You travelled a long way to Paris. You have shopping on your mind. But what to get? If you are in the City of Lights for 3 reasons: 1. To shop, 2. To eat, 3. To sightsee, let me give you a few tips for #1.
Check your local currency’s conversion but as far as I know *as of today*, Paris (well, France) still has better converted rates when it comes to buying designer merchandise. And Paris usually has everything in stock (maybe with the exception of Hermes haha). The more mainstream brands that I recommend to shop for in this French capital include Goyard, Louis Vuitton, Faure le Page, Chanel, Hermes, Roger Vivier, Moynat.
But apart from those brands plus your usual touristy souvenirs (which I had actually written about some years back on this blog), there are still quite a few things that you can get in Paris that you can’t just buy elsewhere in the world because of limited distribution. And if they are ever online and can ship worldwide, you will still end up paying more because of customs taxes and duties. So here are a few of my must- gets:
1. Walter Steiger Shoes. Located on 33 Avenue Matignon 75008. The shop is a skip away from Hotel Le Bristol on the 8th arrondissement, within walking distance from all the other major shops along Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore.
The label has been around for over 80 years, and the company has since opened Steiger Bottier, one of the only made-to-measure shoe workshops in Paris which will custom- make shoes exclusively for you.
This is as special as shoemaking goes– and I personally attest to the quality and comfort as I’ve been wearing Steiger boots
and heels for a very long time and can walk hours in them, even in uneven pavement!
Their boutique also offers a very good selection of heels and chic rubber- soled laceups and slides for extra walking comfort. They have fun ones like this (I can’t wait for this to be available as this is for next season’s collection).
Plus a noteworthy mention– bring your man along for this *haha not to pay for your purchase although that would be nice too haha* because the men’s shoe collection is really topnotch as well.
2. Celine Lefebure Bags. A newcomer in the bag industry, Celine’s bags have attracted a lot of attention and loyal customers because of their clean lines, classic styles that have been thoughtfully redesigned for today’s user, and for their friendly price points.
I can say that her Karin bucket bag is the perfect bucket bag, proportions- wise and functionality.
In today’s market where designer bags or even just bags that are very well made already cost an arm and a leg, Lefebure’s bags are a refreshing change. No big PR campaigns, just word of mouth from fans who love her bags allow her to keep her prices very reasonable, with cost wholly dedicated to finding and using only the best materials and excellent craftsmanship. Her bags are being stocked at the department store, Le Bon Marchén in the 6th arrondissement.
3. Sylvia Toledano Jewellery. 26 Rue Danielle Casanova 75001.
I love Sylvia. She is so effortlessly chic and has an amazing sense of humor and does not fail to inspire.
Her striking gold bangles and cuffs made with natural stones are my favorite. Her pieces are already carried in major department stores like Printemps and also online but I think the experience of shopping in her boutique off Place Vendome is a unique one.
She has a collection of exquisite and precious minaudieres for those special occasions.
Anyway these are some of my recommendations for today. I have to get ready for my work meeting now but I’ll be sure to add more to this list on the blog very soon 🙂
Have a great one, peeps!
x
TheBagHag