I did, in fact, venture out again. Back into the tourist-packed shopping wilderness. This time would be different, I told myself. I was armed with knowledge and an urgent requirement for a new handbag. I would not fail.
My first tip came from V, in my French class. She'd hated Galaries Lafayette too and recommended BHV instead. Turns out it's owned by Galaries Lafayette but seems to have fewer tourists. And fewer tourists is a major improvement. One of my favourite high end chains, Maje, has followed from Galaries but sadly no Sessun. I guess no store is perfect. And even sadder, no new bag found either...
Next, my new favourite city guide, unlike.net, recommended Merci. Merci is a non-profit grand-magasin concept store. What a department store should be but never will. Glamourous. Spacious. Filled with products that make you feel like you just saved the world with one purchase. The only disappointment is the lack of world-saving handbags.
No, my new handbag came from a gorgeous little shop in the Marais. The chic storekeeper allowed me to persist with my terrible French. The store was stocked with predominantly French and European high end ready-to wear brands like See by Chloe and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. Perfection.
My handbag and I are very happy together, thanks for asking.
