Don't be fooled by the upscale Parisian fashionistas -- many of them are wearing designer clothing recycled from someone else's closet. That's because thrift store shopping is a hot new trend in the city of haute couture, where consignment is for many of us the 
only way to afford iconic brands. In the April issue of France Today, LA travel writer Courtney Lichterman takes us to several dépôts-ventes (resale stores), including Dépôt-Vente de Buci (for vintage clothing), 4 rue de Bourbon-le-Château, 6e, Métro: Mabillon, and Réciproque (which she describes as the granddaddy or perhaps grandmere of all such destinations), which stretches from 88 to 101 rue de la Pompe, 16e, Métro: Pompe.
On our Paris shopping adventures, my girlfriend and I also experienced serious delight in the Marais, poking around in fabric shops, redeeming bits of old lace, exotic buttons and faux fur neckpieces to freshen up our lapels and chemises. Here's a great tip: take advantage of the chic shopping tours led by seasoned insiders.
Speaking of being thrifty, here are some tips for traveling in Paris on a budget.
