Fashion

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

Where to go shopping in Europe’s fashionista mecca’s.

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Two of the most fashionable European cities, Paris and London, beckon the fashion obsessed for a shopping experience unlike any other. Treating myself to a getaway in these stylish capitals, I can’t imagine a better way — or place — to shop for this season’s high-end scores. I love how fashion has infused itself into everyday city life; from amusing London museums to quaint Parisian cafés, there is a sense of fashion everywhere.

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

The joie de vivre found in Paris is especially palpable in its most fashionable districts. Paris has always been synonymous with fashion and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Staying at the Hotel Shangri-La near the Eiffel Tower leaves shopaholic travellers like me set to shop the Parisian way – after a good night’s rest.

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

The Eiffel Duplex Terrace Suite in the Shangri-La hotel, Paris

A croissant and an espresso gave me the boost I needed for a walk to the Galeries Lafayette — a department store like no other. Walking is the preferred mode of transportation in Paris, although there is a vast Metro subway system if you prefer.

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

The Moynat pop-up shop in Galeries Lafayette

On my way, I stopped by the landmark Eiffel Tower located near my hotel, which is marvelous to see (but not worth the line-up for a climb to the top — especially if you have some serious shopping to do!). Continuing on, I took in the sights and sounds of the city, with hurried traffic, little corner stores, and stylish Parisians lending to the charm of the capital.

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

The interior of Galerie Lafayette is quite a sight

From the outside, the Galeries Lafayette looks like any other mall, but inside is a true Parisian retail experience.  It’s part traditional shopping mall and part art gallery. The art gallery on the main floor, the Galerie des Galeries, features contemporary French and international art, fashion and photography. Using the gallery designs as inspiration, you can shop big-name brands like Zara and Urban Outfitters, or lesser known brands like Aime. I fell for a floral print Aime dress, on sale for just over 100 EUR.

The Fashionista’s Guide to Paris and London

Plenty of fashion to choose from at Galeries Lafayette

Sale buyers beware that some signs offer additional discounts but only for French residents – tourists are out of luck! Before leaving the Galeries Lafayette I browsed the Designer Laboratory, where each season showcases a different up-and-coming luxury designer. You’ll likely leave the department store with a few fabulous purchases — and definitely with a heightened sense of fashion.

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Avatar of Pegah Aarabi

After obtaining her Honors B.A. and postgraduate journalism degree, Pegah has written and researched for a variety of magazines and newspapers, with celebrities, fashion and travel being her topics of choice. Now settled in Toronto, she has lived in many corners of the world, including the U.S., Switzerland, and Japan. In her spare time, she divides her love unevenly between her poodle, chocolates and shopping.

    Reader Discussion: 143 Comments

    1. Avatar of Metrocazar

      This is a very good overview of shopping area’s in Paris.
      Myself, I would like to recommend “Le Bon Marché” which is a luxury department store. Also the pedestrian area near “Les Halles” is absolutely worth visiting.

      Perhaps our navigation system for the Paris metro could be useful as well. It will also guide you some other shopping areas in Paris.
      https://www.metrocazar.com/paris

    2. Avatar of Cristian

      I’d like to visit Paris again. Got to follow this guide when I have a chance.

    3. Avatar of Sue Wise

      Sue Wise

      If you’re not a fan of strolling in high heels, boots are a must here. It’s a lot more comfy but gives a fashionable vibe in every article of clothing.

      • Avatar of Melody Phelps

        Melody Phelps

        It’s a good thing that flats are fashionable now too. You can always sport them with different clothes without looking lazy.

    4. Avatar of Stacy Maldonado

      Stacy Maldonado

      The Galeries Lafayette is a nice place to shop. It has pretty much everything you need to get your fashion to the next level.

    5. Avatar of Marsha Reed

      Marsha Reed

      Walking in Paris makes you appreciate the place more. Of course in places that are further from the other, you can always use the subways.

    6. Avatar of Ellen Padilla

      Ellen Padilla

      The Ladurée tea house has a very vintage yet fresh interior that makes you feel luxurious!

      • Avatar of Myra Sullivan

        Myra Sullivan

        I love those kinds of interiors too. They look so good in pictures as well!

    7. Avatar of Kathy Beck

      Kathy Beck

      It’s true that I see a lot of people living off their coffee as they walk the streets of Paris.

    8. Avatar of Lillian Sanders

      Lillian Sanders

      I love Ladurée. Their macarons are heaven-sent! One of the best I’ve tried.

      • Avatar of Jodi Thornton

        Jodi Thornton

        Not a fan of sweet things like these but I must agree with you. It’s a nice dessert!

    9. Avatar of Meghan Medina

      Meghan Medina

      Paris sounds more appealing to me than London. Although both are amazing places, it just really depends on your preference.

    10. Avatar of Verna Clarke

      Verna Clarke

      I’m looking forward to our upcoming Paris trip. I can’t wait to go to these places listed here! Reading through this article made me feel really excited that we finally decided to book a trip to Europe. ?

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