Related: Our 10 favorite independent bookstores in New York City

WORD
126 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Web site

Situated on certifiably hip Franklin Street in Greenpoint, this cheery store is fully stocked, but somehow not overwhelming—maybe due to the helpful and passionate employees. Browse the latest literary fiction and nonfiction, plus an array of literary journals, and books by small independent presses you’ll be grateful to have discovered.

WORD also hosts a slew of fun literary events several nights per week, including readings by notable authors (past events have featured names like Kate Christensen and Maud Newton), several different book clubs covering everything from Russian literature to David Foster Wallace, and a new series hosted by blogger David Gutowski delving into the influence of music on writing.

Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton Street (at South Portland)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Web site

Fort Greene has no shortage of literary prowess—authors like Colson Whitehead, Jhumpa Lahiri and Richard Wright have called the neighborhood home—and since October 2009, local residents have had a cool and quirky bookstore to call their own.

The shop is located on bustling Fulton Street, and owned by Rebecca Fitting and Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, two friends with decades of publishing and bookstore experience between them. The spacious, well-lit community meeting spot hosts compelling events and readings by local poets and nationally renowned authors every week.

powerHouse Books
37 Main Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Web site

Not all bookstores strive for quaint, and in fact, some fly directly in its face. In DUMBO, powerHouse Books occupies an airy and modern space, all white and brightly lit, with sculpture and modern art on display throughout. In addition to a thorough selection of fashion and art titles published by powerHouse Books, the store holds plenty of mainstream and independent fiction and non-fiction, plus an irresistible selection of colorful children’s books. Events like art openings, readings and performances are held in the mezzanine area.

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Recently, my partner and I have come into a lot of stemware. We’ve got glasses for wine, for tequila, for shmancy cocktails. We’ve got decanters, and platters, and tiny espresso sets. Who knows why we have all these liquid-holding things when we’re short on forks and knives, but such as it is, we needed a place to store them. Our apartment is small, and so we wanted a cabinet that is corner-shaped, in order to maximize space. We also wanted it to be old, vintage or antique, and not from Ikea.

So off  to Encants flea market we went, one sunny spring morning. We were there for hours. We did find what we were looking for, and bought a “carved wooden china nook thing” for about $40, with transportation. The transportation was a man from Morocco named Steve (not his real name), who wheeled our nook all the way from the market to our house and then helped us move it up the stairs (new apartment is without lift = buns-of-steel). Upon arrival, we noted marks on the nook, which seemed to be from termites, and spent several days patching these marks with anti-insect gum, and considering the merits of sanding and varnishing the cabinet. It’s a work in progress.

Flea market finds.

We bought several other items at Encants, and one can find great deals if one is: aggressive (there are lots of people and they are PUSHY), sharp-eyed, and determined. I saw hipsters digging through piles of crap, and pulling out tomorrow’s fashion statements. I saw antique dealers picking up treasures for nothing. I saw tourists looking lost and at risk of being robbed (keep an eye on your bag). I saw a toaster, and I bought it, and then negotiated for a blender. All in all, it was a stressful but successful experience.

The official name for Encants is Els Encants Vells and though it appears as little more than a sort of junk yard with stands, it’s actually one of the oldest markets in Europe still in use, dating back to the 14th century…. at least that’s what it says on their website, which you can find here.

Encants flea market

Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, from around 9 am-5 pm (though some stalls close at 3 pm).

Where: Get off at Glories metro stop and walk under the overpass to the other side of the roundabout (away from the Agbar tower). If you don’t see it, ask someone. (See a map here)

What: Clothes, antiques, vintage, electrical, home furnishings, and pretty much anything else you can think off, apart from food and animals.

Read more on the Encants website.

The post Barcelona: Bargain shopping at Encants flea market appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

To see:

The one big attraction in the neighborhood is the Père Lachaise cemetery. It’s famous, it’s beautiful, and it’s worth a trek to visit the resting places of Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde, among others. You’ll see plenty of tourists around, but they don’t stick around for much else in the neighborhood. Plus, Parisians habitually stroll around the tombs as well, and many will come and tend the graves of loved ones, often laying flowers.

Or if you’re feeling a little nostalgic for the music of one of the cemetery’s most famous guests, consider taking a tour of Edith Piaf’s house. Call ahead for a guided visit of the Little Sparrow’s home in the heart of the 20^th.

Chez Yu offers €3 sandwiches packed with meat and vegetables if you want to eat on the go. Photo: Akuppa

To eat:

While there are plenty of places to eat in the 20^th, the cuisine of the ethnically diverse Belleville neighborhood is the best place to go. Parisians pack the little Vietnamese and other Asian restaurants that serve up quick and easy fare and cheap prices. (See our favorites in our guide to cheap eats in Belleville.)

For those looking for something a bit more traditionally or at least un-Asian, head to the Mama Shelter for some jazzed up French cuisine or a fantastic pizza. No matter which you choose, your wallet won’t hate you at the end.

To do/drink:

Check in at the Bellevilloise, the hipster hangout that serves as a great bar, concert hall, and event venue.  Look for vintage flea markets or funk concerts on their schedule of events. Or just head there for late night drinks to rub elbows with Converse-clad young Parisians. (19-21 rue Boyer)

Wander down rue Dénoyez, the graffiti-covered street that also houses many of Belleville’s artists’ studios. Don’t hesitate to knock and enter one of the studios to see what the local painters and sculptors are up to these days. You might even be able to buy a piece of art. Look for the Portes Ouvertes, or open doors, in May when all of the artists in the neighborhood invite you in for a peak.

Spend the afternoon or evening at Aux Folies, the 20^th’s other famed hipster hangout, on rue de Belleville. Tables fill the street and alleyway as locals knock back inexpensive wine and beer late into the evening. (8 rue de Belleville)

To stay:

There aren’t many hotels  in the 20^th worth suggesting, but these two have our stamp of approval for price and quality.

Mama Shelter is a trendy design hotel that won’t break the bank, even if your room may feel chic. The restaurant downstairs is a happening place for brunch on Sunday.

Hotel les Chasonniers is a funky old-world hotel that is charming and comfortable. It’s just down the street from the cemetery.

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While many Londoners have heard of Crouch End, most have no idea where it actually is and imagine it’s so far away they would never consider going there. Of those who have discovered it, they’re generally hooked and feel a certain sense of smugness of being “in the know,” as though they’ve stumbled upon a very well kept secret.

Three roads converge

Crouch End’s heart is marked by the Clock Tower, where three different roads meet, each one lined with shops, restaurants, bars and an unusually high number of hairdressers. It’s a great place to head on a lazy weekend morning for delicious brunch at Banners, The Haberdashery, Monkey Nuts or Sable D’or, but the best time to go is undoubtedly for the monthly Crouch End Barboot.

The Haberdashery in Crouch End. Photo: Laura Patsko

A night of Cheapo shopping and strolling

Held on the first Friday of every month from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Crouch End’s unique “Barboot” is an evening when the shops stay open late and a general feeling of merriment fills the air. The good news for Cheapos is that it’s totally free to browse and there are lots of market stalls set up within larger shops, making it a great time to bag some bargains and pick up some unusual souvenirs.

A lot of the action centers around The Haberdashery, the quirky vintage-style cafe where the idea of the Barboot was dreamed up. You can sip on cocktails served in teacups, enjoy free live music and sometimes dancing, and browse vintage clothing and art and craft stands from local artists. (22 Middle Lane, Crouch End, N8 8PL)

Then head on down to Park Road, where a whole host of shops are getting in on the act. Fabulous furniture store, Of Special Interest is another favorite of mine and well worth a look.

A friendly little village

The really nice thing about the Barboot is that it’s a proper community effort with shopkeepers joining together to make something truly different for the locals. While some months are busier than others, the atmosphere is always great and it feels more like being transported to a friendly little village than spending a night out in London.

Getting there

And don’t be fooled by the common misconception that it’s impossible to get to Crouch End. It may not be the world’s most accessible place, but that’s half its charm. You can catch the W7 or W3 bus from Finsbury Park tube station or even take the 91 bus all the way from Trafalgar Square.

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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.

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.

During the years of the Celtic Tiger boom, it was just about impossible for a Cheapo to do any shopping in Dublin. Sure, it’s fun to marvel at the gorgeous window displays at Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street, but buying anything? Not in the cards, especially not with the exchange rate.

That is unless you know where to look for vintage stores. These stores have been offering affordable shopping since the boom, and have survived even as many of the glitzier stores have closed in recent years.

Seek out the following shops and you can afford to bring home some gifts for friends and family–and maybe a little something for yourself, too.

The Harlequin
13 Castle Market, Dublin 2
Web site (Facebook)

Besides being located smack in the middle of one of my favorite areas of Dublin, this shop has everything you could want in a vintage store: racks and racks of well-organized, interesting clothes, bags, and jewelry–without even a trace of that musty vintage smell. Some parts of the store are organized by decade, other parts by item.

If you love handbags–beware–this store has an incredible selection of gently-used bags. And belts. And even hats, too.

The Loft at Powerscourt Townhouse
59 South William Street, Dublin 2
Web site

Cheapos walking into the indoor shopping center that is the Powerscourt Townhouse might think at first that they’ll never find anything affordable. Yet if you’re visiting on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday–climb the stairs to the very top floor where you’ll find a space called “the Loft.”

Here, independent designers and vintage enthusiasts set up a little rack of their items. Handmade jewelry, bath products, affordable little dresses and vintage belts are all on offer here. You can shop happily knowing your purchase will support small businesses.

A Store is Born
34 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2

Only open on Saturday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m., you could walk by this space any other time of the week and barely notice it. It is the size of a garage, and is packed with interesting sweaters, scarves and jackets. If the Dublin weather has you wishing you packed something heavier, stop into this store on a Saturday to stock up on warm items.

If possible, arrive early as the small space gets crowded by mid-afternoon. The earlier you arrive, the better the selection.

All three of these vintage stores are located within a 5-minute walk of each other, making a manageable day of shopping. There are other vintage shops in Dublin that specialize in gowns or silk blouses–but Cheapos will be best served by sticking to this list.

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Grande Épicerie de Paris Bon Marché

So fire up your printers, Cheapos! Here’s the agenda for the first day of our shop ’til you drop campaign of Napoleonic proportions!

Tips

Do pack one oversized bag for your goods. While the multiple-shopping bag scene with Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” is charming and all, you’re just inviting advances from pickpockets. Most grocery store chains sell durable large bags for just a few cents. Franprix’s current model was inspired by Mondrian!

Also, for the love of saving both time and money, purchase your Metro tickets by the “carnet” (10-pack) before you set out.

Galeries Lafayette’s dome

10:00 a.m.: Abbesses
Metro: Abbesses, line 12

After a short run around the Sacré Coeur ’hood to help Wen shake the jet lag blues, we headed to Sympa for some bargain bin shopping. This string of shops runs along rue de Steinkerque, a street once notorious for its brothels and dance halls. (Picasso shopped here!)

On this day we were able to score some slinky black tops by Carling, each costing €2.99 a pop! Confession: I bought twelve, and my sister purchased nine. Heads-up: Etam’s frilly spring 2011 line of lingerie is currently on sale for just a few euros apiece!

11:00 a.m.: 140 bis, rue de Rennes
Metro: Rennes, line 12

We then soared to Zara at the Félix Potin building (an Art Nouveau masterpiece) on the bustling rue de Rennes. It’s a pet Zara hot spot because the location usually serves as one of last stops for the chain’s leftover winter clothing sales.

Commes des Garcons’ exhibit at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile

Here my sister scooped up a classic belted trench coat, along with seven cap-sleeved turtle necks, all costing just €3.99 a piece. By this victorious moment, the woozy feeling of jet lag had completely abandoned the scene. Yes, sometimes fleeting joy CAN be bought!

12 noon: Bon Marché
Metro: Sevres-Babylone, line 12

After grabbing soda pops just outside the Rennes metro stop, we fast-trekked to the Christian Dior exhibition at Bon Marché. Decked out in Dior’s beloved white and grey, the exhibit was made up of iconic “New Look” ensembles, photographs, and super hip multimedia projections on oversized accessories like chairs, mannequins and hat boxes. After a few spins around the gallery, we snagged a few sweets at the Grande Épicerie de Paris Bon Marché, which is just behind the main building.

Wendy’s new coat

Please note: the Dior exhibit closes March 26, 2011, so if you’re in Paris now, hotfoot it there right away. Not in Paris? Fret not, because the department store often coordinates free exhibits. There will be more to come!

1:30 p.m.: Carrousel du Louvre
Metro: Louvre Rivoli, line 1

Feeling the sugar rush, we raced to the “Les années 1900-2000” exhibition at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile. Our favorite showstoppers included Jean Paul Gaultier’s plumes, Junya Watanabe’s unstoppable bustles, and Comme des Garcons’ bulges in all the wrong places.

Afterwards, we had a wonderful, marvelous photo-op at the Arc-de-Triomphe du Carrousel. Film buffs, this is where the iconic balloon scene in “Funny Face” with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire was shot. ‘S Marvelous!

3:30 p.m.: Samaritaine at Pont Neuf
Metro: Pont Neuf, line 7

Spotting a few dramatic-looking rain clouds heading our way, we made a joint decision to promenade swiftly down rue de Rivoli to Zara’s other “last stop” for sale items, located in the former Samaritaine department store at Chatêlet.

After ogling its spectacular exterior, we nipped into Zara where Wen picked up a few more turtlenecks (Can you ever have enough? I don’t think so!), and I scored a fur-lined vest and a thick green felt dress, both costing just €6.

4:30 p.m.: Pont Neuf and Saint Germain
Metro: Pont Neuf, line 7

We then made our way to the Pont Neuf to pay homage to King Henri IV (a.k.a. “Le Vert Galant”), and yes, to check out his boots. Green with envy and fatigue, we slowly crept across the bridge, limping toward Saint Germain des Prés.

The dapper monarch’s benediction must have been with us because in no time at all we found ourselves seated in a cozy boutique, surrounded by hundreds of boots, all on sale. The proprietor was extremely personable, helping my sister find the boots of her dreams. The boots? On Sale. The Cendrillon (Cinderella) experience? Priceless.

View from the flat at l’heure bleu

6:00 p.m.: Boulevard Haussmann
Metro: Havre-Caumartin, line 7

Losing both daylight and any remaining feeling in our feet (or “dogs” as my grandmother Wentz would say), we ended our whirlwind day trip by paying a call on those Belle Époque beauties, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann.

After an ogle and a gaze at GL’s amazing dome, we stopped by its gourmet shop, where we loaded up with bread, Cantal cheese, and a bottle of crisp white Cheverny. Then we slowly hobbled back to Saint-Lazare, where we caught line 12 back to Abbesses, just in time for l’heure bleu (twilight), more sister bonding, and planning for the next day!

The post Paris: A fashion fanatic’s (Cheapo-friendly) shopping tour appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Delightful dealers

A cheapo bonanza!

This week I’ll introduce you to a few of my favorite dealers at the flea market. What makes them so extraordinary? I’ve known them for nearly ten years, and they’ve always been witty, kind and incredibly personable. Also, whenever I’ve been away for a stretch of time, they’ll greet me with un petit cadeau (little gift) or discount. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the locals value loyalty and repeat business—fidélité—as much as anything.

Besides, their objects of beauty, kitschy goods, and vibrant wares have always been reasonably priced, too. So keep your eyes peeled for these superstar dealers (and your future friends) at the Puces! Most of them have been showing up at the century-old Porte de Vanves for decades. Their location changes depending on the day, so study these photos! Have a question or looking for a specific item? Do ask—and tell ’em you’re a Cheapo!

Getting there

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves (Porte de Vanves Flea Market)
Metro: Port de Vanves, line 13
Days and hours: Every Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Web site

Catherine and her kitsch

As the flea market opens at 7 a.m., and the dealers start packing up to leave around noon, get your beauty rest, and arrive early! Carry cash and a sturdy bag for your finds. By the way, just beyond the Métro station, you’ll find an ATM machine, a patisserie, and a café with a WC.

I’ll wait for you inside the cozy Le Fournil de Vanves Patisserie. Why do I love this place? Because whenever I’ve spent all my coins over at the flea market, they’ve never, ever complained about breaking a big euro bill—even for a cookie sale!

Okay! Finish the cookie before it crumbles, and let’s shop till we drop!

Looking for kitsch in all the right places?

Catherine has got you covered. Through the years, she’s helped me build a fantastical and oh, so hip vintage sunglass collection! Today I was able to score a glow-in-dark Mary statue for just one euro! I attempted to also buy a few marbles, but she threw them in the bag and whispered the magic word, “cadeau” with a wink! She’s been with Porte de Vanves for nearly 22 years! “I was just a baby,” when I started she said with a big laugh. I like her. And you’ll appreciate her humor and discounts, too!

Looking for fine vintage duds?

The fashionable and super-cute Martine has been with the flea market for a decade. I always make a point of popping by her booth because her prices are so reasonable and I find her family of mannequins so charming! You’ve seen them, Cheapos. I’ve featured them here in previous stories. This time, however, they were fully clothed! And Martine agreed to pose for a stylish family portrait! Oh, la la! Again, if you’re on a quest for something special, ask Martine! Vintage clothing is her life passion.

Dial “M” for magnificent

Golly, I’ve photographed this booth many times because of the colors they use! Besides being photogenic, the objects are quite interesting. More than once I’ve spent a full hour at their table. Danielle and Pierre (pictured, top) have been with the flea market for 25 years.

“We price to sell, not keep,” Danielle told me today. It’s true! All items are reasonably priced. They specialize in vintage perfume bottles, barware, kitchen ceramics, tools, and other objects of curiosity. Need a conversational piece for the office or home? Here’s your stop! Again, laughter and good cheer reign here! It’s contagious.

Serge holds the key(ring)

New obsession

And speaking of big giggles and blushes, my name is Theadora, and I have a new flea market obsession. I’ve seen them for years, but I’ve never been drawn to them. They’ve never screamed my name until last week at Serge’s booth. Cheapos, I’m now head over heels in love with French vintage advertising key chains. I know! Weird, eh? In ten minutes (one hour in flea market time), I went from zero to fifteen!

My absolute favorite is one from a little dress shop called “Fifi’s.” Inside is a miniature 3-d metallic red dress, circa (I’m guessing) the early Sixties. I blame the rather handsome Serge! You see, each one cost one euro, BUT if you purchase seven, well then, the total is just 5 euros. Get the addictive picture? He’ll even give you a basket, a chair, and if it’s cold—he’ll lend you his gloves. Do stop by and say hello to Serge!

While you’re at it, do stop by and say hello to Catherine, Martine, Pierre, and Danielle, too! Stay tuned for more Porte de Vanves profiles! I suppose you can tell that I love this place? Clipping from Holly Golightly, like Tiffany’s, it feels like nothing ever bad could ever happen to you here.

Happy hunting, Cheapos! Got a flea market question? Bring it on!

The post Paris: Dealers to meet at the Porte de Vanves flea market appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.