Paris: Where to Shop [III]

One post couldn't begin to cover all of the wonderful places to shop in Paris. Voici la deuxième partie de la liste...

When in Paris, you must also shop at...

Perle Noire - 40, rue Dauphine      (M) Odéon

This one-room boutique exudes Parisian charm. From the hardwood floors to the high bun and cat's eye glasses on the shopkeeper, Perle Noire is everything you imagine a high-end French shop to be. The hanging racks showcase unique pieces, from dresses to layered tops. There are a few pairs of Repetto shoes in the front window, too.

Pimkie - Eight locations in Paris

As far as low-end chain stores are concerned, Pimkie is at the bottom of the barrel, just steps above the likes of Jennyfer and Sympa. (You will see these stores around Paris; unless you like digging through bins of loose underwear, I suggest avoiding them.) At sale time, their prices can dip as low as 2€. But don't write the store off based on their tawdry window displays. Pimkie makes great basics, and you really can't argue with prices that are under 10€.

Promod - Seventeen locations in Paris

This is another great place to find inexpensive basics. Promod is higher on the fashion food chain than Pimkie, but their clothes are trendy and extremely affordable. If you find something you really love, splurge and buy two- given the level of quality here, there isn't really a guarantee of how long it will last.

Solola - Three locations in Paris

The whimsy behind this brand is perfectly showcased in their logo; a cat playing with a ball of string. Solola is, in its own words, ethnic casual. If you're wondering where Parisian girls get their fabulous patterned skirts (like the ones Juliette Binoche's character Vianne wore so well in the movie Chocolat) this store is the answer. Be sure to stop in if your travels include a stop in on the Côte d'Azur- Solola sundresses are to die for.

Ted Baker - 20, rue des Francs Bourgeois       (M) Saint-Paul

Although Ted Baker is a decidedly English label, the boutique has carved out a happy home for itself in Le Marais. There are two full storeys of the patterned dresses and outlandish ties that the label has become known for... and you're almost better off shopping in France, since the Euro is still weaker than the Pound. If you're lucky enough to be in France during sale time, there are some truly amazing deals to be had.

Vanessa Bruno - Three locations in Paris

This Parisienne designer, a native of the city who still lives in Le Marais, is a favourite among France's- and the world's- most stylish women. She designs most, if not all, of Feist's clothing for her tours and public events. If that kind of prestige seems a bit steep for your budget, check out Mademoiselle Bruno's secondary line, Athé. The collection is sticks to the same lovely, neutral palette and relaxed styles, but is far more wallet friendly than its sister line.

Zadig et Voltaire - Seventeen locations in Paris

For every girl who dreamed of being French and a rock star, there is Zadig et Voltaire. Skulls, studs and wings emblazon their collections. The line is heavy on sweaters (many of them cashmere) with a strong focus on layering. Don't miss the accessories table, though- Z-e-V's handbags not only look beautiful and come in the season's most stylish colours, they are made of the softest, most pliable leather imaginable. The shoes are pretty fantastic, too- there was a pair of glittery blue flats I'm still kicking myself for not buying.

Zara - Twenty locations in Paris

Chances are there's a Zara where you live, so you might be wondering how this store made the list. For one (and for me this is a major one), Zara stores in France are kept clean, whereas every North American Zara I have entered has borne more resemblance to the aftermath of a tornado than a clothing store. For two, the selection is different... it turns out that many of Zara's best items never make it across the Atlantic.

When in Paris, you may also want to stop in at...

Bershka... for inexpensive, trendy pieces.

Camaïeu... for chic, classic basics.

Naf-Naf... for perfectly elegant Parisian styles.

Sinequanone... for edgy workwear.

United Colours of Benetton... for one of those United Colours of Benetton t-shirts that every teenager brings back from Europe.