soleseeker

This is my first post, so I hope this question isn't too trivial. I will have Monday and Tuesday on my own in Paris next week and need to prepare for cold and rain (i.e. not walk all day). I thought I might (finally) look at some interesting Paris fashions (women's). I don't have the money to buy, but I'd love to go in some small boutiques where they have well constructed, innovative and creative designs. However, I admit that I am intimidated going in someplace alone where I know I won't be buying anything. With a girlfriend, I can "browse" all day, perhaps it's easier to ignore "attitude" then.
Does anyone have suggestions of shops where I might go? Are there "dos and don't's" for browsing? Are there better resale shops (might be less intimidating)? And finally, is there such a thing as a tour of a couture house or someplace where I could actually look at the marvelous construction of these clothes?

cocofromdijon

As the sales are on now, you'll shouldn't on your own in the shops. Just follow someone to go into a shop and follow another one to get out. ;-)

cigalechanta

Hi soleseeker. I was about to post the same as dear Coco who lives in France(Dijon) but I know that shopping in Paris is not like here where we pick up the merchandise ourselves. Always ask what you'd like to see. The sale should allow you to make a purchase, I hope. Bon Voyage.

luckykat

The Marais is the best place for wandering in and out of uniqie boutiques. Rayure is a great example with beautiful shirts.

http://www.lostmyguidebook.com/france/paris-rayure

Wander down rue des Francs-Bourgeois and you'll find no end of lovely womens things.

Dave_in_Paris

"Are there "dos and don't's" for browsing?" You should say hello when you enter the shop, though sale maddness might overtake this essential ritual.

Upmarket resale shops:

La Marele, 21-25 Galerie Vivienne, 2d arrondissement.

Autour d'Elles, 20 rue des Tourelles, 4th arrondissment.

Depot-Vente de Buci-Bourbon, 4 and 6 rue Bourbon le Chateau, 6th arrondissement.

Misentroc, 63 rue Notre Dame des Champs. 6th arrondissement.

sqskybed

I go shopping twice a year in Paris, sometimes on my own, and I've never encountered problems, even not in high-end stores as Hermes and Vuitton. Especially at high-end stores they're used to (mostly) Japanese tourists. With the sale now, there will be even less attitude.
The Marais is now the place to shop, I love this neighbourhood, many small shops. I also love to shop in St. Germain-des-Pres on the left bank. You could take a look at Le Bon Marche, a great warehouse but different from Lafayette or Le Printemps. Even if you don't want to buy something, you could just go in to see the store, I think it's beautiful.

Tulips

Say bonjour to the sales person when you enter the shop. For the truly high end shops, walk down the Faubourg St Honore and the Avenue Montaigne. There's no shop that I would not dare enter, even when I'm not planning to buy, but it helps if you are dressed decently. There's a huge new Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysees that would be fun to have a look around in. For more 'boutique' kind of shops, as mentioned, the Marais and Rive Gauche.
Don't know about the weather next week, but if it's cold and sunny (as it is today here, in Belgium), you will have a great time walking around. And enjoy the sales. If you get too cold, go into one of the larger (department) stores, or the huge Sephora on Champs Elysees.
Have fun!

annhig

for browsing, IMO the big magasins like Printemps and Galleries-Lafeyettes can't be beaten. no pressure to buy, [but help if you need it] and plenty of cafes to go and sit in when the feet give out.

who knows, you might even pick up a bargain!

Cathinjoetown

old thread topped by advertiser, but annhig, I agree.

annhig

oh no, I fell for that one!

and there I was on another old thread being congratulated for spotting it.