HOW TO SHOP LIKE A FRENCH GIRL

We can all learn how to shop from the French 

I spend a large part of my year visiting France and I love to steal a few hours away from my family to shop in the local boutiques.  I always find pieces that are unique and of such great quality that I wear them year after year.  That’s exactly what the French do too, investing in pieces that are thought out and not rushing into random impulsive purchases and being a slave to the latest fast fashion trends.

So where do these beautifully dressed French women shop?  I have asked around and here are some brands you may not be familiar with but are totally worth checking out.  They all deliver abroad and if you need any help choosing, you can always get in touch with me for styling advice….

 

    Maliparmi

    The brand with the most beautiful prints and happy colours that are timeless and fun.  I love this mis-matched shorts and shirt combo from their Spring / Summer  2019 collection.  The yellow detail against the grey print is fab together, so chic for lunch in the sunshine.

    Vanessa Bruno

    Just looking at their customizable totes will make you excited to keep clicking on the rest of their website. Note their bags make great gifts!   This brand is known for its amazing bags but their clothing range is also just as exciting.  Many lines are just as edgy and cool as brands such as Zadig with great florals, boho dresses, shirts and knits .  Many of the shapes used by this brand are super flattering such as their wrap shorts and skirts.  Worth a look if you fancy something different and they have a great sale on!

    Barbara Bui

    More high end glam French girl (see right).  Using beautiful fabrics her collection is edgy and cool yet simple, any of her pieces would be an investment worth making.  How amazing is this red knife pleated skirt with a velvet / tweed mix jacket and striped scarf, sounds unusual but it works and looks brilliant.  I would totally wear these items and they would all mix great into any wardrobe.

    Sezane

    Ok so this is becoming less of a secret especially with their first store opening in London recently.  If you follow me on Instagram you will know I love this brand and have personally bought a number of items for summer from them.  The quality is fantastic and I love their dreamy designs which are simple and feminine.  My fave item of the season is a pair of thick cotton/linen shorts (see right) with a cute bow tie, I have worn these both in the day and at night and the cut is ultra flattering mainly due to the quality of the thick cotton.

    APM Monaco

    This is a great jewellery brand that’s super affordable with beautiful pieces that look very high end.  I love my cute mis-matched star earrings bought recently in Saint Tropez, they are perfect for beach and summer outfits.  Its easy to walk past the window of this store thinking its super high end and expensive, however step inside and look closely at the prices and you will be surprised to find many items within reach.  I love these cute star earrings with a drop on one side, just a bit different and edgy.  They did loads of layering and mis-matched pieces and fun items such as a cute dinosaur earring my friend bought. I am pleased to realise they have concessions Harvey Nics and other places around the world and they also ship across the EU and Interenationally making it easy to shop here more regularly!

    A.P.C.

    Known by denim enthusiasts for its great cuts and quality fabrics.  APC clothing is simple and clean, preppy and grown up.  I love the simplicity of this look, clean, cool and smart.   A timeless brand worth investing in.

    This is just a sample of the gorgeous brands much loved by the French, however something you cannot do online is to potter around the unique little french markets which scatter France’s villages and towns throughout the year.  My favourite being in Valbonne each Friday, a beautiful town in Southern France, just 20 minutes from Nice and Cannes.

    I discovered a cute brand here called Beautiful Day and bought this pretty cotton wrap dress which I have worn all summer, they also ship so do check them out online or on Instagram.

     

    I love trying new brands but I do recognise how easy it is to get stuck in a rut and always go back to the same old places for clothes, online and in store.  I love showing my personal shopping clients that by trying new looks and brands that they too will find new flattering pieces that they will wear for more than one season.  

    If you need help shopping at any of these stores online, please get in touch,  I’d love to hear from you! Click here