I am certain that you have noticed the signs around Toulouse: “30, 50 and 70% off.” The sales have arrived! Just in time for Dickinson students to stock up on French clothes.
What are the sales, you ask? They happen twice each year, in January and July. This season, the sales will last from January 7 to February 17. During these times, the government mandates that stores hold big sales to get rid of old merchandise. The discounts can reach 70% at the end of the sales. It’s the perfect time to search for very chic, very practical and very French clothes.
During the sales, I bought a ring from Galeries Lafayette; a dress from 26 Rue Des Arts; and a sweater and a slip from Kenzo. It may seem like I broke the bank—but I spent much less money than I thought I would. The sweater is a practical purchase (Toulouse is so very cold right now!). The dress is also warm and chic, a perfect mix of fashion and comfort. Finally, the ring and the slip are just for fun; I really like clothes that are frivolous and light.
My sale purchases
If you are going to shop the sales, I suggest that you avoid Rue Alsace Loraine. Chain stores are good for small purchases (like my ring), but the clothes there aren’t as special as the ones you can find on the side streets. Again, I suggest that you look for French brands, like Kooples or Petit Bateau. You want to find trendy and memorable clothes. Therefore, French clothes act not only as practical items, but also as souvenirs from your unique time in France.
Happy shopping!
-Julia Zasso
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