This is a budget-challenging year in Paris, but, dears, there are lots of fashion bargains. Chic-chic Paris is much more affordable than its buzz. Everyone notices these distinctive finds, and it's always such fun to say, "Oh, I got this in Paris..."
- Jackets: I'm hooked on Eva Tralala boiled wool jackets. The price
point is amazing (several styles under $100). They're warm but not bulky, versatile and easy to pack.
Each trip I make a beeline to Nina Jacob, 23 rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the 4th (Marais), to check out the latest collection.
- Pashminas: I am constantly complimented on the pashminas I have bought in or near a Metro station, in a stall along the street and, most recently, from a sidewalk vendor right outside Printemps, one of the city's signature department stores. I took advantage of a "three-for" special and paid about $10 each for three colorful patterned pashminas (in rayon and wool) that always draw attention. They're eye-catching and distinctive and dress up any outfit, especially the basic black that is my default travel wardrobe. Inside Printemps, I bought a new Longchamp bag, the folding pocketbook in multiple sizes and colors.
- Jewelry: Go for the strands. Long, short, multiple chains around the neck -- pearls, semi-precious stones and metallic loops are big. You'll find terrific deals all over town, you just have to get out and browse. My recent finds occurred in the Marais and along the rue Saint Louis en l'Ile on the exclusive Ile St-Louis, where you should pop into these shops -- Natacha Bijoux (#54)(#52), Sarl Thelma (#75) and Le Grain de Sable (#79 -- which also specializes in hats and handbags). On a previous visit, I chronicled the jewelry and accessories shops on "Le Mouffe" (Rue Mouffetard) and nearby Left Bank environs.
- Scarves: In Paris, you always need them -- for warmth at the neck or an extra layer over a coat in winter and as a casual or dressy accessory year-round. Parisians wear them with a je ne sais quoi effortless style, but they are always intentional -- wrapped around the neck a couple of times, knotted or with the ends quickly looped through one time to keep them from flying off. Back in the US, I unfold them for wraps on a summer night and neckwear to keep out the damp when it's cooler. Some also double as pashminas (see above). Here's a store with hundreds of options in various fabrics, colors and patterns -- Diwali at 52, rue Saint Louis en l'ile, with four other locations -- 47/49, rue Mouffetard; 7, rue de la Huchette (5th); 40, rue Saint Andre des Arts (6th), and 5, rue Norvins (18th). A dressier collection is found at Yamina Sarl, 56 rue St-Louis en l'Ile on the Ile St-Louis.
- Village St. Paul: Several shops clustered in the Marais are also favorite destinations, starting with gifts and accessories at the very friendly Patch World, 7 rue Saint Paul, bordering the historic and artsy Village St. Paul. At Patch World I picked up a couple of high-tech acrylic necklaces and a low-tech tin vase cover. Across the street at Miravidi (16, rue St Paul) is a stunning jewelry selection in acrylic, plexiglas, mother-of-pearl and Swarovski crystal. The enclosed St. Paul "village" is also an eclectic destination for antiques and artisans.
