Reflections: Another Low-Buy Year in Paris
I wanted to update my readers on how I’m faring with not doing much shopping whilst living in my dream city with arguably the best shopping on the planet. The first edition of this mini-series is here, where I discuss my first year in Paris in regards to shopping.
In general, it’s been another low-buy last 18m in Paris and in Texas when we visited. My sister bought me the coolest Frame stretchy wide leg denim from TJ Maxx on clearance for $48 - a literal steal. I have had a blast styling these and they look great with my cowboy boots!
My husband has also discovered great secondhand and vintage shopping through French auction sites - the audience is much lower than big global marketplaces like eBay and Vinted, so there are great deals to be had. If you are interested in detailed info on this process, email me here.
A category I love is outerwear and jacket/blazers and as I’m frequently outside in the seasons commuting and living, they definitely get worn. Here are the three I have added to my wardrobe since the winter of 23/24.
A practical coat in a lovely shade of wine - a color I wouldn’t have necessarily thought of but a big reason I love living in Paris is endless inspiration! Women frequently have colorful coats here and I love that.
Color blocking with the marble of a hotel bar - love the fur detail on the cuffs!
Styled above is the new-to-me YSL heavy cotton and removable fur-lined coat. Another favorite has been a rare Burberry trench coat with a regatta-style stripe down the front. It’s garnered out-loud compliments from French women as I’ve passed crowded terraces, so that was a real treat!
The classic tan trench is updated with a multi-stripe in primary colors - just the twist I love!
A close up of the stripe! It was an exclusive for Harrod’s a few years back.
I cannot stress enough the use of real fur here; it is in abundance and second-hand acquisitions are celebrated. Women (and men!) of all ages incorporate it into their wardrobes in the fall/winter months - vests, hats, jackets, even a muff.
A blue fox label-less but very well-made coat my husband found on the auction sites. It is extremely warm and cozy.
Three pairs of new jeans were also added to my wardrobe that I love - several I had come to Paris with 3.5 years ago were already themselves a few years old and with all their use, finally bit the dust. My mom got me a great pair of perfectly cropped, button-fly, medium wash Levi’s at Target - I didn’t even know this was a thing. While I’m always on the search for vintage Levi’s at the flea markets here, these are perfect.
Here they are in action - still a good length for winter boots; great in warmer months with flats and sandals.
New discovery are the JW Anderson x Uniqlo jeans two of my friends had and I decided if they fit, it was truly an answer to a hole in my wardrobe of the perfect straight leg, long line jeans. They were amazing in the store and home with me they came. Also, they are €40!!!!!!
Perfect length for heels and flats - a miracle to not have to tailor!
The black Frame wide leg pants my sister and I found that I mention at the beginning of this post were an unexpected surprise. They are a stretchy, pull on style that would be excellent for plane travel to keep things looking and feeling chic even when you’re in econ with two kids, ha! At first, I thought the silhouette might be too extreme for me, but she convinced me I could really love them. She was definitely right - I adore them so much! I will add more photos of these as I go - truly such a great pant.
Walking in my ‘hood.
So, what have I been wearing? My 30+ Sézane knits on repeat, Ralph Lauren cashmere pieces that are 7-10 years old and still going strong, and many other pieces that have just held up both in construction and style. I browse through the Monoprix sale section twice a year like everyone else, but usually one or two things for growing kids is all I walk away with. I avoid the Sézane app on my phone and popping into Balzac on Rue de Bac so I won’t be tempted. I take friends shopping frequently and frequent vintage shops but I’m restrained. Space is a commodity of course in our small flat and after spending a lifetime working in fashion, I truly have plenty. Scrolling Instagram and seeing friends and other people I follow style things for everyday life is helpful for inspiration. Then, I always think about what I have and how I can put my own twist on things - reframing your mindset from “oh I need this new thing to make this outfit happen, I wish I had that,” to “let me go find similar with what I have” really helps.
Buying new things isn’t a bad thing ever, I’m just encouraging you to sell or donate things that aren’t serving you, buying second hand when possible, and thoughtfully choosing high-quality that will last through trends and actual use.
If any of you would like to discuss your style, buying options, or general fashion questions, my inbox is truly always open! Let’s connect 💙
