Correction: all department stores in Paris are closed on Sundays EXCEPT in December. So until XMas you can buy your heart out even on Sundays !

I like Clif shoes - they have 3 stores scattered around the Left Band (sorry, no addresses) and styles like nothing I've ever seen here in Chicago. And costume jewelry - there are dozens of little shops that sell seemingly one of a kind things... I find it helpful to have an idea of what I would like/need before I get on the plane (something like "big necklace or brooch to wear on black cashmere tunic") so I don't go hog wild. Also, there are fabulous re-sale shops scattered around town, which take a lot of time to shop, but you can find amazing things. Enjoy!

Hey Brigid -<BR><BR>Le Bon Marche, period (point final). Super stuff, and the smaller size the better(I'm an 8 US, and 4/6 EU is very very exciting, when you've got someone fussing over you).<BR><BR>Get 1 interested sales associate, and you're there.<BR><BR>Good luck and have fun!<BR>=) t

Some other suggestions:<BR><BR>There are some stores in the Marais, and Rive Gauche, most of them at Rue de Seine, Dauphine, Saint Andre des Arts and Bonaparte, that sell unique shawls, pashminas, scarves, and some other accessories, mostly made in India and Pakistan. The selection, however, is unique, and they make a plain, common black suit something different and more sophisticated. <BR><BR>There a bijoux brand called Cecile et Jeanne that has a very interesting selection. These two ladies are great designers. I bought some of their pieces to my daughters six years ago, and even today, when they wear them, everybody asks where they got those earrings, bracelet or necklace, for they are beautiful and very different.<BR><BR>Here is ( thanks, Mariacallas) teir web address:<BR><BR>http://www.viaduc-des-arts.com/fr/artisan/cecile_et_jeanne.htm<BR><BR>They have stores at the Rive Droite and Rive Gauche as well. <BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>s

I was going to add an addendum as I just read in some news today about the big dept stores being open on Sundays for Xmas shopping, but others added that; what I read was only 12/16 and 12/23, not all Dec., but who knows (those are now valid, anyway). Do try to get the visitors discount card at Printemps and GL. Now, I was going to say that sales in France are pretty regulated and they have two big ones a year (summer and winter) and the winter sale dates are scheduled for Jan 9th through Feb 16th for 2002. YOu can really get some good deals during those sales.

I am an AVID Paris shopper and I also live in NYC. I have to tell you that a lot of the stores that I shop in Paris are now in New York City - including Cecil et Jean whichi is mentioned in one of the posts. (I love that company too - I have a bunch of stuff from them).Go to Soho - you will find Ventilo, Anne Fontaine ("little white shirt store) Renata Nucci, Agnes B, Barbara Bui,Plein Sud, to name a few. Ventilo and Anne Fontaine also have uptown branches, and also uptown check out Vertigo. Of course, the atmosphere is entirely different, but the sales in NYC have already begun (what with the economy and all).

ttt for Scott

Topping for Tamy.

You said you are on a "limited budget". If this is the case, you may find the department stores mentioned in this post too expensive. I know I did. I loved many of the clothes sold there, but the prices were much too very high.<BR><BR>I suggest trying the area around Mouffetard market. I found several very affordable women's clothing stores there, some of them selling unusual styles that would be impossible to find in the USA. This is also an interesting neighborhood to explore.<BR>

My 30's professional friend likes Zara and especially Samaritane. She gets moderate priced pieces that fit her very well. She is tall and thin (how lucky). She picks up nice jackets, skirts, trousers and loves crisp white blouses. They have a very large lingerie department also.

What do you mean with "I don't shop at Banana Republic"? <BR>What's their style and what's your style?<BR>

ttt