A Word About A.C.

A movie in a dark room can be a lifesaver on a scorching afternoon, and you have the best chance of decent a.c. at one of the bigger multiplexes, but keep in mind that the temperature will never be as chilly as it would be in the U.S. Same goes for large department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché or the B.H.V., where you can cool down a bit, but possibly not as much as you would like.

Browsing frozen treats–and cooling off–at Picard. Photo: asirap

Browse the Aisles of Picard

You can always duck into a supermarket and hover in the frozen food section or vast dairy aisle of a Monoprix or a G20. Even better? Picard, Paris’ popular frozen food chain, which is a great place to escape for a breather from the hot sun while browsing the aisles full of gourmet French TV dinners.

Go Underground

When Paris gets hot, those seeking cooler temps head for the Paris Catacombs, where the temperature is a cool 57.2 degrees F and you can chill your soul by looking at the bones of six million people that line the walls. The catacombs are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and the tour lasts 45 minutes. But keep in mind if you’re feeling worn out from the heat that it’s 130 steps down and 83 steps back up to street level.

Another underground tour where you can escape the heat for an hour or so are the city’s elaborate 19th-century sewers (though be warned that the ambient odor might make this a less desirable place to revive). Closed Thursdays and Fridays.

Take a Swim

You can’t jump into the Seine on a hot day, but Paris has 38 municipal swimming pools if you feel like taking the plunge. Remember that pools are crowded, bathing caps are required and shorts are not allowed.

The city of Paris has created a new free app (available in English) to help you locate the pool nearest you and find out everything you need to know about pool hours and other information.

The post Paris Heat Wave Survival Strategies 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.