Happy Les Soldes
In my mind Christmas in the US has come to equal consumerism and materialism, something that my student budget and 12m2 can no longer support. In France consumerism’s most apparent visualization is in the form of les soldes – literally “the sales” – that happy twice yearly. From mid January to February 15th, and again for a month starting in July, massive price slashing happens to make room for the new season’s shipments. As the weeks pass the deals only get better, but be smart or everything on your wish list will be bought up.
Walking the streets of Paris today there were so many people with multiple, over-flowing shopping bags, you’d think it was Christmas tomorrow. I don’t know about you, but I think it’s refreshing to separate the shopping from the holiday. Sure people still go shopping for Christmas presents here, and there are decadent window displays at the grands magasins [department stores] but the real craze (à la “black Friday” – the day after Thanksgiving) started today with Les Soldes. I think it’s also one of the secrets as to how the French stay chic – buying less, but buying something special, and getting a good deal. Regardless, les soldes are another good reason to travel to Paris in off-season!
risamay
January 12, 2011 at 6:50 pm //
“…les soldes – literally “the sales” – that happy twice yearly.”
Intentional, or perfect Freudian slip of the sale?
Paris on sale. What could be sweeter? I try my best to curb my enthusiasm for shopping in Paris now, when in Paris. I hit the city every 5 years for the milestone birthdays, and in 2005 for my 30th I literally spent my last dime on pretty Parisian purses and had to phone a friend to wire me money to last my few remaining days in town.
The good news: I’m so stocked up on purses from Paris that I’ve not had the need (though, the desire …) to purchase another since. I “need” another purse like I need a hole in my head :D
Bronwyn
January 12, 2011 at 7:24 pm //
Oooh, great! We leave for Paris on February 1st, so I’ll be there for the end! This is quite exciting, thank you!
windeater.blogspot.com
Susan
January 12, 2011 at 9:34 pm //
Yes…buy less, buy special. J’adore.
Katherina
January 12, 2011 at 11:34 pm //
Good point! I’m going to Paris tomorrow for work… until Friday. But now I may stay saturday, just to do some shopping!
jainé [brklynview]
January 13, 2011 at 2:18 am //
that sounds absolutely perfect. shopping in paris. HK is on sale now too… bon shopping!
http://www.brklynview.blogspot.com