Vintage Paris

I've just been sorting through some CDs of old pics and found some I took in Paris a while ago. I was looking for authentic (and affordable!) vintage shops, surprisingly difficult to find!

This one, The King of Frip, is in the beautiful Marais district. If I remember correctly, it was jam packed with stuff and was fairly inexpensive. Tres cool!

Probably my favourite place to have a wander and bag the occasional bargain is the Marche aux Puces in Porte de Clignancourt. The first time I went, I was very disappointed as I could only find stalls selling cheap new tat in the rather seedy area around the Metro station - but this was because I didn't explore enough. You really have to venture into the labyrinth of shops and stalls and allow plenty of time to do so. It is such an eclectic mix of antiques, collectables, art, accessories and furniture at a wide range of prices. If you look hard enough, you may even find my favourite stall which sells everything for 1 Euro (if it's still there!). I've picked up fantastic 1960s clip on earrings, a leopard print fur collar, a gorgeous Lalique style photo frame and some hand painted decorative dishes. But you don't have to spend anything to soak up the atmosphere. AND REMEMBER: the flea market is only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays (but check first!).

I love this decoupage mannequin!

There is a brilliant indoor market - Marche Dauphine - I recently spotted it on an episode of BBC2's 'Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is', where two antiques experts were sent to the markets to buy items to be sold at a profit. There are several vintage fashion stores, with gorgeous clothes on display plus a fantastic stall selling vintage film posters and books.

The green one is my favourite!

I love the mix of eras here, from Edwardian to 1970s!

On the Left Bank, I sought out the famous second hand book shop Shakespeare and Company, after seeing it and its rather eccentric owner on a TV documentary. Sadly, I just found out he died last month aged 98. It is a fascinating place with a real buzz and, in amongst the dusty shelves crammed full of old books, you can imagine the ghosts of famous authors who have frequented it over the years.

Finally, not really vintage at all but I just had to include these pics of the famous pastel coloured macaroons from La Duree - yum yum....!

Oh, I miss Paris - my favourite city. I haven't visited for more than two years and I'm getting withdrawal symptoms. Must book a trip on Eurostar for the Spring.......!