Retail Therapy in Paris

Colette on Rue Saint Honoré
Photo: karl_hab / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

by Ondine Cohane

I didn't get to make my annual Paris expedition last year due to travels elsewhere and I really missed it especially for the killer shopping opportunities (among my favorite stops are Vanessa Bruno for dresses, Paul and Joe for chic separates and suits, Sabbia Rosa on the Rue des Saint-Peres for suitably silky lingerie, Christian Louboutin, natch, for the red-soled wonders, and Colette, that temple of all things cool).

Now there are two more stops to add to the pilgrimage: one of the city's coolest boutique owners, Maria Luisa Poumaillou, who has one of the sharpest eyes in fashion (she was an early champion of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen) has just opened second outpost, a stand alone store in the newly renovated Printemps department store. What's cool about this new boutique is that in addition to her glamorous handpicked selection from designers like L'Wren Scott and Roland Mouret, she is also coming up with her own first capsule collection which is sure to be a hit with the fashion set.

And then there is Merci, the new hot shop from the owners behind the children's brand Bonpoint for people looking for a deal on designer threads who also want to feel socially conscious--basically the way the concept works is that designers and collectors give some of their wares for free, then the store sells the clothes for less than retail prices, and the proceeds go to underprivileged children in Madagascar. Think Burberry, Chanel, YSL etc at a about 30-40 percent off their original price tag.  It's a shopping trip you can feel good about. Now I just have to figure out when to make the next trip.

Comments

[agileadventurer]

Thanks Ondine-good scoop. My request: please give us some ideas (and designers) for traveling light - but with style. Four Ex-officio shirts are fine if you are going down the Congo, but I like adventures that include fine dining and cocktail parties. My best recent find has been Vanessa Vogel's new website Vogel 10-she fits ten lightweight and fashionable pieces in tote bag. Her pieces are stylish and have a reputation for good fit. Any ideas for some shoes that would go with these? (And I don't mean something that doubles as a hiking boot.) I'd love some sexy heels that are comfortable and versatile (and current). I'll buy a suitcase in Paris for the bounty I plan to haul back.

[delombard]

Thanks for the info on Eataly--it sounds huge and sort of like a market mall. I suppose it will be easy for customers to find and use, but sadly takes the thrill of the hunt out of finding a delicious meal by chance or referal!

[arthotellagunabeach]

Solid info on Eataly--it looks very cool and sort of like a city baazar. I imagine it will be easy for customers to find and take refuge with, but I prefer the more well known options..
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