Paris Shopping: So You're not a Size 6

For those of you who thought that Paris clothes shopping was only for skinny minnies, think that no more. You can shop the capital of fashion even if you are not a size 6 and clothing designer, Gwen Evans tells us how. In this second chapter of her guest post for our Like Home in Paris blog, Gwen shares her secrets of where to shop and still be très Parisien

One of the most common questions from guests on our tours is where to find stylish clothes for women who are over a size 12-14 or so. While it's true that many stores and boutiques seem to carry only smaller sizes, there are a number of resources for larger women. However, it is true that you will see very few heavy and almost no obese Parisian women. Just to get through an average day of work, shopping for groceries and other errands, the average Parisian woman probably walks at least three miles a day; when you add in the benefits of going up and down Metro stairs, you can see why they don't need stairmasters! Our guests are often surprised that after a few days of this routine, they have no problem eating baguettes, cheese, pastries and wine without adding any pounds. But in the meantime where to shop? I'll share some of dirty little secret places for everything from beautiful lingerie, clothing and shoes if you are not so petite.

For fabulous affordable clothing for women of all sizes head to the Marais for a couple of my favorite boutiques - first: Nina Jacobs (23 Rue de Franc Bourgeois; a couple of blocks from the Place des Vosges) . This store carries the most wonderful line of beautifully constructed boiled wool jackets and coats (Eva Tralala) made in Paris.. They come in a dozen different colors and styles, and sizes that fit up to about a size 16-18 US. Prices vary by style but average about 80 to 100 US for a jacket (during the "soldes" they can be had for about 1/2 price). In addition, this boutique carries many other well-edited lines including some beautiful linen pieces in the spring and summer. The salespeople here are extremely helpful and friendly; some small boutiques can be a little intimidating but not here;they will find just the right piece for you and really want to make you look good, not just make a sale as is often the case in the states.

A couple of blocks from Nina Jacobs is a new to Paris store, COS ("Collection of Style"), an affiliate of the Swedish company that owns H & M(4 Rue des Rosiers). The clothing here is more sophisticated, better made and higher end but still incredibly affordable. Almost everything is natural fiber and in a complete range of sizes. Last year I had a client who spent the better part of two days here replacing almost her entire business wardrobe for under $800 - the same quality and style would have cost at least three or four times that much in the States.

For another Eva Tralala overstock store, head to Rue du Roi de Sicile (which turns into the Rue de la Verriere) a block behind the Rue de Rivoli near BHV. At number 84 you will find an entire store full of the aforementioned Eva Tralala brand. Here, in addition to jackets and coats, they carry the entire collection of skirts, jumpers, pants and dresses in all sizes. Down the street a few blocks is Heraclite (54 Rue du Roi de Sicile). This is a small, very well edited boutique carrying a number of lines of Parisien made original clothing in sizes fitting small to extra large (up to about a 16) .

A couple of blocks down (67 Rue de la Verriere) is Soleil Sucre, fabulous lingerie made in France and not available in the states. These well-made, playful and colorful bras, panties, bustiers and baby dolls in sizes from 30B up to 44DD rices are extremely reasonable, ranging from about 8 euros for thongs and panties to around 60 euros for their "couture" line; there are several other locations in and and around Paris including an overstock store in Montmartre (7 Rue d'Orsel, 75018) where the prices are even lower but sizes are limited (they usually have a great selection of larger sizes here). So many of our larger busted clients are so happy to find non-industrial looking lingerie that fits much better than most American brands.

If you wear over about a 9-1/2 shoe (size 40), it can be tough to find great shoes and boots in Paris. My favorite (I wear a 10-1/2 to 11) is Arche (8 Blvd Madeleine and other locations). These shoes are made in France and although expensive are totally worth it. I have had several pairs over the years and they still look like new. The soles are craftsman made from a patented hand poured latex composite;they come in amazing colors and styles and truly don't wear out, even after putting a couple of hundred miles on them. Although some of their styles are available in the states, they are actually less expensive in Paris and have a better selection. I have brought several dozen guests here over the years - everyone agrees that they are the most comfortable shoes ever and the extreme high qualify justifies the price. I was there during the first day of the soldes and there must have been 75 women in the store stocking up and saving at least 30% off regular prices.

So from the inside out you can look très Parisian whether you are a size 6 or 16! Happy shopping.

xoxox from Paris!

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Shopping photos © Gwen Evans - Paris Found
Opera photo by © Yetunde Oshodi
Parisian Woman by © Virginia (Paris through my lens)

Gwen Evans is an American clothing designer and co-owner of Paris Found Tours. She and her daughter Sophie specialize in personalized small group tours to flea markets, fabric and fashion districts, food and fun! Gwen divides her time between Port Townsend, WA and Paris. When in Paris she is available to visitors for shopping tips and tours. Contact Gwen at gwen@parisfound.com for more information Visit parisfound.com for tour information and Paris Found Tours FB page.

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