Vorst/Forest. After a good two years there she got the urge to start something up herself. Something in the catering line, maybe, or a shop – Kahan wasn’t too sure until she heard that the Delphine & Morisette clothes shop was available. Some of the collection remained, the interior was given a minor make-over, and at the end of the summer Le Petit Boudoir opened its doors. Inside you will discover dozens of ideas for brightening up an outfit, from romantic earrings with little roses or birds to a silver-plated bracelet featuring the PacMan logo to a hairband with a bow or a handy leather wallet. And if you find it hard to choose, it helps that all the accessories are exceptionally reasonably priced. Kahan only sells stuff she could imagine spending money on herself. She gets the accessories from Belgian designers, as well as in Paris, where she makes a monthly expedition in search of what is new.
Le Petit Boudoir is popular with girls and young women, although men quite often turn up and, following subtle hints from their other halves, leave with presents in their hands. Kahan surely has one of the most pleasant accessory shops in the district; as well as advice you are likely to find yourself treated to...a boudoir biscuit!

Le petit boudoir ••
Vredestraat 19 rue de la Paix, Elsene/Ixelles, 02-512.51.77, lepetitboudoirixelles.blogspot.com,
ma/lu/Mo 12 > 18.30, di/ma/Tu > za/sa/Sa 11 > 18.30