How French women shop

We all know French women value style above everything else, but how does she achieve it? Could it be the way she shops?

Discovering the little boutique around the corner, where she receives personal service and a bespoke shopping experience is the secret every Parisian keeps to herself.

The shop owner will call Madam to tell her about a fabulous new dress which is “très chic” and is reserved for her.  Mothers and daughters will shop together, learning from each other and sharing style secrets. Shopping is both a treat and deadly serious!

Quite different from the typical high street experience here in Britain, isn’t it?

Whilst we love the big stores and the glitzy shopping malls, our shopping trips often start out as a treat but end in disappointment, with just sore feet to show for our efforts. Sales assistants are thin on the ground and it is rare to find one who can offer honest, knowledgeable advice.

Recently, though, there have been some changes in the way we are shopping.  We are demanding better service and more personal attention.  We know that a great shopping experience is so much more than the products.

Mary Portas is championing this change with her “Mary” shop in the House of Fraser. But there are alternatives just around the corner from you.

Here in the South East, we have fabulous small boutiques, run by passionate, knowledgeable people who want and need loyal customers. They rely on personal recommendations so getting it right for you is very important.  Many of these small shops are staffed by the owner who can make decisions, order that perfect dress in your size, arrange alterations, reward your loyalty and offer a chair for weary feet.

The lovely Herald & Heart Hat Shop in Rye

I love popping into the little boutiques in Hastings Old Town, Rye, and Tenterden. Chatting with the owners, I know they are finding it difficult – particularly when the summer visitors disappear. Why not ask for a personal appointment during a quiet time and get to know these lovely people and their gorgeous collections?

Have you discovered the hidden treasure of fashion showrooms and studios, far away from the high street? These will usually be run by women who love fashion but choose to offer a home service to those “in the know”.  There aren’t many of us… we are the Style Secret of Sussex. You will find truly personal shopping and many are expert stylists who explain why one design looks great whilst another doesn’t and show you how to accessorise an outfit, tactfully steering you away from something that doesn’t work for you.

You could drive to the vast shopping malls where the only human interaction is when you hand over your credit card. Or you could pop-in and make friends with your local “fashionista”.

Your wardrobe will thank you for it!