I'm back! It was a wonderful trip of course - visited a lot of museums, ate fantastic chocolate/desserts/vegetarian food and walked so much my feet ached. When I was preparing for my trip, I found the following two threads very helpful:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-in-london
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....g-in-paris

My shopping time was very limited, but I did manage to squeeze some in:

Paris:

Anne Fontaine: The store in the Marais no longer exists (or at least I couldn't find it) so I ended up at the store on Rue St Honore. I tried on several fabulous blouses, but unfortunately none of them fit my body shape. I can see why Angie loves them - they were well cut, high quality fabric and innovative designs. I was a little intimidated to walk in there due to the prices but the store attendants were extremely friendly and helpful, even though I'm sure I looked less "well heeled" than their usual clientele.

Longchamps: I really loved their leather purses. In general, it was much easier to find the type of purse I prefer - minimal detailing, cross body or tote, rectangular shapes - in Parisian stores. I didn't find the right price/bag lust combination for me so no purchases here, but I will be stalking the brand in the US.

Galleries Lafayette: I didn't see anything I really loved here but that dome (photo #1) is very pretty. They had some fantastic tights (not pictured) that are unlike anything I see here.

Minelli: If I came to Paris without shoes and I needed to buy a pair that would allow me to fit in with the French women immediately, I'd go here first.

Hermes: Didn't go in here, but the window displays were amazing! (photo #2)

London:

Gap: The merchandise IS different from the US stores. Tried on several things but didn't love anything.

Reiss: Gorgeous clothing. Tried on a cape-like coat that fit well in the shoulders but smothered me in fabric. I resisted and didn't let myself try on the beautiful sleeveless blouses because I have enough.

Hobbs: I can see this being a great store for basics. The tees/knit tops were made of the sturdiest fabric I'd seen for those items in a long time. I would have bought one but the fit wasn't just quite right.

Zara: Didn't try on anything here, but again, I think the items are different from the US stores and generally higher quality.

I didn't make it to Whistles before the store closed.

Jigsaw: Here is where I hit pay dirt. I found a cropped jacket that fit beautifully but they didn't have the color I wanted. This tunic was fantastic on me but I didn't buy it because the saleslady bought out this blazer for me and I impulsively purchased it. (photo #3/4). And now, dear YLF members, I need your help. Was this a bad purchase? I'm having a case of buyer's remorse and wondering if I got caught up in the shopping frenzy. I'm not even sure how to wear a blazer.

Other purchase:

(photo #5) Red leather belt from the Xmas market in eastern France. I got to choose my buckle and they custom sized it for me. They had a beautiful purple color as well, but I felt it would be less versatile.

Hope you enjoyed my little trip account and thanks if you made it to the end!