Paris – the centre of fashion and the home of Haute Couture so as part of our recent trip we had to check out what the vintage shops had to offer.
With the help of my vintage guide book (they are quite a few on Amazon so check them out) and our map of Paris – hubby and I ventured out to see what we could find.
Many of the shops are not in the normal tourist areas so quite a lot of seeking out and map reading skills were required!!!
Our first stop was Palais Royal – a covered shopping walk way around a beautiful garden with fountain and flowers – here we discovered Didier Ludot, who deals in vintage Haute Couture – stunning gowns, brocade fabrics, among Chanel Suits and Hermes bags – way out of my price range but it was fabulous to drool.
Vintage to die for!!!
The next shop on my list was Mamz’Elle Swing – full of fabulous 40’s and 50’s gems in a bright pink shop pumping out swing and R&B music. The owner was lovely bringing out more and more things for me to try and had such a passion for her vintage it was a joy to shop there. I was hot trying things on but I eventually chose – a beautiful print 40’s dress and the cutest little hat complete with veil and flowers.
Mamz’elle Swing outside her bright shop.
Inside the wonderful clothes and painted walls.
The following day – we hit a completely different area of Paris – 18th arrondissement – Montmartre, the old red light district full of quirky shops and bars. Fuelled by an espresso we headed of in search of more vintage treasures.
Our first stop was not in my guide book but we stumbled across it by accident no 86 Boulevard de Rochechouart which again was packed with a mixture from all eras but I found another stunning 40’s dress ( no doubt all the purchases will feature in up and coming outfit posts very soon).
One of the shops that I did want to visit was Mamie – which was packed from floor to ceiling with everything from hats to sunglasses, jewellery to shoes, men’s and women’s vintage everywhere!!
No purchases for me this time – but the hubby bought a very smart 40’s blazer and an original 1940’s Hawaiian shirt.
Almost next door was their sister shop Mamie Blue – Bridgette was adorable and has a passion for all things 30’s and 40’s, with a vast knowledge of her collections. We spent ages chatting – in a mixture of my bad French and her much better English. She brought out a divine 1930s’ straw hat from the back of the shop – one she was possibly saving for herself but let me buy it!!!
Mamie Blue!!
We loved discovering fabulous vintage in the streets of Paris, chatting and sharing our passion with the lovely shop owners and bringing home a little bit of vintage French style!!!
