Living the fashion life in Paris
There is something to be said about “le jeune Parisienne.” Looking effortlessly chic, she projects that certain, “je ne sais quoi.” With boots, and berets (both black), and baguette in hand, the Parisienne's wardrobe, though simple, remains stylish. As a recent tourist of the “City of Light,” I had the opportunity to see the many different sections, and their associated styles of this fashion-forward city.
For the first part of my stay, I resided in the seventh arrondissement (a.k.a. neighbourhood), a short walk to the Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysée. Two of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city, the shopping and the personal style of the residents reflected this rich liefstyle.
The main shopping area, Les Champs-Élysée, is a massive and bustling street, lined with clothing stores and restaurants. While on one side of the street stood a seven-story Louis Vuitton store, the prestigious Avenue George was right around the corner.
Found only in Paris, Avenue George is a designer-shopping heaven. Though more “touristy” than the other shopping centrals, Avenue George has plenty of luxe hotels as is evident by its rich visitors' Bentleys and Ferraris bounding the street.
Another highly upscale, though less “touristy,” shopping destination is Rue de Cambon, in the first section. The original Chanel store, which is currently both a boutique and head office to lead designer Karl Lagerfeld, can be found here, along with many other luxurious favourites including: Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Prada, Balenciaga and many more. Also in the first section are some of the best vintage shops for high-end pieces in all of Paris, but don't be fooled by the word “vintage” as barely anything can be found for fewer than 400 Euros!
Granted, far less than a brand new Chanel 2.55, these shops offer mint-condition purses, jewellery, shoes and clothing. If you're looking for a more authentic vintage shopping experience in Paris however, have no fear, it does exist.
The Marais, located in the lively and trendy fourth section, is teemed with, “steals and deals.” Also the gay neighbourhood of Paris, the men and women, of these parts, are equally interested in one-of-a-kind accessories and knick-knacks. While the Marais has more home décor, cafés, bars and restaurants than clothing stores, you can find whatever it is you're looking for here, from interesting coat hangers (oversized darts drilled into the wall) to the perfect coffee table book.
After shopping in the many diverse and geographically different districts of Paris (and figuring out the French metro system to get there!), I learned a few style points from the merchandise, along with the stylish women purchasers of said items. For the typical Parisian girl, there is some sort of unwritten “uniform” law: black tights, and leather boots (preferably at least up to the knee, and in either black or brown), paired with a tunic, scarf, and a beret or loose beanie were as ubiquitous as Uggs and TNA coats in Canada. Wool pea coats or leather jackets were the usual topper options, and a minimalist approach to jewellery and accessories was the most common look. Tuck a baguette under your arm, smoke your Gauloises incessantly, have a sense of self importance, and you've got it.
For the first part of my stay, I resided in the seventh arrondissement (a.k.a. neighbourhood), a short walk to the Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysée. Two of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city, the shopping and the personal style of the residents reflected this rich liefstyle.
The main shopping area, Les Champs-Élysée, is a massive and bustling street, lined with clothing stores and restaurants. While on one side of the street stood a seven-story Louis Vuitton store, the prestigious Avenue George was right around the corner.
Found only in Paris, Avenue George is a designer-shopping heaven. Though more “touristy” than the other shopping centrals, Avenue George has plenty of luxe hotels as is evident by its rich visitors' Bentleys and Ferraris bounding the street.
Another highly upscale, though less “touristy,” shopping destination is Rue de Cambon, in the first section. The original Chanel store, which is currently both a boutique and head office to lead designer Karl Lagerfeld, can be found here, along with many other luxurious favourites including: Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Prada, Balenciaga and many more. Also in the first section are some of the best vintage shops for high-end pieces in all of Paris, but don't be fooled by the word “vintage” as barely anything can be found for fewer than 400 Euros!
Granted, far less than a brand new Chanel 2.55, these shops offer mint-condition purses, jewellery, shoes and clothing. If you're looking for a more authentic vintage shopping experience in Paris however, have no fear, it does exist.
The Marais, located in the lively and trendy fourth section, is teemed with, “steals and deals.” Also the gay neighbourhood of Paris, the men and women, of these parts, are equally interested in one-of-a-kind accessories and knick-knacks. While the Marais has more home décor, cafés, bars and restaurants than clothing stores, you can find whatever it is you're looking for here, from interesting coat hangers (oversized darts drilled into the wall) to the perfect coffee table book.
After shopping in the many diverse and geographically different districts of Paris (and figuring out the French metro system to get there!), I learned a few style points from the merchandise, along with the stylish women purchasers of said items. For the typical Parisian girl, there is some sort of unwritten “uniform” law: black tights, and leather boots (preferably at least up to the knee, and in either black or brown), paired with a tunic, scarf, and a beret or loose beanie were as ubiquitous as Uggs and TNA coats in Canada. Wool pea coats or leather jackets were the usual topper options, and a minimalist approach to jewellery and accessories was the most common look. Tuck a baguette under your arm, smoke your Gauloises incessantly, have a sense of self importance, and you've got it.
