PetiteBrigitte

From average tourists to the authentic fashion set, no one can walk down rue Saint Honoré without being drawn into Colette. Call it a concept store, a lifestyle boutique, a mini-Barney’s, it is simply the crème de la crème of style, design, art, and food (yes, the downstairs is fine/fast dining). The ground floor is buzzing with a crowd of people gazing in cases full of cutting-edge gadgets and accessories. Lined up against a wall are dozens of trendy CD’s, including Karl Lagerfeld’s new compilation of preferred tracks. It is the only store in Paris to carry Bumble & Bumble hair products, and certain exclusive perfumes.

The crowd’s thin out as you reach the upper levels—call it survival of the fittest—because only the financially fit can flex their muscles against the bevy of couture. Each season the style team at Colette travels the fashion circuit picking up the “best of ” to display on mannequins positioned on the floor. Adorned in YSL, McQueen, and Comme des Garcons, these mannequins are styled to the hilt, and in case they don’t prompt you in the right direction, a team of personal stylists are also at your command. As to be expected of such a chic hangout, Collette’s website also is a stunner—and online shopping can get you in on the action sans voyage. www.colette.fr

Forget the Louvre. The true masterpieces of Paris lie in a vintage store. Tucked away on an unlikely and charming street near the Marché Saint Germain, Catherine’s commands three storefronts of one of the most stunning vintage collections in Europe. Upon entry, fashion connoisseurs risk heart palpitations, hot flashes, and the overwhelming urge to max-out credit cards. The store, which specializes exclusively in Hermes and Chanel, boasts shelves upon shelves of Birkin and Kelly bags in perfect condition (waiting lists for the new ones are running around three years at the Paris Hermes), piles of Hermes scarves, one-of-a-kind Chanel blazers, and brilliant costume jewelry. The selections span decades of design, are in perfect condition, and include nearly all sizes. When asked how the store obtains such a caliber of vintage, the salesperson (with typical French indifference) replied, “Mademoiselle, the ladies of Paris come to me.” Most surprising of all, Catherine’s is so out of the tourist spotlight that you are likely to have the whole store to yourself. Magnifique!

Note to self: Paris isn’t all about shopping. It’s also about romance, lazy afternoons in cafés, and excessive wine consumption. Instead of spending all day boutique-hopping, give your feet a rest and hit the one place that has it all: Bon Marché. Don’t waste your time on other department stores—Bon Marché is Parisian elegance at its finest. The French consider it a Paris institution. On the ground floor, be sure to stock up on bargain-priced French cosmetics like Guerlain and Sisley. Fashions are on the premier étage, and include your favorites labels and then some—Paul & Joe, Marni, Lacroix, Balenciaga, Rykiel, Chloé, Lanvin. Celebrating her tenth anniversary this year, don’t miss Vanessa Bruno’s classically modern collection…her clothes won’t break the bank, and will take you from café to club better than most. Trying to stay on a budget? A secret passageway on the first floor will take you across the street to a less expensive but equally promising annex full of labels like Zadig & Voltaire, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Paul & Joe Sister, Maje, Kookai, and even Vanessa Bruno’s Athé collection. This is also the side of Bon Marché to have a refreshing lunch at La Grande Epicerie (best grocery store in France). While reviewing all the collections could take a whole afternoon, be sure to make time for the top floor’s home department.