3 Best-kept Clothing Store Secrets in Paris
Oh mon Dieu! Not all of us visiting Paris have the wherewithal to spend $1000 on this irresistible couture blouse, or the all-time favorite little black dress. Let us be realistic: going on a shopping spree in Paris can be hard on our finance. Fashionistas of the world, let’s sin no more, and shop smartly from now on!
Expensive? A matter of area, mostly
Those of you who visited Paris already know that from a shopper’s perspective, the city is divided in broad sections where stores of the same trade tend to congregate. A mosaic of many colors, tastes, and price ranges.
Say, you are on the Boulevard Saint Germain, in the upper part of the Saint Germain des Prés district. Designer clothing stores, sidewalk cafés and restaurants abound in this area. Draw nearer the river Seine and your footsteps lead you where the art galleries cluster together. Walk a bit to the east, towards rue de Buci, the clothing stores become less expensive.
From Saint-Germain, walk up the Rue de Rennes, towards the Montparnasse area. You’ll be crossing the Rue Du Four where even more expensive clothiers line up the facades. But continue on to the Saint Sulpice metro station, around which many clothing stores offer cheaper garments and accessories.
Sales season in Paris
In another area of the city, not too far from the old Opera house, the Boulevard Haussmann became the homestead of the department stores over a century ago. The Printemps store was built there in 1865, followed closely by the Galeries Lafayette, in 1893. Department stores are not unlike Ali Baba’s treasure cave: clothes, shoes, jewelry, watches, accessories, perfumes spread on a five-story high, gigantic floor space.
Department stores offer a very convenient way of shopping for fashion: thousands of upscale items can be found over acres of floor space. This includes apparel, accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, shoes, and other goodies. A great selection, but bargains are far and between except during the sales seasons.
The latter are a tightly regulated business in France. There are two sales seasons, winter and summer. Their starting dates are a matter of administrative decrees, and each of the two seasons last six weeks only. The Parisian winter sales season starts at the end of January, the summer one begins in late June.
Designer depot bargains
But outside the sales seasons, shoppers looking for bargain-basement prices and irresistible clearances must look elsewhere. It is my experience that the best bargain prices on clothing offered in Paris are found at designer depots.
Though it has become a brand name in North America, a designer depot is in fact a form of commerce. People like you and me bring in clothes we don’t want to wear anymore, and get a little money from the shop owner who will resell our garments for a little more money to other people.
I can hear your blasé comments: “Tcha! Consignment stores! Thrift shops!…” Well, in Paris, designer depots aren’t exactly your regular Salvation Army-type stores. Not at all.
Parisian designer depots are usually owned and managed by ladies with a flair for fashion. A number of them have a professional experience in the fashion industry, and if invited to do so, most of them can tell you right away which dress fits you well…. and which skirt makes you look like you dressed with a potato bag.
In ‘designer depot”, there is the magic word ‘designer’. Parisian designer depots offer designer and couture clothes at deep, deep, deep discounts. And mind you, clothes in quasi perfect condition. Clothes worn only once. Well, maybe twice.
If you come to them with your regular hoodies, or your last season tennis shoes, or your mall-shopped polo shirt for that matter, do not expect to be welcomed. Expect rejection with a disapproving stare instead.
That’s the address, silly!
Now not all designer depots were created equal, and where you go shopping for practically-perfect-in-every-way designer clothes is the true measure of your inside knowledge of the city.
I would like to recommend you three ‘petites adresses’ [the French for 'best-kept-secret places'] I selected amongst a host of others.
For those of you, ladies, who like the classic look, ‘Priscilla’ is the shop for you. Priscilla is lady who owns the place. She reveres such signature names as Yves Saint Laurent, Max Mara, Kenzo, Chistian Dior, and Sonya Rykiel. Her prices range from €60 for a skirt, to €75 for a jacket, to €130 for a lady’s suit. Priscilla advises you to rummage around, and come to her place with an open mind. The shop is located at 4 rue Mouton- Duvernet, in the 14 th district. The nearest metro station is Mouton-Duvernet. Its opening hours are between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Monday, and between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday with a one-hour break at 1:30 pm.
My next address, ‘Le Jupon Rouge’, is situated at 9 rue de Rochechouart in the 9th district. The owner, Tania, describes here designer depot as “colorful, ethnic but not hippie, and certainly not classical in style”. Tania offers a selection of up and coming French designers such as Bali Barret (a fencing-style vest for €45, cashmere blend cardigans for €45 to €100) and Vanessa Bruno (wool jackets, €90). She also carries more established signatures such as Agnès B (her signature black jacket is offered at €50), and vintage Ungaro blouses for €45. Ladies looking for shoes can fall for pairs of Stephane Kelian low-cut Cuban boots (€100), Repetto ballerina shoes (€40), or vintage low-heel horse-riding boots (€40-70). Tania opens her doors from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm with a one-hour lunch break at 1:30 pm.
In a totally different style, Griff-Troc is the designer depot you need to lose yourself into when you want to go chic-chic-chic. The owner, Beatrice, chose to specialize in perennial, classic basics in perfect condition. Chic has a heftier price tag, of course, but on the upside Griff-Troc offers brand names for 15-30% of boutique prices. On the shelves at the time I wrote this article, Beatrice had a Chanel suit for €1000 (vs. €5000 at Chanel’s), a brand-new Chloe bag for €800 (instead of €1200), several astounding evening dresses priced between €1200 and €1500 (Chloe, Dior, D&G, Valentino), and Hermès silk scarfs on offer for only €150. She maintains a full selection of bags, jewels, and fragrances. Chic classic never dies, who cares about whether your Chanel suit is this season’s or not? The busy boutique is located in the posh section of the 17 th district, at 119 Boulevard Malesherbes. The nearest metro stations are Villiers and Monceau. Its opening hours are between 10:30 am and 7:00 pm, from Monday to Saturday.
More shopping tips to come
I will come back to you with other names and addresses in future articles on this topic. I personally enjoy shopping these boutiques, and based on the number of smartly dressed women I spot there, I am not alone in the belief that such bargains cannot be let pass. Till then, I salute all unrepentant fashion shoppers!
About the Author
About the Author:
Phil Chavanne has written numerous articles on Parisian best-kept-secrets. His free travel guide offers many tips and advices to help you experience Paris to the fullest on your next trip to the French capital. Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com also gives you ways to save on booking a Paris hotel.
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Emanuel Ungaro Paris Collector Silk-Wool Blend Couture “Tweed” Pants Size 42 $49.00 |
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VTG EMANUEL UNGARO PARALLELE PARIS,COUTURE, PRINT SILK BLOUSE,14, NWT $2,060.00 $199.99 |
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NWT NINA RICCI Faveur swimsuit Paris 1 black swimwear designer couture sash $199.99 |
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NICE! VINTAGE COUTURE Designer CHIC de PARIS Handbag Purse OSTRICH LEATHER Creme $67.77 |
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CAROLE LECLER PARIS COUTURE ENSEMBLE-60S SHIFT DRESS AND JACKET UK 10 US 6 $85.29 |
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Vintage Paris Couture Party Dress Black Green xs 2 $2,300.00 |
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IN FASHION magazine fall 2009 paris haute couture $5.00 |
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~TORRENTE Paris~VTG 70s COUTURE SILK PASTEL ROLLED PALM BLUE GREEN ROLLED SCARF $87.51 |
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NINA GILL COUTURE PARIS $1,000 Pale Green Flower Evening Bag Purse $198.00 |
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Vintage 60s 70s Mod Authentic Haute Couture GARI OF PARIS Optical Jacket Small S $9.95 |
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Vintage From PARIS – French Haute Couture Style Buttons – Set of 6 Marked $24.99 |
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ES.ASHLEY WALTERS.SO SOLID CREW.PARIS COUTURE 2010.RARE $1.58 |
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Couture Designer SOPHIE SITBON Paris France 3pc Skirt Suit sz 44 12 M $22.99 |
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vintage Vogue Paris Original Givenchy mod couture fashion hooded 2484 pattern 10 $59.00 |
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STUNNING VICKY TIEL PARIS FRANCE COUTURE LONG EVENING GOWN SIZE S $99.00 |
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STUNNING VICKY TIEL PARIS FRANCE COUTURE LONG EVENING GOWN SIZE S $99.00 |
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PARIS COUTURE FASHION OIL PAINTING SIGNED ELEGANT WOMAN LADY FRENCH MODERNIST NR $125.00 |
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LORIS AZZARO PARIS VINTAGE COUTURE BLUE WHITE STRIPE DRESS SHIRT 16.5 36/37 $39.99 |
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Paris Fashion Collection Haute Couture 1999 Autmn Winter 44 mins video VHS $9.99 |
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Ungaro Paris Couture Skirt Suit 12 Sequins Floral $2K $449.97 |
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CREATIONS OF CHANEL FRENCH HAUTE COUTURE FASHION PARIS $42.95 |
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Mademoiselle de Paris Vintage Fashion Couture Auction Template with music $7.50 |
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CHRISTIAN DIOR, Paris Boutique Resort Runway Blush Nude Cotton Couture Jacket $725.00 |
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Rare ST JOHN COUTURE Marie Gray Sophisticated “Paris” Charms Goldplated Brooch $24.99 |
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NINA RICCI EYEWEAR GLASSES OPTIQUES HAUTE COUTURE PARIS $69.99 |
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Paris G Couture Jean outfit NEW brazilian like $9.99 |
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EVA TRALALA COUTURE GREEN PARIS FRENCH LAYER SKIRT NEW SIZE SMALL 6 JUICY ADVANT $19.99 |
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ETINCELLE COUTURE PARIS NUDE STRETCHY FIGURE HUGGING V-NECK CAP SLEEVE TOP T3 $19.99 |
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Couture GIRL’S SPRING DRESS & JACKET by PACO RABANNE (Paris)!! Sz 5 – NWT!! $24.99 |
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Etincelle Couture Paris France Embroidered Black Sexy Top~Size Small/Medium $9.99 |
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NEW NWT Couture EMANUEL UNGARO PARALLELE Paris 2pc Red Skirt Suit Sz 8 (M) $59.99 |
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Couture Chic PARIS Gray Crystal Fleur de Lis Charm Pendant Necklace $19.95 |
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GIVENCHY EARRINGS Paris New York COUTURE GOLD Dark Blue Cabochon Clip SIGNED EUC $19.99 |
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LADIES BLUE CANYON COUTURE DE PARIS’ TEE SIZE SMALL! GORGEOUS $13.99 |
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Vintage Paris Couture Burnish Silver Rough Metal Choker Statement Necklace Set $39.99 |
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COUTURE DESIGNER SOLVA PARIS NAVY BLUE COAT SIZE 40 $18.99 |
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Vogue Magazine 1991 October – Michelle Pfeiffer, Paris Couture Controversy, Ads $9.99 |
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Vogue Magazine 1991 April PARIS COUTURE, NIKI TAYLOR, KAREN MULDER, JUDIT MASCO $9.99 |
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Vogue Magazine 1995 Sept – BIG Fall Fashion Issue, Donna Karan, Paris Couture $9.99 |
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Womens Jrs Black JUICY COUTURE T-Shirt London Paris NY LA Tokyo Sz P XS GUC $7.99 |
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LIMOGES BOX – PARIS COUTURE BUST & PEARLS – SEWING MANNEQUIN THIMBLE & THREAD $99.99 |
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DEKER’S PARIS France Couture High Waist LEOPARD Trousers jeans CAPRI Pants M $40.00 |
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PARIS MATCH KRISTINA RADY BERTRAND CANTAT HAITI COUTURE TIGER WOODS ANDY GARCIA $26.95 |
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LaMode Paris FASHION Art Prints Illus Victorian 8 different Ladies Gowns Couture $24.50 |
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Guy Laroche Couture Paris – New York Men’s Tie 100% Silk Made in USA $7.99 |
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Vintage HAUTE COUTURE Signed BALENCIAGA PARIS (c) 17.5″ Statement NECKLACE! $446.25 |
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Vintage 1957 American Fashion Buyer in Paris Haute Couture 50′s Article $4.05 |
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Philippe Carat COUTURE PARIS black-pink leopard 10 $169.00 |
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Paris Scarf Haute Couture MADEMOISELLE DE PARIS Square Scarf $6.87 |
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Haute Couture! Claude Montana Paris fitted red blazer w/gold buttons! Sexy and $88.00 |
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Balenciaga Paris couture beaded knit dress orig $4999 $2,939.00 |
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L’Officiel Couture and Fashion of Paris ~ Feb 1976 $74.00 |
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JOYCE ~ March 1991 ~ Fashion Paris Haute Couture ete $28.95 |
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EXCEPTIONAL ANTIQUE FRENCH PARIS COUTURE MANNEQUIN VICTORIAN LADY DUMMY 1880 $780.00 |
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OPI Nail Polish PARIS COUTURE FOR SURE GLITTER TOP COAT $50.00 |
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PARIS BEE Handbag Shoulder Bag French Purse France Couture NEW NWT BLACK or RED $99.95 |
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NEW Marie Antoinette Decorative Throw Pillow Paris France Versailles Couture $64.95 |
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Vintage GIVENCHY PARIS NY Couture Gold Hoop Door Knocker Earrings $59.99 |
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PARIS BEE French Suede Throw Pillow France Versailles Couture – Black NEW NWT $64.95 |
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PARIS FLOWER MARKET Handbag Shoulder Bag French Purse France Couture NEW NWT $99.95 |
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PARIS CROWN French Suede Throw Pillow France Versailles Couture – Black NEW NWT $64.95 |
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FRENCH CHATEAU Suede Throw Pillow Paris France Versailles Couture Black NEW NWT $64.95 |
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NEW Marie Antoinette Handbag Shoulder Bag Purse Paris France Versailles Couture $99.95 |
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PARIS FLOWER MARKET Suede Throw Pillow France Versailles Couture Black NEW NWT $64.95 |
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Couture Paris by Veronique Art Print Framed Picture $42.59 |
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PARIS CROWN Handbag Shoulder Bag French Purse France Queen Couture NEW NWT BLACK $99.95 |
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Vintage Designer Yves Gauche Paris pleated Skirt wool blk Y S L Gorgeous Couture $99.99 |
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SALE! LANG Paris Couture Tote Bag – Lined EUC! $9.99 |
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Shell Earrings Couture Antigona Paris Vintage Long Super Cool $339.99 |
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SUPERB VINTAGE ‘CLAIRE DEVE – PARIS ‘ COUTURE 3-TONE ENAMELED CLIPPED EARRINGS $49.99 |
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Worth Paris Perfume – Je Reviens Couture – 1.7 oz Spray EdP Rare & Hard to Find $49.99 |
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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Paris Couture Black Wool Highwaisted Full Skirt 40 26 2 NWOT! $275.00 |
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Vintage Haute Couture GIVENCHY Paris New York LOGO Clip Style Earrings MINT $105.00 |
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LADIES vintage RUBY ART designer HAT paris/NY SUEDE pillbox COUTURE 21 1/8″ FAB $49.99 |
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OPI Mini Spree – Paris Couture for Sure Thrills in Beverly Hills Buy-Buy Tokyo! $40.00 |
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Rare JOSE COTEL French COUTURE FASION BELT Circa 80’s made in Paris France $145.95 |
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Givenchy Hot Couture White Collection Paris France Bath Gel Lotion Travel Size $19.99 |
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$3495 NEW KARL LAGERFELD PARIS COUTURE 100% CASHMERE BLACK DINNER JACKET COAT $971.25 |
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Edouard Rambaud RARE Haute Couture Bracelet Huge Runway Statement Paris France $235.99 |
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RARE Haute Couture CHARM Belt & HUGE Earrings Edouard Rambaud Paris Runway Chic $479.99 |
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GENUINE rare Vicky Tiel Couture Paris 2pc suit silk lurex navy blue Wedding $299.00 |
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VINTAGE NINA RICCI PARIS 1029-CLO DE-LUXE HAUTE COUTURE SUNGLASSES HANDMADE $320.00 |
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LANVIN PARIS Bracelet Red Green Plaid Enamel Haute Couture Christmas Colors $365.49 |
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The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 – 195 $74.31 |
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EXCEPTIONAL LOUIS FERAUD PARIS COUTURE DOGWOOD FLOWER NECKLACE – NEW CONDITION $74.95 |
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VINTAGE COUTURE LANVIN PARIS SUMMER YELLOW SHIRT BLOUSE & SHORTS SUIT SIGNED $78.97 |
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J515 HAUTE COUTURE RUNWAY PARIS FRANCE BIG NECKLACE GAULS BRENNUS VERCINGETORIX $159.99 |
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Couture Paris Art Poster Print by Veronique , 12×12 $14.99 |
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BIG RUNWAY HAUTE COUTURE PARIS STYLE SILVER TONE OVAL VINTAGE JEWELRY EARRINGS $26.65 |
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Ladies Paris Hilton Women’s Couture Flat Boots Real Leather Shoes 4 4.5 5 6 8 9 $47.38 |
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Ladies Paris Hilton Women’s Couture Flat Boots Real Leather Shoes 4 4.5 5 6 8 9 $47.38 |
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Ladies Paris Hilton Women’s Couture Flat Boots Real Leather Shoes 4 4.5 5 6 8 9 $47.38 |
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Ladies Paris Hilton Women’s Couture Flat Boots Real Leather Shoes 4 4.5 5 6 8 9 $47.38 |
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Ladies Paris Hilton Women’s Couture Flat Boots Real Leather Shoes 4 4.5 5 6 8 9 $47.38 |
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1925 JANE REONY GOLF SPORT CLUB COUTURE PARIS FRANCE AD $28.95 |
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Vintage 1970′s GIVENCHY PARIS NY Couture Silver & Gold Heavy Choker Necklace $103.96 |
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1928 LENIEF COUTURE DRESS WOMAN FASHION MODEL PARIS AD $38.95 |
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1927 BECHORT DECO COUTURE WOMAN FASHION PARIS LINGERIE $34.95 |
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RARE Vintage Couture Signed DOLCE VITA PARIS Poured Rhinestone Necklace $17.00 |
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Paris 1958 Photography by Frank Horvat French Fashion Haute Couture NOTECARD NEW $14.50 |
