Shoes and Presents
 

Visiting Paris in about a week and read your fashion advice with interest. By now jeans and tunics must be too hot. Vanity will not permit me to show bare arms. Any suggestions? How about shoes?? Are sandals or comfortable open walking shoes appropriate (safe) in the city, museums etc.?
Gifts - What very inexpensive gifts do you find are most appreciated? How about mid-range (for me $50-$100) or am I dreaming? Any hints on shopping for wonderful handbags or plus-size clothes (probably non-existent hence the handbag question)? Shall I shop for perfume in Paris or just duty-free?
Quick question about Meds. Do I need to take the prescription bottle or can I condense them in a holder? Thanks. Lived in Europe in my 20's but haven't visited Europe as an "Active Adult" until now!

how about a light cotton or linen blouse over a cami? Or just by itself with pants or a skirt? A little tshirt that is cute with a skirt would be nice. Sandals would be nice and so would open toed walking shoes - not sure what you mean about safe.

You can buy little key chains of the E. Tower for very inexpensive gifts or little original paintings from artists on the street.

I used to buy perfume at a little store on Rue de Rivoli, down a little stairwell. Maybe someone else will know.

I would take the prescription bottle, remember what just happened to Rush? lol.

Have fun.

I understand the "safe" question. Personally I never wear open sandals, because I tend to slide out of those or lose my footing.

To me whatever shoe you wear should be comfortable and secure on your foot. Paris is a modern city but also has many quant older areas with narrow sidewalks and uneven road surfaces. Choose a shoe that won't fall off your foot or slide out from under you on uneven surfaces.

You will be walking a lot, probably more than usual unless you live in a city. Your feet will probably be very dusty by the end of the day. This dustiness might also influence your choice.

SeaUrchin has given you excellent answers to your other concerns.

I love sandals, but mine are secure and comfortable (not something I'd be sliding out of). My current pair is a 3-strap Ecco. I wore similar in Paris in summer.

A co-worker brought back little French soaps, shaped and smell like an orange in fancy wrapping. I'm sure they weren't expensive, but made a lovely gift.

If it is a controled substance (narcotic painkiller for example) I would keep the original container. But normal prescriptions you can downsize.

I agree with SeaUrchin's suggestion of a short or long sleeve light weight shirt alone or over a camisole or tank top. That and a pair of carpis work fine in hot weather.

Sephora has a shop down stairs off of Rivoli (about a block East? from the Louvre)... otherwise, in the Monoprix and small stores, mustards, honey, etc.
From any druggist (green cross) lots of lotions and potions...

I'd wear a linen over shirt and a light weight t-shirt beneath to cover my arms...and a skirt, krinkly material, I think they are cooler and more flattering than capris.

Or, it might get cool and you'd be pleased to have long trousers...

My only caution about sandals is to beware of where you step on the street: dog leavings. If you're on rough pavement the sandals could be a problem too--I like to wear good walking shoes instead for foot support.

I too worry about safe shoes on cobblestones as I once broke a bone in my foot in Czesky Krumlov. I was wearing a soft pair of Riekers and my foot twisted and snapped. It still plagues me. So now I wear more sturdy shoes while traveling. I still wear sandals, but ones like Wolky's, Avalon or SAS with good support, a heel strap or full heel and a fairly stiff sole.

And as everyone else says, a linen blouse over a camisole would be perfect.

Ha, I was thinking safe like a steeled toed work shoe! Aha, safe like so your ankle won't turn. Yes I agree a good sturdy sandal or walking shoe.

I wore sandals quite a bit during a trip to Europe. They were sturdy enough for walking many miles a day and still looked fairly cute. They were Dansko Lolitas. See here for example: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7129692/c/15689.html.

I like lightweight silk or cotton knits, and linen or rayon, for travel. Neutral colors of t-shirts, various weight and sleeve length tops, plus slacks or capri (skirts if you are a skirt-weared, I'm not).

Hi Luxing:
I've got Lolitas too but I was wondering
how they would be on cobblestones - are
they stable enough?

TIA

Hi llamalady:

The Lolitas were just fine on cobblestones. The soles are thick enough that you don't really feel the uneven pavement, and they're wide enough so they're stable and don't turn (as the clogs sometimes do).