Discount designer shopping
Anna Lowe
Popular with tourists, some designer and ready-to-wear. English speaking attendants in the store,the owner is American. If you are in this fashionable area worth a peek but some of the stock was very dated however is constantly changing and who knows what might be in store -- a little Valentino suit? Adjacent to the Bristol Hotel which is also worth a visit. Open Monday to Saturday 10am till 7pm.
Also in this area 'Annexe des createurs 19 rue Godot de Mauroy (9th).
Metro: Madeleine
www.annalowe.com
104 rue du Faubourg St. Honore, 8th
La Piscine in the Marais
Down a little laneway, this rather large store stocks good quality brands like Armani, D&G, Chloe and their own 'La Piscine' brand. Some items waving up to 70% reductions.
Tuesday to Sunday 10.30 - 7.30pm
Monday 1pm to 7.30pm
13 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, t: 01 48 87 59 24
J'y Troque dépôts-ventes
For the ultra-luxe brands, second time around clothing, bags and shoes for brands like - Comme des Garçons, Helmut Lang, Prada, Donna Karan. Open Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm. Closed weekends unless you call ahead.
7 rue Villedo, 75001, 1st t: 01 42 86 00 26
Azzedine Alais
If you're a fan of this Tunisian designer but can't quite afford the retail price tags, this store offer last season's items at around a 50-60% discount. But you still bank on around 300-400 euros for one of those figure hugging tops or dresses.
Metro: Hotel de Ville
18 rue de la Verrerie 4th, t: 01 42 72 19 19
Boulevard Victor - Mini Prix
I came across this store on my way to Paris' major exhibition halls, and while it resembles a ‘7/11’ (a late night food store) with its flashing ‘Mini-Prix’ neon sign I was surprised to find a gorgeous pair of Valentino stilettos next to some very groovy Jill Sander platforms and new designs from Burberry all in the vicinity of €150-200.
They also stock a range of designer handbags but I found the collection lacking when I visited in November 2008. There was a small selection of bags by Versace and Gianfranco Ferre. Other labels in shoes were Patrick Cox, Ororo (an elegant Italian brand), Ralph Lauren, Kontessa and Neal Alexandra.
Its not a big shop and it's literally in the middle of nowhere, there are however two other designers stores ‘on route’ which are 'OK'. However, I highly recommend this place for designer shoes, no promises, but it's only 5 metro stops away from the gorgeous shopping in the Madeleine so you can always head straight back but I’m not sure you find a pair of Valentino shoes there for less than 200 euros?
Metro: Balard
27, Blvd Victor, 15th, t: 01-48-28-42-48
Espace NGR
A real warehouse shopping experience with some 'OK' women's wear -- expect labels like Vanessa Bruno, Converse, Mango and wonderful kids clothing items by label such as Baby Dior. There is an assortment of clothing, homeware and some toiletry items. Very popular with local Parisians as they also sell furniture and linen. They have special 'ventes' each week, which usually last 2-4 days and feature different brands. If you are in Paris for any great length of time it might be worth subscribing to their site for notices. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 7pm. Metro: Chaussee La Muette
www.espace-ngr.fr
40bis, rue Boulainvilliers
Chercheminippes
Another 'dépôt-vente', you find second time around Agnes B, Vanessa Bruno and many others, but you'll also find, in the same street, children's clothes, menswear, Prêt à porter and much more.
www.chercheminippes.com
102 rue du Cherche-midi 75006 (6th) t: 01 45 44 97 96
Vintage Chanel et Hermès at Scarlett
The owner, Scarlett, knows the history of all the 'haute-couture' houses. I noted a Chanel dress (price around €800-1000), Hermès gloves (€160) and a lovely pair of Yves-Saint-Laurent shoes at €450. She now has items online.
www.luxeetvintage.24h00.fr
10 rue Clement Marto, 75008 (8th) t: