Tips on Shopping in France

Shop Like a French!

As many of you who follow us on Facebook would know that Fabric Croissant Vintage will be travelling through France to bring you an indepth view of French Fashion and French women.
As we prepare our trip into the land of High Fashion, here we have found some pointers for all of you looking to travel to France, on how the locals shop (not you);
There are 2 major Sales reasons in France, one in summer and the other shortly after Christmas. Lucky enough, we arrive in Paris just in time for their Summer Sale. Viola!

Two major words you should familiarise yourself with "Promotion" meaning deal and "Soldes Exceptionnels" meaning Exceptional Sales.

Tips and Tricks:
When practically everything goes on sale during the Sales season in France; ranging from shoes to kitchenware, most Parisians set out to make a steal. If you ever wonder how Parisians manage to afford their impeccable style, now you know. Some items can get marked down to as high as 90%, so you really have to shop smart.

- Catch the worm by arriving early. Most Parisians get ready for the sales the day before by roaming through the capital in search of hot items and occupying fitting rooms, trying on their favourable pieces ahead of time. SMART!
Arrive early on the day of the sale knowing exactly what to buy, so it's a quick duck to the rack and counter, then moving on.

- Avoid the frenzy and being pushed around; the best time to hit the 'Soldes' is during the week, early in the morning or during lunch time. Do be aware though, many Parisians take a day off for this personal affair, so do not be surprised at how full stores can get even during the week.

- Dress lightly and comfortably is the trick of the trade. Avoid endless laces or buttons and wear comfortable shoes. It may be a few miles before you find your dream items, so you may as well put on a good pair of walking shoes for this mini-marathon.

Parisians uses the 'Soldes' as an opportunity to spoil themselves. Indulge in clothes, beauty products or items where one would not be able to afford at retail prices.
Some hotspots for deals can be found at Galeries Lafayettes or Le Bon Marche. Smaller boutiques and designer shops are Les Halles and Marais District.

- For the best bargains and the best value for purchase, most Parisians wait until the midpoint of the sales season where usually you'd find the second price-mark down. Though, size and style are the compromise for price.

- Shop around and compare prices. Don't forget most sales cannot be returned.

- Can't make it to Paris like the lucky Crew at Fabric Croissant Vintage, try buying them online. Many top Paris stores including Galeries Lafayette have online stores offering sale items. Just keep in mind, not all French stores offer international shipping. Check their terms and conditions before you get too excited. If you are not too daunted by the French, or let google translator bother you too much, you can try navigate through websites like 1000 Bonne Affaires and I'internaute, these sites provide a quick overview of the best 'Soldes' in Paris.