Are French Luxury Goods Cheaper in France?

My aunt visited Paris a decade ago, and the answer back then was most certainly yes. Tourists lined up outside the Louis Vuitton store on Champs-Élysées, like they do today. The rumor was that back then, the French government controlled prices to incentivize tourists. If you were visiting from the U.S. or other parts of Europe, French luxury goods were less expensive in France (there were few Mainland Chinese tourists back then - quite a contrast to today).

Before my trip to Paris last summer, I googled relentlessly to see if this was still true. I found limited, and very confusing, information. I still can't tell you how involved the French government is with the price of a Birkin bag (especially because you can't even buy a Birkin bag these days, in France or anywhere else, but you sure can burn one if you've got $100,000 to spare...) but I can give you insights from my personal travels.

In August, 2011, the Euro/USD exchange rate was 1.43 USD for every Euro. At the time, French luxury goods in Paris were priced exactly the same as they were in the U.S. or Hong Kong (I've found through personal experience that prices in the U.S. (including tax) are exactly the same as they are in Hong Kong (even though there is no sales tax in Hong Kong), this makes sense since the HKD is pegged to the USD and I doubt Chanel is looking to create an intentional arbitrage situation), except that you got an additional 12% back as a tax refund at the airport. This meant that luxury goods were still cheaper in France, but only by 12%.  

I just left Paris for Moscow yesterday, and the exchange rate currently is 1.22 USD for every Euro. Thanks to the European economic meltdown, French luxury goods are significantly cheaper in France than in non-EU countries - at this moment. If you hop on a plane to Paris tomorrow, you can probably make up the cost of your flight on one Chanel 2.55 bag alone. Aside from the drop in the Euro, nothing suggests these fashion houses are in the habit of making less per unit in France. Give them a few weeks and I'm sure they'll adjust their prices to make everything even again. There's still the 12% tax back, however, and that's not an insignificant number considering the prices of some of these items. 

So where should you absolutely not purchase luxury goods? Mainland China, where import taxes make foreign goods nearly 30% more expensive and...Moscow. So it looks like I'll be sticking to caviar and vodka. Still, not too shabby.   

Here was my favorite luxury item from this trip to Paris - aside from the classics, of course.

Louis Vuitton Sevigne PM (1460.00 USD, 1070.00 Euros)

Edie Parker Clutches

I wish I had discovered these in time for New Year's eve.  Jen (who patiently shopped for clutches with me last Spring) can tell you that I am the pickiest person ever when it comes to evening bags, but I am absolutely head over heels for these Edie Parker pieces.  Structured and vintage-inspired with a prolific use of mica and pearlescent.  Stunning.

Fendi Chameleon Calfskin Leather Shopper

I have been searching for the perfect work bag for over two years.  It had to be structured and professional yet young and modern.  It had to fit my laptop and papers, but look appropritate on my petite frame (which knocked out the oversized YSL Muse).  And as much as I'm willing to pay for quality, handbag prices have skyrocketed this year eliminating a few of my Chanel favorites including this gorgeous bag I posted about in March.  But the search is over.  Although it's still pre-order only, I'm going to put a fork in it and proclaim that the Fendi Chameleon Calfskin Leather Shopper is the perfect work bag.  It's beautiful and not overly flashy, the straps look durable and the shape is flattering.  Priced at $1590, it's expensive, but not out of reach.

The Best Thing I Ever Bought

I love the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  It's exactly what it sounds like; Food Network chefs talk about the best thing they ever ate.  If I were on the show, I'd definitely talk about the Elotes Callejeros at La Esquina, but I digress.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some very stylish Professionelles to talk about the best thing they ever bought (limited to office appropriate items).  Here's what they had to say:

Erika loves her large, black Longchamp bag.  It can fit file folders, shoes, and her entire life, but is still technically a purse (so she can take it into museums, restaurants, etc. and not feel like she's dragging a tote bag or briefcase).

Monster iClarity bluetooth speakers were Sonia's pick.  They connect via bluetooth to your iPhone (no extra cables to deal with) and also via a chord to your laptop. Another bonuses is that they take up hardly any desk space and are chargeable via USB.  Sonia has no problem sitting for 12+ hours a day, but her ears can't deal with headphones clamped over them for that long, so once her officemate leaves for the day she listens to music over these babies.  They are clutch for late-night and weekend doc review sessions. They're also versatile: easy to travel with and sound good at low or loud volumes - great for blasting Ke$ha in your hotel room with your friends (if you get a free weekend).

Shuli claims her pick is very pedestrian, but those are often the items you wear all of the time.  Shuli's pick was a black pencil skirt from Uniqlo that she wears at least twice a week.  It fits comfortably but professionally and somehow looks good with every top.  It's also one of the few skirts Shuli has found that's the perfect length for work - right above the knee, so it's flattering but still appropriate.

Phyllis's picks were very unique.  First, this gorgeous potted orchid.  I also have a large potted orchid along with two other plants in my office, and they bring me more joy than anything else at work.  Second, Phyllis suggested this beautiful desk lamp.  Sure, the firm gives out free desk lamps for those who want extra light or share an office with vampire-esque associates who work with the lights off (yes, this really happens), but why not spruce up your space with something pretty?

Marissa loves her diamond solitaire stud earrings set in white gold.  Her mom got her a pair for college graduation.  This style of earring is truly appropriate for every occasion - subtle enough for work but sparkly enough for going out after!

This was tough for Sarah, which doesn't surprise me at all since she has about the chic-est wardrobe I've ever encountered  Sarah was tempted to say her new nude prada pumps that she bought a few weeks ago - work appropriate, but sexy and very comfortable.  She also love her Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts for work that fit perfectly (she suggests to get the fitted ones and go down a size), look crisp and can be thrown in the laundry.  She can see why all of her guy friends love them.

My personal pick is a silk knit black cardigan that I got at Cour Carre at Harbour City in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it and it's not available online, but it's warm yet thin so I can toss it into my purse and pull it out whenever I get cold.

Hopefully, these items provide some inspiration and guidance.  What's the best thing you've ever bought?

What the Cool Girls are Wearing

I think French girls are so cool.  They look so...effortless.  Like they rolled out of bed looking totally fabulous.  Since I spent only one week observing what Parisian women wore, I can't claim to be an expert (or even very accurate) but I noticed a few trends: leather motorcycle jackets, cross body bags and chunky ankle boots.  All of these items lean towards casual, so I thought it would be fun to interpret them in a way that could work for a Professionelle.

McQ Leather Vest-Inlay Jacket (1565.00)

I love how feminine this leather jacket looks.  The cut softens the edge of the leather and the cropped length would work well for petites.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Naples1 (250.00)

The buckles on these boots give it that biker chick look but the shape of the boot is very refined.  I would wear these with patterned black tights.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Harbridge Saddle Bag (228.00)

I actually saw this bag in the window of the Macy's on Nicolette Mall in Minneapolis.  Paris inspired, but found in the Midwest.

Alexander Wang Leather-Front Blazer (895.00)

It's so hard to find a leather blazer that doesn't look outdated.  I love how modern this looks, yet it still feels classic.

Alexander McQueen Tab and Buckle Heel Bootie (1225.00)

Now this boot is going to take some attitude to pull off at work, and perhaps a very conservative outfit to balance the shoe.  I absolutely love navy suede for Fall.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jane-On-A-Leash Crossbody (228.00)

I'm so glad Marc Jacobs finally made some Marc by Marc Jacobs bags without that awful gold plaque.  This bag makes the perfect day to night purse.

Black-Tie 10 Years Post Prom

I've had two black tie weddings already this summer and one coming up in August, then on top of that I'm the only gentile bridesmaid in a traditional orthodox Jewish wedding.  It's been a fun challenge finding outfits for all of these weddings. 

Before this summer, prom was the last time I looked for a black-tie dress (technically I had to find one for Barrister's Ball in law school, but that might as well have been prom).  The problem with shopping for black-tie dresses after the age of 16 is that everything is either a million dollars or too prom-y for a Professionelle.  Add to that the fact that half of the colors in the rainbow are off limits for some weddings (white for all of them, which means no cream or champagne either, red for three of them because the bride is Chinese, and for the traditional orthodox wedding, it has to be black, conservative and with sleeves). 

After searching far and wide, I've discovered quite a few options for an elegant and sophisticated black-tie dress that meets all of these restrictions. 

As you know, I love vintage.  My favorite online vintage stop is Timeless Vixen Vintage.  Lauren, the owner, posts new dresses daily on her Etsy store or you can email her for items in her showroom if you don't see what you need on the website.  I wore one of Lauren's dresses to Phyllis's elegant formal wedding and it was perfect.  Although it's one of a kind, this dress gives you a good idea of what you can find at Timeless Vixen.

1950's vintage gown (330.00)

Other than vintage which can be very expensive, not to mention difficult to fit, I love Notte by Marchesa dresses, which are inexpensive yet elegant.  I wore one to Kejia's beautiful wedding a few weeks ago and will be wearing another to Peter and Lisa's wedding in France.

Unfortunately, the dress I wore is currently sold out, but this one is very similar (475.20)

Rosette Embelished Barathea Silk Gown (462.00)

As for Shuli's traditional orthodox wedding, I've got a couple of options that I like, but what I love, is this knockoff Pippa Middleton bridesmaid dress.  I'm not a huge fan of knockoff dresses (and thanks to Charles Colman, we now know the difference between knockoff and counterfeit) but this one is just so classic and pretty.  While plenty of girls pined after Pippa's dress because it showed off her amazing figure, my orthodox friends tell me that the brides in their commuinity loved it because it's appropriate for all but the most conservative ceremonies. 

A.B.S. Pippa's Dress (399.00)

This is definitely not to say that you can't wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding.  At the black-tie events I've been to, half of the women wore short dresses.  The key is to accessorize with gorgeous jewlery, shoes or bags.  I'm totally six months behind on this trend (and now it's out of stock), but I love the unexpected look of this clear clutch which comes with interchangeable liners:

Charlotte Olympia Pandora Plexiglass Clutch (615.00).  Yes, $615 is way too much to spend on plexiglass, so I suggest you try the DIY version found here.

Moda Operandi and Marc Jacobs 2012 Satchels

 

Sample sale websites are old news, but what about trunk show websites?  I have to admit, I'm intrigued.  The concept is very similar, but the big difference is that the clothes aren't on sale.  In fact, they aren't even available yet.  Moda Operandi is the first of these sites (at least the first that I'm aware of) to launch.  Membership is "exclusive," and while it takes a little more effort than signing up for Gilt Groupe, it's still pretty easy to get "in."  The site offers fresh off the runway looks that you can pre-order to be delivered in a few months.  Instead of targeting the price conscious, it's targeting the fashion forward.  I'm not sure how well this will play out in a recovering economy, but I have to admit that I'm already lusting after a few items on the site, like the two Marc Jacobs satchels shown below.  Email me at Professionelle.blog@gmail.com if you'd like an automatic invitation to the site. 

The Bowery Satchel (1295.00)

The Thompson Satchel (1250.00)

Clare Vivier and Closet Visit

You never know who you'll meet and what kind of wonderful new things they'll introduce you to.  Last week, I posted an interview with fasion photographer Sarah St. Clair Renard, whom I met on a NJ Transit train to Newark.  She mentioned that one of her friends, Clare Vivier, designed the most amazing handbags and that a friend of Clare, Jeana Sohn, wrote a blog, Closet Visit, where she "visits creative, inspiring and stylish ladies' closets."

First of all, Clare's handbags are so simple, yet so chic.  She was inspired to design handbags when traveling with her laptop through France in 2006.  I absolutely adore her oversized clutch, especially in blue pebbled lambskin, which fits a laptop, and the La Tropezienne tote in black.  Both are perfect for work, and strike the right balance between polished and casual. 

Oversized Clutch (180.00)

LaTropezienne Tote (320.00)

As for Jeana's blog, it's one of the coolest concepts for a blog I've come across in a really long time.  I love looking through my friends' clothes, so what could be better than getting a sneak peak into some of the most stylish women's closets?  Here are a few of my favorite images from Closet Visit.

From the closet of Sophia Assa, owner of True Fashion Art.

From the closet of Sunshine C. Fox, Fashion Researcher, Trend Forcaster and Designer

From the closet of Clair Cottrell, Film Director

Chanel - Matte Snakeskin Tote

The next time I have $6000...oh wait...

Regardless, gorgeous bag.  Very Professionelle.  

  

Chanel Matte Snakeskin Tote (6000.00)

Kansas City Kate

It used to be that Kate Spade handbags depressed me. They were black, boxy and horribly expensive considering they were made from nylon. Now, the Kate Spade brand has the exact opposite effect. I love her feminine details and bright colors. Looking at the Kate Spade window display on 5th Avenue always brings a smile to my face.

She also happens to be from Kansas City (the about page on her website describes how her upbringing in KC influenced her aesthetic), which is where I will be going next week to spend the holidays with my boyfriend's family. So, I thought this was the perfect time to feature some of the things I love from Kate Spade. Enjoy and happy holidays!

Polka-dot Jillian Dress (375.00)


Head in the Sand Melinda (425.00)


Stripped Bow Jacket (445.00)

New Job, New Clothes

I start my first “adult” job tomorrow, as a law firm associate. How have I prepared? I went shopping. It sounds silly; I know. But given that so much about this new job seems uncertain—What kind of work will I be doing? Will I like it? Will liking the work be enough to sustain me for many long hours?—the only preparatory thing that seemed certainly helpful was to buy work-appropriate clothing and accessories. While I don’t know how I will take to my new job (or how it will take to me), I do know that it will require a new suit, comfortable pumps, a sensible handbag, and many pairs of stockings. So that’s what I bought. Specifically:

A sensible pinstripe pants suit from J. Crew

A black velvet blazer to pair with a black skirt or a pair of black pants I already own to form a make-shift suit (my new employer is business formal!). It’s Ralph Lauren from a consignment store, so I can’t link to it;

Two pairs of sensible Cole Haan pumps, one black, one brown

Two pairs of shoes in which to walk to work:

Riding boots 

Patent leather low-heeled pumps (Link is to the suede version.  I need a little heel to wear with pantsuits so that they don’t drag on the ground)

A black nylon Longchamp bag that can hold a laptop and files when necessary and that is courtroom appropriate

And as mentioned, many pairs of Hanes Silk Reflections stockings.

I am curious; have other professionelles had this experience, where shopping seems to be the only clear way to prepare for a job? And what new-job purchases have you made?