Cheat at Shopping in Paris and Dress Like a Parisienne for Less
Fri 24 May 2013
Since the first day that I arrived in Paris, I have desperately coveted the art of dressing like the French. Believing that a chic wardrobe stocked with elegant Chloé dresses and classy Sonia Rykiel staples was way out of my price range, my shopping in Paris was limited to finding high street imitations. Little did I know, however, that all this was set to change, and that it really is possible to look like a true Parisienne, but for less!
Sandro Aztec-print shirt.
A few weeks ago I made what is possibly one of the greatest discoveries that you can make in Paris: I stumbled across a Sandro outlet store. I had always lusted after the brand’s stylish clothing but had been too put off by the price tags to actually buy anything.
One Saturday morning, as I was on one of my weekend jaunts through the Marais, I found myself on a road that I had never been down before, and, caught in the midst of a sudden downpour, I sought refuge in a nearby shop. To my delight I realized it was not only Sandro, but a Sandro with unbelievably great discounts on almost everything in the store. I was in heaven.
Sandro silk dress.
After much deliberation, I left with a couple of beautiful silk dresses that had been discounted from 170 euros to 79 euros, as well as a shirt for 50 euros with a bold Aztec print across the back and sleeves. Wrongly assuming that I was taking advantage of the January sales, I later learned that I had come across the Sandro outlet store, where you can find great savings throughout the year.
Sandro Aztec-print shirt.
All you fashionistas out there will be excited to hear that this is not the only place to bag yourself a bargain while shopping in Paris. Zadig et Voltaire, Chloé, Maje and more also have discount shops scattered across the city, and here are their coveted addresses.
Chloé
8, rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, in the 11th Arrondissement.
Synonymous with luxury prêt-à-porter clothing, Chloé is the place to head to for high-quality, off-the-rack pieces, which season after season can be seen on the streets from Saint-Germain to Hollywood. This is one of the city’s best-loved French fashion designers, so try to plan a midweek visit, or come prepared to fight for your fashion finds.
Les Petites
11, rue de Marseille, in the 10th Arrondissement.
Urban and unpretentious are two words that spring to mind at Les Petites. From classic cashmere staples to delicate silk dresses and tailored jackets, this is the perfect place to spend some time shopping in Paris and injecting your wardrobe with some enviable French chic.
Maje
44, avenue du Général Leclerc, in the 14th Arrondissement.
Sandro
26, rue de Sévigné, in the 4th Arrondissement.
For true left bank Parisian style, Sandro is the place to go. The brand has been creating chic and understated clothing since 1984 and is a constant favorite for its easy-to-wear pieces.
Sandro navy dress.
Sonia Rykiel
64, rue d’Alésia, in the 14th Arrondissement.
Famous for her fashion-forward knitwear, Sonia Rykiel is loved for her elegant and comfortable designs, which she began creating when she first became pregnant and “wanted to be the most beautiful pregnant woman. “
Zadig et Voltaire
22, rue du Bourg Tibourg, in the 4th Arrondissement.
Zadig et Voltaire has been creating ready-to-wear luxury designs since 1992, and its casual-rock style is easily recognizable.
Itching to get out there and grab some fabulous fashion finds? Don’t forget to write down the addresses before heading out for an unforgettable day of shopping in Paris!
Related Links
Chloé
Maje
Sandro
Sonia Rykiel
Zadig et Voltaire
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