and why you need one to help live out your French Fashion dream
Parisian style is effortless, elegant, and timeless.
It’s styled and chic, but always looks natural. And as most women find out, that can be a difficult look to nail down on your own!
What if you had someone to guide you through the process? A fabulously stylish girlfriend who always knows what to wear, is fun to be around, and can help you smoothly navigate the daunting world of shopping in Paris?
That’s where a personal shopper comes in.
What is a Personal Shopper?
A personal shopper is a professional who offers shopping and styling advice to clients. Their top priority isn’t to sell you clothes, but to assist you in building a wardrobe that you love, within your price range.
They guide you to their favorite shops, offer their opinion without being pushy, and can even teach you techniques to maintain your magnificent new wardrobe.
They’ve often spent their lives immersed in the fashion industry, and are eager to share that knowledge and experience with their clients.
Personal shoppers usually offer virtual experiences as well, the consultation can be invaluable.
9 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Shopper in Paris
Heading to the City of Lights to shop along the streets of Le Marais? A personal shopper might be exactly what you need to help you incorporate Parisian chic into your wardrobe.
Here are the top 9 reasons why you need a personal shopper in Paris.
1.The VIP experience
Picture this: You walk into a stylish French boutique, and have the attendant greet you by name with a glass of champagne. You’re led to a luxurious private dressing room where you try on show-stopping fashion pieces one by one, all with personal attention from the shop that makes you feel like a celebrity.
Personal shoppers know how to treat you to this complete VIP experience. Or, you may benefit from a lower key shop, while still receiving one-on-one attention.
Regardless of the package you choose, your personal shopper will work closely with only the best stores, and will design an itinerary to ensure you have both a memorable and successful time while shopping.
2.Custom Tailored Experience
Handbags, shoes, dresses – oh my! Paris offers the best of the best of all things fashionable and couture.
No matter what you’re interested in looking at, a private shopping tour will be able to custom fit the day to your interests.
3.Pick Up Items You Wouldn’t Think To Try
Many women struggle with building a capsule wardrobe, especially one with a Parisian chic flair.
They fall into a rut with the clothing they try on, and they may even avoid some outfits because of a preconceived notion of how they’ll look.
A personal shopper will work closely with your body type, style, and even your complexion.
They have the professional skill and knowhow to select pieces that complement you – ones you may not have even thought to try.
4.Know Where To Shop
Have you ever stumbled across a store by accident that turned out to be a completely hidden gem? Somewhere a little off the beaten path, where you were able to find item after item that worked for both your style and your budget? It doesn’t happen often that we find these stores ourselves!
Meanwhile, a personal shopper who practically lives and breathes for fashion will have an entire repertoire of these stores available to show you. You’ll be treated to the best kept secrets of Parisian shopping, where the locals shop for their own wardrobe.
5. Understanding What’s Worth The Price Tag
Sometimes a piece is worth the price tag. And other times, not so much. If you’re new to Parisian fashion, or don’t get to Paris as often as you’d like, you may have a hard time differentiating.
A personal shopper can help you determine if an item is an investment to your wardrobe, or a passing fad. Whether you have a high end piece in mind to buy – like a Chabel handbag– and want to know if it’s worth it, or you just want to have the finest that Paris has to offer, a personal shopper can guide you through these high end purchases.
6.Your Own Personal Cheerleader
Confidence is key when shopping in Paris. Heading into Parisian shops can be an intimidating prospect on your own. You may feel awkward and uncomfortable by yourself, and it’s easy to become deflated or frustrated.
A personal shopper is there to help take the pressure off. Like a girlfriend who knows how to make you laugh, they’ll help you enjoy yourself as you shop.
They’re also trained to recognize signs of shopping fatigue, and will swing into action when you’re feeling low to help you channel your inner Parisian fashionista.
They will boost your confidence by selecting flattering pieces, keep the adventure lighthearted and fun, and provide tips to accentuate your best features.
7. They’ll Save You Money
Some personal shopping services come with a steep price tag – but if you’ve selected the right person, it’s completely worth the cash.
How many times have you bought an outfit that you weren’t in love with? How many expensive pieces are sitting in your closet right now that just don’t feel right, and you barely wear?
Shopping with a professional avoids this issue entirely. They will steer you towards items that work for you, and help you say no to those that don’t. There’s no second guessing or buyer’s remorse when you’re being gently guided by someone who knows what they’re doing.
There are also tax refunds available for leisure travellers shopping within France. A personal shopper can help guide you through the forms to ensure you get as much money back as possible.
The right personal shopper will also give you the tools you need to be successful if you do decide to continue shopping on your own – so you may only need to pay for a personal shopper once. They’ll have helped you build your capsule wardrobe, which will now only take seasonal purchases to maintain. On top of all that, personal shoppers know where the best prices are to be found, and can help you score a great deal.
8.Get the inside scoop
Unless you’re prowling the Champs-Élysées every week, chances are that you could benefit from the insider information a personal shopper has to offer. They have their finger on the pulse of all the latest fashion trends, and can guide you towards pieces that you’ll be reaching for over and over again for years to come.
A great personal stylist will be at the ready with tips that are followed by Parisian women, and and how to look expensive on a budget.
9. Build or Update a Complete Wardrobe
Have you ever spent a day shopping, gotten some chic pieces, but you can’t seem to get an outfit together? It’s a common problem. Going from store to store, it can be hard to find pieces that go together cohesively. And that’s absolutely essential when trying to build a capsule wardrobe.
When you’re shopping with a personal stylist, they’re looking at the whole picture. You may not be thinking about the dozens of outfits that one dress can anchor, but they sure are!
They’ll help you select a base color to work with, build in your essentials, and add accent pieces and accessories to complete the look. Best of all, they’ll teach you how to mix and match your pieces so that dressing like a chic Parisian every day feels effortlessly simple.
How to Choose a Personal Shopper
Reach out to chat with them in advance to see if you’re comfortable with them.
A great personal shopper will make you feel at ease instantly!Be wary of those who do not offer a comprehensive assessment of your style and wardrobe goals. A personal shopper is there to serve you and your specific needs, not give you a cookie-cutter approach.
Look up their reviews on a reputable site, such as TripAdvisor.
Consistently high reviews are a good indication of performance. Plus, you’ll be able to get a feel for what to expect on your trip.
How to Get the Most Out of Shopping in Paris
Shopping in Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many fashionistas. You want to make sure you get the most out of your shopping experience, and the best way to do so is to hire a personal shopper.
Whether you complete a virtual consultation, a half day trip, or the full VIP experience, you’re guaranteed to benefit from what a professional has to offer.
Ready To Find Your Fabulous in Paris?
Check out The Fashionista Shopping Experience.
I’m Linda, your go to Stylist, Personal Shopper and Curator.
Whether we can walk together down the streets of Paris, or you would prefer the contactless virtual experience, I will enhance your wardrobe through inspiration, styling tips and tricks, and a curated shopping experience.
Read more about my story here.
