https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:22:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy/page/2#post-511877 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:32:53 +0000 Sheila 511877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, such great ideas from everyone! I wish I liked wearing silk scarves better...that would make Hermes a great choice. Honestly I only wear scarves in the autumn and winter months, so have been building up my wool challis scarf collection instead because they provide a nice layer of warmth in these cold months.</p> <p>My shape is more of an hourglass than the typical French woman, I believe, so a beautiful blouse is probably not a possibility. I will hold all of your suggestions close to my heart and do diligence online as much as possible. Thanks so much to each of you who contributed to the wealth of wisdom on this post. I just loved reading your responses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy/page/2#post-511407 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:37:01 +0000 maharani 511407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A couple of pointers re fit, as several posters mentioned it. When I lived in France, in my 20s I was a size 10-12 and had no problems finding clothes that fit, though this was in the early 80s when you didnt necessarily need to be super skinny. I was also brought up in the UK. I am now an American size 14, hopefully getting back to a 12. However, I had no problem with agnes b when I was in London 2 months ago and bought a jacket (designer's size 4). While I had read agnes b has a rep for sizing small, I didnt find that to be the case-a lot of dresses, jackets, and tops in the store fit me fine. I could have bought a lot more than I did. Eric Bompard large fits me beautifully. I think most Americans who are not plus sizes should be OK. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy/page/2#post-511238 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:41:51 +0000 Debora 511238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We traveled to Paris several times when we were stationed overseas. I have a print from the Musee d'Orsay that we framed and have hanging in our dining room. It's a wonderful reminder of a Mother's Day weekend spent in Paris. I also have a blue and white plate displayed in my kitchen that I picked up at a flea market. I'm pretty sure I messed up with my currency conversion when I bought it and didn't get the bargain that I thought I was getting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511194 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:11:36 +0000 Jenava 511194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, French antiques! I might also look at Hermes for a scarf, although I can buy those here, so it would really just be sentimental... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511105 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:12:17 +0000 nancylee 511105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These days probably some artwork, or something unique from a flea market. On my very first trip to Paris (in my twenties) I remember I bought a fun blouse and a pair of velvet loafers. I felt very Euro walking around in my purchases! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511098 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:06:03 +0000 Transcona Shannon 511098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anything... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511092 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:58:42 +0000 Lantana 511092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just dreaming of Paris... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511061 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:21:31 +0000 Angie 511061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bring back an artwork for your home. Off to le Marais and il de Cite you go </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511059 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:15:31 +0000 Girl X 511059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel - I think you mean Bonjour! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511055 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:06:14 +0000 sarah 511055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>bread, cheese, and wine.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-511047 Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:49:55 +0000 MsMaven 511047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On my first and only trip to Paris a couple of decades ago I found that French sizes were not proportioned for my tall American body. I did buy two designer scarves which I used for many years, and an inexpensive belt that wasn't too practical. </p> <p>I bought two Michaela Frey bracelets--I just got them out the other day because it dawned on me they would look great for an upcoming trip. Alas, the wider one won't go over my one enlarged knuckle--I've got a hand bunion! I can wear it on my other hand though. I think I bought a couple of cheap costume bracelets too. </p> <p>Dior had just come out with their Poison perfume and I bought a bottle of that--it was all the rage for a couple of years. I loved it then, but now it is too strong for my tastes.</p> <p>I would shop for scarves again, as well as bags and even belts. I would look at jewelry and love to look at Cartier. (A new Cartier store just opened in our local mall though--kind of kills the mystique. I don't know if they carry the same goods.) I do have one of those less expensive tank watches that I bought in the US 10-12 years ago and still wear all the time.</p> <p>I'd make sure I have time and money for visiting Chanel. </p> <p>The cashmere sounds great--I'd look at that. I might be going to Paris for a few days next summer, so will be interested to follow your journey, Sheila. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510998 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:51:23 +0000 Anonymous 510998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sheila, how lovely to be planning another trip to Paris! I'd love to see the cotton/wool scarves you bought there. Are they too dressy to wear much, is that why you don't reach for them? </p> <p>I think I would look for something from a street vendor that looked distinctly *not from the US* maybe a straw bag, a bangle or a scarf. I'd love to buy a plain neutral leather bag, but I'm sure they wouldn't be cheap. A pair of shoes would be wonderful, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510949 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 23:18:54 +0000 Isabel 510949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alicat, ROLF !!!! </p> <p>I don't know.....the first thing that popped to mind was Missonni ! Can you imagine, I walk into a French shop and say , " Au revoir, I want something really French..like that Missonni scarf ! " OMG !</p> <p>So I guess I need to go to Italy.</p> <p>I think that I would splurge on a Hermés scarf...though you can get those here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510923 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:47:57 +0000 Heather 510923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hermes, SVP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510839 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 21:05:57 +0000 rachylou 510839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, first off, a tacky bell. I have a tacky bell collection. I used to buy soooo many souvenirs, I couldn't carry all the luggage I ended up with. Now I just buy one tacky bell with the name of the place I visited, and leave it at that.</p> <p>Ok, beyond souvenirs... and since I've been to Paris... I think I'd go check out all the shops in Ines De La Fressange's book. I'm still hung up on a certain pair of flat hoop earrings with horizontal bars. Also, I really want one of those divan's from Caravane. Finally, I need a new boat shirt, navy/white stripe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510831 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:56:41 +0000 lyn* 510831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I must say I'm roundly jealous - haven't set foot in Europe yet :)</p> <p>I'd probably buy food. Nomnomnom.... :p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510800 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:43:59 +0000 maharani 510800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Becstar re Ines de la F's book and meant to suggest roger vivier flats. I lived in France for 2 years and enjoyed reading their fashion mags and found/find them very helpful even today. I have also found French sales assistants in good shops to be more knowledgable and sensible than the ones here, and less likely to want to just make a sale. Often, their opinions on what might suit are well worth soliciting. Femme Majuscule ("Woman, in caps") seems worth looking at, but also French Vogue etc. I lived in France in my 20s and shopping there helped me build self confidence and define my style in a way living in the UK never did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510795 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000 becstar 510795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Isis - Ines de la Fressange has the best tips on Paris shopping. She does great little vlogs at rogervivier.com - in 'Les Carnets d'Ines' Personally I go to France a lot for work, but don't have a big shopping budget so I shop in the chain stores and outlets. I always buy french fashion magazines, I look in 'La City' and '1,2,3' for cheaper workwear, Petit Bateau for plain Tshirts and I always seem to get a couple of amazing bargains in 'Promod'. But if I had the money I'd be in Anne Fontaine for shirts definitely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510778 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:59:13 +0000 Girl X 510778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We were in Paris last year and I barely bought anything. Most of the big ticket clothing/accessory items I was interested in, I realised I could buy in the US/online - and often cheaper! - so I backed away from those. Instead I picked up a few items from independent boutiques, places where you could chat with the designer(s) and sometimes peek in the backroom/studio and see where they actually made stuff.</p> <p>Though, when we travel it's always less about the shopping and way more about the food!</p> <p>Okay that doesn't answer your question at all - alright, if I wanted a great wearable memory of Paris, I'd probably want to invest in something that's going to last, and that I could wear with many outfits. I'd probably go for a really stand out purse (something that garners a lot of attention so there would be a lot of 'oooh where did you get that?' questions, which of course you answer with a toss of the hair 'I was just in Paris.'). I think something like that could be found in any price range. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510747 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:56:53 +0000 Mia 510747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a Sobral resin bracelet at their little shop on Ile de St Louis. Affordable and easy to pack. Brings a smile to my face every time I wear it or look at it.<br /> Wish I bought a pair of Repetto ballet flats from the huge selection at Galeries Lafayette but spent all my time picking out baby things for my niece from the most beautiful array<br /> I'd ever seen. Window shopping alone was a joy, the man sweeping the window at Dior winked at me! Sometimes memories last the longest n'est pas? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510744 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:55:11 +0000 Isis 510744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The book club selection from last month, Parisian Chic, has a LOT of information about Parisian shops! Half the book is about shopping (and hotels and cafes!) Check it out and shop like Innes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510732 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:43:10 +0000 maharani 510732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is an unusual idea. If you sew or are in a position to have your clothes custom made, look into French silk chiffon. I say this because, being Indian, despite wearing western clothes all day, I wear saris for pm and fancy events. For many years, my mother would go to Paris to buy sari lengths in silk chiffon, because of its high quality and the fact that it was the correct WIDTH (waist to floor)-and have them embroidered and finished in India. I now have them, and with a string of pearls, heels, and a clutch they were and remain incredibly chic. They were popularized by the Maharani of Cooch Behar, a very great beauty and the epitome of chic (MY fashion inspiration actually). My favorite is a pure black silk chiffon stamped all over with tiny silver dots-the stamping work was done in India. I have the same in white. In drapes superbly, weighs nothing and is still chic after 20 years. I vary my blouses in style, but keep them understated as the sari is so elegant-the fabric came from Paris. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510726 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:38:27 +0000 missvee 510726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarf for sure (Hermes if budget allows), and shoes, and lingerie (for a treat!), and maybe a fun top or sweater from one of the smaller boutiques. If you haven't already done so, check out the book Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange that was reviewed here recently. Quite a big chunk of the book is devoted to shopping and she lists specific stores that she really likes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510683 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:45:26 +0000 Anonymous 510683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We were in Paris in the fall of 2010. All I bought was some Nuxe lip balm for me and a box of macarons for my mom.</p> <p>I ventured into a few clothing stores and felt like a gigantic massive American. </p> <p>The most fun money we spent was on a bike tour! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510672 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:34:53 +0000 Sylvie 510672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just came back from Paris and all I bought was Laduree Macaroons and Pâtes de Fruits.</p> <p>If you're curious, <a HREF="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/parislondon-trip-report">here is my shopping trip report</a>.</p> <p>If I had the right sort of budget and I found the perfect pieces:</p> <p>Anne Fontaine blouse<br /> Hermes scarf<br /> Longchamps bag </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510671 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:34:35 +0000 Mo 510671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first thought was wine I don't dream large, clothing wise, so I honestly have no idea what Paris has to offer. My first hearing of the name Anne Fountaine was here through Angie. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose!</p> <p>Oh, wait, there was some mod Paris designer who only had boutiques there that I really really liked - Tom something? Anyway, I'd pop into his store if I could remember who he was lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510670 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:33:57 +0000 Laurinda 510670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd poke about flea markets or second hand stores for something I would not be able to find online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510667 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:29:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 510667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would actually shop for antiques, not clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510659 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:21:45 +0000 maharani 510659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Marais has a lot of nice antique stores. In 1994, I bought a set of solid silver espresso spoons in a shop in the Marais that specialized in dinner ware, often old hotel silver, which I use daily. They were a good price and obviously easy to pack. They arent fashion accessories, but when I use them I think of Paris. </p> <p>I would suggest you do some googling and decide what designers you like, and then visit them. Speaking French helps as does doing your research, being knowledgeable, and knowing what you want. My friends went to Guerlain for me to buy perfume and said the sales assistants were slightly cool until they produced the list I provided, at which point they knew my GFs were serious shoppers. They were happy to talk to serious perfumistas who knew the line and were incredibly obliging. I have always loved the Guerlain store on the Champs Elysees-it is gorgeous and a fine shopping experience can be had there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-went-to-paris-what-would-you-buy#post-510611 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:02:36 +0000 maharani 510611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I concur about Longchamp bags...... Maybe a Vuitton or Hermes bag, though I dont much care for Vuitton actually, but splashing out on a bag would be well worth it. If you are short on luggage, a clutch might be worth it. Cashmere shawls-the cashmere is just better in Europe. </p>