Cheap & Chic: A Search for the Perfect Parisian Boots & Bag

by Jessica Martinez | 2010

On a recent trip to Paris I was determined to get two things: the perfect pair of boots and a perfect leather bag. Being the fashion capital of the world (as a New Yorker this is something I must regretfully accept), one would think that this would be an easy task. With so many stores lining around my rented apartment, limitless choices laid upon my feet.

My first stop was Eram, which is a combination of Aldo and Topshop footwear. Judging by the pairs of shoes I saw everyday on the Metro, this is the place where you can find fabulous shoes at a terrific price. I fell in love with a simple pair of suede black boots that have stitching right below the ankle. The smooth and flat, pointed front gives this boot a modern cowgirl edge. Not only does the tiny heel give my 5'3" frame a little boost but they are incredibly comfortable as well. As the nice salesperson rang up my sale, I took off my flats and excitedly put on my new boots and embarked on my next mission: to find that bag!

As I passed by the shops at the famed Champs-Élysées, I realized that what I was looking for was not there. Five hours of window shopping later, my new boots wanted to call it a day. Mind you, they are very comfy, but even a fashionista needs to take a rest once in awhile. Later that night I went to the internet café and hit the webs in search for more store addresses. This can be somewhat of a problem when you can't really understand the language. After harassing Parisians at a local bar later that night, I finally got an answer: "The flea market, love! Buy something you can only get in Paris! Something only YOU will have."

The following morning I made a pilgrimage to the Saint Ouen Flea Market, one the biggest flea markets in all of Europe with thousands of vendors frantically yelling each Sunday. With so many stalls overflowing with treasures, I ended up throwing my Euros all over the place. Just as I was about to hail a cab with all of my stuffed bags, I saw It. I saw The Perfect Leather Bag. It waved hello to me from about fifteen feet away amidst the crowd and snow flurries. As I held the smooth hand-made brown leather bag in my hands the vendor interrupted us. "Sixty euros," he said matter-of-factly. My face fell; was I willing to drop over $100 when I still had a list in my pocket of things to do? "Fifty-five euros," he said again. I sadly looked at the purse and began to walk away. "Forty euros! Forty euros!" he frantically yelled at me. Two seconds later I began to transfer all of my things into my brand new bag.

Paris means a lot of things to a lot of different people, whether it be strolling through whimsical Montmartre at night or looking for your soulmate at the Eiffel Tower. To me, Paris is a playground with endless possibilities and unexpected surprises. I love that I find exactly what I want at a moment's notice. The French may be intimidating, but if you pretend that you can do better, you bet they will lower their prices. Paris is a contagiously beautiful city that brings out the best in people, while also helping you look effortlessly belle at the same time.

Eram, Paris
(33) 01.42.45.16.48
16 Place de la République
75010 Paris, France
MAP

Saint Ouen Flea Market, Porte de Clignancourt (north of Paris)
(33) 0.1.41.60.06.03
entrance: Boulevard périphérique.
parking: Marché Serpette: rue des Rosiers
exit: Porte de Clignancourt
métro: Porte de Clignancourt (Line 4)
buses: 56, 60, 85, 95, PC
hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
MAP

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