Walking into the store, instantly I feel the need to go to Paris to walk down the streets; smelling fresh baguettes and have a cup of strong black coffee, on a little patio thats surrounded by people dressed and wearing 'fascinators.'  Fascinators you ask?  If you don't know what that is, you will after you come to this shop!
I fell on to Le Petit Chapeau, because I needed a fascinator for a Mother's Day High Tea Event that I was a part of.  The store was suggested to me on my Google search, for 'Hat shops in Barrie.' Once arriving, I quickly realized this store is much more than just fascinators!  It's a trip down memory lane, where you can buy vintage tea cups and saucers, lace gloves, a pair of mens cufflinks, or homemade soap that's all natural and smells gorgeous!
Meaghan Armstrong, the owner is without a doubt the most knowledgable shop owner I have ever met to date!  She knows everything about her store and not just about the products, but about the history on where it was created or the type of area it came from.  For example, Le Petit Chapeau sells little oils/perfumes.  I know nothing of how scents are created, just really what I like and don't.  But Meaghan can tell you all about low notes, medium notes and high notes; all to help you find the scent that suits your body.  She is an incredible woman, that just makes the experience in her shop so much more enjoyable.
Le Petit Chapeau, is located across from Heritage Park on Lakeshore Drive, in the Lakeshore Mews.  It faces the lake and standing there in the Spring and Summer; with the shop windows open and the chimes ringing in the wind, makes me feel like I really am in a little shop in Paris.  Meaghan has been in business for many years and it shows!  She deals with local artisans too that represent her style.  I saw a beautiful pair of glass bobby pins, that I bought for my Mother there and the designer of them is a local artist too.  Meaghan promotes local and makes sure you know she helps the community.  Recently, Le Petit Chapeau has been introduced to Tripadvisor.  When you look up hotels, and the ratings, most people go to Tripadvisor.  It only makes sense to find shops and stores that are in the areas you are travelling and find out what others say about the stores, no?  This is a great tool that Le Petit Chapeau has now.  If you have shopped in the store, you should write a great review for them on Tripadvisor.  I have attached the link for you to do so, by clicking HERE.
After meeting with Meaghan, I have learned that Le Petit Chapeau is very Social Savvy.  They are connected on FaceBook, Instagram and sell merchandise online and through Etsy.  Plus you can find them on Shop Barrie, by clicking on the link HERE.

After meeting with Meaghan, I made a little video, to help you understand why I LOVE this store.  It's not just a store, it is the complete experience, that draws you in and keeps you always wanting more.  To learn more about Meaghan and how Le Petit Chapeau became, I have included the link, to her bio, on the website; you can read all about it by clicking HERE.

If you would like to visit Le Petit Chapeau, tell them I said hi!  They would love to know how you found out about the store and what brought you in.  Meaghan is very approachable and a loving sole!

Le Petit Chapeau is open:

They can be reached by any of the following ways:

• Location: Lakeshore Mews, Downtown Barrie
• Phone: 705 330 6814
• Email: petitchapeau@gmail.com

If you have any questions or comments about Le Petit Chapeau, or would like to have your store or service featured on Simcoe County Shop Local, contact me direct at:

Erin Corcoran
Direct: 705-305-1748
erincorcoran.remax@gmail.com

Or click on the Facebook links on the left column of this page.  Do not forget to check out the other Simcoe County Shop Local features, by following the videos on either my YouTube page (which is linked on the right column) or by clicking HERE.