Hi, I'm going to Paris in September and am on a mission to shop. Can anyone recommend any nice fashion and shoe stores. I am in my 20s and work in fashion, so am looking for something hip and funky that I can't get back home (Australia). I don't want to buy anything over the top like chanel, as I can't afford that. I'm also looking to buy a nice handbag like a balenciaga. Hope someone can help.

I bought this 2005 book and it lists quite a few boutique shops. I'm no shopper and know nothing about designers, but it looks like a good resource to start with.

http://www.dktravelogue.co.uk/destinations.html

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...ce&s=books

55 books, used and new from $4.99

Try the book called, "Where to Wear: Paris". It is available on amazon.com and is updated every year.

Just got back from Paris. The stores are having their annual "soldes" (sales) and it is too bad you will miss that. I was on a mission to buy a new purse, too, and got a great Sonia Rykiel black bag with gold studs - as the saleswoman said, "very Parisian". There are a lot of great bags there and it was difficult to make a choice!

Have fun.

Hi,
I just returned and did some major shopping also. My purse mission ended in the Louis Vuitton store where I bought 2 new styles that aren't in the States yet. Check out the resale shops - they are fun and full of great buys..A great books is - Born to Shop - Paris edition..

Hi:

Gallerie Lafayette (on Boulevard Haussmann) is a large 'touristy' mall but does have a little bit of everything and there are also a number of smaller shops in the surrounding area.

Z

Travelnut, that's a good one. I just bought mine a few weeks ago and used it for my trip last weekend.

The book comes with a password for a website that I didn't have time to really look at.

Hi, I will have a look at those books and websites. Dlejhunt, where did you get your bag from?

I logged in with the password, but could not find anything not presented in the book..so not sure of the 'benefit' there...

Really? Weren't there a few website links that seemed interesting? I took a quick look before I left but I just didn't have the time to explore more.

And now I guess I've had my Paris kick for now, so it'll probably be a while when I look at the website again.

How do you like the book so far, Travelnut? What made you buy it? It seems strong on shopping and restaurants, and you said you're no shopper.

I see that it lists Hotel Tiquetonne. Its hotel listings look pretty varied and interesting.

I'd try Dior Homme..even if you're not male, lots of female celebrities wear their pieces which are produced in TINY sizes just for that very reason. Also you might find some ultra limited edition pieces at their Rue Montaigne flagship.

I have an unfortunate 'condition' that drives me to buy multiple travel guides about Paris.
I'll have to revisit the website again, I only made a quick scan thru it as well...I liked the size of the book and the layout, with the concise synopsis of each site, shop, hotel or restaurant, and the little photo.

I've not bought any Michelin green guides, thinking about the Paris one now........

I think you'll find the most interesting shopping in boutiques in the Marais.

Well, Travelnut, you and I have the same compulsion.

I also don't have the Michelin one for Paris in particular, but I've two Michelin ones in French (one on walks in Paris and the other on day trips from Paris).

I also have the Michelin Europe guide (also in French).

My French is terrible, actually, but reading the guide books gets me to do something useful at the same time.

Do you know the StyleCity series, Travelnut?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...s&n=507846

Also interesting.

This could be a useful suggestion to the original poster also.

DaveinParis, is the Marais a shopping centre or a suburb in Paris. Sorry, I haven't been to Paris for ages.

Suki, it is an area of Paris near the modern art museum.

I really didn't find the Michelin Green Guide that good for Paris although it does have a nice walking tour of Montmarte. I wouldn't buy it for that reason.

The St. Paul Metro stop on the No. 1 line will put you within easy striking distance of the Marais. Sorry I can't name any fashion boutiques, but I think you're much more likely to find "hip and funky" clothing in little shops in that area than in the department stores. There also are shops of small designers scattered throughout the 11th arrondissement (not to be confused with the clothing wholesalers in that arroindissement on and near Boulevard Voltaire ) but the fashion boutiques are more concentrated in the Marais, I believe.

Thanks, I will go to the Marais area and the 11th arrondissement for shopping. I hope I can find some good clothing and shoes there.

Here are some Paris fashion boutiques listed by Time Out, the British guide that's good on the cutting-edge.

http://www.timeout.com/paris/shops/9.html

also from the same guide:

http://www.timeout.com/paris/shops/11.html

I'm totally into handbags and have an extensive collection.Definitely go to the Karine Dupont handbag boutique in the 6th district on the rue Cherche Midi a few steps from Poilane Bakery on the same side of the street. It's the best!Oh, stop in at Poilane Bakery and have one of those heavenly apple tarts! I've bought Dupont's handbags since around 2003. Really hip. Also go to Un Apres Midi de Chien boutique which is on the rue Etienne Marcel...when you exit the metro at Etienne Marcel(Line4) then cross the street and turn left and walk west along the street. It's about a 5-minute walk from the metro. You will pass Mandarina Duck handbag boutique..which I also love... before you get to the Un Apres Midi de Chien boutique. Google the two above handbag boutiques. They have websites. I think Karine Dupont's is just karinedupont.com. All of the above handbags are reasonably priced. I go to Paris regularly and was there in spring and bought a handbag from each of the above boutiques and the price was around 90 Euros per handbag. Happy Travels!