Shopping in Paris
A weekend away in Paris for culture, sunshine, food, wine and of course......shopping! Although if I'm honest, it was mostly shopping, food and drink - in that order - with just a small side of culture. I was very much focused on where to find the gems of Parisian style. And gems I found...and now I want to share them with you!
I've always been a huge fan of the Parisian style for it's simplicity and effortless outfits. A simple midi dress worn with easy espadrilles with a mini designer bag never looked so good as it does on the streets on Paris (here's my attempt!)...
As some of you may know, the Bastille and St Martin canal areas are some of the trendiest - we're talking the Paris version of Hackney rather then Chelsea by the way! And in the summertime its a hive of super trendy, beautiful people simply hanging out looking oh so chic.
So here a few of the amazing shops I was able to seek out and check out....
The french brand SESSUN is a mix of beautiful elegantly cut dresses and separates that scream simplicity and sexy. It's got a natural boho vibe to it that comes across more through their accessories and their home wear range. Everything seems to fit true to size - which is unusual in my experience with French brands, usually they come up small - so go for your usual size.
I particularly fell in love with their shoe range. Lots of super soft suede sandals perfect for dressing up a simple outfit, not to mention the gorgeously comfy espadrilles!
SOEUR has a similar vibe to it as Sessun. Pieces are also simple and classic, nothing overly fussy or complicated - typical of the Parisian style - with a few really eclectic pieces that pop out as a fun surprise, such as the sparkly green mini skirt (also available in gold!) and the heavenly printed silk scarf - how fun is this?!
Hats off to this shop! MATIERES A REFLEXION was a real gem I stumbled upon, with the owner of the shop also being the designer and creator of all the gorgeous leather bags. This concept store is bursting with treasures, from stunning silk printed scarves to a unique jewellery,shoe and hat collection - it's impossible to leave empty handed!
I instantly fell in love with OXYDE's range of lightweight cotton dresses, jumpsuits and culottes in a fabulous range of prints. Everything is super wearable but with a quirky edge and well suited for hot, sweaty summers in the city.
JUNCO is a fabulous jewellery shop that sadly wasn't open when I happened to come across it. But I was totally enticed by the window - an eclectic and unique range of vintage inspired and boho treasures. No doubt my credit card would have taken a hit if it had been open!
And lastly, COURBETTES & GALIPETTES is small boutique stuffed with a cool mix of brands. I was particularly taken with this outfit in the widow display - great styling!
TOP TIP: Check out the shops opening and closing times online. On Sunday and Monday many of the shops either don't open or have later opening times. Also many of the smaller independent boutiques will close over lunchtime - my advice it use this time to eat and drink and people watch, comme le font les français!
Also try to time your visit with when the sales are on, like now (July), for extra thrills and bargains ;-)