Of course, standing out is not necessarily a bad thing, and it’s certainly a practical way of dressing. We are all for Cheapos embracing the style that makes them feel the most comfortable. But it’s also nice to blend in with the locals and not be automatically treated as a tourist.

And best of all, you don’t need a million bucks to spruce up your wardrobe to match the Amsterdam style. It only takes a few simple tricks. We’ve given tips on how to dress in Madrid and Florence, now it’s time to turn out attention to Amsterdam.

Related: Headed to Amsterdam? Read this hotel advice first.

How to dress like a local in Amsterdam

So, if you’ll excuse some blatant stereotyping, here are seven sensible tips to help Americans blend in a bit better in Northern European countries like the Netherlands:

1. Men: Your college sweatshirts do not impress anyone

Look, I know college sweatshirts are comfortable, and many of us have lived in them for years. But leave those stinky and stained pieces of thick cotton with bold letter embroidery behind. They take up a lot of room when packing, and men here usually wear sweatshirts only when going to/coming from sports.

Instead, a zip-up hoodie with a solid color or cool pattern works just as well, is easier to roll up and is more practical for traveling.

2. Women: Pack some tights

Black, medium thick tights that end at the ankle are a staple here for ladies’ fashion. And when packing, they’re lighter and take up less space than a pair of dress pants. Women wear them under dresses, skirts and sometimes shorts. Tights dry faster than pants, make your legs look slim and still cover your lower torso when bicycling.

Tourist fashion in Amsterdam. Photo: Bruce T.

3. Men: Ditch the white sneakers

European men wear sneakers, but not chunky, white basketball shoes that engulf your feet to the ankles. Colors are good, comfort is important, and try on a pair that’s roomy and low cut. From Converse to Puma, Adidas to Nike, men here love their sporty brands, especially if it resembles a soccer shoe. And go for the ankle socks (what are you afraid of anyway with those high cotton socks, scratching your lower calves?).

4. Women: These boots are made for walking

Chances are you won’t need a pair of hiking boots in Europe unless you plan to spend a good week trekking the Alps. Even a day trip can be easily achieved with a normal pair of sneakers with good soles on a walking trail. Land is flat in much of Europe, and filled with hand-laid cobblestone. So stay away from thin Stilettos, leave the expensive hiking shoes at the shop, and go for a comfortable boot with a thick heel that can handle the streets (and bad weather, like fake leather).

Slap on a pair of those tights and a short skirt with a slinky top and you’re ready for a night out. A good, cheap buy is a thin sole insert that can make any shore supportive.

5. Both: Baseball caps and golf visors are a giveaway

I’m just saying, again. I know they’re practical, but no other culture over-wears them quite like we do. There are many cool and fun hats in Europe that are affordable, just as useful on bad hair days and make for great souvenirs.

6. Both: Don’t flip-flop

While we’re at it, save the flip-flops for beachwear only. If it’s hot, find some sturdy sandals.

Sometimes you just need to embrace being a tourist in Amsterdam. Photo: oxlaey

7. Both: Shhhh…

Think before you decide to yell across the bar/restaurant/train car/street for your friend’s attention. You could just walk over there. That’s what the locals would do. Or they would wait until their friend approaches them, avoiding any attention-drawing actions altogether. The last thing you want to be is that stereotypical loud-mouth American whose call out leads to a lot of rolling eyeballs.

Your advice?

Have any tips for acting more like a local? Don’t care at all if you don’t look like a local? Share your thoughts in our comments section!

The post Amsterdam: How to dress and act like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Even with a stronger dollar, very few made-in-France goods are really “affordable” to begin with. Even Parisians pay an arm and a leg for some of these fashionable and sweet-smelling products so associated with the French capital.

So before you start compiling a list of all the très Français items you wish to stock up on, here’s a sanity check to keep your expectations — and your budget — in line. After all, it might just be cheaper to buy these at home!

1. Luxury bags and accessories

Whether it’s a Chanel clutch or a Louis Vuitton handbag, people come to Paris, the heart of it all, to stock up on these luxury goods. The problem? They’re not really much cheaper here than back at home. It’s just more fun to say, “I got this in Paris.”

Budget option: If you do stock up on some of these fancy items during your trip and you’re not a citizen of the European Union, don’t forget to get a tax refund. That alone can make these items much more affordable. However, note that you must spend a minimum amount during your trip.

2. Fashion

Same goes for the clothes. Yes, designers are a dime a dozen in Paris, but that doesn’t mean their goods are any less expensive. Things might actually be cheaper at home from a department store during a sale. Visit the Gaultier and Givenchy shops, but don’t expect to leave with any steals. Even during the twice-annual sales (“soldes”), their prices aren’t going to budge too much.

Budget options: Try a vintage shop, maybe, and even then you’re still not guaranteed a good price. Also, follow our cheapo-friendly fashion itinerary, buy your lingerie for less here, and if all else fails, pick up high-end designers for less at these big chains.

3. Perfume

The perfume capital of the world, tourists so often think that fragrances for men and women flow freely from Paris, but that’s not the case. Your best bet is to wait until you pass through the duty free shop at the airport (although, to be sure, it is much less elegant!). What you will find in Paris’s perfumeries are some more unique scents that aren’t available in department stores in the US. Very cool, but again, no deals to be had.

Budget option: You could just stop for free samples along the Champs-Elysées or visit the free Perfume Museum.

4. Champagne

Another luxury item, Champagne isn’t starkly cheaper in Paris than back home. Bottles still run €40, €50 and €60 depending on the brand – not much cheaper than what you can find in America. Granted, the selection is far greater, so it’s definitely a different experience.

Budget option: For a much more budget-friendly (and still exquisite) option, consider trying some of the French crémant, any bubbly white wine not issued from Champagne. Some of it is really, really good, and quite affordable. Read more wine-buying tips.

Prepare to shell out many euros for a classic French meal like this one at Chez Michel. Photo: Kent Wang

5. Quality French fare

This is France! French food should be cheap, right? Not always. If you are looking for a good, quality, authentic French meal, you might have to open your wallet a little wider. Classic bistros, formerly local places with homey, traditional cooking, are becoming rarer as they’re replaced with less authentic options that heat up pre-made meals. Meanwhile, most of the remaining old-fashioned gems have gotten expensive. (Of course if you’re happy for a bit of frozen duck heated in the microwave, you can still find that for cheap.)

Budget option: Try one of these prix-fixe deals from a classic bistro at lunch time or be prepared to splurge a bit for a nice dinner.

6. Flea market finds

Talking about shopping at the “puces” (flea markets) in Paris conjures up images of finding tiny treasures for mere euros. To be fair, there is a lot of cheap stuff at the flea market, but probably the stuff you’d actually want will take some serious digging. Furthermore, it can get quite pricey at the markets, especially since certain halls cater to high-end antiques and oddities that cost thousands of euros.

Budget option: You might want to check out the Marché Vernaison, which tends to have more affordable objects, before wandering too far into the rest of the market. Also, follow these tips for flea market success.

7. High kicking entertainment

The can-can! The cabaret! Paris is just lousy with dance halls dating back to the 19^th century where topless women dance and merriment abounds. Yes, that’s all true, but it’s not cheap.

Tourists looking to take in a show at the Moulin Rouge are often surprised by the €90+ price tag. While it’s not insanely expensive (have you seen Broadway ticket prices recently?), it’s just not what many travelers might be expecting. You’ve been warned. A night out can-can ruin your budget!

Your budget surprises?

Have you been surprised by any other prices while visiting Paris? Share with us in our comments section below!

The post Paris: 7 popular items that cost more than you think (and simple ways to save on them) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The names of Italy’s finest designers sit alongside independent boutiques and market stalls as shopping in Rome caters to every budget.

And if you need a cheap place to sleep, we know where those are, too! Check out our favorite budget hotels in Rome.

More Rome tips:
8 Charming hotels in Rome near the historic city center under €100
Rome: 10 Easy ways to save on your next visit
Rome: 25 Free things to see and do

Rome Shopping on the Cheap

Here is my “Top Five” guide to the best places to go whether you are looking for Prada shoes or a flea market bargain.

1. Via Condotti and the Spanish Steps

This is the home of Rome’s designer shopping area and where you will find Prada next to Armani with a sprinkling of Gucci. The shops that line Via Condotti entice your credit card out of hiding with their glittering window displays. Take time also for people watching, as this is the haunt of any celebrity in town worth their Hermes bag. And even if this is way out of your budget, remember it costs nothing to go in and unfold things.

Related: Where to dine for cheap near the Spanish Steps

2. Via Cola di Rienzo

This busy shopping street just behind Castle St. Angelo is home to mid-price shops with a mix of designer boutiques and high street chains. Look out for Brandy, a teenage basement clothes shop that is almost hidden below street level. COIN, one of Rome’s few department stores is a great place to spend an hour or two browsing.

For a bite, check out “Castroni,” a delicatessen that sells not only a fantastic range of Italian delicacies but also stocks international food. It’s the only place in Rome where you can buy peanut butter or baked beans! (Metro A, Lepanto or Ottaviano)

There’s something for everyone on the always bustling Via del Corso. Photo: Chris Yunker

3. Via del Corso

This long narrow street is at the heart of Rome’s historic center running from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo and a short walk from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. During the evenings, the street is packed with shoppers. Wander around the mix of high street stores like H&M, Mango, Diesel, Levis, and Zara mixed with small designer boutiques, bookstores, and the elegant Galleria Alberto Soldi shopping center.

Related: Affordable hotels near Via del Corso

4. Porto Portese Flea Market

Held every Sunday morning, this is the largest market in Rome and the place to come for a bargain. With a mix of second hand and new goods, food, antiques, and general bric-a-brac, spare at least a couple of hours to browse the endless rows of stalls.

Getting there: Tram 8 Largo Argentina to Trastevere Station – then about a five-minute walk to Via Ippolito Nievo. Follow the crowds.

5. EurRoma2 and Castel Romano Outlet

Euroma2 is an upscale shopping center in the EUR area of Rome spread over three floors in an elegant temple style with ornate glass domes. Chain stores and designer shopping sit alongside coffee shops and restaurants catering to all budgets. This is a good place to come during summer as it’s air-conditioned and all indoors.

Getting there: Take the Metro to EUR Palasport Metro Line B. and then take the free shuttle bus that stops just outside, a journey of around 10 minutes.

Castel Romano is a designer outlet village, part of the McArthur Glen chain, around 15km south of Rome. Designer discounts housed in a mock ancient Roman village, brands here include Burberry, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabanna, and Roberto Cavalli.

Getting there: There is a bus service to the outlet that operates from EUR FERMI Metro Line B, and there is a private shuttle that can be booked at most hotel receptions. See more details.

The post Rome Shopping on the Cheap: 5 spots to find Roman fashion for every budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If, like me, you find sales impossible to resist, then you should definitely avoid the area around Pl. Catalunya, Pssg de Gracia and the Gothic Quarter where there are signs in every shop window beckoning passersby to save 50% or more on 2012 winter fashions.

Here’s how it works:

– Sales began on January 7. Most stores will mark down their merchandise by 20-30%.

– The sales get deeper as the month passes. Every week stores will offer better discounts, so in a way it pays to wait until the third week or so of January. However, if you wait too long your size or a certain style you’ve had your eye on may be sold out. It’s a gamble.

– Most stores offer sale items through January and February.

What’s on sale?

Just about everything! But especially shoes (Spanish boots anyone?), clothing, accessories, and home furnishings. Don’t expect discounts on food or at shops along La Rambla.

Where to buy?

Follow this breakdown of recommended shops, depending on your spending power:

Posh: L’Illa Mall in uptown and boutiques along Pssg de Gracia.

Midrange: Portal de l’Angel is the top choice for a little bit of everything. An outdoor shopping mall branching off Pl. Catalunya, take this pedestrian street into the Gothic Quarter, stopping at big name stores such as Mango and Zara on the way.

Exclusive/Artsy: The Born is jammed with pricy boutiques selling cutting-edge fashions, one-of-a-kind jewelry and exclusive lotions and scents. Most shops in this area offer superb products at prohibitive prices. However, there are a few bohemian boutiques in the mix that may tempt those with less to spend. Start at the Santa Maria del Mar church and wander from there along the side streets.

Shoe sales

My favorite emporium to shoe sale shop is Casas. They have a wide selection of Spanish-made shoes, boots, sneakers and sandals. They do not sell cheap, fall-apart-in-two-months crap, and usually their wares are rather expensive. For this reason it’s best to peruse Casas at sales times when a pair of designer, leather Spanish boots by Vialis might be 50-70% off, making them affordable.

Read more on the Casas Web site.  * Note that Casas also has an outlet store near the Lesseps metro stop that sells discounted shoes year-round.

Also in our guide: If you’re in the process of planning a trip to Barcelona, be sure to swing by our city guide to read reviews of the best budget hotels in Barcelona. All of our hotel picks have been visited and inspected by our Barcelona editor.

The post Barcelona: Rebajas! Winter sales offer steep discounts on winter clothing appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Want to look like Fonzie from “Happy Days”? The vintage shops in Rome are particularly good for vintage leather goods such as jackets and shoes. Italy is a huge producer of leather goods – so leather handbags and belts are also a good value (although you can pick up new stuff at pretty good prices, too).

Best of all, you’ll only really be competing with other hip tourists like yourself, as Italians don’t tend to trawl vintage shops, preferring new to old.

Here are four great vintage clothing stores in Rome to get you started. Happy hunting!

Second Chance
Via Sardegna, 57
Tel: 06 42 02 08 53
Web site:  www.secondchancebags.com

Just off Via Veneto, Second Chance sells only vintage luxury items – Chanel, Fendi, Yves Saint Laurent, Tiffany and Co., etc. It’s a bit of an undiscovered gem (I recently happened upon it entirely by accident) – an unpretentious shop packed full of really high quality stuff.

Some of the prices will make you swoon, but there are genuine bargains to be had and everything is immaculately preserved (the handbags are in excellent condition). This is high-class vintage, kids.

Cinzia
Via del Governo Vecchio 45
Tel: 06 683 2945

Cinzia’s is where you’ll find a pointy vintage bra from the 1950’s next to a pair of Mexican cowboy boots. Nestled in a cobbled lane a five-minute walk from Piazza Navona, Cinzia’s is lots of fun to browse. You literally never know what you’re going to find wedged between sunglasses and tap dancing shoes.

Afterwards, stroll along to Piazza Navona and celebrate your new (probably unusual) purchase with a couple of scoops of gelato.

Twice
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 105A, Trastevere
Tel: 06 31050610
Web site: www.twicevintage.com

Twice is located in the Trastevere area of Rome, just off Viale Trastevere. Twice sells fun 1960’s and 1970’s dresses, as well as cute vintage designer pieces from labels like Moschino and Prada. The prices aren’t rock bottom – but they’re really reasonable. If you’re in the Trastevere area, it’s worth popping in and checking out what’s new.

Omero & Cecilia – Vestiti Vecchi
Via Del Governo Vecchio
Tel: 06 683 3506

Omero & Cecilia is a curious little shop – it’s so packed with stuff it’s hard to know where to start. The name of the shop “Vestiti Vecchi” literally translates as “old clothes.” This kind of says it all: You’re probably not going to find a vintage Chanel here, but then again, maybe you will.

Omero & Cecilia is located on the same street as Cinzia’s – so you could definitely explore both shops in the same afternoon before cruising along to bar for an aperitivo.

Also in our guide: If you’re headed for Rome any time soon and need a place to stay, check out our recommended budget hotels in Rome (all centrally located, clean and cheap). Remember: If you keep your hotel bill low, you’ll have plenty of euros left over to go on a complete vintage shopping blow-out. Read more in our Rome guide.

The post Rome: 4 favorite vintage clothing shops appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So what can we do about the not-fitting-in situation? Read on my friend, read on.

Start with the shoes

Let’s start with the obvious: lose the shoes. It even rhymes, so no excuses. White New Balance runners might be fine in Connecticut but in Florence they’ll blow your cover faster than whistling “Dixie Land” through a megaphone.

Consider leather walking shoes, leather sandals, or if you must, a more conservative sports shoe. You’ll find affordable shops selling shoes on Via del Corso. And while we’re on the subject of footwear, sports sandals don’t cut it here either. Leather. Leather. Leather! And flip-flops? Forget it.

On the subject of shorts

Let’s move our way up, shall we? How about shorts? Nope. Italians don’t wear them. Unless it’s at the beach where the name of the game is to wear the least amount of clothing possible. A true Italian would rather eat canned tomato sauce than be caught wearing half a pair of pants in the street. Long pants, shirts, dresses, but no shorts.

As for beachwear, one word: Speedo.

Shirts

Now we come to the torso. Remember, you’re trying to blend in, not look like a walking billboard. Big letters out, neatly-pressed shirts or monochrome tees in. Don’t shout with your t-shirt, save that for your hands and face – like the locals do.

The city center is filled with shops and sales are on twice a year at the end of the summer and after Christmas. Take advantage of those, stores slash prices by up to 75 percent.

Clothing outlets

There are several ways of cheaping your way into vogue. One suggestion is to attend “Vintage Selection” – Florence’s annual vintage clothing fair held in late January. Check Stazione Leopolda’s website for more info.

There are also discount clothing outlets in the outskirts of Florence which house most of the big Italian designer labels. The Mall and Barberino seem to be two of the more popular ones. They also offer tour packages which include entrance fees.

Ready to act

So now that you’re all dressed up, what do you do? Stay tuned for my next post: How to act like a local.

The post Florence: How to look like a local – Part 1: The Clothes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

(Target by Missoni’s 1960s Italian film-inspired campaign featuring Margherita Missoni was pretty marvelous, I must say. It definitely caught my eye. Besides, who doesn’t want to be a spy?)

So where to find similar designer collaborations in Paris? Here’s what I’ve discovered, along with a few tips on how to secure the coveted goods.

1. Monoprix

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, the French clothing line American Vintage by Michaël Azoulay will launch a limited collection of his signature t-shirts, hoodies and sweaters at Monoprix stores (Target’s French cousin) throughout the city. Pinch yourself. It’s not even listed on Monoprix’s Web site yet. For now, it’s our little secret, so plan to arrive early. Doors usually open around 9 a.m.

Monoprix at 43 avenue Clichy in Pigalle

Depeche mode

Not in Paris? Don’t fret. This is not Monoprix’s first tangle with a designer, and it won’t be its last. Like Target, Monoprix has been working with designers for nearly a decade. Currently Nathalie Lété and “La Cerise sur le Gâteau” by Anne Hubert are both sharing the spotlight.

Other collaborations have featured pin-uppity lingerie by Fifi Chachnil, pop culture-inspired shirts and sweaters by Lucien Pellat-Finet, and handbags by Vincent Sartel, the former creative director at Louis Vuitton Moël Hennessy. Why, it’s a win-sin for all.

So what’s the big deal?

Michaël Azoulay’s American Vintage shirts are super soft and comfy. Made of all-natural fibers, they’re also wickedly expensive. The flagship is located at 10 rue des Francs Bourgeois. Here the t-shirts cost about €80. But at Monoprix, they’ll run about €25 a pop. Charlotte Gainsbourg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, and Penelope Cruz don the garb. Just saying.

I’ve got my eye on Michaël’s long t-shirts with a scoop neck in taupe, rose, coal and ciel bleu. I’m also crushing on the Bordeaux-colored sweater dress that runs about a third of the normal cost. A “uniform” fanatic (it just makes mornings easier), I think I’ll be able to score my fall wardrobe in one fell swoop. The t-shirts are also available for men, too.

Here’s a historical tidbit for you: The t-shirt became a closet staple after Marlon Brando’s stellar performance as Stanley in “A Street Car Named Desire,” and its popularity is showing no signs of leaving, baby.

Make a new plan

Prior to your shopping spree, take a peek at the collection’s look book, if it’s available online. It will save you time. Create a wish list. Arrive early. Familiarize yourself with the store layout. Monoprix is also a grocery store. Upon your arrival, if you spot groceries on the ground level, quickly hotfoot it down to the clothing level.

If time permits, visit more than one location. Here’s a list of my favorite Monoprix shops. The one on Boulevard Sébastopol, pictured above, is housed in a Félix Potin building (a masterpiece!).

43 Avenue Clichy, 17th arrondissement (Metro: Blanche or Pigalle)
95 Boulevard Sébastopol, 2nd arrondissement (Metro: Réaumur Sébastopol)
56 rue de Caumartin, 9th arrondissement (Metro: Saint-Lazare)
21 Avenue Opéra, 2nd arrondissement (Metro: Opéra)
52 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 8th arrondissement (Metro: Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile)
2 rue du Commerce, 15th arrondissement (Metro: La Motte Picquet Grenelle)

H&M on Boulevard Haussmann

2. H&M

H&M is another prime hotspot for designer collaborations. The chain will launch its “Versace by Donatella” collection in Europe on November 17, 2011. Other stores worldwide will receive goods by the end of the fall season. (New Yorkers, the preview party will take place in your hood on November 8. Good for you! Yes, I am very jealous.)

In the past, H&M has collaborated with Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Jimmy Choo and Lanvin by Alber Elbaz.

Tip: Not all of the H&M shops in Paris receive the designer goods, so kick off your quest at one of the larger stores at either 52 Champs Élysée or the 54 Boulevard Haussmann. It’s sandwiched neatly in-between grand magasins Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Prior to the sale, check the Web site and create a game plan.

One last high note

Dear window shoppers, the Missoni flagship in Paris is located at 1 Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8th arrondissement (Metro Saint-Honoré). Here Rosita and Ottavio Missoni started flaunting their flames, waves and zigzags back in 1976.

Your favorite Cheapo collaborations?

Cheapos, do you have a favorite designer collaboration? Did you score a Missoni for Target treasure? Do tell in the comments section below. My sister Wendy has already trapped one of their black and white overnight train bags!

The post Paris Fashion: Finding high-end designers at cheapo prices appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What do you like? Study the billboards!

But first things first, let’s prepare for our voluptuous quest. Looking for discounts? Schedule your trip during either the big January or July sale periods. Also, know your European size numbers. Upon your arrival, start looking for lingerie billboards. It’s an easy, breezy way to figure out what you like and don’t like. Plus, it’s free.

So without further ado, here are six of my favorite hunting grounds for lingerie. From the grand magasins to the bargain bins of Montmartre, all budgets are covered here. Plus, I’ve asked a few of my Parisian friends to drop the names of their pet brands and shops, along with a few tips.

1. Department stores

Shake the jetlag blues away with a little browsing at Galeries Lafayette. Its entire third floor, a.k.a. “Seductive Fashion” is dedicated to lingerie and hosiery, and yes, it’s got the goods to back up its name. With a dazzling slew of French brands, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground without a great deal of wear’n’tear on your heels. I personally like shopping here because the no-pressure staff gives me space to browse and dream.

More “Seductive Fashion” at Galeries Lafayette.

Every once in a while, I’ll treat myself to an exquisite piece by century–old Aubade and Galeries Lafayette’s very own alluring house brand. Here you’ll also find Erès—my friend Anne’s favorite brand. “Cozy,” is how the discerning book designer succinctly described her decades-old French staple. Erès’ bathing suits also boast all-natural construction. You won’t find any uncomfortable high wire acts here, Cheapos.

2. Old-school lingerie shops

Are you in need of individual attention or a bra fitting? Well then, trek it to one of the independently owned lingerie and hosiery shops. My former beau (and now my husband) purchases special little sweet-nothing gifts at the Corsetry boutique Claverie at 234 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, near Metro Louis-Blanc.

In business since 1860, Josephine Baker and Mistinguett are just a few of the starlets who frequented the former corset showroom. Art Nouveau stained glass and curved staircases abound! These small classic French institutions are slowly becoming extinct, so while the sheer fun of it lasts, take a browse!

Etam at the former La Samaritaine department store

3. Chain, chain, chain

Trendy French chains also stock tantalizing collections. Musician Cat Masson didn’t miss a beat when I quizzed her about her favorite lingerie lines. “I love Etam and Oysho, too! Princesse Tam Tam is really nice—a little pricy but worth it! Here’s my secret. After I wash them in the machine inside a little lingerie bag at 30 to 40 degrees maximum, I hang them until they’re dry. Don’t forget the bag! They’ll last longer.”

4. Like Target?

Well, then you’ll love its French cousin Monoprix. Affordable and hip, the trusty chain also commissions designers to create their collections. My clothes designer friend Ghislaine swears by Monoprix’s house brand of lingerie. “It’s affordable and good quality. And pretty too! Some I have had for ages! So long that the tags have become unreadable.”

Rue de Rennes is a prime Cheapo hunting ground for lingerie. Here the brands to spy for are Monoprix (50), Valege (146) and Darjeeling (152), along with Cat’s picks: Etam (135-139), and Princesse Tam Tam at 53 rue Bonaparte, located just a hop, slip and jump from the Rennes Metro stop.

Dig in at Sympa in Montmartre.

5. Bargain bin bliss

And squeaking of historic buildings, don’t leave Paris without experiencing the bargain bins of Sympa at 62 Boulevard de Rochechouart. A Cheapo haven, it now occupies a part of “le bal de l’Elysée Montmartre,” where the famed Can Can star (and favorite muse of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) La Goulue made her racy debut!

Here at Sympa, Etam, Petit Bateau, and Unzies sit pretty on the outside, while Chantelle and Huit hold court inside. My book editor friend Annelise recommends Petit Bateau. A century-old institution, she said, “For me, the “touch” of the clothes is pure cotton, simple looks, and a sweet taste of childhood.”

Shhhh. Secrets Pigalle in Pigalle.

6. Pigalle

Located near Sympa you’ll find the shops of Pigalle. Whether you’re in the market for false eyelashes, custom-made corsets, or Nancy Sinatra-worthy go-go latex boots, they’ve got you covered both night and day. I’d kick off my search at either Secrets Pigalle on 62 Boulevard de Clichy or Rebecca Rils at 76 Boulevard de Clichy. Kitty corner to the pair of shops is the Moulin Rouge. There are lots of distractions, so look both ways before crossing!

Cheapos, do you have a favorite lingerie shop in Paris?

The post Paris: Lingerie shopping from tops to bottoms appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But first, let’s look to Oscar Wilde for a little inspiration. After all, our favorite writer and clotheshorse was also the editor of The Woman’s World magazine way back in the original New Romantic 1880s. Wearing a puffy shirt and breeches (he dismissed trousers as “boring tubes”), along with a smoking jacket and one green carnation, he quipped, “It is only the shallow people who do not judge by appearances.”

Touché, Monsieur Wilde! (Who happens to be permanently in residence at Pere Lachaise cemetery, by the way.)

Related: Tips for saving big on a Paris shopping spree

Nadine at Dam, Dim, Dom

1. Abbesses
Metro: Abbesses, 18th arrondissement

Nadine’s Dam Dim Dom at 18 Rue Damrémont is my new favorite vintage shop. Maybe it’s her well-organized collection of clothing, or perhaps it’s the film memorabilia on the walls (watch out for Godard, Anna Karina and Bridget Bardot). Or perhaps, just perhaps, it was her swell words when I asked to try on a black trench coat, “It will look especially lovely on you, because you’re so slim.” Now that’s costumer service!

Looking for something specific? Ask Nadine. She carries affordable labels, along with high-ticket designer brands. At the moment, I’ve got my eye on a Jean-Charles de Castelbajac scarf, and I’ll buy it as soon as my ship comes in—as my grandmother Helen Wentz would say. Castelbajac also designed the current Eiffel Tower uniforms, strikingly stylish in olive green with bright orange piping!

Hooked and need another fix? Make a beeline to Le Caverne à Fripes at 25 rue Houdon. Here the inventory is eclectic and may seem chaotic, but don’t let looks fool you. The collection is quite organized. After a few minutes, you’ll recognize the system: shirts to the left and skirts on the right, while party dresses hang in the back and slacks are stacked in the middle.

At first the shop gives the impression that the owner is nowhere to be found, but look again—almost buried in amongst the clothing and camouflaged in vintage togs himself you’ll find proprietor Patrick Lambert either chatting with neighbors or reading a novel as Broadway music plays on in the background.

If you’re on a quest for a specific treasure, don’t hesitate to ask Monsier Lambert. He once helped me pick out the perfect vinyl green belt (very shiny and studded, circa 1960s) to accessorize a black maxi dress (made in France, circa 1970s). Cost? €15 for the pair. (And later, the envious looks at the party? Priceless.)

2. Marais
Metro: Saint-Paul, 4th arrondissement

My friend Caroline Simonds, founder of “Le Rire Medecin” (a troupe of hospital clowns), introduced me to both Boutique King of Frip at 14 rue Vieille du Temple and Vintage Désir on 32 rue des Rosiers during my quest for a striped shirt for my dad. Described by Papa Hemingway as “very stiff and built for hard wear but softened by washings,” both shops have beaucoup de Breton stripes.

Cheapos, Caroline also highly recommends the smoked turkey or pastrami sandwiches at Florence Finkelstein on nearby 24 rue des Ecouffes!

Martine’s booth at the Porte de Vanves flea market.

3. Porte de Vanves Flea Market
Metro: Porte de Vanves, 14th arrondissement

Gather around, Cheapos! Here’s where I find most of my retro treasures, each typically costing €5 – €20. Throughout the flea market, you’ll find tables, racks and boxes of vintage clothes, along with accessories like costume jewelry, bags and belts, hats, sunglasses and shoes. Looking for old copies of fashion magazines like Elle and Marie Claire? They’re in abundance, too.

Always one to boast, my recent flea market finds included two pairs of Ted Lapidus hexagonal sunglasses for €2 a pop! I’ve also found three pairs of ski pants from the 1960s in vibrant, mouthwatering Pucci-licious colors like yellow, tangerine, and turquoise blue by Fus Europ. All with their original hand-written price tags still hanging from the hip, and none cost more than €1. I know!

Tips: Looking for a specific item? Pop by Martine’s booth. She’s been with the flea market for decades, and vintage clothing is her number one passion. Her booth is located on avenue Georges Lafenestre, across the street Piscine Didot. Keep your eyes peeled for her mannequins. (Read more about Martine and my other favorite dealers at the flea market.)

The flea market opens around 8:00 a.m. and the dealers are packing up to leave before noon. So arrive early, carry cash and bring a sturdy bag for your finds. By the way, just after you leave the Métro station, you’ll find an ATM machine, a patisserie and a café with a WC. (Read more tips for flea market success.)

Good Bill hunting, Cheapos!

The post Paris: Vintage clothing shops for discerning Cheapos appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Sales are held in Barcelona twice a year, in January and in July. Of course, these are the times of the year when locals are least likely to spend money, as they have just broken the bank on Christmas, or as is the case now, are saving their euros for a month of vacation in August.

So the timing is bad, but the sales are so good that they are too tempting to resist. On the first of July, prices drop by 30% to 50% and go down from there throughout the month and into August. While small sales are held throughout the year, they are nothing in comparison with the deals to be had this month. Plus, all clothing and shoe stores offer the sale, so you can really go on quite a spree. Some stores with home furnishings may also offer deals at this time, but mostly it’s all about fashion.

Here are some tips to keep in mind about the sales:

The good stuff goes fast!

That does not mean that you need to wait in front of El Corte Ingles at 6 a.m. to be the first one in the door. The sale lasts for more than a month, so there’s not really a rush. However, if you really want a cute pair of jeans you saw, look alive because your size may sell out in the first couple weeks.

Deeper discounts as time goes by

As the month of July moves along, stores will knock more off their prices. I’ve bought some expensive clothes at Massimo Dutti and pricey boutiques late in the sales (like August) at very cheap prices. This is a matter of luck, too, because by late July and August the pickings are slim.

What’s your shopping style?

What sort of shopper are you? Do you like to be outdoors or in a department store? Do you do malls or small boutiques?

The three most central shopping options are Portal del Angel (just off Pl. Catalunya) for classic, mid-range shops such as Zara, Mango, Casas; Passeig de Gracia (just up from Pl. Catalunya) for chic stores such as Gucci and Chanel; and the city’s leading department store El Corte Ingles, right on Pl. Catalunya.

If you’re into malls try Diagonal Mar, a direct 20-minute ride on the yellow Metro line from the center of the city. La Illa is also a popular, posh mall not too far from downtown. For boutiques and cutting edge fashion, browse in El Born (Juame I Metro stop) or Gracia (Fontana Metro stop) neighborhoods.

Passport to savings

Depending on the shop, if you pay with your credit card you may have to show your passport, so keep this in mind when you head out to seize those bargains!

The post Barcelona’s Summer Sales: Tips on how to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.