Strong Fashion, Weak Dollars: Shopping in Paris

Oh, Monoprix. One stylish friend says she shops here, at the French answer to Target, for scarves and accessories. Another buys knits and linen summer dresses. The beauty … of Monoprix is that you can accomplish all of your errands under one roof (though no longer for "one price": that hasn't been the case since the store opened in the 1930s): from groceries to beauty products to socks to underwear, all at very basic prices. All hail the mighty Monoprix. Locations around Paris. [link]

The French answer to Nine West features on-trend, fairly affordable footwear (from €60-€100). Regularly featured in French Elle and Glamour, with a flagship store … in Saint-Germain. For spring and summer, their flat sandals and leather tongs are perfect; in the fall and winter they do a mean high-heeled boot. If you don't find the perfect pair at Jonak, try André, a similarly priced chain with more colorful options. [link]

This Franco-British retailer includes a large array of super-cheap items that are designed for variety rather than longevity -- clothes, PJs, underwear sets, bathing … suits and espadrilles. The quality is so-so, but how long do you need a bra to last, anyway? Numerous stores around Paris, but the rue de Rivoli location is the largest and has the best selection. [link]

A flea market with the emphasis on "flea," this is also the place to find the best deals on one-of-a-kind vintage clothing. A British friend with more style in her … pinkie than in Anna Wintour's whole wardrobe assures us this "is where it is at, vintage bargains starting at €1, great finds to be had if you're willing to rummage!" (photo) [link]

If Claudie Pierlot and Maje are your style but currently out of your budget, you would do well to check out this adorable little boutique. Here you can find very cute … tops and dresses for €26 to €60: to the eyes of this semi-expert, they seem well-made indeed. Look in particular for the up-and-coming Danish label Vero Moda, which easily takes up a third of the store's offerings. They also stock the kind of little accessories -- pochettes, scarves, belts -- that will update or transform what's already in your wardrobe. [link]

With labels like Antik Batik, Et Vous, Comptoir des Cotonniers, this is the place to find your favorite Frenchie labels marked down to outlet prices. And following the … fantastic new tradition whereby an established designer does a "diffusion" line for a budget retailer, La Redoute also features collections by Christian Lacroix. Other locations are around Paris and online (there's even an American internet outpost). Online offerings extend to household items, bedding, beauty supplies, and appliances. [link]

At the stock outlet of Cacharel down in Montparnasse, you'll find this upscale prêt-à-porter label for low-rent prices. Downstairs is menswear, where polos ring up at … €39, tailored shirts at €60, and full suits at €145. Upstairs is the womens' department, with floaty skirts, tops, and dresses in dreamy colors on offer for €60-€145. Frequent sales and reductions make this a must stop on your reduced-rate Paris itinerary; the numerous other stock outlets in the neighborhood increase your chances of scoring a deal. [link]