Victoire

Ever dreamed of raiding a chic French woman’s closet? A visit to one of these boutiques is as close as you can get in reality. Of course, you have to pay for what you snag, but then it’s yours. The owners carry their own label (relaxed clothes for rich people), as well as those of designers that they like. They were the first to offer Romeo Gigli and Lacroix and have long been where Paris’s super-fashion-conscious shop.

As an American, I prefer items from their line and over the years have bought embroidered velvet pants, in both chocolate brown and turquoise, because they were so great; one pair of ballet flats in olive green suede and another in beige leather with bright orange stripes at the toes; assorted sweaters and blouses; ribbon-tie wooden platform shoes; even a navy blue straw hat with a giant brim that packs well. If you like what you see in the window, you will not be able to walk out empty-handed. I consider it one of my safest shopping bets in Paris if I am here for a quick visit. There are additional locations at 10 rue du Colonel Driant 75001, 1 rue Madame 75006, 15 rue du Vieux Colombia 75006 and 16 rue de Passy 75016