Fashion

Peggy has an exceptionally high level of class and style

These are her favorite shops in Paris

By
Peggy

After my training at the art academy, where I chose a direction that catered to my strong passion for fashion, my career began as a fashion editor for various glossy magazines. Not only did this provide the opportunity to follow the very latest trends, but also to travel to Paris each season to give my wardrobe the oh so necessary update. After all, “Fashion is my profession,” I liked to throw out as a valid excuse for my perhaps somewhat above-average purchases.

Now, a few years later and after a long career in which I said goodbye to the magazines, that passion remains unchanged. A few days of shopping in Paris, when the new collections have just arrived, is still a party that I can look forward to immensely.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring cities. Sit for an hour on a terrace, and you'll soon discover the Parisienne who always looks enviably and strikingly stylish.

I have often made the mistake – inspired by that street scene – of wanting to copy that look. It is incredibly easy to be tempted when you find yourself in the Parisian paradise full of beauty and attractive shop windows. But once back in Amsterdam, where life takes place largely by bike or on foot through the city, certain purchases, like those frivolous Pradas, turned out to have a heel that was just a bit too high. And that skirt? Stunning, but not really practical on a bike.

So imprint this – is my advice – in your mind: realize which lifestyle applies to you and adjust your personal style accordingly.

I usually start by checking everything from the relevant season for relevance and wearability. This way, I inventory what I still have and what I need. This is done critically, as I hate impulse buys. With this wish list, I can set out and preferably start my search in Paris.

A few of my favorite shopping addresses in Paris:

Le Bon Marché

If I don't have much time, Le Bon Marché is definitely the best address. Especially the selection of shoes is a reason to go. Furthermore, you will find all brands under one roof, ranging from expensive to affordable. Take your time, as it is gigantic. Besides fashion, beauty, and interior, there is an amazing supermarket on the ground floor with truly everything in the realm of culinary indulgence. I always buy my tea there in a beautiful black tin from Mariage Frères.
Le Bon Marché, 24 rue de Sèvres

Eres

Trying on swimsuits is no fun, especially when you have to sift through models that you don't know how they will react on your body. For me, that problem is solved, as I discovered the French brand Eres years ago. Great fit, fantastic quality, beautiful current colors, and always surprising designs. The brand is available in various places, but the store with the most selection can be found at rue Tronchet nr. 2.

Crimson Cashmere

Cashmere is not cheap, but always a good investment. If you also choose a model that is not too trend-sensitive, it is an investment for a long time. And I assure you: once you have felt that soft wool on your skin, you will never want anything else. The address for my sweaters and scarves is Crimson Cashmere. Beautiful basic models in perfect colors. The owner, fashion icon Linda Wright – 76 years old and still super stylish – traded her home in Texas for Paris at the end of her modeling career. There, she started a career as a fashion editor before diving into designing and selling her own collection of cashmere scarves, cardigans, and sweaters.
rue Marbeuf nr. 8

Merci

Merci is a covetous concept store in an old wallpaper factory, with a mix of fashion, furniture, and accessories. A beautiful building, located in a small courtyard, where you can browse for hours. Whether it's a few linen napkins, a cute little notebook, or a beautiful set of bed linens, I always find something.
Boulevard Beaumarchais 111

La Samaritaine

Opposite the Pont Neuf, not far from the Louvre, is the historic department store La Samaritaine. An incredibly beautiful art nouveau building from 1869. The department store was out of use for a long time until it was restored to its full glory by the fashion conglomerate LVMH. You will find all the brands and designers that LVMH represents, such as Dior, Fendi, and Céline. Even if your budget may not allow it directly, it is definitely worth a visit due to the special architecture and the enormous range of luxury brands.
9 rue de la Monnaie

The Frankie Shop

The Frankie Shop is a store that, in addition to its own collection, also has other items that perfectly combine a masculine and feminine style – the so-called modern tailoring look. In recent seasons, it has been filled with fine oversized blazers, wide trousers, and especially many timeless items. With the welcome bonus that everything is reasonably priced.
14 rue Saint-Claude

The Broken Arm

We know the concept store phenomenon from the unfortunately defunct Colette. Thank goodness The Broken Arm has managed to fill this gap. Leading designers like Prada, Alaïa, Jacquemus, and Maison Margiela – you name it, and you'll find it there. After shopping, you can relax with a coffee and croissant at the nearby café Dreamin Man.
12 rue Perrée

Have fun,
Peggy