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Nothing, but nothing, can push you into the current of Parisian life faster than a few hours of shopping. Follow the lead of locals, who slow to a crawl as their eyes lock on a tempting display. Window-shopping is one of this city's greatest spectator sports; the French call it lèche-vitrine—literally, "licking the windows"—which is fitting because many of the displays look good enough to eat.
Store owners here play to sophisticated audiences with voracious appetites for everything from spangly flagship stores to minimalist boutiques to under-the-radar spots in 19th-century glass-roofed passages. Parisians know that shopping isn't about the kill, it's about the chase: walking down cobblestone streets looking for items they didn't know they wanted, they're casual yet quick to pounce. They like being seduced by a clever display and relish the performance elements of browsing. Watching them shop can be almost as much fun as shopping yourself.
And nowhere is the infamous Parisian "attitude" more palpable than in the realm of fine shopping—the more haute the more hauteur.
Parisians are a proud bunch, and they value decorum. So dress to impress—and remember your manners. You must say bonjour upon entering a shop and merci, au revoir when leaving, even if it's to no one in particular. Think of it more as announcing your coming and going. Beyond this, protocol becomes less prescribed and more a matter of good judgment. If a salesperson is hovering, there's a reason; let him or her help you. To avoid icy stares, confidence and politeness go a long way.
As for what to buy, the sky's the limit in terms of choices. If your funds aren't limitless, however, take comfort in knowing that treasures can be found on a budget. And if you do decide to indulge, what better place to make that once-in-a-blue-moon splurge? When you get home and friends ask where you got those to-die-for shoes, with a shrug you'll casually say, "These? Oh . . . I bought them in Paris."
When Victoire de Castellane was signed to create Dior's first line of fine jewelry, she brought a big dollop of wit and panache to the venerable brand. After her romance with death heads, the young designer has returned to what she does best—utterly flamboyant gems in raucous colors, but with a new delicacy and finesse that places her designs at the pinnacle of high jewelry.
This whimsical jewelry line finally open a dedicated boutique, home to its entire cast of lovable creatures—from ghosts and jack-o-lanterns to owls and dolphins to rocket ships and PAC-MAN—all so colorful and captivating you can't stop at just one. There's also a superchic line of bracelets, necklaces, and rings, but the real showstoppers are the pins, perfect accents on anything from an evening gown to a jean jacket. This stylish boutique also stocks original artwork, ceramics, books, toys, and an irresistible line of stationery.
Irresistible is the word for this shop's scintillating collection of jewels—from an assemblage of top-echelon international designers—that ranges from the daintiest of diamond rings, bracelets, and necklaces to brilliantly colored stones in edgy settings. This spare boutique, a stone's throw from concept store Merci, may be tiny, but it's had a big impact on fashion jewelry in Paris. If you're looking for a piece to be worn every day or a statement piece that goes from day to night, this is your place. Trunk shows and openings are held at WHITE bIRD's first and larger boutique at 38 rue du Mont Thabor, just off the Rue Saint-Honoré.
With a knack for pairing gems of varying sizes, brilliance, and texture, Yves Gratas allows each stone to influence the design. Whether it's a spectacular necklace of sapphire beads to be worn long or doubled, or a simple agate sphere tipped in gold and dangling like a tiny planet, these stellar jewels feel like one organic whole.
Entering this jewelry shop is like landing in Ali Baba's cave: each piece is more gorgeous than the last, and the bounty of beautiful shapes and styles satisfies a large range of tastes (and budgets). Cabochon rings can be pebble-size or rocklike, jeweled cuffs sport diamonds in a web of gold, and simple cord-and-gem bracelets cannot fail to make a statement.
Dating back to 1803, Arthus-Bertrand has glass showcases full of designer jewelry (including medals, bracelets, rings, necklaces, pendants, and more) and many wonderful objects to celebrate all kinds of occasions.
Beautiful, affordable, wearable—these are just a few of the words that spring to mind to describe this Parisian designer's line of sumptuous creations that mix rich gold-plate with semiprecious stones—lapis, turquoise, azurite, and agate—with designs that can be both fragile and bold. These pieces for all occasions put just the right touch on any outfit. The beautiful, cozy boutique is a must-visit for lovers of unique, one-off pieces you won't find anywhere else.
Chanel Jewelry feeds off the iconic design elements of the pearl-draped designer: witness the quilting (reimagined for gold rings), camellias (now brooches), and shooting stars (used for her first jewelry collection in 1932, now appearing as diamond rings).
Just around the corner from Place Vendôme's titan jewelers, Dinh Van thumbs its nose at in-your-face opulence. The look here is refreshingly spare. Best sellers include a hammered-gold-orb necklace and leather-cord bracelets joined with geometric shapes in white or yellow gold, some with pavé diamonds.
You'd be hard pressed to find a more charming line of vibrant, adorable, colorful, and feminine costume jewelry, and everything is completely distinct and a lot of fun. This Nice-based brand's necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings mix leaves, flowers, fruit, and a colorful array of faux gemstones in fanciful bouquets. You'll also find colorful creatures, such as ladybugs, unicorns, ballerinas, bird's nests, and a couple of koala bears swinging from a golden vine among green gems. You'll get a lift just trying them on.
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