Since my very first trip, shopping in Paris has always been the priority – it guides my itineraries, the arrondissements I frequent, and inspires my solo adventures. Coming back home with things I bought in Paris reminds me of my time there, and getting compliments on items brings me joy as I retell a story or recommend something to a friend.
And, I love people watching to see what Parisiennes are wearing and how they style their outfits. I make mental notes on things that grab my attention, and I still revel in the seeming effortlessness with which they carry themselves, no matter what. As I soaked up the atmosphere, I saw a variety of jean cuts on Parisiennes, but the most popular was either relaxed straight or wide leg, full length. I’m updating to these and these from Madewell.
Cropped jackets also seemed popular, but that doesn’t mean the trench had lost any favor – they are still everywhere. I noticed that they seemed to be moving away from very oversized blazers and toward ones that were a bit more tailored, yet still relaxed (Clara confirmed). Ballet flats, cardigans, sneakers, scarves, leather jackets? All present and accounted for on the streets of Paris.
It rained the entire time I was in Paris…until the day I departed. It was chilly and wet, so I wore my trench coat every single day. No dresses made an appearance, but the “heavier” jacket I included “just in case” and all the (overpacked) pairs of jeans (also like these and these) were put to good use, along with the Alex Mill sweater. The boots were unexpectedly handy, and I’m also very happy that I re-sprayed my shoes and bags with my choice of protective spray, a brand recommended by my friend J. At the last minute, I threw in my grey Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan, and so glad I did – I wore it on repeat, and it saved me from getting too cold on so many days! The color matched everything, and it was an easy piece to layer (the black one is now in my cart).
My shopping adventure goals were an eclectic mix this time around. Certain things took center stage, like bags and skin care/beauty products, but I also brought home a variety of jewelry, a few pairs of shoes, a mug I painted myself, a couple of investment purchases, two watercolors painted by a local artist, and several bookmarks.
Typically, I like to purchase items that we can’t buy or have shipped to the U.S. (although I do like popping into Zara to see if they have things I haven’t seen here, they usually do). One of my favorite stores is Comptoir des Cotonniers for elevated, stylish basics (they don’t ship to the U.S.), and a cute short cotton jacket and a pair of straight leg jeans made it into the suitcase. Plus a Red Linen Blazer from Mango (which you can order). For shoes, I’m a fan of Mellow Yellow, and my shopping guide Clara put Bobbies shoes on my radar – both are French brands that are stylish, wear well, and have a fairly affordable price point. Three pairs of Mellow Yellow (including these sandals and loafers) and one pair of Bobbies sneakers came back with me.
This was the first trip where a couple of my friends asked me to pick up specific items for them while I was there, and I had their requests ready. JT wanted a certain kind of tea from Mariage Frères, L wanted a few bars of soap from Officine Universelle Buly. And, JJ didn’t know it, but I would look for the Avène product she loves that we can’t get in the States any longer.
I love popping into Monoprix (closest equivalent is similar to a Target in the States), and it’s always on my itinerary to see what’s new. Last year, I bought a pretty white cotton nightgown there, more than half the price of similar styles here, and I wore it all summer. So grabbing another one in a different style/color was on my list this time around, as well as…socks!!
Socks are an affordable way to bring Paris back with me, and I’ve definitely embraced the socks with loafers combo I spied all over the city streets. I’m obsessed with the choices that Parisienne have in terms of socks, tights, and hosiery. The Galeries Lafayette has half a floor of lingerie, sleep wear, and…a full wall of socks. There’s a slight chance that I went a little overboard with the socks this time.
And, of course, no visit would be complete without a few Etam purchases. Yes, Etam can be found in the U.S. and they ship here, but there are styles and sizes in Paris that are unique. I found three sets of bras/panties (navy, pink, iridescent beige), and I got to try them on for size and fit before they swiped my card (an advantage to ordering online). While I’m seeing more and more “Americanization” of bras in Paris (padded, plain, basic), there is still quite a substantial selection of pretty pieces that make me smile.
Keep your eye out for more Frenchpiration on the skin care and beauty products that came back with me, along with a couple of investment items that are worth every penny.
Au revoir until next time,
~Valerie’s Granddaughter