What should I buy in Paris?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Goyard

+1! And Chanel

Chanel because they may have better stocked stores than here, since the price difference is quite minimal compared to other French brands (same is true for cartier). Goyard is worth a visit, as is dior, burberry, celine, and vuitton. You can check out most prices before you go online for both regions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A Lancel bag. They are not sold in the US.

Agreed!!!

Why? They’re all over on eBay.,

and realreal.

[Anonymous]

in the era of super fakes I would be very cautious buying from TheRealReal (you can’t return handbags anymore and their language around authenticity has changed).

[Anonymous]

I would be eyeing the wider range of Diptyque room sprays available in Paris and looking for smaller French brands like Tila March and Vanessa Bruno for bags. For pottery, Tuile a Loop!

[Anonymous]

To Paris PP above who gave a fantastic list and stores, can I be your BFF?

I spent an hour or so just in the lingerie department at Galleries Lafayette. They have an amazing selection of brands and staff are very helpful with sizing. There are beautiful little try-on rooms. DH was very pleased with my selections and the naughty catalog that I bought home.

I also brought home a Breton striped shirt like this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Repetto dance clothes if you have a child who dances.
Repetto flats.
Vintange items from flea markets and street sellers

Agree on Repetto shoes and flea market finds, like french earthenware/pottery

I also love Avene skincare products, you can find them in French pharmacies. The items you can purchase online in US are limited so worth a look!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To Paris PP above who gave a fantastic list and stores, can I be your BFF?

I spent an hour or so just in the lingerie department at Galleries Lafayette. They have an amazing selection of brands and staff are very helpful with sizing. There are beautiful little try-on rooms. DH was very pleased with my selections and the naughty catalog that I bought home.

I also brought home a Breton striped shirt like this

Yes! Go to Saint James store. The prices are so much better than in us.

[Anonymous]

An apartment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Repetto dance clothes if you have a child who dances.
Repetto flats.
Vintange items from flea markets and street sellers

Agree on Repetto shoes and flea market finds, like french earthenware/pottery

I also love Avene skincare products, you can find them in French pharmacies. The items you can purchase online in US are limited so worth a look!

Thank you! Where might I find a good flea market?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:An apartment.

If only!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go check out Olivia Clergue for bags. I’m not a fan of the popular high end bags like Longchamp, LV. Her bags are handmade, artisanal, and just beautiful. Most bags are under 1000 euros, and really, really well made. I believe her store is in Le Marais.

OP here - love these bags and we are staying in Le Marais! Will definitely check them out in person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to Citypharma in the 6th. It's the largest and most affordable pharmacy for skincare and haircare products and they have some English-speaking staff who can help advise you on products. Just don't go at lunch time. It will be packed. Early morning is best.

I love Christophe Robin finishing hair creme, La Roche Rosay Anthelios 50 sunscreen and Korres conditioner to name a few.

Louis Vuitton is much cheaper than in the US. But be strategic about where you buy as there can be hours long waits to get into the flagship store or the stores inside the big department stores. Try to make an appointment at a less popular store if you are serious about buying. And make sure to read up on declaring VAT to save even more.

I second the recommendation for Monoprix for affordable babies' and children's clothing. Also, if you like Petit Bateau, their kids pajamas are great and you'll have a much wider selection of PB clothing here than in the US.

Department store-wise, Galeries Lafayatte and Printemps are worth seeing for the interiors and the top floor views, but if you really want to shop, head to Le Bon Marche. It's a bit smaller, but less crowded and very well-curated. If I want to treat myself to something special, it's my first stop.

Another favorite is Sezane sweaters. I want them all. Yes, yes, you can order online in the US. But it's much more fun to go do a try-on at one of their stores. They have a "conciergerie" service where you can reserve items to try on in advance.

Other favorites: Ines de la Fressange, body oils and perfumes at Officine Univerelle Buly

And last, but not least, get yourself to Le Grande Epicerie right before you leave to stock up on all of the French foods you can get through customs. French sea salt, mustard, madeleines, tea, wine, etc.

Really appreciate you taking the time to write all of these tips out. If only this trip were dedicated to shopping I would have a field day! If I were to choose ONE department store to try and find things for myself and the kids, would that be Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marche?

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you to everyone for your thoughtful recs! I think I have narrowed my handbag search to a Saint Laurent crossbody, either a "camera bag" or "wallet on a chain" style. Has anyone been to that flagship store or otherwise bought at a department store? I like the idea of shopping at CDG on the way home, but it looks like they have Dior, Gucci, LV, Hermes, but not YSL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Repetto dance clothes if you have a child who dances.
Repetto flats.
Vintange items from flea markets and street sellers

Agree on Repetto shoes and flea market finds, like french earthenware/pottery

I also love Avene skincare products, you can find them in French pharmacies. The items you can purchase online in US are limited so worth a look!

Thank you! Where might I find a good flea market?

Puces Saint Ouen is the biggest and best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go to Citypharma in the 6th. It's the largest and most affordable pharmacy for skincare and haircare products and they have some English-speaking staff who can help advise you on products. Just don't go at lunch time. It will be packed. Early morning is best.

I love Christophe Robin finishing hair creme, La Roche Rosay Anthelios 50 sunscreen and Korres conditioner to name a few.

Louis Vuitton is much cheaper than in the US. But be strategic about where you buy as there can be hours long waits to get into the flagship store or the stores inside the big department stores. Try to make an appointment at a less popular store if you are serious about buying. And make sure to read up on declaring VAT to save even more.

I second the recommendation for Monoprix for affordable babies' and children's clothing. Also, if you like Petit Bateau, their kids pajamas are great and you'll have a much wider selection of PB clothing here than in the US.

Department store-wise, Galeries Lafayatte and Printemps are worth seeing for the interiors and the top floor views, but if you really want to shop, head to Le Bon Marche. It's a bit smaller, but less crowded and very well-curated. If I want to treat myself to something special, it's my first stop.

Another favorite is Sezane sweaters. I want them all. Yes, yes, you can order online in the US. But it's much more fun to go do a try-on at one of their stores. They have a "conciergerie" service where you can reserve items to try on in advance.

Other favorites: Ines de la Fressange, body oils and perfumes at Officine Univerelle Buly

And last, but not least, get yourself to Le Grande Epicerie right before you leave to stock up on all of the French foods you can get through customs. French sea salt, mustard, madeleines, tea, wine, etc.

Really appreciate you taking the time to write all of these tips out. If only this trip were dedicated to shopping I would have a field day! If I were to choose ONE department store to try and find things for myself and the kids, would that be Galeries Lafayette or Le Bon Marche?

Galeries Lafayette for the bigger variety of options. Have fun!